A Mitzvah That Matters Right Now
Turn your biggest Jewish milestone into an act of tikkun olam — help fight antisemitism, fund life-changing retreats, and stand beside Jewish soldiers visiting San Diego.
Why This Matters
Antisemitism in America is at its highest level in decades. More than half of Jewish Americans report experiencing antisemitism in the past year. As a young Jewish adult, your bar or bat mitzvah project is an opportunity to take a stand — not just celebrate.
Through Jewmanity’s Mitzvah Project, you’ll learn about the challenges facing Jewish communities, connect with soldiers and survivors in Israel, and take meaningful action that creates lasting impact.
Jewmanity gives you real ways to make a real difference. This is your chance to not only mark your Jewish milestone, but to fight for your people, live your values, and make a difference that matters.
The Impact You'll Make
Your mitzvah project creates real change in four powerful ways.
Fight the World’s Oldest Hatred
Your project directly supports Jewmanity’s mission to educate communities, publish resources, and combat antisemitism at every level.
Fund Life-Changing Retreats
Money you raise helps send Jewish young people to retreats that build identity, resilience, and pride during a time when those things are under attack.
Volunteer with Jewish Soldiers
When Israeli soldiers visit San Diego, you can be there to welcome, serve, and honor them — a once-in-a-lifetime volunteer experience you’ll never forget.
Live Jewish Values
Tikkun olam. Tzedakah. Ahavat Yisrael. This project isn’t just a requirement — it’s a living expression of everything your bar or bat mitzvah stands for.
How It Works
A clear, supportive process from start to finish.
Get Started
The very first step is to connect with the Jewmanity team so we can support you throughout your project. We’ll pair you with a Jewmanity mentor, learn about your interests and strengths, and help you set a personal goal that feels right for you.
Learn
You can’t fight something you don’t understand. Before you fundraise or volunteer, take time to learn about what antisemitism looks like in America right now, why it matters, and what Jewmanity is doing about it.
Choose Your Path
Jewmanity offers three ways to make your mitzvah project meaningful. You can choose one, or combine them all for the biggest impact. Talk with your family and your Jewmanity mentor to decide what fits you best.
Fundraise
If you’ve chosen to fundraise, here is exactly how to do it. Your Jewmanity mentor will help you set up your fundraising page and create a compelling message that moves people to give.
Volunteer Experience
One of the most unique and powerful parts of a Jewmanity mitzvah project is the opportunity to volunteer when Israeli and Jewish soldiers visit San Diego. This is a hands-on experience you can only get through Jewmanity — and it will stay with you forever.
Share Your Story
Your project isn’t complete until you’ve shared what you’ve learned and accomplished with the people who love you. This is your moment to inspire others — and to show that your bar or bat mitzvah stands for something bigger than a party.
Celebrate & Continue
When your project is complete, Jewmanity will honor your commitment with a certificate of recognition — and we hope this is only the beginning of a lifetime of Jewish service and advocacy.
Choose Your Path
Make an impact in the way that speaks to you — or combine all three.
Fundraise for Retreats
Raise money to fund retreats for Jewish young people — experiences that build Jewish identity, resilience, and community during a time of rising antisemitism.
- Set a fundraising goal (see suggested goals below)
- Create an online fundraising page
- Host a fundraising event
- Share your story with guests at your celebration
Volunteer with Soldiers in San Diego
When Israeli and Jewish soldiers visit San Diego, Jewmanity organizes volunteer experiences so you can meet, serve, and honor them directly.
- Register as a volunteer with Jewmanity San Diego
- Help organize welcome events and meals
- Write personal letters to soldiers beforehand
- Document your experience for your mitzvah presentation
Raise Awareness
Use your voice — in your school, synagogue, and online — to educate others about antisemitism and what they can do about it.
- Give a presentation at your school or synagogue
- Create an informational display or poster series
- Write and share your personal story on social media
- Collect pledges from friends and family in exchange for awareness actions
How Much Should I Raise?
Every dollar you raise makes a direct impact. Here are suggested fundraising tiers — choose what feels right for you, and remember: it’s not about the amount, it’s about the effort and the heart behind it.
$180
Chai Level
Chai (18) is the Hebrew number for life. A perfect starting goal — and deeply meaningful.
$360
Double Chai
Double the life, double the impact. Achievable through family donations alone.
$500
Rising Star
Covers supplies and materials for a Jewish youth retreat experience.
$1,000
Champion
Helps fund a full retreat scholarship for a Jewish young person who couldn’t otherwise attend.
$2,500
Leader
Funds programming and resources for an entire Jewmanity retreat cohort.
Custom
Your Goal
Set any goal that feels right for you. We celebrate every dollar and every effort, equally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We're here to help.
How early should we start the project?
We recommend starting 6–12 months before your bar or bat mitzvah date. This gives you time to learn, fundraise, and potentially participate in a soldier visit. Contact us anytime — we’ll work with your timeline.
Does my child need to be in San Diego to participate?
No! While the volunteer experience with soldiers happens in San Diego, the fundraising and awareness paths can be done from anywhere. We’ll work with your family to find the best fit.
Will Jewmanity help us set up a fundraising page?
Absolutely. Your Jewmanity mentor will help you create a personalized fundraising page with your name, photo, and story. We’ll also help you craft a compelling message that moves people to give.
Does this project count as an official mitzvah project for our synagogue?
In most cases, yes. Jewmanity’s program includes community service, learning, and a presentation component — the three elements most synagogues require. We’re happy to provide documentation or speak with your rabbi.
What if my child is shy and doesn't want to do public presentations?
That’s completely okay. Presentations can be as small as sharing at a family Shabbat dinner or writing a reflection piece. We meet every child where they are and help them find a way to share that feels comfortable.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the Jewmanity Mitzvah Project. The program is free — all funds raised go directly to Jewmanity’s healing programs and retreats.
Can siblings or friends join the project too?
Yes! We love group projects. Siblings, friends, or even an entire Hebrew school class can participate together. Group projects often raise more and create a stronger sense of shared purpose.
Ready to Begin Your Mitzvah Project?
Reach out to the Jewmanity team today. We’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you make your bar or bat mitzvah truly unforgettable.