Mitzvah Project Ideas

Description of Organization:
Teatown is an 834-acre nature preserve in northern westchester county. Our mission is to conserve open space and to educate and involve the regional community in order to sustain the diversity of wildlife, plants, and habitats for future generations.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
Please call for more information.

Description of Organization:
A large, 1500 or so family congregation. We focus largely on community service and meet with all of our B'nai Mitzvah students to creat a project that will be meaningful to them.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
We work in conjunction with several agencies all over the mid-south to provide volunteer and donation oppurtunities for our teens and Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. Temple Israel also provides on-site oppurtunities throughout the year. We work closely with Israeli organizations such as JNF, community organizations such as MIFA, Memphis Food Bank, Hope House, the Memphis Humane Society, etc, and country-wide organizations like Make-a-wish.

Description of Organization:
Dedicated to preservation and education, the Tenafly Nature Center Association is a private non-profit, member-supported organization committed to the environment. The 65-acre Tenafly Nature Center adjoins the Borough's Lost Brook Preserve. The Association acts as steward to over 316 acres of the combined 378-acre tract. Within this natural tract are more than six miles of trails, streams, and Pfister's Pond, abundant with wildlife. Maintained mostly by volunteers, it is a place to relax and study the flora and fauna who call these habitats "home". When trails are open we welcome visitors to hike, bird-watch, observe wildlife, cross-country ski, snow-shoe and ice skate on Pfister's Pond. Tenafly Nature Center is a sanctuary for human visitors - and island of green where bonds with nature can be renewed. Whether you have an hour or a day, our woods offer a peaceful respite from the rush of daily life.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:

Description of Organization:

Tennis Racquets for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving underprivileged children a chance to experience the game of tennis. Used racquets are collected and donated to various programs, schools or individuals in need. By recycling these racquets we are bringing happiness to hundreds of children and supporting the "Green" ethic. The organization has also conducted free instructional clinics for the children. Donate for the LOVE of the Game!!!

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:

Mitzvah students can collect used racquets or purchased new ones from their monetary gifts. These racquets have generated smiles and hugs from children of all ages. Racquets can be collected by the individual thru a drive at his/her synagogue, school, camp, or tennis center. Collection receptacles can be set up. The org. has fliers and business cards for distribution. The participant will receive a Tennis Racquets for Kids tee-shirt to wear on the day of a sponsored event. A feel good project for the whole family!

Description of Organization:
Thanksgiving Coffee Company is a small family owned company based in the redwoods of northern California. With thirty five years of roasting experience, the company is a socially responsible pioneer in Certified Kosher (Kehila Kosher), Fair Trade (TransFair USA), Organic (OCIA), and Shade Grown coffees. Their Fair Trade, Organic, and Shade Grown coffees are produced in harmony with the surrounding environment, and their trading practices ensure a fair and just economic return to the farmers. Thanksgiving Coffee Company works directly with The Peace Kawomera (Delicious Peace) Coffee Cooperative of Uganda. The Peace Kawomera Cooperative is comprised of 558 Jewish, Christian and Muslim farmers who live and work together in peace, while promoting environmental sustainability, and social justice and economic development. Their partnership with the farmers of Peace Kawomera supports peace by creating shared prosperity, environmental sustainability and community development.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
The "Delicious Peace" Project is an empowering opportunity for Bnai Mitzvah students interested in social justice, environmental sustainability and tikkun olam on a global scale. The project ties learning about fundamental causes of poverty and war with everyday solutions and community-based action inspired by Jewish values. Thanksgiving Coffee works directly with farmers, providing Bnai Mitzvah students a uniquely involved experience which links participants to members of the Peace Kawomera Cooperative. This is accomplished through preexisting interviews with the farmers, photos, posters, brochures, videos and an interactive website. Project areas include: education, outreach, and mobilization. Education/Outreach: Students can host a Fair Trade event where they educate others on the social issues of Fair Trade. The highest level of tzedakah, according to Maimonides, is giving someone the opportunity to support him/herself. This project is about social justice on the deepest and most holy of levels. Mobilization: Sustainability of students' efforts is critical. Because they have made a long-term commitment to the farmers of the Cooperative, they encourage students to form a buying club within their congregation/community. Students can mobilize sales through their friends or youth group, or partner with the Sisterhood/Men's Club or Social Action Committee. Building a strong foundation is one way to ensure the project's success once the student moves on from his/her project. Buying the coffee sustains the Peace Cooperative in Uganda. A student can do a 'double mitzvah' by purchasing the coffee at our wholesale price and reselling it at a marked-up price. The difference can be given to any tzedakah organization of the student’s choice, or can be returned to any numerous projects in Uganda, from coffee related projects, to school lunch programs or medical care. They work with the all-volunteer US NGO Kulanu for all non-coffee related projects. Delicious Peace has inspired many and will continue to do so with the support of Bnai Mitzvahs. The coffee is as sweet itself as the story behind the cooperative. They look forward to working with you to make your Bar/Bat Mitzvah project as meaningful and significant as possible. "Today, the world is in pain. We want to prove that a better way is to be proud of who you are, respect each other, and make something great together." JJ Keki, Director, Peace Kawomera Cooperative, Uganda.

