My favorite thing about being Jewish is all of the friends I have made over the years in Jewish programming. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I am now a Jewish adult, and that I have more responsibilities. I have learned that patience is key in learning Hebrew and learning more about Judaism. Being patient and being responsible helped me decide that I wanted to be a mentor for kids newly diagnosed with Type I Diabetes as well as collect snacks for Camp Carolina Trails (CCT).

CCT is a summer camp for kids with Type I Diabetes. I chose this project along with mentoring kids new to diabetes because helping others with a disease that I have lets them know that life goes on and can still be wonderful. I have been successful in my own care and want others to know that they can do the same. I feel that my project has given me a great start to being a responsible Jewish adult. I will keep living Jewishly by celebrating the holidays with family and friends and by helping others.

Spencer B. Lipson is the only child of Jill and Marc Lipson. His maternal grandparents are Linda and Robert Brandt of Metairie, Louisiana. His paternal grandparents are Wendy and Martin Lipson of Potomac, Maryland. Please send all Mazel Tov emails to spencerbl2004@gmail.com.