Opening the Dor: Building Bridges Through Giving
A New Tradition of Connection
At Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael, California, a new intergenerational tradition has taken shape through “Opening the Dor,” a Honeycomb youth philanthropy initiative focused on intergenerational giving between the youth of the community to the senior generation, which for Congregation Rodef Sholom meant connecting fifth graders to senior members of the community. Led by Religious School Director Aviva Lev-David and fifth-grade teacher Aurora Bernstein, the program empowers youth to learn the values and practice of giving while building lasting relationships with older generations.
A Gift of Structure and Purpose
When Aviva first learned about the program, she recalls, “It was such a gift. The structure was so beautifully and thoughtfully done.” Intergenerational connection is a core value at Rodef Sholom, but it hadn’t been a regular part of the Sunday School in recent years, so “Opening the Dor” quickly became a highlight of the year. Families are already lining up to participate again, and it’s now an annual tradition connecting generations through Jewish learning and philanthropy.
Stories that Build Bridges
A key feature of the program is when seniors share life experiences with the students. “It was the best part of the entire program,” Aviva says. “The conversations were so deep and genuine.” Sixteen seniors and about thirty fifth-graders participated last year, split into smaller classes to encourage discussion. The team plans to expand the format this year, allowing for more time and depth in both storytelling and giving.
Learning the Language of Giving
The Honeycomb curriculum provided the structure Aviva and Aurora needed to teach the fundamentals of philanthropy. “We needed a program to teach the building blocks of giving, and Honeycomb was there with an engaging, ready-to-use curriculum,” Aviva notes. Aurora adapted the lessons for younger learners, guiding them through big ideas like consensus, responsibility, and Jewish values that connect directly to their b’nai mitzvah studies.
Giving in Action
At the end of the program, the group donated $200 to four separate organizations: Project InnerSpace, IsraAID, Industrious Labs, and Shanti Project decisions made collectively after thoughtful dialogue. “Seeing how the seniors and students collaborated was incredible,” Aviva says. “It wasn’t one generation leading the other, it was true partnership.”
Looking Ahead
Aviva hopes to expand the program to include additional grade levels and integrate Honeycomb’s approach into Congregation Rodef Sholom’s existing Tikkun Olam and Mitzvah Maker initiatives. “Everything Honeycomb creates is so well thought out,” she says. “They help us teach and reach participants in meaningful, action-oriented ways.”
For Congregation Rodef Sholom, “Opening the Dor” has become a tradition, more than a program, it’s a doorway into connection, compassion, and community, where every generation learns the power of giving together.
Interview and Article by:
Matt Bergman, Senior Manager Operations and Communications, Honeycomb