“Financial ruin” and the significance of the Bnei Akiva bencher project

When we started the Bnei Akiva bencher project, we knew that it would be useful to Bnei Akiva as a fundraiser. Originally it was intended as a fundraiser for Bnei Akiva New York/New Jersey. For the second printing, we offered it to other regions as a fund raiser too. I think some members did not understand what to do with the project or how it would help.

However, in the last year or so, because of the economy, local Bnei Akiva regions are suffering due to cuts in funding. A recent article in Haaretz entitled “Zionist youth say they face financial ruin” points to the fact that the Jewish Agency has cut funding and therefore each of the 17 movements receive 80,000 NIS (about $21,000 as of posting) a year. This is for world-wide activities. Bnei Akiva has about 20 regions in North America which all require financing and need to do so locally.

What’s great about the bencher project is that it is an easy way for people to help their local regions without a direct donation. A bencher is something that people use anyway, so why shouldn’t Bnei Akiva be able to fund projects with it? It is also a project which doesn’t require alot of upfront work for local regions like bake sales, selling flowers or other items do. Its just a matter of letting people know that the project exists so that people who would be interested in using this bencher know that its available for use.

So spread the word! Let people know about the project! Ask us about the project and ask your local Bnei Akiva representatives too.

If you prefer to learn about it online please see:

Bnei Akiva Birkonim

Birkonim Frequently Asked Questions

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