I am having my Bar Mitzvah to carry on the tradition of all the males of my family. I am following in the footsteps of my grandparents and my father. I am very happy that I chose to become a Bar Mitzvah by leading a service. I learned a lot about Jewish history and Jewish culture and I am proud to be Jewish even if I struggle with some of the Jewish beliefs. I think it is important and I am glad to have learned about my family’s religion. I am proud to be a part of the Jewish people who fought hard for our religion and our beliefs. I am proud to carry on what our ancestors have left us and I will continue to celebrate Jewish holidays and traditions.

For my mitzvah project, I volunteered at a Nursing Home. I helped around the home to make it more enjoyable for the residents. I stayed with the residents while they participated in group activities. I learned that it is important to respect the elderly and give them as much help and comfort as you can. Instead of receiving birthday gifts this past year, I asked people to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. I am fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring the elderly and helping the sick.

Jake is the son of Carolyn and Craig. He is the grandson of Davis and Ellen Klein of Sun City, South Carolina, and Norman and Sheila Speiser of Sun City, South Carolina. He is the sibling of Kaitlyn.
Words of mazel tov can be sent to carolynspeiser@gmail.com.