II. Specially-Featured Heroes and Projects

A. The Rabbanit Kapach ($43,333.95)

A brief glance at the very first report I issued in 1975 (even before Ziv was incorporated) notes that the Rabbanit Bracha Kapach received three separate grants from the organization: 600 Israeli pounds (IL) for her work with poor people, 150 IL to purchase shoes for needy children and 100 IL to fund a driver to take the Rabbanit around town as she went about her Mitzvah work. In those days — before the shekel — the Israeli pound was worth about 16 cents. Fast forward to 2003 and you will note that not much has changed. After nearly 30 years of working with this awe-inspiring dynamo of energy and insight, the Rabbanit continues to help Jerusalem’s poor and oft-neglected citizens in the most basic of ways. Her doorbell continues to ring as people appear for some food, a few shekels, some clothing…whatever their needs may be, she will provide whenever possible.

Perhaps her most famous project is collecting and lending wedding gowns for prospective brides. In addition, she runs a summer camp for children whose parents cannot afford to provide other summer diversions, swimming and exercise classes for women weary from raising their families, and of course, her annual Pesach food drive. The Rabbanit distributes more than 4,500 packages of basic Passover food over a two-day period to individuals identified by the city’s social service network. The cost of this mammoth venture is nearly $100,000, though not one shekel is donated by the City of Jerusalem. The Rabbanit continues to underwrite this program and in so doing, borrows tens of thousands of shekels from local banks and from friends. Her greatest challenge is raising the funds to repay this debt and often it takes a year or more to do just that. Despite the insufficient funding, she would never consider discontinuing this Grand Mitzvah. Her response is always, “God will provide.” When you consider the longevity of this daunting project you would have to agree.

We respectfully suggest to our readers, both schools and individuals, that they consider sponsoring a package or two. Approximately $22 will provide one family with this special gift — what a meaningful way to fulfill the Mitzvah of Ma’ot Chittin-“Money for Wheat”/Kimcha DePischa-“Wheat for Passover” — giving food to hungry people on the holiday.

Aside from the usual checks we send the Rabbanit, this year we augmented our support in a few new ways that helped both her and the severely-depressed local economy. While visiting a downtown shoe store, we purchased gift certificates for children’s shoes which we then gave to the Rabbanit to distribute as needed. Our most enjoyable new activity, though, was a visit to a local supermarket where we filled several baskets with cases of oil, rice, coffee, pasta, sugar and other not-so-basic treats. The store owner then delivered the order to the Rabbanit (along with his own personal donations of several cartons of food) which she kept on hand to distribute when the doorbell inevitably rang again.

We wish her many more years of good health and Mitzvahs!

[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 Endowment Funds, Inc., 317 Madison Ave., #607, NY, NY  10017, 212-599-1260.]

B.  Ranya Kelly — The Shoe Woman of Denver ($35,500)

For more than 12 years we have been reporting on the work of Ranya Kelly and the Redistribution Center, and we continually ask ourselves why this amazingly simple and easily-replicated project is not being carried out in other parts of the country.  It is not impossible to gather millions of dollars of discarded, brand-new merchandise from retail establishments and manufacturers and redistribute it to people who need it. It just takes someone with devotion and energy, someone like Ranya, to make it happen.

When Ranya found those first 500 pairs of brand-new shoes in a local dumpster more than 17 years ago, we doubt that she ever envisioned the program that is now called The Redistribution Center. Today, Ranya, her husband, Byron, and a crew of devoted volunteers work tirelessly day after day retrieving the most amazing things. Over the past year we have listened as she describes the items that make their way to her new warehouse: dozens of hot water heaters being discarded by a local building supply chain, pallet after pallet of bottled water, adult diapers, canned food, school supplies, office supplies, furniture and housewares from one of America’s leading retail chains…the list goes on and on. Over the past summer, while so much of Colorado’s vast forest burned uncontrollably, Ranya was on the scene rescuing the discarded food and other supplies firefighters could not use. There is no end to what can be saved and given to people who would otherwise do without.

The cost of this operation is not much more than what we donate to The Redistribution Center. Ranya takes no salary for her efforts. It is her selfless devotion to this project, year after year, that makes us stand in awe of the power of one individual to change the world.

