My favorite things about being Jewish are all of the different things I have learned over the years. I like learning all of the different tunes for the prayers, and what the Torah portions are about. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means growing up – taking that next step up toward being an adult; it means trying to be more mature. Adults have more work to do in the world and more responsibilities. I’m not an adult yet, but taking this step helps move me toward that future.

I have learned that I know a decent amount, but I don’t know everything! Preparing for all of the components of my bar mitzvah has definitely been difficult, but I have made it through, which has also been a lesson in my ability to take on a hard task and complete it.

For my mitzvah project, I went to the Brookdale Senior Center with my friend Ethan to help the residents with their electronic needs. I like working with electronics and I help my parents with their electronics all the time, so I figured this would a way I could help others and have fun doing something I already like doing. My favorite part was helping them and learning about the different electronics they needed help with.

Ben Blau is the son of Barry and Lisa. He is the brother of Kate. He is the grandson of Evelyn Blau of New Jersey and Karen and Ron Noel of Fort Mill. Notes of Mazel Tov may be sent to Ben.