II. Specially-Featured Heroes and Projects III. Two Unique Ziv Programs

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II. Specially-Featured Heroes and Projects

A. The Angel of Jerusalem  ($32,600)

For us and for the thousands of people whose lives she has touched, the Rabbanit Kapach embodies the very essence of all that is Holy. To some, she is known as the “Wedding Dress Lady” — providing beautiful gowns to brides who are too poor to buy their own. To others, she is the one who insures that thousands of people, too poor to buy their own, have the appropriate Passover food to celebrate this very special festival.

Despite her advancing years, we do not see the Rabbanit slowing down. Indeed, this past January when we brought our tour participants to her living room one Friday morning, the Rabbanit was distributing food and money to the many, many people who rang her bell looking for something to make their Shabbat the special time it should be. We must add that all of this activity ensued despite the fact that the Rabbanit was recovering from knee surgery.

This past summer, the Rabbanit’s husband, Rav Yosef Kapach,, died. Her partner in life since the age of 14, the Rav’s death has been particularly hard for the Rabbanit, but it has not stopped her work. Today, her children and grandchildren help with her efforts.

It is not just the magnitude of the numbers who count on her for support. Also astounding are the Rabbanit’s insights. She knows that many children will never have the opportunity to enjoy their summer vacation in a day camp setting and as a result has been running such a camp for 35 years. For women who are overwhelmed by the stresses of child rearing and poverty, the Rabbanit’s swim “classes” offer some time away from children in the cool waters of a local pool.

Many, many new baby girls have been given the name “Bracha” to honor this blessed woman. Her energy and selflessness inspire us. She is truly one of Jerusalem’s brightest stars. We wish her 120 years of good health.

[The Rabbanit Bracha Kapach, 12 Lod St., Jerusalem, phone: 02-624-9296.  She has incorporated her work as “Keren Segulat Naomi.”  Tax-deductible contributions (minimum of $25) through PEF-Israel Endowments, Inc., 317 Madison Ave., #607, NY, NY  10017, 212-599-1260.]

B. Ranya Kelly — A Dream Come True ($37,500)

Many of Ziv’s Mitzvah heroes can point to one specific, life-transforming event and say that it was the “moment of truth” for them, the most profound single event that altered their very lives forever. It has been more than 16 years since Ranya Kelly went searching for a box and discovered 500 pairs of brand-new shoes in a local dumpster. Since that time, Ranya has been an inspiration for untold numbers of people. Her selfless dedication to retrieving millions of dollars worth of otherwise discarded goods from America’s retailers and manufacturers is inspiring and overwhelming. When we look at the numbers Ranya sends us each year, two things immediately come to mind. First, why are these essential items being thrown away? Second, if one person in Denver can retrieve these goods, why can’t others across the country? Why are we polluting our landfills with items that can, most decidedly, make someone’s life easier?

Over the past 16 years Ranya has had to rely on expensive outside storage units to house all of the donated items. This past year, Ranya’s dream came true. An inspired donor contributed towards the purchase and construction of a warehouse, now being built on Ranya’s property. It is a very exciting development for our “Shoe Woman of Denver.” The warehouse is heated and has running water, and will make Ranya’s job so much more pleasant.

[Ranya Kelly, c/o The Redistribution Center, 12681 West 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, 303-431-0904, fax: 424-3368.]

C. Those Magnificent Mitzvah Steeds ($28,100)

Anita and Giora Shkedi have started a wonderful new therapeutic riding program located in Beit Yannay, near Netanya. While we shared their devastation at losing their original program, we were heartened to visit the new site when we took our HeroIsrael travelers to Israel this past January. We were astonished as we pulled up to the new location (which is, by the way, on the site of the Hadassah Neurim school).  The new club is literally but a few feet from the Mediterranean and offers riders not only the benefits of therapeutic riding, but also the peace and calm of the blue-green waters of the sea. Though still in its earliest stages, the Club is growing daily.

Therapeutic horseback riding works in this way: The horse’s movement most closely replicates that of the human, and by sitting on a horse in either the traditional manner or some other position, muscles and nerves can be stimulated in ways that no traditional therapy can achieve. We have watched, over and over again, miracles unfold before our very eyes. When they arrive for a lesson, riders in wheelchairs often leave using only a cane or a walker. This mode of therapy is beneficial to individuals with many types of disabilities: people with head injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, blindness, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, mental challenges — the list goes on and on.

