I am having a Bat Mitzvah because I am becoming an adult in the Jewish community. I am honored to be a part of this tradition because most everyone in my family has had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I like knowing all the prayers and I am thankful to be up on the bima leading them and reading from the Torah. In Sheva, I have had the opportunity to go to a lot of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs with my classmates. I learned so much about Israel and was able to share my opinions and debate issues with my friends. As a Jewish adult, I want to continue to study Hebrew. I also want to keep going to Synagogue and would love to go to Israel in the future. If I have children one day, I definitely want them to continue the tradition of having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I am proud of being Jewish because I am part of a community and it also makes me feel unique in places where I am one of the only Jews, like at school. Being Jewish is fun because I have gotten to learn how to read, speak, and write in another language.

For my Mitzvah Project I will be working at Urban Ministry Soup Kitchen. I will help prepare and serve meals to those who are homeless. I imagine I will be happy helping others who are struggling with the basics like having a meal or a home. I am fulfilling the mitzvah of feeding the hungry and helping the needy.

Lila is the daughter of Sherry Deedrick and Michael Cohen. She is the granddaughter of Roberta Meyerson and Roger Meyerson and Joel and Betty Cohen. She is the sister of Madeline and Claire.

Words of Mazel Tov can be sent to lilasbatmitzvah@gmail.com.