Noah's Mitzvah Story
Noah Helfstein
Noah Helfstein liked science and he wanted a Bar Mitzvah project that could combine his love of science with helping people. In 2016, when he was trying to decide on a mitzvah project, Noah found Friends of Ofanim and decided to fundraise for a new maker bus. The bus would be a regular school bus that Ofanim would transform into a mobile STEM lab including computers, science equipment, and space to work as individuals and in groups. This bus would allow more students in Israel to learn about science and do fun experiments.
Noah's Vision
While preparing for his Bar Mitzvah Noah started to talk to people about Ofanim and explain what he was trying to do. By the time Noah had his Bar Mitzvah, he had raised $76,000. With his donation, Ofanim was able to create another mobile lab that is still in use today.
Bar-Mitzvah boy donates all his money for the children of Israel
Noah Helfstein, a 13-year-old scientist from New York, donated $76,000 to less fortunate Israeli children; the advanced technology of the 'Maker Bus' to pass throughout Israel and encourage children to pursue their dreams of becoming scientists.
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From Inspiration to Reality
This idea led Friends of Ofanim to create our B’nai Mitzvah Project. We saw how much this project meant to Noah and thought that other children in America who are preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah would find meaning in this project. Just like Noah, we wanted other children to experience the joy of helping others just like themselves who live in Israel. We thank Noah for his great idea and the impact it made on both Israeli and American children.
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Get Involved- Make an Impact
To learn more about how you can get involved with Ofanim, check out our B'nai Mitzvah Project!
