My favorite thing about being Jewish is being unique – I like that I am different from most of my friends at school and in the neighborhood.  I like celebrating the holidays and teaching people about them.  Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I am now more responsible for my own choices and that I am an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community.  The process of becoming a Bar Mitzvah has taught me that I can achieve what I want if I put my mind and efforts towards my goals.  It has helped me to becoming more responsible and to better manage my time.

For my Mitzvah Project, I volunteered with Room in the Inn, which provides housing and meals for the homeless.  I enjoyed helping others less fortunate and it made me realize how lucky my family and I are to have the privileges that we have.

I believe that religion is an important aspect of everyday life.  I will try to lead each day with the idea of Tikkun Olam in mind – looking at every part of my day with the thought of how can I help or make something into a better situation.

Nathan is the son of Ted and Lisa Moreland of Charlotte, NC.  He is the grandson of Ann and the late Rick Lippe of Pittsburgh, PA and Ellen Moreland and the late Ford Moreland of Pittsburgh PA.  Nathan is the younger brother to Quincey Moreland. Send words of mazel tov.