To me becoming a Bat Mitzvah means that I am accepting my duties as a Jewish woman. I feel that as a Jewish person, it is expected of me to have a Bat Mitzvah, and I would feel like something was missing if I didn’t have one. This milestone means that I will have more responsibilities and I will be accountable for my own actions. It also means that I am expected to participate in the Jewish community, such as going to services and celebrating the holidays. I have gained so much knowledge about Judaism and about the Hebrew language through religious school, Hebrew school, and my Bat Mitzvah studies. I plan to continue learning about Judaism by going to Hebrew High, Sheva, and being a member of LIBERTY youth group.

Our mitzvah project was to go to Bright Blessings. Bright Blessings is an organization that gives homeless children a chance to celebrate their birthday with gifts and cake and decorations, since they wouldn’t normally be able to do that. They also give homeless kids things they need such as school supplies and blankets and pillows. While I was there, I realized how fortunate I am to have the things I do, because some people have a lot less. By doing this mitzvah project I fulfilled the mitzvah of Tikun Olam, which means repairing the world by helping the needy.
Brenna is the daughter of Gina and Steve. She is the granddaughter of Jim and Jan Berry of Drexel, NC, and Barry and Judy Russak of Montgomery, TX. She is the sister of Mikaila and Jacob.

Words of Mazel Tov can be sent to grussak5@gmail.com.