Here we are at the threshold of a New Year where we traditionally say Cheers! and Celebrate all the blessings of our lives. The ladies in this photograph instinctively raised their glasses of water at Bet Shalom Congregation in Hopkins, Minnesota this past Shabbat, December 22, 2018, celebrating Sam’s bar mitzvah. I love capturing images such as this one that are spontaneous acts of joy. In the moment. Celebrating this young man’s journey into adult hood.  Furthermore, both these ladies were active participants in the temple service, helping Sam to become bar mitzvah.

The lady to the left is Shelly Christensen, Sam’s tutor. She helped him read Torah and prepare for this great day. And the woman to the right is Rita Lusky who provided beautiful piano music during the Shabbat morning service. As I photographed all the candid moments of the luncheon following the service, I instinctively moved to these lovely ladies, who I knew had a profound impact on this young man’s development.  These are the unsung heros.  The people to whom we say: Thank you! Thank you for helping this young man on his journey. As they celebrate Sam’s bar mitzvah, we celebrate them, and Say: Cheers to You! As we go forth into the Year 2019, let’s celebrate the helpers.  As Mr. Fred Rodgers, of blessed memory, said: “Look for the helpers.”

As this year comes to a close, I would like to thank all of you for entrusting me to capture your memories.  As I wrote to this bar mitzvah Mom last weekend, I had so much FUN photographing your simcha! You can practically feel all the joy and the love from the images I produced.  That to me, says it all.  To have and to hold these memories, that you can recall forever.  The joy, the love, the laughter, the cheers!

As we conclude 2018, I am pleased to announce I was voted THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER for the 6th year in a row.  Click here to view many more photos of my bar and bat mitzvah events. You might even recognize someone you know. So many celebrations… So much fun, joy, love and laughter!

I look forward to continuing to photograph your mitzvahs, as I have launched into my 25th year in this profession.  I feel that my chosen profession is not so much a “job” per se, but my passion and purpose in life.  I will be at Beth El Synagogue on Jan. 4th, 2019 to ring in the New Year with a bar mitzvah event. Formals at the bema before the bar mitzvah.  Can’t wait!

As we begin A-New 2019, Cheers to You! My clients, my friends, my neighbors, my family. I feel great gratitude. You are my supporters, my friends, the unsung heros in my life.  Thank you! Happy, Healthy New Year! L’chaim and Love!