A Lean, Green Vegan Bar Mitzvah

As part of his campaign to save animals and bring awareness to the vegan lifestyle, Jaden Elkins, a seventh grader at Paul Revere, is hosting his Bar Mitzvah at his favorite restaurant – the all-vegan Veggie Grill.

Falling on the same date as the Jewish holiday, Purim, and just one day after his thirteenth birthday, Elkins said the event promises to be a quite a celebration.

“Veggie Grill is one of my favorite places to eat and we go there a lot,” he said. “The food is just so delicious and they are so nice to us.”

The young activist has been a life-long vegetarian and joined his family in making the switch to veganism nearly seven years ago.

“Our family decided to become vegan because we wanted to do less harm to the world,” Elkins said. “When products like beef are mass produced, the cows naturally produce a lot of methane gas which harms the environment and leads to global warming.”

Elkins said his dream is to eliminate all animal suffering while simultaneously reducing the footprint for carbon dioxide omissions through a healthier vegetarian diet.

As for health benefits, Elkins said studies have shown veganism leads to improved heart function as well as overall healthy living. The Elkins family strives to purchase vegan-friendly clothing and products in harmony with their vegan diet.

“I think I’ll keep being vegan even when I’m older because at this point, I totally enjoy it,” he said. “I’ve been doing it so long it just feels natural to me now.”

Elkins said he does miss one thing – Parmesan cheese – but thanks to his mom Deborah’s good cooking, he’s been able to let it go. One of her best dishes, he said, is split pea soup.

Being the only vegan family at his Bar Mitzvah, Elkins said he hopes his guests will enjoy trying Veggie Grill’s signature Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ Sandwhich, made from organic and non-GMO soybeans, wheat and peas.

“I want to show that vegan food really can taste good. I hope for [my friends] to learn about the different options; to at least think and become more aware of their choice,” he said. “I don’t necessarily expect them to become vegetarian or vegan, but just to be a bit more aware.”

Elkins already has a knack for speaking out about his cause. Last year he started a twitter account @therealvegankid and has gained more than 200 followers.

“My Twitter account is designed to inform people about the beef industry and share what it looks like to be vegan,” he said. “When my mom makes something really delicious, I ask for the recipe and share it on Twitter.”

At school, Elkins takes more of a face-to-face approach, making himself available to answer questions from his peers about his diet.

“I enjoy talking with friends in my homeroom about being vegan, since I’m the only one,” he said. “It helps that I have some friends who are vegetarian and pescatarian. It’s good to know they support me on the issues.”

Elkins has been actively involved in numerous vegan animal rights festivals and has given animal rights speeches while participating in demonstrations that showcase the lives of animals.