Here is just one striking story from Anita that conveys the impact of therapeutic riding:

In the morning I gave a lesson to a young man who is bilaterally deaf, and has CP throughout his whole body. We have been working together for three years now and I was so pleased to see him again. Before we both left Tel Mond I had been working on his head and neck control.

Riding in front of the ocean did the trick.  One look at the sea, and he kept his head and neck up all the time.  Then, to his delight, and not mine, one of the military helicopters came past the area, just over the sea. It made a tremendous noise. He was thrilled he could hear it.

What can I say? This is what it’s all about.

One of the most exciting aspects of their new program, other than the phenomenal location, is the fact that it is situated at a school for at-risk kids. Anita and Giora have already noted that many of these kids who have not been reached by traditional education methods are now finding comfort and meaning in their lives by interacting with the horses. They have built stables, pitched the hay, fed the animals — all testaments to the powerful attraction between human beings and animals. Indeed, one of the plans that they hope to pursue is offering a course in stable management at the site.

We are very excited about this new program and cannot wait to visit again this summer. To Anita and Giora we want to say Kol Hakavod! Yishar Kochachem.

In a humorous vein: one of Anita’s and Giora’s new horses is named “Elvis.” So, for all of you good people out there who think Elvis is in a store in your local shopping mall, you can stop looking. He is in Israel, providing significant rehabilitation opportunities for many individuals who need his awesome Mitzvah power.

[INTRA-Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association-Mitzvah Horses, Anita and Giora Shkedi, Hadassah Neurim, Hadassah Village, 40298, Israel, Anita’s cellphone: 051-759-121, Giora’s cellphone: 054-645-886, the phone at Hadassah Center: 09-866-6305, fax: 09-796-7705, agshkedi@bezeqint.net.]

1. Freedom Ride ($250): We also support the fine work of Jane Flora and Freedom Ride in Orlando. Since we met Jane, her program has continued to grow, adding more riders each year. Recently, she was offered property on which to build her own site. Our contribution was used to provide scholarships for riders.

[Freedom Ride, Inc., Jane Flora, Director, PO Box 3741, Winter Park, FL 32790, phone: 407-251-0497, freedmride@aol.com.]

2. International Resource ($500): North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is the umbrella organization for therapeutic riding programs in the United States. More than 500 centers are accredited by them. Contact NARHA to locate the nearest center in your area.

[NARHA, POB 33150, Denver, CO  80233, Attn: William Scebbi, phone: 800-369-RIDE (voice/message) or 303-452-1212, fax: 252-4610, narha@frii.com, www.narha.org.]

D. When You Wish Upon a Star ($9,500)

Second Wind Dreams is one of several programs we have discovered that not only changes the nursing home environment, but also our perceptions about growing old. They are devoted to enriching the lives of people who live in nursing homes by facilitating whatever dreams or wishes they might have. 

When PK Beville, the founder, sends us an e-mail, we tell her she must indicate “One Hanky” or “Two Hankies” in the subject title. These dreams generate poignant and inspiring stories.  The following is just one example: 

We made a dream come true at Don Kaye’s synagogue yesterday. A 90 year-old resident had been moved to the elder care community right next door.  When I asked her back in August what she dreamed of, she simply stated “I want to see my old friends again.” The dreamweavers went to work at Edencare (where Sol is from and, by the way, has a girlfriend).  They went about the arduous task of finding past friends, sending invitations and setting up the festivities at the synagogue. Tables were decorated, balloons were swaying as centerpieces and the most magnificent spread of food and cake was anonymously donated. Everyone arrived at 2:30 and when Dorothy walked through and saw about 30 of her nearest and dearest friends and family, her hands flew to her face and then above her head and she began to dance a Jewish dance. Everyone knew the song and began to clap in time and sing the words. I don’t think I have seen such genuine excitement in my lifetime. She then went from person to person and held their faces in her hands and just giggled and cried. She wasn’t the only one. It seems that the winter was particularly rough for Dorothy and it was nip and tuck for a while. But by the looks of our dancing Dorothy, she will be living on sheer adrenaline for a good long while and that’s exactly as it should be. 

Can it get any better than this?

Other examples of dreams: a resident who finished her college degree, a man having the opportunity to swim with the dolphins at Sea World, and a former truck driver who got to ride in a big rig once again. (He wanted to go 120 miles an hour, but the state police — who were “in” on the dream — let the truck get only up to 90+ before pulling the truck over.)

SWD programs are now found in 450 homes across the country. In the majority of cases, it costs between $25-$50 to facilitate a dream. Many are incredibly simple — a trip to a Chinese restaurant, a new dress, a radio, a large-face watch. 

