Dad's Speech at the Reception

Hi everyone — I promise this won’t take long, I know Ruby's probably already halfway into her fifth Shirley Temple. I just want to say: Wow. What a day it’s been.

Who was at Temple this morning? How did Ruby do?

Let’s talk facts: This morning, Ruby you, didn’t just become a bat mitzvah — you speedran the Torah. You hard carried that service. Torah, Haftorah, D’var Torah. Musaf. Ruby it was really giving rabbi vibes. You understood the assignment. You ate and left no crumbs. No cap!

And now here we are tonight — surrounded by so many people who love you. I want to thank all of our friends, our family, and especially those who traveled from out of town to be here. It means the world to us.

Ruby, I don’t know how to say this without embarrassing you, but… you’re actually KIND OF ICONIC. You’ve got MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY, you keep it 100, and you’re not afraid to tell me when I’m being EXTRA or when my jokes are “cringe.” Which they’re not. But okay.

And To Ruby’s friends — thank you for being her people. Thank you for the laughs, the Snaps, the TikToks — and all the memories you guys make at Starbucks, YAAAS Tea, Krispy Mango, or the ice cream runs at Kilwins, or Milky Ways, or the Ice Cream Chick (all in the same day). You guys are a big part of what makes tonight so special.

To Kraze — thank you for planning, organizing, and holding this whole day together with style, grace, and thank you for occasionally looking at the Bat Mitzvah spreadsheet. Also, thank you for sticking to a budget! I don’t know who came up with that budget, but good job sticking to it. You are the heart of the family and the real MVP of this simcha.

Ruby — you are funny, fierce, creative, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. You speak your mind, you keep it real, and you're never afraid to stand up for what you believe in. That strength is one of the many reasons we’re all so proud of you.

So everyone — raise your glass, your Shirley Temples — whatever you’ve got.

To Ruby: we love you so much. Let’s party!