Dear Lia,

What a wonderful and meaningful way to celebrate your Bat-Mitzvah! It's always refreshing to see this milestone used as not just an excuse for a party, but as a way to learn some lessons about life and Judaism.

Like you, I am descended from Holocaust survivors. My parents were both on Schindler's List. 

Their lives were spared because one man had the courage to stand up to the evil that was all around him. His example taught me that just because yours is a lonely voice, doesn't mean you're wrong. Always have the strength to stand up for what you know is right, even if it goes against what everyone else is doing.

As a daughter of Holocaust survivors, I also learned some valuable lessons about priorities in life. My parents always taught me that wealth and other material possessions can be taken away in an instant. Material things should never become the most important things in your life. What you should treasure and cherish are the people you love - your family and friends - and the values and principles you hold. Be guided by the great gift God has given to us as Jews - the Torah. It is a blueprint for a productive and well-lived life. Don't let your bat mitzvah mark the beginning of the end of your Jewish education. Continue to study and learn what it is God expects of us as human beings, and as Jews.

As you mark this joyous simcha, may you always bring nachas to your wonderful parents and your big brother, Michael, along with all of your family.

Mazal Tov!

Regine Schlessinger

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