Elie Bilmes, son of Rachel Bashevkin and David Bilmes was called up to the Torah for his Bar Mitzvah on October 13, 2001, parashat Bereshit. The Bilmes are members of Kol Ami Synagogue in Cheshire, CT, with Rabbi Andy Hechtman presiding. In conjunction with his Bar Mitzvah Elie and his family adopted four Bar Mitzvah age youths from the immigrant population at the absorption site at Mayan Harod. Contact with the boys was made through our office and communication was done with the help of the Ethiopian Counselors. The boys here in Israel are: Senior Belete; Efrem Mohabaw; Mulugeta Tesay; and Aginehew Adnie. They exchanged information about themselves and pictures with Elie. Elie and his family sent beautiful presents of Tallitot, kippot, and shabbat kiddush cups together with some school supplies for each boy. Included here is a picture of Aginehew with his mother and sisters. The boys and their families were thrilled to have this connection.

  Shvat 5762 - January 2002