Gaby Goes Batucada for Her Bat Mitzvah

It’s difficult to follow the timeline for Gaby Golden’s bat mitzvah which was originally around Oct. 7. The bat mitzvah date was changed three times, from 2023 to 2024. The first was August, the second was November, and last date, September. The November date was actually scheduled to take place in Israel.

Gaby said, “Never would I have thought that I would be offered the opportunity to have a mitzvah in Israel. Every other mitzvah that I attended was local. At 11, dad, Howie, gave me a choice of Israel or Atlanta. We spoke for many months about what Israel would mean and the experience it would provide. After a lot of thought, I decided that having it abroad would be an opportunity of a lifetime. To travel to the Promised Land seemed like the right decision. When the tragic events of Oct. 7 happened, I was devastated. The images in Israel were a lot to comprehend. I was beyond saddened as we were so close and everything at that time was focused on final plans. I realized the focus changed to those affected by the horrific events.”

Approximately 150 guests celebrated with the Goldens at Temple Sinai with a party later at Orbits Arts Academy, where Gabby is a student. In the revised Atlanta plan, Temple Sinai Rabbi Brad Levenberg officiated. Gaby wore the kippah tradition: from grandfather, “Poppy,” and Howie, plus a tallit (from the other grandparents) that was sheer white with purple stripes.

She “twinned” Pasha Vayetze with Liza Goldin, a Jewish girl murdered in Treblinka concentration camp. Born in 1925 in Rozany, Poland, Liza perished in 1942 at 17. Gaby said, “Having her with me left a deeper understanding of the moment; and sharing my Torah portion with her was beyond special. During the service, my friends surprised me and sang a song which left me speechless and the congregation in awe. I really loved having all my family and friends there to support me, while I can vividly remember my friends making hearts with their hands which was so cool.”

Now a Walton High School student, Gaby’s passions are singing and acting at Orbits Arts Academy. She also played competitive golf with Georgia State Golf Association. Currently, she is focusing on acting while assigning golf to free time. Her mitzvah project was supporting Orbits and bringing awareness to the arts. She noted, “Orbits reserves a big place in my life, providing a supportive community since I was 8.”

The party started with a Hollywood/Broadway theme with giant cardboard cutouts of Oscar Awards at the entrance a red carpet featuring, “GABY,” in giant letters. The tables had Broadway musical centerpieces and draped around them were large canvas pictures of Gaby golfing.  For the “Wow,” Brazilian drum group Batucada performed in elaborate costumes.

The party planner was Trendy Fun Party with DJ Atlanta Fever. The montage video was by Todd Parker. Gaby’s fav song was Queen’s, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Sister, Alexa, and Gaby wore Nikes that they bedazzled with rhinestones. Gaby wore a short, sparkly, red dress.

Catered by Proof of the Pudding, adults enjoyed Mexican, Italian, and carving stations. The kids had burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, and pasta. The dessert display was a donut wall and pastry assortment. Favors were tumblers with logos of Gaby singing.

Looking back, Gaby said, “Many say my montage was the best they had ever seen. It captivated my family and how silly we are. Also, my mom came up with a cool dance performance during dinner by Orbits as if we were watching a show.”