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Today is Ariana Grande’s birthday, and we at the Forward will celebrate in our favourite fashion: by demonstrating the pop star’s link to the Jewish community.

The self-described “honorary Jew” may be an international star, with her recent release “No Tears Left To Cry” in 3rd place in the current billboard charts, but the Boca Raton-bred star began her career standing on a bimah, singing in Hebrew at her best friend’s bar mitzvah. No, this performance did not springboard her into the spotlight she lives in today, but we will not quit at the chance to take pride in her affiliation with our community.

Happy first night of Hanukkah to those who celebrate!! #bocagirl #honoraryjew

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) December 9, 2012

Undeniably, growing up in the Jewish heart of South Florida certainly molded Grande’s upbringing, no doubt shaped in part by the weekly attendance of mitzvahs (both bar and bat) in her early teen years.

#MiddleSchoolMemories Way too much Pink Sugar perfume, bar / bat mitzvahs every weekend, making videos w Aaron and Sam, playing French horn

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 21, 2013

Since her start in Boca Raton, Grande has continued to stay connected to her honorary community throughout her life, with both ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and current fiancé Pete Davidson having Jewish blood, not to mention Grande’s decision to practice Kabbalah alongside her brother.

So, today we say Yom Huledet Sameach to Grande, and eagerly await her next music release. Who knows, maybe it will be in Hebrew.

Nicola Lewis is a summer intern at the Forward, writing for the lifestyle section. You can reach her at [email protected]

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