(Courtesy of Yad Leah) Planning a bar or bat mitzvah and looking for something more than just a party? Yad Leah offers the opportunity of a lifeline — to celebrate your simcha by giving back — creating unforgettable moments that are full of impact, right here in northern New Jersey
Whether you choose to pack clothing for families in need, host a clothing drive, or create personalized gift kits, through partnering with Yad Leah bnei mitzvah celebrate their special milestone while lifting others up across Israel.
Yad Leah’s newly expanded volunteer center in Passaic is the newest destination for one of a kind celebrations. The center features a spacious room with buffet space, table seating for up to 75 guests, a large video montage screen, a podium for speeches and, of course, the main attraction: the Pack-for-Israel Experience, a hands-on, engaging chesed program suitable for participants of all ages. Each event is fully customized in collaboration with a Yad Leah staff member, allowing families to focus on celebrating and giving back.
Eden Fenner of Teaneck, a sixth grade student at Yavneh Academy, included Yad Leah’s hands-on Pack-for-Israel experience at the Passaic Volunteer Center as part of her bat mitzvah celebration. After the chesed activity, family and friends continued the festivities at a nearby event space.
Clothing Drives That Bring Communities Together
Jane Schneidman and Arie Donath took a creative approach, combining a clothing drive in Manhattan’s Upper East Side with a delivery of the collected items and a tour of the Yad Leah warehouse in Passaic. The event brought their community together for a meaningful cause and gave the teens a chance to see a chesed operation in action.
“This was a celebration that truly reflected our values,” shared one parent. “The kids were proud, and the community was inspired.”
Create Connection With Kesher Kits
Looking for a more personalized project onsite at our Volunteer Center or off-site at your event?
At her bat mitzvah party in Springfield, New Jersey, Tzofia Hoffer created “Kesher Kits” — small gift bags filled with cute accessories and handwritten notes of encouragement for girls in Israel.
“These customizable Kesher Kits personally remind each recipient that someone across the world cares about her. It is truly a kit of connection.” said Yael Bleicher, Yad Leah director of community engagement.
Shul Bat Mitzvah Programs
Many rebbetzins choose to bring the bat mitzvah girls from their shul to the Yad Leah Volunteer Center each year. These special visits help the girls understand that becoming a bat mitzvah means taking on the responsibility of doing mitzvot and giving to others in a meaningful way.
A Simcha That Gives Back
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Yad Leah offers many ways to mark your milestone with meaning—by supporting families in Israel through your simcha.
To learn more or start planning your simcha, email [email protected] or visit yadleah.org
