Why I Love The Bat Mitzvah Club

Wow, I would of never thought I would be standing up here today doing a speech about how my after school activity, my religion moved me. I was never the kind of person who took my Jewish heritage seriously, although my family did. I just thought of Hebrew school as another activity and when my mom gave me the chose of being a part of BMC I thought it would just add to my list of things to do. I didn’t think that I would be so touched with my whole experience. I was sure I wouldn’t make a lot of friends since I am one of the youngest in the group. But surely I was wrong about a lot.

BMC was so different then anything I have ever done. I learned while having the thrill of coming each month. I couldn’t wait till each club meeting. I would sometimes even count the days until we met again! The first club I was shy, I knew I was the youngest and I felt like everyone already had there friends. I was incorrect again, they all were so open and let me in, it was like I knew them since I was little. I felt like I had so much in common because I soon realized not everyone kept kosher and not everyone was orthodox’s. It was like a lot of people that had the same feelings as I did, we knew we were Jewish and we knew we were preparing for our Bat Mitzvah. But BMC gave me a chance to see what it was like keeping Shabbat and keeping Kosher.

I had that experience on the Shabbatons. First I got to see how it was like to live in Rosie’s shoes one Shabbat night. I soon learned she has a lot to take care of. She was responsible for cooking all the meals and making sure her 4 children were happy and safe. That night also gave me a lot of respect for my Mother; it opened my eyes to all the things my mom had to take care of.

Although there was a lot to do Rosie always seems to have a smile on her face. She always planed things so that she would be sure to keep us occupied and happy. I don’t remember one minute at her house I wasn’t moving or playing a game. It seemed like her first priority was to make sure the people around her were happy. That’s a trait that not everyone has, I know that’s not the first thing on my list to do, however it starts to rub off on you.

Asides games and galore Rosie had delicious meals. I couldn’t believe she made it! It was one of the things I will never for get. It was very filling but you would not want to stop for you were never sure what was on the next course.

After Rosie’s Shabbaton I really felt more in touch with my religion. I didn’t dread Saturday morning services, I started to really enjoy them and find meanings to what each week’s portion was.

I learned a lot from Rosie’s house, however I feel like the trip to Brooklyn, New York really put my whole year together. I felt like it was something I have never done before and I was excited but I was very nervous. Like I said I have never been on a trip like this, especially with out my mom.

When I got to Lubavitch I saw a van with all the girls I have seen all year long smiling, yelling my name to say “Hi” and suddenly all my fears and worries about going, disappeared. I had felt like I belong and I did.

As we arrived we were greeted my Channie and Malka, two of my favorite people in the whole wide world, I felt at home, I didn’t feel different or less Jewish because I didn’t light candles every Friday night. The Shemtovs were so open to there home and made me feel so wonderful inside when I saw there smiling faces. It was like they lived to make people happy and I think that is something I wish I could do. I feel like each minute I spent with these families I became a happier person and more willing to help out.

I discovered that it shouldn’t be a chore to help out. I felt like how have I lived all my life moaning about chores when everyone in there families does it as a daily thing.

I felt like the people in Brooklyn all had a connection, and they were all so friendly. I mean if I was them I would of got a little annoyed if you saw a girl say “Good Shabbat!” in a really high voice to everyone, but they didn’t they said “Good Shabbat.” back.

As I learned that the people in there community are very social I also learned that they are very spiritual. They are really into there religion. It showed me that that there must be a G‑d in this world.

As I looked down at the boys and men in the room below us, and the women across from me in different rooms, I felt at home. Although we left early I would liked to stay and even if I couldn’t do all the praying it made me feel so good as I watched. I felt like I belonged there, like this is where I should be. I think that everyone would feel this way going to this synagogue. For some reason I felt like this one was different, I felt like this was the place for me.

So to end this great year laugh one more time, hug one last friend, and don’t ever forget we started something new, our journey of becoming adults.