Joey Kupfer

United Hebrew Congregation

Parashat Emor, Joey’s Torah portion, says Jewish farmers are obligated to leave an unharvested corner of their fields for the poor person and stranger. Joey translated this to mean that even today, we are responsible for feeding those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Joe, son of Debbie and Ian Kupfer of Creve Coeur and a  student at North East Middle School, said: “This message of leaving food for the poor and donating stuff in general, tzedakah, is something we can all take in, even though farming might not affect you. Nowadays, we can still give charity. “ 

For his mitzvah project, Joey wanted to support an organization whose mission is to combat hunger. He found MAZON, an American nonprofit working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel.

For a year leading up to his bar mitzvah, Joey set aside a portion of his weekly allowance for MAZON (which means food in Hebrew). He also gave the money he received from his bar mitzvah presents, all totaling $200. 

“You can make the world a better place in the blink of an eye,” he said. “If everyone did something like this, what would this do to the hunger in the world?” 

Joey pledged to continue to raise money and send a donation to MAZON each year on his birthday. 

Joey said he felt good about his project and his donation and hopes he really helps people who need food. 

“I hope that one day no one in the world will be hungry,” he said.