Bet Shemesh man on annual Hanukka-donut binge for charity

Elie Klein is putting his gluttony to good use by rasing Hanukka gelt for charity in 3rd annual sufganiya binge.

By GIL STERN STERN SHEFLER
sufganiyot, Hannukah donuts_311 (photo credit: Thinkstock/Imagebank)
sufganiyot, Hannukah donuts_311
(photo credit: Thinkstock/Imagebank)
For the third year in a row Elie Klein is putting his gluttony to good use by raising Hanukka gelt for charity.
The 31-year-old Beit Shemesh man is collecting donations for dozens of organizations by going on a donut binge.
“What started as a gentlemen’s bet two years ago regarding which one of my neighbors could eat more sufganiyot [jelly-filled donuts] between Rosh Hodesh Kislev and the end of Hanukka, has turned into a beloved annual fundraising campaign,” he said. “Friends, family and complete strangers have been pledging generous dollar and shekel amounts to their favorite Jewish causes/charities for every sufganiya that I eat.”
Donuts and latkes made with oil are traditionally consumed during Hanukka to commemorate the miracle of the menorah, which burned for eight days and nights after the Maccabis reconsecrated the Temple.
But doctors don’t recommend eating too many of the calorie-rich foods, a fact that doesn’t deter Klein. He says plenty of people raise money running marathons and cycling but his fundraiser grabs people’s attention. He should know, as Klein works for a PR firm.
Last year’s campaign was such a success that this year he has raised the bar even further.
“I consumed 70 donuts and raised NIS 32,788.60 for 44 causes and charities around the world,” he said. “This year, I have made a pledge to eat no less than 100 sufganiyot during the campaign. We should have no problem reaching NIS 45,000 by the end of Hanukka.”