Twins Remi and Tommy, celebrated their B’nai mitzvah on 4/27/13 at Congregation Or Ami, Lafayette Hill, PA. Their mitzvah project was to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer.
Tommy handed out teal laces to the Colonial Soccer club for teammates to wear the month of September (Get Real With Teal Campaign).
Remi created a beautiful dance with the help of amazing friends. Check the video and pics here!
submitted by Stacey Kesselman, Exceptional Events
Exceptional Events Facebook pageA Dollar Campaign is a charity that was created by two teens, Arielle Joselson and Seri Roth with the mission to find a cure to pediatric cancer.
We have a vision of every person donating just one dollar and then together, as a nation, we would be able to find a cure. Meeting as freshman in high school, we instantly became great friends and realized that we share a common goal, to seek the cure to children’s cancer. We then brainstormed ideas as to how we were going to go about making our dream a reality.
The concept of “one dollar” inspired us and made us think that if every person in our nation, donated just one dollar, imagine how much money we would raise for pediatric research. So, we came up with A Dollar Campaign.
Our next step in our charity was getting our name out there, so we created a website. With the help of our teachers, and parents, we were able to create a website of our own that is child oriented. We wanted to have our charity be centered around kids, because since we are kids ourselves, we thought that it would be so amazing if we could inspire other children and teenagers to make a difference.
We have had our charity for a year and a half and we could not feel happier to know that we are making a difference in children’s lives. We have many volunteer opportunities for children and adults of any age and we have numerous events throughout the course of the year.
If anyone is interested in helping or volunteering for us please email us at: info@adollarcampaign.org.
We will not stop until a cure has been found.
Submitted to The Mitzvah Bowl by Arielle & Seri
Imagine the feeling of going to class on a Monday morning and seeing the majority of your classmates cohesively wearing a bar mitzvah sweatshirt highlighting the weekend’s festivities and YOU are dressed in your normal garb? Makes you feel down and out knowing you were one of the very few excluded from the major celebration the past Saturday night.
The Mitzvah Bowl highly encourages families to consider INCLUSION when it comes time to planning the big simcha. Too many children, both in the unpopular crowds as well as special needs kids, experience a burst to their self esteem and self-worth when they are explicitly excluded from social events, such as a bar or bat mitzvah.
Outliers are neglected individuals who are typically overlooked when it comes time to being included in the invitee list.
Want to perform a simple meaningful mitzvah? Practice inclusion! By adding just a couple or a few more names to your party list, you can prevent a social disaster for an child who is typically overlooked.
http://www.tribejournal.com/tribe-life/bts/2013/03/room-for-one-more-2/
by Valerie and Cheryl, www.themitzvahbowl.com
Thanks to Linda Morrow Photography for permission to reprint her latest blog here about a SHUTOUT for Jordan!
In the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and have met some truly amazing families. I’m not Jewish, so finding out about the Bar and Bat Mitzvah traditions has been a great learning experience. Recently I discovered that many kids that are celebrating their Bar/Bat Mitzvah also take on a special charitable project. It turns out that”mitzvah” not only means a commandment of the Jewish law, but it also means a charitable act or worthy deed.
I heard about a VERY worthy deed by 15-year old Jordan Fromm. I met his family when I photographed his sister, JAMIE’S BAT MITZVAH at the beginning of the year. His dad recently told me about the charity Jordan formed in 2009, called SHUTOUTS FOR KIDS, when he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. So, a shutout, for those who don’t know hockey like myself, is when a goalie keeps the other team from scoring the entire game. Jordan gets donations based on how many shutouts he gets per season. To date, Jordan has raised over $30,000 to benefit the ED SNIDER YOUTH FOUNDATION and the MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION. Truly amazing!
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When Jordan’s dad called to ask if I could contribute something to the silent auction at the hockey banquet at Jordan’s school, I said OF COURSE! So if you are going to the Wissahickon High School & Middle School hockey banquet in a few weeks, be sure to bid on my family session!
If you’d like to help out Jordan’s charity, please check out WWW.SHUTOUTSFORKIDS.ORG!
by: Linda Morrow, photographer, www.lindamorrow.net
Imagine WALKing along Martin Luther King Drive with your friends, family, and neighbors with one common goal: WALKing Against Hate.
Join ADL for our third 5K WALK Against Hate on Sunday, May 19, 2013, 1-4 pm in Philadelphia!
Take part in a one-of-a-kind initiative in which people from various backgrounds are united to stand together and embrace diversity.
This is an opportunity for both youth and adults to make strides against bigotry and hatred in their communities.
The WALK is kid-friendly and will feature activities to keep everyone entertained!
The registration fee for the WALK is $10 for adults and $5 for youths.
Visit www.walkagainsthate.org, log on and form a team. Create one big team, or “compete” against friends, relatives, classmates and neighbors as to who can recruit the most WALKers or raise the most money. As the event comes closer, there were also be lots of volunteer opportunities to help at the Walk too.
Frequently, The Mitzvah Bowl website receives the same inquiry asking “How far in advance should my son (or daughter) begin working on their mitzvah project?”
We turned to local rabbis for their professional advice to validate what we thought was an appropriate timeframe. The consensus among the clergy is that a student should initiate their project at least six months prior to their simcha.
Rabbi Cynthia Kravitz of Kesher Israel Congregation, West Chester, PA agrees, “Our students begin their 20 hour Tikkun Olam/Social Action Project in the year prior to their becoming a bar/ bat mitzvah.”
Rabbi Eliot Holin, Kol Ami, Elkins Park, PA sums it up by saying “10 months out is a good starting point, but no less than 6 months out.” Part of the dialogue at Kol Ami begins 8-10 months prior with a meeting discussing mitzvah project options with their Director of Education.
Every synagogue does have a slightly different timeline, however, this infographic will summarize our findings with the majority of education directors, rabbis and cantors. We highly recommend that you consult with the appropriate contact at your own shul to guide you through the process.
As Rabbi Kravitz remarked, “ We want our students to feel the intensity of the experience in the year leading up to the simcha. It takes on an added meaning.”
Whenever your child begins the project, whether it be six months to a year prior to their big celebration, remember, it is never too early to learn about giving back to the community. This process doesn’t have to begin or end with their b’nai mitzvah! Tikkun Olam is a lifetime journey!
by Valerie Franklin & Cheryl Friedenberg, info@themitzvahbowl.com
Interested in doing volunteer work for a wonderful cause that helps children while at the same time enjoying a walk in one of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions? Join us at Philadelphia Great Strides at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, April 27, 2013 and play an integral role in the fight to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Sign up to volunteer on walk day, register a walk team to take strides and raise funds, or volunteer your time leading up to the walk and help in the office with walk preparation. To learn more or register a team today, please go to www.cff.org/great_strides or call the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at (610) 325-6001.
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common genetic disease in the Unites States affecting about 30,000 children and adults (70,000 worldwide). It is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas which can lead to life-threatening lung infections and problems digesting food. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. Their focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF, and ultimately to find a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of supporters — patients, families and friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a difference. Sign up to volunteer or get involved today, please go to www.cff.org/great_strides or call the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at (610) 325-6001.
Robin C. Paterson
Senior Development Director
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Delaware Valley Chapter
(610) 325-6001
Bar Mitzvah Lucas Popp (13) of Palo Alto, CA tripled his goal of starting a library in Africa by starting three! He collected, sorted, packed and mailed nearly 3,000 books to start libraries at Mabele, Isang and Khurutshe Primary Schools in Botswana through the African Library Project. Lucas collected 1,000 gently used children’s books and raised about $500 to cover the shipping costs to help start each library.
Part of becoming a member of the Jewish community today also means taking on moral responsibilities and helping to repair the world. While volunteering at Cradles to Crayons, a local charity helping needy kids in the Philadelphia area, Brendan realized that the charity was in dire need of kids’ shoes, particularly boys’ athletic shoes. As a cross country runner himself, Brendan knows about the importance of good athletic shoes. During his volunteer sessions, he was saddened that there were no shoes in the sizes needed to complete orders requested from social workers.
From the Fall of 2012, right up until his Bar Mitzvah (Temple Sinai, Dresher, PA) on 3/2/2013, Brendan collected, organized and tagged over 950 pairs of shoes that he amassed through shoe drives at various locations. Even the baskets on the bimah at his Bar Mitzvah service were filled with brand new kids’ athletic shoes that were donated to Cradles to Crayons. The Cradles to Crayons staff was extremely grateful for Brendan’s efforts and would hug our family each time we dropped off a donation of shoes.
“It was such a fulfilling project for our whole family that we decided to host a shoe drive for every Fall for years to come.” Ilene Cantos, Brendan’s mom
“Brendan’s shoe collection has really taken off! I was rummaging for the right size shoes today and was having difficulty in filling some outstanding orders, so I am very grateful to Brendan for filling the need for these hard to find items. 900+ pairs collected is truly wonderful, and so desperately needed as the weather starts to turn colder and shoes become even more important. Thank you for your vision, your hard work and your enthusiasm. Thanks to Brendan for his drive, commitment and dedication to the children we serve, and for the very efficient and thorough manner in which he conducted this great collection.”
Michal Smith, Executive Director, Cradles to Crayons cradlestocrayons.org
Are you looking for a mitzvah project? We can help you – to help others!
