Mazal tov to Brandon Block, shown here at Petco in Freehold, where he collected more than $2,300 worth of toys, blankets, and treats for animals to donate to the Monmouth County SPCA. He donated the items as a bar mitzvah project after being inspired by the animal group Rock & Rawhide.

Mazal tov to the Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) Chorus on winning the 2013 V’ata Banim Shiru chorus competition, held at Rambam Mesivta in Lawrence, N.Y., on April 28. Chorus members include Ari Mandelbaum and C.J. Glicksman of Teaneck and Devir Kahan, Gabi Rosenthal, and Josh Birnbaum of Monsey, N.Y., pictured in the chorus.

Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business Student Council presidents, Jesse Nathanson, left, and Ariela Geller, flank Mortimer Zuckerman at the school’s 26th anniversary gala awards dinner on April 23 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Zuckerman, a philanthropist and publisher, received the first Sy Syms Humanitarian award at the event, which was organized by the Sy Syms Student Council. Zuckerman is the co-founder and executive chair of Boston Properties and the owner and publisher of the New York Daily News and U.S. News & World Report, where he serves as editor-in-chief.

Jackson Downs, son of Debbie and Ed Downs of River Vale and brother of Mallory, 10, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on May 4 at Temple Beth Or in Washington Township. His grandparents are Bunny and Stewart Bard of Fair Lawn.

Scott Finkel, son of Dr. Diana and Steven Finkel of Fair Lawn and brother of Mitchell and Rebecca, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on May 4 at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation B’nai Israel.

Matthew Gross, son of Elyssa and Jay Gross of Norwood, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on May 4 at Temple Beth El of Closter.

Noah Kaldenhoven, son of Gail and Richard Kaldenhoven of Tenafly and brother of Sophie, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on May 4 at Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafly.

David Klinenberg, son of Ellen and Richard Klinenberg of Ridgewood and brother of William, celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on May 4 at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff.