English Speakers Activities Column

KSI English Speaking Community Celebrates the Bat Mitzvah of Book Club Member Gina Maduro and with Friends From the Panama West Indian Community as Gusets

This past Saturday, July 23, 2016 Book Club members and invited friends from the Sociedad de Amigos del Museo Afroantillano de Panana (SAMAAP) joined KSI congregants and Maduro family members in celebrating Gina Maduro's Bat Mitzvah as a part of the Sabbath service.

When Gina was a younger woman, there was no bat mitzvah ceremony in synagogues for girls to symbolically transition to Jewish adulthood as has been the tradition for boys in becoming a bar mitzvah. So, Gina as many women are now doing, so Gina took it upon herself and independently studied for this achievement.

The morning was a stellar experience and needless to say for all who attended the services, Gina was the star of the day!

Also, Gina's mother and book club member Lynda hosted a wonderful Oneg (reception) following the service.

The Book Club has been meeting recently with leaders of the Panama Afro-Antillean community in exploring each community’s history here in Panama and community efforts to maintain cultural and historical experiences.

At the Book Club’s July meeting, Gina Maduro graciously invited all present to attend her Bat Mitzvah which was a part of the Sabbat service this past Saturday.

Six members of the West Indian community accepted and for the majority not only was attending a Bat Mitzvah a first time experience, but also being a participant in a Sabbath service offered an opportunity in understanding Jewish prayer.

Gina Maduro reading her section of the parasha from the Torah

Our friends from SAMAAP: President Veronica D. Forte, Past President Melva Lowe de Goodin, Gloria Branch, Lydia Jackson, Omaida De Frias and Anthony McLean visit with Gina at the reception following services.

Our friends participating in the morning’s Sabbath service

Well-wishers with Gina are book club members,

Judith Edwards, Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Betty Jacobvitz and Cecilia Shwartzer.

All experienced an exceptional day at synagogue! It was indeed a Sabbath of Joy and of Peace; a Shabbat Shalom!