On April 3, the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) welcomed teens and their families to its youth philanthropy fair, the B’nai Tzedek Shuk.
This annual event is a highlight of the Foundation’s philanthropic programming, meant to connect teens with Jewish communal organizations for an evening of learning, engagement and fun. The theme of this year’s Shuk was “Philanthropy: Rated E for Everyone,” which was emphasized throughout the event with Netflix-inspired references. The Shuk was planned by the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council, a group of teens that meets monthly to engage their peers in philanthropy.
“Serving on the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council and helping to plan the Shuk has strengthened my confidence and helped me build connections within my community,” Nina McNay said. “In addition to working on the Shuk, my time on the council has allowed me to explore different giving options for my current B'nai Tzedek Fund as well as outlets for philanthropy as I grow older.”
The Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program introduces b’nai mitzvah-age youth to the processes of tzedakah by inviting them to establish their own personal charitable giving accounts at JCF. B’nai Tzedek Funds may be opened with a $125 tax-deductible contribution, which the Foundation triple matches with a $375 contribution. Each teen fundholder begins their philanthropic journey with a $500 fund balance, and every year they may donate 10% of their fund to a Jewish charity, either locally or in Israel. The Shuk gives these young philanthropists the opportunity to learn about the missions of community organizations and discover how their donations can make a positive impact. In many instances, the Shuk is the first time teens are introduced to the wide array of diverse organizations working in the community.
The event began in the Jewish Community Campus galleria, where teens met with representatives from Jewish organizations and learned about each nonprofit’s meaningful work. To maximize engagement, the fundholders participated in a trivia challenge to discover facts about each organization represented. Representatives from 17 local nonprofits participated in the event.
“The B’nai Tzedek Shuk is a great opportunity for HBHA to share our mission with the next generation of philanthropists,” said Cristina Cowan, senior development associate of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA). “The teens’ energy, excitement and eagerness to make an impact in their community is inspiring. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for HBHA each year.”
After visiting the organizations’ booths, attendees enjoyed a reception with kid-approved menu items such as mac and cheese, quesadillas and Dippin’ Dots. The evening concluded with members of the Youth Council sharing personal insights about their positive experiences participating in the B’nai Tzedek program.
Since the program began in 2001, nearly 700 teens have opened funds, and more than $475,000 has been donated to Jewish nonprofits.
More information about the B’nai Tzedek program is available by contacting Suzanne Galblum Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or .