Doing a bat mitzvah project?

What is a good bat-mitzvah project?

• I don't want it to be a usual project like helping out at an animal shelter. I want it to be special. I like animals and the environment. I have already done some fund raising for endangered animals and can't do any more drives or fundraisers.

• Answer:

  A good project will be one that continues long after your party is over and the than you notes are sent. The idea of a project is to teach you a real life example of the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam -- repairing the world through the ritual of performing good deeds (mitvot). Some Jews believe that performing mitzvot will create a model society among the Jewish people, which will in turn influence the rest of the world. This idea sometimes is attributed to Biblical verses that describe the Jews as "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:5-6) and "a light of the nations" or "a light to the nations" (Isaiah 42:6 and Isaiah 49:6). And that in fact it is for this reason alone we are called the Chosen people, to perform these mitzvot. So I turn the question back to you: In what way can you contribute -- in an on-going and meaningful manner -- to be a part of being a light unto the world? You have a love of animals obviously -- how might you extend what you have already done and take a it a step further, as a more mature and knowledgeable member of your own community and a contributing member of society? This might actually requirre you to go and seek some guidance from the adults with whom you worked for ideas they may have -- and that too shows a level of maturity of a soon to become bat mitzvah as opposed to being just a child. This is a process of learning and growing that is important to our jewish tradition -- embrace the process of learning as well as the outcome and results of what you accomplish. it is all a part of your becoming a giving and nurturing member of your community. Be well, Mazel tov...and Shalom!