Bloom Family Celebration

Cool 60's architecture at
Temple Beth Jacob, Redwood City, CA

Samantha Bloom (daughter of my cousin Barry and his wife, Alex) had her Bat Mitzvah this past weekend up in the Bay Area. Larry and I drove up to San Carlos with Mom and my step-dad for this occasion. We had a nice ride up to Northern California on Friday and had dinner with my step-brother in Menlo Park.
Saturday morning we arrived at Temple Beth Jacob for the 10 a.m. service. Samantha and all of her friends were hovering around the entrance to the Temple. I haven't seen Sammy in about 3 years. I must say, she looks all grown up at 13! She read her portion of the Torah and gave her Bat Mitzvah speech. She was so poised and professional.

Sammy holding the Torah, with her family and the Rabbi

Cousin Sasha, Mom and Hal

After the service we drove to downtown Redwood City to this billard parlour in an old bank building. It was quite charming. A catered buffet lunch was served, many speeches and toasts ensued and a great time was had by all. Later that evening we went over to Cousin Barry's and Alexandra's home in San Carlos for dinner and more celebrating. It's always great to see the whole extended family at a happy occasion.

Uncle Hi and Aunt Betty,
Grandparents of the Bat Mitzvah Girl

Samantha Mineko Bloom and her dad, Barry Bloom

On Sunday morning we all piled back into Mom's big car and drove down to the outlet stores at Gilroy for a little shopping, then to lunch at this great noodle house just outside of Gilroy on Highway 152. We listened to old radio shows on the way home and eventually stopped for dinner at the Woodside BBQ in Valencia for dinner. We got home at around 8pm. It was a tiring drive, but well worth the trip.
Mazel tov, Sammy!