Long Overdue Bat Mitzvah

According to Jewish law,  a girl becomes a bat mitzvah at the age of 12 or 13.   Rarely, if ever, do they become a bat mitzvah at age 91!

Yet that is exactly what Shirley Schlinger accomplished last Saturday, in front of family and friends who were there to share in her special day.

Growing up in the 20s, women were not bat mitzvahed, and had to watch as their brothers were given that honor.   While Shirley watched her 3 granddaughters perform this rite of passage, she often wished she too could read Torah and lead services.

Her dream was finally realized when her youngest granddaughter suggested that she too could celebrate this ritual.

So.. at the ripe old age of 90, Shirley found a rabbi, started her lessons, and the rest, as they say, is history!