Mitzvah Shirah

If you’ve never known the complete history of Sandy, I invite you to read up - great story of a great man. Happy 90th Birthday to a legend and a mensch! 🥳⚾️

Happy 90th Birthday to Sandy Koufax, The Legendary Jewish Southpaw Who Became Baseball’s Greatest Pitcher

On December 30, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, Evelyn, née Lichtenstein, and Jack Braun welcomed their son Sanford Braun into the world. This child would grow up to become Sandy Koufax, one of the most iconic figures in baseball history and a towering hero in the American Jewish community.

Born in the Borough Park neighborhood to a Jewish family, Sandy’s parents divorced when he was just three years old. He spent much of his early childhood with his maternal grandparents, Max and Dora Lichtenstein, who instilled in him Jewish values and culture. His mother, a certified public accountant, later remarried attorney Irving Koufax when Sandy was nine. Sandy took his stepfather’s surname, whom he always referred to as his father, and largely severed ties with his biological father.

Raised in a secular Jewish household, he did not have a bar mitzvah, Koufax was nevertheless deeply influenced by his heritage. He spent summers at a Jewish camp and played basketball at the Jewish Community House in Brooklyn. His grandfather Max often took him to Yiddish theater, embedding a sense of Jewish identity that would shine through in his life choices.

Koufax’s path to greatness began modestly. He was more passionate about basketball than baseball as a youth, but his raw talent soon emerged. After a standout tryout at the University of Cincinnati, he signed with his hometown Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954 as a bonus baby. He played his entire twelve season career, from 1955 to 1966, with the Dodgers, first in Brooklyn and later in Los Angeles, transforming from a wild talent into the dominant left hander known as the Left Arm of God.

From 1962 through 1966, Koufax was untouchable. He won three Cy Young Awards, unanimously when only one was given league wide, captured the 1963 National League MVP, led the league in ERA multiple times, threw four no hitters including a perfect game, and helped the Dodgers win World Series titles in 1959, 1963, and 1965. He retired at just thirty years old due to traumatic arthritis in his pitching elbow, but was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972 at age thirty six, becoming the youngest player ever inducted.

His most famous moment came during the 1965 World Series when Game 1 fell on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. Koufax, prioritizing his faith and heritage over the biggest stage in sports, chose not to pitch despite being the team’s ace. This act of principle made him a revered symbol of Jewish pride, shattered stereotypes about Jewish athletes, and earned admiration across generations. He returned for the remainder of the series and helped secure the championship.

Today, at ninety years old, Sandy Koufax remains a private legend whose legacy endures as both a baseball giant and a source of inspiration for Jewish excellence, resilience, and integrity. A true role model from Brooklyn to Cooperstown.

Chanukah reminds us that even a small light can push back an overwhelming darkness. In this present time when the world around us feels especially heavy and uncertain, the story of Chanukah calls on us to keep lighting candles anyway; to choose courage, faith, and hope when it would be easier to despair.

The miracle of Chanukah didn’t end long ago, it continues through us. Each act of kindness, each moment of learning, each time we show up for one another strengthens our community and brings more light into the world. This is our sacred work of Tikkun Olam: To repair, to heal, and to *persist*.

I am endlessly grateful for my students and the beautiful families I get to grow with through the years. May this Chanukah fill your homes with warmth, love, and light, and may we carry that light far beyond the glow of the candles.

Sending love and light from my family to yours. Chag Chanukah Sameach! 🕎✨
•
•
•

Dear new friends who had been to our home many times over, recently came after we'd finished all of our decorating for Chanukah, so the house was festive and aglow. They admired the decorations and then innocently asked me [in Spanish], "are you planning to have a tree?" The question caught me off guard, but it also provided me insight; my new friends did not know what Chanukah was! They shared with me that they'd just always [mistakenly] assumed Chanukah is a Jewish alternative to Christmas. I began to explain as best I could (my Spanish is not quite as strong as I'd like it to be) but then I promised that I would find something worthy of sending to them which would provide a very clear explanation both of the ancient origins of the holiday and of our modern traditions. I set myself to the task and I am happy to share the video below! I encourage all of my students and families who have anyone in their lives who is a native Spanish speaker [o quien solo habla español] to share this highly informative, beautiful, and brief video, widely. Also, for any students studying Spanish, this is a great practice tool for you to enjoy learning from as well! Chag Sameach and Feliz Hanukkah a todos! 🕎

Historia de las Fiestas: Hanukkah - Orígenes y Tradiciones (Español) 🎇✨ Descubre la rica historia de Hanukkah, también conocida como la Fiesta de las Luces! 🎇✨ Acompaña a Luis Albert Acevedo Jr. mientras explora los orígenes, tr...

Mazel tov Harrison and the Bergman family! This family has held a piece of my heart for the last three years since I first helped prepare big brother Ethan for his incredibly special Bar Mitzvah in Israel nearly three years ago. Having the privilege of spending this past year with Harrison has been a true honor and joy. Harrison, you’re a crazy talented ball player, but what stands out even more is the kind, gentle, and deeply good person you are. You have such a huge heart, and your love for your family shines through in everything you do. Keep leading with that big heart, keep choosing kindness, and - on the field and in life - keep stepping up to the plate with courage and hope. I am so, so proud of you, you knocked it outta the park today! ⚾️🤩😍
✡️
✡️
✡️

Remembering the late, great Leonard Cohen on this day of his passing in 2016. Few songs have traveled through as many hearts as “Hallelujah.” Cohen’s masterpiece has become a prayer for our times, a reminder that even in brokenness, there is beauty; even in doubt, there can still be grace.

