Youths called to the Torah

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Updated: February 13, 2012 8:22AM

The following youths were called to the Torah on the occasion of their B’nai Mitzvah from October-December 2011 at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove:

Leah Isobel Goldman, daughter of Ana and Fred Goldman of Mundelein; Adam Shai Gurin, son of Natalie and Brian Gurin of Vernon Hills; Mallory Sophia Kallish, daughter of Suzanne and Steven Kallish of Buffalo Grove; Elyssa Rose Hoy, daughter of Sharon and John Hoy of Buffalo Grove; Michael Howard Simon, son of Debra and David Simon of Bufflo Grove; Gabe Gordon, son of Lauren and David Gordon of Buffalo Grove; Garrett Isaac Pollack, son of Tammy and the late Darrell Pollack of Buffalo Grove; Matthew Weioer, son of Peggy and Mike Weiner of Buffalo Grove; Jacob Grossman, son of Rachel and Alan Grossman of Buffalo Grove; Paige Reinstein, daughter of Michelle and David Reinstein of Buffalo Grove; and Avi Michael Limer, son of Deborah and Stephen Limer of Vernon Hills.

The B’nai Mitzvah celebratory services were conducted by the clergy of Congregation Beth Judea: Rabbi Jeff Pivo and Hazzan Roger Weisberg.

The words “Bar/Bat Mitzvah” literally mean “son/daughter of commandment.” This signifies that at this age a Jewish child becomes responsible for his or her own actions and is obligated to keep the “mitzvot” (the commandments). This transformation automatically occurs when a girl and boy turn 12 and 13, respectively.

It is important to note that a Bar or a Bat Mitzvah is not the goal of a Jewish education, nor is it a graduation ceremony marking the end of a person’s Jewish education. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is only the beginning of the Jewish journey to study Torah throughout one’s lifetime. In Jewish life, you never finish learning — there is no such thing as a “graduation.”

For information contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or visit www.bethjudea.org