Cystic Fibrosis awareness and fundraising for medical advancements in the treatment of this genetic disease.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system, as well as a multitude of other organ systems. Living with CF involves breathing treatments, multiple medications, frequent infections and recurrent hospital stays.
There are 30,000 people with CF in the United States and 70,000 worldwide. CF AND TAY
SACHS ARE THE MOST COMMON FATAL GENETIC DISEASES AMONG ASHKENAZI
JEWS.
Emily’s Entourage is named for Emily, an amazing local young Jewish woman who is fighting
this debilitating disease with determination and courage. The organization was started by
her family in effort to support current research that might save her, and many others—if
progress is made in time. To meet Emily and her family, visit www.emilysentourage.org
Please join Emily’s Entourage (EE) and help leverage the power of community to
make a difference in the fight against CF.
Here are some mitzvah project ideas:
1. B’nai Mitzvah with Meaning, Raising Awareness and Funds
(Consider any of the following)
2. Play it Forward, A Fee-for-Entrance Sports Tournament
3. Create for a Cure, A Group Craft Project
4. Car Wash for a Cure
5. Entertaining for Emily, Offer your Services to Raise Funds for EE
6. Take a Breather for Emily: A Fun Day Out at a Nail Salon, Yoga Studio or a Similar Venue
Come up with your own project idea! 
Emily’s Entourage is so grateful for your willingness to consider a project on behalf of Emily. Please let us know what you would like to do as we are glad to help!
Contact: Liza Kramer www.emilysentourage.org or 610-664-3252
Click here 
to read an article in MedPageToday about how teen volunteering is a heart-healthy activity!
On March 24, join over 150 volunteer packers and drivers at Temple Sinai in Dresher, that will help over 500 needy, elderly and isolated Jewish seniors celebrate Passover. Each recipient will receive two fully stocked bags of groceries that will provide enough food for the Passover Seder and the week of Passover.
From 8 am until 10 am volunteers will help pack over 1000 bags of Kosher for Passover food including, chicken, eggs, matzah, gefilte fish, coffee and much much more. Then over 100 volunteer drivers and their families will deliver to recipients all over the Greater Philadelphia region with most of the deliveries in Northeast Philadelphia.
May 1, 2010 was an Internet birthday, which Cheryl Friedenberg and Valerie Franklin remember well. Their baby, www.themitzvahbowl.com, was launched in the Philadelphia area and its suburbs. Since then, the website has grown into a mature, finely tuned resource for tweens and teens searching for mitzvah projects.
“Initially our goal was to help kids find mitzvah projects with which they would be excited to volunteer, and now the site has evolved into so much more. Social media (via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook) has taken our site to a whole new level. Students all over the country are using our site to find out what others are doing for their mitzvah projects which inspires them to create their own,” states co-founder, Friedenberg.
One such student named Jessica, from Washington D.C., was inspired by themitzvahbowl.com to create her own mitzvah project. She and her family coordinated and delivered Purim packages to homeless shelters, nursing homes and to the Jewish Chaplain at Andrews Air Force Base. Jessica’s reaction to her project, “Wow! There are so many in need and puts smiles on people’s faces. Can we make more this year and make a lot more next year?”
“Blogging about non-profit volunteer opportunities, individual student projects and other ‘good deed’ resources gives our site even more quality content”, continues Franklin. ”The Mitzvah Bowl is all about helping tweens, teens and families find an appropriate volunteer opportunity they will stick with for the long-term.”
When their own children were searching for mitzvah projects, the suburban moms stumbled upon the concept for a website, which acts as a clearinghouse for all bar/bat mitzvah students. They realized most synagogues emphasized only a handful of similar mitzvah projects and wanted to find their kids unique mitzvah projects, which would also hold their interest. After surveying local Rabbis, the duo quickly understood that this was their calling. As religious institutions communicate to their congregants through the advances of technology, www.themitzvahbowl.com takes their wired family members into this realm with ease. “Themitzvahbowl.com is an incredibly helpful resource that I provide to every student in search of a mitzvah project. By directing them to the website I can be sure that I am providing them with trustworthy, local opportunities to engage in tikkun olam in their particular areas of interest.” Comments Rabbi David Gerber of Congregation Beth Or, Maple Glen, PA.
Today, after two and a half years as mitzvah project experts, Franklin & Friedenberg list over 125 non-profits on their site. A requirement for the non-profits is that they go ‘beyond fundraising’. Franklin elaborates, “We want tweens and teens to experience a true mitzvah project by becoming involved with the non-profit or its recipients. Just fundraising or collecting items is a start but we find teens have the potential to grasp onto something that’s more than just a temporary good deed.”
A new audience for Themitzvahbowl.com is high school students. “Most high school programs have added a community service component for graduating seniors and our website is a perfect match for their search. “The Mitzvah Bowl gives our students the opportunity to improve themselves through community service. It allows them to give of their time and make a difference,” points out Mike Gallagher, Community Service Coordinator at Methacton High School, Eagleville, PA.
High school counselors are spreading the word to their students who are wired and ready to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity, “ remarks Friedenberg.
“The Mitzvah Bowl is the go-to site for ideas and inspiration for all faiths on ways to improve the world.” Simone A. Bernstein, co-founder, President VolunTEENnation.org
Contact: Cheryl Friedenberg & Valerie Franklin info@themitzvahbowl.com
We all know someone who has been touched by cancer—and we all know the frustrating feeling of helplessness that this disease evokes. But there is something we can do to fight back—something engaging, empowering and downright fun. That something is the Relay For Life.
As the primary source of American Cancer Society funds, the Relay For Life is a national and international movement that takes place in well over five thousand communities nationwide. We are fortunate enough to have one of these events taking place right here in our own community—the Wissahickon Valley Relay For Life, which will be held at Upper Dublin High School from 4 pm, Friday, May 17th to 4 pm, Saturday, May 18th.
Relay For Life is an event that brings together a community to show its support for the fight against cancer, to remember those who have died and to celebrate cancer survivors. Teams of friends and family members take turns walking around the high school track to demonstrate their commitment to creating a world with less cancer. Some teams, particularly student ones, even choose to camp out overnight. Throughout the day and evening, there are moving ceremonies, goofy contests and great local entertainment. To view a short clip of the Relay experience, click here.
How can you get involved in this inspirational event? Join with family and friends to start a Relay For Life team. Teams form prior to Relay, generally during the winter or very early spring, to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Another possibility is to volunteer to help out on the day of Relay with the many tasks involved in running such a large community event. Finally, there is the opportunity to perform at Relay: those who have talents to share, such as singing, dancing or playing in a band, are invited to inquire about available entertainment time slots.
Regardless of how you choose to participate in the Relay For Life, it is simply inspiring to be part of a community that is taking up the fight against a disease that has taken so much from so many.
Contacts: Jodi Benjamin (planning committee member and local Relay For Life volunteer), bjls@comcast.net, 215-793-4097 and Eileen Quinn (American Cancer Society staff member), eileen.quinn@cancer.org, 404-329-5122
It started last autumn when Alyssa Chadow, a teacher at the California School for the Blind (CSB), had the idea of doing a fundraiser. With more than 85 students, CSB educates children from different backgrounds who suffer from multiple disabilities in addition to blindness. The students of CSB are similar to our students in Israel, which is why Alyssa ended up choosing Keren Or for their fundraiser.
Alyssa decided to dedicate the month of February to a fundraising Game-A-Thon. She suggested a pledge of fifty cents per game, and allowed sponsors to give more. During the month, 22 sponsored games were played by the high school students, raising $79 for Keren Or. Alyssa said this experience began to “bring out the best in people.” She observed the genuine interest the project elicited, not only from her students but from the community around her as well. One student was so proud of what they had done for Keren Or that he became their PR person and would ask Alyssa every day how much money they had earned!
Alyssa believes it is meaningful for her students to know they are not alone and that there are others around the world going through the same things they are. Some of these children come from schools where they were often one of the only blind or mentally disabled persons in their school. Now they are around others every day who share their unique abilities and disabilities and learn from role models such as Alyssa, who is visually impaired herself.
Alyssa says she teaches her class with “an iron hand” and uses some “tough love” from time to time. She believes the students could not survive on their own otherwise. She has become an inspiring example to them, especially to the ones who say to her, “I can’t do this,” to which she immediately answers, “Yes, you can, and I am going to show you how.” Alyssa teaches these children how to do things for themselves through tasks such as learning how to use a stapler, tying their shoes, and finding the bathroom on their own. Not only does Alyssa teach her students their daily lessons; she implements her belief that teaching does not stop with the classroom. “This care is expensive and is “difficult, and not for the faint-hearted. You need to come in with a level of commitment or you will burn out,” she says.
Alyssa adds that it is her dream to one day visit and volunteer at the Keren Or Center in Jerusalem. Alyssa believes that Keren Or is a unique place, and hopes to make her Game-A-Thon a tradition in her classroom every year around Tu b’Shvat, the time of tree planting and growth. “Fundraising strengthens the roots that will help the tree of Keren Or grow and flourish.”
Mission - Keren Or aims to provide education and rehabilitation programs for children who are blind with multiple disabilities. It is the only center of its kind in the world under Jewish auspices devoted exclusively to this population. Keren Or aims to limit the economic burden on families and relies on funds from the state, local municipalities, and generous donors. Keren Or’s facilities, dedicated staff, and individualized therapy programs allow each student to reach his or her maximum potential.
