Our Day on the B-List

This past Saturday, Robyn and I attended a Bat Mitzvah of a former student from last year. We definitely got a little slack for going; however, we felt that this student was an exception. Somehow, we really connected with her and her family. So, we RSVP’ d YES. Had we not done this, we would not have experienced life on the B list.
The day began with a temple service. Robyn and I decided that we would like to become Reformed Jews. Despite the same amount of up and down standing as our fellow Conservative tribesmen, there was a ton of English and the beloved organ. Oh—and the service was less than 2 hours door to door. When we arrived, our host, noticing our entrance from her throne on the bema, pointed us out to her parents seated in the front row. They turned around and waved. Soon some tween girls we knew began shuffling in behind our row, all giggles, stage whispers and hair-did.
At noon, the service was over and with an hour to spare before the party, Robyn and I saw the time as a shop-ortunity. We power spent our way through Express (brushed gold hoops on sale for me, shirt and scarves for her) and Victoria’s Secret (PINK sweats for me and 2 new bras to accommodate my expanding maternal bosom).
We arrived fashionably late and secured our spots at the bar. Seltzer, Diet Coke, cheese and veggies accompanied our people watching and by people watching we were scoping out our students’ outfits. There was definitely an assortment of appropriate, to prom circa ’84 to slutty. Basically, the kids were dressed consistently with the way the dress for school. From time to time, kids would approach and say hello, but they drew the line at when we were sitting to eat. We were literally social pariahs at that moment. However, it was not until the candle lighting ceremony that Robyn and I reached B-list celebrity status, even higher than Kathy Griffin!
It was candle number 7 that changed the tide. After a brief intro, the Shapiro-Levys were called to the center of the room. We nervously helped light the candle and smiled for the camera. Suddenly, adults wanted to speak to us. They took an interest in what we taught and even gave us tips on where to find the “best pour” in alcoholic beverages for after work! Kids began initiating even more conversation, even requesting that we pose with them in those pictures where you choose your background, such as the sunset beach scene we beamed proudly in.
The whole Shapiro-Levy comment was not lost on either one of us, however. When we said our good byes, posing again with the parental hosts for a professional photog shot, we even told them how we wondered if people thought we were not just teachers, but a couple expecting their first baby together. Laughter and Mazel Tovs all around.
Overall, Robyn and I felt honored to be a part of this milestone day; having had our Bat Mitzvahs, we know that it is a day that we still remember. How great it was for us, B-List and all, to be part of this. In a thankless job, this was a huge thank you. Shalom.