Maxwell Bohm Foundation

With help from my parents I have started the Maxwell Bohm Foundation.
My foundation is a non-profit organization that will allow me to help raise funds and awareness for causes that I believe in throughout my life.

For my Bar Mitzvah party I have chosen to sponsor a benefit concert raising money and awareness for Interfaith Neighbors of Asbury Park. All of my gifts, ticket sales and any donations will go directly to Interfaith Neighbors Youth Corps.

Let me tell you a little about how my parents and I started this foundation…

We were wondering what to plan celebrating me becoming a Bar Mitzvah; for those of you who don't know, a mitzvah is a good deed.

When a Jewish boy becomes a Bar Mitzvah that means he is now a man and responsible for his actions; one of the most important requirements of being a man is to give to others in need (tzedakah). We are taught that this is commanded to us by God.

As much as I love the idea of a party just for me and what I have accomplished, my parents and I thought we should make this party a real mitzvah; and FUN!

We started to really think about how we could use the party as a way to provide Tzedakah for those in need.

After thinking long and hard we decided that we could have a fundraiser that will not only celebrate my becoming a Bar Mitzvah but also start my life as a man raising money to help others.

We have decided that on Sunday, March 8, 2009 we will be hosting a benefit concert to raise money for Interfaith Neighbors of Asbury Park.

They are a wonderful organization that was started more than 20 years ago by the first female Rabbi in the United States.

Rabbi Priesand along with Executive Director Joe Marmora, and other leaders in the faith communtiy, various faith churches, congregations and volunteers have created a non-profit that is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar directly to those in need.

Instead of me getting gifts from my friends and family, I would like to ask all of you to make a donation the Maxwell Bohm Foundation or directly to Interfaith Neighbors instead.

I can't think of a better way to start my life as a man.

Thank you and I hope to see you on March 8th, 2009!