“Good people doing great things.” is how Bill Begal describes the work being done by recipients of the Mitzvah Heroes Fund. The Mitzvah Heroes Fund was founded by Bill Begal along with Steve Kerbel and Mary Meyerson. The organization formed on the heels of the now closed New Jersey-based organization, the Ziv Tzedakah Fund originally founded by Daniel Siegel. Begal, a student of Siegel’s for 20 years, has followed many of Siegel’s teachings in the creation of the Mitzvah Heroes Fund.
What is a Mitzvah? Translated, a mitzvah means commandment of Jewish law. Further translated, it also means, “a good deed.” So what is a Mitzvah hero? It is someone doing a good deed, or more simply, doing the right thing. The founders of the Mitzvah Hero fund, provide money “to make miracles happen” and to help those in need.
Bill Begal shared the beginnings of the organization. The concept began as early as 2005 after the passing of a friend’s father. Money was often given in memory of the departed. The thought came together, to gather a list of 50-75 leaders including Rabbis, synagogues and other workers in the community centers. The list consisted of contacts who might be aware of people or families who may be in need of $100 to $200 in financial assistance. This assistance could be in the form of paying the electric bill, buying a gift card for the grocery store or other need.
“While we want to help as many people as we can,” shared Begal, “unfortunately, we can’t help everyone.” It’s necessary for recipients to go through a vetting process. For example, a person who is $30-40K in debt and have two people living in a four bedroom house, would not be helped by $200. “It’s not just about giving people money. It's letting them know that there is hope and caring.” declared Begal. Many times, people are hesitant about receiving what they perceive to be a handout. The money is always given anonymously. “The best way to assist is to help them find a job; creating a way out of poverty.”
Mitzvah Heroes Fund is not just about helping individuals. They also help those that help others. As with the individualized help, assisting organizations is not done by supplying large donations; but small donations to help small endeavors, resulting in major impacts and contributing to little known Tzedakah projects. An educational component was also added to the organization.
It’s been Begal’s life dream to start this type of nonprofit organization. Being able to give money to change people’s lives is extremely profound. Along with co-founders Kerbel and Meyerson, Begal plans to spend the next few years making sure that they have the funds necessary, to keep the organization going and be able to help people. The organization has little overhead, however giving money away requires - money. Even though they are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Mitzvah Heroes Fund does not receive grants. Most of the donations that they receive are small denominations.
The staff at Mitzvah Heroes Fund do not receive pay for any of the work that they do. At one point, they even used $5000 of their own money to help those in need. Begal, Kerbel and Meyerson will continue to strategize on how to continue to do the great work that they do, not only by supporting individuals, but helping by others do the outstanding work that they do.
For more information on the organization, visit the Mitzvah Heroes Fund website.
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