My favorite thing about being Jewish is the sense of connection in the Jewish community. Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means that I am committing myself to Judaism for my adulthood. While preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I have learned that I can do anything I set my mind to.

My mitzvah project was with Freedom School. I volunteered with kids whose parents can’t afford childcare and will most likely be left at home for the summer. Many of these children are at risk of loss of academic skills. I read with some kids, I helped at book fairs, and volunteered at a family game night. I also did some volunteer hours for the Ronald McDonald House by making get well cards and making welcome packages.

Now that I am a Bat Mitzvah, I plan on teaching my siblings about Judaism and teaching them how to read Hebrew to keep on learning and living with Judaism.

Olivia is the daughter of Joshua and Rhonda Patt. She is the sister of Eliana and Brayton. She is the granddaughter of Althea and Richard Patt of Castle Rock, Colorado and Elaine and Fred Pennington of Charlotte, North Carolina. Send messages of mazel tov.