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

C. M&M’s and Gatkes - A Package From Home  ($21,335.21)

It started less than ten years ago when Barbara Silverman began cooking Shabbat meals for Israeli soldiers stationed at local checkpoints. While passing by in her car, Barbara noticed soldiers standing in the brutal summer sun. She was about to return home and prepare her family’s Shabbat meal, when she suddenly realized that these soldiers were not going to be enjoying a warm meal, complete with family and friends and song — they were out in the field protecting the country. There was only one thing to do, and Barbara did it — she started cooking and delivering a warm meal to these nearby soldiers. This program continued for some time and only ended when the Army determined that it was too dangerous for her to make deliveries.

With that auspicious start, it is no wonder that Barbara’s response to the current war in Israel was A Package From Home. Since the start of the latest war in Israel, Barbara and her crew of volunteers have packed and delivered more than 44,000 boxes of wonderful treats for IDF’s soldiers, many of them chayalim bodedim-soldiers with no family in Israel. The contents of the boxes change from season to season. During the winter months it might include the usual toiletries and sweets as well as a warm winter hat, gloves and a set of long underwear. (Barbara recently told us of her visit to Gaza where many of the soldiers lifted their pants leg and proudly showed off their warm thermal “gatkes”!) This spring’s packages will include nice white t-shirts, many of them donated and delivered by our HeroIsrael II tour participants. 

The following letter is a fine example of how important Barbara’s work is:

Hi!

My name is Chaim Rosenfeld, and as a reserve soldier I part from my family for a month once a year to serve my country.

I would like to thank you on behalf of myself and our Company “Lamed” of 9210 Tank Regiment. Receiving the package, on top of its useful items, is a heart-warming gesture. It reminds us that we are serving our entire Jewish people, it reminds us that we are not alone in Israel in our struggle to maintain our Jewish state.

Your initiative is much appreciated.

                                                Best regards,

                                                Chaim Rosenfeld

If you are visiting Israel and want a fulfilling hands-on experience, contact Barbara to arrange for a session packing boxes. You will love it! You might also consider bringing an extra suitcase or duffel or two filled with many of the items she uses to fill the boxes. We learned that Israeli soldiers just love M&M’s (plain or peanut) and brought thousands of little bags with us in February. We are told they were a big hit. Duh!

[A Package From Home/AACI, Barbara Silverman, Keren Kayemet 12, Jerusalem, Israel, 02-623-2548, mailto:emess@netvision.net.il,  http://www.apackagefromhome.org/]

D. The Non-Profit Organization [Amuta] for Emotional Support of Fiancées (Girlfriends) of Fallen Soldiers of The Israel Defense Forces ($15,550)*

So much of our work is facilitated by the internet….Without e-mail I cannot imagine how we would ever function. When an e-mail arrives with the address of Phyllis Heimowitz, one of the visionaries responsible for this exceptional program, I know I will have to run for a box of tissues. The stories Phyllis shares are so passionate, so exquisitely human, you cannot help but be moved by them.

As we shared in our November Update, the origin of this project was not only heart-breaking, but again proved the power of one person to change the world. In 1997, Phyllis’s daughter, Michal, was about to become engaged to a fine young man, Avi Book. Only days before they were to announce their engagement, Avi was killed while on duty in Lebanon. The Heimowitz family was faced with a daughter devastated by this profound loss. It was that impetus that prompted Phyllis and her other daughter, Tamar, to start an organization that provides support groups for girlfriends* and fiancées of soldiers who die during their service. The groups, run by a professional therapist trained in this area of counseling, offer significant support to these women who, though just as needy, are not eligible for the vast amount of help offered by the government to blood relatives and spouses of fallen soldiers. The ongoing war has, unfortunately, provided Phyllis with a steady supply of distraught women, and now some men as well, who have lost their girlfriends or fiancées to the war.

Prior to the current war, the modest costs of this organization were covered almost entirely by friends and family. Today’s needs have quickly outpaced their available resources.

Though long, we want to share one of Phyllis’ recent e-mails. It is so typical of the very special nature of her work.

