The Belmont Synagogue batmitzvah girl attended Moriah Jewish Day Primary before moving to Egerton Rothesay high school. She counts her main loves as art and music and has won school art competitions: one of her pictures was on the front of Moriah’s magazine. She made an MTV-style music video for her batmitzvah. She says: “It was great fun, but I was surprised how long it took to do.”
What was special about your simchah?
As I was one of only a few children not to go on from a Jewish primary to a Jewish secondary, it was important for me to still feel part of the community. I go to the shul’s bar- and batmitzvah classes, which I really enjoy. I am proud of all our customs and laws and it was brilliant to be able to share them with my new friends from school. It has made me appreciate my religion.
Tell us about the ceremony
My parents decided that I should do my dvar Torah at the party as they felt that no one would hear me on the Shabbat in shul as my voice is quiet. I also thought that I would have been far more nervous if I had to do my dvar Torah in front of the whole congregation instead of just my family and friends. I really enjoyed shul. Everyone sung “Simal tov Mazel tov” to me and the rabbi addressed me.
Tell us about the celebrations
As my name is Gemma, I chose a gemstone theme. Each table was named as a precious stone and the tables all had treasure boxes on. It looked fantastic. We opened my batmitzvah by showing everyone the video that I made. I could see everyone’s faces, which was great, but I did feel a bit embarrassed. I recited my dvar Torah which I found nerve-wracking in front of 150 people, but it was really special having my mum and dad bless me in front of everyone. Rabbi Daniel Roselaar from my shul addressed me, and I felt this was an important moment as I was now considered an adult. We then started the party with lots of Israeli dancing. I was so happy to have my old school friends there, and friends from my new school. I was worried how some of my new non-Jewish friends would enjoy themselves, but they had an amazing time.