A man celebrates a second bar mitzvah at 83, and his wife decides to have a second bat mitzvah too. The podcast explores the significance of these events and reflects on growth and change. It also discusses menopause, reframing the second half of life, and the impact of a chanting teacher.
Having a second bar/bat mitzvah at an older age symbolizes wisdom and wholeness in Judaism.
Finding joy in music, nature, and people can lead to a renewed sense of faith and belief.
Deep dives
The Love Story of Jules and Julianne Hirsch
Jules and Julianne Hirsch first met when Jules, a musician, noticed that the bill in a restaurant had his name on it. They were attracted to each other because of their love for music. They got married and had two children, and now have several grandchildren. They have been going to the same synagogue for over 50 years, where Jules eventually became a cantor. Jules still participates in synagogue services by playing the shofar, an ancient instrument made from a ram’s horn.
Creating New Rituals for the Second Half of Life
Rabbi Rachel Tamonar realized there were few lifecycle rituals for the second half of a person's life in Judaism. She wanted to change that, so she started a committee to come up with ideas. One idea they explored was having a second bar mitzvah at the age of 70, symbolizing wisdom and wholeness. This inspired Julianne Hirsch to have her second bat mitzvah at the age of 83. She chanted from a Torah she helped sponsor, which was the first written by a woman in a New York City synagogue.
Rediscovering Faith and Joy through Rituals
Julianne Hirsch reflects on her journey of faith and her love for chanting Torah. She initially had doubts about belief and faith, but through her experiences, including her second bat mitzvah, she discovered joy in music, nature, and people. Julianne believes that if others feel moved, they should have their own second bar/bat mitzvah as a marker of their life's journey and to celebrate their presence.
Jules Hirsh had his first bar mitzvah when he was 13 years old, in 1946. Seventy years later, he celebrated a second one, at 83 - and then his wife, Julianne, decided to have a second bat mitzvah too. “It's a marker of, well, here I am. I've lived this long and so I'm here before you, saying that.”
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