2017 Bar & Bat Mitzvah Planner

Planner & Mitzvah Bar Bat

If you have an upcoming bar or bat mitzvah in the St. Louis area, this planner will be a big help in providing information about venues, services and other essentials for this major lifecycle event. In addition, read about five area youngsters who continued their mitzvah projects after their b’nai mitzvah in the Jewish spirit of tikkun olam, helping to repair the world.

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

The point of a mitzvah project is to instill a sense of responsibility in a child. It also is frequently a requirement for a bar and bat mitzvah. You fulfill the good deed, read from the Torah and then celebrate with friends and family.

What if the b’nai mitzvah is so moved by his or her mitzvah project that he or she feels a need to continue working on it? That’s exactly what the following five St. Louisans are doing.

The Foster Children Friend

Earlier this summer, Leetal Cohn and her little sister Orly set up a lemonade stand at Price and Old Bonhomme roads. Their entry into the quick casual beverage industry was purely altruistic.

Leetal, 14, celebrated her bat mitzvah a year ago. But she continues to support her mitzvah project. Leetal loves kids and has a special place in her heart for foster children. The lemonade stand was a fundraising effort to buy stuffed toys for foster kids.

“It has been really fulfilling,” Leetal said. “A lot of times when you think about a mitzvah project, it might be something like, ‘Let’s solve hunger or save the environment.’ Those are good causes, but I wanted to do something different and try to create a better experience for foster children.”

Before and since her bat mitzvah, Leetal has devoted her free time to foster children. She’s even recruited her friends to help out.

“It’s always more fun for the kids when they get to hang out with somebody and have a younger person to talk to,” she said.

to purchase stuffed animals to donate to foster children. Before and since her bat mitzvah, Leetal has been dedicated to helping foster children. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

It was no accident that Leetal continued her mitzvah project beyond her bat mitzvah.

“I kind of planned it that way because when I talked to my parents about it, we

didn’t want it to be a one-time thing,” she said. “This is something I really wanted to keep doing.”

Leetal said she even would consider being a foster parent someday.

The Mezuzah-Maker

In June 2016, then-Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed a bill into law that requires early screening of dyslexia in elementary

Leetal and Orly Cohn used the proceeds from their lemonade stand

Josh Fingerman holds a couple of his Lego mezuzahs he creates and sells to raise funds for the International Dyslexia Foundation. He started selling the mezuzahs as part of his mitzvah project, but has continued to raise money in the years since.

schools. Josh Fingerman had a role in the success of the legislation.

Josh’s mother, Jayme Fingerman, said the organizer of Decoding Dyslexia Missouri told her, “Make sure Josh knows that he donated $500 for lunch to get members of the Missouri Legislature to come and learn about it.”

Josh, 15, is dyslexic. His bar mitzvah was in October 2015. He knew he wanted to support the International Dyslexia Foundation, so he came up with an innovative fundraising plan for his mitzvah project. He created and sold mezuzahs made out of Lego blocks.

That was two years ago and Josh is still at it. He showed me his basement mezuzah factory, proudly explaining that he kept his mezuzah Legos separate from those he uses to build other items. It’s a basic inventory-control technique.

Josh has raised more than $5,000 for a variety of good causes.

“I’ve donated to five different groups: Churchill Center and School, Temple Israel, Act NOW! Reserve [a pet rescue], Gateway Pet Guardians [another pet rescue] and the Dyslexia Foundation,” he explained.

When an order comes in – and they come in from all over the country – Josh heads into production mode. He’s looking into ways to customize the mezuzahs and offer more design options. You can find more information on ordering a Lego mezuzah from Josh by emailing jaymefingerman@yahoo.com.

The Publicist

When TV stations and newspapers get

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Amp Up Action Park

13901 Manchester Rd. Town & Country

314-439-8008

Ampupactionpark.com

Race + Play + Celebrate. We offer high energy fun for everyone! Enjoy European high-performance karts, an aerial ropes obstacle course, three-level laser tag and dozens of games. 50,000 sq.ft. facility includes Trackside Tavern and outdoor patio. Rent the full facility or private/semi-private space to host large and small events including bar/bat mitzvahs, birthdays, graduations, team building, lock-ins, reunions and more!

