SUBSCRIBE

CALENDAR

LIVESTREAM

SHULCLOUD

DONATE

Facebook Instagram Youtube Tiktok

B’nei Mitzvah

B'nei Mitzvah

Shaun Peterson

Ki Tavo
Saturday, August 29, 2026

My favorite things about Judaism are the rituals, traditions, and values. Some examples are the mezuzah, dietary laws, and the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world. I also like the Jewish belief that we are all made in the image of God, so every human being is worthy of dignity, equality, and respect.

For me, becoming an adult in this community means devoting my life to loving God, following the laws that God set, and being and doing my best. Through my preparation in Religious School and Sheva, I have learned a lot about Jewish history, culture, beliefs, and prayers.

In the future, I plan to become a member of Hebrew High and LIBERTY, and also become a madrich.

Recent

Jenna Falkowitz

Ki Teitzei
Saturday, August 22, 2026

What I love most about being Jewish is celebrating Chanukah because my family and I get to spend a lot of time together. We eat jelly doughnuts and latkes,light the menorah and play dreidel! This milestone of becoming a Bat Mitzvah means so much to me and it feels so exciting to take on the new responsibilities as a Jewish adult. Through my studies in Sheva, I have learned that I love learning new things and challenging myself. This journey has opened up so many doors for me because now I can read in another language.

For my Gemulit Chasadim project I did a tumbling clinic in my neighborhood. I chose this project because I love gymnastics and I wanted to help kids learn how to love the sport just like I do. From this experience I learned that I love teaching gymnastics. As I step into Jewish adulthood I am going to continue to celebrate all the holidays, go to services at the temple and do family traditions. I am excited to continue doing all of the traditions on holidays.

Grant Bialeck

Ki Teitzei
Saturday, August 22, 2026

Today is a very special milestone in my life as I become a Bar Mitzvah. What I love most about being Jewish is the Temple Beth El community and the traditions that bring my family and friends closer together. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means taking on new responsibilities as a Jewish adult. Through my studies, I discovered that I can accomplish difficult things if I stay determined and never give up.

My Gemilut Chasadim project taught me the importance of treating everyone with kindness, respect, and dignity. As I continue my journey, I’m excited to keep learning about Judaism, staying involved at Temple Beth El, and continuing to celebrate Jewish traditions with my family and friends.

Colin Brock-Boone

Korach
Saturday, June 20, 2026
I like being Jewish. I love the yummy foods! I eat Sufganyoit with my family at Chanukah. I love eating Challah French toast after Shabbat. I share Chanukah with my school every year and I show them how to play dreidel. Dayenu and Oseh Shalom are my favorite melodies. 
 
I also love the friends I met at Jewish summer camp. I went to Camp Yofi, a Jewish summer camp for kids with Autism and their families. Walker and Adam are my best friends. If you have kids with Autism, you should go to Camp Yofi. It’s the best!

Quincy Thomas

Sh'lach
Saturday, June 13, 2026

What I most love about being Jewish is how kind, and caring the community is and how the community makes sure everyone fits in. I also love the connection between Jewish holiday traditions and our history and culture. As I become Bar Mitzvah, this milestone means that I am maturing and growing and therefore am capable of taking on new responsibilities as a Jewish adult. In my studies, I’ve discovered that I enjoyed writing my d’var torah and I feel more confident in my Jewish knowledge.

For my Mitzvah project, my brother and I used our talented art skills to make posters for donations for Kindness Confetti. We chose this organization because we have volunteered there many times and it gives back to the community by supporting librarians and first responders like police officers, firefighters and EMTs. As I step into Jewish adulthood, I still want to improve my knowledge in Judaism and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.

Ryen Josiah Thomas

Sh'lach
Saturday, June 13, 2026

I really love the deep history and traditions of Judaism. It was a main reason why I wanted to convert. As I become a bar mitzvah, I’m excited to become a Jewish adult, and ready to take on the added responsibilities.

Through our preparation, I have discovered a love for the cultural traditions of Judaism, especially the prayers and melodies. For my mitzvah project, Quincy and I created posters and decorated boxes to raise donations for two causes, snacks for public service workers, and creative resources for children in hospitals. We did this to use our love of art, to help fundraise for these important causes. I plan to continue learning about Judaism’s history and culture, while living a responsible life.