Themitzvahbowl.com, Keren-Or.org
Jaclyn Barzvi, Keren Or, Inc., 350 7th Ave. Ste 701, New York, NY 10001, 212-279-4070
Dave & Buster’s Plymouth Meeting is here to help you and your family plan an event to be remembered… as well as celebrated! Whether you are looking to host a formal, informal or unique party- Dave & Buster’s is the venue for you! We have the ability to close our entire facility private for your group or offer our 7000 square foot private event space that comes with a private bar, restrooms, full access to AV equipment and great space to transport your themed event into a reality.
Our facility is multi-leveled with the best feature of all on the lower level… The Million Dollar Midway full of Arcade Games! Let us plan your event to include amazing custom buffets (inquire about Kosher Catering), and entertainment with a mix of our fun gaming as well as DJs, Photo booths and awesome vendors! A unique venue with a lifetime of memories!
Contact: Rocco Cascio, Dave & Buster’s
500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, 610-832-9200
Disclaimer: Dave & Buster’s is a paid sponsor of www.themitzvahbowl.com website. The above posting does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Mitzvah Bowl, LLC.
Sisters Rose and Rory Glantz chose FIDF for a mitzvah project for their B’not Mitzvah. As Rory told us, “I want to fundraise for the FIDF for my mitzvah project because it will help the Israeli soldiers. Israel is the Jewish homeland and I have good friends there. It adds even greater meaning that my brother, Rafi, is in the IDF. He is a lone soldier, so he doesn’t have any actual family in Israel. Fundraising for the FIDF could help tons of other young men and women and their families in this situation too.”
FIDF Programs benefit Israel’s soldiers and their families, for instance there is a Lone Soldiers Program that help young soldiers like Rory and Rose’s brother who enlisted in the Israeli army as a U.S. citizen. Other Programs include: medical support for wounded soldiers, educational scholarships to disadvantaged combat soldiers, and food vouchers for those in need. From bake sales to selling FIDF bracelets, every fundraising activity will count!
To see how bar/bat mitzvah students can help Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, go to Friends of IDF mitzvah project ideas.
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Light up your holiday season with the act of giving. You’ll find that going out of your way for others is the best gift. No matter what holiday you celebrate, this is the perfect time of year to teach children to think of those who are less fortunate than themselves.
For Hannukah, pick at least one day to give your children the opportunity to go shopping for another child who is underprivileged. Reach out to a shelter or contact your school’s guidance counselor and inquire if there is a wish list for a family in need. Take the time to allow your children to pick out what they feel would best fulfill the wishes of another child and watch their self-esteem blossom and smile emerge when they wrap THEIR gift for someone they learn is not able to afford a present.
Don’t have any interest in shopping with the crowds? Than take the time to volunteer with your kids at a soup kitchen or an elderly care facility. Have your child bake goodies for a shelter or bring games to play with a lonely senior.
Whatever you do as the cold rushes in, take the time with your children to warm the hearts of others. Involve your kids. Allow them to choose their mitzvah project. Permit them to be creative. Enjoy your holidays with your loved ones and help someone else feel loved.
Read here about what this family did to light up some children’s holidays.
By Valerie Franklin, Co-Founder, www.themitzvahbowl.com, info@themitzvahbowl.com
Looking do to do a mitzvah Christmas Day? Consider being a JRAid Tuna Brigade Leader. Create signs and emails to let your synagogue, school, club, or organization know that you will be collecting kosher cans of tuna. Materials can then be distributed before or after the New Year. As an alternative, consider making December 25th you collection day. People can leave bags of tuna for you to pick up at their homes or they can drop them off at your location.
JRA will be closed on Christmas Day, but you can drop off your collection at the JRA warehouse on any of its food distribution days.
Collected tuna will directly benefit JRA’s recipient families. As an brigade leader, you will need to make sure that all the tuna collected are kosher, not in bulk size, and are not expired.
To become a JRAid Tuna Brigade Leader, visit www.jraid.org/gigs/1745
For more mitzvah and volunteer ideas from Jewish Relief Agency, go to JRAid’s post on www.themitzvahbowl.com.
Contact: Melissa Samen, JRAid Program Director, melissa@jewishrelief.org, 610-660-0190, x104
Through daily communications with varied non-profits and teen volunteers, several trends have recently emerged in the field of teen volunteering. We’ve highlighted our top three:
1. SOCIAL: A recent DoSomething.org study revealed that 93% of young people wanted to volunteer, but most would not pursue the idea any further. It showed that teens who have more engaged social lives are more likely to volunteer. HuffPost10/27/12
2. TEENAGE VOLUNTEERS: The most energetic way to kick up a fundraising or volunteering campaign is to enlist high school teen volunteers to do the job. Not only will students work towards their senior year’s community service credits, they will give to a cause with invigorating and fresh ideas, team passion and pinpointed focus to an organization’s task at hand. Many resources are available to find volunteer opportunities which fits an individual teen’s interests. Most recently, a group of high school students raised over $80K by hosting a mini-Dance Marathon benefiting Penn State’s THON.
3. IN STYLE: Faith Bower, NY Fashion Trends Editor of theMAGAZINE states in a recent Examiner.com article, “The trend right now is compassion, and giving, and kindness. The fashion is wellies and workgloves. The in thing is to think of others and help them through a period that is sure to be fraught with tension and expense. Give thanks for what you have…then share it. You’ll be totally fashion forward.”
By Cheryl Friedenberg, Co-Founder www.themitzvahbowl.com, info@themitzvahbowl.com
The week started with Mobile Thursday, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday,Cyber Monday and now, in its premier year, there’s Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday encourages charitable giving as well as acts of kindness and good deeds.
What are you doing today, November 27, 2012 for your first Giving Tuesday? Email info@themitzvahbowl.com with your #givingtuesday stories.
TEENS SHARE THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN ATID
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF GRATZ COLLEGE’S
INTERGENERATIONAL INCLUSION PROGRAM
ATID (Advocacy, Transitions, Involvement and Development), is an intergenerational inclusion program for all teens. In addition to celebrating the Jewish holidays as a community, the teens together with the elderly residents of Sunrise of Dresher work on Judaic craft and cooking projects, participate in games and engage in discussions on various thought-provoking topics.
“When I think back on my experiences at ATID, I feel proud that I was able to be part of something so great.” MN
Why choose ATID?
“I’ve always dreamed of being close with an older person because I feel as if they have so much knowledge and wisdom. Through the ATID program, this dream could become a reality.” MN
“I chose to do ATID for numerous reasons, the strongest of which was a wish to give back. I wished and I still do to make someone’s life just a little bit brighter by going out of my way to help them. My choice to do ATID was a continuation of this wish…” HK
Is ATID different from other volunteer programs?
“The ATID program has been a really different experience for me. Before beginning this class, I had never really spent a lot of time with elderly people or kids my own age with special needs. I have had so many great experiences spending time with both of these groups of extraordinary people.” MP
“ATID is very different from the other volunteer programs that I have also been involved with. When I first started ATID last year, I did not expect it to be so relaxed and free flowing…ATID not only has a volunteer aspect incorporated into the program, but it also explores and dips into the different holidays of Judaism in many different aspects.” MN
“ATID is original in the way that we help. We do not feed people who cannot afford food or educate people on all the things that people do to hurt each other. Rather we listen and we talk and we work together to learn and possibly make life better for one another. ATID is not a program where you simply give, we all learn from each other as well.” HK
How did experiences at ATID make you feel?
“Every week they (the Sunrise senior citizens) would open up to me more and we would have so much to talk about, forming an even stronger connection. I loved talking with them, telling them about myself and my family while listening to their fantastic stories and the things they remembered from their childhood. …I also enjoyed looking around the table as we did projects and seeing the smiling faces of both the residents and the Gratz students. It would warm my heart and that memory to me is what this experience was all about.” SF
“It is a great feeling knowing that I am contributing to something that these senior citizens cherish so much and so often look forward to. .. and it shows by how bright their faces become when they walk in the door to our class….. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are giving someone something that they have been internally longing for. Walking into Sunrise always feels very welcoming and warm. .. . I know everyone there cares for me and enjoys my presence and that is what keeps me coming back year after year. … There is nothing, so far in the course of my life, that has been able to make me feel this way….It has never once not felt like home to me and I strongly feel that through doing volunteer work such as this, I find a beautiful place in life for myself.” MN
What have you learned from participation in ATID?
“ATID has been very valuable to me, I’ve learned the realities of old age, good, and bad, and I only hope that if I reach that age that there will be someone to listen to me the way I now listen to others.” HK
“Judaism teaches us that respecting elderly is an important obligation of all of the community. These people are not to be pushed out and hidden but embraced, loved, and respected.” MP
“All in all I thought that this program taught me a lot about myself, about how to interact with different people and how to handle all different situations. I learned a lot, and I took away a lot of great memories and lessons. SF
In what way is ATID an Inclusion Program?
“By helping the special needs kids who come to ATID work with the elderly not only do I help the elderly but it enables me to help the other kids help the elderly, empowering them and helping them to make a difference in the lives of others even as I try to make a difference in their lives. A society is judged on how it treats its elders and those of its citizens who are least able to take care of themselves. By looking at the ATID program I hope that our Jewish society would be judged well.” MP
What will you remember?
