Bar mitzvah project benefits area foundation

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — As Harrison Shernicoff, 13, of Freehold Township, approached his bar mitzvah, Congregation Kol Am of Freehold required him to select a bar mitzvah project that would fall in line with the concept of tikkun olam.

The concept stresses that Jews are not only responsible for creating a model society among themselves, but also are responsible for the welfare of the society at large.

While there were many good causes to choose from, Harrison chose one dear to his heart and to which he committed himself well beyond his actual bar mitzvah.

Harrison contacted the family of Kevin Clawson, one of two young Freehold Township boys who were killed in a traffic accident this past spring, to see how he could assist them in creating a suitable memorial for their son's memory.

Although Harrison was not a classmate, his bond to Kevin and the entire Clawson family was strong because Jane Clawson, Kevin's mom, was Harrison's day care provider for the first four years of his life, literally growing up with Kevin.

The Clawson family explained that, through the KRC Living by Giving Foundation, they were seeking to establish a youth center in Freehold Township that would offer fifth- through 12th-graders with an all-inclusive environment where they can explore their creative sides.

According to the foundation's web site, "Our mission is to teach young adults the value of teamwork, honesty and integrity by accepting others without bias, as well as encouraging them to give back to the community by doing 'pay-it-forward' acts of kindness."

With fundraising a key component to the plan, Harrison was tasked with the responsibility of soliciting area residents and businesses for donations of goods or services to be used for raffles and silent auctions at anticipated fundraising events.

Harrison crafted a presentation which reflected his dedication to Kevin's memory and his responsibility to "give something back to society" as he had been taught at the Congregation Kol Am religious school.

Dressed in a suit and tie each day, Harrison visited area businesses and handed out homemade business cards that declared him to be a Congregation Kol Am student performing a bar mitzvah project on behalf of the KRC Living by Giving Foundation, as well as the solicitation letters drafted by the Clawson family.

During the six-week period leading up to his recent bar mitzvah, Harrison visited approximately 100 businesses and collected donations of cash and goods and services valued in excess of $3,000.

Among the donations were offers from local businesses to stage karate demonstrations, a fashion show, a dance company performance as well as pledges from regional theater companies to provide tickets to upcoming performances.

A disc jockey also offered to serve as a master of ceremonies for an anticipated fundraising event and a local restaurant suggested the possibility of donating a portion of proceeds from dinners sold on a specially designated night.

Harrison also addressed his congregation from the pulpit during select Sabbath services, resulting in numerous donations. Harrison believes his project has been a rewarding experience because not only has he contributed to the effort of creating a suitable memorial for a dear friend, he has truly learned how to communicate effectively in an adult world as he makes the transition from childhood to manhood.

Anyone interested in learning more about the KRC Living By Giving foundation can visit its Internet Web site at www.KRClivingbygiving.org.