Sophia Vida Sultanik
Sophia Vida Sultanik—daughter of Nadya and Evan Sultanik and big sister to Eliza and Ruby, the family puppy—will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 2 PM at Congregation Beth Shalom. Sophia is a seventh grader at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, where she previously attended St. Peter’s School, a non-religious elementary school in Center City Philadelphia, from preschool through fourth grade.
Sophia has a diverse range of interests and talents. She enjoys playing the violin, creating art, cooking, and participating in robotics competitions. These hobbies showcase her creativity, technical skills, and dedication to learning.
For her Bat Mitzvah project, Sophia is supporting Magen David Adom, an organization that provides life-saving emergency medical care and disaster response. Sophia was inspired by their unwavering commitment to saving lives. As part of her efforts, she is selling t-shirts to support the cause, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social responsibility.
Sophia’s project reflects her belief that everyone has the power to make a positive impact on the world, echoing the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. Her dedication to this cause showcases her compassion and desire to contribute to her community and beyond.
Charlie Nathans
Charlie Nathans will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Congregation Beth Emeth in Wilmington. He will be reading from Chayei Sarah, Genesis 23:1–9. Charlie is a seventh grader at Garnet Valley Middle School. For the last two years, Charlie has attended URJ Six Points Sci-Tech Academy summer camp in Massachusetts. Charlie’s passions include drumming in band and jazz band, cross-country running, video games, and outer space.
Charlie’s mitzvah project is volunteering with the Philly Friendship Circle. As part of this, he is working with developmentally disabled children to provide friendship and socialization. Charlie is the son of Debra and Aaron Nathans of Chester Heights, PA. His big sister is Lily Nathans. He is the grandchild of Amy and Gary Nathans, and Joanne and Martin Neff, z’l.
Marielle Rose Abrams
Marielle Rose Abrams will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Congregation Beth Emeth in Wilmington, DE. She will be reading from Genesis 12:1–12. Marielle is an eighth grader at Everett Meredith Middle School in Middletown, DE and spends time in the summer at 6 Points Creative Arts Academy. Marielle’s passions are singing and animals. For her Mitzvah Project, Marielle is gathering supplies for the animals at the Brandywine SPCA as she wants to eventually work with the animals there and wants to further her education to become a veterinarian when she grows up.
Marielle loves to sing and is involved in the chorus and the Select Singers at her middle school and has been involved in J Choir at her synagogue since fourth grade. Marielle is the daughter of Adam and Randi Abrams. Her grandparents are Richard and Kathy Sheingold, and Barry and the late Rebecca Abrams. Marielle is technically an only child, but has two cousins whom she refers to as her brother and sister, Jayden (17) and Charlie (2). Her god-parents, Uncle Allan and Cousin Sheri, are so proud of her.
