My favorite thing about being Jewish is celebrating holidays like Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover.  During these times, my family gets together and makes special memories and carries on the traditions of my relatives before me.  To become a Bar Mitzvah means that I am growing up and having more responsibilities in the Jewish religion.  I will be treated more like an adult and will be expected to take ownership of how I practice and celebrate Judaism.  In preparing for my Bar Mitzvah, I have learned that there is so much meaning behind the prayers that I have been studying.  Although these prayers were written hundreds of years ago, they are still very relatable and have special meaning even today.

My mitzvah project focused on helping those in need, including collecting and making care packages of clothes, food and toys for the needy.  I chose this because I wanted to help people who are less fortunate than I am.  I am very thankful for the things that I have that others do not.  Although I am now a Bar Mitzvah, I know that my learning does not stop here.  I will continue to attend services at temple and serve as a role model for my brother as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah.

Noah is the son of Leslee and Matt and the brother of Carter, the grandson of Paul and Lynette Diener of Raleigh, NC, Rona Black of Philadelphia, PA and Steve and Francee Black of Delray Beach, FL.  Messages of congratulations can be sent to his parents.