Bat Mitzvah lives on in friends we keep

I remember standing on the bimah reading from the Torah, almost one year ago. The moment was so special, with a feeling I will never forget. Preparing for my Bat Mitzvah was an exciting time – practicing my Torah portion, haftarah and all of the blessing and prayers night after night; meeting with my tutor, rabbis and cantor.

One of the most special parts was the connection I made with my Hebrew school friends. We had always been close, but the process of everyone preparing for and having their Bar and Bat Mitzvah during the same time period made us even closer. We all understood exactly what we were going through and could even talk about and compare our different experiences. We could all relate to our nervousness and excitement at the big day.

Only four kids left Hebrew school after their bar or bat mitzvah, but we all still have a close bond. The kids who stayed have a special relationship. We stay in touch by texting, and we are excited when we will all be at Sunday school. We love to see each other and we all plan on continuing at Sunday school

Our Hebrew school teacher really helped us to form this strong bond. In fifth and sixth grade, our teachers were Joie Magnone and Erin Moseley, and they did everything they could to not only teach us, but to make Hebrew and Sunday school a fun experience.

We all go to different schools and live everywhere from Attleboro to South County in Rhode Island, but Temple keeps us close. We can go to Starbucks after Sunday school or just stay and hang out, eating the Brotherhood breakfast. But no matter where we go, we always have a fun time!

ZOEY JOERING is in the eighth grade at the Wheeler School in Providence.