Shabbat Shalom!
Human
beings like to complain, whether it’s about the economy, the weather, or
homework, it’s just something people do. In my case, it was Bat Mitzvah
training. During the first couple of months of studying, I did not work to my
full potential, and I constantly complained about having to go to lessons. My Torah portion, Behaalotcha, is jam packed
with life lessons. One section explains how the Jewish people soon after
leaving Mount Sinai, and journeying to the wilderness, began to complain or as
Jewish people would say “kvetch”. The people were unhappy with the Manna which
was the daily bread they got from Heaven. God sent a massive flock of quail
which the people gathered to eat. Those who had complained about the manna ended
up stuffing themselves to death. Instead of actually eating what they needed
and being satisfied with what they were given, they chose to complain and
suffer the consequences. The lesson I
have taken away from my Torah portion is about concentrating on the positives
in every situation. This relates back to
my initial lack of interest in my Bat Mitzvah studies. In the first couple of months,
I got away with slacking. About 4 months ago, I realized it was time to stop
complaining and start studying. My attitude completely changed because I knew
it had to get done and I was the only one who could do it. The more positive I
felt, and the less complaining I did, the better my training went. I hope to take
my positive outlook and apply it to other hurdles in my life.
For my
Mitzvah project, I chose to work with an organization called “ Tails Of
Courage”. Tails of courage is a
non-profit animal shelter which specializes in fostering and adopting dogs that
need a home. They take dogs out of harmful or abusive situations. I volunteered
my time helping out at the adoption events. At one of the events I fell in love
with a puppy named PAWL. Spelled P-A-W-L. Although I already have two dogs at
home, it wasn’t enough for me just like the Jewish people and the mana. My
parents wouldn’t let me bring home another dog but I tried to look on the
positive side. Thankfully, Pawl got adopted. I realized the people who adopted
him could give him more love and attention then I could. Looking at the
positives of a situation is a much more enjoyable way to experience life.
Today is an
important milestone for my family. 6 years ago on this weekend, my sister
Samantha, had her Bat Mitzvah at this temple and 40 years ago my dad had his
Bar Mitzvah. I am the sixth and final cousin of my generation to become a bar
or bat mitzvah here, keeping up a long standing Beth El and Karp Family
Tradition.
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