Mitzvah Project

From Maccabiah Games to Mitzvot - Your Special Day Can Lead to Many More Special Camp Days!

Bar and Bat Mitzvah Project Ideas

It’s almost time for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah...

In recent years, many synagogues and families have begun asking Bar or Bat Mitzvah candidates to do tzedakah/social action projects as part of their preparations. This requirement emphasizes the ideas that the mitzvot (commandments) to which they will be obligated involve not only Jewish ritual, but also social action.

If your child is looking for a meaningful mitzvah project to celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, encourage them to think about what they feel passionate about and what they love.  Beber Camp is a not-for-profit organization and could be part of your child’s tzedakah project.

Developing a Mitzvah Project to benefit Beber can encompass tzedakah, passion, and creativity.

When you make a gift to Beber...where does the money go?

If your child chooses to make Beber Camp the recipient of their mitzvah project, the funds raised will go directly to the Beber Camp Scholarship Fund.  The Scholarship Fund is available for any child who seeks financial aid to attend camp.  The Scholarship Fund was developed under the philosophy that no camper should be denied access to a summer experience at Beber based on financial need.  Every applicant receives some money from the Scholarship Fund.

Donations of all sizes are welcome.  Any amount of money can make a difference to a camper and his or her family.  All money raised goes directly into the Scholarship Fund so families should feel confident that the funds are utilized in the most efficient way.

If your child feels passionate about a specific Beber program (music, art, sports, Israel Day, etc.) they can work with our staff and designate the funds, or collect items, to benefit a particular area of camp.

Why include Beber in your Mitzvah Project?

Beber is building future Jewish leaders and the future of the Jewish Community.

• A growing body of research has shown that experience at a quality Jewish summer camp is associated with a stronger Jewish identity, increased rates of Jewish affiliation, Jewish practice and Jewish professional careers and decreased rates of intermarriage.
• Studies have also demonstrated that the three most influential experiences leading to a strong Jewish identity and a transmission of Jewish values are Jewish day school, an Israel experience and Jewish summer camping.
• For some unaffiliated families, residential camp is a child’s only possibility to be surrounded by a Jewish lifestyle experience.

Beber Camp strives to develop knowledge, love and pride for Jewish culture, heritage and religion.

Project Ideas

In thinking about what type of project your child may want to do, encourage them to think about what they are good at and what they love doing.  Campers create whatever type of project they want.  Here are some ideas that have worked for other campers and Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates.

Activities to generate funds

• Garage sale
• Lemonade stand
• Bake sales
• Car wash
• Raffle - solicit prizes, sell advance tickets to friends and family, and decide when the actual raffle would occur
• Ebay has initiated a new program - “Giving Works” - which allows you to sell items just as you would normally on eBay. You can designate some or all of the sale’s proceeds to go to a charity. http://givingworks.ebay.com/

Additional ways to generate funds

• Your child can send letters to family and friends notifying them of the project and why Beber is so important to them.  They can ask for donations or if they want to they can suggest :In lieu of gifts...”
• Keep a Tzedakah Box at home and have your child donate a portion of their allowance on Shabbat
• Donate a portion of babysitting money
• Consider creating basic centerpieces and include a note on the tables - “in lieu of centerpieces, a generous donation was made in our guests’ honor to the Beber Camp Scholarship Fund”

Beber staff can help you create the perfect Bar/Bat Mitzvah project to suit your needs. Whether it’s a bake sale designed to raise funds or awareness, or a direct solicitation, we will help you make your child’s project meaningful and fun.

Please contact Michael Wax at 847-677-7130 or to help you customize your mitzvah project.


Common Questions

Q: Will the donations that my child or guests make to Beber be tax-deductible?
A: Yes. Beber Camp is registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization.  All gifts are tax-deductible.

Q: How much does my child need to raise?
A: Any amount of money can make a difference.  In 2009 the fees to send a camper to Beber were: One Week at Beber - $975; One Day at Beber $139

Q: How should my child convey their mitzvah project to guests?
A: You and your child should choose an approach that feels appropriate.  You might consider enclosing it as an attachment with your invitation, or even printing it on the invitation itself. You can also include a card on the table near the centerpieces.  Your child should feel proud to let people know what the project is, and where they would like donations to go.