The Jewish Community Foundation will hold its annual youth philanthropy fair, the B’nai Tzedek Shuk, from 5:30 to7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.
The B’nai Tzedek program introduces Bar and Bat Mitzvah-age youth to tzedakah by offering them the opportunity to open their own charitable giving accounts at the Foundation. Once a year, B’nai Tzedek fund holders may donate 10% of their accounts to a Jewish charity, locally or in Israel.
The B’nai Tzedek Shuk gives participants the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from local Jewish charities and learn about the needs of the community. Last year participants granted $3,000 from their funds at the event.
The event is planned by the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council, a cadre of 22 teens who work together to engage their peers in philanthropy. They chose the theme “2020 Vision: Giving for the Future” for this year’s Shuk because “we are in a new decade and have a new vision for how to get our local teens involved in philanthropy,” said Youth Council member Shir-el Rudnick.
“At the Shuk we learn about important causes, some that we didn’t even know existed,” Mandy Unterhalter, Youth Council member, said. “This allows youth to educate one another about what we can do for our community. It is a great way to use B’nai Mitzvah gifts for charitable giving, which adds meaning to that experience.”
“Plus it is a lot of fun!” said Abbie Davis, another participant on the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council.
Guests will enjoy a reception with a light dinner, as well as the kosher ice cream treat, Dippin’ Dots. There will also be prizes for teens and parents. B’nai Tzedek fund holders who RSVP in advance will be placed in a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Parents who attend will be eligible to win a $25 Trader Joe’s gift card.
The Foundation would like to thank the following JCF funds that first helped bring the program to life: The Bertha S. and Ida E. Adelson Memorial Fund; The Philip and Dorothy Byer Philanthropic Fund; The Community Legacy Fund; The Flo Harris Supporting Foundation; The Alan and Judy Kosloff Philanthropic Fund; and The White Family Supporting Foundation. Subsequent support was provided by Rita and Irwin Blitt, Bob and Barbara Palan and the Sosland Foundation.
Funding for the B’nai Tzedek Shuk is generously provided by the Sam and Lucy Gould JCF Program Fund.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Beatrice Fine at 913-327-4618 or .