Today we celebrated the bar mitzvah of our good friend Max. We have been close to his family ever since his older brother and my son Max attended middle school together. Max F. is a brilliant, funny and interesting young man. He struggles with Tourette’s Syndrome, and his parents were understandably concerned about whether having a big, public event like this would be the right thing. But it was quite clear from early in the morning that not only was Max emotionally ready for it, but he was terrifically well-prepared. He chanted from the Torah beautifully, and then delivered what I think was one of the most touching commentaries I’ve ever heard, especially coming from a 13-year-old. He spoke eloquently about his struggle with Tourette’s, and showed heartfelt appreciation not only to his parents and brother, but to the network of caregivers who have been such a big part of his life. And once the bar mitzvah ceremony came to its rousing conclusion, the party began. And once again, Max was wonderful and we all had a terrific time. Mazel tov and “yasher koach” to Max and his family!
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