The 73-Year-Old Airbnb Owner’s Bar Mitzvah

Two hours before the sun set on the year 5782, four bochurim pulled up to a small Airbnb in Pensacola, Florida, the westernmost city on the Florida Panhandle. The boys – Yoel Shernofsky, Mendel Prager, Yisroel Eisenberg, and Shmuel Teichman – volunteered for the Aleph Institute to lead Rosh Hashanah services for a group of Jews in the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola.

The owners of the Airbnb, an elderly couple named Edith and David Weissman, greeted them at the door. “Happy New Year, gentlemen,” David said with a smile when he saw their black hats and beards.

The couple proceeded to give them a tour of the house, and the conversation roamed from the brewing hurricane to the reason for the boys’ arrival. Edith and David were deeply touched to hear that they were there to be of assistance to lonely Jews in captivity.

One of the bochurim asked David if he was Jewish. “Indeed, I am,” David said. “But I’m not affiliated in any way. The only thing I remember from my childhood is dipping an apple in honey on Passover.”

“You’re probably remembering Rosh Hashanah, when Jews traditionally dip the apple in honey,” they responded. “Actually, the Rosh Hashana holiday is starting in an hour!”

The bochurim gave the couple two pieces of honey cake and blessed them with a sweet new year. Before Edith and David turned to leave, they asked David if he ever had a Bar Mitzvah.

David said he had not. He had never even heard of tefillin.

So as the sun began its final descent, 73-year-old David Weissman wrapped tefillin for the very first time. He covered his eyes with his palm and repeated the words Shema Yisroel, voice choked with emotion. Then they danced and sang together until 5783 arrived.

“When I agreed to go on this trip for the Aleph Institute, I had no idea what to expect,” shares Yoel Shernofsky. “But this entire story happened before we even reached the prison – where we went on to celebrate an inspiring Yom Tov with a diverse group of Jews from all walks of life. It was incredible to witness and play a small part in the impact of the Rebbe’s vision on so many lives today.”

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The Aleph Institute answers the desperate calls of thousands in need with religious programs, education, and family assistance. This Rosh Hashanah, 38 volunteers traveled to 21 facilities around the country to lead High Holiday services for over 300 people. For Yom Kippur, 34 volunteers will travel to 15 facilities as well. To support Aleph’s critical work during this High Holiday season, click here.