My favorite thing about being Jewish is celebrating holidays with my family and friends. To me, becoming a bar mitzvah means becoming a part of the Jewish community and participating in many Jewish activities. During my bar mitzvah preparation, I learned that I enjoy chanting Hebrew.

My mitzvah project was helping low-income kids with their reading. I did this with two great organizations: Our Little Library, a program of the Charlotte Charity League that takes place at a community center off South Boulevard, and at the Shalom Park Freedom School. I chose this as my project because I really enjoy reading and want others to be able to enjoy it, too. I realized that people are less fortunate than me and that it felt really good to help them. As a Jewish adult, I will continue to celebrate the holidays with my family. I want to learn how to make all the holiday foods that we eat.

Jason is the son of Julie and Scott Rizzo. He is the brother of Brendan Rizzo. His grandparents are Sam and Barbara Goldberg of Charlotte, NC; Adria and Stephen August of Glenbrook, NV; Helen Rizzo of Hilton Head, SC; and Beth and Joe Rizzo of East Falmouth, MA. Send words of congratulations to Jason.