The Bnei Mitzvah Volunteering Programme

JVN has recently renewed its commitment to Jewish education and community through its Bnei Mitzvah programme, with the tagline “Putting the V in Mitzvah”. Currently in its third year, the programme consists of two elements that will help young people aged 11-13 get to grips with the values that underpin volunteering, how it links to their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and how to begin volunteering themselves.

The first element is an hour-long interactive session for young people about volunteering, covering three main themes: how volunteering links to their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and the importance of community responsibility; the Jewish values behind volunteering and the benefits it can have for the volunteer; and practical ideas to get involved. JVN has been running the session in over 20 synagogues and youth groups as part of their pre-existing Bnei Mitzvah programmes from January 2014.

The second element is is bespoke support for the students in question, either as a group, individuals or with their families, in finding a worthwhile and age-appropriate volunteering adctivity to get involved in. We have partnered with several organisations within the Jewish community to arrange opportunities specifically developed for Bnei Mitzvah age young people. You can view the range we offer here.

If you are interested in this programme or might like to help deliver one of our sessions, please email our Volunteer Development Manager, Mike Silverstone, at mike@jvn.org.uk.