Maddy Louis with her father, Mitchell, and grandfather, Lowell. (Photo courtesy of Mitchell Louis)
Three years ago, I walked into Mrs. Miller’s fifth-grade religious school classroom feeling like I was starting my Hebrew journey at ground zero. Learning a new language can be intimidating, especially when it’s tied to something as meaningful as preparing for a bat mitzvah. But, in truth, my Jewish journey began long before that classroom, back when I was just one year old at the JCC in Chicago—where I first fell in love with Shabbat, challah, and the feeling of community. When it came time to prepare seriously for my bat mitzvah, my parents decided to give me a head start with weekly lessons. What they didn’t mention right away was that these lessons would take place on Friday nights, right before services.
As a soccer player with a packed schedule, my reaction was immediate: “That totally interferes with soccer!”
Looking back now, though, I realize how smart that decision was.
Over the next three years, Mrs. Miller and I Zoomed from some very creative locations: libraries near soccer fields in Schaumburg, the car on the way to tournaments, and even moments before I ran out the door to a game. No matter where we were, Mrs. Miller remained patient, flexible, and encouraging. She never gave up on me, even when I was tired or frustrated, and she always kept learning fun and positive. Her support made a huge difference in my journey.
Becoming a b’nai mitzvah student at Congregation Beth Shalom also meant moving from once-to twice-a-week religious school. Along the way, I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Lisa, who was incredibly kind, understanding, and flexible with my soccer-packed schedule. Having a team of teachers who believed in and supported me made all the difference.
Another important part of my preparation was meeting with Rabbi David Eber to review my Torah portion and write my dvar Torah (sermon). Our conversations went far beyond my specific portion; they helped me think more deeply about Judaism and what it means to grow into my Jewish identity.
As my parents tried to explain early on, this journey was about more than just learning prayers or Torah. In many ways, it reminded me of soccer: it takes practice, preparation, persistence, and the ability to enjoy the process. Some days felt easy, and others were much harder, but every step was worth it.
My bat mitzvah date, November 15, made the experience even more meaningful. It’s the same date as my dad’s bar mitzvah in 1986, and I also share the same Torah portion, Chayei Sarah—with my papa, Lowell Louis, who celebrated his bar mitzvah in November 1959.
I can’t wait for my brother, Ben, to begin this journey over the next three years, and I hope it is as meaningful and special for him as it has been for me.
One of the key lessons from my dvar Torah comes from Rebecca, who made brave choices and always put others first. As I begin this next chapter of my Jewish life, I hope to live with that same sense of purpose, doing mitzvot, bringing kindness into the world, and making good choices.
Like Rebecca, may we all focus less on whether we are ahead or behind— and more on continuing to grow, learn, and make a difference, one good deed at a time.
Maddy Louis lives in Naperville. She had her bat mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville.
