The Family Times April 2018

celebrations

THE MITZVAH PROJECT: What Every Upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah Needs to Know

A mitzvah project is one way to make sure your bar/bat mitzvah is unique and special. You’ll choose one mitzvah, become an expert in it, and then present it to your friends and family in a way that only you can. Your bat mitzvah project is of the most meaningful things you can do in honor of your bar/bat mitzvah.

Here’s how it works: 1. Choose a Mitzvah

That’s not as easy as it sounds because there are hundreds to choose from! The good news is that, since there are so many, you should be able to find one that’s meaningful and interesting to you. Start by thinking about your strengths and talents. Are you detail oriented? Artistic? Good at math or science? Love cooking? There are mitzvahs that have to do with every area of life. All mitzvahs fall into two basic categories: • Mitzvahs between you and G‑d. Shabbat, keeping kosher and prayer are examples of mitzvahs between man and G‑d. G‑d commands us to do them, and they don’t directly involve those around us. • Mitzvahs between you and others. Charity, loving your fellow as yourself and the prohibitions against murder, stealing etc. are all examples of this kind of mitzvah. G‑d commands us to do them, but they directly involve those around us. 2. Find out everything you can about this Mitzvah. Start by making sure you know exactly how to do the mitzvah correctly. Once you’ve got it down pat, learn about what it means, and why it plays an important part in Judaism. Ask your rabbi to suggest books or other resources you can use. 3. You’ve done your research, now it’s time to make this mitzvah your own. Read over all your notes and highlight things that you found inspirational or meaningful. Think about how you would like to express this meaning and inspiration. It can be a scrapbook, a charity project, a computer program or a song. How you structure your mitzvah project depends on your own interests and talents and is entirely up to you. But the most important part of making this mitzvah your own is that you make a resolution to DIY--do it yourself!--whenever the opportunity arises. Since you’re now an expert in this mitzvah, it shouldn’t be a hard promise to keep. Let your imagination go – as long as you are determined and realistic you can choose almost anything for your mitzvah project. Although you’ll become a bat mitzvah with or without a Mitzvah Project, we encourage you to try it – it’s a wonderful way to enter Jewish adulthood. And, chances are, the experience will stick with you long after your bat mitzvah celebration is officially over.

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Family Times

APRIL 2018