Dear Parent,

I remember like yesterday my bat mitzvah. I remember what I wore, the way my hair was curled, the tinge of makeup that brushed my face. I remember also the awkwardness of being a teen; awkward body, awkward emotions, awkward transitions. I remember starting to ask questions, looking at the bigger scheme of life. Who am I, what is my purpose, why do I care so much what people think of me, and if I do, who am I? I remember suddenly seeking to do things, accomplish, create. I remember wanting to give to others, and not knowing how.
I was ambitious, I started different projects; letters for the sick, baking for the nursing home. I read chicken soup for the teenage soul and I was inspired. Coloring books for sick children? Swim-a-thon to raise money? Sadly, nothing really took off and I found myself in a rut of wanting to give yet unable to proceed.

You may not realize it, but the biggest gift you could give your daughter at this point of her life is the ability for her to give to others. The benefits are many, to name a few

- Giving will fill the gaping hole that many teens start to feel
- Giving will start the process of creating an adult that can share and be selfless
- Giving gives a sense of purpose; I have helped someone therefore I am needed
- Giving is a maturing process
- Giving leads to love. Giving creates individuals that are capable of love

Interestingly, I have found that in many cases it is not as easy as it may seem to find structured forms of giving for young people. I have created a program: BANGLE, where the basis of the program is giving. BANGLE is a bat mitzvah preparatory and learning program, which I will expound upon shortly. The reason that chesed-loving kindness is its foundation is because giving/chesed brings someone to a sense of self. Without a sense of self and worthiness, no learning in the world, no bat mitzvah preparations are worthwhile. Self esteem is first and foremost.

It is also important that we feel connected to our people, our land, our traditions, and our G-d throughout life. Bat mitzvah age is when you can begin to discover these connections. We will be studying various topics for our BANGLE program. We will explore Shabbat, the Jewish year; its holidays and cycle, and the meaning behind it all. We will read about great Jewish women throughout the ages and their influence, and we will study mitzvoth pertaining to Jewish women. Prayer, friendship, giving and peace are all part of the program. The program is geared to make the transition towards bat mitzvah age filled with a love and appreciation of Judaism and its wisdom.

The program will be split into three categories, the categories are:
Peace/light
Kindness/friendship
Prayer/soul

With each category will be projects and organized forms of giving, as explained above. The projects will be fun and fulfilling, yet exciting.
BANGLE stands for “Bring A New Gift LeEretz(to the land).” All our projects will be helping people directly in our land, Israel. We will help the needy through an organization called Yad Eliezer, we will help victims of terror through Hineni International, and young girls living in an orphanage in Jerusalem. The girls will have various objects to collect and donate. Of course this is more than a simple acronym. With each mission accomplished, the girls will receive a special bangle with a message, to be worn proudly on their wrists as a constant reminder of who they are and what they are accomplishing. They are, after all, BANGLE girls.

I hope with G-d’s help this program will help the next generation of brilliant Jewish woman become givers, leaders, and believers. I hope they come to realize how much they have to offer the world and what a difference they can make. I wish you all the best of luck, and am looking forward to helping you help them in any way I can.

Always,
Shaindy Eisenberg,
Director BANGLE