Last Friday, one of the new bereaved girlfriends from Support Group No. 10, named Kelie, called me and asked if she could come over and visit me in my home after the meeting of the Support Group.  I told her that of course she could.  You see, Naomi, I never see 90% of the girls. I only speak to them for hours and hours on the telephone. Kelie thought that it wasn’t right that she won’t meet me, and thus wanted to come over. In she walked to my home after participating in the Support Group in Tel Aviv, carrying a bunch of flowers for Shabbat. I took her in my arms—really enveloped her in my arms and she cried so, hugging tightly onto me.  She showed me the album that she made of her boyfriend and it brought back memories to me of the care with which Michali made Avi’s album after he was killed.

….There is nothing like our Support Groups in the entire country.  This is their only address.

The names of the boyfriends are:  David, Kevin, Bar, Matan, Avi (his mother gathered food from the shopkeepers in Raanana to deliver to his unit), Miki, Tomer, Nati, Malek, and Nissim. They were so young, at the very beginning of their lives. It is so horrendous that they lie in the ground.

To my sorrow, I have started a new file for Support Group No. 11. Just last night I spoke to the mother of a girlfriend of a soldier killed last week in Hebron. The mother wept and wept. It is still shivah time, but I wanted the mother to know that after shivah I will contact her daughter. I wanted to assure her that there is an address where her daughter can get help. So, we have already begun to work on Support Group No. 11. 

In the names of all of the girlfriends and all of those who sleep in the ground, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really don’t know how to put a sentence together to express my thanks. 

*We are aware that in English the term “girlfriends” is no longer appropriate. In Hebrew, the term does not carry a negative connotation.

[The Non-Profit Organization [Amuta] for Emotional Support of Girlfriends of Fallen Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, Phyllis Heimowitz, 6 HaHavatzelet Street. Kiryat Ono, Israel, 03-534-7860, heimw@netvision.net.il.]

E. Mitzvah Horses ($64,339.97)

Now well into their third year at the new location, Anita and Giora Shkedi and their fine staff at the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association (INTRA) have introduced an entirely new facet to their program due to the war. We are not surprised that victims of terror attacks are now being treated with therapeutic riding sessions at the center. Their injuries, both physical and emotional, frequently respond amazingly well to the gentle nature of the horse’s movement and demeanor. While heartbreaking to hear about the devastation so many of these people have endured, it is also heartwarming to watch their recovery as they take part in the center’s activities. Here is one family’s experience as Anita describes it:

This family lost its father in the Park Hotel bombing. The mother comes to ride with 3 children, who were all physically injured or severely affected by the bombing. One small child, who was both physically and emotionally injured, became very angry and uncontrollable. In school he was aggressive, destructive and unable to sit and learn.

Since that time his mother reports enormous changes in this child. She says she is so happy to hear that the school is more than happy with him again and that his school reports are now good. At home he has become relaxed again and is taking a more active role in their family life. All her children have taken to horseback riding, and are very settled at the farm.

I asked the mother what riding did for her. She laughed and went on to tell me that now she was going through a hard period. All day she thought about her problems and what had happened to her and her nice family.  She went on to say that her social worker had asked her what she liked best in her week. She replied, “Horseback riding” and then went on to explain why. She knew that once a week she would get in her car and come with her friend, who had suffered the same fate as her, and they would ride. While riding her mind was off her problems, she relaxed, had fun and could laugh and smile, she felt safe in the atmosphere of others who felt the same way as she. She started laughing as she told me she was using up so much energy just trying to stay on and ride, there was no time to be sad. She finished by saying that she loved it and was so grateful that she had had the chance to do it.

Anita shares dozens of stories like this with us. We marvel at the tremendous power an animal has to heal a human soul….It is remarkable to read about, but even more exciting when you can watch the results first hand. On our two visits this year, we had the opportunity to meet many of these families, watch them ride and hear them share their excitement about what therapeutic riding has done for their physical and emotional wellbeing since their lives were shattered by a terrorist’s bomb.

