Einav Kirsh becomes Bat Mitzvah at the Wall in Jerusalem

Einav Kirsh and mom, Tsila Jetting to Israel for her Bat Mitzvah was no strange thing for Einav Kirsh, daughter of Jeff and Tsila Kirsh of Tampa.

Her Israeli mother, Tsila, had taken the family to her homeland several times. In fact, the trip this time would not only be for Einav’s Bat Mitzvah, but also would continue a 10-day tour throughout Israel for Einav and a group of 20 family members and friends from the U.S.

Through Masorti, the Israeli branch of Conservative Judaism, a female Conservative rabbi was found to officiate Einav’s Bat Mitzvah once they got to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The parents specifically wanted a female rabbi because they felt their daughter could better connect with her.

In order for Einav to build a relationship and bond with her rabbi before the ceremony, the two Skyped weekly for an hour, often talking about what it means to be a strong Jewish woman. In the meantime, Einav prepped for her Torah portion with a tutor locally.

This was unique, father Jeff says, “Because in Israel, most girls don’t read from the Torah. It was very cool to have Einav read from the Torah, especially at the Wall.”

About 100 guests were in attendance on June 17 to watch Einav become a Bat Mitzvah at the Wall. The ceremony was performed in a special area far down on the Wall, where it was very private, and it was all Americans.

The ceremony lasted about an hour, with all of her friends and family crowded around her.

“It was her choice to go to Israel to do something different and special, and we wanted to do something special for the family. It was an opportunity for all of our friends and family who wanted to go to Israel,” Jeff said.

“It was such a moving experience that no one really does, especially for Americans.”

Einav Kirsh reads from the Torah as her parents, Tsila and Jeff; brother and other guests look on. The rabbi is seen (partially) at the top right. After the ceremony, the group walked to a reception in Einav’s honor held at Shulchan David or “David’s Table” in the Jewish Quarter. There, the group ate traditional Israeli food, danced to music put on by a DJ, and celebrated Einav’s becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Einav held a candle lighting ceremony to honor family and friends.

After a couple of hours of celebration, it was back on the bus to continue the tour. Next stop: the Dead Sea.

Einav’s Bat Mitzvah in Jerusalem was just one stop on the group’s trip. The family pre-planned the entire trip with a tour company. They had a tour guide, rented a private bus, and had lodging, meals, and an itinerary set up before their arrival to Israel in June.

“It was a once in a lifetime trip,” Jeff said.