“Thursday night classes with ATID are something I will never forget. I have been able to learn new information, form bonds, and create a family within ATID. It is my sincere hope that all of you out there who have the opportunity become involved with ATID…. And, as I like to say, being able to volunteer, especially at Sunrise Assisted Living in Dresher, I have truly found a place for myself in the world.” MN
“In Hebrew, “atid” means future. But, in truth, what is the future if we don’t learn from the past. Every person has a story to share, and the elderly especially have many experiences that the younger generation can learn from. I am glad that I decided to participate in this program, and I hope that it continues to grow and more … students become involved.” SR
Contact: Andrea Oxman, Director, Special Needs Programs
The Jewish Community High School of Gratz College
aoxman@gratz.edu 215.635.7300 x 222
www.gratz.edu/jchs, www.facebook.com/gratzjchs
The Warm Winter Campaign from Yashar LaChayal
The Warm Winter Campaign is an annual project of Yashar LaChayal, a non-profit organization based in Israel that works to provide combat soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces with goods they need that the army budget simply does not cover. Among those goods is essential winterwear.
Israel’s hot summers are misleading, making it difficult to imagine just how cold the winter can be. Soldiers are serving on the Golan Heights and in high elevation areas face freezing and near freezing temperatures, winds and rain. Soldiers in the south face freezing nights, despite the relatively pleasant, but short, winter days. Guard duty, patrols and exercises are carried out around the clock, and proper outerwear is a necessity. Barracks and tents may not have proper heating, and so even “indoors,” there is no relief from the cold.
Soldiers are issued standard jackets, and some soldiers are able some outerwear from home. However, there are regulations about the outerwear that is permitted, and not everyone has the financial means to purchase the necessary items, nor are they all readily available. In order to cope with extended periods of time outdoors in the dropping temperatures, the wind and the rain, soldiers need heavy fleece jackets, thermal undergarments, wool hats, neck warmers, warm socks and special army gloves.
Yashar LaChayal begins to plan for the winter in August, assessing where the most critical need will be when winter arrives. Since 2006, we have distributed tens of thousands of these items – the winter wear that is not standard issue by the army but is a necessity nonetheless.
Individuals can partner with Yashar LaChayal and raise money for the Warm Winter Campaign! Please email us at info@yasharlachayal.org for additional information. We recommend that you visit our website to see a complete listing of our projects and campaigns.
Lisa Weinsoff
Project Coordinator
www.yasharlachayal.org
Like us on facebook!
www.facebook.com/yasharlachayal
Following Up on Paige’s Mitzvah Project..
Paige Florin, eighth grader at Sandy Run Middle School, completed her mitzvah project on Sunday September 23rd, with the Upper Dublin Free Heart Screening. Paige has been fundraising for this event for almost a year, as each screening costs more than $10,000 . Although the Sudmans, the founders of Simon’s Fund, had told Paige that it was not as important to raise the money as to get the kids to come out for the screenings, Paige felt an obligation to try to raise money, so that the screenings can continue. It started with a Valentine’s Day fundraiser at Sandy Run, in combination with a nickles for non-profits program through Wholefoods markets, fundraising event at B”tween Friendz and ended with very generous contributions from the people from the Upper Dublin and surrounding communities who attended the heart screening. Over 300 students were screened, and as we were told, 1 out of every 100 screenings usually picks up one serious cardiac condition , At this screening there was one child diagnosed with a serious heart condition, and three more with potential conditions. “this was such a great project”, Paige said, “what better mitzvah than saving lives” If you are interested in getting your kids screened please see www.simonsfund.org for future screening dates and locations.
ORIGINAL POST BELOW: 8/22/12
Paige Florin, a student at Sandy Run Middle School in Upper Dublin, is doing a mitzvah project that involves saving lives. She has chosen to work with Simon’s Fund to set up a free heart screening for Upper Dublin community students ages 10-19 on September 23 at Upper Dublin High School. Pre-registration for this screening is required and will begin on August 15 online at www.simonsfund.org.
These heart screenings are done in memory of Simon Sudman, a 4 month old baby, who died suddenly from Long QT syndrome. Long QT Syndrome is a disorder that many people may be unfamiliar with, but it is a very serious heart condition where the first symptom may unfortunately show up too late. Although sometimes there is no evidence of symptoms; dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting, often exhibited during physical activity, may be cause for concern. The good news is that a quick non–invasive electrocardiogram (ECG) can detect the problem. If Long QT syndrome is found, it is treatable. These tests currently are not given in any routine physical, but yet are so important in potential detection of Long QT as well as other serious heart conditions. Simon’s Fund is a foundation that sets up free heart screenings in schools utilizing CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) physicians, to ensure that kids are heart-healthy. Each screening will take about 30 minutes.
This was made possible through the help of a donation through Whole Foods Market, as well as a donation generated through Paige’s Valentine’s Day fundraising efforts at Sandy Run Middle School. Although these school screenings are done at no cost the students, each school screening costs approximately $2500. If you are interested in helping to support more screenings at schools please go to http://simonsfund.donorpages.com/give/PaigeFlorin
Most importantly, please Remember to pre-register starting August 15th at www.simonsfund.org for the free heart screening on September 23. Paige will be getting her heart screened on that day as well.
For my mitzvah project, I chose to work at the Pennypack Farm and Education Center this summer. Local produce was harvested and maintained so that shareholder’s of all income levels can enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables. While at the farm I learned that local food banks and farmer’s markets are supplemented from the farm’s crops. By volunteering my time, it enabled some of the elderly shareholders to stay home and be cool on days that they’d otherwise have to work in the 100 degree heat. I spent 20 hours with the farmers and the other volunteers during the month of July and look forward to joining the farm with my family next year.
By Michelle Borochaner, Bat Mitzvah in Fall, 2012
We encourage our kids to excel in school academically, to try their hardest at sports, to be socially active, and yet, how many parents take the time to push their children to do good deeds?
For bar and bat mitzvahs, we spend the time ordering everything from invitations to arranging the dj or band. We buy nice clothes for the family and we take our kids to their Hebrew lessons. Yet, sometimes in the midst of our chaotic lives, while preparing for this momentous occasion, the entire purpose of actually performing a mitzvah gets shoved under the rug while preparing for this life-changing celebration.
We need to actively teach our children to become mensches. They need to find the time to turn off the television, put away their ipods, stop the texting and take a look around their community.
There are so many rewarding opportunities waiting for our teens. We, as parents, educators and leaders, need to guide our youth to make a difference in the world.
Doing mitzvot or getting involved in community service projects, enhances not only our kids self-esteem as leaders, they discover what it’s like to care about something other than themselves. Children learn how to communicate face-to-face when organizing fundraisers. They develop skills such as time management and learn how to prioritize tasks.
Making time for academics and sports is crucial; but don’t forget to make time to teach your children about the world around them. Find the time to drive them to a senior citizen home to play an instrument. Find time to take them to a park to help plant or weed a bed. Find time to collect food for the hungry and deliver packages to those in need. If we want to create well-rounded children, start by teaching them to be concerned about something meaningful and guide them to get involved in their community. You may just be surprised what a difference one child can make when they put their mind towards something! We need to empower our youth to become passionate citizens.
by Valerie Franklin, Co-Founder of www.themitzvahbowl.com
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Parents beware! Your ‘baby’ is turning 13 in the next year; He or she will soon be participating in the Jewish community’s coming of age ritual. What’s an overly-involved parent to do?
Well, The Mitzvah Bowl co-founders, Valerie Franklin & Cheryl Friedenberg, want you to know this is the perfect opportunity to take a step back.
A Mitzvah project allows your child to help find their voice, learn more about their likes and dislikes, and, yes ….give them greater independence!
It starts with having your child choose a mitzvah project, which will keep them energized, excited and interested. They can ask the questions “what do I like to do?” “Is there a worthwhile project that I can delve into that would make a difference in my community? “Is there a cause that I am passionate about and in which I can get involved?”
As far as helping others, the opportunities are endless. Sometimes, all it takes is your teen’s imagination and courage, mixed with a little motivation, to begin creating a wonderful project.
Parents’ guidance is usually a needed step to begin the process, however, do not underestimate the resourcefulness of teens. They may take charge and surprise you with an amazing purposeful project! Do not push your teenager into a project that doesn’t interest them. This defeats the purpose and most likely is not the best fit for your kid.
Take your time with him/her finding the right match and then stop hovering. Let your daughter or son take ownership of their community service project. They can only experience pride if they can confidently state “I performed this mitzvah!”
by The Mitzvah Bowl co-founders, Valerie Franklin & Cheryl Friedenberg email: info@themitzvahbowl.com
Twelve-year-old Rachel Reale has been visiting with residents of the Abramson Center for Jewish Life since she was a very little girl. Her visits began with her pre-school class at Temple Sinai and are continuing today, as part of her community service project for her upcoming bat mitzvah. 
Even though her schedule is packed with school work, music, dance and Hebrew lessons, Rachel doesn’t find it hard to make time for friendly visits at the Center. “I like visiting the residents in their rooms, seeing pictures of their children and grandchildren, and hearing their stories from when they were young,” she says.
Rachel also enjoys celebrating Jewish holidays with residents. “I like when they clap after we sing songs and that they know the same prayers that I do,” she says. “It’s nice to connect that way.”
