Despite Initial Hesitation, Bas Mitzvah Girls Join ‘Jewnity’

Chabad of Marina Del Rey in California, under the leadership of Rabbi Danny and Sonya Yiftach, an effort was made to duplicate the special unity from Shavuos.

This year, the Bat Mitzvah Club of Marina, led by Mrs. Mushky Yiftach, celebrated a unity Bat Mitzvah, for eight girls at once: The concept of Jewnity.

As one of the parents said, “at first I was apprehensive about the Jewnity idea. I don’t think it’s right that the Bat Mitzvah girl should share the spotlight. It might take away from her Simcha, and moment to shine.”

But afterward, seeing how all the girls got along, she said, “I must admit that you were right. What better way, then in the middle of Sefirah, when so many of Rabbi Akiva’s students died for the lack of Ahavas Yisroel, you taught my daughter and together they demonstrated the concept of sharing and unity.”

“It was so appropriate that the theme of the event was Sunflowers,” says Mrs. Mushky Yiftach. “It reminds us that we have to be a shining examples for the world. We must proud to be Jewish, and to raise our children with the same pride, and to stand up for what we believe in.”

“They also remind us how mount Sinai was filled with flowers. In order to bring out a new color, other colors have to blend together. So too, you taught my daughter, that in order to develop a new dimension of herself, she needs to get along, and share the spotlight with her friends. Jew united under one roof, Jewnity,” a mother of a Bat Mitzvah girl said.

Thank G-d, in addition to celebrating their Bat Mitzvah together, all the girls committed to start, (or continue) to light the Shabbat candles, every Friday.

“G-d Willing, in their honor, and their display of Ahavas Yisroel one jews love for another jew, especially during sefira, May we merit the coming of Moshiach, and then we will have real unity and love throughout the entire world,” said Mrs. Yiftach.