Twin Cities Mitzvah Clown Program FAQs
What is it?
Mitzvah Clowning is a great way to give back to your community in a fun and rewarding way! Through this program, individuals (6th grade or older) learn about the importance of bikkur cholim (visiting the sick). Program participants learn how to interact with patients and senior citizens at nursing homes as a method of providing them with positive experiences. Additionally, Mitzvah Clowns also learn how to apply clown make-up and create balloon animals, thus enhancing the experience for all involved.
What do I receive as a participant?
All participants receive a clown kit that includes a mirror, make-up, clown nose, clown outfit, balloons and a balloon pump. Participants will also be awarded a clown certificate and the opportunity to continuously engage in mitzvot throughout the year.
What is Areyvut?
The program will be run by Areyvut, a nonprofit organization based in Bergenfield, NJ. Areyvut is based upon the core Jewish values of chesed (kindness), tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (social action). To help youth, teens and adults infuse their lives with these vales, Areyvut runs several programs. Areyvut's Mitzvah Clown Program began in December 2009 and has already trained over 125 clowns and brought smiles to seniors and children.
Daniel "Cookie" Rothner, Areyvut's Founder & Director will be coordinating Areyvut's Twin Cities Mitzvah Clown Program. Daniel oversees all aspects of Areyvut's Mitzvah Clowning Program and is thrilled to bring Areyvut's Mitzvah Clowning Program to the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.
Where and when does it take place?
Mitzvah Clowning is coming to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area! An initial Mitzvah Clown training and site visit will take place on March 6, 2011. Both the training and site visits will be held at locations within the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.
What is required?
We are looking for a group of enthusiastic children, teens and adults who want to engage in mitzvot and have fun. Program participants must be entering the 6th grade or older. The program has a nominal fee of $36 per participant. The fee is to cover the clowning kit and operational costs of the program. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All sponsorships are tax deductible.
What sets Mitzvah Clowning apart from other programs?
Mitzvah Clowning is unique because it is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Once trained, volunteers are part of a program that facilitates a sustained involvement with acts of kindness and the mitzvah of bikkur cholim (visiting the sick) throughout their lives. On a regular basis, program participants have the opportunity to witness how appreciative and happy they can make those they visit and also recognize the profound meaning an experience of doing good deeds provides. The program is also special because it fulfills the needs of various types of volunteers. Younger participants have used this program as part of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, and it is an opportunity to include friends and family members in the same volunteer event. The program also provides a way for both youth and adult volunteers to learn more about and become more involved in this own community.
How do I sign up?