Jacob’s Charitable Birthday Choice
When Jacob’s parents asked him what he wanted for this eighth birthday, he replied that he did not really need anything and for his birthday he wanted to do something for those in need. Ezra Academy, where Jacob attends school, integrates Jewish values such as tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) within the classroom and into school organized activities.
Jacob’s class had recently planned a large fundraiser for the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry and through this project, as well as from other Ezra classes and students involved in similar projects, Jacob learned that there are people who cannot afford food and necessities that he takes for granted. Jacob also learned about tzedakah from his parents who had recently established a Philanthropic Fund at the Jewish Foundation. After discussion with his parents and a friend, Jacob decided he could help those in need by requesting that for his birthday, rather than giving a gift to him, his friends and family make gifts to his newly established fund or to a charity of their choosing. The response was quite positive and the gifts helped establish his fund which will support several local organizations.