On Saturday, December 20, the Associação Israelita Catarinense (AIC) experienced a special moment with the celebration of the Adult B’Mitzvah of Gustavo Costa, vice president of the institution. The ceremony was marked by spirituality, music, and a strong sense of communal belonging.
The religious service was led by Gustavo, together with Rabbi Kelita Cohen, symbolizing an ongoing commitment to Jewish learning, lived Judaism, and community leadership. On Friday evening, Kabbalat Shabbat was celebrated with the lighting of the chanukiah, bringing together Shabbat and Chanukah in an atmosphere of light, renewal, and joy.
The ceremony featured accordion accompaniment, adding emotion and sensitivity to the service and enriching the collective spiritual experience.
The event was also attended by David Britva Beraha, Executive Director of UJR-AmLat, who had the opportunity to engage with community members, gain a deeper understanding of the AIC’s reality, and strengthen institutional ties with the Jewish community of Santa Catarina.
UJR-AmLat extends special thanks to Miriam Lafer Schevz, president of the AIC, for the warm welcome, care, and openness in hosting this meaningful moment. Celebrations like this reaffirm the importance of the Adult B’Mitzvah as a path to belonging, lifelong learning, and the strengthening of Progressive Jewish life in our communities.