On a brighter note, this year two of our dear friends, Minna Heilpern and Judy Kupchan, decided that they wanted to share their milestone birthdays with INTRA by underwriting the cost of a new horse. By the time all of the donations were received, Judy and Minna had gathered enough money for the purchase and upkeep of Pocahontas, a gorgeous brown and white steed with a gentle, kind personality. Several months after Pocahontas was enlisted to work at the Center, the veterinarian had some surprising news for both Anita and the horse’s adopted eemas-mothers — Pocahontas was pregnant and would foal sometime in the late winter! Imagine the surprise of these two adoptive parents…now they were going to become savtas-Grandmothers! It was a beautiful sight watching Minna, a participant on our HeroIsrael II Mitzvah trip, meet “Pokey” (as Pocahontas is called by the riders) for the first time — it was truly awesome. For the amazing outcome of this story, see the section on HeroIsrael II.

[INTRA-Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association-Mitzvah Horses, Anita and Giora Shkedi, Hadassah Neurim, Hadassah Village, 40298, Israel, Giora’s cellphone: 054-645-886, Anita’s cellphone: 067-205-886, the phone at Hadassah Center: 09-866-6305, fax: 09-796-7705, mailto:agshkedi@bezeqint.net, www.intra.org.il.]

International Resource: NARHA ($180)

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is the umbrella organization for therapeutic riding programs in the United States and Canada. More than 740 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, mailto:narha@narha.org, www.narha.org.]

F. Bayit Cham-Recovering From Severe Mental and Emotional Distress ($45,000)

The premise is simple: discover a person’s talents, and then use those talents to usher them along the path to recovery from mental distress. By finding meaningful work and steady support, hundreds of people have resumed a “normal” life, thanks to the work of two very special individuals in Israel. By their very nature, Shmuel Munk and Yoram Mordechai, Bayit Cham’s founders, are gentle and determined leaders. They rarely say no, no matter how daunting the problem may be, and they continue to guide even those labeled “the most disturbed” people with love and concern.

Started by Shmuel and Yoram in 1997, Bayit Cham works in many communities throughout the country. The staff of trained rehabilitation counselors stays in constant touch with their workers, offering them moral support and direction as they work at their new jobs and gain newfound confidence.

We were especially moved by a recent e-mail from Bruria, their amiable and able office manager:

We are delighted to add that last night a bridegroom who has been rehabilitated by Bayit Cham came in to invite Rav Shmuel and Yoram. He clearly stated when the relationship with his wife-to-be started, he could only think of getting married and settle down to real life because he had been rehabilitated so successfully by Bayit Cham. He also pointed out that his wife-to-be is a healthy fine girl, he didn’t have to settle for anything second class because of his condition because there is no more “condition” there. He gives all the credit for his complete recovery and subsequent success to Bayit Cham.

A portion of this year’s contribution was donor directed.

[Shmuel Munk, c/o Bayit Cham, for mail: 19 Ra’avad St., B’nai B’rak, Israel, street address: 13 Rabbi Yishmael St., B’nai B’rak, phone: 03-677-8513, Shmuel Munk’s cellphone: 051-598-660, fax 03-678-2644, mailto:baitcham@zahav.net.il. Tax-deductible contributions through PEF, Section II:A.]

G. Dream A Little Dream of Me ($13,000)

We know that one day this amazing program will be launched in every nursing home and closed-care facility in the country, but until that time, we will continue to prod, scream, and exhort everyone to spread the word about  Second Wind Dreams. Life in a nursing home is often filled with depression, loneliness and frustration. The great majority of people in these homes never see a visitor, are reduced to a life of dependence upon others for the most basic of tasks and can only dream of a life that was better before they were institutionalized.

Enter PK Beville, her dedicated staff, and Second Wind Dreams. Who would have thought that the simple granting of a wish (the vast majority of which cost less than $25!) could transform a lonely Elder to a smiling, engaged person. Our greatest joy is to read the e-mails describing the dreams that PK’s group facilitates. There is rarely a dry eye when we share these stories.

