To turn 13 is a thing of wonder. It’s that first big milestone in a young person’s life where you feel like something transcendental is happening. Something that puts you on the path to being a bigger and better you. In this ceremony that is laden with thousands of years of beautiful tradition within the Jewish faith, Maya was given the right of passage to be more responsible for her own self and to handle herself with more grace and confidence.

Maya’s big day was on a glorious summer day this past June 18th. Following a lovely service at Temple Chayai Shalom, in South Easton, MA, her mother, father, sister, and the rest of her family and close friends traveled north on I93 to the town of Quincy. Maya, accompanied by all of her friends, arrived with much fanfare via a classic styled yellow school bus. They all piled out and into the big white tent at Granite Links Country Club, which was set up with a beach theme as if to highlight “School’s over, let the fun begin!”

With DJ’s Scott and Cubey, the afternoon did not disappoint those in attendance who came with their dancing shoes on and for those lacking dancing shoes, festive flip flops were provided. Guests were treated to hours of varied entertainment, dancing and games, and the folks at Granite Links served up a wide array of tasty foods and desserts.

And so it was on this brilliant sunny summer afternoon, Maya and everyone who is close to her, made a lasting memory of a very special day.