Curious about the concept of a “Mitzvah Project” and its significance? Feeling unsure about where to start or need help brainstorming ideas? If so, read on! We have a wealth of information to share with you.
What Exactly is a Mitzvah Project?
At its core, a Mitzvah Project is a community service/social action program created by your child as part of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah learning process. It is meant to teach two fundamental Jewish values: our duty to contribute to repairing the world (tikkun olam) and the significance of showing compassion for others.
How Do I Start?
About 8-12 months before their B’Nai Mitzvah, your child should be thinking about their Mitzvah Project. Given their age, coming up with a creative and meaningful project independently can be quite challenging, so your support and involvement are crucial.
To start, sit down with your child, grab a pencil and paper, and silence your phone. You’ll want to stay focused.
Choosing a Project
As much as you might want to be unique, it’s likely that someone has embarked on a similar project in the past. We’re not suggesting that you shouldn’t try to come up with something original, but there’s no need to spend hours agonizing over it. Many people borrow project ideas from others, and that’s perfectly fine. Your goal should be to put a twist on the project so that it reflects your child’s values and interests.
Four Questions to Spark Ideas
Try these brainstorming questions to get the creative juices flowing!
- Does your child want to base their Mitzvah Project on their Torah portion? Some Torah portions are great for Mitzvah Projects, others not so much.
- Is there a particular cause or issue that interests your child? This could involve feeding the homeless, helping animals, or finding impactful ways to support your synagogue. You might also blend two interests. For example, if your child is interested in fashion and the environment, a project related to sustainable fashion might be of interest.
- Does your child have a particular skill they can share with others? If your child excels at math, perhaps there’s an opportunity to tutor younger kids in need. Love soccer? Maybe plan a fundraiser to help provide jerseys or gear to a local team.
- Have your child ask family, friends, neighbors, or teachers about the causes they support. It may help generate a few ideas.
Once you have an idea of what area is of interest, it’s time to research organizations that share your goals. Many families find it helpful to align with a charitable organization that is already doing similar work. However, it’s not necessary, and doing your project independently is great, too!
Mitzvah Project Ideas
If your child is still struggling, never fear! We have a few meaningful ideas too:
- Support a women’s shelter by organizing a drive at your synagogue to collect essential items like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and other necessities. Assemble individual care packages and donate them to the shelter.
- Recruit some friends and collect discarded water bottles and cans at a local beach or lake. Bring them to a recycling center instead of dumping them in the trash.
- Work with your synagogue’s Caring Committee to cook meals that can be frozen and delivered to members during times of need.
Getting Approval
Once you have decided on a project, it’s time to visit the Rabbi. Typically, a Rabbi must approve a Mitzvah Project idea before you can begin. The Rabbi will likely ask your child some probing questions, and if they approve the idea, you’ll receive permission to proceed. Sometimes, a Rabbi will ask your child to flush out their idea a little more before approving it.
Putting Your Idea Into Action
Now that you have approval, you’ll need to put together an action plan. An action plan typically outlines the project’s specific goals, identifies the activities your child will undertake, and includes a schedule for the days and times they will dedicate to their project. Action plans are useful tools to keep your child on task. It’s important to monitor the progress of your child along the way to ensure they are investing the time and effort required for a successful Mitzvah Project.
Spreading the Word
A Mitzvah Project shouldn’t be kept a secret. Help your child develop speaking points about their project. Telling others about their project not only helps your child develop confidence, but also encourages others to offer their support. If you’re creating a Mitzvah website for your child, this can also be a great place to drive awareness and enlist volunteers.
Completion and Reflection
Once your child completes their Mitzvah Project, you’re in the home stretch. Find out if your child must write an essay on their experiences or provide documentation that the project was completed. Some synagogues require it – others don’t. You also need to know if your child will need to talk about their project during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. This is very common and usually takes place during their speech.
Conclusion
A Mitzvah Project should not be about checking a box. There is a reason why synagogues require Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to complete a Mitzvah Project as part of their journey to become a Jewish adult. Our beliefs, customs, and history have been shaped by our deep sense of compassion and our unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. This is a great opportunity to provide your child with plenty of guidance and support as they learn what it means to be Jewish.