Chesterfield Sports Fusion

636-536-6720

140 Long Road Chesterfield chesterfieldsportsfusion.com

Conveniently located in the Valley, Chesterfield Sports Fusion has been one of St. Louis favorite venues for exciting Mitzvahs, unique company events, school field trips, and incredible birthday celebrations for the past 8 years.  Regardless of your budget, we have a variety of options that enable you to custom create the special event you have in mind.  Featuring attractions like the area’s best Laser Tag Arena, Indoor Miniature Golf, Rock Climbing, Obstacle Course, Dodge Ball, and now Archery Attack, Sports Fusion offers clean, safe, fun to people of all ages and abilities.  Call us to book your most memorable event because we make it all about you!

Demolition Ball/

Adrenaline Zone

1875 S. Old Hwy 94 St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 940-7700

www.DB-AZ.com

Demolition Ball: a unique game that combines hockey, football, polo, and basketball played in bumper cars.  Adrenaline Zone: one of the largest multi-level laser tag arenas in Missouri.  In the center of all the action you’ll find arcade games, pool tables, foosball and The Heist. We have a full bar and on-site catering.

Hi•Ho•Helio

715 N. New Ballas Rd. (314) 872-7711

For over 30 years our community has known their Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebrations begin at Hi•Ho•Helio. Starting with a dazzling array of beautiful invitations and ending with custom designed spectacular centerpieces, we do it all! Hundreds of imprintables, napkins, placecards, signinboards, candlelightings, hospitality baskets, balloon decor and complete calligraphy service. All this and more, with care, attention to detail and a smile. Hi•Ho•Helio is your party planner.

The J 2 Millstone Campus Dr. St. Louis MO 63146 314.432.5700

Jccstl.org

Choose from a variety of event spaces. Our Banquet Centers are the perfect backdrop for anything from red-hot nights to black-tie affairs, and our Gymnasiums are ideal for trivia nights and dancing. We will create a meaningful and memorable experience that exceeds your expectations.

Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center

“Where Families Play” 4105 N Cloverleaf Dr. St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 447-5656 kjfun.com

Enjoy your next celebration at Kokomo Joe’s in St. Peters, Missouri.  Kokomo Joe’s is an indoor facility featuring entertainment for all ages.  Bring your friends and family to play Go Karts, Laser Tag, Escape Rooms, Bounce Beach, Arcades, and More.  Featuring Private Rooms, Restaurant & Bar.  Outside catering available by request.

One Happy Camper 314-442-3776

OneHappyCamper.org

At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the stars, and making lifelong friends.

With over 150 traditional and specialty options, there is a perfect Jewish camp experience for your child.

First-time campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org

Picture This Photography

(314) 821-3770

picturethisonline.net

Picture This Photography brings 34 years of experience to every simcha event.

I will photograph all the traditional moments along with the fun and excitement of your b’nai mitzvah day. Complete coverage, extraordinary service and great pricing. See for yourself at www. picturethisonline.net. Then call me at (314) 8213770.

Planner & Mitzvah Bar Bat

Pole Position RacewayIndoor Karting

8800 Watson Road St. Louis, MO 63119

(1/2 mile West of Elm in Crestwood) (314) 925-7545

polepositionraceway.com

Pole Position Raceway, located in Crestwood, Mo. is the premier indoor kart racing experience in St. Louis, with the longest track and fastest karts. White-knuckled excitement makes us the ultimate indoor racing venue with electric karts reaching speeds up to 45mph. We offer a firstclass operation suitable for corporate events, and a full range of race formats. Our one-of-a-kind motorsports memorabilia, arcade entertainment and event space makes us the place you’ll want to be!

Light Up The City

lightupthecityllc.com

314-223-0072

Light up the City is an American made company based in St. Louis. Our primary goal is to create a fun and lively atmosphere for our clients. We specialize in LED party supplies such as gloves, foam sticks, t-shirts and much more.  Visit our website at lightupthecityllc.com or do not hesitate to call us at 314-223-0072. Make sure you ask for Rubin to get the best deal around.

Video Cakes Productions

314-709-7626

videocakesproductions.com

At Videocakes Productions, we specialize in highend montages, photo and video slideshows, concept films, slow motion video booth rentals and traditional and green screen photo booths. Whether you need something for a wedding, mitzvah or special event, we’ve got you covered. We love celebrating your life’s special moments with you, and it shows.

Tell

Well

Five stories: Mitzvah projects that keep on giving

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3B

story pitches, they often come from Fleishman-Hillard executives or other seasoned public-relations people.

Then there’s Ally Kalishman.

Ally, 14, is responsible for contacting the media and generating coverage of the annual Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Food Allergy Heroes Walk. She also emcees the walk.

It all started with her mitzvah project. Ally’s bat mitzvah in October 2015 gave her the opportunity to work on a project that was personal. Ally has severe food allergies, including allergies to dairy and tree nuts. She figured what better project to choose for her mitzvah project than food allergy awareness.

