A Guide to Planning the Perfect Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project

Posted on October 21, 2016

                                               

CONGRATULATIONS! 
The time you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.  You have reached the age at which you enter adulthood and become responsible for your own actions.  As you begin preparing for your big celebration, keep in mind that there are people around the world- and in your own backyard- who are less fortunate than you.  You now have the amazing opportunity to partake in a kindness project that speaks to you personally.  This is your moment.  Prove to yourself that you really have reached that special age, when everything you do begins to count. 

BEFORE YOUR CELEBRATION
Why is a Mitzvah Project important?
As a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, you have the means to help others who are less fortunate that you.  A Mitzvah Project is a great way to enter adulthood and help a cause that is important to you.
Find a Meaningful Cause
Your Project will be most meaningful if you are passionate about the cause you are supporting.  Ideas include:
Animals, the Arts, Children, Disabilities, Education, the Environment, Healthcare, Homelessness, Hunger, Israel, Literacy, Poverty, Senior Citizens
Now it’s time to choose an organization that focuses on the cause you’ve chosen.  Areyvut can help facilitate your interaction with the organization you’ve chosen, or help you choose an organization.
Spread the Word
Include information about your Project on your invitations so that your guests are informed.  When you talk to your friends and family about your celebration, make sure to tell them about your Project and invite them to join.
DURING YOUR CELEBRATION
Maintain your Project’s significance
Speak for a few minutes about your Project during your speech
Put information about the organization you helped on a welcome board or table
Inform guests how they can get involved in helping your cause
Incorporate your Project into your centerpieces and decorations
Ask guests to donate money to your organization
Invite people you met through your Project to attend your celebration
Instead of giving out party favors, make donations in your guests’ honor to the organization you support

Have an on-site service project in which your guests can get involved


AFTER YOUR CELEBRATION
Only the beginning…
The end of your celebration does not mean that your Project must end as well.  Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah marks the beginning of your adulthood and, as such, this should only be the beginning of your efforts to help others.
Continue to volunteer or raise money for the organization you chose
Send thank-you notes to those who helped with your project
Become a spokesperson for the organization you support
Organize a school, synagogue, or community wide mitzvah project
Write about your experience of giving back.  Submit it to a local paper to inspire others
Donate a percentage of your gift money to your cause

Print Friendly, PDF & Email