Pretty much everyone was pretty stunned when I announced I was doing this!

As you will know they last few years could not have been much worse for me or anyone around me.

This time 3 years ago things could not have been any worse so I wanted to mark a fresh start.  Synagogue has been the most amazing place for me during these years.  It has given me physical support with people to speak to and I have found I now really enjoy these few hours a week during services to think about the week and what has been going on - it is my time to check in on myself.

My first Bat Mitzvah I did because I felt I had to, this time I am doing it because I want to it actually means something to me.

I have decided to choose Art Refuge UK as my chosen charity to support as the work they do is incredible and art therapy means a great deal to me and something I shall qualify to do.  I found out about them on a course and they blew me away.  What do they do?   They support refugees who have been displaced due to political or religious persecution, armed conflict, trafficking, natural disaster and/or poverty.  They provide a safe space for them to be creative and express themselves through art.  Find out more here https://www.artrefugeuk.org/