My favorite thing about being Jewish is that we have a sense of community and caring that no other religion can compare to. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to me that I have gained a sense of responsibility or ahrayut. I have learned that it takes small things to make something bigger and that everything starts small and starts with a spark.

My mitzvah project was working at the Carolinas Aviation Museum and volunteering to help instruct young aviation enthusiasts learn about airport design. I got teamwork and helpfulness out of the mitzvah project. As I will be a Jewish adult soon, I plan on continuing my education by going to services and reading prayers.

Gabe is the son of Robyn and Jonathan. He is the oldest brother of Anna, Callie, and Zach. He is the grandson of Rochelle Barr and Sanford Lakin of Detroit, MI, Gilbert Stein of Memphis, TN and Joanne Seblatnigg of Naples, FL. Send notes of mazel tov to Gabe.