Lia, Mazel Tov! 

You did a great job this morning. I would also like to thank everyone who came to celebrate with us.

Lia, I want to talk to you about tradition. Experts agree that traditions have a profound effect on family life. Traditions help to bind us together as a family, give us a sense of belonging, and create lasting memories. Our family has many traditions.

One of my favorite traditions is the family Shabbat dinner. Everyone takes time out of our busy lives to eat together, and to celebrate the Shabbat. We light candles, sing the Kiddush together, and Mom and Dad bless us. Mom makes an extra special dinner. I look forward to it every week.

One tradition that I have with you Lia is that every year on your birthday I would give you a music box. And this is no year to break that tradition, so in honor of your birthday, and your Bat Mitzvah, I will now present you with a Bat Mitzvah music box.

[Give her the music box. Hug her, etc. Yada, yada yada.]

But Lia, I’ve also liked other traditions that I have with you. I still enjoy arguing passages from the Torah with you. (It’s a red stew!)

We like to play sports together. Just a few weeks ago we went to the park one afternoon and played tennis. I don’t know about you, but I had a lot of fun. I also enjoy playing basketball with you, even though it’s an easy win.

Lia, you are quite a sister. 

You are always there with your cheerful attitude. If I were to ever need help with my homework, I’m sure that you would at least try to help. But I am always glad to help you when you ask. If I want to spend time playing Jeopardy or other computer games with you, I can count on you spending the time with me. An if I ever had the slightest urge to play cards with you, I know you will come running from wherever you may be.

So Mazel Tov, Lia. I plan to continue giving you music boxes for many years to come, and I hope that we’ll have many more great times together, and start many more traditions.