My favorite thing about being Jewish is the way all Jews see each other as family. I love that everyone includes people who aren’t family and are all very supportive and loving. I also love the food.

Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is something I’ve always been looking forward to. To me, becoming a Bat Mitzvah means that you are a grown up and have more “grown-up” responsibilities. Even though I don’t think it’s possible to instantaneously become a Jewish adult, I think the whole process shows that you are responsible, especially if you are well prepared.

While preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I went to Sheva. In Sheva, I think I learned that I am really sensitive and thoughtful. I mean that whenever I do something, I always put my whole heart into it and make it as amazing as I can.

For my mitzvah project, I met with migrants seeking asylum in America at a bus stop. They have been traveling for such a long time so I prepared bags with basic necessities for them to keep for their journey. The bags had food, water, toiletries, socks, and news articles.

Throughout the process, I learned to not take what I have for granted. Personally, I’m always wanting new things. Whether it’s a new pair of shoes or paint supplies or whatever I might want, meeting the buses helped me realize that I really didn’t appreciate what I had. These migrants have the clothes on their back and maybe a small bag. They don’t have new shoes or paint supplies but they are trying their hardest to make a new life for themselves in America.

After I become a Bat Mitzvah, I will continue my Judaism by attending temple, celebrating holidays and living my life while keeping the Torah and Commandments in mind.

Jessie Adams is the daughter of Tracey and Josh Adams. She is the sister of Abby Adams. She is the granddaughter of Josie Adams of North Carolina and Sigrid Schatvet of Connecticut. Send notes of mazal tov.