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Shabbat Shalom! Today I became bat mitzvah. Wow! I have dreamed of this day since the first time I stepped into this temple as a new student in the aleph class. The torah portion that we read here today is called Bereshiet. The beginning, as today is the beginning for me as a responsible adult according to Jewish laws and tradition. Beresheit is about creation. As a human being I am created in G-d’s image as you all are as well. The Rabbi asked me an interesting question. He asked me if my dog was created in G-d’s image. I said she is one of G-d’s creations but I did not understand what he meant about being created in the image of G-d. He explained to me that she was not created in G-d’s image because she did not have the ability to think and make decisions. I on the other hand do have that ability, and he stressed to me the importance of making the right decisions as an adult throughout the rest of my life. When faced with making decisions that effect my life and others I will think back to what the Rabbi said and I will make every effort to make the right decisions. As a bat mitzvah I will honor the 10 commandments. I will also donate a portion of my bat mitzvah gifts to Cancer Research. I will also light candles on Shabbat evenings for my family and continue that tradition as I grow older. I now see what the Rabbi meant, as my dog as cute as she is, could not make these decisions! I would like to thank the Rabbi for his time and patience explaining what this weeks torah portion was about and how it effects my life. I would also like to thank Lori Neighberg and Beverly klaussman for tutoring me and teaching me the prayers and haftorah. I would also like to thank Cantor Groysman and all my Hebrew school teachers for teaching me Hebrew and prayers. I would like to congratulate Max, who did a wonderful job up here this morning. Max, I really am glad I was able to share this special day with you. I would like to thank my Dad for pushing and pushing me to study and prepare for this day. Today’s haftorah is also a special one to me as my Dad recited the same one 33 years ago today. Last but not least, I would like to thank my Mom. One year ago today she finished her last chemotherapy treatment for cancer. We cried many tears together and she asked the question many times if she was going to be able to survive such a horrible disease to see me be called up to the torah to become bat mitzvah. Even though she was sick, she always made sure that I made it to Hebrew school and continued my Hebrew education. She battled and beat the disease and it makes today an even more special day because we can share it together. May you all have a good Shabbas, Shabbat Shalom and thank you.
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