My favorite thing about being Jewish is enjoying the holidays with my family and the food (especially latkes)! In preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I learned that hard work and practice pays off. I was nervous at first to read from the Torah but after 6 months of practice, I knew I could do it! Now that I am a Jewish adult, I plan to continue going to services with my Mom and keep learning about the history of Judaism and Israel.

For my mitzvah project, I did two volunteer projects. I read with a 7-year-old at the Freedom School and I volunteered at a horseback riding camp. I chose to do these two projects because I love to read and horseback ride. It was so much fun to share my two passions with little kids. It was great to see them get excited about reading and riding!

Ava is the daughter of Todd and Stacey Schanzlin.  She is the sister of Michael and Cole.  She is the granddaughter of Ronald and Sharon Kaplan who live in Harrisburg, PA and Donald and Patricia Schanzlin who live in Phillipsburg, NJ.  Send notes of mazal tov.