The Jewish People are one large extended family, and when one of us has a simcha, it has the power to uplift us all. At American Friends of Migdal Ohr, we’re on a mission to unite Jews in caring for Israel’s most vulnerable orphaned and at-risk youth, connecting families in deeply personal and meaningful ways.
That’s why Migdal Ohr’s bar and bat mitzvah twinning program has become such a popular choice for boys and girls looking to turn their personal passions into projects tailored to impact less fortunate peers in Israel.
That was the story of Natan Kalina and Dovi Mirkhani, two bar mitzvah boys from New Jersey whose families have become involved with the mission of Migdal Ohr.
For his bar mitzvah, Lev Kalina, Natan’s older brother, chose to celebrate in a way that reflected his talent and love of basketball. Lev organized basketball clinics across New Jersey, training younger kids and raising $10,000 towards two brand-new basketball hoops for the children on campus.
Following in his footsteps, his brother Natan Kalina and friend Dovi Mirkhani wanted to do something meaningful of their own. They reached out to Migdal Ohr’s staff to ask what the boys their age who lived in the Mishpachton Foster Family Dorms really wanted. The answer? PlayStations!
The friends immediately understood that although the kids at Migdal Ohr were born into very different circumstances, they were just like them, with similar interests and hobbies after school. In the months leading up to their bar mitzvahs, Natan and Dovi organized basketball, hockey, and soccer sports clinics for younger kids on weekends and after school.
After raising nearly $10,000, they were able to purchase six gaming consoles for Migdal Ohr’s Mishpachtonim, creating fun spaces for boys their age to hang out and enjoy the games they all love. The Migdal Ohr children were so moved that they sent back heartfelt messages and signed mementos for Dovi and Natan to hang up in their rooms.
Today, Tali Kalina, Natan and Lev’s younger sister, is carrying the torch forward. She’s already started running dance classes to raise money for the girls at Migdal Ohr in a project of her own!
Twin YOUR Next Simcha with Israel’s Children
No matter your child’s interests, twinning their bar or bat mitzvah can be the beginning of realizing that their talents can be used for good! For children who have so much, the opportunity to make a difference is truly empowering and memorable. For many families, it's the start of a lifelong relationship with the children at Migdal Ohr in Israel and a way to share the values of tzedakah and mutual responsibility with the next generation.
To create a meaningful project for your upcoming bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, or simcha, please reach out to the team at info@migdalohrusa.org or call 212-397-3700. We’re here to brainstorm and help make your milestone one-of-a-kind!
