What I enjoy most about being Jewish is that it introduces you to a complete, minority culture. There’s Hebrew as the language, Judaism as the religion, the country of Israel (which I hope to visit one day), holidays and traditions (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Purim & Hanukkah), special foods (hamantaschen & matzah ball soup) and clothing (kippot and tallit).

For my Bar Mitzvah, it means so much to me to become an adult member of the congregation. Thanks to my Hebrew tutoring, I am now an active participant during Shabbat services, and enjoy reciting the prayers in Hebrew along with the other adult congregants. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah has also helped me form a special bond with Pop-Pop, my Mom’s Father, as he has shared his Bar Mitzvah experience with me.  I have learned through Sheva that Judaism teaches us to be considerate of others, to respect peoples’ differences, and to always look for ways to help other people by doing good deeds or mitzvot.

For my mitzvah project, I have volunteered in a couple of different areas. I worked the popcorn stand at my sister’s elementary school for her Fall Festival. It was fun to make everyone happy with a hot bag of popcorn. I have also volunteered at Bright Blessings, an organization that serves homeless and impoverished children in the Charlotte area. I filled baby bags for homeless mothers with necessary items like bottles, formula, thermometers, baby wash & lotion, and a DVD on how to care for a baby; along with some comfort items like a warm blanket and a stuffed animal. I also delivered birthday items to a shelter so the homeless children could enjoy a real birthday party complete with gifts, a cake and party packs. It really feels good to volunteer and help other people and know that you are making their day brighter.
To keep learning about and living Judaism, I will continue volunteering, I will head to Hebrew High next year, continue to actively participate in Shabbat services and hopefully be a Hebrew tutor for other upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah students.

My parents are Kim Itkoff DeSalvo and Chris DeSalvo, and my sister is Rae Brooke DeSalvo. My Grandparents are Margo and Jerry Itkoff of Cincinnati, Ohio; Pat Cavelius and the late George Cavelius of Roswell, Georgia; and Joan and Frank DeSalvo of Redding, Connecticut. Please send Mazel Tovs to the following email addresses: kitkoff@aol.com (Mom); Christopher.desalvo@wellsfargo.com (Dad); moogjer@fuse.net (Itkoff grandparents).