What's in a name?

This past weekend Mom and Dad took me to shul for the first time for my naming. Now, if you read this blog regularly, you know my name is Esme. But this was for my Hebrew name, Esther Sh'Tira. They decided to name me after two of my Great Grandmothers. I never got to meet either of them, but I learned about them at the naming. Grandma Esther was my Dad's Dad's mother. I was named for her because she was wonderfully kind and remarkably creative, both qualities that Mom and Dad hope for me. Sh'Tira is after Mom's Mom's mother, Stella Wise. It was her tremendous strength and independence that Mom and Dad wish for me. I'm a really lucky girl to have such a special Hebrew name.

Esme bops along to the musical stylings of Cantor Jodi

And I had lots of fun at Shul. I got my own special service with the family. It was run by Rabbi Joel and Cantor Jodi. They both married Mom and Dad and Cantor Jodi Bat Mitzvahed Mom. So we like them both a lot. And I loved the singing. Cantor Jodi sings such great songs.

Esme, wrapped in a special Talit, takes it all in

I got to be the center of attention and was all wrapped up in Mom's Talit. They say it was the same one she used for her Bat Mitzvah. That was too cool.

Esme enjoys a Rabbinic cuddle while Mom and Dad look on

Then we stayed for Shabbat services. I was on my best behavior and really impressed everyone by lasting the whole service. Afterwards, we went back to Safta and Ronnie's for a special dinner which was lots of fun too. They said the food was super yummy, but I stuck with my usual milk since Mom's the very best caterer of all in my book. I got to see lots of family, including all my grandparents. I can't wait to see everyone again soon. But since my Bat Mitzvah is still a little ways off, next time will have to be someone else's party.

Love and cuddles,
Esme