ACOT Message Board

Here are a couple pics of the Bar Mitzvah boy, my DGS Penn. These were actually taken the day before since photography isn't permitted on the Sabbath.



I can't put into words how proud we are of him. Penn has worked hard to overcome a serious anxiety disorder, Selective Mutism, that made it impossible for him to speak with anyone outside of his immediate family (and me). To hear his beautiful voice as he chanted the Torah and read his lesson literally brought me to tears. (as did his father when he talked of Penn's journey to finding his "brave voice".)

Karyn! How amazing! What a sweet story! Great pictures too!

That's amazing!! Congrats!!

Great photos and how wonderful for Penn!  Proud family moment for sure.

Thank you for sharing!  What a wonderful moment for Penn and your family

Norma

Beautiful photos and love how he has been able to find his voice. Proud moment for sure! congrats to him

Mazel Tov!

Great photos, thanks so much for posting them.

That's amazing!  Congratulations!

Wow! How special! Love your photos.

congratulations to him!  the pictures are great--and i have to say i love his hair lol!  what a special moment for all of you 

stinkerbelle wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 24, 2025 11:23 pm

congratulations to him!  the pictures are great--and i have to say i love his hair lol!  what a special moment for all of you 

He says he gets his bravery from him hair - like Samson - so he didn't want to cut it!

Thanks for sharing and congratulations to Penn!  That is wonderful to hear he is triumphing over his selective mutism!  I have had 2 students that struggled with that...both really talented artists.  Praying for Penn to continue his path and to continue making progress.

Congratulations to Penn, and what a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it and his wonderful photos with us!