Here's what we've been up to lately. If you would like any additional information on these groups or if you know of an organization that is committed to helping those communities around us, please contact us and let us know how we can lend a helping hand.

The first ever Manischewitz Matzo Sculpture Competition was a hit this year with ten contestants producing original and creative matzo monuments. James Donovan, a freshman studying studio art at New York University, won the $1,000 grand prize for his recreation of the Washington Square Arch.

Any student attending a school served by the Bronfman Center For Jewish Life, including Cooper Union, The Fashion Institute, The School of Visual Arts and NYU was eligible to compete. Contestants were judged on how their entry related to the theme of home and how creative they were in incorporating matzo into their artistic creations.

Other submissions included a matzo sculpture of the second temple and a recreation of the Western Wall, complete with worshippers. For more information, click here to see the article from the Jewish Press.

Jewzapalooza, the annual Jewish music festival in NYC, was a great success this year, attracting Jewish people of all ages with great tunes from contemporary Jewish music sensations. In addition to the entertainment, festival goers who visited the Manischewitz booth were treated to delicious Grape Juice and Tam Tams of all flavors.

Congratulations to Darya Miller who won our Jewish Penicillin raffle for a year's supply of Manischewitz Matzo Ball Soup.  Thank you to all those who participated!

Jewzapalooza, which takes place every September, is part of the annual Oyhoo Festival & Conference produced by Downtown Arts Development, a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, development, and production of unique and compelling artistic programming.

Participants of Magen David Adom's annual "Race for Life" fundraiser were pleasantly surprised by a special appearance of Magic Max at their boardwalk event in Atlantic City on Sunday July 9th, 2006. Magic Max entertained the children and generated excitement for the event as runners and volunteers were re-energized by deliciously light and fluffy Manischewitz Meringues.

The American Friends of MDA's annual race attracts hundreds of people from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York to support Magen David Adom in Israel. The funds raised at this year’s event were used to support the expansion of the Magen David Adom National Blood Center in Ramat Gan.

The Salute to Israel Parade kicked off with a first time appearance of Magic Max handing out Magic Wands and delicious Manischewitz® Grape Juice for everyone! Max the magical children’s character, was introduced to help kids learn about Judaism and cooking at the same time! At the parade, Magic Max rode the Manischewitz float which was designed as a huge blue and white birthday cake that showcased Manischewitz’s new yellow and chocolate Pareve cake mixes. Click the Magic Max tab to see Max come to life!

The Salute to Israel Parade is an affirmation of solidarity with Israel and an expression of unity within the American Jewish community. The parade consists of floats, marching bands and thousands of adults and children marching to represent their schools, Jewish community centers, and other organizations. Next year's parade takes place on Sunday May 6, 2007.