Elizabeth, NJ–A December 31st holiday blood drive, open to the public and sponsored by the Jewish Educational Center, yielded 46 pints of blood in just a few hours for the New Jersey Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center. While this year’s intended goal was slightly higher, considering the many absences due to seasonal illness, the total was actually on target to surpass previous records.

The drive, organized, coordinated and promoted entirely by the school’s Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy boys’ high school division, drew students, parents, school administrators, faculty, and people literally off the streets as the boys visited local stores and restaurants up and down the Elmora section of Elizabeth working to drum up participation. The campaign was student planned and was run by seniors Avi Mazorosky of Staten Island, Bentzi Engel of Elizabeth and Azzi Kimmel of Hillside.

“We always know that we can count on JEC,” said a NJ Blood Service representative, who oversaw the initiative. “These boys step in at a time when donations are down over the holiday season…. RTMA boys are always a pleasure to work with!”

For JEC students, the work of saving lives is being taught not just as an ideal to strive for, but as a very real opportunity for those willing and able to do so. Rabbi Eliyahu Teitz, Associate Dean of JEC, who was the first in line, participated for the 33rd year in a row. He was surrounded by boys and has become legendary for “doubling down” with his annual donation, literally providing twice the quantity as normal. “I feel great,” he said with a smile afterwards.

“The boys look forward to this event every year, “ said RTMA Director of Student Activities Rabbi Yisroel Rich, “and their enthusiasm is in testament to their values as committed Jews and citizens of the world.”

By Adina Abramov