Ain’t No Mountain High Enough for Bnei Mitzvah Kids
Forty-five children and their parents climbed Helvellyn in the Lake District.
By Ahron Asher Moss
Originally published in The Jewish Chronicle
Bnei Mitzvah Charity Challenge leaders (l-r) Matthew and Natalie Jackson and Sarah Sultman MBE
Through “pouring rain and blistering winds”, 45 children celebrating their bar and bat mitzvahs scaled England’s third tallest mountain.
Along with their parents, they all completed the Bnei Mitzvah Charity Challenge – to climb Helvellyn in the Lake District, fundraise for a chosen cause and enjoy a relaxing Shabbat experience.
Nine years ago, Sarah Sultman MBE decided that with her daughter’s bat mitzvah fast approaching, she wanted to make it meaningful. A “keen hiker and trekker” herself, Sultman told the JC how she decided on a hike for kids and parents when talking to her friend, Natalie Jackson, in shul.
Initially a group of 40, the most recent expedition took over double that number. “Demand is so high that we have a waiting list. We really try to accommodate everyone who wants to take part,” Sultman said.
The need for a bigger youth hostel in the Lake District brought challenges, as did the weather. Although they always experience some rain in North West England, volunteer leader Matthew Jackson said that this was the “first year where the weather really presented a challenge. It was by far the worst weather we have had.” Despite the treacherous conditions, no one complained during the 3,000ft climb. “Everyone embraced the challenge – it was real team building.”
Sultman said that the character development of the young people was an important aspect of the programme. On the coach journey up, it was apparent that “some kids had been cajoled by their parents, or were anxious about the prospect of a long climb”. Sultman explained that to address these issues, the format of the programme had been “honed over the years. We give everyone a taste of hiking on Friday, then celebrate Shabbat together before the big climb on Sunday.”
The Bnei Mitzvah Charity Challenge is not affiliated to a specific charity. Each individual child must choose a cause to raise money for. During a moving evening event, each child explains to the group the reasons for their choice. “They’re all very emotional and include some deeply, deeply personal causes,” Sultman told the JC. “From that, we go straight into Kabbalat Shabbat.” To date, around 300 children have raised over £600,000.
Celebrated climber Alan Hinkes (centre) with Sarah and Richard Sultman
After being invited on the initial Bnei Mitzvah Charity Challenge, mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE has returned year after year. The first British mountaineer to climb all 14 Himalayan peaks over 8,000 metres, the non-Jewish climbing legend now inspires the Jewish youth with a talk on the Shabbat afternoon.
Sultman stressed how the annual event wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who assist simply “because they love it”.
Jackson said that “sharing our love for the outdoors and adventure whilst raising significant sums of money” was what motivated him to help.
Now sponsored by Israel Bonds, the Challenge offers bursaries, and the funding enable organisers to purchase reusable equipment, removing the need for single-use plastics during the stay in a youth hostel.
My Bar Mitzvah Adventure
Zachary Fels
When my dad told me about the Bnei Mitzvah Challenge, I said yes straight away. And I’m so glad I did!
The weekend was honestly incredible. Bnei Mitzvah Challenge Charity leaders Matthew, Natalie, Sarah, and the whole team looked after us so well, and the food (plus endless fizzy drinks and sweets) was brilliant. As well as spending time with my friends (and making new ones), I had the chance to raise money for a charity that means a lot to me, Chai Cancer Care.
We definitely earned it, especially on our first climb when the weather was the worst Matthew and the team had ever walked in since they started nine years ago.
The views were amazing, even in the rain, and along with the delicious food, great organisation and amazing company, the whole weekend had such a warm atmosphere. On Friday night we all sat in a circle and shared who we were raising money for and why, which was really special. The Kabbalat Shabbat service had so much energy, and the group felt so welcoming and friendly the whole time.
We also got to meet Alan Hinkes, a local legend who is the first Briton to climb all 14 of the world’s highest mountains. He gave an inspiring talk on Friday night, and it was pretty cool knowing he was out walking with us too.
One of the highlights for me was seeing how beautiful the Lake District is. On Shabbat we went down to a local stream – some people were brave enough to go for a swim in the freezing water, while the rest of us just dipped our feet in. Luckily, nobody fell off the side of the mountain!
It really was an amazing weekend and the perfect way to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah.
Reaching New Heights: Israel Bonds and Lev Properties Celebrate the Bnei Mitzvah Challenge 2025
This year’s Bnei Mitzvah Challenge truly lived up to its name, inviting over 40 Jewish children from the UK to scale not just metaphorical heights in their journey to adulthood, but a literal one as well: Helvellyn, the highest peak in the Lake District and one of the UK’s most iconic mountains.
Braving wind, rain, and steep inclines, these inspiring 12 and 13-year-olds took on the physical challenge with courage and pride, raising over £80,000 for local charities in the process. The initiative marks a Bar or Bat Mitzvah not just with celebration, but with tzedakah (charity), commitment, and community action.
It’s a journey proudly supported by Israel Bonds, with each child receiving a gifted Israel Bond from the challenge’s official sponsor, Lev Properties Limited.
“Climbing Helvellyn is no small feat,” said Orit Usharovsky of Israel Bonds. “These young people pushed themselves physically and spiritually, and proved that even at 12 and 13, they can lead, give back, and inspire.”
We believe real success is measured by what you give back,
The Bnei Mitzvah Challenge’s success owes much to the generous support of Lev Properties, who provided each participant with the meaningful gift of an Israel Bond, a symbol of investment in both their personal growth and the future of the Jewish people.
For Orit and Chen Lev, co-founders of Lev Properties Limited, this sponsorship is a natural extension of their values-driven business philosophy. With decades of experience and deep ties to both the Israeli and UK Jewish communities, Lev Properties is a trusted partner for those seeking real estate opportunities that align with ethical principles and Jewish identity.
“We believe real success is measured by what you give back,” says Orit. “We’re honoured to support these remarkable children and their families on such a meaningful journey.”
“We see our work as a bridge,” says Chen. “Between Israel and the UK, between values and action, and between generations. Supporting the Bnei Mitzvah Challenge lets us build that bridge in a very real way.”
Thanks to Israel Bonds and Lev Properties, the 2025 Bnei Mitzvah Challenge participants walked away not only with sore legs and incredible memories, but also with a sense of empowerment, pride, and a lasting connection to Israel and their Jewish identity.
“Climbing Helvellyn is symbolic,” adds Orit Lev. “These children are reaching new heights not just physically, but spiritually. They’ve shown us what the future of our community looks like. And it’s bright.”
Based in Liverpool, Lev Properties is a boutique real estate firm specializing in ethical investment opportunities, particularly for Israeli families seeking trusted property management in the UK. With more than a thousand properties under their care, the team, led by Orit and Chen Lev, offers bilingual, culturally aligned service rooted in transparency, personal connection, and Jewish values. From architecture and renovation expertise to investor relations, Lev Properties provides a hands-on, people-first approach that builds trust and delivers results.
Their support of the Bnei Mitzvah Challenge reflects a simple belief: community comes first, and investing in people is just as important as investing in property.
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