It takes very little to improve the life of an individual who is confined to a nursing home. We recommend that you visit their website to read, first-hand, many of these stories. Get out those hankies! 

[Second Wind Dreams, P.O. Box 529, Alpharetta, GA  30009 Attn: PK Beville, 678-624-0500, fax: 624-9578.  swdreams@msn.com, www.secondwind.org.]

E. Life Savers ($6,500)

The Feinberg family has been in the forefront of bone marrow screening for many years. Originally, their search had a personal element as Jay, then desperately ill with leukemia, searched for a compatible donor. Today they direct one of the finest bone marrow registries available. It is one of a very few Jewish bone marrow registries. Arlene, Jack, Jay and their small but very able and compassionate staff are totally committed to working with others to find the very real, “gift of life.” They stand ready to answer the phone, offer advice, and begin a search at any time. Today, Jay has recovered. He runs the day-to-day operation and searches, and also travels to meet and support those who have agreed to become donors. It is a privilege for us to play a part in their efforts.

[Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, Inc., c/o Arlene and Jack Feinberg, PO Box 6429, Delray Beach, FL 33482, 800-9-MARROW (962-7769), fax: 800-707-5343, registry@hlamatch.org, www.hlamatch.org.]

F. Stanly Manor — Biker Babes and Biker Brutes ($621)

Robin Moose and Beth Huber, Activity Director and Administrator at Stanly Manor, understand that life in a nursing home should be exciting and fun-filled. Their annual trip to the South Carolina beach is just that. Teaming up with a local Harley-Davidson group that joins them for the weekend and for parties at Stanly Manor, the residents select a “Biker Babe” and “Biker Brute” to highlight the Good Times. We love this story!

[Stanly Manor, Inc., 625 Bethany Rd., Albemarle, NC  28001, 704-982-0770, Attn: Beth Huber or Robin Moose, beth@stanly.org.]

G. Let the Revolution Begin! ($2,468.48)

Dr. Bill Thomas’ philosophy for changing our country’s nursing homes is simple. Fill a nursing home with green plants, birds, cats, dogs and other small animals, a more flexible staff, gardens for the residents to cultivate, and children who visit regularly (often at an on-site daycare center), and the result will be happier and healthier residents who require fewer medications, experience less depression and despair and, amazingly, live longer lives. Aptly named The Eden Alternative, Bill’s program is being used in hundreds of homes here in the States, in Canada, and also on the international scene. We are even happier that Jewish homes in Baltimore, Memphis, Omaha, and Cincinnati are part of the program, as well.

We recently learned of the following story in Bill’s newsletter, The Eden Alternative Journal, in a regular column called “Eden Moment”:

Elim Care Center in Fargo, North Dakota —

Ervin came to Elim Care a bitter, sad old man determined to die. His health was failing rapidly. He had been forced to leave his home and his belongings and move into a nursing home. The final blow to his ego came when he was told that he had to use a walker. When Ervin arrived at Elim he refused to get out of his bed. He had no intention of living one day longer than necessary.

Our Children’s Center preschool room is close to Ervin’s room. One day, Madison (a beautiful four year old with a smile that can light up a room) headed down the hall to the rest room. When she finished, she decided to do a little visiting en route back to the Children’s Center.

Madison stopped at Ervin’s door and walked in for a visit. She remarked, “What are you still doing in bed? It’s the daytime!” She then continued to tell him all about her day, what she had for breakfast, what she did at preschool that morning, and other preschool happenings. Soon the teachers scooted her back to the classroom.

Later that day, the nurses were shocked to see Ervin out of bed and walking down the halls with his walker. That evening one of the staff asked him what prompted this sudden change. 

Ervin responded, “If that little girl can do it, so can I.”

Dear little Madison is not an ordinary four year old.  She has cerebral palsy and walks with the aid of leg braces and a walker. 

When we first learned about the Eden Alternative more than five years ago, it was a radical concept. Today, Bill Thomas’ ideas enjoy wider acceptance and many nursing homes, though not committed to the entire concept, have adopted some of the Eden beliefs and practices.

We recommend you read his book, Life Worth Living: How Someone You Love Can Still Enjoy Life in a Nursing Home, that describes the Eden program. Or, check out Learning From Hannah, an engaging novel about Eden. Both books are available in bookstores as well as from the publisher, VanderWyk and Burnham.

[vburnham@publicom1.com (That’s a numeral “1” before the dot), www.VandB.com. To place orders: 800-789-7916, editorial offices: 978-263-5906.]

Our funds were used to purchase both of Bill’s books, which we distribute at our talks.

