The Clowns Go Marching One By One…

On May 31^st, chances of rain didn’t scare a group of Mitzvah Clowns from marching down 5^th Avenue with smiles on their faces.

The Celebrate Israel Parade is a New York City highlight, attracting members from the Jewish community, supporters of Israel and curious New Yorkers alike. For its 4^th year, the Areyvut Mitzvah Clowns participated in the event, marching down the avenue decked out in their clowning gear and handing out special fluffy red clown noses to parade spectators.

Areyvut’s Mitzvah Clowning program is a fun and unique way to give back to the community and make a difference. This program teaches participants about the mitzvah of bikkur cholim (visiting the sick), kavod habriyot (human dignity) and the art of caring clowning. Participants attend a training session where they learn how to apply make-up, create balloon animals and interact with different audiences. Following the training, participants go on a site visit to put into action what they learned. Areyvut coordinates visits with senior citizens, children with special needs and others who are in need of a smile.

At the Celebrate Israel parade, the Areyvut clowns did just that: brought a smile (and a new nose!) to the faces of thousands of spectators. Our hope is that we continue to make a difference in the world by clowning around, doing good and treating others with respect.