Description of Organization:
Tomchei Shabbos is an organization that delivers food to any needy Jewish family on a weekly basis for Shabbos meals. They deliver to over 150 families a week. Tomchei Shabbos pack on Tuesday evenings at Congregation Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck and packages are delivered on Wednesday.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
Centerpieces can be created and donated to the various families. Food items can be collected and Tomchei Shabbos will then distribute them. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah child can adopt a family with some of the money he/she receives.

Description of Organization:
My wife, Shoshana, was murdered by a suicide bomber. She was one of over 100 victims that were killed or injured on August 9, 2001 at the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem. After my wife’s violent murder, I began a project to teach people how to be kinder. At the moment, we have more than 30,000 subscribers on six continents to our “Daily Dose of Kindness” e-mail. Everyone who signs up for this e-mail list is also automatically signed up as an advisor. As I said before, I like having many advisors. Right now, I have over 30,000 “Kindness advisors”.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
Submit stories of acts of kindness that you witnessed to our Daily Dose of Kindness e-mails.

Description of Organization:
Tsad Kadima is a non-profit parents association for the education and rehabilitation of children and adults with motor disabilities (Cerebral Palsy) through Conductive Education. Conductive Education is a form of special education and rehabilitation which aims to help children and adults with motor disorders learn to overcome problems of movement as a way of enabling them to live more active and independent lives. The method was developed by the Hungarian Jewish physician, András Petö, in Budapest in the years immediately following World War II. This teaching style encourages the individual to become an active participant in his/her own learning process by creating situations which will maximize the chance of achieving success. TSAD KADIMA is a family centered service that provides educational-rehabilitative services for its clients throughout the cycle of life, from infancy to adulthood. They develop and advance the quality of life of people with motor disabilities and alternates segregation with integration. They offer parents-baby groups, rehabilitative day care centers, pre-school classes, inclusion programs, supplementary education activities and other programs.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
Swimming activities with our kids and professional staff.

Description of Organization:
Tzedakah, Inc. is dedicated to raising the level and effectiveness of giving to Jewish organizations. We provide educational materials, data, and opportunities for generous people to contribute to organizations they choose in an informed way.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
Tzedakah, Inc. offers three novel ways to mark a youngster's entrance into mitzvah-related adulthood with tzedakah.

1. Our Giving Registry (TM) is like a department store gift registry with one big difference. Well-wishers don't choose from a list of gifts for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Instead they honor the youngster by making contributions to one or more of several Jewish nonprofits selected by the new adult. You can set up a Giving Registry(TM) and inform your guests that they may contribute to organizations in your honor. Go to http://www.just-tzedakah.org/donateRegistry.asp for more information.

2. Giving Certificates (TM): Make donations in honor of your friends and relatives becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Which charities receive the money you donate? The celebrants choose charities that are meaningful to them. Ideal for a Bar or Bat mitzvah. Go to http://www.just-tzedakah.org/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=29

3. Giving on Schedule(TM) Start your life-long commitment to tzedakah on the right foot. Sign up for our Giving on Schedule(TM) program and we'll send you regular email reminders to give to the Jewish charities you select from our list. If you'd like, you can even make the contribution conveniently through our website, using a pre-set giving cart that you can customize with the organizations and amounts you'd like to give.

Description of Organization:
UJA-Federation of New York is actively involved with caring for those in need, rescuing those in harm's way, and renewing and strengthening the Jewish people in New York, in Israel, and around the world.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
UJA-Federation of New York's Give a Mitzvah-Do a Mitzvah program Match your passions with people who need a helping hand in New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Israel. It's a great way to jump-start your life as an adult in the Jewish community and meet new people who share your interests. Contribute your time, energy, and a portion of your gifts to a project you design in concert with our resident mitzvah coordinator. Students have provided soccer fields for Ethiopian friends in Israel, bolstered libraries for kids with disabilities, and delivered food to people in need. The UJA can't wait to learn about what you'd like to do and help make that a reality!

Description of Organization:
The Union for Reform Judaism serves over 900 congregations in North America. The Religious Action Center (RAC) in Washington, D.C. and Department of Social Action in New York provide resources to assist individuals and congregations in social action programming. This includes tracking dozens of issues on which the Reform Movement has policy and sharing successful program modules to promote social justice.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
The Religious Action Center's website (www.rac.org) has a program bank as well as pages specifically designed to give Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and educators ideas for mitzvah projects. In addition, the website has issue pages which provide Jewish texts and up to date information about dozens of issues.

Description of Organization:
A free one week overnight camp for children who have or have had cancer.

Bnai Mitzvah Projects or Volunteer Opportunities offered by the organization for children ages 11 - 13:
Collecting items on our wish list for the campers. See website.

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