This past year I studied for my adult Bar Mitzvah as I moved from my teenage years to my 20s. I was learning with Officiant Martin Di Maggio and it was one of the most important experiences of my life. I gained so much knowledge about Judaism, especially Sefardi culture, and the learning process was tailored to my needs. Moreh Martin, made sure I felt supported and understood, and I believe very few students get to have the kind of connection I had with my teacher—it felt like learning with a friend. I was encouraged to go beyond the basics of Jewish studies. We explored topics like (a)theology, medieval Jewish history, Sefardi traditions, and even figures who are not often remembered. This process helped me mature and understand my responsibilities as an agnostic, Sefardi, LGBT+ Jew. It gave me a new way to see my Jewish identity, one that is much deeper and more meaningful to me.
The ceremony itself was beautiful, bringing together different languages and cultures in a way that felt inclusive and special. My Brazilian Jewish friends were amazed by the Shema and other prayers, and the love and unity in our Spinoza Havurah were unforgettable. Even though we have members with different views—like on Zionism—it was a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Having an LGBT+ and Sefardi teacher was very important to me. It made me feel represented in a Jewish environment that often feels very Ashkenazi and heteronormative, especially here in Brazil.
My Moreh’s teaching style helped me think critically and see Judaism as something dynamic, full of questions and growth. During the process of learning for my ceremony, we explored the Ladino term “Kumplimiento de Minyan” meaning “ fulfillment of minyan” and is one of the most important things in the life of a Jewish young person, who – in Sephardic thought – through their b’mitzvot, become responsible for maintaining and sustaining a communal, cultural, and religious Judaism. With this in mind, I decided to structure my mitzvah project into three areas that represent fundamental aspects of my life: the Land of Israel and Zionism, combating antisemitism, and fighting against the invisibility of LGBT+ people, especially transgender individuals.
Through Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, I planted a tree in Eretz Israel in memory of my best friend’s father, blessing his memory and contributing to a greener and more sustainable Israel. Additionally, I participated in the production and screening of a Holocaust documentary organized by the youth of Congregação Israelita Paulista. This was an incredible opportunity to learn more about our history, educate others, and talk to Shoah survivors, who are undoubtedly the strongest people I have ever met. Finally, I organized a clothing drive for donation to the LGBT+ Shelter Casa 1. The shelter’s work is essential for welcoming people who often arrive without the bare minimum to meet their daily needs. In the case of transgender people, for example, many arrive without suitable clothing to help them deal with gender dysphoria, making donations like these even more important. My intention was to help ensure that each person could feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Prior to my learning for my Kumplimiento de Minyan I was full of doubts, trying to seek my roots while facing the pressures of modern life. Many times, I felt lost, trying to balance my various identities and understand what it meant to be, at the same time, Jewish, Sephardic, LGBT+, and part of contemporary society. Over time, with the love and support of so many people, I began to find myself again. Today, I am a stronger person, more connected to my roots and community. I discovered that what makes me special is exactly the intertwining of the different parts of who I am. I understood that I am not just someone who carries a past, but someone who actively participates in the construction of our people’s future. By fulfilling minyan, I was not only fulfilling a mitzvah—I was reaffirming my place in the world as part of the history of our people, as someone who carries the strength, responsibility, and struggles of all those who came before us. For me, this means a deep connection with the past and an unshakable commitment to the future.
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