My favorite thing about being Jewish is celebrating the holidays with my family and learning about the traditions that come from both my mom and my dad’s sides of the family. To become a Bat Mitzvah means to take on the responsibility and practice of being Jewish and to be recognized as an adult in the Jewish community. In preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I have been very disciplined in learning my Hebrew and balancing my love of gymnastics, my dedication to school and my commitment to Judaism. This has been challenging and I am grateful to have a few less things on my plate moving forward.

My mitzvah project was about helping others less fortunate than me. I collected and donated blankets, hats and gloves to the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. Doing this has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for what I have and not take what I have for granted. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to live on the streets, to not have your own home and not have your own privacy. Helping others is an important part of who I am.

I will continue practicing Judaism by celebrating the holidays and traditions of my family. I am going to be a camper at the inaugural summer at the URJ Creative Arts Camp. I am looking forward to making lifelong Jewish friends at camp, while pursuing my interest in the arts.

Talia is the daughter of Deborah and Brian Hitt. She is the sister of Lanie, a senior at Ardrey Kell High School. She is the granddaughter of Linda and Arthur Starr of West Palm Beach, Florida and Maxine and Steve Horowitz of Charlotte, NC. Notes of mazel tov can be sent to Talia.