Mitzvah Project Central

The B’nai Mitzvah process is about taking on more responsibility and connecting to the concept of mitzvot on a deeper level.

Engaging mitzvah projects for 12 year olds is increasingly challenging.

Tzedek America’s Mitzvah Project Central provides compassionate direction and support as we guide B’nai Mitzvah students through their mitzvah projects. Mitzvah Project Central motivates your students from our opening orientation session and during weekly Zoom office hours. We check-in on your students throughout their six to twelve-month process.

What we offer:

• A curated list of local non-profit organizations which will take 12-year-olds as volunteers
• Curated catalog of nonprofits who are interested in engaging with 12-year-olds for in-person and virtual projects
• Online portal for students to record and Tzedek America to track their mitzvah project, hours served, money or items collected
• Mitzvah Project Orientation
• Weekly Zoom office hours to give individual attention to the B’nai Mitzvah students
• Guidance for documenting and sharing the project
• Access to “How To” video to teach how to create a fundraising campaign, if allowed by synagogue policies
• Encouraging and supportive follow-up and follow-through reminders communication
• Connecting students with others students who have similar interests to work in tandem
• Monthly newsletter to families with suggestions and highlighting b’nai mitzvah project
• Certificate of completion template to gift at your B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies

In a world where kindness, compassion, and community play pivotal roles, the concept of Tzedakah goes beyond mere charity.  Charity comes from the Greek word for love, but Tzedakah comees from the word for justice or righteousnice.  It resounds profoundly with the value of equity, righteous acts, and the ethical commitment to make the world a better place (Tikkun Olam). At the heart of this ethos, we proudly introduce our Mitzvah Project Central, the leading hub for b’nai mitzvah students seeking to make a difference.

The concept of the mitzvah project stems from age-old Jewish laws and traditions prioritizing community welfare and social justice. The term “bar mitzvah” appears first in the Talmud, meaning “one who is subject to the commandments.” Many of the Jewish laws are ethical commandments, and therefore, participating in and taking a lead on a mitzvah project is a way for a b’nai mitzvah student to participate as a Jewish adult in the world, fulfilling some of those commandments. Some of these commandments include honoring the elderly, not destroying the earth, or visiting the sick. Our initiative empowers bar, bat, and b mitzvah children to embrace this ageless tradition in contemporary contexts

If you’re a student hoping to incorporate meaningful action into your b-, bar or bat mitzvah preparation, Tzedek America’s Mitzvah Project Central program offers diverse avenues in which you can engage. From supporting local communities with essential resources to national and international endeavors advocating for human rights and environmental sustainability, every effort under this initiative aims to create lasting change.

Participation doesn’t merely involve financial contributions. Mitzvah Project Central promotes a holistic approach to participating in acts of Tikkun Olam. This includes volunteering time, educating others, sharing skills and talents, organizing awareness campaigns, or simply being there for someone in need.

Joining the Mitzvah Project Central initiative ensures students not just participate in their specific project but become part of a national movement of Jewish teenagers engaging in positive change. A movement that celebrates the spirit of giving and underscores the importance of community, truly embodying the essence of Tzedakah.

The b’nai mitzvah journey is one of learning, leadership, growth, and responsibility. Mitzvah Project Central’s partnership with students, families, synagogues and local communities will help create positive change in all of those areas. Join our national mission to prioritize the mitzvah in b’nai mitzvah and let’s reshape the world, one act of Tzedakah at a time.

For more information, contact: mpc@tzedekamerica.org