The gift of giving surpasses most things we will do on this earth; and the gift that Robert Leeds gave will be remembered by those that participated as well as those that received the gift.
Robert recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. But, he did it "His" way. Instead of receiving the financial gifts that are normal for this occasion he asked that the finances be placed as payment on an ambulance for Ashkelon, Sacramento's sister city in Israel.
Proud parents Dina and Fred Leeds could not have been more proud of their son at the dedication ceremony earlier this month. Their 13 year old son spoke on camera to the community, as well as to city and state officials about his gift and why he did it.
The photos you see here were taken by Lydia Inghram, of Sacramento Jewish Community Relations Council. Others involved were Mayor Johnson who hosted a reception in honor of
Robert, Gail Rubin of "StandWithUs", members of the Sacramento Jewish Federation and the JCRC who worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition.
Congress member Doris Matsui sent words of encouragement as she had a previous engagement. California State Senate Pro Tem and President, Darrell Steinberg, with CA Senator Richard Roth, received the special guests at the state capital and made sure they received a wonderful tour, California State Assembly member Dan Logue also offered to accommodate the group. Also in attendance for the event were city Council member, Allen Warren, (from the writers district),City Councilman Steve Cohn, and Pastor Timothy Hinkle of Victory Tabernacle Family Worship Center.
To hear Robert speak watch the video of the KCRA news cast at this link:http://www.kcra.com/news/Instead-of-bar-mitzvah-gifts-boy-buys-ambulance...
As parents we want to always be good examples to our children. But having a 13 year old to look up to, is priceless. Challenge your children today, to look for ways to give to others, as Robert Leeds has done. However, remember the widow's mite, where her small offering was all she had. Your child's offering is a "gift of giving", and size is not important, the heart is.
Please join me on Facebook and share how your child gives from the heart.
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