On Thursday, March 2, the Jewish Community Foundation welcomed teens and their families to its 17th annual youth philanthropy fair, the B’nai Tzedek Shuk.
The B’nai Tzedek Shuk is a highlight of the Foundation’s philanthropic programming which unites teens with Jewish communal organizations. The Shuk was planned by the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council, a cadre of teens that meets monthly to engage their peers in philanthropy. The group chose “Happiness, Heart and Chutzpah” as this year’s Shuk theme, which, according to the Youth Council, represents a reminder to “enjoy the moments we experience, remember to help others in need, and always challenge ourselves to grow.”
Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program introduces bar and bat mitzvah-age youth to the joys of tzedakah by inviting them to establish their own personal charitable giving accounts at the Foundation. Once a year, teen fundholders may donate 10% of their funds to a Jewish charity, either locally or in Israel. The Shuk gives fundholders the opportunity to learn about the missions of community organizations and how their donations can make a positive impact. In many instances, the Shuk is the first time teens are introduced to the array of organizations in the community.
“Helping others donate has been quite meaningful, since I know I am not only donating myself, but helping others to do the same,” said Judah Schuster, a B’nai Tzedek Youth Council member. “The council has also been a great way for me to meet other Jewish teenagers from the community. This year's Shuk, being the first in-person one since 2020, was a great time. We had a great turn out of people, and I thought it went very well.”
Attendees enjoyed a lively reception with kid-approved menu items such as mac ‘n cheese and quesadillas. While their children met with agency representatives, parents were guided through an engaging exercise exploring personal charitable giving values by Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy Josh Stein.
More than 20 local nonprofits participated in the event. JCRB|AJC Development Director Hillary Thomas said, “After approaching the JCRB|AJC table and hearing about the work that we do to combat antisemitism, a… student asked, ‘What was your organization's response to the recent antisemitic vandalism at Blue Valley High School?’ Of course, I shared that when incidents like that occur, our organization meets with school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and law enforcement to ensure an appropriate plan of action and response occurs. It was equally troubling, as it was encouraging, to see such a young student so aware of the antisemitism occurring in area schools.”
Sierra Debrow, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City community planning associate, said, “It was an honor to be able to represent Federation and share our work with such a passionate group of teens. I was truly blown away by the passion that these teens have for the Kansas City Jewish community, their readiness to learn about the many aspects of Jewish life that exist here, and excitement to give back to the community itself.”
Since B’nai Tzedek’s inception in 2001, more than 500 teens have opened funds and more than $375,000 has been donated to Jewish nonprofits. Nearly $7,000 has already been donated to charity by B’nai Tzedek fundholders this year.
Those wanting more information about the B’nai Tzedek program can contact Beatrice Fine at (913) 327-4618 or .