Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a meaningful milestone that signals a young person’s readiness to contribute to their community. One of the central ways we embrace this transition is through Chesed—acts of kindness and charity—a core Jewish value rooted in tradition. This concept dates back to biblical teachings, such as the practice of leaving parts of one’s harvest for the needy, as outlined in Leviticus 19:9.
To honor this value, we ask each Bar or Bat Mitzvah to participate in a hands-on volunteering experience that allows them to engage meaningfully with others. While we encourage fundraising as a supplementary effort, the primary goal is fostering personal connections and making a tangible impact.
We encourage your child to select a cause they feel passionate about. Whether it’s helping furnish homes for families transitioning out of homelessness, playing sports with individuals with disabilities, or simply spending quality time with residents at a senior living community, there’s a project for every interest.
In 6th grade, your family will attend our annual Mitzvah Fair, where you’ll meet representatives from several organizations and learn about their impactful work.
Below are some examples of organizations our families have worked with:
While these are popular choices, your volunteering options are not limited to this list. If your child feels drawn to a different cause, we are happy to support and guide their involvement.
To learn more, contact Yair Bernstein, Director of Ritual Advancement, at ybernstein@ansheemet.org or call 773-868-5122.
