The Hertfordshire batmitzvah girl is a student at Yavneh College and was batmitzvah at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue. Lily raises money for Great Ormond Street Hospital by making and selling greetings cards
What was special about your simchah?
It was one of the last batmitzvahs that Rabbi Andrew Goldstein was officiating at before his retirement.
Tell us about the ceremony
I read my portion from the Pilsen Scroll, one of the three rescued Czech scrolls that our shul is lucky enough to have. My portion was Bechokotai, verses 3 - 17. This portion deals with the blessings and curses and how if God's law is followed then you will be rewarded. I also read the Haftorah and gave a Davar Torah. The service was held by Rabbi Andrew Goldstein and the newly appointed assistant minister, Rabbi Hillel Athias-Robles, and was attended by many family and friends, including my great grandparents, and grandparents. It was so special having all of my friends and family there with me.
Tell us about the party
Having been taken to see The Boyfriend at Regent's Park open air theatre by my grandmother, I was inspired by the 1920s, and the party tried to capture the spirit of that decade. Britain in the 1920s saw great change for the role of women in society and especially for the younger generation with the emergence of "The Bright Young Things" so perhaps it was an appropriate theme that blended together youth, equality, feminism, fun, and of course, feathers! The dress code was strictly 1920s and the guests truly embraced the spirit of the evening with a wonderful array of costumes. At the reception the guests were entertained by a pianist and singer, performing 1920s music.
Once inside the main hall, the fabulous feather-table centre pieces and cerise and black colour theme added drama to the setting. The family made their entrance by performing the Charleston, and we were soon joined by everyone on the dance floor, with feathers, beads, tassles and spats.
One of the many highlights was when my best friend Harrison Posner pointed out during his speech that we were now both adults in Jewish law and therefore he proposed to me. He also wisely said that I did not need to give him an answer straight away, so my family are hoping that I won't decide until I am much, much older!
Nominate a simchah: a wedding, a bar- or batmitzvah or a special anniversary. Tell us at community@thejc.com