Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah at the Faculty House at Columbia University

On a beautiful day at Faculty House on Columbia University Rachel had her Bat Mitzvah!  It was an incredible honor to be there for this spectacular coming of age rite of passage and then celebration!Rachel was in good hands having her hair and makeup expertly done by artist Jenny Scarpelli.Beautiful, fun, sassy and head over heels in love with Justin Bieber- the amazing Rachel!We saw Grandma on our photo shoot!After some fun taking pictures and doing family portraits it was time to start the service. Rachel was ready and excited to start.  Her service was a bit different than a usual Bat Mitzvah. Rachel participated in a program called Storahtelling, created by Amichai Lau-Lavie. As their web site states, “Storahtelling makes ancient stories and traditions accessible for new generations, advancing Judaic literacy and raising social consciousness.” The students use performance art to learn, then act out their translation of the Torah. Beautiful music accompanied the service by Naomi Less. Rachel’s little brother, Jared came up and sang!Rachel’s Grandmother Eileen and Aunt Michelle helped Rachel create her Tallit.Everyone was fascinated by the ceremony….…well almost everyone!As a past teacher I so appreciate this photograph created by BJ, my second shooter. I love how the Rabbi is watching Rachel, consumed by her performance and how much she has learned for this special day!The family was invited up to pass the Torah to Rachel starting with her Great Grandma, then to her Grandparents then her parents.Finally into her arms! Rachel was then invited to carry it into the aisle to show her friends and family in the crowd.Then Rachel’s Great Grandfather started off as each generation of the family read from the Torah. 

Rachel translated it into modern day terms with her performance art.  She added a tie to her outfit as she was now speaking as Jacob.

I thought Rachel’s translation of the Torah was so interesting. Such a unique service.  Rachel kisses the fringes of her Tallit, called the Tzitzit.  It is custom that she kisses this before she reads from the Torah. When Rachel was done with her reading she was pelted with candy, which is a compliment in this service wishing her a “Sweet Life”.Rachel’s Aunt and her family had the honor of wrapping the Torah back up.The Rabbi asked Rachel’s family to come up in front of everyone.  I adore this moment of Dad kissing Rachel, Mom full of pride and Rachel bursting with happiness from becoming Bat Mitzvahed!Rachel asks her friends from Camp Harlam to join her to sing the last song!To end the ceremony the Challah is blessed and shared. Upstairs the room was perfectly decorated and styled by Tiffani Rogers. I loved the bright red and shiny  invitation designed by Allie Munroe.Rachel’s table centerpieces showcased Rachel’s favorite movies, big tubs of popcorn, movie size boxes of candy and also a slate, a movie “Action” board!!!  The cubes so creatively created by Mom had the table number on one side and a corresponding image of Rachel at that age on the other!Rachel’s amazing cake created by Ron Ben- Israel Cakes!  Under all that fun typography, including her name in Hebrew, was layers of red velvet and chocolate cake with layers of cookies ‘n creme and coffee filling!!Signature cocktail! The Bieber!Inside hard at work was Shine Events graffiti artist creating custom sweatshirts for everyone!!  Shine Events was also responsible for the photo booth, the amazing DJ, the professional dancers and of course- the magnificent MC Steve!!  What an incredible team!!Rachel’s friend delivered beautiful heartfelt speeches.Rachel changes back into her red dress that none of her friends had seen her in yet and makes her dramatic entrance!!Everyone goes wild, even Grandpa!Did you think she would wear those heels all day?  All the kids changed into socks, red in honor of Rachel! Of course Rachel put special socks on in honor of can you guess?The Horah!The girls and Justin hit the stage!Time to light the candles!  For those of you who might not know, the cake holds 13 candles, Rachel chooses 13 special people or groups of people to come up and light a candle.  It’s a beautiful tradition!Last but certainly not least, Justin is called up to light his candle!Then Jared and Dad made speeches that had the whole room erupt with laughter!Next it was that special time to watch the slideshow of Rachel through the years.  With Mom being an incredible photographer the images were stunning!Father daughter dance!  Joined in by Mom and little brother!The photo booth!Dance floors props!  Cool hats, glowing rings and necklaces, fake tattoos, arms bands and more!This little one was too busy eyeing all the candy on the table to hit the dance floor!As if there wasn’t enough deliciousness with that cake, homemade caramels were offered wishing everyone a sweet new year! These delectable little treats were created by Ann Nioche of Baking Around. Rachel’s candy table was rolled out and the kids went crazy filling up bags with all sorts of red candy!Rachel, thank you for having us be there for your very special service and your fabulously fun party!  It was an amazing day!

I’d like to thank BJ Enright for second shooting with me.  It was also great working with John Vincenty on video, part of Bryan Sarkinen’s video productions.