Addison Isralow

B'ha'alotcha
Saturday, June 6, 2026

One of the things I love about being Jewish is that it makes me unique from my friends at school. I love sharing about my faith and answering people’s questions about Judaism, when I can!  Really, I love the traditions of the holidays.  Reading the Haggadah on Passover (the kids version and the adult version) and lighting the candles every night for Hanukkah to name a couple.  

The milestone of becoming a bat mitzvah means to me that I am growing up.  Obviously, not in a “I’m going to get a job and my own apartment” kind of way but in a sense of counting in a minyan, or fasting for Yom Kippur (ok maybe not that one) but you get the idea.  This also comes with more responsibility in the Jewish faith. 

One thing I have discovered is that I do not know Hebrew all that well!  I have practiced a lot and you will never know it but it has been a struggle.  However, it has shaped me into becoming a better Jewish person and has given me a better understanding of the Torah.

My mitzvah project is Paws of War which helps place service animals with veterans.  I love animals and I love people and thought this was a great way to combine the two.  

After my Bat Mitzvah, I plan to continue to go to temple and learn about the Jewish faith.  I will continue to practice the traditions that I have grown up with, making them more a part of me than just because it is what my family did or told me to do.  



Penelope Rubenstein

Nasso
Saturday, May 30, 2026

Becoming bat mitzvah means being accepted into the congregation and taking responsibility for what Judaism means to me. I love celebrating the Jewish holidays because the rituals are fun and they make me feel closer to God.

Preparing for my bat mitzvah service was more difficult than I thought it would be, but I have learned many skills to help me study. One of the most important parts of this process was my mitzvah project. I volunteered with a special program called “Petals to Purpose,” which takes flower donations from events and makes bouquets for places like the Ronald McDonald house and hospitals. I learned the importance of bringing joy to others.

Greaber Kahan

Nasso
Saturday, May 30, 2026

My favorite part about being Jewish is the community and friends I have made from going to Jewish summer camps and going  to Sunday school. I feel very blessed and honored to be Jewish and always have a place where I can be myself.

Becoming a bar mitzvah represents taking on more responsibility and growing in my maturity. I think I have grown by learning how to balance all of my commitments, including my school life, my soccer life, and my Jewish life. It should be no surprise that I did a soccer related mitzvah project. I held a soccer ball drive where I collected over 100 soccer balls that will be distributed to Mecklenburg County parks and rec. I also did a free soccer clinic with a group of 7 and 8 year-olds. I really want to make sure that every kid has a chance to play such a fun game that has had such an impact on my life. I want everyone to have that same opportunity that I did.

Harper Weiss

Bamidbar
Saturday, May 16, 2026

What I love most about being Jewish is the traditions with my family like playing dreidel on Chanukah and going to Disney World in our Chanukah pajamas. By becoming a bat mitzvah, it means I am taking on new responsibilities and can help teach my brother about Judaism and be a role model for him. 

This journey has shaped who I am because I have learned so much about what it means to be Jewish and have learned a lot about our history and the stories in the Torah.




Caleb Shaw

Behar/Bechukotai
Saturday, May 9, 2026

I love spending time with the people I care about, whether that means hanging out, laughing together, or sharing important moments like this one. I also enjoy trying new things, challenging myself, and continuing to learn and grow. Becoming a Jewish adult means continuing my journey by taking part in Jewish life and activities, celebrating holidays with friends and family, and continuing to learn. Becoming a bar mitzvah means that I am becoming more mature and taking on more responsibilities. Today is not just about celebrating. It is also about reaching an important milestone in my life and taking on greater responsibility in my Jewish journey. I have stayed close with other Jewish people and friends whom I would only know because of Hebrew school. I plan to continue learning, possibly become a madrich, and take classes in Hebrew High. Thank you for being here and for your love and support.

Maya Lutwick

Behar/Bechukotai
Saturday, May 9, 2026

My favorite part of being Jewish is celebrating the holidays. I love that these traditions have been passed down for thousands of years, and that each one carries its own meaning, history, and spirit. Over the years in Hebrew school, I have learned not only about the holidays themselves, but also about how Judaism keeps them alive in ways that continue to bring people together.

Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means building a strong Jewish foundation for myself and for my future family. It is a moment that reminds me that hard work and dedication pay off. As I stand on the bimah and recite these prayers, I know that all the time I spent studying Hebrew helped make this possible.

