In March of 1922 in New York City, twelve year-old Judith Kaplan had the first ever Bat Mitzvah and we are here to celebrate this momentous occasion. Rabbi Shira tells Joshua about her own Bat Mitzvah and explains the reasoning for why this rite of passage occurs when it does. Our interview this episode is with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Hermann, who works at SAJ, where Judith made history 100 years ago. We also sprinkle in other touching first-hand Bat Mitzvah stories for you to enjoy.

Episode Timecodes:

(05:17) Malina sisters share their Bat Mitzvah memories

(16:13) Interview with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Hermann

(43:44) Rabbi Shira’s Bat Mitzvah Speech

Show notes: 

1) Malina Family Pic at the Bat Mitzvah of Joshua's sister (IMG 5400)

2) SAJ Board Minutes from February 1922 (Bat Mitzvah, Board Meeting Minutes)

3) Judith Kaplan Memoir (Bat Mitzvah Judith Kaplan Memoir)

4) Judith Kaplan mentioned in the newspaper in High School (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)

5) Judith Kaplan's 2nd Bat Mitzvah 70 Years Later (clipping_96184824)

6) Article on Mordecai Kaplan's Life (St_Louis_Jewish_Light)