Need help from the Jewish Posters

[Granny Sue]

This is an e-mail I just recieved from my Brother.....

Wife and I had a meeting last night with our new Rabbi to discuss some things for Brittany’s Bat Mitzvah. There are certain things that happen during the service that are called “Honors” which are given to family members out of respect and they also get to feel a part of the ceremony. Some of the honors can only be done by Jews. Things like certain prayers and blessings. One of the honors that can be done by someone not of the Jewish faith, you know who, you gentile people hahahaha is giving a special speech to Brittany during the service. Something about the love and support and the significance of the day to her. Jeanne and I would love that person to be you. You have been the one who has always given us support and always spoken the truth especially when I converted. You have always been there for us and the kids. Now, you can say no and we would understand regardless of why, it is a pretty big request. Think it over and let me know your thoughts and feelings.

Of course I said yes, I am very honored.....now the help I need his this....is there someplace I could look for examples of speeches given? Or am I going to have to wing it? I don't want to insult anyone.
I have until 2010 but I'm not good up in front of people so I need to get it written and practice now.


Thanks for any and all input!

[leorah]

Congratulations! Being asked to give a speech in honor of your niece on her Bat Mitvah is a great honor. Traditionally, the parent or relative talks about the importance of this spiritual milestone and highlights some key Jewish attributes that the child has developed. Since you aren't Jewish, you can focus on the moral and ethical attributes of your niece with examples of her compassion, caring, joy in learning--you get the idea. Below are a few links with some examples and explanations of the ceremony and various speeches. Once you have an idea of what you want to say, you can run it by your brother or even the rabbi to get feedback, but it's not likely that anything you say about your niece that is from the heart will insult anyone.

Best wishes! You'll have fun....

whttp://www.justwriteediting.com/onlinedocs/barmitzvah.pdf
http://www.interfaithfamily.com/file...tzvahguide.pdf
Bar Mitzvah Speech from Parents
http://www.justwriteediting.com/onli...barmitzvah.pdf
Academy BJE : Adults (http://www.bje.org.au/adults/templateBase.php?id=1070&gid=2 - broken link)

[Granny Sue]

Thank you so much. This is a big help!

[RedBankGirl]

Originally Posted by Kali's Grandma

This is an e-mail I just recieved from my Brother.....

Wife and I had a meeting last night with our new Rabbi to discuss some things for Brittany’s Bat Mitzvah. There are certain things that happen during the service that are called “Honors” which are given to family members out of respect and they also get to feel a part of the ceremony. Some of the honors can only be done by Jews. Things like certain prayers and blessings. One of the honors that can be done by someone not of the Jewish faith, you know who, you gentile people hahahaha is giving a special speech to Brittany during the service. Something about the love and support and the significance of the day to her. Jeanne and I would love that person to be you. You have been the one who has always given us support and always spoken the truth especially when I converted. You have always been there for us and the kids. Now, you can say no and we would understand regardless of why, it is a pretty big request. Think it over and let me know your thoughts and feelings.

Of course I said yes, I am very honored.....now the help I need his this....is there someplace I could look for examples of speeches given? Or am I going to have to wing it? I don't want to insult anyone.
I have until 2010 but I'm not good up in front of people so I need to get it written and practice now.


Thanks for any and all input!

leorah gave you the very best advice. Only thing I would add is to speak from your heart.

Mazel Tov!