Young Fundraiser Celebrates His Jewish And Guatemalan Heritage By Helping Congregation in Guatemala City

When Jonathan Popper was ready to mark his Bar Mitzvah, he wanted to find a way to celebrate that would honor his heritage as “half Guatemalan and all Jewish.”

Partnering with Jeannette Orantes, president of Asociación Judía Reformista de Guatemala Adat Israel in Guatemala City, a Kulanu partner community affiliated with Rabbi Elyse Goldstein of Toronto, Jonathan created a personal fundraising page and has already raised $1,595.

The funds will go towards new seating for the growing congregation, a play and learning area for children, and a ner tamid (eternal light) for the Ark. In addition, some funding will be used for food staples for Passover. “Because of where they are, they do not have access to many Jewish foods or items we can get here, so this money will help them with that,” said Jonathan.

Jeannette Orantes is excited to finally have materials for teaching the community’s children Torah, Hebrew and special traditions.