We made a dream come true at an event last night. It was a resident who is going blind but still wants to be in the book club. She is seemingly more confused but we soon realized that she couldn’t see the time. We got her headphones and the next book they are doing in the book club on tape. She was so excited because she was the only one who could hear the book. But the kicker was, when we gave her the $5.00 large face watch.....She sucked in her breath, stood way up tall and said “It’s 7:15” and promptly burst into tears.

This past year we introduced PK to Linda Tarry-Chard of the Project People Foundation and were thrilled to hear the following story when PK purchased some of the PPF’s beautiful hand-made black dolls to use in her own work:

I guess the most incredible thing about the dolls is that the one I bought and did the experiment with (Josephine, the recipient) is still so attached to the doll that she won’t let them wash her clothes. We bought a baby basket for her (Caroline, the doll) and Josephine keeps her laying to her left, toward the window. Staff says Josephine talks to Caroline. I have been surprised with the staying power. Last week one lady just grabbed the doll, held her and rocked while humming softly. About an hour later, I came by again and she was sitting in her wheelchair just inside her door without the doll. I said in my loud voice (mother always called it my outside voice) “Where is your doll?” The resident whispered while pointing at the bed, “If you don’t shut up, you’ll wake her up.”

All ten of the dolls have the same story. We also bought 10 white dolls and they too have their own story.

We recommend you get a copy of the SWD datebook and calendar. Interspersed between the days and months are the most beautiful photographs of Elders enjoying their dreams come true.

[Second Wind Dreams, P.O. Box 529, Alpharetta, GA  30009 Attn: PK Beville or Jan Nelson, 678-624-0500, fax: 624-9578, mailto:swdream@bellsouth.net, www.secondwind.org.]

H. Changing the Face of Aging in America: Dr. Thomas’s Eden Alternative ($4,148.90)

How many of us have had to make the agonizing decision of placing an elderly parent or other relative into a nursing home? How many of us actually shudder when we ponder our own fate as we age and face the inevitable decline of our physical and emotional state? Who can forget the blank stares and strong unpleasant odor that might have assaulted our senses when we visited some nursing homes? Each of these descriptions and others equally distressing are very real components to growing old in America today. What has changed, however, is the introduction of exciting programs like the Eden Alternative. According to Dr. Bill Thomas, Eden’s dynamic creator, loneliness, boredom and helplessness are the main deterrents to growing old “well” in a closed-care facility, and Eden offers exciting and successful antidotes to these three plagues. With the addition of plants, animals and children to the facility, and the reconfiguration of the power structure as critical elements of the Eden program, Dr. Thomas has proven that “life is worth living,” even though it must be in an institution.

Today, hundreds of homes across the nation as well as in several foreign countries subscribe to some form of the Eden Alternative, if not in its entirety.

When you read the following statistics you cannot help but wonder why there are not more homes dedicated to the program: (1) In the first nursing home Dr. Thomas worked with, he managed to cut the medications in half — they were no longer necessary — in 2-1⁄2 years, with half the infections in comparison to pre-Eden days, and (2) a study conducted by Sandy Ransom of Southwest Texas State University at seven Edenized Texas facilities yielded the following statistics (among others): (a) 57% decrease in Stage I and Stage II pressure sores, (b) 60% decrease in behavioral incidents, (c) 25% decrease in bedfast residents, (d) 18% decrease in restraints, and (e) 48% decrease in absenteeism. 

We applaud the few Jewish homes that have chosen to explore this possibility for their facilities. Homes in Baltimore, Omaha, Memphis, and Cincinnati have already signed on. May we suggest that you, our readers, start the movement in your own community? To begin, we suggest you read either A Life Worth Living or Learning From Hannah, Dr. Thomas’s novel about Eden. Both books are available in bookstores as well as from the publisher, VanderWyk and Burnham: 800-789-7916, www.VandB.com.

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

I. Songs Of Love ($7,000)

We are all familiar with many meaningful programs designed to put a smile on the face of seriously ill children. It might be providing them with the trip of a lifetime, a much sought-after special toy, or meeting a famous sports personality. As exciting as these programs may be, we don’t believe that there is anything as creative or meaningful as a Song of Love, a song specially written and recorded for an individual child. Each song includes details about the child — his or her favorite food or toy, the sibling’s names, the family pet, whatever it is that makes that child special. The creative brilliance behind this program is John Beltzer, a giant of a teddy bear with a heart of gold. It was John’s genius that helped create this amazing program and it is his drive and energy today that keeps the momentum going. Assisted by a group of talented musicians and composers, John’s project averages about 1,000 songs each year, which translates into many thousands of smiles on the faces of chronically or terminally ill children — and their families — across the country.

