Orr Shalom -- Homes for at-risk children in Israel is establishing a way for students to put the mitzvah back in the equation
By Lynn Berney
A new trend is emerging amongst bar and bat mitzvah students in America that involves learning about the important role of tzedekah in Judaism. This year’s bar and bat mitzvah students at Or Zarua are being offered the opportunity to support severely abused and neglected Israeli children through contributing to American Friends of Orr Shalom.
Twenty five years ago, 1979, Orr Shalom pioneered the first therapeutic family group homes for Israeli children that have been removed from their biological families by social services or the courts due abuse and neglect. With over 245 full and part time employees and the support of the Israeli government, Orr Shalom is able to provide these children with a family-like atmosphere including “house” parents, therapy, counseling, food, basic clothing and education in the public school system (when possible).
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah program is a chance for Or Zarua children to give tzedekah and fulfill an obligation of becoming a Jewish adult. Children may choose to support the Orr Shalom program by donating supplemental funding that will provide additional therapy, clothing, after-school programs, an allowance, and an occasional trip to the movies. Or, Or Zarua children may contribute to an Orr Shalom child’s own bar and bat mitzvah celebration. In Israel, having a bar or bat mitzvah is considered a universal right of passage or ones birth right. Regardless of the direction of funding, financial support helps an Orr Shalom child assimilate into society and have some of the experiences of “normal” children.
For more information about the Bar and Bat Mitzvah program or Orr Shalom please contact Lynn Berney at 212-672-5169 or lberney@orr-shalom.org.
Visit the Orr Shalom website at www.orr-shalom.org.il