My favorite things about being Jewish are the holiday traditions because of the great food and spending time with family. To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means becoming an adult and taking on new responsibilities (even if they are not fun responsibilities, such as chores). Preparing for my Bar Mitzvah, I have learned that after years of going to Hebrew school, I still have so much more to learn for my Bar Mitzvah. It also taught me that this is such an important milestone in my life and that I am going to remember it forever.

My Bar Mitzvah project was volunteering at an organization called Freedom School which helps families who are in need. Young children would read to me, and I would help them, so they could learn to be better readers. I also helped with family dinners that were hosted at the JCC. Another thing I volunteered for was making sandwiches for the Salvation Army families. I chose these projects because they both involve people who must worry about things that they should not have to worry about like if they have enough food to eat. What I got out of doing these things are the smiles and the appreciation of the people I helped. I plan to keep learning about Judaism by continuing Jewish traditions as an adult.

Harrison is the son of Bridget and David Cohen. He is the brother of Ava Cohen. He is the grandson of Howard and Roseann Cohen of Boynton Beach, Florida and Maureen and Arthur LaBrecque of Cohoes, New York. Send notes of Mazel Tov.