We are especially excited about “Raising Funds, Raising Voices!,” a special program which enables company employees, school kids and other groups to help raise funds for SOL. As a bonus to a group’s fundraising efforts on their behalf, the SOL staff holds on-site recording sessions with a portable studio. People across the country become instant “recording artists” as they all sing on these guaranteed “hit” songs of love! Why not propose this for your Hebrew School or professional organization? It is a winner!

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

J. Animal-Assisted Therapy in Israel — It’s About People ($19,710)

You don’t have to be an animal lover or pet lover to appreciate the astonishing results achieved by animal assisted therapy (AAT). Avshalom Beni’s HAMA (Israel)-Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance in Israel is the best of the best. Working with a wide variety of individuals — prisoners, victims of domestic violence, physically and emotionally disabled people, children from troubled homes — and, using his team of dogs and cats, Avshalom reaches people ever-so-deeply that they make enormous strides towards adjustment and recovery into the “real” world. From LaBelle, the 60-kilogram Newfoundland, to his many Pekinese, to Doobie, the 3-legged Canaan dog, and his Wonder Cats, Kee-kee, Chanel, and others with equally interesting names, all play a part, because of Avshalom’s skills, wisdom, and insight in making a huge difference in the lives of so many people…All of this, besides rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abused animals!

One particularly striking story Avshalom sent us will illustrate the power of his work:

One of the groups we work with at the Hostel for Holocaust Survivors in Pardessiyah is comprised of Polish and Russian elderly schizophrenic patients who cannot communicate well either in Hebrew or in English. While there is a hospital staff member who assists in translation, most of our communication is non-verbal.  Our therapists integrate music, movement and animal-human bonding into our sessions in order to facilitate social interaction between the patients. In one such session we brought the patients recordings of old Russian songs. The response to the music was overwhelming. There was absolute silence in the room, as some of the patients swayed to the music, while others sat rigidly in their seats crying silently. One of our Ragdoll kittens by the name of “Chanel” was being held and stroked by a patient. The music ended. The room was silent. And then, like the sound of a gentle roar of an ocean wave finding its way to shore, the purring of our young cat was heard covering the silence in the room. One of the other patients stood up, approached Chanel, and rested his ear on her belly, as if he were listening to a sea shell. He was smiling, and he was crying.  Struggling in Hebrew he tried to explain to us all:

“She is calling to her mother.

That’s how her mother used to call to her.

She is purring. She is not angry.

She is sad, because her mother will never come back.

None of them will ever come back,

but she keeps calling them and calling them.

That’s what cats do when they are homesick for their mother.”

He began to rub his head gently on her belly. Another patient slowly stood up and put his arm around his shoulders. In a place where patients barely co-exist as walking shadows, without knowing each other’s names or venturing beyond their own silent torments, the moment was magical, and the purr of the cat unforgettable.

A donor-advised grant from Rabbi Baruch Goldstein, a Shoah survivor and my teacher for many years, will provide considerable support for this aspect of Avshalom’s work in the coming year. 

The Rabbi’s donation was made in memory of his parents, his sister, his brother, all murdered by the Nazis, and in memory of his beloved wife, who passed away a year and a half ago.

Our donation paid veterinarian and food bills and also provided for the purchase of specific dogs important to Avshalom’s work.

A note: Want to do a Big Time Mitzvah?  Avshalom is desperately seeking funding for a new van to transport the animals when he travels to his programs.  The cost is beyond our range, but you are welcome to contact Avshalom directly if you feel you would like to make this particular Mitzvah happen.

[HAMA (ISRAEL)-Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance in Israel, Avshalom Beni, Program Director, 10 Ha-Hadarim Road, Savyon, Israel, 03-635-2722, cellphone: 067-336-618, avshalom_beni@hotmail.com.]

