My favorite thing about being Jewish is having the opportunity to surround myself with other Jewish kids and adults that all share a common knowledge about this religion. All Jews are one big community that share the same traditions and beliefs. To me, becoming a bat mitzvah means that I have more responsibilities and the right to make more and more of my own decisions. During Sheva and tutoring, I have learned more about my religion, and how I fit into it.

My mitzvah project was helping out with The Friendship Circle, where kids and adults with special needs get to make friends and have fun. I also volunteered during Mitzvah Day, where we packed up bags full of little toys and books that all goes to Sterling Elementary School to kids for the summer. Lastly, I volunteered with the Carolina Thread Trail Association to raise money for environmental preservation and trail maintenance. Now that I have become a Bat Mitzvah, and a Jewish adult, I plan to keep my Jewish education alive by tutoring other kids for their bar or bat mitzvah, and continuing to learn by participating in either Hebrew High or BBYO.

Amanda Buckler is the daughter of Bryan and Robin Buckler. She is the sister of Adam and Sophie Buckler. She is the granddaughter of Linda Buckler of Chattanooga TN and Amy and Peter Brenner of Greensville, SC. Send notes of mazel tov.