ELIAN PORTER ACKERMAN
Elian Porter Ackerman (Chesed, “kindness”) will become a bar mitzvah on Jan. 10, 2026, at Temple Chai. He is the son of Lindsay Ackerman (Leah Shoshana) and Lori Porter of Paradise Valley.
Elian’s grandparents are Ian and Wendy Ackerman of Paradise Valley; Lillian Porter (and the late Byron Porter) of Gainesville, Florida.
For his mitzvah project, Elian volunteered in nature conservation by removing waste and debris at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. He visited with refugee families and worked to restore bicycles for the Welcome To America Project, a program providing essentials to those starting a new life in our country. In addition, he volunteered to refurbish used bicycles for the organization Free Bikes 4 Kidz, which grants bicycles to children in need.
A student at Phoenix Country Day School, Elian enjoys playing tennis, soccer, ping pong, pickleball, reading, Legos and Diabolo yo-yo. JN