UJA's Lion Cub program introduces young women in their bat mitzvah year to the power of philanthropy—helping them learn about charitable giving, community responsibility, and what it means to make a meaningful impact. For one family, those lessons became the inspiration for something far beyond a single mitzvah project. 

Recognizing a challenge many families face—managing bar and bat mitzvah gifts while finding a meaningful way to incorporate charitable giving into the celebration—Melissa Hershberg and her daughter Rebecca launched Mitzvah Joy, a new charitable initiative that weaves giving back into every bar and bat mitzvah celebration. 

The platform allows guests to contribute using their preferred payment method, with 90% of each gift going directly to the bar or bat mitzvah child and 10% supporting a charity chosen by the family. It also simplifies gift tracking, digital thank-you cards, and connects families with charitable organizations across North America—making it easy to weave giving back into every simcha. 

Melissa credits her daughter Rebecca's participation in UJA's Lion Cub program with inspiring the idea that became Mitzvah Joy. Through the program's focus on philanthropy, community, and tzedakah, Melissa and Rebecca began thinking differently about what a bar or bat mitzvah project could be. 

Today, Mitzvah Joy is helping families celebrate in a way that is simpler, more meaningful, and rooted in Jewish values—an inspiring example of how the lessons learned through Lion Cubs can spark ideas that create lasting impact across the community. 

The next great idea could begin with a Lion Cub experience. Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 cohort. 

The program is open to young women in their bat mitzvah year who are sponsored by a current Lion of Judah or Lion in the Step-Up program, reside in the GTA, and are able to participate throughout the year. 

Learn more or register a Lion Cub today.