Englewood—A bar mitzvah is a time when attention is focused on a specific individual and his accomplishments. But for Moriah seventh grader Nathan Sholomon, whose family davens at Ahavath Torah in Englewood, he made his bar mitzvah not just about him, but about being a part of the Jewish community. “Nathan really wanted to celebrate his bar mitzvah in Israel this summer,” explained Robert Sholomon, Nathan’s father. “But he also wanted to be able to celebrate this exciting day with his friends,” he added. Nathan and his family decided to hold a fundraiser, the proceeds of which would be donated to help soldiers in the Israeli army.

“Nathan is very humble and modest,” stated Revital Sholomon, Nathan’s mother. “He looks for ways to discreetly help others.” Nathan is looking past an elaborate celebration here in New Jersey and is looking forward to experiencing the meaningful milestone with his family and friends in Israel.

Nathan has played soccer recreationally, and also as part of Moriah’s school team, and has always enjoyed the game. Nathan chose to donate the money from his soccer tournament to the organization “Thank Israeli Soldiers” (TIS) in Israel. As part of his bar mitzvah in Israel this summer, Nathan will tour an army base there and personally present his donation and thanks to the soldiers on the base. “This is a great way to show the soldiers that we really care and appreciate all that they do,” Nathan explained. “Even though we live in the United States, it’s important for the soldiers to know we think of them every day and support everything they do for the people and land of Israel.”

This past Sunday, June 26, friends of Nathan gathered to play their soccer tournament in the Superdome in Waldwick. “The tournament was unbelievable. All the kids enjoyed,” exclaimed Sholomon. Nathan has set an example for his younger brother, Aiden, and sister, Lea, in the way he transcended his personal event and extended it beyond himself.

By Jenny Gans