Category Archives: Uncategorized

How to Teach Kids to Support Jewish Causes

“Hey, Rabbi,” the bat mitzvah candidate said, “can I tell you about my mitzvah project? I’m raising money to help people join our synagogue if they can’t afford it.” I was impressed. And moved. And shocked. Why shocked? Many religious schools require that bar/bat mitzvah candidates do a mitzvah project. Once upon a time, those projects were all Jewish in nature. Families would plant trees in Israel in honor of their guests or display material from local Jewish organizations on the tables at the celebration. Kids would donate some of their gift money to local Jewish federations. For a while, […]

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Technology and Tzedakah

One of the most popular trends in bar and bat mitzvah preparation is the Tzedakah project. It’s an idea that has become an unofficial requirement in many communities. And it’s a great model because it teaches kids that becoming a Jewish adult means thinking about others and taking on responsibility for those less fortunate. Tzedakah might be a Jewish obligation but learning to step up to the plate and make a difference is a valuable choice. Many Jewish parents want their children to forge a relationship with Israel. Ten Gav offers a unique opportunity that allows a child to connect […]

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Nahtan’s Baton Mitzvah Relay

#nahtanbaton Nathan has an upcoming bar mitzvah this Fall and came up with a unique approach to his mitzvah project.  He wants to start a Nahtan’s Baton Mitzvah Relay.   Do a good deed, post it to his Facebook or Instagram page, nominate others to perform acts of kindness and they pass the virtual baton in his online relay race. Here is the first post for the Nahtan’s Baton Mitzvah Relay: Selah needed our help!  She was a half-blind Pomeranian whose owner had to move to an elder-care facility.  We fostered her until a family could adopt her!  The whole […]

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Need Event Advice?

Mitzvah parents, teens and organizations:  Are you planning an upcoming event to support your cause? Have you thought about all of the variables regarding your event, especially how many people will show?  Your event will rely on how many people show up in order to plan for food, drinks, volunteer support, timing of the day and so much more!  Read this great article, RSVP Strategies for your Next Big Event, which will help you get a better handle on what to expect.   RSVP Strategies For Your Next Big Event Your event is a week away and only 15 people […]

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High Holiday Mitzvot

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2013/08/teens-the-high-holidays/ Teens & The High Holidays With the High Holidays and the start of school upon us, it’s the perfect period for our teens to make the most of their free time. For this sweet New Year, show them how to lend a hand, (tikkun olam) and help repair the world through volunteerism. What can our teens do to perform high holiday mitzvot in the next couple of weeks? Here are 5 ideas: 1. Assemble packages with High Holiday greeting cards, distribute holiday foods (apples & honey) and create handmade picture frames to deliver to seniors at local centers throughout your area. […]

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Backpacks and School Supplies

Looking for a way to help needy children in your area?  While you and your parents are searching for school supplies, backpacks and clothing for your own back-to-school sendoff, there are many others in the community who need your help with these items.  Here are some ways you may help them: 1.  Find a backpack drive.  Do a google search in a major city nearby to find out which organizations are collecting backpacks and school supplies.  Contact the organization and see how you may help.  Boston and Philadelphia area residents:  Cradles to Crayons hosts a backpack-a-thon. Feeding America sponsors backpack […]

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What’s Your Project?

Did you decide on a mitzvah project?  Are you starting to work on it?  What is it? Themitzvahbowl.com wants to hear all about your mitzvah project from start to finish!  Fill us in on details (with your parents’ permission) such as: Why did you choose this particular project or cause? How much time goes into your project?What are you learning or how is this particular cause bringing meaning to your life? Are you considering continuing your mitzvah project beyond your bar or bat mitzvah?  If so, why? Send photos to info@themitzvahbowl.com (with your parents’ permission) Highlight how this project impacts […]

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Her Little Free Library

Arenal Haut, a student from the Park School of Baltimore, recently completed her Bat Mitzvah project at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, MD. She wanted a way to give back to her community and spread her love of nature to others. Arenal researched Little Free Libraries, and wrote a proposal to install one on Irvine’s property. Little Free Libraries are places where community members can “take a book, leave a book.” Arenal collected over 400 donated books (mostly kids’ and nature-themed books) from family and friends, and she plans to visit the Little Free Library weekly to restock. Arenal hand […]

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What She Learned Along The Way

Hi, my name is Alexa. I live in Washington, D.C. and go to Maret School. While preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I didn’t know what my service project would be, so I did what any person would do — I turned to Google for help. PeacePlayers International was the first project I learned about that I really felt a connection to. I love playing basketball and I loved the idea of kids creating change. I also felt connected to Israel and Ireland (some of the places where PPI works) because I have ancestors from those countries. I was also happy […]

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