The Lindenbergs

Howard and his family are a warm, welcoming group that REALLY know how to throw a party. Dad, Doug and I went to Howard's wedding several years ago and it was an amazing shin dig. So our expectations were pretty high -and were completely met.

Friday night was an out-of-town guests dinner at the hotel. It was a relatively small affair with about 50 people. Doug wasn't due in town until Saturday, so I was flying solo. Its the first time I've seen my cousins in several years and it was great to catch up. Everyone seems to be doing well with my cousin John and his wife expecting twins in a couple of months. Andy and Karen were my constant companions for the evening and it was great to catch up with them and their kids.

Saturday morning was the Bot Mitzvah. It was held at a Reconstructionist Temple. I'm not familiar with the Reconstructionist approach to Judaism, so it was an educational adventure. Reconstructism stresses activism in the community, egalitarianism, and an interpretation of Jewish tradition within the context of today's world. The ceremony was a fairly long 3 hours (my butt got tired), but was a very communal and vibrant. Like most churches, the Temple courts new members with a casual atmosphere. I was one of a very few people wearing a suit.

Jessica did a great job during the ceremony. I'm told she's normally shy and reserved. But she really shined during the ceremony. It typically takes three to for years to prepare for a Bot/Bar Mitzvah, and Jessica's effort was clearly visible. She rattled off Hebrew like it was a first language and her family beamed with pride throughout the event.

Saturday was an open afternoon. Doug got in about the same time we got back from services. We took a walk around Bethesda and chatted. The weather was brisk, but not too bad for stroll. Doug and I both suited up for a workout and headed into the hotel gym where we bumped into a John. Again, more socializing...

The Saturday evening dinner was huge. Appetizers included a pasta bar, sushi bar, roaming finger food, and an open bar. Delicious. Howard and Debbie had special decorations made that adorned the reception area. After about an hour the doors to the banquet hall opened. The evening featured not only an MC and DJ, but have a dozen dancers of both genders. The dance floor was dominated by 13-year girls, and a handful of boys, that were Jessica's nearest and dearest friends.

The evening lasted until about midnight. Dinner courses were served intermittently throughout the evening; with salads served around 8:30 and desert and coffee around 11:00. 

Howard and family hosted a Sunday brunch at their house. But I was not able to make it -I needed to catch a flight home. Doug, Howard and I managed a workout Sunday morning, than parted ways. I'll have to ask Doug how the brunch was next time I see him; I'm sure it was just as nice as the rest of the evening.

Our side of the family doesn't often have an opportunity to catch up with my Uncle and his side of the family. Hopefully, they'll be another Bat Mitzvah in a few years (the ages work out pretty well). I'm sure it won't be long before we have a few weddings to attend too. Nora and I decided to have me and Doug attend this last event solo -both from a cost management standpoint and so Doug and I could spend some time with the cousins without having to manage kids. We think it was a good decision, but there was a fair amount of disappointment that they weren't there. It would definitely have been fun to have the families get together. We'll try and work that into the plans next time around.

-Eric (Dad)