The Voice Celebrates: Bar Mitzvah of Blake Greenfield


Blake Greenfield, son of Joanna and Brett Greenfield, became a bar mitzvah on Feb. 20. They are members of Cong. Beth El. He spoke about the portion of Tetzaveh.

Shavua tov,

This week’s parsha is Tetzaveh. In this parsha, God tells the Israelites to build a tent of meeting that will also contain the ark and the menorah. God tells Moshe to make Aaron and his sons priests to serve Me. God says to make a breastplate, an ephod or apron, a robe, a fringed tunic, a headdress, and a sash. The ephod will have two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve tribes. These stones will be a remembrance of God.

Much of this portion is about the clothing of the kohen gadol (the high priest) and what he was supposed to wear. I think that the Israelites felt holy and close to God when seeing the kohen gadol’s clothes. The kohen gadol probably felt good about himself when wearing these clothes, because he was chosen by God to represent the Israelites. I don’t think that God cares what the kohen gadol wears, but the clothes do show God that all of the tribes are being represented by the kohen gadol.

There are times when the way you dress affects the way people see you and how you act. People think that I am crazy for wearing shorts in the winter, but I don’t mind the cold. People think these things, because you are supposed to wear clothes for that certain time, and when you don’t it’s weird. I don’t think that the synagogue should have a dress code, but I think that the sanctuary should have a dress code. Why you may ask? I think this because the sanctuary is a place of worship and The Torahs are located here.

In Pirke Avot, Rabbi Meir said, “Do not look at the bottle, but what is in it.” I think this means that we shouldn’t pay attention to what people are wearing, but we should think about what they are thinking, what they feel, and who they are. This relates to the kohen gadol’s clothing, because the Israelites think that he is a representative of God, but God believes that he is very special.

Both Rabbi Meir’s teachings as well as the kohen gadol’s garments are about changing the way we see things. For my mitzvah project, I will be donating and participating in fundraiser tournaments for an organization called Gamers Outreach. Gamers Outreach is an organization that converts old hospital carts into gaming carts for inpatients in the hospital. By Gamers Outreach making these carts, it gives inpatients the ability to have some fun while still being in the hospital. This also helps patients experience a sense of normalcy in what can be a very scary time in their lives. Playing video games also helps patients feel connected to their friends and family while in the hospital. Many people helped me reach this moment in my life that I would like to thank.

I’d like to thank Rabbi Green for helping me write my Dvar Torah. I’ve enjoyed our time spent at your house for Shabbat dinners and wish you and your family only the best in your new position somewhere much warmer than this:)

Rabbi Krupnick, thank you for being such a good friend to my family.

Thank you Hazzan for helping me fix my small mistakes while practicing for today, so that I can be loud and proud.

Thank you Faye Shapiro for tutoring me, helping me practice for today, and teaching me how to lead the service.

I’d also like to thank my teachers at Kellman Brown Academy for teaching me so much since the first grade. You have all made an impact on my education and know me like family.

Thank you Mema and Pepa, I love spending time with you both in Florida.

Thank you Poppy, I love spending time with you on your boat.

Thank you Grammy, I love being with you down the shore.

Thank you Marley not for being annoying, but for being a good sister. Finally, I would like to thank my parents for always being there for me, and for just being the most amazing, caring, and giving parents. I love you so much.

Shavua Tov.

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