The Exeter Synagogue barmitzvah boy was born in London but his family moved to Exmoor when he was eight weeks old. Jewish life in Exmoor was minimal and the Darvills relocated to Tiverton, near Exeter. His mother Ruth helped him to learn Hebrew, with support from Hendon Reform Synagogue's Rabbi Steven Katz and the local congregation. He has left his high school to take up a boarding scholarship at Clifton College, Bristol
What was special about your simchah?
For starters, learning my barmitzvah without having ever attended a cheder. Also, that family came from far and wide, including an aunt and three cousins from Norway. My grandfather, Stanley Prashker, who had been unwell, was able to attend, as well as my great-great auntie, Joan Bennett from Stanmore, who is over 90.
Tell us about the ceremony
The Exeter congregation is the friendliest you could meet. The synagogue has been on its current site since about 1750 and the building is beautiful. With our 60 family members joining regular congregants, it was a full house. The service was taken by Rabbi Katz, who had come down for the weekend. My dad Jeremy handed him me the Torah and said: ‘By giving you this Torah I hand you your heritage. Study it, learn it, but most of all live it.' There was not a dry eye in the house.
Tell us about the party
We had a marquee in the garden, which looks out over the Devon hills. As well as poached salmon and salads, we served a Devon cream tea. You should have seen the queue. Everyone remarked on how different it was to come to a barmitzvah in Devon. Not to blow my own trumpet, my speech was sweet and moving - at least, my aunts and uncles said so. I gave small gifts to my brothers and sisters so that they would not feel left out.