13-year-old Gabe Vinnick is a student at Pine Lake Middle School and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Herzl-Ner Tamid in February. We wanted to learn more about Gabe’s special mitzvah project that benefited the Polack Food Bank.
What was your project?
I used money I was given for my Bar Mitzvah to purchase food at different grocery stores. Then I bought wicker baskets and made food baskets for the centerpieces at my Bar Mitzvah.
Were other people involved in helping you?
Yes. My mom and I went grocery shopping. She helped me put together the baskets along with my grandma and two of my mom’s friends.
How did you come up with the idea?
For my brother’s Bar Mitzvah, we had food baskets for the bima and donated them to JFS. I thought it would be nice to do that again with centerpieces.
What did you know about the Polack Food Bank and JFS before your started the project?
My family and I have volunteered making holiday baskets and delivering them to families in need. I like to visit with the families when we drop the baskets off.
Did you learn anything new?
I was surprised at how much food they have for people who need it.I learned that the Food Bank serves over 1,300 household every month, and not only Jewish people but also lots of people in the surrounding neighborhoods.
What would you say to another student who is looking for a mitzvah project?
I told one of my friends about it, and he is going to do the same project for his Bar Mitzvah this summer. I would say that this is a great way to give back to the community.
When Gabe is not volunteering he likes to bike, travel and hang out with his friends. He loves cars and likes to go to car shows with his grandpa. He is on his school track team and does shot put.
By Deb Frockt
Deb Frockt is Director of Marketing & Communications. She enjoys baking, beaching and learning about golf, both kinds of football, fashion and pop music from her husband and sons.
