Celebrating Stella’s Bat Mitzvah in Woodcliff Lake

Officiating Stella’s Bat Mitzvah in Woodcliff Lake, NJ was one of those events that stays with you, where the significance of the moment transcended the occasion itself.. That day, I had the honor of standing beside a young woman who held a quiet confidence and a clear sense of self and purpose.

It was clear from the moment she stepped up to the bimah that Stella had prepared not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually, too. She was centered, present, and ready—not just to read from the Torah, but to truly own the moment. She wore the same tallit her father Seth wore at his Bar Mitzvah years earlier. Watching him gently wrap it around her shoulders before the service began was a quiet reminder of what this ritual is all about—continuity, tradition, and the unspoken bonds between generations.

What made this event even more meaningful was how deeply Stella’s family wove themselves into the fabric of the day. Her older brother Arlo, who had stood on that same bimah for his own Bar Mitzvah a few years earlier, was honored with an aliyah. He stood beside his sister with ease and familiarity, chanting from the Torah with the kind of composure that comes from experience—but also with a visible pride that only a sibling could bring. Their connection was effortless and strong. It felt like a full-circle moment for their family, rich with love and memory.

And then there were Stella’s friends. You couldn’t miss them—front row, fully engaged, offering quiet nods and smiles as she spoke. They were present in the truest sense of the word—supportive, attentive, proud. Watching a group of middle schoolers showing up like that for their friend, for this milestone, was genuinely moving. It said so much about Stella.

But what truly set Stella apart was the way she connected this sacred ceremony to something even larger than herself. As part of her mitzvah project, Stella raised money to help fund school tuition for children in Peru. Her love of the Spanish language and her curiosity about South American culture clearly guided her choice, but it was her empathy and sense of global responsibility that brought it to life. She didn’t just give a donation—she gave it meaning. She brought her learning into action, and in doing so, showed us all the kind of impact one person—one young person—can make.

When Stella stood and spoke about her project, it wasn’t with rehearsed lines or surface-level explanation; it was thoughtful, clear, and rooted in real care. That kind of awareness and maturity are rare, and it made the entire room sit up a little straighter. It reminded us that while the Bat Mitzvah marks a young person’s coming of age in the Jewish tradition, it’s also a reflection of who they already are.

Stella led with intention and humility. She carried tradition with her, she leaned into the love around her, and she gave back to the world beyond her. Officiating her Bat Mitzvah wasn’t just an experience—it was a glimpse into the future. And if Stella is any indication, that future is bright!