Aderet – You Are A Wonder Woman!

Speech and Montage from the High Energy Bat Mitzvah Celebration of a Wonder Woman, our daughter, Aderet Feinerman – Thursday, November 22, 2018.

Aderet, the theme we chose for your Bat Mitzvah is Superheroes.

When people hear the word Superhero, they might think of the Marvel comic series, and its cast of many characters.

But, when we think of Superheroes, we think of a person whose actions and achievements exceed the ordinary.

Many people have asked us, why did we name you Aderet?

We named you Aderet Chaya, because it means strength of life.

The Cloak

Sefer Melachim Alef, Perek Yud- Tet, chronicles a pivotal moment in our history. Following Hashem’s instructions, the Navi Eliyahu transmits the mantle of leadership, to Elisha, his successor, the next Navi of the Jewish people.

Eliyahu gives Elisha his “Adarto” his mantle, his cloak.

The Adarto, represents the physical manifestation of the transfer of leadership. The actual “Adereto– Cloak”  was significant. Eliyahu Hanavi physically removed his cloak. The cloak, that he wore, while leading the Jewish nation.

He now gives it to Elisha, and says, “It’s yours- I trust you- a nation is counting on you- to be their leader. To represent them in the world. To do good and do right.”

Your Namesake

Aderet, Daddy and I stand here, on the occasion of your Bat Mitzvah, and in a way, we are recreating your namesake.

We have given you life. We arrived in Israel with faith, hope and conviction, that this was where we wanted you to grow up. We have carefully chosen Torah paths to educate you.

Now, you are twelve, a Bat Mitzvah, and while there is certainly much more raising of you to do, we pray that these past twelve years be a springboard, into the next chapter of your life.

Menschlicht Superhero

We hope that you will live your life as a “Menshchlicht Superhero.”

A woman who is strong in her convictions and beliefs, but at the same time, good, kind and giving.

Be someone’s Superhero, who shows up in life’s complicated moments, and walks alongside them.

It’s easy to show up for someone when there is a party to go to, but the true test of a person, is if they are there for another in a quiet moment of need.

Continue the Legacy

Continue the legacy of the Matriarchs and the Patriarchs of our family.

Great Grandma Renee a”h

Great Grandpa  Irving a”h

Saba Judd A’H

Savta Shebsi Shetichyeh

Zaida Jack a”h

Bubby Marion Shetichyeh

Nanah a”h

Opapa a”h

Grandpa Elliot Shetichyeh

Grandma Carol  a”h

Grandpa Lenny and Savta Granny Shetichyu.

With all those that have come before us, we bless you.

 יְשִׂמֵךְ אֱלֹהִים כְּשָׂרָה רִבְקָה רָחֵל וְלֵאָה

Aderet, we hand you the Adarto, given to us by the many who came before you.

 יְבָרֵךְ אֲדֹנָי וִישַׁמְּרֵך

Aderet, Hashem has given you a mission, wear your Superhero cape wisely, wear it proudly, and wear it always.

יָאֵר אֲדֹנָי פָּנָיו אֵלָיִךְ וִיחֻנַיִךְ

So, that Am Yisrael knows that you, Aderet Chaya, are the Wonder Woman for the job.

יִשָּׂא אֲדֹנָי פָּנָיו אֵלָיִךְ וַיָּשֶׂם לָךְ שָׁלוֹם

Mazal Tov – Wonder Woman!

Special thanks to Yona Goldman, for all of her insights and assistance.

Thanks to my sister, Rivke Pianko, for her invaluable assistance with the montage.