My favorite thing about being Jewish is being proud of our beautiful religion, culture, and heritage.  In my life, most of my friends aren’t Jewish, so when I talk about Jewish things, or invite them to Temple Beth El, it gives me a sense of uniqueness.  To further my Jewish life, I hope to attend Hebrew High through 12th grade.  As I continue to go throughout my Jewish life, I hope to join a Jewish fraternity in college, and teach my children when I become an adult.

My Bar Mitzvah project was Everybody Counts for Disability Awareness, a program that allows people to experience what it is like to have fine or gross motor impairments.  I chose this because it seemed like a great way to advocate for disabilities.  I learned that experiencing someone else’s reality can be a very powerful and educational experience.

To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that you have become a Jewish adult.  You become mature and are seen as an adult in the eyes of the temple.  You are held to higher standards, and are expected to behave maturely.   When I entered Sheva, I realized that it connects to modern life.  I have enjoyed my year as a Sheva student and have discovered a newfound love of Jewish learning.

Jaden Auslander is the son of Dan and Jessica Auslander. He is the brother of Lillie and Nicholas.  He is the grandson of Robin and Cal Levy who live in Waxhaw NC, and Eta and Randy Auslander who live in Toledo, OH.  Send notes of mazal tov.