Frozen in Time: The California-based photographer Kevin Friedman, second from right, at his bar mitzvah in 1980. Image by COURTESY OF KEVIN FRIEDMAN

Shoulder pads, big hair, embarrassing relatives and boys in badly fitted suits… ah, the photos of bar and bat mitzvahs past. Embrace the awkwardness and celebrate your inner 13-year-old self with Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah, the Shmaltz Brewing Company’s forthcoming seasonal anniversary ale. The company, known as the maker of He’brew — The Chosen Beer, is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a photo contest and a new brew of 13 malts, 13 hops and a whopping 13% alcohol content (almost enough to make you forget how badly your voice cracked on the bimah).

Shmaltz is accepting submissions of bar and bat mitzvah photos — flattering and not-so-flattering alike — from coast to coast, and will feature the winning pictures in such categories as “best hair,” “most awkward moment,” “youngest looking adult,” “best braces” and “best dance move” on its Web site. A few of the top photos will even appear on the beer label itself. Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah will make its debut at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver this September. The deadline for the label contest is July 4.

As Shmaltz says, “We look forward to laughing with you, not at you….” L’chaim.

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