SEED Madagascar

For those unfamiliar, a Bar Mitzvah is a pivotal coming-of-age ritual in Jewish tradition. At 13, a boy becomes accountable for following Jewish law, symbolizing his transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s a deeply spiritual moment, marked by reading from the Torah, and often accompanied by celebrations with family and friends. But beyond the festivities, many young people choose to take on a charitable project, embodying the Jewish value of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world.”

When Saul’s Bar Mitzvah came and went, it left a lasting impact—one that reached far beyond the ceremony. As well as the celebration, Saul had chosen to collaborate with Stitch Sainte Luce, a women’s cooperative in Madagascar, creating handmade kippot that carried both cultural and personal significance.

As Managing Director of SEED Madagascar, I’ve seen the harsh realities of poverty in Madagascar, and this cooperative, which empowers local women through artisanal weaving, is one of the shining examples of hope. It started as a SEED project back in 2012 but now is an independent cooperative of 100 women. The income the women earn is a vital source of support, allowing them to provide for their families, pay school fees, and access basic healthcare. So when Saul came up with the idea to partner with them for his bar mitzvah, I knew it was special. But I had no idea just how profound the impact would be.

The kippot themselves are extraordinary. They combine the essence of Jewish tradition with the vibrant, colorful artistry of Madagascar. Saul worked with the women to create unique designs that honored both cultures. They all have an interpretation of the Star of David but then are adorned by the artists individual ideas which include many figures from the natural world including lemurs, chameleons, geckos and palm trees. Each kippah is individually signed in embroidery by the maker and is a testament to global collaboration—something that started as an idea in north London and came to life in a remote village in Madagascar. They’re more than just a religious garment; they’re symbols of connection, hope, and mutual respect.

The day of Saul’s bar mitzvah was a proud one. As he stood up to read from the Torah, surrounded by family and friends, it was clear that this was more than just a religious milestone. Saul had taken the Jewish principle of tikkun olam and made it the heart of his celebration. Every kippah worn that day represented a woman whose life had been touched by this project, and every purchase of a kippah supported the women and their families.

The event was unforgettable, not just because of the typical joys of a Bar Mitzvah, but because it stood for something bigger. The profits from the kippot sales went directly to the women of Stitch Sainte Luce, helping them to break free from the cycle of poverty. Watching Saul take this initiative and see it through with such dedication filled me with pride—not just as his father, but as someone who has spent almost 25 years working in Madagascar.

It’s rare to witness such a meaningful blending of cultures and values. Saul’s Bar Mitzvah became a story of global connection, where a boy in London could work hand-in-hand with a cooperative in Madagascar to create change. This collaboration showed me—and everyone involved—just how interconnected we all are, even when separated by oceans and continents.

Now, whenever I see one of those kippot, I’ll be reminded of that very special day. I’ll be reminded of the women whose craftsmanship brought them to life, and I’ll be reminded of my son’s incredible heart. His Bar Mitzvah was not just a ceremony, but a movement—a project that continues to provide hope and dignity and resilience to those who need it most.

It was a day of pride, a day of joy, and most importantly, a day that changed lives.

And the best part? This idea doesn’t have to stop with Saul’s Bar Mitzvah. Anyone planning a special event—be it a wedding, an anniversary, or any other milestone—could partner with Stitch Sainte Luce to create unique, handcrafted items. Imagine offering guests beautiful placemats at a wedding, or custom-made bow ties for an anniversary celebration. These aren’t just mementos; they’re conversation pieces with a deeper purpose. Each item would carry the embroidered signature and story of these incredible women, ensuring your celebration leaves a lasting, positive impact on their lives and the world.

With 82 kippot sold at the time of writing, Saul is still working toward his goal of selling 100, so if you’d like to help us reach the finish line, you can purchase them at the Stitch store on Etsy.

If you’re interested in integrating Stitch into your celebration or event, please feel free to reach out to me at mark@seedmadagascar.org. The highly skilled Stitch cooperative also produces a variety of beautiful items, including bags, ties, cushion covers, and bookmarks, along with many other unique products.

Additionally, they are available for custom commissions, offering creations that not only serve your needs but also showcase the incredible craftsmanship and creativity of the artists.