13 Year-Old Boy Raised $18K

The Beth Chabad Israeli Community Centre of Toronto recently celebrated its 7th annual Spirit of Community Dinner.

It took place on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at the Riviera Parque Banquet Hall in Concord.

Rabbi Yisroel Landa, Executive Director of the Centre, was introduced by 13 year-old Jonathan Katz, who captured the hearts of the audience as he humbly told how he resolved to raise funds for charity.

Having miraculously survived a difficult birth, Jonathan felt that life is a blessing and he must make good use of it. So he set for himself the ambitious goal of raising $18,000 for cancer research, and at his recent bar mitzvah he asked everyone to donate to his charity in lieu of gifts.

When he announced to the crowd at the Spirit of Community Dinner that he was now only hundreds of dollars away from achieving his goal, guests at the dinner unexpectedly approached the podium and handed him the cash to fulfill his dream.

This heartwarming, spontaneous act of generosity set the special tone for the entire evening. Rabbi Landa noted that, “Jonathan doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about when people express amazement at what he has done. Like Avraham our forefather, Jonathan feels that helping others, performing acts of goodness and kindness – even for perfect strangers – is not a burden or a duty; it’s a privilege and an opportunity.”

Honouree Dr. Dan Farine, a member of the Toronto Israeli community, received the ‘Humanitarian Award’ for his dedicated work in the field of obstetrics and high-risk pregnancy.

Honouree Mayor Frank Scarpitti of the Town of Markham received the ‘Community Service Award’ for his years of dedicated public service to the community.

Both Honourees taught by example the importance of caring for others. Whether working on a committee to improve the quality of life for special needs individuals, or sitting up all night to comfort a new mother in pain, these two men share the quality of profound compassion.

A ‘Street Name’ and a ‘Dinner with the Chairman and Mayor’ were two of the items offered during an animated live auction at the event. All proceeds from the dinner help the Chabad Israeli Community Centre provide services and programs for Israeli immigrants in the Toronto area.

Guest speaker Dennis Prager closed the evening by sharing the lessons he gleaned in his early traditional Jewish education; lessons that continue to guide him as an adult in navigating his personal and professional life. This wisdom includes always treating others with respect and never humiliating anyone, and doing what is right and required in life instead of only what is dictated by mood or whim. He also reminded the audience about character development. “The biggest enemy Dennis Prager will ever face in life – is Dennis Prager!” He said. “The major battle for each of us is simply battling our own selfish or negative impulses.”

Guests mingled at the lavish Viennese dessert table, remarking on Dennis Prager’s thought-provoking comments and on young Jonathan’s inspiring story. “I could have spent the same $200 tonight on dinner and a show downtown,” one guest enthused, “but I came here instead. Not only was I entertained, but I’m leaving tonight a different person from who I was when I walked in.”