Chrissie's Adult Bat Mitzvah of heart and heritage

One of Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community’s most treasured members, Chrissie Hassall, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at the age of 82. It was a heartfelt milestone long dreamt of and finally fulfilled.

Chrissie’s presence in the community goes back as long as most can remember, and her journey reached a wonderful zenith as she stood before loved ones and the congregation and read from the Torah, a tradition she holds close to her heart.

Her voice carried not just the divinely inspired stories, but her decades of dedication, strength, and commitment to Jewish life.

Chrissie said: “It was my ambition to read the Torah and Peterborough Community taught me and helped me to achieve this. It was a very happy occasion and I am glad I did it.”

To mark the occasion, Janet Berkman, Chair of PLJC, presented Chrissie with a certificate of recognition alongside a treasured book of poetry by Lotte Kramer, the community’s oldest member, to symbolise the succession of wisdom and creativity shared across the generations.

During an extended Kiddush, Chrissie was surprised with a cake decorated with her Hebrew name, a sweet tribute to an inspiring woman.

Photos:

Top: Chrissie Hassall with Service Leader and Ba’al Tefillah, Graham Berkman

Right: Chrissie Hassall with Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Chair, Janet Berkman