Kids helping kids: Youth Renewal Fund receives valuable support from middle and high school students across the United States. These generous kids are committed to improving the education opportunities for their less fortunate peers in Israel. YRF is grateful to the many boys and girls who have chosen to help fund our education projects. Their gifts are especially meaningful, as they demonstrate unity and partnership between children of both nations.

Featured Tzedakah Story: In honor of his Bar Mitzvah, Zak Levenstein held a rock concert to benefit YRF's Ethan H. Freed Learning Center. Ethan was a campmate of Zak's who inspired him to create this special memorial concert. Read more about the concert here.

Below is a photo of two boys in Manhattan who helped YRF by selling cookies and lemonade to parade-goers at the 2008 Israel Day Parade. Click here to read more tzedakah stories from kids around the country.

"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for "charity," or giving aid to those in need. However, the nature of tzedakah is more complex than its English translation. The word "charity" suggests a simple act of kindness to benefit the less fortunate. The word "tzedakah" comes from the Hebrew words "Tzadei-Dalet-Qof," meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. Therefore, tzedakah is not viewed as a merely an act of generosity; it is the performance of one's duty to give to those in need. Tzedakah projects are an excellent way to support Youth Renewal Fund.

If you choose to raise money for YRF in honor of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or another special event, we will create personalized flyers that can be distributed to friends and family outlining your project, your fundraising goal, and any other requested details. The YRF office will send you regular updates on all gifts received in your name.

For more information on how you can help YRF by starting a tzedakah project, please contact Merritt Birnbaum at 212.207.3195 or merritt@youthrenewalfund.org.

These are just a few of the many American kids who have chosen to help Youth Renewal Fund make a difference in the lives of Israeli children. To date, YRF has received funds totaling more than $30,000 from tzedakah projects created by kids in the US. These funds are being used to help train and hire teachers, buy computers and books, provide healthy meals, and a host of other essential items that are lifting Israeli children out of poverty.

A contribution to YRF is a contribution to the future of Israel. Donations from YRF's Board of Directors cover all costs associated with running the US office, ensuring that all additional funds received go directly to education projects in Israel.

Every dollar received has an impact and enables YRF to help more children in need.