Have you said Modeh Ani this morning? Have you thought about what it means? What are you thankful for? There is a new campaign being launched by a young Lubavitch Texan making a big impact.
Meet Chani Cotlar, a 17-year-old from Houston, Texas, who’s on a mission to spread some positivity and gratitude. She’s launching a campaign that’s close to her heart, all in memory of her brother, Mendel Cotlar OBM.
Mendel was a popular, fun-loving, active young boy who had Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD). He passed away in 2014 at the age of 13 on the 13th of Tishrei 5775.
What’s the new campaign about? Well, in honor of Mendel’s 9th yartzeit, Chani is encouraging people to pledge a “mivtza.” In return for your pledge of your own Mivtzoyim Mission you will get a free “Modeh Ani” card.
Chani explains, “Mendel was a shining example of someone who truly appreciated life’s blessings, big and small. His infectious smile said it all, and he lived each day to the fullest. He was just your regular kid, playing computer games, running around the neighborhood, and enjoying the park.”
A few years ago Daniel Cotlar and Eta, Mendel’s parents launched thankyoumendel.com, in honor of Mendel’s birthday. The site shares Mendel’s story, memories of him from others, information about and suggestions for doing a mitzvah — a good deed or charitable act — for Mendel.
Chani tells COLlive, “At Mendel’s Bar Mitzvah he had a simple yet powerful request, he wished that 300 people would start their day by thanking G-d for all the good things in their lives, starting with the gift of being alive.”
In Mendel’s own words, “The twelve words of Modeh Ani contain profound principles of Judaism. Hashem is everywhere. Our morning wake-up call reminds us of Hashem’s incredible power to create life.”
Chani Cotlar, a student of Chaya Mushka Seminary in Montreal, Canada, might be just 17, but she’s making a big impact with her global Modeh Ani campaign.
She continues, “I think Modeh Ani is such a great place to start, it’s how we start our day, and everyone can do it, life is so precious, and we hope this campaign will help make Mendel’s time with us mean even more by continuing to spread positive messages and encouraging continued Mivtzoyim.”
You can be a part of this heartwarming campaign by ordering your free Modeh Ani cards. Just head over to thankyoumendel.com, pledge your mivtza, and you’ll receive a card to share with your family and friends. It’s an easy way to start your day on a positive note and spread some gratitude around.
Get your Modeh Ani card, free, at ThankYouMendel.com
I’m so so proud of you. You are incredible!
this is amazing!!
Keep it up!!
Wow go Chani!