I love being Jewish because I love to help the senior citizens in our community and I love to spread my Jewish stories to others so they can learn about my religion. I think to become a Bar Mitzvah means that I’m a man and people think I’m more mature. It has been a struggle to become a real man in the Jewish religion and it takes time and effort to realize the responsibilities of being a Jewish adult.

The project that I really think that changed me was helping the seniors at Brookdale Senior Living. They have been telling me their stories and we have gotten the opportunity to create a lot of great memories with them. I always look forward to visiting with them and they seem happy when they see me. The reason I chose this project is because I remember spending time with my Great Grandmother and how she told stories about when she was a little girl. I wanted to make her proud of me by spending time with the elderly and bringing them the joy that they need. After becoming a Jewish adult, I plan to go to High Holiday and Shabbat services, celebrate all Jewish holidays and always continue to learn about Torah. I will attend future bar and bat Mitzvahs.

Zach is the son of Holly and Steve Bandel. He is the sister of Hannah Bandel. He is the grandson of Anne and Alan Bandel of Odessa, FL and Sandra Waddell of Clover, SC. Send messages of Mazel Tov to Zachary.