By Lorraine Thomas Sherman
Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates must perform community service, and children at Temple Beth Elohim, Brewster become very involved. One child, remarked Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish, donated gift money to an African organization purchasing nets to protect against mosquitoes. Another sought items for animal shelters.
Alex Harwood, 12, partnering with The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, seeks donors for life-saving transplants, improving length/quality of life. Harwood’s project is dedicated to the memory of his cousin’s death from myelofibrosis, an incurable disease. Donor drive: March 27th--9 AM-Noon at the Temple. (Amy: 914-844-4162)
The school theme is Tikun Olam, “saving a little piece of the world at a time,” said Nan Coulter, Administrator. Children choose a project--devoting a minimum of 20 hours. “We work closely with agencies who let us know their needs.”
Brett Jenkinson, who “likes babies,” collects items for preemies at Danbury Hospital, raising funds to present at his April 16th Bar Mitzvah, through fliers, personal notes and contacting baby supply company executives. “These babies should get a chance at living and get the best of care.”
Nathaniel Heymann, collects gently-used sneakers for a foundation that cleans and donates them to countries where needed. Receiving $1.00 a pound ($1.00 per pair), he has over 50 of the l,000 he hopes to collect. Funds are donated to Brewster Food Pantry. Sneakers can be left at the synagogue.
“What is different at Beth Elohim,” said Rabbi Acrish, “is preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah is not just a ceremony; it is a preparation for children and parents, who must be engaged. So committed to these projects, many continue. Basically, it feels good to help others, make a difference in someone’s life...make a contribution to humanity.”
