I'm Having My Bar Mitzvah! (An Announcement)

It’s finally happening! Can you believe it? I can’t! 

For those out of the loop, I have been studying for conversion to Judaism for nearly 4 years. I have had many peaks and valleys in that time. Many roadblocks have sprung up from time to time that would have discouraged many from completing this part of the journey. If you know me well enough, though, you know that I am not so easily dissuaded from things I care about. But I am proud to announce that finally, I will be becoming a Bar Mitzvah this winter!

The cover for my webcomic about Shavuot

I am in the midst of a final class, of sorts, that is helping me set up my rituals and ceremony but I have already scheduled my ceremony/party, sent the invitations, and (most importantly) made it Facebook official, Lol. This has been a long road getting here and I am so proud of my progress and thrilled to have learned all the things I have in the past 4 years. In the class I’m in right now we have been tasked with creating a final project or essay that details or expresses what this journey has been like for each of us. Unsurprisingly, probably, I had trouble deciding what to do at first. I thought of maybe doing a short webcomic (like I have been doing for the Jewish holidays) but I eventually decided to do this through writing (mostly).

My Spiritual Autobiography project began as a long-form essay for class but has evolved during its drafting phase. I realized that I had too much to say in the 2,500 word limit of the project and I wanted to share it all. So, in addition to (or in accompaniment with) my Bar Mitzvah I will be releasing my Spiritual Autobiography as a series of blog posts here. I’m excited to start sharing with you all the nuances of my spiritual journey thus far. I hope you choose to join me weekly as I unpack my history, my present, and the hopes of my Jewish future.

A sample of the Judaica I have on my registry

While my Bar Mitzvah will be a private event for close friends and family, affectionately called my “BAR-b-q Mitzvah”, I would love for all the people in my life to be involved however they can. I am requesting everyone who has a fond memory of me or who wishes me well to please, send me a letter, blessing, or word of encouragement. Feel free to email these to me or mail them to me directly (I’ll give you my address!). I also have put together a registry of Judaica items that will help me kickstart my Jewish life. This is completely optional and all contributions are appreciated! Monetary donations to my Jewish future (or chicken biscuit addiction) are also welcome (Venmo: @agard93) but not necessary. 

I want to have as many people from my past and present as involved in this as possible. There have been very few times in my life where I have felt like I deserve to be celebrated and this is one of them. I’m unashamed by this pride in myself.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and involvement in my life. I can’t wait for you to see what all has led me to this moment through my Spiritual Autobiography blog series (coming soon). 

Until then,

Andrew