The Beautiful Meaning Of The Upsherin

Family traditions move me. I think that’s the reason why I love to photograph events. Whether it’s a first dance as Man and Wife at a wedding, a Sweet 16 or a birthday party; they all have significance for families and, as always, I’m more than happy to be there to document it for future generations to look back on.

I had the pleasure of meeting the Goldberg Family recently and having the honor to photograph Emmet’s third birthday party. Who doesn’t love going to a 3 year old’s party? Families getting together, regardless of the occasion, has a soft spot in my heart. Not only Emmet’s party was about him turning three years old, it was was a celebration of the Upsherin they were going to do.

Turning three years old for a little boy is pretty significant in any family. No longer are they babies and you can’t call them toddlers too much longer. No more bottles or diapers and at that age kids speak in complete sentences to tell their view of the world through their eyes. Kids at that age fascinate me. I love the conversations they hold at that age. But for some Jewish families, the meaning of turning three is a lot more.

For those who do not know what an Upsherin ceremony is, it’s basically when a boy turns three the family cuts his hair. Of course there’s a deeper meaning to it, and here is when family traditions move me. No longer he is a little boy. He can now begin to study the Torah, he will now wear a kipah as well as a tzitzis, and he will be taught to pray and read in Hebrew. It’s pretty significant and having family around to witness it makes it even more momentous.

As he was he licking his hebrew letters that were soaked in honey, Emmet did so wonderful as different family members cut his hair while others sang in unison and clapped their hands. Not all members could be there for this beautiful event. You know…covid. Mom made sure that FaceTime was on and that the Grandparents can be a part of the celebration.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Emmet. What a pleasure and honor it was to be there with your family and to be a witness to such a beautiful tradition.