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Of Day into Evening
a guide to simchahs
[he Gift Of Meaning
These ideas for bar and bat mitzvah presents will teach children
a life lesson or two.
For all Your
Special Occasions.
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celebrate! I
very few months, we find ourselves behind the newest gadget.
That's why gifts of technology are a huge hit for bat and bar
mitzvah gifts. But while those gifts are useful and fun, perhaps
the best gifts — especially in the spirit of the bar mitzvah — are those
that are meaningful.
Rabbi Kenneth Brander, the David Mitzner Dean at Yeshiva University
in New York City explains, "The whole idea behind a bar and bat mitz-
vah is not about a fancy party, but about using this moment as an occa-
sion for parents to help their child realize that each one of us can have
our own unique relationship with God."
While material gifts are often fun and fabulous, there is a trend of
focusing too much on the individual and not on the spirit of the event
that celebrates entering into adulthood and a greater community.
"Society too often focuses on the 'I'—it's the iPad, iPod, iTouch."
Brander says. "Even the game Wii is spelled with two l's. A bar or bat
mitzvah young person needs to realize life is about more than 'I.' There
is our Jewish community and larger society, and by giving we grow and
feel a sense of purpose."
Here are a few ideas for meaningful gifts. They are just some of the
ways you can allow your bar or bat mitzvah to engage with the depth
of the experience.
There are many areas of need in the world. Discuss locales across
the world in which your child may have a particular interest, and then
find a program where you can volunteer together as well as plan some
fun activities on the side. Many
programs offer the opportunity
to spend time building homes or
schools, while also touring the
country and getting to know a
new culture.
Donating to an organization
does not have to be a mere
money event — it can be an
interactive learning experience of
understanding the power of giving
' '. 11111/
and its positive effects.
Many organizations have
A young girl in Israel celebrates her
"mitzvah projects." The
birthday as part of the Birthday Angels
Birthday Party Project.
American Friends of Magen
David Adom, for example, have
a program called the "Red Bag of Courage." The Red Bag is a replica of
the paramedic's kit used by all MDA volunteer "first responders" when
racing to the scene of a medical emergency.
Participants raise $1,000 — which is the price of a fully outfitted red
first responder's bag filled with emergency equipment that is used to
save lives in Israel. The organization thanks the participants by sending
them their own monogrammed red bag.
To many young adults, a celebratory party is an important part of the
occasion. A way to spread the joy is to ask for gifts for others. Birthday
Angels Birthday Party Project is a nonprofit that provides underprivi-
leged children in Israel with their own birthday party. Only $36 will buy
the party kit necessary to celebrate the child's birthday.
Director Ruthie Luttenberg explains, "A $36 donation puts a million-
dollar smile on the face of a child. There are not a lot of charities that
make your donations go as far as this one. Our Circle of Giving is
designed to make a far-reaching difference in the lives of literally thou-
sands of children at at tiny cost! Because we mass produce our party
kits, recruit volunteers to give the party, we bypass the most expensive
costs entailed in throwing a party."
-F
March 2013
• Camp Programs
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