II. Specially-Featured Heroes and Projects III. Special Agents/Individual and Anonymous Support

Table of Contents Return to Previous Section | Continue Report

II. Specially-Featured Heroes and Projects

A. THE RABBANIT KAPACH ($25,000)
A New York-based film company recently sent us a review copy of their new video which tells the stories of some of Israel's very special people. The Rabbanit Kapach is prominently featured in this professional documentary. Today, her work is legendary throughout Israel.

We have known her for more than 25 years. Her work has touched, quite literally, tens of thousands of Jerusalemites. As a measure of her impact, she is often described as "a one-woman social service agency." From early morning to late at night, the Rabbanit provides all manner of services. Her Passover food distribution is awe-inspiring. More than 4500 families receive food packages that will help make this Spring festival more meaningful. The very act of distributing such a vast quantity of food is a production worthy of the U.S. Army (or, perhaps, the Israeli Defense Forces!). For weeks, crews of volunteers work tirelessly, preparing the packages. At distribution, local streets are blocked off around the school where the actual distribution takes place. And, Pesach is not the only time she distributes food. In keeping with Jewish law, Purim provides yet another opportunity as the Rabbanit distributes Matanot LaEvyonim­ Providing Purim Holiday Food for People in Need.

A visit to her clothing warehouse is awesome. All types of clothing - for men, women, children and babies - are available to anyone who is in need. Her crew of volunteers is kept busy sorting and hanging the new donations.

Tucked in with all of these clothes are the garments that have made the Rabbanit truly famous - beautiful wedding dresses. Every summer, as we travel to Israel, we pack wedding gowns. The joy we feel when we deliver these white frocks of tulle and lace and satin never seems to diminish no matter how many times we act as the courier.

Of course, we should not forget to tell you that, in her "down time," she also teaches Torah to a group of women in the local synagogue.

No matter how many times we write of her work, we must repeat - the Rabbanit Kapach is a fine example of all that is Right and Just in the World.

[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. THE AMAZING RANYA KELLY ($28,000)
It seems that Ranya Kelly's story is becoming a legend. During the past year, her work was highlighted in at least two TV programs and three new books. We never tire of telling it to our audiences. For those of you who have never heard the tale, it is really quite amazing. Fifteen years have passed since Ranya, searching for a box to use to ship a gift, made that critical discovery of 500 pairs of brand new shoes in a dumpster outside a shoe store in a Denver strip mall. Amazed that anyone would throw away perfectly good shoes, Ranya gathered them all up and carted them home. She called relatives and friends and invited them to take whatever they wanted. It was only after Ranya saw a woman without shoes at a Denver shelter for homeless people, that she knew the real purpose of her treasure. Before that visit to the shelter, Ranya, a product of an upper middle class background, never realized that there were people who might not have shoes. (Remember - this was many years ago, before we, as a society, became sensitized to the poverty and homelessness that surrounded us).

Since the first 500 pairs of shoes, Ranya has devoted her life to retrieving the excess merchandise American business discards by the truckful, each year. We are a disposable society. The numbers are mind-boggling. As of March 14, 2000, Ranya's efforts have saved 641,249 pairs of shoes from the landfill, along with hundreds of thousands of other clothing items, housewares, building supplies, fresh plants and flowers, baby equipment, wrapping paper, office equipment. You name it, Ranya has probably rescued it and gotten it to someone who needs it. She recently told us about the three hogans (Native American houses) a New Mexico tribe was able to build because of her efforts. Much of the material was retrieved by Ranya and sent to the reservation.

This past year Ranya was also able to purchase a piece of property upon which she plans to construct her own storage building. Working out in the Denver cold is never fun. Hopefully, some group will come forward with the funding for that storage facility.

We can never quite grasp the value of Ranya's efforts until we do the math. Ziv is Ranya's main source of support. Over the past year Ranya retrieved $2,537,519 (and that's the salvage value, which is as little as 10¢ on the dollar) and Ziv invested $28,000. Translation? For every $1.00 we invested, the return was $90.63/retail dollar. Even today's wildly successful stock market can't produce that kind of return!

[Ranya Kelly, c/o The Redistribution Center, 7736 Hoyt Circle, Arvada, CO 80005, 303-431-0904, fax: 424-3368.]

C. TO SAVE A LIFE ($5,000)
Though Jay Feinberg received his transplant long ago, he and his parents continue to work on behalf of many other Jews who have been diagnosed with some form of blood cancer. We remain in awe of their devotion and untiring efforts. They conduct bone marrow testing drives throughout the country, offer warm and personal guidance to both donors and recipients, and, in the recent past, have formed their own registry, The Gift of Life. We recently read a letter from a man who had become a donor. The emotion and sense of accomplishment he shared in this letter was most powerful. How many of us can say that we have actually "saved a life?" It is very powerful. Gift of Life is the only Jewish registry in this country.

[Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, Inc., c/o Arlene and Jack Feinberg, 4740 Yardarm Lane, Boynton Beach, FL 33436, 800-9-MARROW (962-7769) or 561-733-4300, fax: 800-707-5343, info@giftoflife.com, www.giftoflife.com or www.bone-marrow.org.]

D. MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE ($9,238.56)
The premise is so, so simple. What will it take to put a smile on the face of someone living in a nursing home? PK Beville, the founder of Second Wind Dreams, has proven that, in most cases, it is not so difficult.

PK's "real job" brings her into nursing homes on a regular basis. She knows first-hand the problems, the sometimes depressing conditions, the despair that goes along with life in some nursing homes. Indeed, who among us has not visited a relative or friend and come away feeling terribly depressed and overwhelmed by the conditions in some of these homes?

PK's solution to this despair is the Second Wind Dreams program - making dreams come true for residents of these facilities. What would make their lives happier? Many times it is something as simple as a large-faced wristwatch, or a tape deck and some cassettes, perhaps a new dress for church. In homes that sign on to Second Wind Dreams, a staff member becomes the "Dream Weaver" who makes the dream come true. 79% of these dreams cost $25 or less!

This e-mail from PK, describing a recently-fulfilled dream, says it all:

A very reserved and reclusive man in a W.Va. nursing home wanted to ride an 18 wheeler and go 120 miles an hour. A CNA (certified nurse's aide) at the facility has a husband that has an 18 wheeler and another CNA has a husband that is a cop.
This is so cool. On the day the dream came true, the police shut down a stretch of road. The driver and a CNA put the old man in the cab and off they went. Got up to 120 miles and one of the police pulled them over. As they were pulling over for this mock ticket, the old man hopped out, on his own, and started blessing out the cop. They said it was a riot. Then they took the old man back to the facility where they had a surprise party with his family and old time friends.

What a great story! And, this is just one of many, many stories PK has shared with us. Each one brings not only a smile to our face, but also a sense of sadness. Presently in 36 states, why isn't this happening in every home around the world?

[Second Wind Dreams, 4031 Willows Way, Marietta, GA 30062, Attn: PK Beville, 770-977-3528, gatric@aol.com, www.secondwind.org.]

STANLY MANOR ($500): We always get an enthusiastic response to our pictures of the residents of Stanly Manor Nursing Home. These are not just ordinary pictures - these are photographs of many of the residents as they ride and party with members of the local Harley-Davidson Club. By chance, the two groups linked up a few years ago when they were both visiting a North Carolina beach. It has been an ongoing party ever since. Each year a reunion is held and many of the Elders not only "dress the part" but also enjoy getting on a bike for a spin. They even name a "Biker Babe" and "Biker Brute" for the day! What a wonderful program this is. Ziv's funds were used this year for a holiday party with 15 bikers and 50 residents.

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

E. THE REVOLUTION IN NURSING HOMES ($8,309.18)
Dr. Bill Thomas' campaign to improve our country's nursing homes continues to grow. A visit to the Eden Alternative website proves how successful he has been. There are now 192 Eden homes in 39 states and two Canadian provinces (and 81 homes pending approval), and to date, six states (MO, NJ, TX, NC, SC, and TN) have adopted the Eden philosophy for their state-run homes. We are even happier that Jewish homes in Baltimore, Memphis, Omaha, and Cincinnati are part of the program, as well. Bill's formula is simple. If you 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, you will have happier and healthier residents who require fewer medications, experience less depression and despair and, amazingly, live longer lives.

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.

Life Worth Living: How Someone You Love Can Still Enjoy Life in a Nursing Home was Bill's first book that described the Eden program. He has recently published Learning From Hannah, a novel which describes the Eden philosophy. Both books are available in bookstores as well as from the publisher, VanderWyk and Burnham (978-263-5906, publicom@tiac.net).
Our funds were used to purchase both of Bill's books, which we distribute at our talks, and a video system that will further enable the Eden folks to spread their important message.

[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.]

F. THE MIRACLE MITZVAH HORSES ($49,837)
We are very eager to return to The Therapeutic Riding Club this summer. For years we have followed their work - sharing the good times and the sad times, as well. To Anita and Giora Shkedi, the Club's devoted founders, the ultimate dream was a site that they could call their own. And now, after so many years, this dream will become reality. By summer, The Therapeutic Riding Club of Israel is scheduled to move to their new location. Last summer we visited the site and enjoyed the phenomenal view. This summer, we expect to see the entire operation up and running. Its best feature will be the protected riding ring that will permit year-round lessons, regardless of the weather.