We also highly recommend the work of Rebecca Reynolds, particularly as recounted in her excellent book, Bring Me the Ocean. (VanderWyk & Burnham, 800-789-7916)  In addition to animals as “assistants” in providing therapy, her program employs a variety of elements of the natural world to reach the deepest recesses of many individuals — some considered “unreachable” by any other means — in need of therapy. You can find out more about Animals As Intermediaries (AAI)…truly groundbreaking work...by contacting: Caroline Campbell, 978-369-2585, mailto:caroline@aai-nature.org  http://www.aai-nature.org/.  Rebecca is still available on occasion to present her moving and inspirational programs for synagogues, schools, and other groups.  Contact her at: reynoldsweil@stny.rr.com.

K. Kippot From South of the Border ($13,453.05)

The people at MayaWorks are dedicated to providing meaningful work and healthcare to poor women in rural communities in Guatemala. By teaching them to use their talents as craftspeople, these women’s lives have changed in many different ways.

In last year’s report we shared that Ziv was responsible for the purchase of more than $10,000 in Kippot.

That was last year. We were astounded when we got an update from Kathleen Morkert of MayaWorks a short time ago. After reviewing the group’s records it appears that Ziv-connected purchases of kippot totaled more than $38,000! That is almost a 400% increase! When we tried to fully comprehend the impact of this number, Kathleen pointed out that there are 7.7 quetzel (the Guatemalan currency) to each dollar. If you do the math, you realize that the equivalent is actually well over $292,000 — a truly awesome number! In the Guatemalan economy, that is an astronomical figure. We know that the lifestyles of the families of the artisans who create these beautiful kippot are greatly enhanced by our support of their work. It is one of the most gratifying aspects of Ziv’s program. This is Maimonides’ highest level of Tzedakah in action.

We remind all of you that if you want to add beauty and Tzedakah to your next Simcha, contact the people at MayaWorks and order these gorgeous kippot. They are colorful and beautifully crafted with unusual designs — sure to elicit many compliments from your guests. Order early! These women are very busy!

[MayaWorks, Kathleen Morkert, 4421 N. Malden, 3N, Chicago, IL 60640, phone: 773-506-4905, fax: 506-4906, mailto:mayaworks-chi@attbi.com      www.mayaworks.org.]

L. Peanut Butter and Jelly (And More) ($4,000)

Beit Frankforter in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood is a warm and welcoming activities center for many of the city’s Elders. The daily visitors enjoy a myriad of programs: Ulpan, dental care, computer lessons, a comprehensive arts and crafts workshop, acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, a hot lunch, a game room where some pretty intense rounds of card games, chess or backgammon can sometimes break out, a Beit Knesset-synagogue for morning prayers, and much, much more.

In the past, Ziv has underwritten the purchase of two aquariums for some of the common rooms at the Center. This year, we wanted the residents to enjoy the benefits of pet interaction and donated funds to bring in an animal-assisted therapist to work with the population of frail Elders. We learned that on the first visit, some of the very hesitant Elders were happily holding the birds in their hands and using a stethoscope to listen to their hearts! We can only imagine what a great picture this must have been!

In response to Israel’s sagging economy and recent publicity about school children who are doing without lunch because their families are unable to provide it, The Savtas-Grandmothers of Beit Frankforter have mobilized and spend each morning preparing sandwiches for disadvantaged kids in nearby schools. Each day, the Savtas prepare a different variety of sandwich —hummous, cheese, chocolate, tuna. “A Sandwich for Every Child” brings together two generations in a meaningful exchange. We are just thrilled with this new program and have sent funds to start the project. It costs 50 cents per day, per child, and we believe this is an ideal way for an individual or a school class to respond to hunger in Israel. Kol HaKavod to Beit Frankforter’s special group!

[Beit Frankforter, Sima Zini, Executive Director, 80 Derech Bet Lechem, POB 10074, Jerusalem, Israel, 02-671-4848, mailto:frankfor@netvision.net.il, http://frankforter.hypermart.net/, Sheila Becker, PR, 050-573-508.]