Becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is not just about stepping up to the bimah; it’s about stepping into a new level of responsibility and connection to the world around you. While mitzvah projects can take on many forms, at Keshet, we encourage these young teens to take on the challenge of fundraising for Keshet. In doing so, they learn critical skills like setting goals, crafting compelling messages and rallying others to support a cause—all essential elements of a successful fundraising campaign. These experiences build confidence, teach perseverance and foster empathy, as teens see how their efforts directly impact the lives of others. We believe that this type of project also lays the foundation for a lifetime of philanthropy, collaboration, leadership and advocacy.
This year, we’ve seen many teens have incredible success fundraising for Keshet, including Laila Gaule and Lillian Laven, who not only raise needed funds for Keshet’s programs, but also volunteer in our programs. These seventh graders have seen firsthand the positive impact of their work on the lives of our participants while also contributing to Keshet’s broader mission of creating a community of belonging for all.
For Laila, choosing Keshet was an easy decision. “I learned about Keshet from my neighbor, Abby Zucker, who works closely with the organization. She told me all the amazing things Keshet does. I’ve recently started volunteering and have also been raising money for Keshet by babysitting. I chose to support this organization because it aligns with something I’ve always been passionate about—helping others and making them happy. That’s what I hope to accomplish during my time volunteering. I’m so thankful that Keshet offers these wonderful programs and I’m happy to be able to both enjoy and support them.”
Similarly, Lillian was inspired by the work Keshet does for people with disabilities. “My experience with Keshet has been wonderful! I have been able to create new friendships and relationships and become more compassionate and understanding. I chose to volunteer and raise money for Keshet as my mitzvah project because I have always wanted to volunteer there and I already knew some of the attendees who were a part of Keshet’s programs. I have loved volunteering in the buddy program over the last 2 years and I am excited to continue for many years to come. Being able to volunteer and support those who have special needs has been so important. I wanted to raise money to make sure Keshet’s programs could continue!”
By choosing Keshet for their mitzvah projects, teens contribute to a community that fosters a sense of belonging and connection. Through these opportunities, they not only help support Keshet’s mission but also gain valuable skills in empathy, responsibility, teamwork and advocacy. Their work reminds us that anyone, at any age, can make a meaningful difference. We hope their work with Keshet is just the start of a lifelong commitment to creating a more inclusive world for all.
If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with Keshet on their mitzvah project, please contact Jamie Lake.
