May 14th, 2012

Bat-zilla…

by Terri Libenson

    

Lately, you may have noticed a certain theme cropping up in the strip. If you’re wondering whether I’m going through similar drama in my own household, the answer is a big fat SORTA.

I’ve been waiting literally years to write about the process of planning a Bat Mitzvah. It’s an obvious rite of passage for this Jewish cartoon family – not only for Amy, but for anal-retentive, neurotic Jill. Other train-wreck scenarios: monetary conflict for the parents, a learning struggle for Amy, and a left-out sibling, Jess. A wealth of material….and my family’s living it!

But…

I write about 4-5 months ahead, so I’m predicting a lot. I’m also taking a few creative liberties (think Perfectville as the party planner). Still, it’s remarkably on-track. My own daughter is already nervous, and her mitzvah is still a year away. My husband and I have been scouring the city for a venue, DJ, and photographer (and trying sooo hard not to turn this into a wedding-like event). Meanwhile, we already got the date for my younger daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in 2015. Help!

If you have a few Bar/t Mitzvah stories of your own that you’d like to get off your chest (which could possibly be turned into comic fodder), send me some. I accept ideas, stories, and free counseling.