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!
Since 1989, we have been privileged to help thousands of poor families create happy holiday memories through distribution of food vouchers and aid for necessities.
This fund was established to help orphan brides & grooms in need, by supplying them with brand new basic appliances, so they can set up their homes just like anyone else.
Impoverished families are often unable to buy groceries to feed their families. "Groceries" doesn't mean extras. Sometimes it means even the most basic items like bread and milk.
With impoverished kids stuck at home, leaving parents unable to go to work, the loss of income makes an already difficult situation even worse. No money to buy food or pay the electric bill makes summer unbearable. We can bring relief.
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!