Maxwell Banashek will become a bar mitzvah Jan. 25, 2020 at United Hebrew Congregation.

Max is the son of Cheryl and Michael Banashek of St. Louis and the grandson of Elaine and Edmund Banashek of St. Louis and Steven and the late Cynthia Perrone of Orlando, Fla. He has one brother, Brandon Banashek, who is 14.

Max completed U.H.’s Derech Mitzvah program consisting of 13 voluntary mitzvot representing the three Jewish pillars of Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim.

One Torah mitzvah he found interesting was watching a Jewish movie and writing a report. He watched “Above and Beyond,” a documentary about the birth of the Israeli Air Force. This movie has special meaning to his family since Max’s maternal great-grandfather helped smuggle old planes out of the United States for Israel’s use.

The Avodah mitzvot he participated in were very personal and spiritual. Max wrote a prayer about happiness and shared it with his family. For Gemilut Chasadim, Max volunteered at the temple’s Purim Carnival. He also enjoyed working with immigrant children at the International Institute.

Overall, Max learned about hard work, helping others, responsibility and other Jewish values. He said he is prepared and excited to soon become a bar mitzvah.

To make a tribute in honor of the bar mitzvah of Maxwell Banashek, please call the Jewish Light at 314-743-3675 or visit stljewishlight.com/donate.