When 13 year-old Jordan Ofek began planning his bar mitzvah, he drafted a list of invitees, sketched out a script for an original short film he would show at the celebration, and then called Greengrants to say he had chosen us to receive gifts on his behalf. As he became a bar mitzvah on February 6th, donations rolled in from supportive friends and family. By the end of the month, Jordan had inspired over $11,000 in gifts to Greengrants in his honor.
We were so inspired by this selfless act that we wanted to share his story with you.
A seventh grader at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York City, Jordan discovered Greengrants through a class presentation on various nonprofits. He said he was struck by the local focus of our grantmaking, and felt it was “a very meaningful way to accomplish worthwhile environmental goals while ensuring that communities are involved and local needs are met.” Certainly, the thousands of dollars he funneled to Greengrants are already having a tremendous impact around the world.
Besides supporting environmental justice internationally, Jordan also gives back to his local community. He volunteers once a week on a literacy project at a public school in the city and also at a neighborhood soup kitchen. When he finally takes time for himself, he is interested in filmmaking, loves math and fantasy books, and enjoys running cross country and track on his school teams. Jordan has a younger brother and sister, and a dog named Holly.
Greengrants is grateful for Jordan’s generosity and the generosity of all those who made gifts on his behalf. As one enthusiastic donor remarked, “We think your choice of bar mitzvah gift speaks wonders about the Jewish adult you have become!”
Congratulations, Jordan, and thank you!