In Mazel Tov, celebrity journalist Jill Rappaport and photographer Linda Solomon offer an intimate glimpse of the bar or bat mitzvahs of some of the most talented people in entertainment, politics and business. This remarkable book brings together stories and never-before-seen family photos of a variety of public figures, as they look back on their thirteen-year-old selves and reminisce about the celebration that marked their transition into adulthood.
The wonderfully candid interviews in Mazel Tov document deeply poignant, and often hilariously awkward, moments in these very public lives. Interviewees include Jeremy Piven, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Marlee Matlin, Richard Dreyfuss, Ronald Perelman, Howie Mandel, Gene Shalit, Harvey Fierstein, Judy Gold, Larry King, Donny Deutsch, Michael Kors, Charles Grodin, Josh and Andy Bernstein, and many others. Their experiences run the gamut: Kirk Douglas decided to be bar mitzvahed twice, while others, like Noah Wyle, always wanted one but never had the chance. There are stories of bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, confirmations, and the only documented "bark" mitzvah, held in honor of two beloved pets. Though the stories vary greatly in their detail, they all express a common appreciation for values and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.
Illustrated with photos pulled from family albums as well as contemporary portraits, Mazel Tov is an appealing tribute to the enduring bonds of faith and family.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
great book:
this was a great book. i bought it for my daughter whose bat mitzvah is in a few weeks and she loved it. it was so funny to see the pictures of the celebs and their bar and bat mitzvahs. great gift for anyone who has had or is having a bat mitzvah.
Mazel Tov: Celebrities' Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories:
Great book. I bought two copies to give as gifts. I started reading one and never gave it away - it was so funny and interesting. Really interesting to see the celebrities were just like everyone else when they were 13 -
Coffee table book, for sure:
My husband thought I'd like this book after he saw a feature about it on the Today show. I think one of the authors is a contributor to the show with Hollywood gossip. It's not a bad book but, it could have been much better. The pictures are great! The funniest bit is about Howie Mandel--not much of a surprise since he's a funny guy. Quite a few of the subjects like Noah Wyle and Richard Dreyfuss didn't even have Bar Mitzvahs. Why were they included? For the most part, the choice of celebrities... more info
wonderful:
I first read of this book in the NY Times Book Review, & showed it to my mom-in-law. She seemed very interested, & so gave it to her as part of her birthday gift. She is an avid reader who likes intellectual stimulation. She found the book to be well written & fascinating.
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