We have watched the miracle of therapeutic riding unfold daily at the center. Kids, adults, even Elders can benefit from this therapy. The process is straightforward. The horse is an animal whose stride most closely approximates that of a human being. If you put someone who is disabled (and the list of disabilities is far-reaching - brain injuries, neurological disorders, blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, to name only a few) atop a horse, those movements will stimulate muscles and nerves normally unaffected by traditional therapy. The results are often miraculous. On more than one occasion we have seen people arrive in a wheelchair and leave walking.

Another reason we look forward to this summer's visit is the addition of two new horses to the "professional staff." For the past few years we have asked the audiences at our talks to "chip in a buck or two" to buy a new horse for the Club. We were thrilled to send Anita enough money to purchase two new horses. The Haflingers, Shiny and Stibella, are perfect for this type of work. Anita and the staff are delighted to have them. These two Haflingers bring the total of Ziv-funded horses to 9.

We also received two special grants this year: the first was to be used for one of Anita's newest programs to provide therapy for recovering substance abusers, and the other was for the purchase of new tack and equipment.

Visit the club when you travel to Israel. If you call or write ahead of time, they will try to accommodate your schedule. It is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip.

[The Therapeutic Riding Club of Israel, POB 3168, Bet Yehoshua, Israel, Attn: Anita Shkedi, phone: 09-899-7776, 796-7705 (h), fax: 899-6103, trci@internet-zahav.net.]

FREEDOM RIDE ($1,130): We learned about Jane Flora and the Freedom Ride program on one of our trips to Florida. With more than 25 riders, 100 volunteers, and 5 full-time horses, Freedom Ride provides therapeutic riding for people with various disabilities. The therapy makes greater independence and mobility possible.

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

INTERNATIONAL RESOURSE ($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. Call 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: 303-252-4610, narha@frii.com, www.narha.org.]

G. BAYIT CHAM: CARING, HOPE, DIGNITY ($16,000)
This past summer we finally visited the offices of Bayit Cham in B'nai B'rak. To say that the experience was one of great emotion does not do justice to what we experienced. Shmuel Munk and Yoram Mordechai have built exactly what Bayit Cham implies - a house of warmth. Working with people who are recovering from serious mental distress, Shmuel and Yoram are masters at restoring their dignity by finding them the right job. They have placed their office in the midst of an industrial area in B'nai B'rak. Their referrals come from several nearby hospitals and doctors. When we asked Shmuel how he does his work, he answers quite simply - he just looks for the best in these people. Speaking with them in a calm and soothing manner, Shmuel and Yoram explore their interests and then they try to place them in non-stressful jobs where they can use their talents to do meaningful work. Many are employed in businesses scattered throughout the area. Among the many successes is a woman who came to Bayit Cham after her release from the hospital. It was Purim and Shmuel asked her to make up packages of Mishloach Manot. He asked that one of the packages be made as if it were "for a king." The beauty of what she produced stunned him. He recognized that this woman had exceptional talent to work with food decoration and arrangement. Making contact with a local hotel, the woman was soon employed in their kitchen creating delicate and attractive canapés and desserts. Indeed, when we visited last summer, she set a table for us that was worthy of the finest restaurant. Specially folded napkins, artfully prepared tea sandwiches, a flower arrangement and bountiful cake platters graced the table. She stood by, justifiably proud of what she had done. For all of us who came to B'nai B'rak that day, we knew that Bayit Cham was truly a place where Heaven and earth touch.

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

H. SONGS OF LOVE ($5,400)
The story about John Beltzer and Songs of Love never fails to ignite strong emotions in our audiences. The very purpose of Songs of Love elicits that same strong feeling. Quite simply, what better way to put a smile on the face of a child suffering from a potentially fatal illness than hearing a song (professionally written and recorded) about themselves? John and his cadre of musicians have donated their talents to write more than 1400 songs. Parents or social workers complete an information sheet about the children, and then the composers write a special personalized song to lift the spirits of these kids. The tape is then delivered to the children. The responses are astonishing. Doctors and parents frequently report that listening to the song makes it possible for a child to endure a painful procedure. In one situation, the words of the song were so eloquent, that the parents chose to play the tape at their son's funeral in lieu of a eulogy.

This past November, John spoke at the Ziv Mitzvah Heroes conference in New Jersey. While his talk moved everyone deeply, it was not until the audience actually recorded a song that the full impact of this particular Mitzvah work was felt. Through the wonders of modern technology, those present became an instant chorus on the tape that was shortly delivered to "Kimberly," a youngster suffering from leukemia. Part of Ziv's donation this year went to the purchase of remote recording equipment that John uses when he takes his show "on the road."