For my mitzvah project, I volunteered with Shalom Green and TreesCharlotte, helping care for the earth and bring more life into the world. I hope to continue learning by building strong relationships in the Jewish community and celebrating many holidays together.



Leilah Yaquian

Emor
Saturday, May 2, 2026

I love being Jewish because it brings together family, friendship, tradition, and joy. I especially love celebrating holidays with the people I care about, helping my mom get ready for big holiday dinners, going to friends’ b’nei mitzvahs, and enjoying foods like my dad’s schnitzel and matzah ball soup. I also love lighting Shabbat candles every Friday night to welcome Sabbath peace.

Becoming a bat mitzvah means taking on more responsibility in my community and trying to set a good example for others. Through my preparation, I have come to enjoy the stories of Torah and Jewish history and to see how they still connect to life today. This journey has taught me to work hard, stay focused, and believe in myself.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I want to keep coming to services, continue learning in Hebrew High, grow stronger in my Hebrew, and stay connected to Jewish life.

Madison Trager

Emor
Saturday, May 2, 2026

My favorite part of being Jewish is celebrating holidays with my friends and community. I love that Judaism brings people together and gives me a feeling of connection and belonging. Being part of the Jewish community means a lot to me because I know I will always have people there for me no matter what. Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means that even as I grow up, I still have a community that will support me. It also means that I have a responsibility to give back to that community and be there for others too. As I become a Jewish adult, I want to continue celebrating Shabbat and holidays with the people I care about. I also hope to become a madrichah, keep learning more about Judaism, and stay involved at Temple Beth El. My Bat Mitzvah is not just about one day, but about continuing to grow, participate, and be part of my Jewish community.

Grayson Gordon

Acharei Mot/Kedoshim
Saturday, April 25, 2026

The thing that I love most about being Jewish is the sense of community I have. From High Holiday services to Jewish sport camps I love being with my friends in my community. As I become bar mitzvah I have realized that if you work hard at something, good things will happen to you. It can be scary taking on the responsibility of becoming a Jewish adult, especially with everything going on in the world,  but I feel confident that I will be able to be the best person I can be.

Through my preparations I have discovered that I need to stop waiting until the last minute to get my work done. I have learned (the hard way) that taking your time to make sure you know the material instead of rushing through it is very beneficial. My mitzvah project was collecting supplies for the Second Harvest Food Bank and Crisis Assistance Ministry. I learned that many people don’t have the basic necessities that we take for granted every single day and we should strive to do our best to help others.

As I step into Jewish adulthood I will try to abide by all of the morals God has set up for us. I am excited to interact with more and more people who are just like me with their religion and beliefs. Shabbat Shalom!



Sadie Fishman

Acharei Mot/Kedoshim
Saturday, April 25, 2026

The best thing about being Jewish to me is the people. I love the way that Judaism brings my family together to engage in traditions and celebrate our culture. If I had to pick the best time of year it would be when my family is together laughing and telling stories. 

The process of becoming a bat mitzvah has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done. I feel like I have a better understanding of the meaning of the prayers and I am much more confident in Hebrew. This process has brought me closer to my friends and my religion.

To me, becoming a bat mitzvah means being able to stand up for yourself, being a leader, and following through on commitments that you have made. 

My mitzvah project was volunteering for the American Red Cross. I wrote letters to thank donors, helped out in the office, and promoted the Wrens Village Blood Drive to local businesses. 

 

After today I plan to help teach younger kids here at TBE as a tutor and to become a madrichah to help other kids become bar and bat mitzvah themselves! 




Matthew Tauber

Tazria/Metzora
Saturday, April 18, 2026

My favorite part about being Jewish is the traditions, because they have been going on for about 3,500 years, and repeating them makes me feel connected to something special. When I was in Sheva and we were learning about Jewish history, I thought that I was a part of all of this, and that made me feel connected and proud.

As I become a Bar Mitzvah, I have to take on new responsibilities, but that also means I get more freedom and more opportunities to do things I like and to help others. I have really benefited from a great school, and for my mitzvah project, I wanted to give back to students who need it. I organized a supply drive for a new school called Knight’s View that did not have all the supplies it needed.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I am excited to keep learning more, celebrating holidays, and learning more about the stories behind them.

Samuel Goldberg

Sh'mini
Saturday, April 11, 2026

I love going to Shabbat and holiday services and connecting with God. I love our unique culture, and the food, especially brisket.

