When a Rabba’s Son Becomes a Man …
Ari chose a bright blue theme as a tribute to Israel. Meanwhile, he had to pivot for a venue change 48 hours prior to the event.
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 May 11, 2024, at Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Rabba Amanda Veazey Flaks and Joseph Flaks blessed their son, Ari, on becoming a bar mitzvah and spoke of his meaningful accomplishments and dedication to Yiddishkeit.
As Ari’s mom and an ordained rabbi, Amanda Veazey Flaks decided early in the mitzvah preparation process to “be his mom” rather than “his rabbi.” She stated, “We are so lucky to have a team of incredible rabbis; and I was able to fully focus on my duties as mom and host.”
Ari’s parsha was Kedoshim where he connected with the concepts in the parsha that discussed leaving the edges of the fields ripe with food so the poor could come eat. Ari has donated his time and resources to several organizations that help feed the hungry and improve food security. Out of respect for the dignity of the recipients, Ari is not disclosing the name of his mitzvah project recipient but noted that the organization is local and focused on eliminating hunger. Ari’s speech focused particularly on “loving the stranger as yourself” and leaving the corners of the farmlands for those who are hungry to partake.
Ari suffered a concussion in February, and his studies took a back seat to healing. Ari expressed how kind and supportive people had been to him during his recovery period. Rabba Veazey Flaks said, “We engaged an incredible tutor who was a godsend to Ari as he navigated Ari’s concussion recovery.”
Rabba Veazey Flaks said, “The service was a beautiful, collective effort between Ari, our family, and friends.” Rabbi Daniel Dorsch offered some sentimental anecdotes about meeting Ari and the Flaks family when Dorsch joined the congregation in 2017 and noted the family’s dedication to community. He praised Ari’s tenacity and kindness.
To bring forth great energy and sentiment, Ari davened with his paternal great-grandfather’s tefillin, Cantor Shlomo Flaks, in the days leading up to the bar mitzvah service. Shlomo Flaks was a cantor who immigrated to the United States as Hitler rose to power in his adopted hometown of Amsterdam. Shlomo later returned to Europe during the war and helped rescue more of his family members.
The unofficial theme of the service was a dedication and recognition of the State of Israel. Ari designed his kipot with Lions of Judah and asked the family to wear the bright warm blue hue found in the Israeli flag.
Rabba Veazey Flak’s dress was handmade in Nigeria by Ray Darten, an organization that supports African women and their families with western-cut designs in traditional African prints and hat from a milliner in Israel. Ari’s sister’s, Margot, dress was by Tahari. The men’s suits were off the rack.
All the weekend events were held at Etz Chaim including a Shabbos dinner catered by Bagelicious. To manage some drama and extra “spice” to the weekend, they had a venue change for the party less than 48 hours before the mitzvah. Rabba Veazey Flaks stated, “We were planning to host the party at our home but moved to our synagogue at the last minute. We hosted our family and friends for a night of ‘giant’ games (like Jenga, axe throwing, checkers), a Mediterranean dinner catered by a private chef, and an epic slideshow after Havdalah by Ari’s dad.”
Guests from Washington, D.C., North Carolina, New York, Portland, Nashville, and across Georgia were hosted, along with folks streaming via Zoom from Israel and across the United States.
Ari is a student at Dickerson Middle School in East Cobb. His hobbies include playing video games, spending time with friends, traveling with family, swimming, and working with animals (especially cats).
Looking back, Ari concluded, “It is really cool that I now get to count in minyan!”
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