My name is Alexander Dillon Novian. I was born on June 8, 2006, to Farhad Novian and Lisa Novian. I am of Persian and “East Coast – New York” descent, you might say. I have grown up in Los Angeles, California and currently attend Milken community school, where I am in the 7th grade. I have a 15 year old brother, Benjamin. Both Temple Emanuel and Milken have given me the benefit of strong academics and a community.

I consider myself to be the balancing force in my family-calm and reasoned, at all times. I like to keep strong ties with my cousins and friends. I am very active in sports and really like to play soccer and tennis, and swim and ski for adventure. I am very good at working with my hands and I like to build things and also play the drums. I also have a passion for cooking. I have traveled to many places in the world. Some of my favorite places include Alaska, Israel, the South of France, and South Africa.

I like to say that I am hard working and organized, and like my parents, I have a lot to give to the world. My Bar Mitzvah project is to help build support for HIAS, which is a Jewish refugee settlement organization dedicated to bringing refugees from all over the world to the safety of this great nation. I have attended meetings and am coordinating with people in my community to raise awareness and monies for the organization.

I would like to thank Rabbi Aaron, Cantor Weiss and Allison Bluestein who helped prepare me for my Bar Mitzvah, as well as my loving family for their support.

Thank you for celebrating this important moment in my life with me.

Positivity, confidence and persistence are key in life, so never give up on your
self.” – D.J. Khaled