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TEEN DRUMMER (from page 1)

“I truly feel this is the most import- him to wear his kippah during the
ant part of Judaism and the beacon performance.
that every other Jewish value and “In light of the recent rise in an-
tradition points to,” says Lopkin. tisemitism, I felt it was special to go
Choosing Feeding America as the out there while displaying my Jewish
nonprofit to raise money for was a pride,” he says. “It was really cold
no-brainer for Lopkin. and windy outside, but I made sure
“Feeding America provides meals to be wearing the kippah the whole
for the over 40 million people living time. No one said anything about it.”
at, or below, the poverty line, who “I was inspired by the concept of
can’t afford their next meal. Food ‘being more visibly Jewish.’ I want to
insecurity is part of a massive chal- show kids who are scared to wear their
lenge, and I wanted to help out as kippah in public due to rising antisem-
much as possible,” he says. itism that they shouldn’t be afraid to.”
Because the potential audience He captured the experience in a vid- Linda Nemer Singer, Irving Potter and Priscilla Kostiner.
watching him would be so diverse, eo for his followers on YouTube, Tik-
he wanted to be sure everyone walk- Tok and Instagram, @thedrumcell. Milt Carl Way honorees
ing by would be able to understand “I started posting drum videos in
the cause. “Feeding America is eighth grade and fell in love with the The community gathered on Dec. 15, 2022, for the
something anyone on the street can process,” he says. “At first, I started second Milt Carl Way Awards presented by B’nai B’rith
recognize and appreciate.” off making videos drumming to my Camp and Congregation Shaarie Torah. Priscilla Kostin-
After formulating the plan, Lopkin favorite songs, and eventually I piv- er, Irving Potter and Linda Nemer Singer were this year’s
began training to play for strangers oted to making drum tutorials.” well-deserved honorees. Each of these individuals do it
in the city, although the method was Creating content hasn’t been easy. “Milt’s Way” – they care deeply about the Jewish commu-
a little different than the typical ap- “I spent hours every day writing, nity and do profound work for numerous organizations.
proach to practicing an instrument. filming and editing my drum videos, Each honoree designated a $1,000 contribution from the
“When you’re performing in a but my account stayed stagnant at evening’s proceeds to go to an organization of their choos-
concert, the expectation is that ev- 11.9k followers for 17 months in a ing, in loving memory of Milt Carl, z”l. Priscilla spilt
eryone watching bought a ticket and row. I liked making them though, so hers between Eastside Jewish Commons and the Jewish
traveled out to see you play,” Lopkin I spent last summer figuring out how Federation of Greater Portland’s Dignity Grows Fund. Ir-
explains. “But when you’re playing to make the videos as good as pos- ving and Linda designated Portland Jewish Academy and
on the street, people just happen sible, and with some research and a Mittleman Jewish Community Center, respectively.
by with no expectations. I wanted bit of luck, the views and followers All three individuals encourage others to enjoy the im-
to prepare enough (content) so that started to pick up. I was fortunate mense pleasure and mitzvah of giving. In addition, all
maybe someone would stop by, lis- enough to even get a sponsorship.” three honorees are dedicated to bringing the community
ten for a bit and drop some change So, what’s next? together to conceptualize and implement amazing re-
in the bucket for Feeding America. I “This experience was incredible. It sults of making something new a reality.
practiced for months putting togeth- was amazing seeing strangers help
er different beats and working to im- raise money for such a paramount New B’nai Tzedek Youth Fund Program
prove my hand speed and stamina.” cause. My goal is to continue these Beyond the party, beyond the gifts, the Oregon Jewish
The day of playing for strangers in performances and make entertaining Community Foundation can help make a teen’s bar, bat
public finally arrived. videos out of them to further help or b-mitzvah the most life-changing, meaningful experi-
“With butterflies in my stomach, I feed people in need. If I can help out ence it can be. A new program helps make this import-
set up my buckets and began playing at all, I see that as a win.” ant rite of passage an introduction to life as an invested
my set. After a couple of minutes, Gabriel Malka is a sophomore at member of the Jewish community and a joyful opportu-
people began watching, dancing, tak- the University of Oregon. Malka en- nity to practice tzedakah (justice/charity).
ing videos and even donating money joys eating hamburgers and doing Shortly before Covid OJCF created B’nai Tzedek
to Feeding America.” theater improv. He can be reached at Youth Funds, which allows students to be active donors
Lopkin adds it was important to gabrielmalka01@gmail.com. to causes they believe in by establishing a fund for Jew-
Young adults invited to be Changemakers ish charitable giving. With an initial $250 contribution,
matched with $250 by OJCF’s Community Endowment
Young adults ages 20-25 who want to change the world are invited to apply Fund, teens can begin their journey as grant makers.
for the Jewish Federations of North America’s Jewish Changemakers Fel- Now am interactive component has been added. The
lowship. The next session will be Feb. 6-April 3, 2023. new B’nai Tzedek Youth Fund Program will bring fund
The Jewish Changemakers Fellowship is a virtual leadership development holders (ages 12-18) together four times a year to engage
experience that focuses on career development, making a difference in the in activities to learn about the needs of the community,
community and connecting with peers. The program begins with a nine-week and how their philanthropy can help others and better our
fellowship, and Changemakers alumni have access to ongoing opportunities community and the world. Teens use this knowledge to
for leadership, mentoring, career advancement and community engagement. grant 10% of their fund balance annually to any eligible
Through the fellowship and alumni engagement, Changemakers grow their Jewish charity in Oregon, Southwest Washington, Israel
skills and contacts needed for success in a competitive job market. or community where they live during or after college.
Participants who achieve the program requirements of approximately 3-5 Enrollment is now open. The first teen gathering, fa-
hours a week for nine weeks earn a $350 stipend. cilitated by Rabbi Eve Posen and OJCF staff, is set for
For details and to apply, visit jfeds.org/changemakers2023. March 2023. For information, email youth@ojcf.org.
10 Jewish Review Dec. 21, 2022