Celebrating Gaye Daniels’ Bat Mitzvah – Shabbat Chayei Sarah

Kehillat Nashira
Nov 10
2 min read

Updated: Nov 12

Colorful artwork with camels and people. Text: "Gaye Daniels Reflects on Her Bat Mitzvah Journey." Shabbat Chayei Sarah on 15 Nov, service times listed.

This coming Shabbat ,we will gather for Parashat Chayei Sarah and to celebrate a truly special milestone - Gaye Daniels’ Bat Mitzvah.

We caught up with her to hear what inspired her to take this step, how she’s been preparing, and what this moment means to her.

What inspired you to celebrate your Bat Mitzvah at this stage in your life?

“Actually, Juno, my granddaughter. I was so impressed with Juno at her Bat Mitzvah that I wondered if I’d be capable of doing it. So at my tender age of …. I approached Rabbi Miriam, and now it has come around.

"When I started on this journey, I never thought in a million years that I was ever going to do the whole Haftara. I actually had asked Sheara, my daughter, at the beginning if she’d do a chunk. It’s a long Haftara! Halfway through, I thought, maybe I can do it after all, and I went for it.

"Happily, I thought the amount of leining and Maftir that I had was doable, but I was still apprehensive.

"Growing up in the 60s, nothing was offered to girls. Cheder was boring, and tradition was that girls took a back seat to boys. Even if you were remotely observant, this wasn’t an option. However, watching all you wonderful women and girls participating in the service is so beautiful. And I’m so delighted that girls growing up today can participate in the service and not be looked down upon. They will grow up knowing that they are encouraged to participate and that they are capable.”

How have you been preparing for this special milestone?

“Lessons, learning and more learning. Plus dedication and perseverance. And I mustn’t forget the encouragement and support of Rabbi Miriam and Yolande and my family.”

What does becoming Bat Mitzvah mean to you personally?

“I was going to say that at my age it’s just an achievement, but I’ve proved to myself that I can do it, and I think I would like to do more. I did find it challenging, but who knows what the future will bring.”

Why is marking this occasion on Parashat Chayei Sarah particularly meaningful for you?

“When I set out on this journey, I wanted something as near to my birthday as possible. I hadn’t really thought about the date and parasha being particularly meaningful at the time.

"Reading through all of Chayei Sara made me think about our history. Originally I thought, "great, the original Matriarch!" but I was surprised to learn that it starts with Sarah’s death and burial. I then got thinking about the situation in the world, and I’m fascinated that Ishmael and Isaac seemed to be friends when Abraham died. What happened afterwards and the animosity today feels different with that context. There are so many questions that arise from each question and answer. Looks like more studying is on its way...”