My students came over tonight for Hebrew School.  This song will be the first song they sing during their Bar Mitzvah.  The Bar Mitzvah is the rite of passage that boys (And girls – they do a Bat Mitzvah) do on their thirteenth birthday.  So we’ve been starting our class with this prayer.

This song is said upon waking in the morning. It is a beautiful and powerful prayer thanking God for returning our souls to us. Our souls are like rechargeable batteries. Each night God takes them, charges them, and then, in the morning, God returns them to us for a new day. – Rabbi David Paskin

Pretty cool concept.  If you choose to sing it with him, you’ll need to start with the word “Modah” instead of Modeh.  Being a gal and speaking Hebrew, you gotta remember to say words in the feminine form.  If you took a foreign language in High School, you’ll be familiar with this concept.  And it’s such happy music.  I warn you. You might have a hard forgetting it after you listen. 🙂

We practiced reading Hebrew for awhile and went over several sections of the prayer book. Four of our graduating high school seniors will be coming to services on Friday night to celebrate their graduation with our community.  I wanted the boys to be ready to participate in the service with them.

I know it’s a long shot, but you are welcome to join us.  The address is: 15347 6th Street, Victorville, Ca.  92393.  The temple is right across from your rival school – Victor Valley High School.  The service starts at 7:30.  We’ll have cake after the service.

Remember: Mazel Tov = Congratulations!