Anna & Scott’s Beautiful B’nei Mitzvah in Tenafly

Anna and Scott’s B Mitzvah celebration was a memorable day filled with joy, meaning, and deep connection, leaving a lasting impression long after the final blessing was spoken. As the officiant, and also the person who had the honor of tutoring these extraordinary twins, I had a front-row seat to something truly special.

Held in their warm and welcoming home in Tenafly, New Jersey, this was not a traditional synagogue ceremony but rather an intimate and personal one. The living room had been transformed into a sacred space, filled with loved ones, meaningful objects, and a sense of sacred presence. There was laughter. There were tears. And there was the kind of quiet awe that can only come when something truly significant is taking place.

From the very beginning, Anna and Scott approached their journey to becoming B’nei Mitzvah with a shared sense of responsibility and excitement. I had the unique pleasure of tutoring them together, watching as they learned side-by-side how to lead every prayer of the service. Their commitment was inspiring, and their sibling dynamic brought a lovely energy to our sessions. They challenged one another, encouraged one another, and sometimes—like all siblings—competed just a little. But ultimately, they lifted each other up.

When the day came, they stepped into their roles with grace and confidence. They shared a Torah portion, each taking on a part of the reading—Anna beginning, Scott continuing. Their Hebrew chanting rang out clearly and with intention. Then, both of them stepped up to chant the Haftarah, each with their own distinct voice, but with a common goal. You could feel the energy shift in the room. Everyone was listening. Everyone was learning.

And then came the d’var Torah—their speeches. Here, Anna and Scott each reflected on the verses they had chanted, translating and interpreting the ancient text to teach the community what they had learned. Their insights were not only thoughtful, but surprisingly profound. It’s one thing to learn to chant Torah and Haftarah. It’s another thing to understand it and teach it back. They did both seamlessly.

Their two moms beamed with pride the entire day. I remember catching their glances—half smiling, half in awe. It was so clear that this day was a culmination not just of months of preparation, but of a lifetime of intention, love, and Jewish values being lived at home. Celebrating both a Bat Mitzvah and a Bar Mitzvah together was beautiful, as it highlighted the equal care and significance given to each child.

Anna and Scott’s grandparents were in attendance and offered blessings, poems, and readings throughout the service. There’s something timeless about grandparents blessing the next generation, and it added a profound sense of continuity and legacy to the ceremony.

One of the most touching details was that their moms had each chosen a new tallit for Anna and Scott. These prayer shawls were worn for the very first time that day, wrapping each child in tradition, spirituality, and the love of their family. And yet, they’re more than garments. These tallitot are now keepsakes—future heirlooms that will be worn again and again through the milestones of their Jewish lives. One day, perhaps, they’ll be passed down, carrying with them the memories of this beautiful day.

Reflecting back on the day, it was clear that Anna and Scott’s B Mitzvah was more than just a rite of passage. It was a celebration of family, tradition, learning, and love. It was a reminder that Jewish life isn’t confined to a sanctuary—it can blossom just as powerfully in a family living room, surrounded by people who care, under the guidance of two proud mothers, with the voices of twins lifting prayers into the air.

I feel honored to have been part of their journey and to have witnessed such a meaningful moment. This Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah, celebrated together, reminded us all what it truly means to become B’nei Mitzvah in today’s world: stepping into Jewish adulthood with wisdom, kindness, and an open heart.

Mazel tov, Anna and Scott. You truly shone.