My favorite thing about being Jewish is that I am part of a community that I love. Also, I get to take part in holidays and celebrations that are fun and meaningful. To become a Bar Mitzvah means that I am taking a step into the life of Jewish adulthood, and growing up.

In my preparations for my Bar Mitzvah I have learned that I CAN learn all the prayers and my Torah portion. When I first got my work I was flabbergasted of how much it was, but when I took it piece by piece it was pretty balanced out.

My Mitzvah project was collecting and delivering donations to the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. I collected donations from people in my neighborhood such as shirts, pants, shampoo, and other necessities. I chose this project because I recognize how lucky I am to have these things and that I can’t take that for granted. All humans should have dignity. As my life continues I plan to keep learning about Judaism by going to services. I would like to consider being a madrich at Religious School and helping other kids learn about Judaism.

Everett is the son of Jonathan and Jennifer Collman and brother to Hollis and August. His grandparents are Gloria Collman of Raleigh, NC, and Jerry and Connie Carney of Cordele, GA. Please send messages of Mazel Tov to Everett.