Dear Lia,

Mazel Tov on your Bat Mitzvah and your 13th birthday. I think it's wonderful that these occasions have stimulated you to think about the resiliency of Judaism despite the holocaust and to consider your own responsibilities and commitment as a Jew. I know that I wasn't as thoughtful as you are when I was your age.

As a Jewish member of the United States House of Representatives, I feel deeply the special mission that I have. The theme of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, informs many of the decisions I make and the priorities that have established. I believe that you and I have an obligation to seek justice for all people, that we must be concerned about the one out of five American children that live in poverty, that we must foster peace -- peace in the Middle East, around the world and in our own communities. We need to fight the hatred that results in people in our own neighborhood fearing to walk home from synagogue because a shooter might attack them, the hatred that resulted in Ricky Byrdsong's murder, and puts children in child care centers and school in jeopardy.

Most of all, I hope that you will begin right now to see yourself as powerful enough to change the world to make it better. You are that powerful! Every act of kindness or generosity you perform, every time you stand up against bigotry and hate, whenever you write to your elected official or encourage your friends to do the same, you make the world a little better. We call it a mitzvah. Add them all up, and we can repair the world.

I'm proud of you for writing such an intelligent letter to me. I have confidence that you will continue to make your family and your community proud as you take on more challenges. I would be happy to share ideas with you or help you along the way. Feel free to contact me.

Best wishes,

Jan Schakowsky

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