Two of my favorite things about being Jewish are the foods and the traditions (like lighting candles on Friday night). My Bat Mitzvah means taking more responsibility in my own Jewish identity – participating in Judaism is no longer “required” by my parents – now it is up to me to keep learning. In preparing for my Bat Mitzvah I have learned that I am capable of mastering new skills, including how to read Hebrew and chant from the Torah.

 I did not have an opportunity to complete a mitzvah project given the restrictions of COVID – I hope to have a chance in 2021 to take on a project that would allow me to share my love of music, and teach kids who would not otherwise have an opportunity, how to play guitar.

Once I become bat mitzvah, I plan to continue to attend the virtual services on either Friday or Saturday and participate in all the holiday preparations and plans that we do as a family!

Madeline is the daughter of Marc and Rebecca Chester. She is the sister of Jacob Chester. She is the granddaughter of Nelson & Roberta Chester of Islamorada, FL and Arnold & Nancy Shapack of Tewksbury, NJ.  Send notes of mazel tov.