Celebrating our Adult B'nai Mitzvah!
Date: Dec 5, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
We invite you to join us on Dec 14 as our Adult B'nai Mitzvah Cohort becoming B'nai Mitzvah during the service.
We honor their journey of dedicated study—a journey that closes meaningful chapters of the past, brings profound purpose to the present, and looks ahead to a future of strengthened Jewish identity and commitment.
More about our Adult B'nai Mitzvah cohort members:
Julia Sandelman
"As I wrap myself in the tallit, I fulfill the mitzvah of my Creator and take on the responsibility to improve the world and make it a better place."
Julia's professional and personal life involves her commitment to Tikkun Olam: a concept in Judaism, which refers to various forms of action intended to repair and improve the world. Julia studied Architectural Design and Interior Design to acquire skills that would fulfill her artistic creativity. As a healthcare designer, she creates healthy, healing, imaginative environments. Her Jewish life embraces her family commitment to the Jewish community, including a mother who established a JCC preschool in Southern California, her parents engaged as founding members of Shir Hadash, her father and sister who served as a Congregational President, and her own involvement teaching Jewish students, guiding a youth group and leading the Women’s Sisterhood at Shir Hadash.
Vicki Schnitzer
"The Forever Student”I have taken advantage of the offerings at Shir Hadash that have lead me to my decision to become an adult Bat Mitzvah; they were:Nashim, Seekers, Rosh Chodesh programming, Cantilation, Scholars in Residence and connections with the Rabbi and Cantor."
I will always think of myself as a Brooklynite, but having lived in CA for over 52 years I guess it’s time I stopped dreaming of NY pizza and Bagels! Upon retiring form my last career as a Learning Specialist at Yavneh Day School, I began the search for a connection to the community. At Shir Hadash, I have been on the Adult Education Committee and as well as the Leadership Team for Shir Hadash Women.I have been enjoying my volunteering at happy Dragon Thrift Shop in Los Gatos. My husband and I love to travel, especially internationally. We are very fortunate that our children and grandchildren live only about 11/2 hours from our home. My family is the joy, light and heart of my life.
David Bigelman
"Judaism is a way to change my mental habits for the better."
I grew up in Napa in a secular home without much religion other than Santa Claus. My parents divorced when I was 6, but otherwise had an average middle class life. I went to college, studied Russian, graduated and went to Japan to teach English.
I met my wife in Japan and convinced her to move to the U.S. Not an easy task, but being pushy helped. I worked in high tech for 5 years before becoming a teacher, which I’ve done for the last 22 years. Two years ago I started Shir Hadash.
Dianna Hart
Dianna is a California native, who has devoted the last three years to intensive Jewish study and growth. Dianna's Hebrew name Neshama Aliyah reflects her personal experience of her soul's calling and commitment to Torah, to covenant, and to the Jewish people, a journey that has been deeply gratifying and awakening.
Dianna is especially grateful for the spiritual growth she has enjoyed at Shir Hadash, and plans to continue to devote as much time as possible to studying and growing, for ongoing personal and community development.
Cindy Gordon
"As I prepare for my B’nai Mitzvah, I’m reflecting back on the year spent learning Hebrew, getting to know the amazing cohort, and deepening my knowledge of Judaism."
After belonging to Congregation Shir Hadash for thirty one years, I made the decision to become a part of the B’nai Mitzvah cohort. I’m pleased I made this commitment that has challenged me and has given me an opportunity I never thought possible. I’m grateful to be part of the Caring Committee and Adult Ed Committee and have formed amazing friendships at Shir Hadash. Thank you to the clergy, my family, and friends who have supported me throughout this effort.
Denise Beagle
"It started with a journey and a question from a child."
I’m a mother of four, and a grandma of three. I love the outdoors especially hiking and gardening on my patio. I’m a book lover and a lifelong learner. I’m not ever getting older, just better.