Addison Yamnitz recently celebrated her bat mitzvah at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; for her bat mitzvah project, Yamnitz decided to collect baby items, baby food and feminine hygiene products for the Jewish Family Services (JFS) Food Pantry.
She, with the help of her parents, Ryan and Alissa Yamnitz, assembled the donated items into 17 colorful baskets that were displayed during the Oneg Shabbat that followed.
JFS offers a number of opportunities for b'nai mitzvah projects. These service options include personalizing a drive to benefit the food pantry; working with the JFS mental health support team by creating a kindness campaign; participating in the Teen Mental Health First Aid certification program; connecting with older adults; and creating care kits. Jodi Perelmuter, family life educator at JFS, is happy to work with families to personalize a project.
“JFS is so excited to bring a new menu of service projects to connect the next generation of Jewish leaders with a passion project that inspires them, motivates them and enriches our community. Let us celebrate your special milestone with service to others,” Perelmuter said.
Yamnitz's project came about after her mother connected with JFS Director of Volunteers and Pantry Partners Jo Hickey to discuss opportunities. Having seen a special basket project at a St. Louis, Missouri, synagogue, Alissa Yamnitz wondered what her daughter could do to help.
“Since Addison likes babies and kids, we decided to collect baby food; baby items and diapers; and feminine hygiene [products],” Alissa Yamnitz said. Her daughter collected food and products over a two-month period.
“We made flyers to pass out to her fellow dance friends who take lessons through The Jewish Community Center’s Encore program and put out a box for her friends to donate,” Alissa Yamnitz said.
The family also posted the donation drive on their neighborhood website and on Addison Yamnitz’s bat mitzvah invitation.
Through her project, Yamnitz, a seventh grader at Prairie Star Middle School, donated more than 255 pounds of items to the JFS Pantry.
“It made me feel good, since I was able to collect a lot [for the pantry,]” she said. "I am very proud and so thankful that JFS does this mitzvah project and gets the community involved and sees where the need is.”
Those wishing to connect about these b'nai mitzvah opportunities can reach out to Perelmuter at or (913) 327-8259.