Becoming a bar mitzvah at 88
On August 9, Vladimir (Velvel) Bliakhman, 88, celebrated his bar mitzvah with the help of Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz. Although he could not celebrate becoming bar mitzvah when he was 13, Mr. Bliakhman had a deep desire to explore his Jewish heritage.
He was born in 1935 and lived in Russia for 76 years before immigrating to the United States 12 years ago. He and his wife, Anna (Chana), who also is 88, moved to a senior housing complex in Parsippany to be closer to their son, Oleg, and his family.
For health reasons, Mr. Bliakhman was unable to go to the Chabad synagogue for the bar mitzvah, so it was celebrated at his home. The rabbi helped Mr. Bliakhman put on his tallis and tefillin, and together they recited the Shema. Mr. Bliakhman also fulfilled the mitzvah of giving tzedakah by putting coins in a charity box. The celebration continued with a toast, heartfelt l’chaims, blessings to the couple, singing, and a gift of a Hebrew Russian siddur.
Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz of Chabad of West Orange was introduced to Oleg, a skating instructor at Codey Arena in West Orange, by Lisa Kops, another instructor. Steve and Lisa Kops are longtime friends and members of Chabad of West Orange; their daughter, Hailey Kops, skated for Israel in the Olympics last winter.
“Velvel’s bar mitzvah at the age of 88 serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to embrace our heritage and traditions,” Rabbi Kasowitz said. “Velvel and Chana’s story teaches us to seize the mitzvah opportunities that come our way, regardless of age or circumstance.”
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