The Jewish Community Foundation welcomed teens and their families to its 18th annual youth philanthropy fair, the B’nai Tzedek Shuk.
This event is a highlight of the Foundation’s philanthropic programming which unites teens with Jewish communal organizations for an evening of learning, connection and fun. The theme of this year’s Shuk, held on April 4, was “A New Era of Giving: B’nai Tzedek’s Version,” a reference to Taylor Swift. The event was planned and executed by the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council, a cadre of teens that meets monthly to engage their peers in philanthropy.
The Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program introduces bar and bat mitzvah-age youth to the joys of tzedakah by inviting them to establish their own personal charitable giving accounts at the Jewish Community Foundation. 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 organizations working in the community.
“Making a gift from my B’nai Tzedek Fund has been such a meaningful way to donate money to causes I care about,” said Youth Council member Shoshana Fisher. “Especially when I was younger and didn’t have very much money of my own to donate, having a fund set up was so helpful.”
Before attendees visited the organizations’ booths, there was a reception with kid-approved menu items such as mac ‘n cheese, quesadillas and Dippin’ Dots. The Youth Council presented about the B’nai Tzedek program while teens and their parents made friendship bracelets (another nod to Swift) with suggested positive messages such as “tzedakah,” “kindness” and “generosity.” The teens were then invited to meet with representatives from Jewish organizations and hear about each nonprofit’s meaningful work. To maximize engagement, the fundholders participated in a scavenger hunt to learn facts about each organization represented. Based on the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, many Foundation staff members and supporters felt it was the most successful Shuk yet.
Nearly 40 representatives from 17 local nonprofits participated in the event.
“I was thrilled to represent Village Shalom at the Shuk this year – it was my first, but it will not be my last,” said Beth Miller, donor specialist at Village Shalom. “It is inspiring to see the teens get excited about philanthropy.”
Since B’nai Tzedek’s inception in 2001, nearly 700 teens have opened funds, and more than $390,000 has been donated to Jewish nonprofits.
More information about the B’nai Tzedek program is available by contacting Tracie Holley at (913) 327-8284 or .
