Spiritual coming of age for every child
ABAR/BATMITZVAH IS an important part of our Jewish heritage. Unfortunately, thousands of native and immigrant Israeli families are in economic situations that make it difficult to celebrate such a milestone. But thanks to Wizo’s help and support, hundreds of disadvantaged children every year, who would not otherwise have the means to do so, can celebrate their bar/batmitzvah.
Wizo’s bar/batmitzvah programme, based in Afula, north Israel, supports boys and girls from families living in poverty and social isolation.
The aim is to provide a quality framework offering diverse enrichment activities, including parent-child team-building events (such as challah baking), educational visits and a heritage field trip to Jerusalem.
The goal is for children to strengthen ties with their parents and their heritage, as they make the transition into adulthood.
Participation also empowers children with a sense of moral and social responsibility towards their family and Israel.
Rather than singling out individual Wizo’s programme enriches the barmitzvah experience for boys from less-privileged homes
children, Wizo has chosen to provide equal opportunities and support for an entire class of vulnerable or disadvantaged young people, enabling them all to achieve and celebrate this
important milestone in their lives together.
Wizo’s bar/batmitzvah programme aims to:
Strengthen Jewish heritage
Develop productive members of society
Create and nurture connections between families and the community
Ensure equal opportunities for all children
The programme includes: Jewish heritage classes on subjects such as Shabbat traditions Aliyah to the Torah
A trip to Jerusalem and the Kotel (Western Wall)
Teaching the importance of tikkun olam (improving the world) through community volunteering
A family celebration
Gifts of religious articles
HOW CAN THOSE CELEBRATING A BARMITZVAH OR BATMITZVAH IN THE UK HELP THE PROGRAMME?
A donation to Wizo’s inclusive bar/ batmitzvah programme is a meaningful opportunity for any child about to mark their own bar or batmitzvah in the UK, enabling those less fortunate to celebrate in a way we in the UK often take for granted.
On receipt of your donation, a letter will be sent to the bar/batmitzvah child in the UK, notifying them of your very special gift.
They will also receive: A commemorative certificate, together with a personalised siddur Stories and photographs about the children being supported An invitation to the annual celebration in Israel, to meet the children involved in the programme
A special personalised report following the party
By supporting Wizo’s bar/batmitzvah programme, you will be giving a child in the UK a meaningful gift, while at the same time assisting vulnerable young people in Israel to celebrate this important rite of passage.
HOW YOUR DONATIONS CAN HELP A CHILD IN ISRAEL
£130 could provide gifts for the bar/ batmitzvah children, such as Magen David necklaces, siddur, tallit, candlesticks
£200 could provide heritage trips to Jerusalem
£400 could enable the purchase of tefillin
£500 could allow a child to attend a Wizo bar/batmitzvah programme
Why help one vulnerable young person, when you can help an entire class of 35?
Contact Nicky Jayson 020 7319 9169 nicky@wizouk.org wizouk.org Registered charity 1125012