My favorite thing about being Jewish is that I’m not in the majority. I stand out and I like that.  It’s fun to be unique.

Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to me that I’m accountable for my actions. I have to take ownership and make the right decisions without my parents’ help. What I learned when preparing for my Bar Mitzvah is that the Charlotte Jewish Day School prepared me very well for this moment.

I will focus on my Mitzvah Project this summer, because we have recently been busy with moving back to Charlotte from Seattle. I plan to keep learning about Judaism by attending services. I’m going to consider attending Hebrew High and becoming a madrich and tutor. I will also continue to celebrate each holiday so that I don’t forget my religion and culture.

Sam is the son of Heather and Scott Salam. He has two siblings, Noah and Evie. His grandparents are Dianne Salam of Fort Mill, SC; Bill and Leslie Salam of Georgetown, TX; and Glenn and Arlene Kerns of Charlotte, NC. Send notes of congratulations to Sam.