My New Neighbors

by Avigayil Perlman

Four and a half years ago, a new family moved onto our block, and very unexpectedly, this family has made a huge imprint on my life. I always love to meet new people, so I was very excited when my mother told me she was making dinner for this new family. I asked her if I could come along to bring the food. My mother was very happy to have me carry some pans, and I got a chance to find out more about our new neighbors.

I was curious to know how many kids they had, what their ages were, if they were tall or short, blond or brunette, and of course what their personalities were like. When we arrived at their doorstep, I knocked and we were invited inside. They introduced us to six of their 10 children, and I was very excited that the four youngest were girls. I have four younger brothers, so I was looking forward to being around little girls.

I was hoping that one day I would have a close relationship with such a warm family. Over time I noticed how they always welcomed everyone into their home and had such a positive attitude toward others. Gradually, I started going to their house to be a mother’s helper. I enjoyed spending time with such cute children. In the course of a year, I spent more and more time with them. I would bring them to the park, bake with them, play games with them and much more.

When I was old enough to babysit, their mother asked me to watch them when she went shopping or to a simcha. I became very close with all of the girls, even though I am older than they are. An additional treat came when Mrs. Cohen gave birth to a sweet little baby boy.

Babysitting for my neighbors has given me a sense of responsibility. My parents are very proud of my capabilities, and are glad I am learning about making and spending my own money. Now that I have earned my own money, I really have to think twice how I am going to spend it. I feel really great that I can make more choices about what I can buy.

Interestingly, I have gained a lot more from my neighbors on a spiritual level than on a physical level. Of course it is fun to have young girls to play with and have money for things I want, but more importantly, their mother has become a true role model. When my mother and I started discussing what topic I would learn for my bas mitzvah, my mother suggested learning with our neighbor. I agreed with her wholeheartedly. I learned so much about how to be a true Bas Yisroel and will always look forward to having this family on my block. I have grown tremendously from them. And that has made a huge impact on me.