August 6th, 2014
Tom Mart, Joel Herman and Dale Nash are three childhood friends from Cleveland, Ohio, who attended Hebrew School together.
Recently, Tom realized the 50th Anniversary of their Bar Mitzvah services would be approaching and a twist of fate brought him back together with old friends Joel and Dale. Together they decided to celebrate in a big way!
Joel and Dale actually shared the Bimah back on April 25, 1964, for their Bar Mitzvah and Tom’s was on Shabbat HaGadol-Shabbat before Pescach.
On April 12, 2014, these three friends, along with their family and friends, participated in Shabbot morning service at B’nai Jeshurun in Pepper Pike, Ohio, followed by an extended Kiddush that they all sponsored.
Tom, Dale and Joel on the Bimah with the Rabbi
For Tom, he recited his exact long Haftorah. He says, “I practiced on and off for 8 months. Unfortunately, I didn’t remember much!”
Tom Mart on the day of his Bar Mitzvah in 1964 and a current picture
Dale Nash at his Bar Mitzvah and 50 years later
Joel Herman on his Bar Mitzvah day
Mazel Tov to Tom, Dale and Joel on the 50th Anniversary of their Bar Mitzvahs. We thank them for sharing their special story with us at Mitzvah Market!
August 4th, 2014
Decorating your party space can be a fun and collaborative part of the planning process for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Decor designers will work with you to decide what looks best in your event space based on your input. You can discuss your child’s theme and color scheme and creative ways to tie it all together. A lounge setting, LED furniture, floral decor, unique centerpieces and special lighting are just some of the ways to make it your “own.”
Decor experts work with a range of budgets, styles and tastes and they look forward to collaborating with you and your child to create a unique look and feel for your party space.
Flower Power Designs
Contact: Mindi Shaevitz, 973-951-5676, flowerpowerdesignsnj@gmail.com
Flower Power Designs is a full service event décor company offering a huge array of décor options and event planning services. Located in Livingston New Jersey and owned by Mindi Harrison Shaevitz, Flower Power Designs will walk you step by step through the entire process of throwing a memorable Bar/Bat Mitzvah or wedding. We’ll help you with selections as large as the venue right down to the candy customized for your candy bar. Start to finish; Flower Power Designs can do it all.
Flower Power Designs will seamlessly blend your vision for your party space, develop your theme, logo and layout your floor plan. We will provide you creative, customized furniture options, gorgeous one-of-a-kind centerpieces and everything in between. Flower Power Designs believes in being hands on at every turn so nothing is sent outside our doors. We are “one stop shopping” at our core! Put some Flower Power into your next party!
Top Left Photo: Customized Lamps and Flower centerpieces at the Crystal Plaza
Top Right Photo: Lounge furniture with custom logo’d table and pillows at the Venetian
Bottom Left Photo: Hockey theme with the Devils arena in mind – dance floor wrapped like a hockey rink, custom jumbotron hanging above
Bottom Right Photo: Basketball centerpiece – custom airbrushed basketballs indicated which table/team guests were seated
Bloom Floral & Events
Contact: Scott Gersten, 732-414-6054, scott@bloomfloralevents.com
BLOOM Floral & Events ensures your momentous family celebration is unique and unforgettable ─ just like your child. Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah specialists offer full service floral design and décor staging─ flowers, lighting, linens, and decorations ─guaranteed to make your celebration of Jewish adulthood the talk of the town.
“From winter wonderland in Tiffany Blue with white hydrangeas and roses to creative balloon décor and floral design, Bloom Floral and Events will make your event fabulous”
thecoolestgiveaways.com
Contact: Sue Smith, 516-466-5728, info@thecoolestgiveaways.com
Sue and her design team help clients develop their ideas, create a unique logo in the context of the whole event, and then help clients execute it in creative ways. It’s fun to bring the details together in your party space. We can brand your event using your logo on many decor elements throughout the celebration. For example, lounge pillows that tie-in your logo, theme and colors, a dance floor sticker that welcomes guests to all the fun and dance floor throw-outs to motivate the kids and get them on the dance floor. We also offer custom step and repeats, centerpieces customized to your logo and theme, custom place cards, custom lamps, custom glow cubes, custom Sign-In Pillows and Sign-In Boards, custom cups and to go containers, and so much more!
These are all the little details that add the WOW factor to your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration!
