For most of you reading this… you are being impacted by some sort of wintry weather this week.
Hopefully, it’s allowing you to take that time to rest you don’t get other times of the year. For
me, it brought me back to a place of reflection on the meaning of what I get to do as a
profession. This month I’m giving a little more of a personal glimpse into my why.

In the midst of the unpredictable weather this weekend, my nephew had his Bar Mitzvah in
Maryland. For those of you who are not familiar with the tradition, this signifies a Jewish boy (or
girl) turning 13 and becoming an adult in the eyes of their community. For some (like me), the
celebration can be more elaborate. I joke that I’ve been an event planner for 30 years, since I
was so involved with the planning and design of my party. Don’t do the math!

For others, like my nephew, the spiritual meaning guides them and they spend more time on
their studies, rather than the celebration. For him, this meant a more informal lunch reception in
the synagogue. This event still had a large guest list, but then the weather made attendance
very uncertain. My husband and I were actually able to get there and back before the storm hit. I
remember my Bat Mitzvah like it was yesterday and I didn’t want to not be a part of Isaac’s
memories of the day.

So, we made it and sat up front with my family. My expectation with the weather forecast, was
that we might be the only couple of rows to fill up. As the service continued, the people started
flowing in. As my husband and I were called to the front of the synagogue to open the Ark and
begin the ceremonial portion, I looked out on the temple and it was full. I couldn’t have been
more excited that my nephew could see his community show up for him. That moment and
feeling will sit with me for a long time.

The events I get to plan, although I love an elaborate party, really bring together a lifetime of
community. The ceremony sparks the celebration. I never want to lose sight of the importance of
these life events. I always tell my clients that the decisions they are making should represent
them and I’m so proud of my nephew for doing just that.

As we kick off another year, I want to thank my Etc. Coordinators team, 36th Street Events team
and a long list of wonderful wedding vendors for continuing to create a community that fills up a
room for our clients and helps them celebrate any way they want.