Dvar Torah - Zoe and Maya Katz

My Bat Mitzvah Dvar Torah (Zoe Katz)

Shabbat Shalom.

Today I would like to share some thoughts about Sukkot, one of the happiest festivals in the Jewish calendar.

Sukkot reminds us of the time when the Israelites travelled through the desert after leaving Egypt. During those years they lived in temporary shelters and relied on God for protection and guidance. To remember this, we build and spend time in a sukkah, a temporary structure that reminds us that many of the things we depend on in life are not permanent.

One of the messages of Sukkot that speaks to me most is gratitude. It is easy to focus on the things we wish we had, but Sukkot teaches us to appreciate what we already have. Even though the sukkah is simple, we fill it with family, friends, food, laughter and joy. It reminds us that happiness does not come from having everything. It comes from appreciating the blessings that are already in our lives.

While preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I have learned how important it is to be grateful for the people who support me. I am grateful for my family, my friends, my teachers and my community. I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn more about my Jewish heritage and what it means to take on greater responsibility as a Jewish adult.

As I grow older, I hope to carry this lesson with me. I want to remember to appreciate the people around me, to focus on what I have rather than what I lack, and to find joy in everyday moments.

I would like to thank my parents for their endless love, support and encouragement. Thank you to my sibling, grandparents, Rabbi, teachers, friends and family for helping me reach this special day. Your guidance and support mean so much to me.

Thank you, and Shabbat Shalom.

Shabbat Shalom. (Maya Katz)

One of the themes of Sukkot that is especially meaningful to me is hospitality, or hachnasat orchim.

During Sukkot, it is a tradition to invite people into our sukkah. This teaches uas the importance of welcoming others and making them feel included. A sukkah may be temporary, but the kindness we show inside it can have a lasting impact.

As I prepare for my Bat Mitzvah, I have learned that being part of a community means caring for others and making people feel valued. I hope to carry this lesson with me throughout my life by being welcoming, kind and open-hearted.

Thank you to my family, Rabbi, teachers and everyone who has helped me reach this special milestone.