Our custom designed logos are used on various décor elements at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, as well as on wearables, water bottles and many other items
Our themed email blasts are a great way to get know vendors in a specific category. To learn more about our other themed topics click on the links below:
A Variety Of Music Entertainment For Your Child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Kids All Want These Bar Bat Mitzvah Favors For Their Friends
Mitzvah Style: Bar & Bat Mitzvah Fashion For The Entire Family
Invitation Experts For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning
Add Something Extra To Your Child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
All About Photo Booths & Photo Favors
Extra Entertainment For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Desserts And Sweet Treats For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Photographers, Videographers & Montage Experts For Your Child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah
Choosing The Perfect Bar Bat Mitzvah Venue Creative
Catering Options For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Party Planning Experts Are Here To Help
Have you discovered Mitzvah Organizer yet? This go-to planning tool for B’nai Mitzvah Families will SIMPLIFY YOUR SIMCHA!
August 3rd, 2014
This is not your typical Bat Mitzvah theme, but boy is it creative!
Combining the Bat Mitzvah girl’s initials with a theme based on the hit CBS show, CSI: Miami, they created a celebration filled with unique ideas for LSI: Denver!
So get your lab coats on and don’t worry, no one gets hurt!
WM Events designed a contemporary scene at the Ritz Carlton Denver making a laboratory with sleek lucite, elaborate LED lighting, and elements all with a touch of hot pink and orange.
Photography by PhotoCraftz.
“The Usual Suspects” signage designated where guests found their place cards. Very clever!
To find their seats, guests slid their place card underneath a black light to see their table number written in invisible ink
The Bat Mitzvah girl stands under her trademark thumbprint gobo
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s work station (cleverly added as decor)
The same logo was used on the sign-in board with pink and orange sharpies for guests to leave their messages
Test tube centerpieces look elegant in the pink flowers and go so well with the lucite chairs
Menus with microscopic text and magnifying glasses so guests could see their menu options
Even the waiters got in on the theme wearing lab coats and serving in test tubes!
A LSI: Denver stencil was on each plate
Fun photo props for guest to use
We love the crime scene investigator, we mean photographer
Photo favors with “Crime Scene Do Not Cross” and fun dress up props
Guests received canvas bags with the LSI logo at the candy bar
Thank you to WM Events for sharing this fun Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
August 3rd, 2014
With the fighting in the Middle East it’s hard for those of us in the United States to know what to do or how to reach out to Israel.
If your child is currently looking for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Project, this is a good time to consider “Tikkun Olam” meaning “repair the world.” It reminds us that along with the celebration, we can all take part in healing the world.
Here are just a few great charities and organizations that support those fighting on behalf of Israel.
American Friends of Magen David Adom supports the lifesaving efforts of Magen David Adom in Israel which is the national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service similar to The Red Cross. The name means “Red Star of David.” The American organization raises more than $20 million annually for the Israeli group.
Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF) makes it easy to organize a Mitzvah Project to benefit the IDF soldiers. During one part of the program you will learn about the soldiers, develop leadership skills, and have a lot of fun! There is a range of possible Mitzvah Projects – sporting events, bake sales, walk-a-thons, fashion shows, events with visiting Israeli soldiers – and FIDF will provide the guidance and assistance to ensure that whatever project you choose to do, it will be a great success. FIDF programs fund educational scholarships; provide social services and financial aid to distressed young soldiers to help their families stay afloat; and support special programs for the children and families of fallen soldiers.
Israel Gives is the world’s main Website for donating to Israel. Here, you can search for and donate online to any of Israel’s 30,000 non-profit organizations. Your donation is safe, secure, and helps support the organizations and causes in Israel you care about most.
Kids for Kids helps Jewish children who have been victims of terrorism in Israel. In addition, KIDS FOR KIDS encourages Jewish youth the world over to get involved in helping to relieve the suffering of their Israeli counterparts. Their mission is to foster supportive activities like teen support groups and clubs, creative therapeutic activities, hospital visits, home-care, psychological clinics, or direct help in the form of supplies or financial gifts for families in need, Kids For Kids is there supporting those who have felt the damaging affects of terrorism.
The Lone Soldier Center was established in Israel to support these members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The Center volunteers are working around the clock to arrange hospital visits to Lone Soldiers (they don’t have relatives to be with them), to help parents who have traveled to Israel to be near their Lone Soldier children, and to purchase and deliver the basic staples needed to keep these brave young people at the ready to defend the Jewish homeland.
