Given the Jewish heritage of books, it is no surprise that when our kids become Bnei Mitsvah, we give them books.
From time-to-time, I find my way to used book stores and am always saddened when I find old Bibles and prayerbooks inscribed, "Presented to so-and-so in honor of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitsvah..." What is sad to me is not that the individual didn't read the book, but that the Bar or Bat Mitsvah event wasn't a sufficiently memorable experience that the recipient kept it on his/her shelf for its sentimental value.
Others, experiencing the same thing have asked, "Are we wasting our money giving the youngsters becoming Bnei Mitsvah these books?" The clue to the answer comes from the Ethics of the Fathers that instructs us: "ve-he-e-mi-du tal-mi-dim har-bei, raise many pupils." The bottom line is we do not know in advance with whom Judaism may resonate, so while it is true that some of the books given to our Bnei Mitsvah will go for naught, there are many for whom these books will live.
The Southern New Hampshire Jewish Men's Club (SNHJMC) is a non-synagogue affiliated Jewish men's group that has social, civic and even an occasional religious event. Years ago, some seed money was given them through a will to create the "Bruce Retchin Fund" whose purpose was to provide a Jewish Bible to each Bar or Bat Mitsvah in the greater Nashua area. The seed money has long since run out. If you believe that giving a Tanach to our Bnei Mitsvah is worthwhile, and you are in a position to make a donation to the "Bruce Retchin Fund of SNHJMC" please do so. Checks can be mailed to the temple office, marked attention Paul Noyovitz.
By the way, the SNHJMC is a good organization. Our members, Dave Michelson and Paul Noyovitz are on the organization's board and a number of other Betenu men belong. If you don't belong, check out one of their breakfasts or other events. It's another way to broaden our Jewish community beyond the doors of Betenu.
Joshua L. Segal
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