Still Sixty!

Turning 60 is a life-changing event. It has special significance in Judaism. Most important, after the age of sixty, one is no longer eligible for the serious Halachik, Jewish Law, punishment of Karet, being banished from the Jewish People.

The age of 60 is half the number in the blessing, עד מאה ועשריםת ad me'ah v'esrim, until a hundred and twenty. So, one of the replies by the celebrant is to say:

"I hear that the second half is shorter."

I've been celebrating a lot. My movie club friends made me a surprise party about a month ago, and I shared a festive neighborhood Shabbat meal with a neighbor who turned sixty a couple of days after me.

On Friday, family and friends made it to Shiloh for big party, which included a tour of Tel Shiloh. Well-known baker, Herbie, prepared me a special cookie. His wife Debbie is one of the friends I've known the longest. We were on the NCSY National Board when we were high school seniors.

As part of the festivities, my husband led a tour of Tel Shiloh.

The Tel has been the location for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations and other events. I think that my party was the first to celebrate turning 60!