Chabad of Venice has celebrated six Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in just one year, marking a beautiful milestone in the growth of our Jewish youth. Evan (Tovi Shai) Solares, Logan (Leibel Ranaan) Vass, Hayden (Chananya) Campbell, Ben (Binyomin) Royzen, Naomi Cole, and Mordechai Schmerling each took their turn at the Torah, bringing their unique personalities and dedication to these meaningful celebrations.
“It’s so rewarding,” said one parent, “to see these kids who met at Chabad at two or three years old, now celebrate their bar and bat mitzvahs together.” Each young adult learned about their Torah portion, as well as what it means to be a Jewish adult, and together they’ve created something truly remarkable — a brotherhood and sisterhood of tomorrow’s Jewish leaders, right here in Venice.
The commitment of these young people extends far beyond their Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparations. All six have distinguished themselves in the international JewQ Competition, demonstrating exceptional knowledge of Jewish history, law, and traditions. Four of them have earned spots in this year’s championship Shabbaton in New York, where they’ll join top-scoring Jewish students from around the world.
The New York Shabbaton promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together hundreds of JewQ champions from CKids clubs across the globe. During this immersive weekend, our Venice representatives will enjoy a packed schedule including visits to significant Jewish landmarks in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, interactive learning experiences, and the chance to form friendships with peers who share their passion for Jewish knowledge. The highlight of the weekend will be the grand JewQ International Championship event, where participants will be recognized for their remarkable achievements in Jewish learning.
“Watching these young people support each other through their Bar and Bat Mitzvah journeys has been incredible,” notes one volunteer Hebrew School teacher. “The friendship and camaraderie they’ve developed shows me what Jewish community is all about.”
As they prepare for their New York adventure, we celebrate not just their individual accomplishments, but the bright future they represent for Jewish life in Venice. Mazal tov!
