Mitzvah Projects

Nora Amsellem – charity: water

For my Bat Mitzvah project, I will be raising money for charity: water. Did you know that every 1 in 10 people worldwide does not have access to clean drinking water? This organization helps people in areas around the world without clean drinking water by funding long-lasting water and sanitation services.

I will be collecting plastic water bottles that I will then cash in for money that I will send to this organization. I will have a collection box outside the mail office of TBE until mid-May. You can also donate directly to my campaign by clicking here.

100% of the money donated will be used for these water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

Evan Roth – Therapy Dogs

For my Mitzvah Project, I’m baking homemade dog treats and raising money for therapy dogs. When hospitalized kids see therapy dogs, it brings them joy and excitement. I’m raising money in honor of my 12-year-old cousin who has cancer. When therapy dogs visit him, it takes his mind off of how he’s feeling. I’m also a dog-lover, and truly understand the joy, excitement, and love that dogs bring. I’m baking and donating dog treats for a local hospital because I love to bake. I’ve been baking since I was 2 years old and have loved it from the beginning. I have a huge passion for baking and dogs, so I think it’s the perfect Mitzvah Project. To support therapy dogs and honor my cousin, please make a donation to Pet Partners by clicking here.

Daniel Goldberg – BCC Wall of Honor

My Bar Mitzvah project is to raise money for the Stamford Hospital Bennett Cancer Center’s Wall of Honor in memory of my mother, Deb Goldberg, who died of breast cancer in July 2013. Wall of Honor donations go towards renovating and extending the Bennett Cancer Center over time. The Bennett Cancer Center has already redone the waiting room with these donations, and is now building an infusion suite.

My mom was treated at the Bennett Cancer Center, and I would like to give back to the hospital. It is very important to have a hospital nearby for critical treatment and assistance. Please click here to help me raise funds towards my $25,000 goal. Thank you for your generous support of the Bennett Cancer Center.

Mickey Flaum-Souksamiane – Out of the Darkness

For my Mitzvah Project, I will be working throughout the year to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is dedicated to preventing suicide by raising awareness and reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. My goal is to raise $18,000, and I am 15% there. You can help make a difference by donating or registering to walk with my team “Savage Squad” at the Out of the Darkness Walk in Westport on Sunday, October 22 at 11 a.m.

To donate or join my team — to walk in memory of someone you love or all the people who someone loved that died by suicide — please click here. Thank you for your support and assistance to this cause.

Jacob Rosner – The Malawi Project

My Mitzvah Project is to help Malawi, a poor country in Africa. My Mitzvah Project specifically focuses on healthcare. Hospitals in poor parts of Malawi greatly need basic medical supplies, such as thermometers, band-aids, etc. I am in touch with the Malawi Mission to the United Nations in New York, and the Malawi Embassy in Washington D.C. These institutions are helping me identify and directly ship supplies to hospitals in poor, remote areas which are in need, and are not fully covered by existing charities. I am raising money through the internet, using a Go Fund Me website, and through other fundraisers, including a bake sale and a lemonade stand.

Jeremy Young – Hand in Hand

For a few weeks this summer, I will be volunteering at Hand in Hand (Yad B’Yad), a summer camp program for children with a variety of special needs, including communication and learning differences, ADD/ADHD, social anxiety, sensory motor integration challenges, and those on the spectrum. At Hand in Hand, I will help Pre-K children and Kindergarteners develop positive relationships and make social connections, and have a fun summer. I am also selling bracelets to raise money for scholarships for children to attend Hand in Hand.

Talia Raich – March 11 (Erev Purim)

For my mitzvah project, I am making the first ever Mishloach Manot baskets for Schoke Jewish Family Services clients. On Erev Purim and on Purim day, I am also collecting kosher breakfast items (powdered milk, oatmeal, cereal, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, bars, etc.) at TBE to fulfill the mitzvah of giving to those less fortunate (Matanot L’evyonim). The food will be donated to the Kosher Food Pantry.

Joshua Sherman – Manitou Experience

This summer is my 5th at Camp Manitou in Oakland, Maine. Each summer, after Camp Manitou ends, Manitou hosts children who have lost a sibling, parent, or a close relative at camp for free. For my Mitzvah project, I have chosen to support this amazing program, which is called Manitou Experience. This summer, while attending Camp Manitou, I ran a 5K to support Manitou Experience, and I am grateful to my family and friends who sponsored me for this run. I have already raised enough money to cover the cost for a child to attend the camp.

I chose Manitou Experience as my Mitzvah project for two reasons. First, I love camp. I wish every child could experience the magic I do each summer. The second reason is that, unfortunately, I have seen what loss of a parent can do to a family. Luckily, the children I know who have experienced this loss already attend summer camp and get to experience everything I do. But, it is my hope that others can get to have the same experience, especially those who could not otherwise afford to attend camp. Camp is like no other experience, you meet new friends, you try activities out of your comfort zone, and at Camp Manitou, everyone feels like one big family.

