Two Sides of the Same Tzedaka Coin

Siblings share a love of helping needy families through B'ezri

by Karen Reiffman

When it comes to reaching out to help others, Elan and Maayan Mayerhoff are “two sides of the same coin”-or more accurately, the same tzedaka coin. Following the example set by their parents Gavriel and Elisheva, the Teaneck, N.J. siblings are showing how the smallest hands (and hearts) can make a big difference, even if it’s thousands of miles away. 

This was exemplified most recently when Elan (7) and Maayan (5) each decided they wanted to donate money from their savings to benefit individuals and families who are struggling in one way or another. Lucky for us, among the organizations chosen as recipients of their support was American Friends of Yad Eliezer/B’ezri. What makes Maayan and Elan’s story particularly special is the thought behind each child’s donation, guided by their parents’ emphasis on meaningful giving.

According to Gavriel, Elan has always shown a healthy interest in collecting and saving money- from tooth fairy deposits to gifts from family members. Recently, he approached his dad with a heartfelt request: he wanted to give tzedakah.
“I’ve always taken maaser very seriously,” says Mayerhoff, referring to the Jewish practice of donating a tenth of one’s income to charity. “So I told both kids they could each have $360 to give to any charity they wanted.” When asked whether they wanted to donate in the U.S. or Israel, the decision was both immediate and unanimous: Israel.

When asked what kind of charity they wanted to give to, Elan already had a direction in mind. “I know it’s hotter in Israel than it is here,” he told his father, “but I’m sure there are people who need coats or warm clothing.” Mayerhoff had recently contributed to AFYE/B’ezri’s Winter Warmth campaign, which provides winter essentials to struggling families. “I told Elan I knew of a great organization that distributes new coats and blankets to families in need.” After showing Elan the website for further information, “he was super excited and gave his full $360 to the campaign.”

Five year old Maayan’s inspiration was twofold. She was excited to split her donation between a pediatric rehabilitation center her grandfather is personally involved with, and American Friends of Yad Eliezer/B’ezri. “I showed Maayan the Emergency Fund and explained how it can help people by giving money for whatever they need, whatever kind of emergency they are having. She was very happy with that.”

The experience of giving tzedakah has been profoundly meaningful for the Mayerhoff family. Gavriel plans to continue involving his children in donating his maaser to charity organizations whenever the opportunity arises and he recognizes noteworthy characteristics that make AFYE/B’ezri special. “I genuinely appreciate how you have so many different programs and I’ve always loved giving to places where I know exactly where the money is going.” 

Through their thoughtful contributions, the Mayerhoff children have not only helped families in need, they’ve also deepened their connection to Israel and their Jewish values. Their 'drive to give' is a testament to how tzedaka's compassion can transcend borders and generations.

Mayerhoff aims to keep the giving experience exciting for his children. “I hope that they continue to want to give tzedakah at every opportunity.”
Inspired by Elan and Maayan? Donate to our Winter Warmth campaign, Emergency Fund or any of our 15+ impactful programs that meaningfully help needy families!

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