Bar Mitzvahs, like holidays, are usually happy occasions, but for some people, holidays can be unhappy occasions.  I have had to spend two Chanukahs in the hospital.  Even though people came to visit, they were still sad times for me.  The people at the hospital helped cheer me up by giving me gifts so I would not be as sad that I was missing Chanukah.  I am lucky to be having a Bar Mitzvah and was lucky to have people who helped me when I was sad.  I want to help others who might not be as lucky.
There is a great tradition at my synagogue where kids who are having a Bar Mitzvah do a “Mitzvah” project to give something back to the community.  When I started to think about a Mitzvah project for my Bar Mitzvah, the first thing I thought about was how I felt when I got the presents in the hospital.  I want to try to help the people at Children’s National Medical Center and other local hospitals help other kids that have to be there during the holidays.  I am going to be using a part of my Bar Mitzvah money to buy toys and games to donate to the hospitals so that they can give them to kids like they gave them to me when I was there during Chanukah.  I am asking my friends and family to share in my Mitzvah project by bringing a new, unwrapped, toy or game to drop off at my Bar Mitzvah reception so that I can bring it to area hospitals with the toys and games that I buy.  If you want to participate and would prefer, you can bring a Toys ‘R Us, Target, or similar gift card and I will do the shopping for you.
Thanks for helping me help others and making my Bar Mitzvah that much more special.  I can’t wait to see you.

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