Rachel’s visits and those of hundreds of other area students each year are made possible through the Center’s Project SHEMA (Sharing and Enriching through Multigenerational Activities). “Project SHEMA gives students and seniors the opportunity to create special bonds and learn from each other through shared activities,” says Volunteer Director Mona Gold, who coordinates the program. Activities run the gamut from games and arts and crafts, to attending special programs and holiday celebrations. Students participating in the program can earn community service hours for bar and bat mitzvah projects, honor society, college applications, and senior projects.
Resident Myra Bernstein makes a point to attend as many Project SHEMA activities as she can. “I like being around children because they remind me of my youth,” she exclaims. “I love it when they ask me questions and I can answer them.” Jodi Reale is happy that Rachel and her older daughter Marissa, 16, both chose to visit with seniors at the Abramson Center for their bat mitzvah projects. “I think their experiences demonstrate the lifelong commitment of the Jewish people, and enforce the lesson that despite your age or health challenges, our commitment to Jewish customs and traditions is important.”
*Reprinted with permission from the Chai Lights newsletter of the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life
You can help support multigenerational programs at the Abramson Center by calling the Development Office at 215-371-1811. For information on volunteering through Project SHEMA, please call Mona Gold at 215-371-1816.
Ever know a kid, maybe at school or temple, who had cancer? It’s pretty scary to think about. Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world where kids didn’t get cancer? Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is trying to do just that – find a cure so that someday kids don’t get cancer. The best part is – YOU can help while fulfilling your Mitzvah project.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was started by a 4-year-old little girl, Alexandra “Alex” Scott. Alex had cancer, but decided that she was going to start holding lemonade stands to raise money that would help doctors find a cure for all kids with cancer. When other kids saw what Alex was doing, they decided to hold their own lemonade stands, and before you know it – they were being held across the country. Alex died from cancer when she was only 8, but before she passed away, she was able to raise more than $1 million through her lemonade stands. Thanks to Alex’s mom and dad and supporters from around the world, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is still working to raise money and find a cure for all childhood cancers.
So, here’s how you can help! Just like Alex – we love the idea of kids helping other kids. We have a bunch of ways that you can help raise money for kids with cancer, with one of the most popular being holding a lemonade stand. You can hold a lemonade stand at any time of the year, but one of the best times to hold one is during National Lemonade Days
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During National Lemonade Days (June 8-10, 2012), people, including kids, from all over the country come together to hold lemonade stands and try to raise as much as possible in one weekend! It’s a perfect time of year as school is wrapping up and the weather is warming up.
You can also hold a different event other than a lemonade stand like a walk-a-thon or coffee house – whatever you’d like! The staff at Alex’s Lemonade Stand is always willing to help out or work with you with any new and creative ideas you may have.
Have a few coins laying around? Collect extra change, bring it to the bank to get counted and send it along to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Do you know that $12,000 in pennies is thrown away each year? Try out this super simple way of helping out kids with cancer with your friends, family, sports team or just start digging under the couch cushions by yourself!
Check out our website, AlexsLemonade.org, for more ideas for your Mitzvah project and for ways to get involved with a great cause! Thank you for helping us in the fight against childhood cancer!
For Raquel Dunoff’s mitzvah project she will be having a clothesline art sale to benefit Fresh Artists. Fresh Artists provides art supplies and art programs to inner city schools with little-to-no art budget. The art sale will be held at Whitemarsh Township Day on April 28th, 2012 form noon til 5. It is open to the community and we welcome you to come.
There are two ways that you can help with Raquel’s project.
First, is to donate children’s art for the sale. We are collecting both ceramics and paintings/drawings. There is a drop box for art in the lobby at Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill. Or you can contact Raquel and she can arrange to pick up the items. Email her at ridunoff@yahoo.com.
The second way you can help is to come to Township Day and purchase some of the art. Suggested donation is $5 but you may donate whatever you would like to take home a piece of art.
Fresh artists also installs children’s art in corporate and public spaces for donations to their cause. These are high-quality photographic reproductions of art created in Fresh Artist programs to display in offices and facilities.
Find out more at Freshartists.org.
When I was just one year old, my Uncle Paul, my dad’s youngest brother, passed away. He had been waiting for an organ donation for about eight months, waiting for a double lung donation to come through for him, but it never did. I decided to do my bar mitzvah project in my uncle’s memory. I decided to raise awareness for the need for organ donations.
As part of this, I also raised money that would go towards raising awareness. I created a virtual team for the Gift of Life organization’s 2012 Dash for Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness, a run/walk taking place in Philadelphia. I also raised awareness by sending e-mails about the Dash, and by speaking to people about the need for organ donation. Additionally, I handed out brochures and the green Donate Life awareness bracelets, and I received donations for the bracelets. I set a goal for how much money I wanted to raise, and I met that goal in just a few days. I continue to raise money, though, and have more than tripled my goal, so far.
My bar mitzvah ceremony takes place just a week after the Dash. I will be speaking about organ donation awareness at my ceremony. I also sent information to our guests, asking people to register and, if they already were registered, to pass the information on to family, friends or neighbors. Even if only one person registers because of my campaign, many lives could be saved. Of course, I hope many register. A lot of people put nice comments about organ donation awareness on their response cards, thanking me for taking on this issue for my project. Family & friends wrote me with stories of how the organ donation issue has touched them. Some people have immediate family members who have had organ transplants. Others have had family members and friends who have passed away, but whose wishes of being organ donors were carried out, making the families feel so good about helping others. I hope the work I am doing causes people to think about organ donation and to register to become organ donors. by Aaron Glatter
The Dash for Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness is a 5K run/10K run/3K walk. This is the 17th annual Dash on April 15, 2012. Visit Aaron’s virtual page at http://tinyurl.com/TeamPaulDash
Aaron Glatter’s Bar Mitzvah is on April 21, 2012, a week after the dash!
WANTED: Caring, supportive kids (and Moms & Dads) who are interested in sharing a full-filled morning making a difference in the lives of children and adults who battle cystic fibrosis.
Jessica Franklin, a 17 year old vivacious Upper Dublin teenager living with cystic fibrosis, is seeking to expand her team of walkers at the upcoming Great Strides Walk-a-thon on Saturday, April 21. Beginning at 10am, supportive families will gather at Citizens Bank Park to schmooze with the Philly Phanatic, munch on complimentary treats, enjoy entertainment and prepare to engage in a 5K trek through the infamous Philadelphian stadium. Jessica commented “Donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in ANY denomination are deeply appreciated!” This hopeful teenager is optimistic that a cure will be found in her lifetime for her chronic illness. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that afflicts just 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. An overproduction of thick mucus inhibits digestion and causes chronic lung infections leading to progressive and premature death.
Kids who are interested in arranging their own team of walkers for a bar/bat mitzvah project or simply to perform a random act of kindness can discover how to create a letter writing campaign to gather support. Volunteers are also needed to set up the day’s events.
For further information contact: Robin Clarke at the Delaware Valley Cystic Fibrosis Foundation office rclarke@cff.org or 610 325-6001
http://www.cff.org/Chapters/delawarevalley/greatstrides/
It is hard to believe that almost an entire year has passed since we all gathered for what proved to be an amazing 1st annual Path to the Cure, a fundraiser on behalf of our children Dylan Singer, Sam Sernovitz, and other individuals in our community and surrounding areas who suffer with familial dysautonomia (FD) – a life-altering and life threatening Jewish genetic disease.
Please check out www.famdys.org/pathtothecure for more information about this amazing event.Zohar Sharon was a 26 year-old Israeli soldier when a chemical bomb that he was defusing blew up in his face. He has an amazing story, but the most impressive thing is that this man did not let blindness define him. With the help of his guide dog Venus and his caddy Shimshon, Zohar is the reigning World Champion Blind Golfer – a title that he has earned three times in a row!
This is the type of person you are helping when you support the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind. We are a small group of very dedicated people doing amazing work. We are the only recognized guide dog training facility in the entire Middle East! Israelis depend on us and we hope you will help us.
Create your own customized webpage – and help visually impaired Israelis to obtain the independence and mobility that only a guide dog can provide. You can edit your page, include your own photo, set your own goal, and track gifts that friends and relatives send in. We need people like you to help raise awareness of this important cause. Please click the link to learn more: http://IGDCB.donorpages.com/Mitzvah
For more information, you can contact Michael Leventhal, Executive Director at 215-343-9100 or e-mail: mike@israelguidedog.org
Jews around the city and all over the world will gather with family and friends in the coming weeks to recall their ancestors’ exodus from Egypt and the beginning of their journey to freedom in the land of Israel on Passover.
Not all Jews are readily able to participate in the Passover holiday, in steps the Passover League of Philadelphia. The Passover League, a non profit charitable organization founded in 1933. The mission of The Passover League is to raise funds to help needy individuals and families celebrate the Passover holiday.
Seders, funded by The Passover League are conducted at various community locations throughout the Delaware Valley. These Seders reach thousands of individuals who would normally be unable to celebrate the traditional Passover holiday. The Passover League also serves Jewish veterans in various local hospitals.
In addition, The Passover League helps fund the delivery of Kosher meals to homebound individuals and assists many people who are referred through crisis networks.
