Honoring the memory of a seven-year-old girl from Tangiers by lighting the future of Israel's most vulnerable Jewish youth — one Bar and Bat Mitzvah at a time.
"No one has ever become poor from giving."
— Anne Frank
Estrella Benaim z'l was born to Rachel & Jacob Benaim z'l on March 24, 1964 in Tangiers, Morocco. Eight months later, Estrella, her parents, grandparents and six of her siblings arrived in Canada.
Estrella was a happy little girl — a protective older sister, always willing to lend a helping hand. In Grade 1, the only grade she would attend, she served as interpreter between her immigrant mother and her teacher at Parents' Night. Her mother beamed with pride telling that story for decades.
That summer, her entrepreneurial spirit was in full force. The days she wasn't selling lemonade with her brother Stan, she'd ride atop the newspaper wagon helping brother Judah with his route. On July 14, 1971, tragedy struck. She was 7 years old.
Her memory lives on. The foundation bearing her name has helped disadvantaged Jewish youth across Canada and Israel for over four decades.
Headed by Max Benaim, the B'nai Mitzvah BaKotel program arranges Bar & Bat Mitzvah ceremonies for Israel's underprivileged children at the Kotel. Children from across the State are brought with their families to Jerusalem — including, for the first time this year, orphaned children.
Each Bar Mitzvah boy receives a traditional Talit to mark his entrance into Jewish adulthood and a lifetime of mitzvot.
Hand-crafted Tefilin, a cornerstone of Jewish daily prayer, gifted to each boy celebrating his Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel.
A meaningful commemorative gift marking each girl's entrance into Jewish womanhood — a memory to last a lifetime.
A personalized Siddur presented to every child, so they carry Am Israel's prayers with them always.
Full two-day logistics — transportation from communities across Israel, meals, and comfortable accommodations.
A joyous celebration with a full ceremony and reception at the Western Wall. A day of pure, unforgettable joy.
"To live is to give, and there is nothing more important in a Jewish child's life than for them to know that whatever their situation, Am Israel will always be there for them."
— Max Benaim, Program Organizer
"The light beaming on their faces almost seems to reflect off the Kotel and ascend to the heavens."
Kol Hakavod to Max and Estrella for their dedication and all their hard work culminating in this unique, spiritual, heartwarming and unforgettable experience at the Kotel. It was both an honor and a privilege to be present and assist in all the festivities associated with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah of 90 underprivileged children from all over Israel. Thank you so much for allowing me to witness this event.
We have to thank you for giving us the opportunity to take part in the Mitzvah of this beautiful project. You do an incredible great job in putting it all together and making many children happy, giving them a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and a dream come true. May G-D bless you and your family with health, happiness, long life and may you do this project for many years in the name of your beautiful sister Estrella Benaim Z'L.
It is the children who provide the sponsors, participants, and organizers alike the tremendous joy and gratitude — to be part of their special day and to play a small role in their mitzvah is the greatest gift of all.
Every dollar goes directly to providing Israel's most vulnerable children with the Bar or Bat Mitzvah they richly deserve.
100% tax deductibleBar Mitzvah includes: Talit, Siddur, Tefilin, meals & transportation, ceremony at the Kotel & family reception.
Bat Mitzvah includes: Gifts, Siddur, meals & transportation, ceremony at the Kotel & family reception.
Every gift, at every level, is meaningful — and gifts of any amount are welcome.
Give securely online through CanadaHelps.
In the Fund drop-down, choose Estrella Benaim Foundation.
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