SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — From generation to generation, Jewish continuity so often hinges on the foundational Jewish lifecycle events.
Whether they are festive or somber, these are the moments that matter. They produce the memories that last a lifetime — memories which intimately shape Jewish identity and practice.
Indeed, many Jews never forget when they were called up for their first Aliyah at the Torah, donned tefillin for the first time, stood under the chuppah, named a child or said goodbye to a loved one.
Yet the material price tag that is commonly associated with traditional Jewish observance, coupled with other financial realities of daily life, means that our religion’s most important lifecycle events are all too often the first item which is cut from a family’s budget.
The Jewish Lifecycle Fund responds to this communal challenge by providing local Jewish families in need, based in San Diego, with the funds to ensure that no crucial Jewish lifecycle event is left behind.
This fund will distribute grants over the course of an initial two-year period in order to subsidize the cost of lifecycle events that contribute to Jewish spirituality.
In most cases, donations will be distributed directly to the supplier of services for Jewish lifecycle events.
The donations will support bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, funerals, tefillin, mezuzot, or any other lifecycle events and/or items which are deemed to enhance Jewish spirituality and observance.
Eligible recipients must demonstrate their desire to participate in the relevant event of this Jewish tradition as well as their need for financial aid.
Applicants may be required to provide a reference from their local Rabbi or spiritual leader.
At the conclusion of its initial two years, the lifecycle project’s creators will determine whether or not the initiative will continue based on the availability of funds and broader support within San Diego’s Jewish community, etc.
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For more information on the Jewish Lifecycle Fund, please email lifecyclefund@gmail.com
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