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04/30/2011 05:22 PM

Becoming a Bar Mitzvah at age 91

By: Beth Croughan

It's the rite of passage for young men and women in the Jewish community, but as our Beth Croughan found out, it's never too late to become a Bar Mitzvah.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- "We traditionally have our young men and women, when they reach the age of 13, are called to the Torah, to establish their deep connection and affinity to Judaism," explained Rabbi Yael Romer, the Spiritual Leader at Temple Emanuel.

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the journey for young Jewish men and women, into adulthood, but this isn't a story about boy becomes man. At the age of 91, George Svirsky was called to the torah.

"When he said he's never been Bar Mitzvah'd, I just said, alright you know, I'm going to call the Rabbi and that's it. We're going to make a Bar Mitzvah for you," said Glenn Grubard, the Brotherhood President at Temple Emanuel.

The Giants fan grew up in Ulster Park. When it came time for him to take Bar Mitzvah lessons, the only way to the Synagogue in Kingston was by boat.

"At that time, we had basically no money. So my mother and father both said forget it. They didn't go to Synagogue," explained George Svirsky.

But George continued his faith and eventually joined Temple Emanuel. It's where he married the love of his life, Becky.

"My wife passed away a year ago and I took it very badly. I did a lot of crying, like I'm doing now," he said.

With help from the Rabbi and people like Glenn and Sloane Grubard, George began a healing process. He visits the synagogue regularly and volunteers weekly at BINGO.

"For some reason, I don't know why, I told him I've never been Bar Mitzvah'd," he said of a conversation he had with Glenn Grubard.

But he did, and now, they celebrate.

"It's a celebration not only of him, but of his love and relationship with Becky," explained the Rabbi.

"She would have enjoyed this so much," said George as he addressed the crowd Saturday.

He enjoyed the day he became a Bar Mitzvah.