Janna Zuckermann, a JP Stevens 2008 graduate and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, started the Michelle Offsie Memorial walk, which starts in Edison and ends at Congregation Neve Shalom in Metuchen, at the age of 13. Rather than have a huge party, Janna chose to do this Mitzvah, or good deed, to mark her coming of age as an adult. Over the years, Janna's walk has raised over one million dollars toward a guarantee that breast cancer patients will not journey alone.
Way to go, Janna. If you are free on June 7th and would like to participate, click here for registration information. Or here for more information on Janna and her remarkable story.
Having been to both types of parties, I have never been to a first communion or confirmation that was comparable in size or scope to a bar/bat mitzvah party. Maybe I just don't go to the right parties.
FYI.....all B'nai Mitzvah students must perform a Tikkun Olam, or mitzvah project, in the community before they become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Having a "huge" party, or any type of party is a way of celebrating such a significant event with family and friends. Similar to the parties families have after their children receive first communion.