On Saturday, my daughter Lucy became a bat mitzvah. In her own words, why she decided to embrace her religion when being Jewish in the United States is more complicated than it's been in a while.
There is a Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Philadelphia dedicated to a Rabbi, a Priest and two Protestant Ministers who gave up their seats in a lifeboat to lower ranking soldiers during the sinking of the USS Dorchester in 1943. They were last seen arm in arm as the ship disappeared beneath the icy North Atlantic waters. My great Uncle was Clark Poling, one of the Chaplains. It was originally dedicated by President Eisenhower on the Temple University campus but was forced to move when Temple secularized. If the USS USA sinks, it will be because of secular progressives. Jews and Christians should at least go down together.
Congratulations! Regardless of the religion, the fact she is at all interested in pursuing faith at her age shows she is being parented thoughtfully. Congratulations & may G-d bless her & keep her. In the midst of chaos, bright lights like Lucy are especially important, thank you for sharing!!!
This evangelical has a Hindu daughter-in-law and a granddaughter who is married to a Jew. We live every day in our family understanding that we are all in this together.
Congratulations to you and your family. What a perfect time to receive your email-while watching the historic peace deal in the Mideast signed by President Trump and 35 leaders. As the father of 4 children (two Bar's and two Bat's), I could not be more proud of you and your daughter and for you choosing to memorialize this on you Substack. Keep up the good work.
If I may be so bold to offer a codicil to the younger Berenson-ette’s oration - choosing to be religious is but the first step, what we need more of are those LIVING their Jewish/Christian faith. My personal bias would be that as she studies the Scriptures she comes to meet The Messiah hoped for, the Rabbi Jesus.
Congratulations to your entire family on this very special occasion. And sharing this moment on this extraordinary day of peace and hope for the future makes it even more special.
There is a Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Philadelphia dedicated to a Rabbi, a Priest and two Protestant Ministers who gave up their seats in a lifeboat to lower ranking soldiers during the sinking of the USS Dorchester in 1943. They were last seen arm in arm as the ship disappeared beneath the icy North Atlantic waters. My great Uncle was Clark Poling, one of the Chaplains. It was originally dedicated by President Eisenhower on the Temple University campus but was forced to move when Temple secularized. If the USS USA sinks, it will be because of secular progressives. Jews and Christians should at least go down together.
https://armyhistory.org/no-greater-glory-the-four-chaplains-and-the-sinking-of-the-usat-dorchester/
Thanks for sharing that beautiful story. We are all in this together.
Congratulations Alex- you are doing a great job as a dad!
Although not Jewish herself, please do not diminish the obviously positive impact of her mother on this fine young lady!
Congratulations, and God bless your daughter!
A very hearty congrats....there is no greater mitzvah then raising excellent children...kudos
Congratulations! Regardless of the religion, the fact she is at all interested in pursuing faith at her age shows she is being parented thoughtfully. Congratulations & may G-d bless her & keep her. In the midst of chaos, bright lights like Lucy are especially important, thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks for sharing. A beautiful sentiment, well recognized. There's hope for the younger generation!
Awesome…we are Evangelical and our Usraeli flag is right next to American for last 7 years…
Totally support all Jews…good girl!!! ❤️✝️✝️✝️✝️
This evangelical has a Hindu daughter-in-law and a granddaughter who is married to a Jew. We live every day in our family understanding that we are all in this together.
Our oldest granddaughter married to a Muslim…children being raised Christian…relate yotally
Mazel Tov!
Congratulations to you and your family. What a perfect time to receive your email-while watching the historic peace deal in the Mideast signed by President Trump and 35 leaders. As the father of 4 children (two Bar's and two Bat's), I could not be more proud of you and your daughter and for you choosing to memorialize this on you Substack. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations, Alex. To you and your family.
If I may be so bold to offer a codicil to the younger Berenson-ette’s oration - choosing to be religious is but the first step, what we need more of are those LIVING their Jewish/Christian faith. My personal bias would be that as she studies the Scriptures she comes to meet The Messiah hoped for, the Rabbi Jesus.
Congrats daughter, and dad Alex
Although not Jewish herself, please do not diminish the obviously positive impact of her mother on this fine young lady!
Mazel Tov to Lucy and to her parents for raising such a poised young lady!
Thank you, Alex, and congratulations to you and to Lucy. Let your faith be a light in the darkness (that will not comprehend it).
Mazel tov, Abba! May her Torah spark never dim!
Congratulations to your entire family on this very special occasion. And sharing this moment on this extraordinary day of peace and hope for the future makes it even more special.
Couldn't agree more!
Beautiful! ❤️😭 ❤️Congratulations to your daughter and entire family! Thanks for sharing. 🙏