[John Beltzer, President, c/o Songs of Love, Inc., POB 750809, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 800-960-SONG (= 7664), or phone/fax: 718-997-8482, songslove@aol.com, www.songsoflove.org.]

I. SEND IN THE CLOWNS ($191)*
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. 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.]

J. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! ($5,000)
The son of Holocaust survivors, Syd Mandelbaum heard first-hand the stories his parents shared about hunger and deprivation during those dark years. This early exposure to the problems of hunger led Syd to establish Rock and Wrap It Up! The idea is simple - before and after a performance and during rehearsals, rock bands are fed abundantly and lavishly backstage. What happens to the leftovers? Thanks to Syd's gifted Mitzvah thinking, what once went into the garbage is now retrieved by volunteers across the country and delivered to shelters and food pantries, where it is used to feed hungry people. Syd has some of the biggest names in music signed on to his program. Andif rock bands can donate their food, why can't the leftovers from film shoots and political gatherings and even school lunchrooms be retrieved in the same way? It is all being done, and Syd Mandelbaum is the force behind it. In a recent interview with Dan Rather, Syd shared that he has 1,200 volunteers covering 400 cities. Since 1994, over 2,000,000 pounds have been picked up, feeding over 7,000,000 people. This gentle, but passionate, man is an exceptional Mitzvah thinker. He recently received recognition from the Point of Light Foundation.

[Rock and Wrap it Up!, Attn: Syd Mandelbaum, 405 Oceanpoint Ave., Cedarhurst, NY 11516, 516-295-0670, fax: 516-295-3848, sydmandelbaum@worldnet.att.net, www.rockandwrapitup.org.]

K. IF THE SHOE FITS ($3,750)
It has been less than two years since we read about Elodie Silva and Shoes That Fit in a national magazine. How they have grown! Thousands of new shoes and other articles of clothing have been donated to kids who, plain and simple, just don't have any. The statistics say it all: in 1999, Elodie's group managed to distribute 17,011 pieces of new clothing and shoes. (The total retail value was in excess of $398,000!)

The idea came from a friend who worked in a public school. The friend reported the story of a youngster who had come to the office in tears because his feet hurt. Upon examination, it was obvious that the cause of his discomfort was his shoes - they were several sizes too small! When Elodie learned that many kids in this particular school did not have proper clothing or shoes, she came up with an idea. After getting the names of the needy children, Elodie posted a collection of index cards in her office with the child's first name, their shoe size, and the type of shoes they needed. To her surprise, by the end of the day, all of the cards were taken and within a short time, she had more than forty boxes of brand new shoes to deliver to the school!

If it could happen in her office, why not in other places? And so, Shoes That Fit was born. Today, there are schools and offices across the country participating in her program and the letters and cards she receives say it all. "You have put stars in my eyes" was the note that came from one youngster who was given a new dress, socks and shoes. This is a fine project for a religious school class. Visit their website for all of the details.

[Shoes That Fit, Attn: Elodie Silva, 201 West 4th Street, Suite #100, Claremont, CA 91711, 909-482-0050, fax: 909-482-0085, info@shoesthatfit.org, www.shoesthatfit.org.]

III. Special Agents/Individual and Anonymous Support ($27,113)

We are especially pleased that during the past year we have been able to devote even more of our resources to funding individuals we designate as "agents." A Ziv agent works on the front-lines of Tzedakah on our behalf. They are our "eyes and ears." In an agent's hands our funds frequently go to very basic necessities where the impact will be most profound. Specifically, we speak of matters that often relate to health crises or emergency food and shelter. While every aspect of our work is incredibly moving and gratifying, this has, to our way of thinking, the most impact. This is where we can really make a difference.

To give you a better sense of what this front-line Mitzvah work included, consider the following:

o Two individuals were saved from eviction from their homes because of our funds.

o Eighteen people were rescued from war-ravaged Sierra Leone and brought to freedom.

o Two children were able to enjoy a Jewish day camp experience despite their parents' dire financial situation.

o A family of four, who actively worked on behalf of the welfare of others, was provided with rent money and utility expenses when they themselves experienced serious financial hardship.

o The health insurance premium for a chronically ill young man was paid.

o A young mother, the victim of domestic violence, was saved from losing her home after her husband failed to pay the mortgage.

o In one community, Survivors of the Shoah-Holocaust were provided with several important items that made the quality of their
lives so much better. With no red-tape they were given eyeglasses, hearing aids, extended home health care, and much more.

o A family of seven recently lost its home in a fire. Our funds replaced much-needed clothing and household goods.

o A mother of six, a victim of domestic violence, was given suitable new housing that allowed her family to remain together.
This is what Ziv is all about.
 

Return to Previous Section | Continue Report

2002 Annual Report | Curriculum | Books | Links | 116 Mitzvah Suggestions
top of page