All of these activities are made possible by donations from individuals and corporations with most donations being made in $20 increments. Throughout the Passover League’s long and successful existence, it has been able to touch the lives of thousands of Jews in the Delaware Valley.
Every one of the Leagues endeavors have made an impact on the Jewish families it has helped, but no other Passover League assisted Seder has grown to the size and scope of the Golden Slipper Passover Seder.
Golden Slipper Club & Charities, in partnership with the Passover League of Philadelphia, hosts a community-wide Passover Seder for more than 500 seniors who otherwise have no place to go honor the holiday. A convoy of buses and vans brings our guests from throughout the region for one of the biggest Seders in the Philadelphia area. The seniors get to enjoy an evening of friendship, entertainment and a delicious traditional Seder dinner provided by Betty the Caterer.
Outside of the Golden Slipper Seder, the Passover League helps fund Seders for the following organizations:
JCC-Stiffel Center
JCC-Klein Branch
Jewish Family & Children Services
Congregation Ner Zedek
Lubavitch of Overbrook Park & Penn Wynne
Federation Housing
Temple Beth Ami
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA)
B’Nai B’rith-Project Hope
Advocates for the Jewish Mentally Ill (AJMI)
Jewish Center of Northern Liberties
Congergation Beth Hamedrosh
JFGP-Mitzvah Food
Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center
Chabad at Temple
*Although grant requests for local Seders are no longer being accepted for this year, if you are or know of any local organizations in need please have them contact The Passover League for grant request information. As always donations to the Passover League are accepted year especially during the Passover season.
From our Passover League family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Pesach
The Passover League
215 N. Presidential Blvd, 1st Floor
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
(P) 610-660-0530
Info@Passoverleague.org
photos courtesy of Richard Chaitt
JRAid has a lovely woman in Elkins Park that has a small property with leaves and some debris that need to be cleared. She needs volunteers that are thorough in their work with an attention to detail. In the past, she has filled about 10-15 bags. The bags will be supplied by the homeowner and she does have 1 rake.
To sign up, visit www.jraid.org or
Contact: Melissa Samen, JRAid Program Director; JRA Group and B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator
610-660-0190, x104
A lonely individual stares at the same book she’s been reading for weeks, feeling no motivation to even lift her head. Suddenly, she hears the happy jingle of dog tags and looks up to see a fuzzy dog prance into her room, plant himself by her side, and lean in for a pat. A smile spreads across her face as she reaches down and strokes his soft fur. Both human and dog sigh in perfect contentment, happy to be in each other’s presence. This is a typical day for a therapy dog, and the hundreds of individuals that Pals For Life therapy animals visit and spread their puppy love.
Pals For Life brings companion animals to visit the residents of nursing homes, hospitals, mental health centers and schools.
Volunteers can have their own pets evaluated for therapy work by Pals For Life, and then bring those pets to visits that Pals For Life arranges.
Volunteers without pets of their own can still help by working in the Pals For Life office, caring for the resident therapy animals that reside there. Pals For Life: pets and people helping each other.
Contact: Kristen Abbott, Program Director, Kristen@palsforlife.org
To commemorate Jewish Disabilities Awareness month, The Mitzvah Bowl would love to hear from you with mitzvah project ideas for special needs students. Please comment below!
Many congregations are adapting their bar and bat Mitzvah programs to meet the needs of an ever-growing population; students with special needs (i.e. disabilities, health-related issues, learning difficulties). Several examples of this include torah portions becoming abbreviated, adaptive equipment being utilized, Hebrew transliterated to English and torah services moved to a smaller chapel to limit background noise.
One key element to a bar/bat mitzvah student includes the mitzvah project. However, when a student with special needs is preparing for their big day, finding a mitzvah project may be challenging depending on their individual difficulties.
A few projects The Mitzvah Bowl staff has encountered include an Asperger’s teen helping at a therapeutic equestrian facility, a child with Juvenile Diabetes creating a fundraising campaign to help his cause and a mitzvah student with ADHD/anxiety who helped grow a community garden last spring.
What are your ideas or experiences? Please comment below.
https://www.facebook.com/JewishDisabilityAwarenessMonth
packing supplies
On December 20th we had a Bar Mitzvah group in addition to our regular volunteers who came to Hanasi Synogogue in Jerusalem to help us pack 500 winter Chanukah packages.
The Bar Mitzvah boy, who wanted to do something to show his appreciation for and support of the IDF soldiers, got his community involved and started a collection of deodorants, powders, toothpastes, toothbrushes and candies to bring on his trip to Israel so we could add it to the packages.
We started packing at 9am and by 12pm the last group of soldiers arrived to collect their packages to take back to the base to deliver to the lone soldiers in their unit in honor of Chanukah.
The soldiers who are serving in the cold areas of Israel were delighted with the fleece jackets and hand knitted ski hats, besides all the other winter clothing and toiletries in the packages.
They love the items they get that are so useful, but they especially love knowing that people around the world appreciate the sacrifices they are making and donate the money and items for these packages.
You can go to our web site to see more information about what goes into the packages and how you can get involved and help show your love and support to the IDF soldiers.
Contact: Shira Gilor apfh@gilor.com www.apackagefromhome.org
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Project H.O.P.E. Helping Our People Everywhere.
In its 15th year, Project HOPE delivers Kosher for Passover food on the Sunday before Passover, April 1, 2012, to 500 of our most needy, elderly and isolated Jewish families in the Philadelphia community.
Many Jews who cannot afford special holiday foods depend on B’nai B’rith members to provide matzoh and the other Passover staples. To these people the remembrance is often as special as the needed food.
Volunteers and their families are needed to deliver to these recipients. Distribution will take place at Temple Sinai, Dresher, PA, beginning at 8am.
To volunteer, please email Samuel Domsky at samuelmdomsky@gmail.com by March 1, 2012.
Location link: http://maps.google.com/mapshl=en&q=Temple%20Sinai%2C%20Dresher%2C%20PA
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When I recently asked my 10-year old to name a famous deceased person she would like to meet, she emphatically replied “Martin Luther King!”
Every year, around the time of his birthday, school teachers review equal rights, discrimination, treating others with respect and, of course, MLK’s profound impact on civil rights in the United States.
The MLK Day of Service is part of United We Serve, the President’s national call-to-service initiative. As a response to King’s question ‘What are you doing for others?’”, The Mitzvah Bowl has outlined several websites to refer to when searching for a MLK Day Service Project:
http://mlkday.gov/serve/index.php (search by zip code for a project near you)
http://www.handsonnetwork.org/events/mlk (search by zip code)
http://www.volunteermatch.org/ (you may search by zip code or for virtual opportunities)
http://www.mlkdayofservice.org/ (Philadelphia area based site)
http://www.nyccah.org/volunteer/mlk (NYC based)
As a proud mom of the said 10-year old, I’ve realized we can all learn a lesson about Jan. 16, 2012: Why do for others only one day per year? Let’s make MLK day volunteering a habit in all of our lives throughout the entire year!
In the fall of 2010, Lucy Sullivan traveled to Israel and took on a role as Full Time Volunteer for Save a Child’s Heart (SACH), a humanitarian aid organization based in Israel, dedicated to providing cardiac care for children from developing countries. Lucy lived in the SACH house in Azur, just outside of Tel Aviv, and spent each day working with children from all across the world. While living in the house Lucy assisted the mothers and children, from hospital trips, teaching English, completing puzzles and taking endless amounts of silly pictures. Lucy became wholly involved in the difficult and unique experience that the SACH children go through
After three months as a volunteer with SACH in Israel, Lucy returned home to Boston a dedicated ambassador to the organization. Gathering a group of young professionals in her community, Lucy is working hard to spread the SACH mission. Over 2700 children with congenital and rheumatic heart disease have been treated through the organization. In addition, SACH provides a full outreach training program in Israel for the medical personnel from its partner countries, as well as leads medical missions to these countries for screening, operating and training. Lucy had the opportunity to meet, Dr. Godwin Godfrey, a pediatric cardiac surgeon currently on a four-year fellowship inIsrael. Dr. Godfrey joined the SACH team this summer in his home country of Tanzania, climbing Mt.Kilimanjaroin a $500,000 fundraising campaign.
After a successful event launching the SACH-Boston Young Professional Committee this fall, Lucy returned to Israel and had the opportunity to visit the SACH home. She was excited to spend some time with the children and mothers in the home as it brought back wonderful memories of her experience. Upon her return Lucy shared the following story with our growing network of volunteers and young ambassadors:
“On my recent visit to SACH I had the opportunity to meet Yared, a healthy, successful, and hardworking 25 year old Ethiopian man whose life was saved by SACH back in 1997. Fourteen years later Yared returned to Israel to express his gratitude to SACH for all of their hard work. As an Ethiopian orphan Yared had a tough childhood, made even more difficult by heart complications, yet Yared has grown to become gentle, kind, and thankful. Today Yared lives in Ethiopia with his wife and daughter along with a 14 year old orphan that SACH operated on last year. With his condition SACH was fearful of sending the boy back to the orphanage and when Yared got wind of this news he welcomed the boy into his own home. Along with this young boy, Yared has helped 94 other street boys from Ethiopia with the school he opened, offering 3 meals a day, access to healthcare and positive role models. I was so humbled to meet Yared and I wait with bated breath as more SACH children grow into adults to see what wonderful things they will accomplish.”
