For most boys it only takes 13 years to become a man. For John Harvard, it took 401. The extra 388 years only meant, however, that the party was that much more poppin’.
If you were around Mt. Auburn St. on Saturday night, then you probably heard the music blasting from Hillel as dozens of students got together to celebrate Harvard’s bar mitzvah in style. On the dance floor, a disco ball colored the walls as a DJ blasted everything from Miley to T-Pain, transforming the worship room into a shrine to the party gods.
Merav D. Silverman ’10, who planned the event, explains that the purpose of the party was to show that, “Jews can have a great time, too!” And they certainly can. The crowd danced for hours and enjoyed the myriad of food and drink available. “We have beer, wine, a John Harvard bar mitzvah mazel tov cake, and much more. And it’s all kosher, of course!” said Silverman.
Partygoers Brenda C. Cohen ’10 and Rose M. Ruback ’10, both in high heels and taking a break from the dance floor, discussed the success of their first Hillel party. “I think it’s a cute idea for a party,” said Cohen, “our friend is throwing it...and it turned out to be a really good time.” When asked if John Harvard was Jewish, Ruback replied, “I assume not.”
But who cares? Any excuse is a good excuse to get together and party with the Hillel community, especially when it stays PG-13. Harvard would have been proud. “We kept the grinding under control,” said Silverman.
And as was written by the entrance to the party: “John Harvard, today you are a man. Mazel tov! Love, Lisa.” Mazel tov indeed, Harvard!
