LWer celebrates birthday and Bat Mitzvah

On Aug. 27 friends and family watched LWer Michele Vallens celebrate her 70th birthday and her Bat Mitzvah at LW’s Congregation Sholom.

Vallens delivered beautiful Hebrew readings and her sermon was both inspirational and emotionally moving.

She dedicated her sermon to the memory of her beloved son, Jonathan, her parents and to the two men who perished within moments of her departure from her familial temple in her native Tunisia earlier this summer.

She spoke of her selfless parents who relinquished their bedroom for an entire year in Tunisia, so a homeless family could finally sleep in a bed, while also clothing and feeding them.

As I scanned the audience, many were teary-eyed. She spoke of kindness and doing mitzvahs (good deeds) daily.

The reception room looked lovely with beautiful tableware, centerpieces and the food was abundant, varied and delicious. There was live singing and dancing throughout the reception.

Seeing the Bat Mitzvah “girl” dance with Ruth Hermann, the most senior congregant was very joyful. Vallens worked very hard to create this wonderful event as did the many volunteers who cooked, served, performed songs and donated tableware.

—Karen Sands