1. Celebrate with the community by attending your synagogue’s Hanukkah happenings.
2. Bake Chanukkah cookies and deliver them to an assisted living facility. (make sure you label all ingredients)
3. Do 3 unexpected chores for your parents to brighten up their night.
4. Go over to your grandparents house and teach them how to use their computer.
5. Give your younger sibling(s) a homemade coupon promising them some special time together.
6. Volunteer to wrap gifts at a mall or for an organization.
7. Write a letter of appreciation to your favorite teacher.
8. Give up a night of gifts! Go shop for others in need.
Julie wearing one of her hats pictured with her dog, Lucky
Julie Baldassano, a sophomore at Upper Dublin, has always had a passion for volunteering to save animals. A dedicated vegetarian and animal rights activist for many years, she recently realized how she could make a real difference. Julie created the Hats for Homes fundraiser to give abandoned Golden Retrievers a loving home this holiday season! Ever since, she has been hard at work hand knitting comfortable, colorful hats (with pom-poms!) for everyone willing to donate 10 dollars or more to the cause. All of the profits raised will benefit the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue.
Hats for Homes has already been a huge success! In just the first week of sales, Hats for Homes has raised over $1,000! Also, Julie is planning a community outreach through this fundraiser. She is organizing a trip to Dresher Estates Nursing Home, where she and some members of the Student Government Association will keep the residents of the nursing home company while teaching them how to contribute to saving Goldens by knitting! Therefore, the positive impact of this project grows yet wider. Benefiting the elderly by brightening their lives, all those who purchase hats by giving them recognition on http://hatsforhomes.org/, and, most of all, Golden Retrievers by saving their lives, Hats for Homes is making the world a better place.
Please visit http://hatsforhomes.org/ to learn more and to let Julie Baldassano know if you are interested in helping her efforts! There are countless ways to contribute to this project. Thank you so much for believing in the spirit of giving to such a worthy cause. The dogs don’t have a voice of their own, so you need to be the one to speak up for them!
http://hatsforhomes.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hats-For-Homes/200079250071660
Please take a minute of your time to like Hats for Homes on facebook!
Talia, from White Plains, New York was looking for a unique project that would combine her love of animals, with helping others and that would also connect her with an organization located in Israel. She found the perfect match with the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind. She was amazed to find that this was the only place in the entire Middle East that breeds, raises and trains guide dogs for the visually impaired. She was fortunate enough to travel to Israel prior to her Bat Mitzvah, and when she visited the center she took a blind-fold walk with one of the guide dogs through an obstacle course. She was hooked! She couldn’t believe how effortlessly she was able to navigate a very difficult course.
Talia, along with her mother then asked for permission to interview twelve guide dog users. After learning about the various stories, she photographed each of her subjects with their four-legged best friend and created a calendar – completely on her own. Talia sold the calendar at mitzvah fairs and through the mail – raising over $3,000! The center was so impressed with the quality of her work, they even purchased a quantity of them to send to large donors.
This was a very meaningful project for Talia, because during the interviews, she came to understand the importance of a guide dog and how these amazing animals allow visually impaired Israelis to resume an independent and productive life. In addition to producing the calendars, Talia and her family hosted events in their home to raise awareness about this amazing organization.
Michael J. Leventhal
Executive Director
Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind
http://www.israelguidedog.org
Collecting Books
African Library Project www.africanlibraryproject.org
When you are a teen and first learning about the challenges facing Africa, what can you do to make things better? Bar and Bat Mitzvahs from all over the U.S. have channeled their compassion into starting libraries in Africa as their mitzvah project. They each committed to collect 1000 books and $500 to start a library in sub-Saharan Africa with the African Library Project (ALP).
ALP promotes literacy and education in sub-Saharan Africa through developing libraries in schools and villages without access to books. By helping Americans start community libraries with African partners, ALP works to change lives, book by book. An all-volunteer organization based in Portola Valley, Calif., ALP has started 701 libraries in 9 countries over the past six years. “We’re thrilled to have these dedicated teens commemorate their coming of age by starting a library,” says Chris Bradshaw, ALP Founder and President.
- The focus on books and learning is central to Jewish culture and also personally meaningful to the book drive organizers. Tabby Block, of Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco, Calif., jumped at the opportunity to help start a library, “I felt that helping to provide an opportunity to African kids to love books was something that I could do that could change their lives the way books changed mine.”
- While promoting education in Africa, the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs learned a great deal, “Before doing this book drive, I had never even heard of Swaziland,” said Evan Feldberg-Bannatyne of Newton, Mass.
- Bat Mitzvah Anne Prusky, of Congregation Beth Am Israel, Penn Valley, Penn., planned to start just one library, but when she heard that more book drives were needed to fulfill the requests from Lesotho, she decided to meet that need, “I thought, if I can do one, I can do two.”
- Jacob Ganz, a member of Congregation Ner Tamid, San Francisco, Calif., found that his bar mitzvah guests and others were eager to support his book drive for Swaziland, “It was not that hard to do. My family, my school, our local bank, and even my little brother all pitched in to help.” Jacob’s father, Steven Ganz, says the project is a good bonding experience, “It’s really rewarding and fun that we can do it together.”
To learn more about doing your book drive, visit http://www.africanlibraryproject.org/book-drives/start-a-book-drive or email info@africanlibraryproject.org
The Colored Pencil Project
Children and their world in color, a global project
How do you express yourself? Do you tweet, post, or blog? Maybe you love to sing, write, or draw?
At The Colored Pencil Project, we believe in coloring.
For children in developing countries, self expression is a priceless tool that few have access to in even the simplest forms. The Colored Pencil Project believes that self expression is an integral part of childhood development, and that every child deserves the opportunity to find their voice. We believe that art is the foundation of self expression, and our mission is to increase the access of art supplies to children in developing countries by distributing art supplies to children and facilitating workshops. The art workshops help the children explore and define what it is that makes them uniquely them, what in their world influences who they are, and what about them influences their world. Hannah Richards, the founder of The Colored Pencil Project, has traveled around the world to places like South Africa, India, and Columbia, delivering colored pencils and leading workshops. The workshops are conducted a way to provide children with not only supplies, but also the confidence to express themselves in color. You can see pictures of the children and their artwork at thecoloredpencilproject.org.
If you believe in living colorfully too, you can be a part of The Colored Pencil Project’s mission! We are always looking for energetic, excited people to get involved in our organization, and there are so many ways to participate. Hosting a colored pencil drive at your school, workplace, or synagogue is a great way to get your friends and family involved in The Colored Pencil Project’s global endeavor. For a kit on how to start a drive, please email bethr@thecoloredpencilproject.org.
The Colored Pencil Project accepts colored pencil donations year-round, but we are especially pleased to announce that in the winter of 2011, Hannah will be traveling to Svay Rieng, Cambodia to work with 2,000 children at local hospitals and orphanages. That is a lot of colored pencils … and we couldn’t be happier! If you’re interested in hosting a drive or finding a way to get involved with The Colored Pencil Project, we would love to hear from you. Sign up to get involved and learn more at thecoloredpencilproject.org.
colorfully,
Beth Rice
bethr@thecoloredpencilproject.org
Volunteer Coordinator
thecoloredpencilproject.org
The Mitzvah Bowl staff feels personally rewarded when we receive stories like this one. Keep the stories coming to info@themitzvahbowl.com!
Here’s how Zac Emanuel’s Mitzvah Project evolved in his mother’s words (Stacy Emanuel).
“Zac really wanted to have something to do with sports for his Mitzvah project. Last summer I was trolling the web for ideas when I came across your website.
I saw info on PeacePlayers and the baseball collection drive and showed them to Zac when he came home from summer camp. He checked out the information and really liked what PeacePlayers stood for. He loved the idea of running a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with his friends. He wanted to make sure that his project was going to be fun for him to do.
I spoke to Brian Cognato at PeacePlayers and loved how they were more interested in getting their name out there and weren’t so pushy about how much money Zac was going to raise. Brian suggested keeping the dollar amount reasonable (he thought $2000 was amazing) and that the tournament should be limited to 24 players to keep it manageable.
Overall, Zac raised $9214 and hopefully a lot of new friends for PPI. He wrote thank you notes and emails to every donor and volunteer.”
To help your cause, send out a press release to local papers. This is an article written in a local paper about Zac’s project. http://www.jvhri.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1491:a-new-generation-of-jewish-philanthropists&catid=41:community&Itemid=62
To update friends, family and donors about your progress, create your own website. Here’s a link to Zac’s website. http://www.razoo.com/story/Zac-Emanuel-s-Charitable-Basketball-Tournament-Sponsored-By-His-Family
The Mitzvah Bowl staff hopes to hear about your son/daughter’s mitzvah project. Contact info@themitzvahbowl.com with their story!
Mitzvah students and organizations alike are in the midst of planning their fall and spring 5K’s, fun walks, gala dinners, bake sales, art shows and practically anything else which will draw a crowd, raise money, awareness and good will. For those first-time organizers, the challenge is in the who, what, where, why, how AND the big question of all—” If I build it, will they come?”
The Mitzvah Bowl staff has event fundraising experience and hopes they can help first-timers, second-timers and pros with an easy way to bring event participants.
