There are few things as endearing as the classic image of the bar mitzvah boy, standing proudly in his new suit, surrounded by adoring parents, happy family members and excited friends. The smile radiates from his face and you can sense that while he looks like a little man, somehow there’s still a glimpse of the little boy in him.
For the bar mitzvah boy who grows up in poverty, the image is not quite the same. Often there is no new suit. There is no celebration with family and friends. Frequently there isn’t even a pair of tefillin for him. Then the little boy is just a little boy, and instead of feeling proud his emotions can run from embarrassment to resentment to disappointment and just... sadness.
As one of the most efficient Jewish charities that help the poor, American Friends of Yad Eliezer | B'ezri works to prevent this occurrence through our Bar Mitzvah Twinning Project. Our program provides the opportunity for a boy anywhere in the world, to twin with a needy bar mitzvah in Israel, helping him celebrate his simcha too- joyously and in a meaningful way. A donation of $750 sponsors tefillin for the bar mitzvah boy in need. For a $1,500 contribution, he will be provided with a complete package that includes tefillin and covers other expenses such as new clothes and/or a modest celebration.
This project brings happiness to the recipients, enabling them to enjoy the excitement of reaching their important milestone, and empowering them to feel just like their peers. It also beautifully enhances the patron's simcha, as he experiences first-hand the invaluable mitzva of generous giving. Help us provide this unique excitement, joy and pride to both the recipient and the giver, with your donation!
Donate to a family in urgent financial crisis and know that through your generosity one more Israeli family will celebrate a festive Shabbat with chicken on the table.
Help needy families with food purchases in honor of the High Holidays. Together we can bring them a sense of celebration, making it a happier new year.
If there's no money in the home to pay for food, there's no money to buy school supplies. We give kids-in-need the opportunity to buy new supplies, so they can start their school year off with dignity-just like everyone else.
While we celebrate the holidays, IDF soldiers defend us on the front lines. Some of them live in poverty and cannot afford proper holiday meals. Let’s not forget them. Together we can give them a taste of the holidays!