Meet LexRAP Donor Jack Rabinowitz
At age 13, rising eighth grader Jack Rabinowitz is already making a difference in the world. For his bar mitzvah tzedakah project, Jack decided to hold a 5K run and donate the proceeds to LexRAP. His gift was an incredible $1,000.
An avid athlete who plays soccer and basketball in addition to running, Jack chose the 5K because he was looking for an athletic activity and because his friends are also runners, which would enable them to participate. “I wanted something that felt inclusive,” says Jack. “With a sport like soccer, some players are better than others. Running gives everyone a chance.”
Jack became aware of the plight of refugees through Temple Isaiah, where his family worships. He learned that the Old Testament Jews had often been refugees. Some, including Israelis and Ukrainian Jews displaced by active conflict, still are.
He also attended a session at Isaiah presented by the Malden Warming Center, which serves the homeless. “Hearing their presentation made me think about those less fortunate,” Jack shares.
Another inspiration was Leviticus 19:34, which he learned as part of preparing for his bar mitzvah. The verse, which reads in part, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself…” resonated deeply with Jack.
“I believe that in America we should treat refugees like family,” he says. “So, I wanted to support an organization assisting these people. I asked Temple members if they had any suggestions, and LexRAP was recommended. I’m happy I held the run and that people donated—and proud to help LexRAP.”