For my mitzvah project, I worked with the Beta Club, a club that does volunteer work. I helped clean trash around the school, wrote a poem about bullying, and I am running a pop-tab collection for Ronald McDonald House so that families can have a place to stay when a family member is in the hospital. I am excited to do more volunteering after my bar mitzvah.

I want to continue going to services at Temple to pray to God. I would like to continue my Jewish education through BEEMA and Hebrew High. I will keep volunteering and give back to my community. And when I am an adult, even if I move away from Charlotte, I will join a synagogue near where I live.

Dalton Frankel

Vayikra
Saturday, March 21, 2026

What I love about being Jewish is the culture, the Hebrew language and celebrations like Chanukah, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

In my preparation for my bar mitzvah, I discovered I can do many new things, such as learn how to read Hebrew, lead prayers, and chant from the Torah. And that I can do hard things that I didn’t think I would be able to. 

As I become a Jewish adult, I am excited to learn more about Hebrew and to explore more about Jewish history. I hope to continue learning more about Judaism at Temple Beth El and Hebrew High. 




Maddix Sodoma

Tzav
Saturday, March 28, 2026

My favorite part of being Jewish is celebrating holidays like Passover and Chanukah. I love the stories and the games me and my family play. The process of preparing to become Bar Mitzvah has shown me how much I love the stories and history of our Jewish religion.

For my mitzvah project, I made dog toys out of recycled fabric and donated them to an animal shelter. This project is important to me because not all dogs have families that love them like my six dogs do, and I hope the toys I make help dogs in the shelters become happier.

Becoming Bar Mitzvah means that I am growing up. I am going to have to take school more seriously and I have to be more responsible for myself. In the future, I plan to keep attending services and I hope to be able to travel to Israel one day.

Cameron Raczynski

Vayakeil-P'kudei
Saturday, March 14, 2026

What I love the most about being Jewish is the feasts we have on holidays and 8 days of presents on Hanukkah. Becoming a bar mitzvah means to me entering a new part of my life, maturing and taking more responsibility. During Sheva I have learned that Jewish people and Israel have gone through so much. I think our perseverance is amazing.  

For my Mitzvah Project I led a food drive to help people in need. I learned that it is really important to help those who are not fortunate enough to have a home or enough money to buy food. As I step into Jewish adulthood I plan to continue learning about Judaism and living a Jewish life by going to services and celebrating holidays. I am excited to one day go explore Israel which is something I have wanted to do for a while.




Zachary Gonedes

Vayakeil-P'kudei
Saturday, March 14, 2026

My favorite part about being Jewish is the sense of community. I’ve grown up going to the JCC, attending CJP and Temple Beth El, and spending summers at Jewish sleep-away camps. In all of these places, I’ve felt that Judaism creates a safe space where people can share their ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and feel accepted for who they are.

Becoming a Bar Mitzvah is a major milestone in my transition to adulthood. It represents taking on more responsibility and showing that I am capable of handling challenges. Studying Torah has taught me that if I focus and work hard, I can accomplish things that once felt impossible.

For my Bar Mitzvah project, I volunteered in several ways, including packing school bags and helping to provide Thanksgiving meals. Most of my time was spent helping younger kids at a day camp for one week. Through this experience, I learned the importance of patience and responsibility, and how much it matters to show up for others.




Julia Culp

Ki Tisa
Saturday, March 7, 2026

There are so many things I love about being Jewish. I love going to b’nei mitzvot and watching my friends bring the stories of Torah to life. I love the holidays, when I get to be with my family and share a special meal together. I love going to Sheva and feeling a sense of community as I learn alongside my peers. And I love the food… from matzah to my grandma’s brisket.

To me, becoming a bat mitzvah means taking on a bigger role in my community. It means giving back and helping others on their Jewish journeys, including by becoming a madricha. Through my bat mitzvah preparation, I discovered that I really enjoy volunteering and helping people. I cooked a full meal for teens experiencing homelessness, wrapped diaper care packages for families who cannot afford them, and completed training to become a buddy for kids with special talents.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I plan to keep learning by continuing to come to services and by becoming a madricha to help other kids discover what it means to be Jewish.

Sofia Lopez

Ki Tisa
Saturday, March 7, 2026

I love Jewish traditions, especially celebrating holidays and being with my family. Those traditions bring me comfort, belonging, joy, and a sense of connection. I love having fun dinners with my friends and family at Supper Club, and I love the simple moments of being together.

