What do you get when you mix together an amalgam of Cajun French tradition with ancient Jewish rituals and throw in adolescent hormones for a twist? 

Give up? 

You get one wild and crazy Bat Mitzvah! 

I had the honor of photographing my coworker's GRANDdaughter's Bat Mitzvah.  I put the "grand" in capitals because I've said it many many times, documenting generations of families is one of my favorite things to do.  For me, photography is all about relationships and documenting the love a family has for each other, especially through the generations.  At this Bat Mitzvah in particular, I absolutely adored the sight of the guest of honor's Safta and Tanta and other beloved relatives dancing the Hora at their child's child's Bat Mitzvah.  I love it because I know their mind was filled with memories of doing the same for their child a whole generation ago.  Now, I don't think they have visions of doing the Cha Cha Slide thirty years ago but I am sure they enjoyed it just as much as I did!

I wish I could say that I acted professionally the entire night and that I did not "accidentally" throw an elbow when the games started but those who were there know what I'm talking about: that game of musical chairs got pretty rabid!  And sometimes, you gotta take no prisoners, professional or not!  I also wish I could say that I didn't beg the DJ to play Coke and Pepsi so I could maintain my 32 year reign as Coke and Pepsi Champ but the moment the games started, it was like I was transported back to 1991 and I was a kid right along with them. 

My embarrassing antics aside, I think I had more fun than anyone there and not just at the event but in getting to know this incredibly awesome super funny devastatingly gorgeous young woman.  In getting to know her, I learned koalas are cool, the letter L is a boy, and her pet shark's name is Mr. FluffyCuddlekins.  Now, her Safta doesn't know about him so shhh...keep that one between us!

As the old Yiddish saying goes, "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Oy vey!"

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