Tali's Comments at Joey Gaal's Bar Mitzvah

Gaal, how can I summarize 13 years in a few lines?  Although scarier would be the thought of writing more than a few lines. As I tried to come –up with the right words I realized I would need some inspiration. In order to write about you and you life, I went to the most natural place that I could---your room. As I opened the door the site of clothes and artifacts with the ending of “board”: skateboard; surfboard; skin board; soundboard and whatever board, lying all over the place appeared . The items can wait, Gaal is in no hurry, at the end of the day, it will all be o.k. And I realized then that this is what is so unique in you, your admirable calmness and your ability to flow. As your name, Gaal, in English translates “wave”. We wanted to give you a name that had to do with the ocean, the movement of water, and it turns out it was the perfect name for you. Even though so many know you as Joey, it is Gaal that flows in your veins. How could you in any other way be able to survive and blossom in the fast paced, ever-rushing, high demanding, always achieving,  never hesitating, goal oriented household and family? How otherwise would you be able to overcome and perfect the most complex, challenging, tongue twisting Haphtarah portion?  

So I pause for a moment, which is not so natural for me, and I conclude we can all learn a thing or two from you. I appreciate your peaceful, easy-going, and excepting ways. Your “shanty” laid back manner attracts and inspires everyone around you. You friendship, presence and love is desirable by many indifferent to age, gender, or faith.  

I am certain you will succeed in any path you set to follow, and I hope that along the journey, especially at difficult crossroads, you will be able to follow your own personal truth, always respecting yourself and others.  

I am blessed to have you in my life, and I feel blessed to look around this room filled with friends and family from many ends of the world. Thank you all for making this day even more spectacular.