12.13.2005 | The $100,000 Bar Mitzvah

Just when I thought I'd heard of every wretched excess, now comes the $100,000 bar mitzvah. According to this story in the Washington Post (and they only lie about important things, so this is probably right on the money...). Apparently such things are somewhat common, at least in New York City, where, according to the Post, "Hundreds of New York bar mitzvahs cost $100,000 or more. Many top the quarter-million-dollar mark."

I've absolutely nothing against the wealthy. As to how people use their wealth, I'm quite willing to call wasteful spending by its proper name: wretched excess. Now, there's always going to be some Birkenstock-wearing, Volvo-driving, Ben & Jerry's eating prig who'll tell me not to drive my SUV or turn on (or even have) air conditioning in my home. And how many of us truly adhere to the "less is more" philosophy, and minimize our environmental footprint on the Earth?

The point is that it is one thing to have some comfort, and safety on the road. But to spend six figures so some spoiled brat can have a party? Worse, it's the nominal purpose of the celebration that gets lost. A bar mitzvah should be a solemn affair, in keeping with the seriousness of what it is: making the recipient a son of the covenant (bar mitzvah translates literally as "son of commandment"). That's with God.

Now, it could be I've read the Big Guy all wrong. But I really think that God would be much happier if the bar mitzvah boy-and-now man would focus on his new responsibilities. Perhaps as written by the prophet Micah (6:8):

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Which just might include finding a way to help those less fortunate with some of the monies otherwise spent on a frivolity.