[The Eden Alternative, c/o Dr. William Thomas, 742 Turnpike Rd., Sherburne, NY  13460, 607-674-5232, fax: 674-6723, info@edenalt.com, www.edenalt.com.]

H. Bayit Cham: Caring, Hope, Dignity ($21,500)

People recovering from mental illness must overcome many difficulties. Once their hospitalization or crisis has passed, there is the tremendous job of reintegration into society. Jobs, family relationships and society’s perceptions all present difficult adjustments that require proper support. Yoram Mordechai and Shmuel Munk have dedicated themselves to providing such support. Their project, Bayit Cham, is aptly named, for a “Warm House” (or, better, “Cozy House”) is exactly what they offer. In their calm and frequently awe-inspiring manner, they uncover the talents and strengths of the people they work with and then find them meaningful employment to fill their days and provide economic security.

Based in B’nai B’rak, Bayit Cham has developed a network of businesses that employ these people in various occupations. This past summer we met “Ari,” one of their true success stories. When Yoram met Ari, he was unable to hold a job, and his wife and family had left him, no longer able to cope with his mental illness. Working closely with Ari and his doctors, Shmuel and Yoram discovered Ari’s talents lie in an old family occupation — silversmithing. Today, when you visit Bayit Cham, you can see the most beautiful creations — Kiddush cups, Mezuzot, candlesticks, all hand wrought by Ari. His newfound work has given him hope and peace. His family is now intact and he and his wife have even had a new baby!

[Shmuel Munk, c/o Bayit Cham, 19 Ra’avad St., B’nai B’rak, Israel, phone: 03-677-8513, cellphone: 051-598-660. Tax-deductible contributions through PEF-Israel Endowments, Section II:A.]

I. Songs Of Love ($3,030)

Participants of our three Mitzvah Hero Conferences were introduced to John Beltzer, founder of Songs of Love, and then recorded the chorus of a personalized song for a child who is critically ill. For the past five years, John’s life has been devoted to leading his corps of songwriters and musicians. As the year 2000 ended, SOL completed its 2000th song. Quite an accomplishment! This is a must-know-about program for every social worker, pediatrician, oncologist and parent faced with a seriously ill child. Working with information submitted by parents or health care professionals, John and his crew write original lyrics and tunes that are recorded professionally at a local studio. The cassette is delivered and the rest is magic! It is the best medicine a doctor can order. We applaud John for his devotion and for the love he projects to everyone around him.

[John Beltzer, President, c/o Songs of Love, Inc., POB 750809, Forest Hills, NY  11375, 800-960-SONG (= 7664), or fax: 718-441-7372, songslove@aol.com, www.songsoflove.org.]

J. Going To The Dogs (And Cats) — Hama Il ($1,000)*

During our winter Israel trip, we met Avshalom Beni, the founder of HAMA IL (Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance in Israel), an exciting program that uses animals to provide healing in several different settings. Many of the animals Avshalom uses have themselves been victims of violence and are now leading productive lives offering hope to human victims of similar violence. Doobie, one of their animal “therapists,” just exudes gentleness and love. Though Doobie stood on three legs and his coat showed evidence of many scars — Doobie was the victim of a cult’s ritual — he proved to be a gentle, loving animal that provides hope to a child disabled by cerebral palsy. HAMA IL works on several other fronts, but the one that we particularly liked was their interest in rescuing senior dogs and cats who have acted as service dogs and giving them meaningful lives as companions and therapists in their later years.

We suggest you be in touch with Avshalom to learn more about his ground-breaking efforts. 

[HAMA-IL, Avshalom Beni, Program Director, Kibbutz Givat Haim Ichud, Emek Hefer, 38935, Israel, 04-636-9443, cellphone: 051-354-844, avshalom_beni@hotmail.com.]

K. Laughter Is The Best Medicine ($250)*

Sweet Pea and Buttercup, otherwise known as Sue and Mike Turk, have been doing Mitzvah clowning for years and love every minute of it. Mitzvah clowns give new meaning to the commandment of Bikur Cholim-Visiting Sick People. They can put a smile on just about any face, no matter how sad or how sick or how lonely that person might be. From the youngest kids confined to a hospital bed, to our Elders seeking companionship in a nursing home — Sweet Pea and Buttercup know just the right moves to make it happen. Our donation was used to purchase makeup and clown supplies for the many classes they offer to others who want to learn this very special art.

[Sweet Pea and Buttercup, Mike and Sue Turk, 11 Mohawk Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078, 973-376-2885, bipamima@aol.com.]

