Girl’s Special Bat Mitzvah Gift

By COLlive reporter

All around the world, birthdays are celebrated in many ways, with different customs done at milestone birthday ages.

For Chana Jacobs, a kind-hearted Jewish girl from the Five Towns, NY, her 12th birthday, her Bat Mitzvah, became an opportunity for her to bring joy to others.

While her parents, businessman and philanthropists Sholom and Pessy Jacobs, were busily planning a beautiful party to celebrate their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, they got a surprising request from their daughter.

“In honor of my Bat Mitzvah, I’d like to share my good fortune with those less fortunate than me. Can we gift toys to sick children?” was Chana’s request.

Growing up in her home, Chana witnessed her parents’ open hearts and charitable work, and wanted to do something special in honor of her big day.

“We immediately contacted JJ Hecht II of Toys for Hospitalized Children, to put her idea into action,” said Sholom and Pessy.

“We are so proud of Chana’s initiative to share her good fortune with precious children during their suffering,” said Sholom Jacobs.

Hecht teamed up with Hatzalah of Rockaways and Nassau County, a volunteer ambulance service in Chana’s neighborhood, to gift exciting toys to brave children during the ambulance ride. These toys help calm hysterical children even before they reach the hospital.

At her Bat Mitzvah party, Chana proudly displayed the toys and announced the good deed she was doing in honor of her big day.

“Chana’s thoughtfulness for children who are sad, worried, and in pain is uplifting. It is inspiring and encouraging to see youth getting involved in charitable work and bringing smiles and healing in their community!” JJ Hecht II said.