Bar Mitzvah Tzedakah Project - Jude
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My name is Jude, and I am a 7th-grade student at an American School in Belgium. I am having my Bar Mitzvah in March 2024 at the International Jewish Center (IJC) in downtown Brussels. As I have been studying my assigned Torah portion and thinking about a Tzedakah Project that I would like to accomplish, I have noticed a lot of Ukrainian refugees in Brussels. I have seen them standing in line at the shelters in Brussels and met some of them in my school. Talking to these people and hearing what has been happening in the news reminds me of the lessons I have received on Jewish Diaspora or the biblical dispersion of Israelites or Jews out of their ancient homeland of Israel. I left my home of Charleston, South Carolina, not because I was forced to because of war or oppressors, but because my family was fortunate enough to obtain employment that allowed this opportunity. I honestly cannot imagine how horrible it would be to be forced to leave your home or country due to horror and safety.
My Torah portion is related to sacrifice. I learned that sacrifice in biblical times does not necessarily mean the same things in modern times. I thought about what I could sacrifice to help others. Luckily, my parents take care of my necessities. I don't have much money, except for the allowance I earn by doing chores. But I do have time. As a typical 13-year-old boy, I like spending time with my friends and family, playing sports and cross country, taking classes, and playing with my little brother. I realize that sacrificing my time to help others is not as significant as other sacrifices people have made throughout history. Still, enjoying my time, especially at school, is difficult when I see the Ukrainian Refugees suffering. I spoke to my Rabbi about this, and we discussed the idea of the true meaning of the word "Tzedakah." It is the Hebrew word for the concept of selfless giving and is linked to our obligation as Jews to pursue justice. Judaism emphasizes that doing what is right and is an important part of living a spiritual life and something we fully embrace when we become Bar Mitzvah. When it takes the form of generous, selfless giving, donors benefit us much as recipients.
For part of my Tzedakah Project, I started a GoFundMe page to raise money to support Ukrainian Refugees. I will sacrifice time from my typical "play" to engage in "Tzedakah." All money (100%) I raise will be donated to the Brussels office of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). HIAS, the world’s oldest refugee nonprofit, opened its office in Belgium’s capital only a few years ago. The office supports HIAS’ humanitarian work around the world, liaises with EU institutions, and brings together the European Jewish community in support of refugees and asylum seekers. My plan is to visit the Brussels office of HIAS and deliver this donation in person.
Please consider supporting me with my Tzedakah project and, more importantly, the people of Ukraine by donating to this Gofundme page. It is an honor to be completing my Bar Mitzvah here in Brussels, and I want to thank everyone who has been and who is currently supporting me and these efforts.
Shalom,
Jude
If you have any questions, please use the GoFundMe contact feature, and my parents and I will respond.
Information about the Donation:
Organizer
Joshua Zola
Organizer
Brussels, BRU