Becoming a bat mitzvah means I am becoming a Jewish adult. It means taking on more responsibility and showing more maturity in how I live out my Jewish values. Through Sheva and Hebrew school, I have learned a lot about Judaism and what it means to step into Jewish adulthood.

For my mitzvah project, Julia and I volunteered with three organizations. First, we made a big meal for The Relatives, an organization that supports young people by providing housing and care. Second, we volunteered at the Diaper Bank, where we packed diapers for families who cannot afford them. Third, we volunteered with Friendship Circle, where we spent time with kids with special needs and focused on friendship and inclusion. Each experience taught me that small acts of kindness can make a real difference.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I plan to keep learning about Judaism by going to more services, volunteering more, and looking for ways to help people in need. I am excited to see where my Jewish journey leads me next.

Abe Sheffer

Tetzaveh
Saturday, February 28, 2026

I love the traditions and values I gain from Judaism. Judaism provides guidelines on how to treat others and how to be a good person. I really enjoy the milestones and lifecycle events such as b’nei mitzvahs, weddings, bris and naming ceremonies, and more.These special moments are that much sweeter when celebrated alongside family and friends.

Becoming a bar mitzvah means to me that I will be recognized as an adult in the Jewish community which signifies I take on religious responsibility and also religious agency to shape my own studies and experience. It feels meaningful and exciting to be reaching this milestone and also comforting because I feel a sense of purpose. Through my Jewish studies I have discovered a deeper Jewish connection which has given me more motivation to follow Jewish values and laws. I want to keep these values as an important centerpiece of my life. 

My mitzvah project enabled me to embrace the Jewish values of tikkun olan (repairing the world) and hachnasat orchim (welcoming the stranger). I have been volunteering at the Love and Learn preschool program at Refugee Support Services (RSS). While volunteering at RSS, I spent time with the young children and helped with snack, storytime, and outdoor play. I also helped organize and distribute clothes and food during various RSS events. While I simply enjoyed playing with and getting to know the preschoolers, I also gained deep respect for immigrants and refugees who come from a difficult homeland and have found refuge and a new life here in the U.S.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I am excited to explore more about Jewish teachings and history. I want to continue volunteering, learning, and doing my best to be a helpful member of the community as I put these Jewish values into action.

Ryan Kirsch

Terumah
Saturday, February 21, 2026

Throughout preparing for my bar mitzvah, I have made great friends and I have seen that this community is built from really good people. The strong and supportive community is what I love most about being Jewish.

Becoming a bar mitzvah is an important milestone for me because it continues the transition from my Poppa to my Dad and now to me. It is a big turning point that has taken so much time and effort to achieve. This journey has changed me because I now have a core group of Jewish friends I can count on and hang with.

For my mitzvah project I chose to help a feral cat charity by building cat shelters for feral cats in Charlotte. This was meaningful to me because we had a feral cat in our backyard for several years who was awesome. He protected our chickens. I was happy to help other cats like Leroy.

I am looking forward to celebrating many more Jewish holidays with my family, and being able to understand more of the Hebrew prayers.

 

 

 

Milo Dombrowski

Yitro
Saturday, February 7, 2026

The things I love most about being Jewish are the family traditions. Whether it is eating special foods for a holiday or lighting the candles on the menorah, it feels very special to repeat the same rituals each year with family and close friends.

As I become a bar mitzvah, this milestone shows me that Judaism is important to me and to my identity. Now that I am becoming a Jewish adult, it is my responsibility to help carry on the traditions of my family that make Jewish culture so meaningful.

Through my preparation for this day, I have learned that when I put my mind to something and work hard, I can succeed. This journey has taught me about responsibility and about holding myself accountable.

My mitzvah project is with the Friendship Circle, an amazing and inclusive space in Charlotte where children with special needs go to build friendships. I have joined the Junior Teen Friends training program and will work with Ben to plan a big Sunday Sports program for their community this spring. This project represents the Jewish value of kindness, chesed.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I plan to continue learning about Jewish culture, celebrating traditions, enjoying Jewish foods, and being active in the Jewish community. In the future, I am excited about the possibility of going to Israel one day and experiencing Jewish community there.



Benjamin Shapiro

Yitro
Saturday, February 7, 2026

One thing I love about being Jewish is all the special foods we have. My personal favorite is my Buddy’s latkes. They are really good.

