Two Body Problem (orig)

We welcomed Ezra into the covenant today. For many people there, it was their first Brit Milah. I've been to a few before, but nothing compares to witnessing the ceremony with your own son. The events of the past week, the memory of Ezra's namesakes, along with the symbolism and liturgy of the ceremony were too much for me. I was overcome with emotion and by the time we got to the naming ceremony, I totally lost it. Since my speech was pretty in hard to understand over Ezra and my wails, I thought I'd reprint it here.*

I'd first like to thank everyone for coming out to share our mitzvah today. I'd especially like to thank my grandparents, Ezra's great-grandparents Sid and Kathy, for coming here from Denver, CO; my parents Irv and Arlene for coming here from Portland, OR; Shanna's parents David and Floy for coming here from Cupertino, CA and my sister Jess, brother-in-law Rob and good friends Sara and Don for flying in from Seattle, WA. Since I'll also be posting this on my blog, its almost like Shanna's sister and brother-in-law in London are here too.

Our son, Ezra James is named after my Grandfather Eddie, Shanna's grandmother Esther, both of blessed memory, and Shanna's Grandfather Dr. James [withheld]. Shanna will say a few words about her grandparents in a moment but first I'd like to say something about my Grandpa Eddie, and what qualities of his I hope Ezra obtains.

Tsedaka, righteous giving, was very important to Ed, my dad's dad. It was a pillar of his Jewish identity. He was firecely devoted to B'nai Brith Camp, our Jewish summer camp in Oregon. Everything he did was only one or two degrees separated from BB camp. He was also involved with the synagogue and the Jewish community center, but camp was his passion. With Grandpa it wasn't enough to send money and hope for the best.He made sure he was personally involved. When camp needed new cabins he saw to it that the materials were donated, and the job was completed. He was also very creative when it came to tsedaka and as an early innovator of charity auctions, helped countless organizations raise money for themselves. From his namesake, I hope Ezra learns to be passionate and creative about tsedaka.

Ezra is also named after my father's mother, Esther, of blessed memory. Baubie Esther and Zadie lived in Petaluma, just an hour or so drive from our home and I have fond memories of our drive over the Golden Gate Bridge in eager anticipation for our visits. Baubie Esther new just how to please her grandchildren with donuts and chocolate milk - a very special treat for my sister and me. Baubie Esther was very devoted to her family and her friends and was a very active participant in the Jewish community. I remember going to her bat Mitzvah when she was well into her sixties. She was an active learner and she was always very excited about an art class she was taking and was very proud of her accomplishments and had framed several of her pieces. I hope Ezra inherits these qualities I remember of Baubie Esther - Her devotion to family and friends, her strong sence of community and her eagerness to learn and try new things.

Ezra's middle name is James and is named after my mothers father Dr. James [withheld]. Granddad lives in Ohio and my visits to Granddad and Grandmom's during the cource of my childhood are some of my favorite memories. Granddad has many hobbies at which he excels: Gardening, woodwork, stained glass artwork and I remember him also mastering breadmaking. Granddad is a retired doctor and was passionate about his career and it was very important to him that he was helping others. I hope Ezra james will also show the same determination needed to pursue and master whatever his interests as well as be passionate about making the world a better place by coming to the aid of others.

Sleep it off, kid