- Dina, Community Educator
Following the decision making process, the members of “Bereshit Teen Foundation” decided to organize a benefit event that will benefit the two organizations (Mayyim Hayyim and Community Servings) which were runner-ups for the grant they were able to give out.
Community Servings is a not-for-profit food and nutrition program, providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. We give our clients, their dependent families, and caregivers appealing, nutritious meals, and send the message to those in greatest need that someone cares. Our goals are to help our clients maintain their health and dignity and preserve the integrity of their families through free, culturally appropriate, home-delivered meals, nutrition education, and other community programs.
Mayyim Hayyim is a 21st century creation, a mikveh rooted in ancient tradition, reinvented to serve the Jewish community of today. Mayyim Hayyim is a resource for learning, spiritual discovery, and creativity where women and men of all ages can celebrate milestones like weddings and b’nei mitzvah; where conversion to Judaism in according the honor and dignity it deserves; where survivors of trauma, illness or loss find solace; and where women can explore the ritual of monthly immersion on their own terms. Mayyim Hayyim makes mikve accessible and meaningful for the full diversity of our people for the first time in Jewish history. In the words of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, “The old becomes new, and the new becomes holy.” That is Mayyim Hayyim.
The event the participants chose to organize took place on July 30 and included both a benefit concert and a dance party. The concert included performances from talented artists from both BIMA and Genesis, and the dance party featured the D.J.s working at the Brandeis University radio station, who kindly donated their time when contacted by the teen foundation. Attendees were able to pre-order Kosher Chinese food for the event. Bereshit teens learned about the amount of effort it takes to organize this type of event and stepped up to the challenge: logistical planning, designing the flyer and thank you cards, decorating, recruiting artists, promoting the event and much more! The event, which was described by many participants as one of their summer highlights, raised $240 that will go towards these two organizations. Thanks to the event, Bereshit teen foundation was able to donate $240 dollars to Mayyim Hayyim and $200 to Communtiy Servings!
Below are the welcome and thank-you remarks from Ariel (Bexley, OH):
“On behalf of the Bereshit Foundation, I would like to welcome you to the Brereshit Benefit Concert. The Bereshit Foundation, as part of the Genesis Philanthropy expedition, led by Dina, was given $1,000 to divide and donate as we saw fit. The allocation process was challenging, but gave us a unique opportunity to learn about philanthropy and experience group decision making. Together we voted to donate $800, from our grant, to the East End House, an organization that provides programs for underprivileged children. The proceeds from tonight’s event will be divided between two other organizations, about which our group was passionate. Mayyim Hayyim is a Mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath, that has a welcoming, pluralistic community. Community Servings is an organization that makes and distributes meals to the hungry. Once again, I would like to thank you for your charitable donations which will be used efficiently for admirable causes. Let the dance party begin! “
