a light went on in his head.

“I’m leaning in,” he said. “I’ve developed a closeness to
Judaism.” Solis decided to resume his Hebrew study because “it was just
something I wanted to do,” he said. He lives in what he describes
as “an old folks’ home,” and he spends much of his time in his
room. “Doing nothing,” he said. “You don’t feel very worthwhile.”
But Solis certainly felt worthwhile on the day of his ceremony.

About 10 or 12 family members came to Elkins Park to
support their patriarch, including Solis’ two sons, his daughter-
in-law and one of his grandsons. His girlfriend Reeta Goodman
and her daughter Pam Goodman were also in attendance.

Pam Goodman, who is Jewish, called Solis’ effort and perfor-
mance on the bimah inspiring.

“He did a really good job,” she said. “It’s not the age that
counts. It’s the heart and effort you put into it.”
After the service, the family went out for lunch at the Drake
Tavern in Jenkintown. Dr. Andrew Solis, David’s son, said
younger brother Rob Solis drove from Connecticut for the event.

“It was a great day, and it was fun because we had members
of my family, members of his girlfriend’s family,” Andrew Solis
said. “It was a nice family gathering.”
The bar mitzvah, according to Andrew Solis, was also not
just something to do. The Solis family history in the United
States dates to Colonial times. The doctor’s sons were the
“We did everything together.”
JERRY WEINER
Jerry Weiner with his wife Evelyn
8 MAY 5, 2022
Courtesy of Debbi Katz
THE GOOD LIFE
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM