Joey Behrstock, a life insurance specialist at Gilbert-Krupin, attended a Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles golf tournament about five years ago. When he asked what he could do to help, someone said: “The best thing you can do is become a big brother.”
A year later Behrstock met 11-year-old Matthew Greenberg. Greenberg’s father had died and Greenberg’s mother thought JBBSLA sounded like a good idea for her son.
“It was a little uneasy, kind of like a first date,” Behrstock said of their first meeting. “But after about a month we realized we had a lot in common.”
The organization uses a personality test to match big brothers and sisters with their younger counterparts. Behrstock had hoped to be matched with a boy, preferably one who liked sports. There couldn’t have been a better pairing. Both consider their brotherhood a bond that transcends the program. Matthew Greenberg feels like he’s gained an extended family.
“Everyone in my family knows him and everyone in his family knows me,” he said.
The two see each other at least every other week. In the beginning they had a lot of outings including go-carting and bowling, but now things are more laid back. Sometimes they’ll go out to dinner, other times they’ll just grab a burger and watch a game especially now that it’s football season. Behrstock taught Greenberg how to shave and he is currently helping the 15-year-old get ready for his driver’s license test.
“Every child needs a mentor,” said Behrstock, “Matt has gained a lot of confidence since we first met; I hope I played a role in that.”
Behrstock says Greenberg has also imparted valuable lessons. Since becoming a big brother, Behrstock says he has learned the importance of leading by example and he thinks his time with Greenberg has honed his parenting skills.
“I hope my 1-year-old turns out something like Matt,” said Behrstock.
Behrstock serves on the JBBSLA recruitment committee and he wears a JBBSLA lapel pin to work. Behrstock has already recruited six new big brothers and sisters.
Behrstock considers JBBSLA an ideal way for working professionals to make a difference. But when he recruits, he’s often told: “I would, but I’m just too busy.” He disputes that notion.
“Most of the time I spend with Matt is in the evenings or on weekends. And at the end of the day, the time is nothing a few hours on a Sunday every other week.”
Behrstock is also a member on the board of governors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and co-chairman on the board of Guardians of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. And as a participant in the Cedars Sinai Pooch Program, he brings his dog George on regular visits to hospitalized patients.