L. Comfort Food ($5,000)

Syd Mandelbaum, founder of Rock and Wrap It Up, has developed a creative and effective way to collect leftovers to feed hungry people. The source? The opulent buffets served to performers backstage at rock concerts. With persistence and efficiency, Syd convinced performers that this is the right thing to do, arranged for a network of volunteers across the country that retrieves the food and delivers it to shelters and soup kitchens who serve it to hungry people. Today, many of America’s top performers are part of their efforts.

Once Syd worked out the logistics of this program, it didn’t take long for him to develop similar programs for leftovers from film shoots, political gatherings and school lunchrooms. It is this last source that we urge you all to look into. RWU’s lunchroom program is just waiting to happen everywhere. Check out their website for details.

[Rock and Wrap it Up!, Attn: Aimée Z. Holtzman, Executive Director, 405 Oceanpoint Ave., Cedarhurst, NY  11516, 516-822-3457, fax: 827-1953, aimeezholtzman@aol.com, www.rockandwrapitup.org.]

M. Blue Suede Shoes... ($6,000)

When Elodie Silva McGuirk learned of a schoolchild who cried in pain because his shoes were too small, she jumped into action. It was hard for her to realize that kids not far from her comfortable middle-class home were so poor that proper-fitting shoes were too expensive to buy. Elodie discovered that when she posted 40 index cards, each with a child’s name and shoe size, on her bulletin board at work, they all disappeared by day’s end. Within a week her co-workers had donated 40 pairs of brand new shoes to deliver to the local school. And so, Shoes That Fit was born. Today, this program has attracted the attention of schools and individuals across the country. More than 140 schools have joined in the effort and 18,000 pairs of shoes have been donated to kids across the country. National corporations support STF with money as well as shoes. This is a great religious school project. Call Elodie to sign on.

[Shoes That Fit, Attn: Elodie Silva McGuirk, 689 West Foothill Blvd, Suite #B, Claremont, CA 91711, 909-482-0050, fax: 482-0085, info@shoesthatfit.org, www.shoesthatfit.org.]

III. Two Unique Ziv Programs

A. HeroIsrael — A Mitzvah Tour of Israel

Nothing quite prepared us for the impact of our January trip to Israel. Billed as a trip for veteran Israel travelers, HeroIsrael participants were able to sit in the Rabbanit Kapach’s living room one Friday morning and watch her distribute Shabbat food or a few shekels; they marveled at the beauty of Anita and Giora Shkedi’s new center for therapeutic horseback riding, and they shared a meal with Hadassah Levi, one of Israel’s true giants…to name only a few of the many Israeli projects and founders that we visited and are described in this Report. It was nine days of sublime high points, not a few tears of awe and inspiration, and a thoroughly positive experience. One of the participants wrote the following upon her return to the States:

Of our eight trips to Israel, and the two years we lived in the country after ’67, this one week gave me mega-emotions and insights into the country I have never had before. While my diary flowed with entries that later became poems, my husband’s video camera flowed with scenes that we were able to share with friends after we returned. I’m thankful to Ziv for that experience 

If you would like to join future HeroIsrael trips, please be in touch with Naomi. We are planning one for next winter.

B. Ziv Mitzvah Hero Conferences

We know, as do our friends at the Giraffe Project, that hearing the stories of Mitzvah heroes first-hand can have a profound effect. Armed with inspiration and some knowledge, others can go forth and begin their own efforts on behalf of Tikkun Olam.

We have held three Mitzvah Hero Conferences to date, and we are incredibly happy about the positive responses these conferences have fostered. Participants at the New Brunswick, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington, DC, programs were so inspired by hearing the stories our Mitzvah heroes/teachers told, that many of them developed their own programs. A typical conference has been held over 2+ days and attendees have the opportunity to hear more than 20 heroes tell their story. It is an exhausting but overwhelmingly inspiring program that we hope to present to interested communities on a regular basis.

After the Washington conference, one of the attendees wrote an article for his local Jewish newspaper. This is an excerpt, which gives a sense of the power of these encounters:

The conference was simplicity itself. Pack lots of these devoted individuals into one space, and have them tell their stories. Let them network with others who understand the significance of the good that they do in terms of the Jewish teaching of Tikkun Olam, partnering with God to repair the world….The beauty of experiencing so many Mitzvah Heroes together is that it is empowering. These extraordinary people are every day, flesh and blood, human beings.  What makes them special is what they do. They find something they love, something they are really good at — and then they put it to the service of some group with a very special need.

Be in touch with Naomi for further information concerning future conferences.  

 

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