Jason is an adorable twelve-year-old boy being raised by his loving grandmother while his mother battles an ongoing drug addiction that brought her in and out of prison.
The Aleph Institute has supported this fractured family in countless ways, including helping Jason’s grandmother pay the rent, connecting her with a therapist for weekly one-on-one emotional support, and sending Jason to a Jewish summer camp in upstate NY where he learned to read Hebrew and made close friends. With Jason’s Bar Mitzvah coming up, Aleph got in touch with his grandmother to plan a beautiful celebration that will make Jason feel special on his big day.
In addition to helping financially with the party, Aleph promised to send Jason a pair of tefillin. This week, Jason received his tefillin in a velvet bag with his Hebrew name embroidered on it, along with a personal letter from his “Aleph Family” telling him how proud they are of the young man he has become.
Jason’s grandmother wrote: “Jason is so thrilled and excited. He asked me to wake him early tomorrow so he can wrap his tefillin and pray before school. I was in tears—good tears! Aleph has once again made the impossible a reality. Thank you to everyone who helps me make sure that my grandson is not missing out on the most important Jewish rituals.”
Thanks to the support of selfless partners, Aleph can provide precious children like Jason with the opportunity to connect with their Jewish roots and build a better future despite tremendous obstacles.
The annual Aleph Auction is taking place this Monday, February 27 to raise the funds that keep Aleph’s crucial work going. Click here to purchase tickets now and help ensure that no one is ever alone or forgotten.
good job aleph intetute and hatzlacha to the mother in geting over her addiction