In Western Massachusetts, B’nai Tzedek enables bar/bat mitzvah youth to establish individual endowment funds. Set up by the HGF, together with the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts (JEF) in 1997, the program today involves close to 600 participants. Each teen contributes a minimum of $125 from his or her bar/bat mitzvah gift money. This amount is matched by $125 from JEF and $250 from the Harold Grinspoon. Each year thereafter, the teens distributes - five percent of the balance -- to a Jewish charity locally, nationally, or in Israel.

The core of B'nai Tzedek is about giving money to Jewish organizations. But it doesn't end there. Teens attend an annual retreat, community service and team-building events, receive newsletters, and an annual gala event.

The way it works is, you get to have your own B'nai Tzedek account created in your name. The money that goes into it in the beginning will come from three different places:

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah contributes: $125
  
• Jewish Endowment Foundation contributes: $125
  
• Harold Grinspoon Foundation contributes: $250
  
• Total in your B’nai Tzedek account: $500

So you have this account.

Now you're a philanthropist. The great part is that once a year, you will be contacted by the Jewish Endowment Foundation to ask you which Jewish charity you want to support with your donation. You will have the chance to donate 5% of your Fund balance (so, for example, 5% of $500 = $25).

And, as the years go on, you or your Uncle or Grandpa or Mom or Dad can add to your account on special occasions like birthdays or graduations. And every year, the 5% you give will get bigger as your account grows.

All you really have to do is decide which Jewish charities interest you most. Then we send the check to the organization in your name. When they get a gift from the "Your name Here" B'nai Tzedek account, they know it's coming from you.

Hey, there's more! When you join B'nai Tzedek, you become part of a whole bunch of other Jewish kids who are also fed up with watching the news every night and want to change the world.

B'nai Tzedek teens get together every year for an annual retreat, connect through our e-mail newsletter, The Giver Online Newsletter, and have the opportunity to attend an invitation-only Gala Dinner in the Spring. In addition, interested members can apply to join our Youth Foundation - a group of 25 teens who make decisions about where to direct large sums of money.

Join us! The most important thing about B'nai Tzedek is that it allows you to make a difference. We enjoy giving. It is a powerful way for us to make change in the world. It is a chance to express ourselves. And it is the best opportunity to support the Jewish issues we really care about.