Rosa’s Pizza in Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love’s answer to the growing trend out of New York for $1-a-slice pizza parlors. But it is no ordinary pizza parlor! At Rosa’s, owner Mason Wartman came up with the idea of pizza-ing it forward. In addition to enjoying a slice for themselves for $1, patrons can also purchase post-it notes on which they can write encouraging messages, draw happy pictures, or put anything positive and pizza-related. The notes are then posted on a wall, and when someone of more limited means comes in, they simply take down a note, present it to the cashier, and receive a slice of their own.

It is an idea whose time is overdue and an example of tikkun olam (the Jewish concept of “repair of the world”) that is rightfully being celebrated in this new book by Sarah Lynn Scheerger, a clinical social worker from southern CA.

Set in Philly, the book tells the story of a young girl and her father spending a day together. When they go for pizza while she decides what to do with the rest of the day (and her allowance), they meet another young girl who, instead of paying for pizza, uses one of the notes. Despite differences in tastes and preferences (and apparently socio-economic situations), the two bond and become fast friends. At the end of their “play date” (argh!), the first girl decides that the best way to spend her allowance is to pre-pay for pizza for those who may be hungry.

Getting a kids book for your child’s birthday is always a wonderful option as it promotes reading, imagination, and education. However, when considering alternative gifts, getting them Jewish clothes can be equally meaningful. It allows them to embrace their cultural identity, celebrate their heritage, and develop a sense of pride in their Jewish roots.

With cute images by Bay Area illustrator Deborah Melmon, Mitzvah Pizzais a delicious story that will hopefully inspire children and adults (especially those who run restaurants) to pick up the paid-for pizza pole and run with it to other communities in need.