To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means increased privileges and responsibilities, such as managing my own Debit card. While preparing for my Bar Mitzvah, I have come to understand and enjoy services, and as a Jewish adult I want to continue attending services on a regular basis. One thing I really like about being Jewish is being part of a community that doesn’t encourage blind faith. I feel like everyone’s opinion matters. Going forward, I plan on joining Hebrew High, participating in youth group, and becoming a madrich. I look forward to giving back to the community which has made me the person I am today.
I have engaged in various mitzvah projects this year, including visiting the elderly, feeding the hungry, and comforting those who are ill. While some of these projects were new to me, visiting older people was not. My mom started taking my brother and me to visit the residents at Sunrise Assisted Living when I was two years old because my grandparents lived very far away and we only saw them once or twice a year. I have enjoyed visiting the residents and hearing their life stories. I believe they have great wisdom to pass on and very few opportunities to do so. This year I also volunteered at a Soup Kitchen feeding homeless neighbors. That experience taught me that you can’t always tell when someone is in need, but you should show respect and compassion to all people. I have also recently become involved in the Teen council for PAK (Parents of Allergic Kids). Having been diagnosed with EOE as an infant, I understand the challenges of living with allergies and like the idea of working with kids who are facing the same struggles. As a Jew, I have been raised believing in the importance of performing mitzvot. As an adult, I want to continue in the tradition of Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World.
Max is the son of Jennifer and Sean. He is the grandson of Lou Franklin of Panama City Beach in Florida, Emily Earhart of Atlanta, Michael and Kathy Sawyer of the Bahamas.
Words of Mazel Tov can be sent to Morahmiriam1971@gmail.com.
