Watch our Global Bat Mitzvah

WATCH THE FULL PROGRAM

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Why a bat mitzvah?

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the first Bat Mitzvah, Project Kesher is preparing women and girls in Belarus, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine to become B’not Mitzvah. On March 24, 2022, we will gather on Zoom for a lively global Bat Mitzvah celebration at 12 noon eastern time. In this 1 hour program, we will meet Bat Mitzvah participants of all ages, hear their stories, and debut a video documenting their journeys. In March 1922, Judith Kaplan Eisenstein, daughter of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan (founder of Reconstructionist Judaism) was the first person to celebrate a Bat Mitzvah, opening the gates for women to this beautiful ritual and greater equality in Jewish life. Still generations of women worldwide have been denied the chance to take on, learn, and lead Jewish traditions in their communities based on gender. Women run Jewish life, volunteer, and lead, often without ever having the opportunity to be celebrated and welcomed formally as a member of the community. Project Kesher, a global movement of women leaders who build Jewish life and advance the status of women and girls in Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and Russian-speaking communities in Israel, is inviting women ages 12 and up to become a Bat Mitzvah, Project Kesher style. Right now, Project Kesher community educators and rabbis are supporting women and girls to study, bless the Torah, and lead a mitzvah project, and 3 Torah scrolls are available to be returned to the region for these simchas, happy occasions.

Why now?

There has never been a more important time for this inspirational program.

Six weeks ago, the women of Project Kesher Ukraine (PKU) refused to cancel their plans for their group Bat Mitzvah. In fact, after discussing emergency and evacuation planning in their staff meeting, the PKU staff set out to travel to Odessa, Ukraine, to prepare for the upcoming momentous occasion. Vlada Nedak, Executive Director of PKU shared, “Planning the Bat Mitzvah for the women and girls of Jewish Ukraine has been a great distraction and joy during this time. It has kept us focused on the positive and conscious in the present, despite the frightening news reports all around us.”

That same Shabbat, Project Kesher women and girls from Belarus joined those in Russia, and Russian-speaking women in Israel gathered in Jerusalem, for the Project Kesher Global Bat Mitzvah.

Today, the PKU staff has been dispersed across Western Ukraine and European border countries, and yet they still remain dedicated to the work of empowering women in Ukraine. They are working tirelessly to evacuate and resettle women and their families - with dignity. PK-trained leaders from around the globe are organizing humanitarian relief efforts and community mental health support. Therefor, we remain committed to celebrating the women of Project Kesher and their Global Bat Mitzvah on March 24, 2022. We hope you will join us in supporting them and their work.

What can I do?

Join us for a program designed to be a catalyst for change. In lieu of an in-person benefit this year, we hope you will attend. The March 24, 2022 celebration will be a chance to get to know the inspirational women of Project Kesher and share in the joy of Jewish life in Belarus, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine.

Support Project Kesher with a sponsorship gift. Click here to view sponsorship levels and critical needs.

Why support Project Kesher?

Since the onset of the global pandemic, Project Kesher leaders have been the pioneers of vibrant, joyful Jewish life online. Project Kesher is also one of the only organizations continuing to provide humanitarian support, including medicine and medical supplies for COVID patients, to the Jewish community in Belarus. Your donation makes a meaningful impact on the women Project Kesher serves.