Project Ideas and Materials
Here are some suggestions for your Mitzvah Project. You can choose to organize a one-time event or do ongoing activites. You can also link your project to a theme or holiday.
Create an Online Fundraising Page
or your own webpage, please send a personal message, photograph and fundraising goal to Mitzvah@nacoej.org. The webpage will include a thermometer that will track your progress.
Sell NACOEJ Cards
Sell beautiful cards featuring the unique Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd.
Run A "Thon"
Raise funds through a basketball dunk-a-thon, bike-a-thon, or other types of "thon". Arrange for relatives, friends and classmates to sponsor you for set fees each time you perform the chosen activity.
Make Tzedakkah Boxes
Design and distribute tzedakkah (charity) boxes for your project.
Ethiopian Coffee Night
invite friends to an Ethiopian (decaf) coffee night. Serve Ethiopian coffee for a donation.
Share Your Lunch
Make and sell lunch bags or lunch bag stickers. The money you raise will feed Ethiopian-Jewish children. Or, have your school lunch program offer to add to the cost of a meal and donate the rest to feed Ethiopian children.
Bake-Sale or Craft Fair
Hold a fair and sell anything you want to make, such as cakes, lemonade or craft items.
Passover Help
Host a model seder in honor of the modern-day Exodus of Jews from Ethiopia to Israel.
Ethiopian Jewry Day
Plan an event to teach others about Ethiopian-Jewish traditions, such as Sigd, or major events in Ethiopian Jewish history, such as
Purim Baskets
Make and deliver Mishloach Manot (baskets of food) on Purim for donations. Or ask that people donate to your cause instead of giving extra Mishloach Manot.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Corner
Teach your classmates about Ethiopian Jewry. Organize a class or school event. Incorporate your project into your Bar/Bat Mitzvah speech. Put out info about Ethiopian Jewry at your celebration.
Movie Night
Host a movie night and show a film about Ethiopian Jewry.
Create and Sell Cards
Get creative and make your own greeting cards. Include a description of your project. Sell them to family and friends.
Feature Your Cause at a Celebration
Get creative by designing invitations with Ethiopian Jewish graphics. Include an insert with your invitation about your project. Create Ethiopian-themed centerpieces and place cards. Provide tips for your guests on how they can help your cause.