Jordan Frechtman lives in Glen Rock, New Jersey.  He is a member of the Reform congregation at Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes where he studies at Hebrew school. He is a student at Glen Rock Middle School, a local New Jersey public school in an area where Jews are a small minority.

In 2003, Jordan found out about the Books for Israel Project and decided to run a book drive as his mitzvah project.  Jordan explains:
"At our temple, when you become a bar mitzvah you also become involved in what we call a ''mitzvah project." This helps us learn more about ourselves and the importance of helping others. It provides a way that we can fulfill some of the teachings of the Torah. For my mitzvah project, I chose to run a book drive for the Books for Israel Project. I care a lot about Israel. I also respect
how important good English literacy skills are for opportunities of advanced education, prosperity, good communications, and peace." 
Jordan practicing for his bar mitzvah with Temple Barnert Rabbi, Elyse Frishman

In mid-2003, Jordan wrote to Books for Israel Project international book drive coordinator, Rena Cohen. In addition to instructions for running a book drive, Jordan was sent a list of those school clusters most in need. After reading through the school profile sheets, he chose to adopt the flagship at Buena Nujidaat "because the schools in this area seemed to be those most in need of support."  He began contacting his adopted school community right away and began his book drive in earnest.

Jordan set up a donations box in Barnert Temple where he was preparing for his bar-mitzvah and began promoting his drive
and explaining the need for books. He asked all the guests to his bar-mitzvah to bring good books to donate to his drive.

In a letter to the children of Buena Nujidaat and all children in Israel, Jordan shares some personal information about himself
and shows himself as an all-around great guy who combines good sportsmanship, just plain fun, and the doing of good deeds:
"When I’m not in school I enjoy playing sports as much as possible; especially goalie for my ice hockey team.
I also play video games and watch movies and television. In the summertime I go away to camp at Southwoods
in upstate New York. Our camp helps raise money for a camp called Morry’s Camp, which is for underprivileged children.
Once a week I go to the temple where my Hebrew School is located. That's where I studied to become a bar mitzvah.
Last spring my family and I attended a wedding in Israel. I hope to return soon. If I'm lucky enough to go again,
I'd like to visit Buena Nujidaat and see the new library.   I hope that I will collect a lot of books for you.  
Sincerely, Jordan Frechtman"

On January 24th, 2004, Jordan Frechtman celebrated his bar mitzvah.
Although he has already gathered a collection of books, he decided to extend his book drive
in order to amass a sizeable number of high quality books that he will begin sending to Israel
sometime in Spring 2004.

Congratulations on your bar-mitzvah, Jordan! 

Thank you so much for the wonderful and honorable work you are doing on behalf of children
in Israel and in the area of Buena Nujidaat in particular!

Congratulations are also in order to Jordan's parents, Lori and Bill,
and to Jordan's two older sisters Ariel and Ilana. 
Clearly your family has contributed much in nurturing Jordan's caring outlook.
Best regards to all of you, and we hope that on your next visit to Israel you will visit
Buena Nujidaat so that you can be thanked personally by the children
and the English teaching staff there!

Congratulations also to Rabbi Frishman and the members of Barnert Temple
for helping to educate such a fine and upstanding member of the community.