Bnei Mitzvah Tikkun Olam Projects
For ideas on how to begin planning a tikkun olam project, download our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Magic Booklet
To have your project listed here and in the synagogue eblast, send your information to franiwg@comcast.net. You can include a photo.
Nathan Graber-Lipperman, son of Elysa and Peter Graber Lipperman, Bar Mitzvah January 28, 2012
Nathan’s mitzvah project involves collecting “gently” used sneakers and shoes for donation to those in need through a charity called Soles4Souls www.GiveShoes.org. He will be setting up a collection box in the school lobby. His goal is to collect enough shoes to fill the family minivan. Collections will be held every Sunday school is in session during January and February
Nathaniel Pinkes, son of Suzanne and Andy Pinkes, Bar Mitzvah December 2, 2011
Nathaniel has been doing two mitzvah projects:
1. Tutoring senior citizens on a weekly basis in computer use.
2. Raising money in lieu of gifts for Clearwater Initiative. Clearwater’s mission is to provide clean water to populations affected by natural or man-made humanitarian emergencies and promotes and funds both established and innovative clean water solutions. See his webpage web.me.com/sbpinkes/www.nattyclearwater.org/Welcome.html
Kayla Henowitz, daughter of Sally and Ira Henowitz, Bat Mitzvah May 28, 2011
In honor of becoming a Bat Mitzvah I have chosen for my tikkun olam project to collect reusable grocery bags and gift cards to grocery stores. All the items collected will be divided up, and donated to the West Hartford Food Bank and the Kosher Food Bank.
Many recipients come to the food bank by foot. Having a reusable bag would make it easier to get the food home, and they can reuse that bag when they go back to get food. The need for food from the kosher food bank alone (I will also contribute to the West Hartford Food bank) has increased 1417% in 3 years. In 2007, the food bank gave out 25 bags per month. In 2010 the food bank has averaged 595 bags a month. I will have a collection box to leave your donation before entering the synagogue for my service.
Ellen Schenk, daughter of Dennice and Michael Schenk, Bat Mitzvah June 4, 2011
Ellen made a generous donation of approximately 50 children’s books in mint condition to the Koopman Library at the Mandell JCC after collecting close to 900 books for local schools and libraries for her bat mitzvah project recently held at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford.
My mitzvah project is about children’s literacy because I love to read, and I want to share my blessing of books with those whom do not have them. I am collecting new and gently used books to donate to Books for Israel. This is an international nonprofit which sends English books to schools and libraries in Israel. I will also donate a portion of my bat mitzvah gifts to pay to ship the books.
Please help me by donating new and gently used children and young adult books. The books listed here are the ones suggested by Books for Israel, though I welcome any books you donate: beginning readers, classic short stories, English dictionaries, thesaurus, Dr. Seuss, Berenstain Bears, Boxcar Children, Encyclopedia Brown, Magic Tree House, Roald Dahl, Harry Potter, Magic School Bus, Newberry award winners. There are collection boxes in the religious school office in which you can put the books.
I am also collecting new and gently used Jewish children’s books. These will be donated to Jewish Family Services.
Emily Rosenberg, daughter of Alan and Barbara Rosenberg, April 9, 2011.
My project is the Masorti Movement. It helps disabled kids have Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and Jewish enrichment. Others can help by donating money. I am donating a portion of my gifts to the Masorti Movement
I chose this project because I feel that every kid should have a fair chance at having a Bar or Bat mitzvah. I think the organization is great! It helps repair the world because it helps those kids become more confident! It inspires many people and has definitely inspired me to work hard at my Bat Mitzvah and to help out more kids!
Hannah Merritt, daughter of Michalee and Mark Merritt, Bat Mitzvah February 26. 2011
The project that I have chosen for my bat mitzvah has combined my love of soccer and teaching kids about peace. I am raising funds for an organization called Soccer for Peace. Soccer for Peace is a non-profit organization aiming to unite children of war-torn nations in their shared love of soccer. United in their love of the game, Soccer for Peace believes that sports can serve as both a metaphor and a vehicle for peace in our time. My soccer team has helped me raise money. Every time our team scored a goal, a can was passed on the sidelines. This can will be at my Bat Mitzvah and I hope that will help support this great organization. If you would like to donate to my project, please send a donation to Soccer for Peace, c/o Hannah Merritt, 145 Robin Road, WH 06119.
Noah and Jordan Emrick, children of Myra and Dan Emrick, B’nai Mitzvah November 27, 2010.
Our Bnai Mitzvah takes place during these hard economic times. Jewish tradition is to give Tzedakah at significant times in one’s life. In keeping with this value, we are asking you to help us help those in need. As many of you know we are involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and would like to help the children this coming holiday season by collecting gifts for their holiday party. We are asking for gifts for children ages birth through teenager. Donations of gifts, gift certificates or any other items you wish are appreciated. We ask that the donations be received by November 21st to allow delivery to DCF in time for their party. You may drop off gifts/donations/gift cards at the synagogue or school offices. If you buy gift cards from The Emanuel, you will be doing a double mitzvah. We will bring the gifts to DCF for the children to enjoy.
Thanking you in advance for your contributions, Noah & Jordan
Johnathan Cohen, son of Cindy and Joe Cohen, maternal grandson of Robert and Margaret Lesser, Bar Mitzvah, October 23, 2010 
My project is Bikur Cholim; The mitzvah of visiting the sick. I like to make people happy and I like to play the trumpet. Mr. Moshe Pinchover invited me to play in The Heavy Shtetl Klezmer Band after I started my Bar Mitzvah lessons with him. The band goes to The Hebrew Home and Hospital once a month on Sundays and we perform for the residents. I love to see the smiles on the faces of the residents and watch them sing and move to the music. We can’t take their illnesses away, but while we are there they forget about their discomfort or illness. All of my great grandparents were residents of the Hebrew Home. You can help me to reach my project goal by taking whatever talents you have and go to The Hebrew Home and Hospital to visit the residents. They love to have visitors, just like Abraham did while he was recuperating from his circumcision in my parashat Vayera. You will make them feel better and bring happiness to them (and yourself). They also love when The Emanuel group goes there once a month to do Friday night services. Let me know what you are doing.
Thank you, Johnathan tunkey97@yahoo.com
Sara Pipernos, daughter of Pat and Giles Pipernos-Schatz, Bat Mitzvah September 3, 2010
Sara is raising money through a bake sale at school to contribute to the American School for the Deaf Scholarship Fund. Friends helped by baking and selling baked goods.
Sam Katten, son of Beth and Stuart Katten, Bar Mitzvah June 12, 2010 
I am collecting money for the Greater Hartford Walk for Autism Speaks, Sunday, June 6. My team name is “Gary’s Greeters.” Click here to make a contribution and help with my fundraising. On the right hand side of the screen, scroll down a little bit to “Team Rank”. Hit “More” and then you will be prompted to type in a Team Name. Type in “ Gary ’s Greeters” and hit “Search”. Highlight “ Gary ’s Greeters” and click on the mouse. This will take you to the Gary ’s Greeters Team Page. Scroll down a little bit and see the box that says “Team Members”. Then you can select my name. Then enter a donation amount and continue from there