1. When a girl reaches 12-years-old she becomes a "bat mitzvah" and is recognized by Jewish tradition as having the same rights as an adult. She is now morally and ethically responsible for her decisions and actions.
2. "Bat Mitzvah" also refers to a religious ceremony that accompanies a girl becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Often a celebratory party will follow the ceremony and that party is also called a bat mitzvah.

So this first pic above she says: This is me at class belly dancing and balancing a simitar (5 lbs.) on my head. I'm especially proud of it because not only am I the oldest one in the class, the only one with MS, and the only one who could dance without dropping it.

In the second pic: This is me in the middle dancing with some of the members of the Chakra Troupe at a show we did at the Marriott Hotel as a fund raiser for a local charity (Rosie's Place) that supports homeless women.

This family friend was diagnosed with MS years & years ago and she says this: The main thing that keeps me going is my exercise program: A killer aerobics class on Tuesdays, Belly Dance class on Wednesday, Tai Chi on Thursday and another aerobics class on Friday. I also do about a 1/2 hour of exercise every day at home which has been prescribed to me by my Chiropractor/Muscle Therapist, who gave me my life back. When I'm suffering from pain, spasticity, balance problems due to the MS, I see an acupuncturist. I also play piano for city events and Temple parties.......and I cook, cook, cook for family and friends.

Honestly, can we really complain or say we can't do it after reading this! I have to share that she also went thru some pretty tough family things when she was younger - I am talking about married with children & life seems great younger & before the MS. She got thru that & now has her sister living with her who has cancer. She is showing people that she can get through anything! YOU CAN TOO!

So, will you try to do something out of your comfort zone today just to prove to yourself that you can???!!!

PS: Shmirshky in the News: World Menopause Day Press Tour