Hi, my name is Levana Esther Blida Smith, I’m currently in 7th grade. I have been going to Sinai for the past 8 years and started my religious education there when I was 5 years old.
Hobbies I enjoy are playing Dungeons & Dragons, reading books especially mangas, playing Stardew Valley, writing stories, and learning about history. I’m thankful that my Bat Mitzvah’s journey has been so far smooth and I’m excited for today and feel lucky to be surrounded by my family and friends.
My parashah is Behar-Bechukotai from the book of Leviticus. Behar: God says to let the land rest and treat people fairly with money and property. Bechukotai: God promises rewards for following His rules and warns of punishments if we don’t. Together, these parshiyot teach us that how we treat others and things and how we listen to God are connected. Being fair, kind,and respectful isn’t just about being nice—it’s how we live a holy life.
A huge shout out to Mora Debbie for all her help and patience she had with me over this year. Thank you to all my teachers over the years from Morah Ilona, to Morah Michelle and Moreh Doug. Thank you to Rabbi Berkenwald who helped me with my paracha and my speech. And lastly my parents who pushed me, sticking with me till the end.
Welcome!
We are overjoyed to invite you to share in a truly special moment in our lives, as our beloved daughter Levana is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.
This milestone is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of growth, identity, and connection. We feel incredibly grateful to gather with family, dear friends, & our cherished community to witness Levana step into this next chapter of Jewish life with heart, strength, & intention.
As a Bat Mitzvah, Levana takes on new responsibilities—spiritual, ethical, & communal. She embraces the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), & the lifelong journey of learning, questioning, & contributing to something greater than herself. During the service, Levana will help lead us in prayer & share her reflections on Torah portions Behar-Bechukotai center on themes of rest, renewal, & responsibility—symbolized through the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, which represent freedom & economic reset, & the blessings & consequences tied to living in harmony with God’s commandments. Levana has poured her energy and spirit into preparing for this moment. We are deeply proud of her dedication & heart.
We are especially thankful to Debbie Lewis for her patient & insightful guidance, to her teachers including Morah Ilonah, to Rabbi Berkenwald whose support helped shape Levana’s D’var Torah. A special thanks as well to Michelle Taylor & Joelle Pluemer, whose behind-the-scenes help made this celebration possible.
Today is not only Levana’s rite of passage, but also a chance for us to honor the generations before us who helped lay this path—l’dor vador— & to celebrate the future that Levana is helping to build.
Please join us for a joyful kiddush luncheon in the social hall following the service.
With full hearts,
Levana, Audrey, David, Joshua & Liam Smith
Audrey and David Smith invite you to join their family as they celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Levana, at Congregation Sinai. Kiddush luncheon, hosted by Audrey and David, will follow the service. Please join Levana and her family for this wonderful simcha. All are encouraged to attend.
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES CAN BE VIEWED AT HTTPS://WWW.SINAI-SJ.ORG/LIVE. NO ACCOUNT OR PASSWORD IS REQUIRED.
Please note that if you attend in-person, you may appear on-screen. The livestream view will be of the ark, the bima, the podium and the first two rows in the Sanctuary. Anyone whose preference is not to be included in the frame should sit a few rows back and not ascend the bimah.