Reflection sparks a connection between the service done and lessons learned. In addition, reflection enables us to understand why we participate in certain acts of service to others, and how it relates to our lives.

There is no doubt that many teens have dedicated a large part of their lives to service for various reasons. Making the connection to Judaism and understanding the relevance of the work to your own life adds depth to your experiences.

This has been an incredible year of personal growth for me. So many changes occurred in my life; the most important, I became a Bar Mitzvah. In addition to studying for my Bar Mitzvah, writing my D'vor Torah, and meeting with my rabbis, I started a new school, Windward School, and faced many new and challenging opportunities and experiences.

My Torah portion, Lech Lecha, sums up my personal feelings as well as my actual experiences this past year. "Vayomer el-Abrahaam lech lecha me'artescha umim'oladetecha umibeyt avicha..." G-d said to Abraham, "Go away from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you." Abraham made a spiritual journey as well as a physical one. I can relate to Abraham because it is similar to me leaving my elementary school, Sinai Akiba Academy, and going to Windward and facing so many new things. A major change occurred in my feelings about why I did acts of Tikkun Olam. My committment to Tikkun Olam went from one of responsibility and just part of my weekly schedule, to one of spirituality and my own strong desire to make a difference in this world.

As I reflect upon my Bar Mitzvah, I am most proud of my decision to ask my family and friends to donate to Chrysalis, in lieu of gifts. I chose Chrysalis as my charity because it helps homeless people help themselves by teaching them how to become independent, obtain jobs, and become a part of society. I was overwhelmed when the total given in my honor was over $10,000! In addition, for the kids' part that night, I asked my friends to bring business supplies (backpacks, pens, pencils, toiletries, and other necessity-related supplies) instead of gifts. We ended up with a car FULL of wonderful supplies for the Chrysalis clients. I felt really good about my decision because I helped those who were truly in need. When I saw the faces of the people I had helped, I felt a tingle inside of me, knowing that I had helped change peoples' lives.

The Windward School is very active and supports many community service programs, and encourages the students to become involved in many ways. Windward provides me with the perfect opportunities to become a leader. Every time there is a Tikkun Olam event, my friends, my mom, and I volunteer our time. Some of the activities have included packaging sandwiches for the homeless, beautifying a neighborhood park, and working with underprivileged children. I look forward to participating in more community service events and encouraging my friends to do them with me. This makes me feel very good inside and I enjoy it very much because I can see how much I am able to help people.

The Talmud says, "Whoever saves a single life, saves the entire world." It was the theme of my Bar Mitzvah and it is my inspiration for believing that I, as one person, can make a difference in this world. Ani v’ata neshaneh et haolam, You and I can change the world.