Recipe for a Great Weekend!

Mix

Autumn Leaves

Delicious food, including this sand castle cake

My wonderful triplet cousins, J, A and S

Stir in sunny weather, a beautiful service, family and dear friends. Enjoy completely and this recipe makes memories to last a lifetime.

The occasion was my cousins' B'nai Mitzvah. The triplets are the children of one of my first cousins and the grandchildren of my aunt who passed away this summer. J is named in memory of my mother. A B'nai Mitzvah -- Children of the Commandment -- is the observance when a Jewish child becomes thirteen and begins participating in the adult responsibilities of the religion. I hadn't heard this term before and am much more familiar with Bar Mitzvah, son of the commandment and Bat Mitzvah, daughter of the Commandment, but this is a unique situation.

The kids led a good part of the service in Hebrew and English and each gave short speeches about the portion that had been read at the service. Family participated too and it was lovely and so touching. We celebrated at a fun luncheon following the service. The picture above shows the candle lighting at the luncheon. Not a part of religious ritual it is a recent and quite sweet addition to celebrating. Family and friends are called up to light a candle and honored with a verse or few lines written about them. Music plays as the honoree walks up to light their candle. Great Uncle Harry's theme was one of the songs from "Fiddler on the Roof" and mine was "New York State of Mind."

I am still smiling when I think of this joyous celebration and know I will be smiling for quite some time. Wishing you all days of joy to share with those you love best!