I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I knew I was next, but my demons caused me to doubt myself. As I heard my name called, I slowly rose from my seat, and looked around me, and stole a glance at my brother. The small smile he gave me filled me with the courage I needed to approach the microphone. As I looked over the podium, I scanned the crowd. Everyone’s eyes were on me and I could hear my heart pounding in my ear, which caused my thoughts to escape me. All I could think about was “how did I end up here?” I was never really in touch with my Jewish roots. I observed the significant holidays, and went to Sunday school, but only because my parents made me. I studied to become a Bat Mitzvah because it was what was expected of me, but I have
