Josh Horwitz, Kol Rinah

Josh is an athlete and loves basketball. Wanting to combine his passion for sports with his mitzvah project, he hosted “Hoops for a Cause”, a three-on-three charity basketball tournament at the Jewish Community Center. He also held a free throw and three-point shooting contest.

Approximately 80 children, 17 teams, participated in the tournament. Josh, son of Mindy and Rabbi Brad Horwitz of Olivette, approached several businesses for sponsorships and donations of candy. The tournament was very successful as $3,700 was raised from registration, candy sales, individual donations and sponsorships. The proceeds were split between two causes that were very important to Josh, the JCC Day Camp Scholarship Fund and the Jennifer L. Soshnik Library, at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, named after his late aunt.

A student at Ladue Middle School, Josh was very excited and involved in his project.  He was active in getting his friends and their siblings to play in the tournament. “It was awesome to see kids participating for great causes and contributing while having lots of fun at the same time,” he said. The project has ended but Josh is hoping that another child will take it on and run a similar tournament in the future.

Mitzvot from the Heart is compiled by Elise Krug. To have your child’s mitzvah project featured, email [email protected] or call 314-743-3671.