Sure, we love our games, our phones, our TV's, our sports and music. We also love our community. And in the midst of all the wonderful things around us, we see hunger, prejudice, homelessness and hopelessness.

We are B'nai Mitzvah
We want to make a difference. We want to make sure that the work we did to prepare for our special day lasts past our party. We learned about our history and know that it is our obligation to work to make the world a better place. Here's how we're doing it - we joined the Greater Phoenix B'nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Fund. We want you to join us, too.

Your B'nai Tzedek Fund
Well, let's say your name is Sarah. When you join, you create a new philanthropic fund called the Sarah B'nai Tzedek Fund. You start the fund with a contribution of $180 or more, and generous donors through the Jewish Community Foundation will give your fund another $320. So, the Sarah Fund has at least $500.

Then, once a year, you will pick a charity and recommend a donation of 5% from the fund. As time goes by, you can contribute more to your fund. The more the fund grows, the more tzedakah you get to give each year. The really great thing about starting a fund is that YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE MONEY TO DONATE..YOU ONLY GIVE AWAY THE INCOME THE FUND IS EARNING. Look at this as a winning tzedakah investment.

Where does the money for your tzedakah fund come from? From your Bar/Bar Mitzvah gifts, from babysitting, or even birthday and Chanukah gifts. This is a chance to make a real difference, and you don't need a lot of money to do it.

Details, Details, Details.

What else will I get to do besides make my annual gift? There are many different opportunities for involvement in the B'nai Tzedek program. You will meet other teens who want to help change the world---one person at a time. Our FALL KICK-OFF is an exciting way to celebrate the mitzvah of tzedakah with lots of other generous teens. The B'NAI TZEDEK RETREAT is an event where you'll learn to better understand your own values and the amazing organizations worldwide that have similar values. You'll learn how to decide where your gift can have the greatest impact. The SIYYUM/CONCLUDING EVENT is an opportunity to celebrate the generosity of the B'nai Tzedek teens. Imagine, you get to go to a really cool event. announce to which charity you are making your gift and hear from an outstanding philanthropist. Between events, you can stay connected by e-mail and the internet, meeting other B'nai Tzedek teens all over the country.

You may want to get involved with our TEEN LEADERSHIP BOARD, a group of teens who learn more about tzedakah, our community. This group will plan our annual events and provide leadership for all B'nai Tzedek members.

Will B'nai Tzedek help me get my fund started?
Of course we will! Besides adding $320 to your established fund, we have suggestions of ways you can ask others to help you get started with your lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

How do I decide where to give my annual donation? This is an opportunity for teens to learn about the amazing non-profit agencies working to meet the needs of the world's community. Throughout the year you will discover that there are many, many charities that could use your help and through B'nai Tzedek, you'll learn how to find the ones that are the best match for you as a philanthropist.

What happens to my B'nai Tzedek fund when I graduate high school? This is your fund and, as long as you keep adding to the fund and making annual grants from it, you can continue to make tzedakah gifts from it for the rest of your life!*

Join us and Make a Difference
Everyone keeps telling you that you are an adult now. Well, B'nai Tzedek helps make it real. You get to create your own fund, make your own choices, learn and grow as a Jewish philanthropist...and really make a difference.

Please join us today by clicking on the application form. If you or your parents have any questions, please e-mail or call Andrea Cohen at acohen@jcfphoenix.org, 480-699-1717, ext. 1404.