Ruth Price – Camp Rising Sun

I am choosing to support Camp Rising Sun, a sleepaway camp that is for kids who have cancer. Their mission statement is: “Camp Rising Sun exists to provide a safe, nurturing environment for kids who have faced the diagnosis of cancer so that they may grow and learn from their experiences to become the best they can be.” I believe it is a great place to support for multiple reasons. First, one of their campers is a close family friend to me, Eli Schwartz, and I know how much his time at Camp Rising Sun has meant to him. Second, when I was only five years old, cancer hit home when my grandmother, age 64, passed away from ovarian cancer. This is why helping cancer patients is a close thing to my heart. Additionally, I am a kid that has always loved going to sleepaway camp. I know what going to camp is like and how great a place it can be to enjoy life.

I would like to make Camp Rising Sun even better. As Camp Rising Sun says, “until there is a cure there is a camp.” I think a place like this needs to stick around.

Jessica Nirschel – Heifer International

Since 1944, Heifer International has helped 22 million impoverished families, in more than 125 countries. Donations to Heifer programs provide training and gifts of livestock to communities throughout the world, providing hope and opportunities to families who once lived in poverty and despair.

The donor chooses what kind of gift to give, with many options available, including: goats, chicks, cows, llama, sheep, honeybees, water buffalo, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even schools of fish. In turn, the first offspring is donated to another family in need in the community, creating ongoing positive impacts. Families are also taught how to farm coffee, spices, herbs and minerals.

Additionally, Heifer helps families in many other important ways, including installing treadle or irrigation pumps for clean water, or providing stoves that run on gas from animal waste. By donating to Heifer International, a person can help change the world, one family at a time.

For more information, please click here.

Russell Moskowitz – PeacePlayers International

For my Bar Mitzvah project, I am raising money for an organization called PeacePlayers International (PPI).

PPI is a non-profit organization that uses the game of basketball to bring together children from different religious, racial, and cultural backgrounds. The idea is that children who play together can learn to live together and be friends. For example, in Israel, PPI unites and educates Jewish and Arab young people.

By playing basketball together, these children are able to develop friendships and respect for one another even though they may be from divided and conflicted communities.

PPI is recognized as a worldwide leader in the use of sports to build a more peaceful world. If you would like to make a donation to my project, please click here.

Thanks so much!

Michael Rose – Turn 2 Foundation

For my Bar Mitzvah project, I have decided to raise money for Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation. I am helping this foundation because it helps kids turn away from the use of drugs and alcohol, and encourages them to be active like Derek himself, with “TURN 2” healthy lifestyles. Turn 2’s goal has always been to see the children of these programs grow safely and successfully into adulthood and become the leaders of the future.

Please donate to this amazing cause. Just go to the foundation’s website and select Donate Now. You can also mail donations to the Turn 2 Foundation by writing “Turn 2 Michael” in the check memo line. (The foundation’s mailing address can be found on its website.) Helping the Turn 2 Foundation is very important to raise public awareness so that kids participate in the activities/classes. I would appreciate anything you can do to support me in my effort to raise money and awareness for the Turn 2 Foundation.

Andrew Patashnik – Neighborhood Studios

To my Friends and Family:

I want to tell you about my Mitzvah project, which supports Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County. Neighborhood Studios offers after-school and summer arts programs to students in Fairfield County who are at risk and those with special needs, from kindergarten through post-high school.

There are additional details on my Mitzvah Project page, along with a link at the top you can click to make a donation. You can also mail donations to Neighborhood Studios, noting “Andrew’s Mitzvah Project” in the memo line. (The organization’s mailing address can be found using the Contact link.)

This mitzvah project is a very important element of my becoming a Bar Mitzvah, and I appreciate anything you can do to support me in my effort to raise money and awareness for the Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County.

Jordana Raich – Read to Grow

I am conducting a book drive to collect new or gently used children’s books (for infants and children through 8th grade) to benefit the programs of Read to Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting early literacy in Connecticut.

Through Read to Grow’s various programs and partnerships, the books will be distributed to children and families through pediatric primary care centers, childcare centers, schools, and other programs serving communities in need.

You can leave your donated books from June 1–12 in drop-off boxes located at Bi-Cultural Day School’s front entrance, 2nd grade hallway, and across from the lunchroom. Remember, books should be in good condition, without torn pages or writing in them. Please do not donate magazines, textbooks, outdated nonfiction, encyclopedia sets or coloring books. Thank you for supporting my Mitzvah project.

Sarah Broder – Hunter’s Help for STARelief

This past September, my 15½ year-old beagle, Hunter, passed away. He was a wonderful dog, and I have never known life without him. I heard about how STARelief, a not-for-profit organization in Stamford, helps people who fall on hard times and veterans keep their pets happy, healthy and home. I decided to honor Hunter by collecting food for their pet pantry and by doing dog washes to raise funds to support them. To date, I have raised over $1,200. I am proud to have helped.

