There are a lot of things I like about being Jewish. One thing is the food: grandma’s chopped liver (not the stuff you buy at the store), matzo brei, challah, smoked fish, and brisket. My list goes on and on, except for gefilte fish.

Becoming a bar mitzvah means that I am responsible for my relationship with God and the community. My mitzvah project was playing an assortment of instruments for the elderly residents at Sunrise. I chose this because ever since I was six years old I have been playing one instrument or another. I wanted to share this talent with other people. It felt really good to make people’s day and bring joy by playing music for elderly people.

As a Jewish Adult I plan to attend services, to wear a tallis, to fast on Yom Kippur, and do mitzvot. I also plan to tutor other students preparing for their bar mitzvah.

Hudson Markel is the son of Larry and Amy Markel. He is the brother of Bryce and Alana. He is the grandson of Sabina and Max Markel of Charlotte, NC, and Gladys and John Cannizzaro of Jacksonville, FL. Send notes of mazel tov to Hudson.