[HANASHIR:11528] Re: rant #2: the expression "Bar/Bat Mitzvah"

[DavidSings2 <DavidSings2...>]

Though I appreciate the wealth of music knowledge shared on this chat, I also 
enjoy the discussion of hallakhic and modern terminology that arises 
periodically.

My "personal" thoughts are that all too often we "Americanize" the meaning of 
certain hebrew phrases, such as Bar-Mitzvah, et-al, and destroy a small piece 
of the fabric that makes our Jewish heritage and traditions stand out as 
different from any other group in our society.  I believe that being 
different is a blessing that we should cherish, and not embrace such things 
as having a Bar-Mitzvah.  Becoming one is so much more significant!  I have a 
car, a house, and many things, but to become something that is so deeply 
spiritual and meaningful from an historic Jewish perspective, obligating one 
to observe and to do according to the laws given at Har-Sinai, seems to be 
much more important than having yet another thing!

I cherish my being different because I am a Jew, and hope to remain one that 
will continue to sing out (Look, a music reference!) the fact that I am proud 
of my worldwide Jewish family and it history & heritage.

Just my two cents.

David Harris
Prairie View, IL