Emily Marrinan – Goggles for Guppies

I’ve been swimming for many years now, and it means a lot to me that other kids can get the same experience. This is why, for my mitzvah project, I chose the non-profit organization Goggles for Guppies.

Goggles for Guppies was founded in 2011 by two teenage swimmers who felt that it was important for kids to learn to swim. We take for granted that we have the money we need to buy goggles, swim caps, and bathing suits, which some people cannot afford. That is why I am collecting new or gently used goggles, swim caps, and bathing suits to send to these children. Goggles for Guppies also works with the USA Swimming Foundation’s Make A Splash, which provides underprivileged kids with the opportunity to learn how to swim.

It is very important to me that kids learn how to swim because it is such an important life skill.

Jessica Olin – David’s Treasure Tree

My mitzvah project is collecting gift cards and toys for David’s Treasure Tree. David’s Treasure Tree toy closet is in the pediatric unit at Stamford Hospital. After my Bat Mitzvah, I will go to the hospital and help put the items I collect into the closet and help organize the closet. Any child admitted to the hospital visits the toy closet to pick out an age-appropriate free gift. This program is in memory of David Bennett Kanarek, whose life sadly ended while fighting a battle with leukemia in 2000 at 15 years of age. His family hopes that when children select a toy from the toy closet, they will enjoy a momentary escape from the hospital experience. Please leave your donation to David’s Treasure Tree in my box outside the main office at the Temple. The items needed are gift cards ($10-$15) for teens to places like Target, Walmart, Game Stop, and iTunes. Also needed are toys for infants and younger children. Please note that David’s Treasure Tree cannot accept books, board games, or stuffed animals.

Tyler Pomerance – Friendship Circle

I am part of the Friendship Circle, an organization that provides friendship and support for individuals with special needs and their families. Each week I spend an hour with my “special friend”. Whether it’s playing ball, doing puzzles together, or just talking, what’s important is that my friend can count on me and knows I will be there no matter what. This year, in addition to volunteering my time each week, I am trying to raise money for the Friendship Circle. Instead of miles on a walk, please sponsor me for my commitment of 25-30 volunteer hours. Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, please make a donation to the Friendship Circle, so it can continue to provide support to hundreds of special needs individuals and their families. Thank you for your consideration and support. My fundraising efforts will culminate on Sunday, October 12 – Friendship Day. Donate and see how your contribution makes a difference in the lives of so many people in our community. Please visit my page for more details. Make sure you have a tissue when you watch the video.

Micayla Roth – CCFA Camp Oasis

My mitzvah project is raising money for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s (CCFA) Camp Oasis, a sleepaway camp that offers children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) a safe and supportive camp environment. Camp Oasis lets kids with Crohn’s and UC participate in summer activities and sports, make friends with other children who understand what they’re going through, and, most of all, just have fun. Both my aunt and my cousin have Crohn’s, and I hope that someday researchers find a cure to make them better. I also chose Camp Oasis because sleepaway camp is my favorite time of the year, and I’d like kids with Crohn’s and UC to be able to experience sleepaway camp too and have a great time. In June I did a 3K walk with family and friends in Westport to support CCFA. In late August, I will be visiting Camp Oasis and volunteering for the day with campers. To make a donation to CCFA, please click here. Thank you.

Hannah Nekritz – Adopt-A-Dog

I am collecting food and toys and raising funds for Adopt-A-Dog, a dog and cat rescue sanctuary serving New York and Connecticut. The sanctuary strives to provide the best care possible for animals that are awaiting safe and permanent homes. I found out about Adopt-A-Dog when I decided to use my 12th birthday as a way to help animals. Too many people don’t realize that a pet is a long-term commitment. As a result, animals end up in shelters or without homes. I want to help these animals who cannot ask for help. They should have good food, toys, and a chance to stay healthy and happy while they are waiting for a permanent home. Adopt-A-Dog provides a warmer and healthier environment than a standard shelter. If you would like to contribute to this organization, you can either visit the Adopt-A-Dog website to see their wish lists for their animals or bring treats, cat or dog toys or food to the synagogue where you can leave them in my Adopt-A-Dog doghouse box. The sanctuary also needs blankets, cat litter, and balls of all types. After my Bat Mitzvah, I will invite anyone interested to join me when I deliver the donations to the sanctuary, and we can meet some of the animals there.

Ethan & Sam Essenfeld – Boys & Girls Club of Stamford

We volunteer at the after school Homework Club at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, assisting 1st through 3rd graders with their homework. We also collect board games and art supplies to donate to the Boys & Girls Club.

Ethan Moskowitz – The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inc., is Lower Fairfield County’s primary hunger-relief organization. I have been buying and donating food with my money. I have also spent many hours volunteering during my half day Friday’s each month and over school vacations, stocking the shelves and making sure the food is fresh. The Food Bank is right near our house. I feel great that people who can’t afford food are able to eat. To find out more information and how you can help click here.