Rabbi JJ Hecht II is the President and Executive Director of Toys for Hospitalized Children. In 2019 he spearheaded the launch of our Israeli branch, Toys for Simcha.

 

JJ was raised in a loving home where a great emphasis is placed on communal work and outreach. He is trained in psychological first aid and is a big believer in positivity.

 

He led “Happy Kids Heal Faster Missions” bringing relief to victims of war and terror including; a Poland trip to support Ukrainian orphans; and has led missions to Israel following the October 7th attacks.

 

His latest achievement is the launch of The Happy Shop, an immersive "shopping" experience for hospitalized children.

 

When JJ  was 4 years old, his pajamas caught fire and his right arm was covered in 3rd-degree burns. He spent 3 weeks in the ICU and more time in the children's ward of the hospital going through skin grafting and other treatments. He remembers a family friend visiting and gifting him a windup-singing gorilla, he was thrilled! It was the highlight of his hospital stay, it brought him immense joy to play and forget about his burns and gave his parents pleasure and relief seeing him smiling. Knowing how much a gift means to a sick child, he dedicates his career to bringing happiness and healing to sick children.