“I love doing it,” she said. “It’s raising money and awareness for a cause that I’m really close to, so it’s really fulfilling that I’m helping out.”

A year after Ally’s bat mitzvah, the FARE walk organizers asked her to participate again. She didn’t hesitate. That evolved into her participation on a FARE planning committee. Most committee members are far older than Ally, so they often defer to her for advice on pop culture.

Ally also handles her media-relations duties with flair and finesse.

“Sometimes I write emails, and sometimes I make calls,” she said. “The calling part was a little scary at first because they’re used to dealing with adults.”

She also uses a classic PR strategy: creating a generic email that she refines and customizes over time.

When Ally is not generating good PR for the FARE walk, she attends MICDS where she’ll be a freshman this fall. She’s already been accepted to the school’s community service committee.

The ‘Rock’ Star

Jennifer Rubin has always been fascinated by law enforcement. When she began planning her mitzvah project, she knew it had to support the police.

“I went through D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) when I was 10

years old,” Rubin said. “The D.A.R.E. officer realized that I was really interested in law enforcement and I had a lot of questions about the job, so he asked me to help out with some community events in conjunction with the local police department.

“I started to talk to more police officers when I realized, ‘Holy cow, this is a dan-

gerous profession.’ Then a light bulb went off. I had to come up with a mitzvah project so I knew right away this was a cause I wanted to help, because I knew police officers and emergency responders spend every day supporting the community, and I thought it was about time the communi-

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At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the

At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the

At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the

At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down

At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the

stars, and making lifelong friends. First-time campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org.

stars, and making lifelong friends. First-time campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org.

At Jewish overnight camp, “the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. A place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast. Your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the

stars, and making lifelong friends. First-time campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org.

a zipline, singing under the stars, and making lifelong friends. Firsttime campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org.

stars, and making lifelong friends.

stars, and making lifelong friends. First-time campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org.

First-time campers get up to $1,000 with OneHappyCamper.org.

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314-442-3776

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314-442-3776

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2017-08-16 page 06-07.indd 6 8/15/17 5:55 PM

For her bat mitzvah project in 2015, Ally Kalishman worked to promote awareness of food allergies by working with the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Food Allergy Heroes Walk. She continues to volunteer on the walk’s planning committee, and helps handle media relations.

forJewish

ty supported them as well.”

The result was a fundraising effort called rockin4relief, which raises money for families of Teen participants rock in rocking chairs for 10 consecutive hours and collect money from passersby at various locations throughout St. Louis and southeastern Missouri, where Rubin

attended college. Rubin is the one-person promoter, website designer, video producer and organizer. She’s raised nearly $133,000 since her bat mitzvah, which was nine years ago.

Now 21 years old, Jennifer continues to support the police through rockin4relief and its website, rockin4relief.com. And one more thing: She entered the police academy Aug. 7. Next year when she completes the program, you can call her Officer Rubin.

The Entertainer

Micah Schwartz, 15, is a natural entertainer. Hand him a microphone, and he’ll belt out a tune, often accompanying himself on keyboard. He was about 8 years old when he first sang for an audience during karaoke night at Viviano’s Festa Italiano restaurant.

When Micah considered his mitzvah project, he decided to use his musical talents to entertain nursing home and assisted-living residents.

“I like performing for seniors,” he said.

“It gives me a lot of joy.”

His first performance was at the Brentmoor Retirement Community. Like a Borscht Belt entertainer working the Catskills, Micah hit the St. Louis County senior living circuit. He had the talent, and his father, Ken Schwartz, had the contacts. The elder Schwartz is

ElderLink’s outreach coordinator. Ken hooked up Micah with the program coordinator at Covenant House. Micah has also performed at Dolan House.

Since his bar mitzvah, Micah continues

Nagila.”

He also entertains younger audiences as a member of three choirs at Parkway North High School, where he is in 10th grade.

Above

left: Since her bat mitzvah nine years ago, Jennifer Rubin has raised more than $130,000 for families of police o cers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics killed in the line of duty. She is pictured in a 2014 file photo during her Rockin4Relief fundraiser, where teens rock in rocking chairs for 10 consecutive hours, collecting donations from people passing by. Above right, 15-year-old Micah Schwartz uses his musical talents to entertain audiences at senior living and assisted-living facilities. Below, Micah holds a trophy he received from Parkway North High School for his musical talents. PHOTOS OF MICAH SCHWARTZ BY: BILL MOTCHAN

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