Fifth grade graduates tell others that “Tzedakah is the Greatest Act on Earth”

Columbus Jewish Day School graduate Michael Fishman receives a certificate commemorating the establishment of the Michael Fishman B’nei Tzedek Fund of the Columbus Jewish Foundation. Others with new funds are classmates Joshua Hoffman, Philip Schuss, Adam Soll, and Jacob Teich.

Bright hopes permeated this year’s fifth grade graduation ceremony at the Columbus Jewish Day School as each member of the Class of 2006 thanked parents, teachers, and a supportive community for an “awesome” Jewish day school experience.  To show their gratitude, the five students presented the school their group project-- an artful Jewish Tzedakah box illustrating the importance of giving back to the community.  “Tzedakah is the greatest act on earth,” they commented, noting this as one of the most important lessons imparted during their years at CJDS. 

Immediately afterwards, the surprised students learned another lesson—the more one gives, the more one receives.  The entire class was informed that each graduate has been given a $500 tzedakah fund at the Columbus Jewish Foundation, thanks to an anonymous donor, the Henry and Mitzi Saeman family, and the Foundation.   

“Our community knows that you will wisely use your new charitible foundations, in a responsible and caring manner and with a Jewish heart” said Jackie Jacobs,.Executive Director of the Columbus Jewish Foundation.  Noting that the Foundation administers the largest Jewish youth philanthropy program in North America, Jacobs stated that he knows of no other school or community that has ever given every member of a day school graduating class a named B’nai Tzedek Fund.  “This is a real testament to your school, our community, and the character of the graduates.”

The Mitzi & Henry Saeman B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program began in 1999.  To date, over 250 Jewish teens have funds with Foundation.  Program participants have already given over $26,000 to more than 100 different charitable organizations. Typically, teens make a $125 start-up contribution on the occasion of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, which is matched three-fold by the Foundation and the Saemans.  The participants, as well as parents, relatives or friends can also make donations to maintain the funds throughout high school, college, and beyond.

The Columbus Jewish Foundation is dedicated to building permanent community resources to secure the stability and continuity of Jewish life in Columbus and abroad. For more information about the Mitzi & Henry Saeman B’nei Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program and to find out how your child can start on the road to philanthropy, please call Larry Shuman, Director of Marketing and Youth Philanthropy at the Columbus Jewish Foundation, at 614-338-2365.