Black-Belt Asher Inspired by Israel Trip
Asher Laderberg, a taekwondo expert and clarinet player, reveled in having his Israeli relatives fly here for his bar mitzvah.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
On Aug. 24, family and friends celebrated Asher Laderberg’s bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell. The ceremony was filled with meaning and tradition, marking Asher’s transition into Jewish adulthood. The celebration continued in the social hall at TBT, where guests enjoyed an afternoon of music, food, and fun, and an ample supply of Asher’s imprinted name.
Asher is an eighth-grade student at Cumberland Academy. Mom, Paulabeth Weinberger, said, “He is a talented and active young man with many passions, including taekwondo—where he holds a black belt— baseball, soccer, music, and reading. He performs in musical theatre with Georgia Ensemble and plays the clarinet.”
For his mitzvah service project, Asher chose to support Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and local animal adoption services, reflecting his love for animals and his commitment to giving back to the community.
For his Torah portion, Asher read from Parshat Eikev. In his speech, he shared his thoughts about responsibility and consequences, tying in a personal story that taught him valuable lessons. Eikev (“as a result”) is the 46th weekly portion as Moses recounts the events that happened in the desert including the manna, golden calf and Aaron’s death, followed by the blessings the Israelites will receive if they follow G-d’s law.
The service was led by Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner and Cantor Nancy Kessel, who shared words of encouragement and wisdom with Asher. One of the rabbi’s most touching messages was about the importance of resilience and integrity, “values that Asher exemplifies every day.” A particularly special moment in the ceremony was when Asher wore a tallit that he picked out in Jerusalem from his visit there a few weeks prior to the catastrophic events that unfolded in October 2023.
The celebration included all the things Asher enjoys: music, baseball, and games, creating an upbeat and pumped up atmosphere. For the cuisine, catered by Proof of the Pudding, all the kosher-inspired food was chosen based on Asher’s favorites, including mac ‘n cheese, pasta, and bagels, ensuring that everyone else got to enjoy the dishes he loves. An enticing fruit display and sushi stacks were part of the bill of fare. Potato latkes topped with sour cream and caviar rounded out the menu. The dessert table was a gathering point of “sugar highs,” featuring cotton candy, snowcones, and Dance Your “Asher” Off Donuts — a live action donut and ice cream flambe station.
Family and friends traveled from the U.S. and abroad to celebrate with Asher, including family from Virginia, Texas, and his great aunt and uncle from Israel, Bia and Ilan, who gave a special and moving prayer for peace during the service. The presence of his remote family made the occasion even more special.
In fall 2023, Asher and his mom visited Israel with his family to see his grandfather’s side of the family, who remain there. During the trip, they also traveled to Jordan to visit Petra, an experience that left a lasting impression on Asher. His takeaway from the trip was gaining a deeper appreciation for his heritage and family roots, as well as the incredible history of the region. Visiting Jerusalem, the Wall, and the underground tunnels, in particular, amazed him with its breathtaking architecture and the realization of how civilizations have thrived there for thousands of years.
When asked about his “happy emotions remaining” from the bar mitzvah weekend, Asher said, “My favorite part was being able to celebrate this big accomplishment that I worked very hard on with all my family and friends. Also, the dance floor and donuts!”
Mom, Paulabeth, said, ‘The entire weekend was a joyous and unforgettable experience, celebrating Asher’s hard work, dedication, and the bright future ahead of him.”
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