OneFamily is an Israel-based philanthropic organization that helps those Israeli victims of militant attacks – those who have been bereaved, those who have been injured, and those suffering from post-trauma as a result of militant attacks. OneFamily provides direct financial, legal, and emotional assistance to Israeli victims of terrorism. OneFamily is the family member every victim wishes they had: listening to their problems with a sensitive ear; giving because we want to, based upon need, and maintaining ongoing, unconditional one-on-one contact.
Pizza IDF allows you to send warm food to active duty soldiers who, day after day, are fighting terror and protecting the all Jewish people. Over the last two years they have delivered thousands of pizza pies (and other food too) to many thousands of soldiers. It goes well beyond getting a hot pizza or soup late at night at a lonely post. It is as tremendous an experience to give them out as it is for the soldiers to receive them. And they love to know that people everywhere support and care for them.
Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel is known as “the Hospital with a Heart” for its century-long reputation for treating patients with special kindness and care. We treat over 250,000 people a year and have treated over 40% of those injured in terrorist attacks. Shaare Zedek does not receive any government funding for new equipment or to update its facilities. The Hospital is supported through the generosity of donors throughout the United States and around the world.
Jewish National Fund/Operation Protective Edge Launched in Israel so you can make your voice heard. Rockets continue to fall on Israel in the worst escalation of violence in months. In response, the IDF has launched Operation Protective Edge, aimed at retrieving stability for the residents of Israel, eliminating Hamas’ capabilities and destroying terror infrastructure that operates against the State of Israel and its civilians. Jewish National Fund has launched an emergency campaign to assist Israel’s citizens all over the country.
The Good People Fund is guided by the philosophy that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference. They identify good people doing great work-on a personal scale-and connect them with donors seeking creative ways to help those in need. Their grantees, primarily in Israel and the United States, are small, grass-roots non-profits run by dedicated individuals unwilling to accept the status quo. With the onset of the war, the needs in Israel have multiplied, and the Good People Fund has responded by stepping up its efforts to help those in Israel who reside “in the corners”, often hidden from view. Their war-related work has focused on the following programs, all of which lend themselves to Mitzvah Projects: 1) Rosa Naveh, a family therapist in Sderot who works with parents and children at risk; 2) Fund for Needy Immigrants founded by Maya Englert, in Beersheva, a particularly hard-hit city where the need for hot meals and counseling are urgent; and 3) Tzvika Levy who supports the chayalim bodedim (lone soldiers) by offering moral and physical support and an occasional barbecue for soldiers guarding the border; and 4) The Amuta for the Emotional Support of Girlfriends and Fiancees of Fallen IDF Soldiers led by Phyllis Heimowitz and her daughter Tamar, who provide therapy and support to the increased number of bereaved girlfriends now resulting from the death of so many soldiers. Should you have any questions about these or other urgent as well as ongoing Good People Fund efforts in Israel, please contact the Executive Director, Naomi Eisenberger, at 973-761-0580.
Did your child do a meaningful Mitzvah Project that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com and we will feature them in a Mitzvah Project spotlight story.
August 3rd, 2014
Have you been noticing the feet of Bat Mitzvah kids? Some wear heels and then slip on something cool and custom that even matches their theme!
Grafeeti Kicks is a custom sneaker company. They transform white slip-on Vans into a one-of-a-kind sneaker based on the buyers requests.
These sneakers have become popular with Bat Mitzvah kids and some are giving them as gifts. The designs are based on the Bat Mitzvah theme, interests and/or the colors of the party.
See a few samples below:
These Michigan themed sneakers were for a Michigan themed party
Another design example based on the customer’s request
The kicks above were worn by a Bat Mitzvah girl whose theme was “All About Amanda.” She based her design on all her favorite things
These Vans are $200 which includes the artwork and shipping. Please allow 2-3 weeks from the day of purchase to receiving your kicks!
To see more pictures, follow @grafeetikicks on instagram. Reach them at grafeetikicks@gmail.com or 312-330-3230.
July 30th, 2014
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc. is a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduation and Birthday Parties.
Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while they supervise the children. Their services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party.
Something New! The Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Website now features a question of the month!
This summer, the question is: How do you keep the young guests quiet during the candle lighting ceremony?
Check out some of the Bar Mitzvah bouncers’ answers here.
Their feedback allows clients and prospective customers to get a feel on how they handle situations and their procedures in terms of dealing with the kids. Every month a new question is posted and different staff members respond each time.
