Malcolm James McCormick. That was his name.
Malcolm McCormick, more commonly known as Mac Miller, left an impact on music culture that goes beyond his commercial success. He is known for transforming from a party rapper into an introspective artist who wasn't afraid to explore vulnerability and struggles in his work. His willingness to be emotionally raw and honest helped destigmatize mental health conversations in hip-hop, influencing many.
Mac was also known for his collaboration and generosity within the music community. He supported countless artists, both established and new, and was beloved by peers for his genuine kindness and humility. His label, REMember Music, gave platforms to other artists.
Those two paragraphs don’t do Mac much justice, but they’re enough for me to get my point across.
We name our chapters after Jewish people who have made profound impacts on their communities in one way or another. There are countless lessons to be learned from their lives, and even more ways to honor their legacies.
When we carry someone's name, we carry their story, their struggles, and their mission forward. It's a responsibility we take seriously: to not only remember these individuals but to actively live out the values that they represent. By naming our chapter after Mac Miller, we commit ourselves to continuing his legacy of authenticity, community, and breaking down stigmas around mental health.
I proudly serve as the Aleph Godol of Mac Miller AZA #505, and I would like to highlight an initiative we are doing for November 2025.
In light of Mac’s struggles with substance use and mental health, we are collaborating with one of our own, Aleph Josh Friedlander, to support the Movember Foundation. Every sale with the coupon code MM505 allocates a donation to the fund, supporting people who are facing Mac’s struggles. Josh owns and operates a jam business, with which we are collaborating.
By partnering with the Movember Foundation, we're contributing to a movement that funds research, support programs, and resources for men's mental health and suicide prevention. Mac's music gave voice to struggles that too many people face in silence. Now, it's our turn to give back in his name. We invite you to join us in this effort, whether through supporting Josh's business or simply by checking in on the people in your life. Mac Miller's legacy isn't just in the music he left behind. It's in the conversations we continue, the support we offer each other, and the community we build together. That's how we truly honor his name.
Now, I implore you to do the same with your namesake or value. Whether your chapter has the name of a historical figure, a community leader, or embodies a core principle, there are countless ways to bring that legacy to life.
jambyjoshcle.com/
Code: MM505
Fraternally submitted with undying love for Malcolm James McCormick, what became my heart and home, C1TC 2025, Thanksgiving, The Grand Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph, THE Ohio Northern Region #23, and my heart and home, Mac Miller AZA #505.
I forever remain Aleph Jesse Alexander Vaytsman
Jesse is an Aleph from THE Ohio Northern Region #23’s Mac Miller AZA #505 and is currently serving as Aleph Godol.
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.