B'nei Mitzvah Program

Be the Difference. Fulfil the Mitzvah.

Jewish Care has partnered with the Pratt Foundation in delivering its new and exciting B’nei Mitzvah Program. The Program is a first of it’s kind Australian initiative that aims to connect a new generation of young Jewish people to the concept of tzedakah and philanthropy. It also encourages young Jewish people to experience the work of Jewish Care and to develop an appreciation for the vital services that support and enhance the wellbeing of the Victorian Jewish community.

The B’nei Mitzvah Program promotes a sense of communal responsibility and empowers young adults to assist Jewish Care in turning lives around, together.

Your donation is matched dollar for dollar

The Pratt Foundation generously supports the B’nei Mitzvah Program by matching each donation dollar for dollar. In order for the gift to be matched, participants are kindly asked to complete 5 hours of volunteering at Jewish Care, within 6 months of their celebration.

“We believe that young Jewish people at age 12 or 13 are ideal candidates for learning first-hand about how giving can make a difference. We hope that this experience will become a life-long memory, just like the Bar or Bat Mitzvah itself.”
Sam Lipski, CEO, Pratt Foundation

 Who is eligible to participate in the B'nei Mitzvah Program?

The program is designed for all young Jewish adults residing in Victoria who are celebrating their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah marks a crucially important stage in one’s life and signifies a turning point in one’s transition into adulthood.
As such, it is the perfect time for youth to become actively involved with Jewish Care and the wider community.

Where do the donations go?

All funds raised by the B’nei Mitzvah Program go toward Jewish Care’s social justice programs, which do not attract government funding.
These programs include financial aid, employment and training, housing support, counselling, disability respite and other needed community support services.

When do I volunteer?

All participants of the B'nei Mitzvah Program are required to volunteer 5 hours of their time to Jewish Care.  Volunteering hours are to be undertaken on a Sunday within six months of the simcha.

How do I register to be a B’nei Mitzvah participant?

To register your details and be part of this exciting new community initiative, please contact the Jewish Care Development Office on (03) 8517 5933 or email mitzvah@jewishcare.org.au.

Making a donation to Jewish Care in lieu of gifts

To make a donation to Jewish Care in lieu of gifts on the occasion of someone's Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, choose from the following options:

• Online donations: Donating online is quick, easy and secure. Click through to our donations page and you can select from credit card or PayPal payment options.
• Phone: By calling 1800 JEWISH (1800 539 414), we can process your donation over the phone. Please have your credit card details ready when making the call.
  
• Mail: If you prefer to donate by cheque, please make the cheque payable to Jewish Care (Victoria) Inc. and mail it to:
  Jewish Care Victoria (Inc.)
  Development
  619 St Kilda Road
  Melbourne VIC 3004