Sometimes I anticipate events with joy and excitement and sometimes with dread. This time, attending the Bar Mitzvah of a dear friend’s grandson, I anticipated with the attitude of, “I’m doing this for my friend because I love and respect her.” I didn’t dread it and I didn’t look forward to it—other than looking forward to supporting my friend. Do you ever have those times, where your reason for participating is not a direct line to the event but rather a tangential connection?

What is so cool about these types of events is that often they soar far above my expectations and this weekend in Atlanta surpassed all projections! We were hosted at wonderful parties from beginning to end. Okay, I knew about the parties in advance. What I didn’t expect was how much fun I was going to have, how many wonderful people I would meet, the camaraderie I would share!

The absolute highlight of this weekend was the actual Bar Mitzvah ceremony. It was held at Atlanta’s oldest congregation, “The Temple,” founded in the 1860’s in the magnificent sanctuary, built in 1930. Take a pinch of being in a very aristocratic, elegant building, throw in melodious songs led by an outstanding Cantor, bunches of people gathered in prayer, and the secret ingredient, the poised and yet relaxed countenance of Brendan, the Bar Mitzvah celebrant, as he led the Shabbat service. Blend these together and create one of the most meaningful, memorable and spiritual events of my recent past. Thank you Atlanta; thank you Alan and Michelle; thank you, Judi, dearest friend; thank you, Brendan, for this amazing occasion; and, thank you, God, for the gift of spirituality, for touching me when I least expect it, and for my personal UPS!