They have received a lot of positive feedback from parents and party planners concerning the bouncers’ responses.
To learn more about Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 30th, 2014
The McDonnell family from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, celebrated with a destination Bat Mitzvah service and trip for daughter Madison Wynter on March 27, 2013.
The celebration started on the Norwegian Epic as family and close friends cruised to the historic St. Thomas Synagogue for a their Bat Mitzvah service. After the service there was a Caribbean style celebration and more fun back on the cruise ship.
Then on June 15, 2013, there was a party at RHO Waterfront in Trenton, New Jersey, for Madison’s local friends and family.
While all this might seem overwhelming, it was a breeze for Mom Beth who is a travel agent and plans destination Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!
Pictured L-R: Mom Beth, Bat Mitzvah girl Madison, Sister Jade and Dad Greg.
Elisa Orin was the photographer in St. Thomas and Jenn Ericson was the photographer in New Jersey. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The Carlson Craft pocket invitation featured a pink font.
Madison’s service was held at The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas. Built in 1833, it is the second oldest synagogue and longest in continuous use now under the American flag.
Madison receiving the Torah
A historic landmark
With its sand-covered floor, the 210-year-old synagogue is a beautiful place for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service
The McDonnell women wore vibrant island chic dresses and looked great.
An open air taxi brought guests to the reception at a waterfront restaurant on St. Thomas.
On their way to the waterfront restaurant
The Grande Cru restaurant located in the Yacht Haven Grand section of the Island was the perfect spot to celebrate after the Bat Mitzvah service
In the evening, back on the ship, there was a private cocktail reception honoring Madison which turned out to be one of their favorite memories
Dinner took place at the Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse on the Norwegian Epic
All guests in matching t-shirts on the ship
The t-shirt favors read, “I Rocked the Beat at Madison’s Bat Mitzvah.”
All wrapped up and ready to be given out to guests
Back home, Madison’s family and friends celebrated with a great party at RHO Waterfront located on the Delaware River.
The pink and black color scheme looked great.
Place cards with a bit of bling
The black table cloths and clear vases with LED lights and hot pink feathers really popped
Madison’s name spelled out and the pink up lighting gave the space a real club feel
The sign-in board was a poster of Madison at different ages.
Madison enthusiastically making her way into the reception through confetti.
MC Adam of A Sharp Productions brought high energy and the dancers were awesome.
A great array of dessert options were available at the end of the night!
The desserts were awesome and plentiful
Show Me the Favors created these great shirts.
Madison helped stomp out hunger by participating in the 3rd annual I Run for Food. She helped raise money and gathered walkers and runners to help local food pantries in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Madison will continue to help in the 2014 I Run For Food which is a 5k/1 mile race that is open to all ages.
Madison’s team
Some advice from Mom Beth:
“We were overwhelmed with joy and pride from the events of the day. To top it all off most of the guests said a toast to Madison as she stood surrounded by all her family and friends that joined us. The heartwarming stories and love for Madison was so overwhelming. Enjoy every moment! Do not sweat the small stuff.”
The following vendors made Madison’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
In St. Thomas
Temple: St. Thomas Historic Synagogue, 340-774-4312
Luncheon Venue: Grande Cru, St. Thomas, 340-774-4262
Photographer: Elisa Orin Photography, 716-763-5955
Cantor to prepare Madison: Jill Packman, 215-295-7235
Transportation on Island: Tropic Tours
Madison’s service dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Travel Arrangements: Mom Beth, Trip Guy Travel, Beth@tripguy.com, 888-990-TRIP (8747)
Favor person: Show Me The Favors, 856-905-1101 for both parties
Hair and Makeup: Sugar and Spice 340-776-LUXE
New Jersey celebration:
Venue: RHO Waterfront, 609-695-9332
Photographer: Jenn Ericson Photography 267-980-4714
Videographer: Rich, The Times of Your Life Video Productions
Invitation: Carlson and Craft
Décor and sign-in board: Apple Graphics, 215-322-WRAP
Table Cards and Table Numbers: White Gate Papery, 215-280-2848
Music Entertainment: MC Adam Weitz and JP, A Sharp Productions
Party entertainment: Peekaboo Photo Booth, 800-968-4001
Madison and sister Jade’s party dresses: Party Girls, 215-579-9899
Mom Beth’s dress: Yes to The Dress, 215-947-0113
Dad Greg’s suit: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Elexia-lexylank@live.com
July 30th, 2014
Mitzvah Moms come up with the best ideas! We discovered this unique organization and we can’t wait to pass it along to our readers.
