Teen Celebrates Bat Mitzvah with Fundraiser for JCC’s Seniors in Need

Thirteen-year-old Tzipora Guttman is celebrating her upcoming Bat Mitzvah by raising money for the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island’s program to feed seniors in need. Mitzvah projects, like Tzipora’s, are an opportunity for teens to take on responsibility and do good for others before celebrating their coming-of-age in the Jewish tradition.

Tzipora, a camper at the JCC’s Day Camp, wanted to support those facing food insecurity during the pandemic: “Most of us take food for granted as we never need to worry about our next meal. Sadly, though, others aren’t so fortunate.”

While there are many non-profits that help fight food insecurity, Tzipora selected the JCC for her project because of their efforts to aid senior citizens, including Holocaust survivors. This cause is especially close to her heart, as her paternal grandparents were both Holocaust survivors. Taking inspiration from her grandparents’ lives, Tzipora said, “My grandparents experienced immense hunger and suffering during their time in Auschwitz. While Americans today do not face the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand, hunger is still a prevalent issue in our communities.”

You can watch a video of Tzipora’s grandfather speaking about his experience here.

In 2017, Feeding America released a study showing that 1 in 12 seniors face food insecurity. This number has surely grown, with seniors experiencing financial hardship, social isolation, and difficulty shopping for themselves due to the pandemic. Recognizing the problem here at home, the JCC stepped in to distribute thousands of free, healthy meals to seniors over the past year, through a contactless, grab-and-go pickup program. With a sustained need for these meals, the program has struggled to remain funded, relying on grants and the generosity of donors. Before her Bat Mitzvah on May 1, Tzipora aims to raise $1800 to help the JCC continue this important program.

Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, expressed her gratitude to Tzipora and to all who have donated to her fundraiser so far: “We are so proud of Tzipora for choosing to honor her Bat Mitzvah in this meaningful way, which will help make a difference in the lives of so many seniors. This is a wonderful reminder to us all that, in spite of these challenging times, the next generation is lighting the way to a brighter future.”

To support Tzipora’s project and help feed Staten Island seniors in need, you can donate here.

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