Ask recent bar mitzvah Benjamin Susser about his extensive involvement with Central Synagogue’s Caring Committee, and he responds simply and with intention: “Being a mensch is who I want to be as a Jew.” His care for the less fortunate appears entirely effortless, a central part of his Jewish identity.

Ben and his parents, Jennifer and Robert, have been volunteering for the Breakfast Program since they joined Central in 2009. The program, operated by Central since 1983, serves breakfast at 6:00 a.m. every Thursday and Friday morning in Lese Lobby to about 125 homeless individuals. Central volunteers ensure that breakfast and a bagged lunch is served to each person, providing about 20,000 meals each year to those in need. Ben’s role has expanded over the years. Starting as a greeter, welcoming clients and signing them in, Ben now serves as a jack-of-all-trades, helping the program run smoothly in a variety of ways. “We are tired in the morning, but we’ve never once gone and regretted it,” the Sussers said about the early Friday morning time commitment. “When we get him up at five in the morning, he never complains.”

Robert and Jennifer emphasized the influence of Robin Cowitt, the Central Synagogue volunteer who leads the Breakfast Program efforts on Friday mornings, has had on their experience. “She’s an inspiring woman.… She’s been wonderful to our family and an inspiration to us. She and the other long-term volunteers have been very open, supportive, and appreciative towards Ben.”

An incredibly dedicated student volunteer, Ben knew as he planned his bar mitzvah that he wanted to enhance the program through the gifts he would have received. “What am I going to do with all the money? It would be sitting in my college fund. I wanted it to help support the Breakfast Program.” Ben asked his guests to give to the Breakfast Program in lieu of bar mitzvah gifts to him. Robert revealed that about eighty percent of their bar mitzvah guests gave to the Breakfast Program, with close to $9,000 raised thus far to support the program. With federal funding cuts expected to impact the amount of food the program receives from City grants, Ben said he hopes his contribution will fill the gap and improve the program with better food and an expanded menu. Robert added that they wanted the donation to accomplish something above and beyond what the Breakfast Program does. There are plans under way now to use some of the funds to distribute winter gear such as scarves and gloves.

Ben and his family’s commitment to social justice reflects the mitzvah of gemilut chasadim—the giving of loving-kindness. He has connected with the program’s recipients in ways that evoke common humanity and respect. “It’s helped Ben realize that the homeless aren’t one stereotype of crazed men,“ Robert said. “They are individual people with a story to tell and are deserving of respect.” Robert also conveyed the importance of treating the homeless with dignity when they come to the Breakfast Program, with volunteers saying hello, shaking their hands, and “treating them like regular people.” Ben said that one man, Ali, made an impression on him when he took all the extra food from breakfast to bring to those who couldn”t make it that morning. “He was very educated and interested in politics,” Jennifer commented. “He always told Ben how appreciative he was.”

Ben’s hard work has not gone unnoticed by the people that visit the Breakfast Program every Friday. “They ask about Ben when he’s gone,” Robert revealed. ”They expect to see him there.”

When asked what his pitch would be for members interested in getting involved, Ben declared, ”Every time I leave the Breakfast Program I feel two things: tired, and I have a good feeling inside. I did a good deed and I feel good about myself for it. It’s an hour and a half each week. Everyone should do it.”

To make a gift to the Breakfast Program or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Development office at (212) 838-5189.