Becoming bar mitzvah means a lot to me because it means I am considered an adult in God’s eyes and can take on new responsibilities. While studying my Torah portion, I learned that practicing a little every day helps me improve much more than trying to cram everything at once. This journey has taught me to be a harder worker and that if you want something, you have to put in the effort.

For my mitzvah project, I am working with the Junior Teen Friends program at the Friendship Circle. I joined the training program because I was inspired by the space that was created, a place where everyone feels safe being themselves. Milo and I plan to create a sports program for the kids to share the sports we love and give them opportunities to work as a team and build deeper connections through sports. This project means a lot to me because I believe every kid deserves a best friend and someone they can trust and spend time with.

As I step into Jewish adulthood, I plan to keep learning about Judaism by attending High Holy Day services and participating in prayers with my family. I am especially excited about getting my own tallit, which is a prayer shawl, and continuing to celebrate Jewish holidays together as a family.

Elizabeth Filanowicz

B'shalach
Saturday, January 31, 2026

The thing I love most about being Jewish is the sense of community. Whenever I need help, I know there are people who will show up for me, and they do so with kindness and generosity. Being part of a community where people care for one another makes me proud to be Jewish.

Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is a big milestone for me. It is something that happens only once in a lifetime, and it represents an important step toward maturity and responsibility.

Through preparing for today, I discovered that I am capable of more than I sometimes realize. The process was not always easy, and standing up here in front of everyone took courage. Still, I feel a deep sense of pride in what I have learned and in what I was able to accomplish.

For my mitzvah project, I volunteered with Common Heart to help distribute food to people in need. That experience showed me how powerful it is when people come together to help others. I saw how much we were able to accomplish because so many people were working toward the same goal, and it reminded me that small acts, when shared, can make a real difference.

As I continue my Jewish journey, I will practice my Judaism by living out our values, continuing to learn, and acting with responsibility, compassion, and care for others.

Nancy Naman

B'shalach
Saturday, January 31, 2026

Today marks an important step in my life as I become a bat mitzvah. As I enter this new stage in the Jewish community, I am excited to take on greater responsibility, including being more involved in community events and volunteering in new ways.

Preparing for my bat mitzvah taught me the importance of being responsible for myself and for what truly matters to me. One way I practiced this was by setting aside time to work on my Torah portion and holding myself accountable for consistent practice.

For my bat mitzvah project, I took part in several meaningful efforts. I helped raise money for my orchestra by handing out flyers, crocheted scarves to keep people warm during the winter, and volunteered for a day at the Humane Society of Charlotte. Each of these experiences gave me a sense of accomplishment, the joy of helping others, and a deeper appreciation for animals.

I would also like to thank everyone for being here today to celebrate with Lizzy and me. One of the things I love most about being Jewish is that it encourages us to be ourselves. As I am called to the bimah today, I plan to embrace that value and carry it forward into this next chapter of my life.



Dylan Braun

Bo
Saturday, January 24, 2026

My favorite part about being Jewish is the strong sense of identity and community it provides. Even though Charlotte’s Jewish population is small, the community feels especially supportive and welcoming. Learning about our rich history through my Bat Mitzvah journey has helped me better understand where I come from and who I am.

Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means taking on more responsibility in my family and community. It also means being more accountable for my actions and choices. For my mitzvah project, I volunteered at Friendship Circle because I enjoy being with young children and wanted to learn more about disabilities. Through this experience, I am able to form meaningful connections with children with disabilities. As I enter Jewish adulthood, I plan to keep my strong Jewish identity, to continue learning about Judaism, attending services, and celebrating Jewish holidays with my family and friends.

Lincoln Muns

Shemot
Saturday, January 10, 2026

What I love most about being Jewish is the community that surrounds me. From attending services on Shabbat to Religious School on Sundays, I appreciate celebrating holidays with friends and sharing meals together for Rosh HaShanah, Chanukah, and Passover. Holidays feel better and more meaningful when I celebrate them with other people.

Becoming a bar mitzvah symbolizes that I am taking on more responsibility, making more of my own choices, and stepping into adulthood through Jewish tradition. For my mitzvah project, I picked up trash along the greenway because I wanted to help clean up our city and hopefully inspire other people to do the same, so that more and more of us take care of our community. I am excited to keep growing as a Jew and to keep helping my community in the future.