A Los Angeles program is turning Jewish teens into philanthropists

National youth philanthropy organization Honeycomb is implementing a one-year pilot project focused on teen giving at Adat Ari El in the San Fernando Valley, Congregation Ner Tamid in the South Bay, Sinai Temple in Westwood and University Synagogue in Irvine.

The initiative is called LAunchpad: The Los Angeles Synagogue Incubator for Youth Philanthropy.

“Judaism teaches us that tzedakah, actions of justice, is the path of righteousness,” Sinai Temple Rabbi Erez Sherman said. “Sinai Temple is proud to participate in the Honeycomb LAunchpad, to teach our teenagers, the future of the Jewish community, that their actions as young adults can matter today.”

The new program is transforming young people into sophisticated philanthropists, equipping them with tools for enacting civic and social change. Honeycomb is providing a total of $70,000 to the four participating synagogues, working closely with the congregations and staff on curriculums, resources and trainings.