First, dot your t’s and cross your i’s. No, there is not a typo here. Think of every which way you can connect with potential participants even if it seems unconventional. If you are having a 5K, go to a school and talk it up in the assemblies. You’d be amazed how word will spread to parents who want to participate because their children heard an inspirational assembly at school. If a fundraiser consists of selling artsy wares, this craft sale’s best audience may be the music school students down the road.
Next, use free advertising. There’s no better way to advertise than through emails, Tweets, Facebook pages and online community event listings. Use your computer as your friend to find ways you will connect with a potential audience. Go to your local newspaper’s website, search for community/event listings, then list your event. Do this for every single local newspaper within your event’s reach. A facebook page could go viral if you upload a compelling video about your cause. This could easily attract more event attendees.
Finally, treat the event as an ongoing, annual function. If planners go into it with a one-shot deal approach, people will not be as willing to attend as one-time participants. Start the momentum now and it will surely gain more speed year in and year out. By years three or four, your least worry will be how to get people to attend. An event planners challenge becomes how to accomodate the growing numbers, how to increase the fundraising dollars, as well as how to continue spreading awareness in an exciting and captivating manner.
By this time, you have built it and they will come!
by The Mitzvah Bowl Co-Founders, Cheryl Friedenberg & Val Franklin, who have planned many non-profit event fundraisers for many local, Philly-based organizations prior to starting up www.themitzvahbowl.com.
Wondering how much of a difference a child can make? Well, if Alex Scott is any indicator, a pretty big one. When Alex was just 4 years old, she decided she wanted to set-up a lemonade stand to help kids like herself who had cancer. She didn’t want to keep the money but instead wanted to donate the funds to help doctors on their way to finding a cure. By the time she was 8, Alex had raised a million dollars for childhood cancer research with the help of volunteers across the country. What’s more is her message had spread to children nationwide who now recognized the power that children could have to help their community. Since Alex’s passing in 2004, over 45 million dollars has been raised to fight childhood cancer.
How can you help continue this mission? By visiting our website at www.AlexsLemonade.org, you can register an event of your choosing. From having a lemonade stand to hosting a yard sale and donating proceeds to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, the possibilities are endless!
Want to get your classmates involved? Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is proud to introduce a new school program called “Change Childhood Cancer.” This program is all about teaching kids that small actions can make a big difference! With permission from your school, you can share with your classmates Alex’s story through the book Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand, and you can help collect coins for the cause. This would be a great mitzvah, as it not only teaches other kids about how they can make change happen, but it also allows you to continue Alex Scott’s mission, to help find a cure for kids with cancer everywhere.
For your Bar or Bat Mitzvah project, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation will help you decide on a project that works for you. Whether you want to host a lemonade stand, bring Change Childhood Cancer into your school or have your own creative idea, we will help you every step of the way. Register your event at www.AlexsLemonade.org, and you will be assigned a stand coach to help you throughout your process. (As always, make sure you get a parent’s permission first!) Thank you for helping us in the fight against childhood cancer!
-Tracy Lynn Weniger, School Programs Manager, T.Weniger@AlexsLemonade.org
Paws for the Cause (www.foxchase.org/events/paws)
Fox Chase Cancer Center is pleased to host its 12th Annual Paws for the Cause Dog Walk on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 9:30 am on the Fox Chase campus. This year’s spokesperson is 13-year-old Skyler Kleger of Chalfont, who is participating with her rescue dog, Cooper, in honor of her mother and in memory of her grandmother – both of whom were treated at Fox Chase. She is also doing this in preparation for her Bat Mitzvah this fall.
“Bake sales, bracelet sales, whatever she can think of,” says Karen Kleger of her daughter’s fundraising efforts. “Her personal goal is to raise $1800 and she’s well on her way. She has wanted to give back to the FCCC for how they treated and helped me and my mother, so this is a wonderful opportunity for her. Mostly she’s telling people about the walk and sharing our story and Cooper’s story. He came to us from the Animal Lifeline in Warrington (AnimalLifelineOnline.org) and he is a big part of our family. It’s a wonderful organization that takes innovative approaches to animal welfare.”
Other students are getting involved too –
· Jillian Yagoda, an eighth grader, is preparing for her Bat Mitzvah in November 2011 and will be at Paws for the Cause to sell her original creation – Pet Emergency Window Decals – for $5 each.
· Jake Kind, another eighth grader, who became a Bar Mitzvah last fall, is continuing this wonderful tradition by participating in the event. This accomplished young artist will create caricatures of dogs at the event. All donations he receives will be given to Paws for the Cause.
· Suzy and Rachel Bailey sold their home-baked goodies at Fox Chase during the Paws for the Cause kick-off tea.
· Dana Silverman, a seventh grader from Rydal, is working on Paws for the Cause as her Mitzvah project. This 7th grader is raising awareness among her friends, selling bracelets and spreading the word.
Animal welfare organizations will be at Paws for the Cause and will accept donations from students who want to collect much needed items, such as food and supplies.
To register or to get involved, visit www.foxchase.org/events/paws
or write to social@fccc.edu
With Rosh Hashanah creeping up quickly, many of us search our pantries and bring those unused canned goods to synagogue collection bins. We hope that our donation will help feed those in need.
Similarly, The URJ (Union for Reform Judaism in North America) has outlined a way to get involved in hunger relief by supporting http://www.foodday.org, tackling local food access, health and sustainability issues.
Visit URJ’s website link with Jewish Food Day ideas at http://tinyurl.com/43f8k4l.
What a great way for our mitzvah students to find some unique project ideas and start off the New Year!
This fall, as the leaves change color and the record-breaking heat and humidity are a thing of the past, parents begin carting back and forth to synagogue for bar or bat Mitzvah lessons.
Many of these Philadelphia-area families are preparing their soon-to-be 13 year-old children for their bar/bat mitzvah. While 4-8 months seems like a lifetime away, these young adults will reach this important Jewish milestone.
Before the big day, students will practice prayers, Torah & HafTorah portions, write their D’var Torah speech and select a mitzvah project.
Mitzvah projects are becoming very creative and individually tailored, as more resources online are available. One local resource is The Mitzvah Bowl at www.mitzvahbowl.com, which targets teens/parents that are searching for a meaningful mitzvah project. The website allows families to search hundreds of mitzvah project ideas that are easily organized by interest.
As one parent, Stacy Emanuel, remarks, “Zac really wanted to have something to do with sports for his mitzvah project. Last summer, I was trolling the web for ideas when I came across your website. I saw info (sic) on PeacePlayers and the baseball collection drive and showed them to Zac. He checked out the information and really liked what PeacePlayers stood for. He loved the idea of running a 3-on-3-basketball tournament with his friends. He wanted to make sure that his project was going to be fun for him to do.”
Val Franklin & Cheryl Friedenberg, co-founders of The Mitzvah Bowl, are confident their website has helped hundreds of area bar/bat mitzvah students since their website’s inception in May 2010.
Recently, Alex Smith, a May, 2012 bar mitzvah student, contacted Cheryl & Val seeking advice on how to find a mitzvah project. He was interested in working with kids, but was very busy during the school week with school and sports. The Mitzvah Bowl suggested contacting Friendship Circle, a local organization where children and teens with special needs are teamed up with a teen volunteer to enjoy many of the social and recreational opportunities afforded to the community at large. Alex is excited to start his project.
Rabbi Craig Axler of Congregation Beth Or notes “What Cheryl and Val have done in creating “The Mitzvah Bowl” is not just a mitzvah in itself, it is an invaluable labor of love that will generate countless mitzvot over the years. The Mitzvah Bowl demonstrates so clearly that the work of Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World) starts with finding just one small space to repair and the good works flow exponentially from that first step. I am deeply indebted to them for their coordination, vision and labor in bringing The Mitzvah Bowl to the table!”
If you are a parent of a bar/bat mitzvah student, don’t look any further than The Mitzvah Bowl – your guide to finding the ideal mitzvah project. Charitable organizations can be listed on the website by contacting Cheryl Friedenberg or Val Franklin at info@themitzvahbowl.com.
It is hard to imagine that we have homeless families and needy children in the suburbs of Philadelphia. In Montgomery County alone, there are over 20 agencies helping those in need. There are women’s shelters, group homes & other places of refuge for these families in our own backyard.
The Pajama Program provides new, warm pajamas and books to children and teens who are underprivileged. B’nai Mitzvah students can lend a hand in so many ways. The best way to help out is to hold a PJ/Book Drive and volunteer to pick up donations in their area. Some kids host a bowling party and let their guests bowl in their pajamas while donating to a worthy cause. Others host sleepovers, spa nights and other fun events to draw attention to draw attention to the needs of the community.
Pennsylvania Chapter President, Christina Kadri mentioned that it doesn’t take much to raise awareness. She said that many people have events in lieu of a birthday party. She remarked that one simple You Tube Video resulted in lots of donations. She emphasized that most of the donations go to local shelters.
Currently, there is a big demand for books and pajamas for tweens and teens.
To find out more about the Pajama Program and donate to this worthy cause, visit their website at www.pajamaprogram.org.
by Elisa Heisman
Elisa Heisman is the Program Director at Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen, PA. She enjoys her work connecting people to the local Jewish community through spiritual, cultural, educational & charitable opportunities. In addition, she is the author of her own blog, Kvell Corner (www.kvellcorner.blogspot.com), a blog dedicated to kvell-ing more and kvetch-ing less about life.
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