The Make it Count Project provides creative and useful craft projects, to be completed at your event, for charitable donation. You choose the project you want and the charity organization that will benefit.
Amy Wynn Brown from Studio City, California, was thinking of something to do for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah other than hiring entertainers or give party favors which get thrown away or forgotten. Brown spoke to her Rabbi about her concerns and he reminded her that the importance of this type of occasion for a 13 year-old boy or girl isn’t the party or gifts, but “to give back to the community as an individual, not just as a family.” Brown used her extensive background as an event planner, volunteer art teacher and clothing manufacturer to make her idea a reality.
Mitzvah kids participating in a Make It Count project
Here are two examples of projects available from The Make It Count Project:
The Hobby Box project is an activity box that guests decorate with patterned tapes and stickers and then fill with games, puzzles and craft activities. They created The Hobby Box project when a woman in the office was helping raise money for a boy she knew who was fighting cancer. While undergoing chemo therapy, the young boy was bored and it was clear he needed something positive to do to keep his mind and creativity active.
The Hobby Box
They also have Baby Blankets large enough to cover infant incubators at a hospital’s ICU. Hospitals need the blankets to help block some of the light for the sensitive eyes of the infants. They also add a personal touch to the baby’s first “crib” and parents love to look in and see the color surrounding their baby.
Colorful Baby Blankets
The original concept was created with “Mitzvahs” in mind, they have since expanded to include other special occasions. They now sell “Make It Count” kits, so you can participate from anywhere in the country.
For more information, visit their Website. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
July 30th, 2014
NO GUILT: HAVE THE SIZE CELEBRATION YOU WANT TO HAVE!
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman, “Favor It Things“)
South Florida Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group members on Facebook run the gamut from planning a family dinner celebration at home, to an over-the-top weekend long star studded extravaganza B’Mitzvah celebration.
These clinicians, your Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah, see the internal struggle manifest itself in arguments and conflict within families and between friends.
Some claim that “spirituality and meaning” can somehow be erased by a large celebration. Chabad.org posted, “As for the cause of the celebration, this is the day when a Jewish person is given the obligation and resulting privilege of observing God’s commandments. One would be hard pressed to think of a more joyous occasion to celebrate together with friends and family.” According to some sources, the first documented Bar Mitzvah is referred to in the Torah: “And the child (Isaac) grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a GREAT feast on the day Isaac was weaned.” (Genesis 21:8) Some believe this was the day Isaac turned 13 and was “weaned” from childhood into adulthood and received the responsibilities of a Jewish adult. If we are all being honest and real, a low key affair does not ensure spiritual meaning any more than an over-the-top one, negates it.
As we discussed in our last blog, “meaning” comes from values, examples and experience. It begins with each of us, as parents, modelling EVERY DAY, what is meaningful and important. It begins with “walking the walk and talking the talk.” Every detail about the B’Mitzvah service is about meaning, tradition, ritual and prayer. Every detail about the celebration takes all of these things and acknowledges the achievement of your child, recognizes the incredible importance of becoming a Jewish adult, and most importantly in your own personal way and style, shares this unbelievable milestone with all of the important people in your life.
We each had many milestones, celebrations and stepping stones. If you as a parent, had your own B’Mitzvah, do you remember how you felt that day on the bimah? We do…it was like being on top of the world. How many other days in our Jewish lives focus solely on our growth, achievements and the obligations, expectations and hopes that God and our families have for us? There are so few times that we get to celebrate pure, unadulterated moments of joy in life, so make the most of it and do not allow anyone to make you feel shame or guilt over the way you choose to celebrate with family, the love, change and spiritual growth of your special child.
SO, we began to build on the vision we had for the day when our son, Blake becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Remember, one of us would like to write a “tell all” here while the other is more tight lipped, so we compromised by telling you about visions in a more generic way. (Insert eye roll here!)
We know we want BIG décor with a combination of flowers and theme and we want our guests to have an “wow!” moment from the moment they arrive and with each step forward up to the moment they get into their car. We will include activities for both adults and younger guests at the entrance to start our party with a BANG not a lull. A first impression is a lasting one. Consider your party to be a space shuttle launch and build the excitement and then keep them soaring throughout.
