By Anne Hansen
Last month, Brentwood’s Jaden Elkins, a 7th grader at Paul Revere Middle School, celebrated his Vegan Bar Mitzvah promoting animal kindness.
Jaden had his private party at Veggie Grill in Westwood. It was the first time Veggie Grill has hosted a private party and the first Vegan Bar Mitzvah for most of the guests.
Before the event, there were several articles written about Jaden and his crusade to bring positive awareness and support to the vegan lifestyle and to promote animal kindness.
His articles were blogged nationally, making him somewhat of a celebrity among animal activists.
As Jaden spreads the word of animal kindness, he continues to inspire others along the way.
His Synagogue, University Synagogue, has planned a 100 percent vegan teacher luncheon catered by Veggie Grill in Westwood this month.
The Synagogue also offers a special teen youth program involving prayers and food from local restaurants.
The program teaches teens to be caring, compassionate and unique while sampling all types of food and making close friendships.
Veggie Grill has been a major hit with the University Synagogue kids.
Jaden’s algebra teacher, Darlene Faraone, read a previous article about Jaden and said she is now also going vegan because of him.
Jaden’s large family of six are all vegan. His siblings, Dane age 15, Cody age 9, and Madison age 7, are all big fans of Veggie Grill.
Jaden said since his Bar Mitzva he had received many positive comments about his animal kindness campaign from so many unexpected places.
“I am very happy I can inspire others to live a healthier lifestyle,” Jaden said. “It’s okay to stand up for what you believe in, even if your friends believe differently. You can make a real change in your life and in others if you stay true to yourself and follow your heart.”
One day, he plans to write a book titled, “Animals Have Parents Too.”
Follow Jaden on Twitter – @therealvegankid.
