How Friends Makes a Virtual Bar Mitzvah Even More Magical!

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During times of social distancing milestones that are usually celebrated together can be difficult. The prospect of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah without a large group of loved ones can seem dark at first, but there are many ways such a celebration can still be meaningful and joyous. I have written up my thoughts and insights on throwing a virtual Bar or Bat Mitzvah here.

I recently learned about story of a particularly magical, meaningful, and memorable virtual Bar Mitzvah and wanted to share it.

Naftali Arden was planning on having his Bar Mitzvah during March of 2020. Unfortunately, he couldn’t celebrate in person, so he decided to have a virtual Bar Mitzvah instead. He lived streamed the event for his friends and family. However, Naftali’s Bar Mitzvah celebration was no ordinary one. It was themed around the wildly popular television sitcom Friends. The unique theme drew in thousands of viewers from around the world who all came together to celebrate the young man’s special day. It was truly a meaningful and memorable happening.

Flashforward two months and something happened to make Naftali’s Bar Mitzvah it even more magical. Due to the incredible turnout to his virtual Bar Mitzvah, Naftali was invited to appear on the Late Show with James Corden. While talking about his story on the show he was surprised with a special guest: Friends star Courteney Cox. Cox told him how touching his story was and said her famous line “I know.” She also got Naftali a very special Bar Mitzvah present: a foosball table just like the one in Joey and Chandler’s apartment on Friends. Naftali and the rest of the world were blown away by Courteney Cox’s generosity.

Mazel Tov to Courteney Cox for this magical act of kindness and Mazel Tov to Naftali Arden on his Bar Mitzvah!

You can read more about Naftali’s story here.

You can see more about the Virtual Bar Mitzvah and Courtney Cox’s surprise response in this clip from the Late Show with James Corden:

15 Minute Passover Seder – Short and Sweet

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On April 8th, 2020 I held a virtual Seder with my daughters Lucy and Caroline, live on instagram. It was a magically fun time and a meaningful memory I will cherish forever. You can see our virtual Passover below.

Resources for a Virtual Shabbat

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How do you celebrate Shabbat when you’re not supposed to leave the house?

Each week Shabbat is a time of faith, fun, friends, and a family. An unprecedented pandemic has resulted in many being unable to celebrate together in the fashion to which they are accustomed. Even though we must celebrate the apart, it doesn’t mean we have to celebrate alone. Here are some resources to help you and your family navigate Shabbat during times when you can’t be together.

Chabad.org has compiled a list of resources and inspirations for this time of social distancing. You can find it here.

Chabad has also written a list of tips on how to prepare for Shabbat while social distancing. You can read it here.

They also put out this piece on how to conduct Shabbat prayers at home.

The Union for Reform Judaism has gathered a list of resources that can be accessed here and a list of virtual events that can be read here.

Temple Israel of Boston has a variety of virtual services and programs including weekly Shabbat services offered via Zoom. You can access these events here.

Lab/Shul hosts virtual gathering to discuss spirituality through spoken art and conversation. They have several Shabbat programs that can be found here.

OneTable has produced an ebook on hosting a solo Shabbat that still feels connected. It can be read here.

OneTable also hosts a variety of virtual events including ones for Shabbat, you can join them here.

ReformJudaism.org wrote an article on how to have a meaningful Shabbat while in your own home. It can be found here.

TC Jewfolk has this article about finding new traditions while living under quarantine.

 

 

Broaden Your Perspective 5/1/20

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Can you believe that it is May 1st?

I would like to acknowledge that it has been a difficult time in many ways.

Nevertheless, I would also like to encourage everyone to broaden their perspective and look for the blessing in the journey.

Please this cartoon further explains my point explain my point:

Connect the Dots

I would encourage you to think about this discuss question: “What blessings have your discovered during this period? Personally and Professionally?”

Please feel free to share your answers in the comment section or on our Facebook page.

Regards,

Andy

Virtual Passover Preparation: The Connection Between Passover and Succot

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On April 6th, 2020 I held a virtual Passover preparation session with my daughter Caroline on zoom. We discussed the connection between Passover and Succot, our personal slavery, did two cooking demonstrations and showed how to make your own Elijah/Miriam glass. You can see our virtual Passover below.

Virtual Passover Preparation: International Charoset

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On April 5th, 2020 I held a virtual Passover preparation session with my daughters Caroline and Lucy, on zoom. We discussed charoset recipes from around the world, the basics vs the extras, how to make your own seder plate, held a cooking demonstration and heard from a several guests and viewers. You can see our virtual Passover below.

Breaking Matzo’s Virtual Seder: April 9th, 2020

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On April 9th, 2020 I held a virtual Seder with my daughter Caroline, live on Zoom. It was a magically fun time and a meaningful memory I will cherish forever. You can see our virtual Passover below.

Breaking Matzo’s Virtual Seder: April 8th, 2020

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On April 8th, 2020 I held a virtual Seder with my daughters Lucy and Caroline, live on Zoom. It was a magically fun time and a meaningful memory I will cherish forever. You can see our virtual Passover below.

“Is That All You Got?” 4/17/20

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I want to share my personal attitude about facing adversity in tough times.

Below is an excerpt video clip from my Tedx talk about my very difficult personal time in January 2017 when I was on a 40 day bedrest and how I persevered.

  • “Is that all you got?”

You can read more about my philosophy and my Tedx talk here.

I hope that everyone has a safe and healthy weekend.

Regards,

Andy

Virtual Passover: Spring Cleaning For the Soul

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On April 4th, 2020 I held a virtual Passover preparation session with my daughter Caroline, on zoom. We discussed how Passover is an opportunity to clean one’s house and one’s soul, the basics vs the extras, how to make your own place mat, and heard from a several guests and viewers. . You can see our virtual Passover below.