As we wake each morning to new challenges, in our own lives and across our social media feeds, Leonard's words quietly call us back to something sacred: To seek the joy that still exists, to notice the light in the cracks, and to sing our own hallelujahs for the small, extraordinary moments of every day.

“There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
✨ Hallelujah, Leonard. Thank you for the light you left us.

Pentatonix - Hallelujah (Official Video) ‘THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS HITS’ AVAILABLE NOWhttps://ptx.lnk.to/greatestchristmash*ts PENTATONIX THE MOST WONDERFUL TOUR OF THE YEAR TICKETS AND VIP PACKAGES O...

What an incredible honor it was to share the bima with Brayden as he became Bar Mitzvah this morning. I have known Bray since he and my own daughter Evelyn were four years old, they were the sweetest mini best friends in TK and somehow, he’s still that same kind, sweet, thoughtful soul, just a bit taller now.

This past year has been the greatest gift to spend so many meaningful hours together; asking big questions, having deep conversations, and watching him grow in confidence, maturity, and spirit. Brayden took his responsibilities seriously, led with heart, and showed such genuine curiosity and empathy throughout this journey.

To my best friends, Zavi and Darren, who have walked with me through life’s hardest and happiest moments, thank you for trusting me with this sacred role. And to Brayden, may you always look back on this day and feel the love and pride that surrounded you. The world needs more of exactly who you are my friend.

Mazel tov, sweet boy. What a joy and privilege it is for us all to know and love you. 💚
🌟
🌟

What an absolute JOY these two were to celebrate last weekend! I shared in my words to them both how throughout our months of lessons and preparation together, and on their bima that evening, their relationship with one another reminded me so much of my own relationship with my brother. Growing up we were also close in age and in activities and friendships, and our bond only grew stronger as we grew. My brother has been by my side through all of life’s greatest challenges (and there have been a few!) and most joyous simchas, and I have the greatest confidence that just as these two have been each other’s partner in learning, in laughter, and in leadership throughout this year, long after today, they will continue to be each other’s greatest ally - through every challenge and every joy life brings their way.

Mazel tov!! And may we celebrate many more of life’s great joys together throughout your shared bright future ahead!
🌟
🌟
🌟
🌟

🌻Mitzvah Shirah🌻 is a Meaningful, Joyful, and Personalized Bar/Bat Mitzvah Journey:
Dreaming of a unique and unforgettable Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience - outside the traditional synagogue setting? With nearly three decades of experience, of Mitzvah Shirah offers expert, all-inclusive private instruction in Hebrew reading and writing, T’filah, Torah and Haftarah chanting, and Jewish learning that is all tailored and customized to your child. Whether your vision includes an intimate heartfelt backyard ceremony among family and friends, toes in the sand by the ocean, or a scenic hotel patio celebration, Stephanie will help craft a service that reflects your child’s personality, creativity, and spirit. She brings warmth, clarity, and connection to every part of the process - from learning to leading. Want to celebrate your simcha abroad? Stephanie partners with an incredible rabbi in Jerusalem, and yet another in Italy and Greece to make that dream a reality. Already affiliated with a synagogue? She is also a trusted tutor and collaborator who can support and elevate your child’s ongoing Jewish learning. Let’s create something meaningful together. Reach out today to begin your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey with Mitzvah Shirah - where tradition meets creativity and heart.

My Dear Friends,

As we approach the threshold of 5786, the season of reflection and renewal is upon us once again. Rosh Hashanah invites us to pause and look back on the year that has passed; our personal triumphs and struggles, the challenges we face as a nation and world, and the unique joys and hardships within our Jewish community. It is also a time to look forward with hearts full of hope and courage, embracing the promise of renewal and the possibility of transformation.

These High Holy Days carry a message that is both timeless and deeply needed: The chance to begin anew. Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Ten Days of Awe, days that call us to return – teshuva – to our best selves, to repair what is broken (both within ourselves and a call to Tikkun Olam to repair the world), and to step forward into the new year with clarity, compassion, and conviction. We are reminded that we hold hands with generations past and future, shaping the legacy we inherit and the one we will leave behind.

During this sacred season, we also gather for Yizkor, the service of remembrance. Since losing my beloved husband nearly eight years ago, leading the Yizkor service has taken on profound new meaning for me. Standing with my daughters, now old enough to understand its depth, I see how remembering is not only about honoring the lives of those we love but also about carrying their legacy into the world. Each mitzvah performed in their memory becomes a living testament, a way for us to embody their spirit and continue their impact.

This past year, our wider world has often felt fragile, marked by grief, conflict, and uncertainty. And yet, together we have also shared so many moments of joy, celebrating over two dozen bar and bat mitzvahs, baby namings, and weddings together. These sacred milestones, filled with song, laughter, and blessing, remind me that even in the heaviest of years, there is light, resilience, and abundant reason to be grateful.

As you take your first steps into 5786, may you do so with deep gratitude for the blessings that lifted you this past year, with honest reflection on the challenges that shaped you, and with eyes wide open to the hope and promise of the year ahead. May this new year bring peace to our world at large, the safe return of our hostages, healing for the broken, and restoration of our shared humanity.

From my heart to yours: Shana Tovah u’Metukah. May the new year be a good year for us all. Amen.