In the spirit of enriching Jewish lives and fostering community connections, The Tefillin Project has emerged as a beacon of generosity and purpose. Founded by former JLIC Yavneh fellow Jacob Bach, this initiative aims to provide free pairs of Tefillin to individuals who have never received one of their own. Supported by seed money from Yavneh’s Shtark Tank, The Tefillin Project has grown to impact Jewish communities worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and excitement around the mitzvah of Tefillin.
Seed Money and Support:
Jacob Bach’s vision for The Tefillin Project was given life through the support of Yavneh’s Shtark Tank, demonstrating the power of investing in initiatives that create meaningful connections within the Jewish community. Currently backed by Yavneh fellows Jack Margolius from Binghamton and Danny Carr from Montclair State, the program has received ongoing mentorship from JLIC Yavneh staff, ensuring its continued success.
Beyond Tefillin: Bar Mitzvah Celebrations and Community Involvement:
The Tefillin Project extends its impact beyond the physical gift of Tefillin. When presenting a pair to someone who has not had a Bar Mitzvah, the project goes the extra mile to plan and celebrate this significant milestone. Each giveaway event is carefully orchestrated to be a surprise, creating a special moment that lingers in the recipient’s memory. The focus on community involvement ensures that the positive culture around the mitzvah of Tefillin spreads, lifting the spirits of both the recipient and the community at large.
Founder’s Vision:
“We want to create an incredibly special moment that the recipient will remember for the rest of his life. In addition, we also want to lift up the community in which the recipient lives. We believe in creating a positive culture around the mitzvah of Tefillin and helping Jews get excited about strapping up!”
Global Impact:
To date, The Tefillin Project has distributed 25 pairs of Tefillin to individuals ranging from 16 to 71 years old. The project’s reach extends beyond the borders of the United States, touching lives in Ukraine, Germany, and Israel. With over 30 upcoming giveaways planned in various countries, the project continues to grow and make a meaningful impact.
A Grateful Acknowledgment:
The Tefillin Project extends heartfelt gratitude to JLIC Yavneh on Campus for being the initial funders of the project. Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Yavneh, acknowledging that their journey would not have been possible without the initial backing from the Yavneh community.