We acknowledge we are incorporating some of the well…in our opinion less exciting components like a candle lighting ceremony, but we feel this is necessary, as we feel that the day is not complete without honoring the “village” who are helping us create this young man we celebrate on this day. It also creates a magical moment with loved ones that incorporates “light” a tradition innate to Jewish Culture. With each honor we bring more light, symbolic of the path and future that lies ahead- never forgetting who helped you get there.
There are many places you can save money, DO NOT choose any vendor based solely on price. Meet with vendors, tell them what you want and what you can spend and allow them to tell you what they can do to help. Always see their work in some way, attend expos, see videos and get referrals from real people.
Of course “Favor It Things” is our chocolate and sweet treats headquarters, so you can imagine that we are busy creating little sweet surprises from the moment they enter the room until they load into their minivans.
As the Dean of a school and a Psychologist, we will tell you, Fail to Plan, Plan to fail, young kids and teens will find a way to entertain themselves if you don’t entertain them. The right DJ company and vendors will make sure to keep them engaged.
Next time, we will talk about how we are personalizing our event.
ABOUT DAVID AND DANIELLE OCKMAN
David and Danielle Ockman love South Florida and reside in Deerfield Beach with their 12 year old son Blake, and 7 year old daughter, Skylar. Blake’s B’mitzvah is scheduled for October, 2014.
David is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the field of addictions for over 20 years and Danielle is a Social Worker and the Dean of Students at a private Jewish Day School. Danielle’s passion for making people treats lead her to preparing “specialty and custom” chocolate and edible B’mitzvah favors for “Favor It Things.” David and Danielle have become known in the B’mitzvah community of South Florida, as they host the Facebook group, “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group.” Some consider this group to be the B’mitzvah hub, bringing parents and vendors together for a “virtual B’mitzvah showcase” everyday. Since starting the FB page, David has been called “Dr. Mitzvah” and the couple continue to talk many B’mitzah parents down off the ledge!
Catch up on what you might have missed:
Blog post #1 here
Blog post #2 here
Blog post #3 here
July 27th, 2014
We read about this great Mitzvah Project in the The Queens Ledger and we wanted to share.
Marshall Nisselbaum of Forest Hills, New York, handed $2,000 to people he’s never even met before all in the name of helping animals! Animals are a part of his extended family, and this 13-year-old is determined to prove just that by raising funds to rescue and provide better lifestyles for homeless animals.
Marshall celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on May 17, 2014, and at that time launched “Marshall’s Mitzvah Project. He also asked his parents to spend less money on his Bar Mitzvah party, so he could donate some additional funds to local rescue groups.
Nisselbaum partnered with Trylon Vet Care, a local veterinary practice where Dr. Stephen Wyler and his colleagues have provided care since 1992, to heal and assist pets. They also coordinate with nonprofit foster homes, which rescue animals from shelters and provide them with care until a permanent home is found.
Trylon accepted tax-deductible monetary donations, food, toys, clean towels, and new or gently used pet carriers.
“I wanted to raise enough money and gather food, toys, and supplies so that animals can be adopted in forever families,” said Nisselbaum.
Marshall’s Mitzvah Project was his first fundraiser, although he has supported charities such as the World Wildlife Fund and aided black-footed ferrets, gray wolves, and other African mammals.
“I have personally contributed about $150 over the past 8 years,” said Nisselbaum.
Nisselbaum is also an advocate for animal rights. “You should think about what you’re doing,” is his advice to animal abusers. “It’s hurtful to living creatures, and that’s not fair, since all living creatures deserve the same rights as humans.”
Since it first opened, Trylon Vet Care has provided care for the Nisselbuam family pets, including cats Jojo, Jem, and Scout, as well as a male ball python named Ty.
Marshall handing over a check for $2,000 from the money he raised
Trylon Vet Care has a “doggie bank” on its front desk and collects funds that are used quarterly to buy food and supplies or donated to individual groups. This past quarter is dedicated to Marshall’s Mitzvah Project. Trylon Vet Care has corporate sponsors, and Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pet Foods are participating in the effort.
“Marshall is a true inspiration,” said Trylon Vet Care practice manager and Forest Hills resident Karla Wallach. “There are so many stories about how today’s youth is stuck in a technology coma, apathetic to the troubles of the world. However, it’s young people like Marshall that will lead other young generations to take on the world’s social concerns, and use the power of today’s technology for positive change in our world.”
We thank The Queens Ledger and the Nisselbaum Family for sharing Marshall’s amazing Mitzvah Project with our readers.
