My favorite thing about being Jewish is the sense of connection. I love being able to identify with a group of other people who share the same beliefs as I do. To me, becoming a Bat Mitzvah means that I have reached the most vital milestone in a Jewish girl’s life. I’m committing myself from now till the day I die to live a Jewish life.

In preparing for my Bat Mitzvah I have learned to step up and take responsibility. At camp, for instance, I had to take time out of my day to study, instead of spending time with my friends. In doing mitzvot within my Charlotte community, I learned that there are people way worse off than me and I should try to do my best to give back more often. As a Jewish adult I plan on joining BBYO and celebrating holidays often as possible.

Raya Levin is the daughter of Douglas and Hope Levin, sister of Drew Levin, granddaughter of Richard and Gail Levin of Sarasota, Florida and Roz Shaffer of Louisville, Kentucky. Send messages of mazel tov to Raya.