Mazel Pups’ B’nai Mitzvah Project Guide

When deciding what you want to do for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project, the first thing you should ask yourself is: what am I passionate about? If your project is related to something that you care about and enjoy, you’re likely to put more into it and more will be gained from the experience – both by you and by the organization, cause, people, animals, etc. that you’re helping with your project.

Lots of kids love dogs, and want to do a Mitzvah Project related to dogs. If dogs are your “thing” – whether or not you have one of your own – then there are lots of Mitzvah Projects that you can do involving dogs. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteer to walk dogs at a shelter: Most shelter dogs spend the majority of their days confined to crates. It’s a real treat for them to be able to get outside for a long walk, or – if the shelter has a yard – to have someone take them out to play in the yard. Many shelters don’t allow kids under 18 to volunteer without an adult, so if you’re going to volunteer to do this you’ll probably need a parent or other adult who can be with you the entire time.
• Train a dog to be a guide dog or service dog: If you’re willing to make the commitment (and your parent/s is/are up for it), you can bring a dog into your home and train that dog to be a service dog or a guide dog for someone who is blind.
• Foster a dog: Connect with a local rescue and volunteer to foster a dog, taking care of it and training it so that it’s ready to be adopted by its forever family. (Again, you can only do this if your parent/s want to do this as well.)
• Collect Items for a local rescue or shelter: Find out from a local rescue or shelter what items they need (e.g., food, towels, toys) and then collect those items – spreading the word about your collection among family and friends, and maybe at your synagogue, school and other places as well.
• Raise money for a rescue, shelter or other organization that helps dogs: There are lots of ways you can raise money for your chosen cause. You can either ask for money directly, or you you can provide a service that you charge for – such as walking dogs – and then donate the money. Or you can make a simple product (bracelets out of string, buttons or stickers with pictures of dogs or a cute saying, baked goods, dog treats, etc.) and sell them in exchange for money that you then donate to your chosen cause.

One great organization to look into if you’re interested in doing something involving dogs is the Israel Guide Dog Center (IGDC). Check out the website for IGDC, which has a whole section on B’nai Mitzvah and Tzedakah Projects that includes, among other things, a link that you can click on for a list of hands-on projects that other kids have done to raise money for IGDC. The hands-on projects include: 

• A group of students made dog treats and sold them at their synagogue Mitzvah Fair, then gave all of the money to IGDC.
• One student visited the Center in Israel, where she interviewed 12 of the Center’s graduates – then put together a calendar that she sold at Mitzvah Fairs.
• One student organized a “Walk your Human 2K.” In this walk-a-thon people walked a 2K with their pets. Each person paid an entry fee or got sponsors. Not only did they raise funds for IGDC, but the participants made friends, got some exercise, and had a wonderful day!
• Another student produced a “Best in Shul Dog Show” – where she raised over $1,000 from entry fees alone.

Did you do a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project related to dogs that you want to share? If so, contact us and we’d be happy to feature it in our B’nai Mitzvah Project Gallery.

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Here’s some more advice on finding a Mitzvah Project related to dogs, or any other topic, from Cheryl Friedenberg, Founder of the Mitzvah Bowl. The Mitzvah Bowl website enables you to type in keywords and your location, and then it will help you find Mitzvah Projects that will be fulfilling for you.

The Mitzvah Bowl offers ideas for Pup Mitzvah Projects

by Cheryl Friedenberg, Founder and President of The Mitzvah Bowl LLC

The Mitzvah Bowl is a website that provides an online platform for bar and bat mitzvah students to find and connect with different mitzvah projects. The Mitzvah Bowl was created to help students fulfill the mitzvah tradition by connecting them with organizations and projects that align with their interests and passions.

One of the unique features of the Mitzvah Bowl is its user-friendly interface. The website allows students to easily search for projects by category, location, and keyword, making it simple to find a mitzvah project that matches their interests and abilities. The website also provides a wealth of information about each project, including a description of the project, the organization behind it, and the skills and resources needed to participate. This allows students to get a clear understanding of what they will be doing and what they will need to bring to the project. It’s important to have a parent or guardian guide the student when contacting the organization so that they find out details/possible age restrictions of their volunteer opportunities.

The Mitzvah Bowl is not just a resource for students, but also for organizations and charities that need volunteers. The website provides a platform for organizations to reach out to potential volunteers and promote their projects. This helps to build connections between students and organizations and allows for a more efficient and effective use of resources.

One of the categories available on the Mitzvah Bowl is “Animals.” This category is dedicated to mitzvah projects that involve helping animals, and there are many dog-related projects available for students to choose from.

Here are just a few examples of the dog-related mitzvah projects that you may find in your local community:

~Shelter Volunteer: This involves volunteering at a local animal shelter to help care for dogs and other animals. Tasks may include walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and helping with adoption events.

~Pet Therapy: This involves visiting nursing homes, hospitals, or schools with a trained therapy dog to bring comfort and joy to those in need.

~Dog Training: This project may involve helping to train dogs at a local animal rescue or rehabilitation center. Students will learn about dog behavior and help train dogs to be more adoptable.

~Dog Care: This involves helping to care for dogs that are in foster care. Tasks may include feeding, walking, and playing with the dogs.

~Dog Park Clean-Up: This involves cleaning up and maintaining a local dog park. Tasks may include picking up trash, mowing the grass, and repairing playground equipment.

 Here are a few of our listed projects throughout the country:

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2015/06/canine-companions-for-independence/

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2019/01/southeastern-guide-dogs/

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2014/04/sams-hope/

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2013/04/national-greyhound-adoption-program/

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2012/07/guide-dog-foundation-for-the-blind-inc/

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2012/05/pals-for-life/

https://www.themitzvahbowl.com/2012/05/israel-guide-dog-center-for-the-blind/

 *Many pet-related non-profits require an adult present with a minor or have age restrictions.  Please review the guidelines with the organization.

 These are just a few examples of the many dog-related mitzvah projects that can be found on the Mitzvah Bowl website. No matter what your interests or skills may be, there is a mitzvah project out there that is perfect for you.

 The Mitzvah Bowl is a valuable resource for bar and bat mitzvah students who are looking for a meaningful and impactful mitzvah project. The website provides a platform for students to find projects that align with their interests and passions, and it also helps organizations and charities connect with volunteers. Whether you are interested in animal welfare, environmental conservation, or helping those in need, there is a mitzvah project out there for you. The Mitzvah Bowl is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

You can visit the Mitzvah Bowl website at themitzvahbowl.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/themitzvahbowl or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themitzvahbowl.