Ritzvah: A Golden Ticket

The Old v. New

Let’s face it – in the whirlwind of western culture, especially in the US, the new is always in, and the old… well, not so much. It’s like we’re on a never-ending treadmill of change, constantly chasing the next big thing. But in this whirlwind of change, are we missing out on something vital? What happens when there’s nothing tying us to our roots or to something bigger than ourselves? We are left with a bit of an identity crisis, leaving many feeling like they’re floating without an anchor.

The Others

Globally, from tribes to nations, there are rich, time-honored traditions that bridge generations. These aren’t just customs; they’re powerful initiation rituals, coming-of-age ceremonies, rites of passage – you name it! These milestone celebrations come in all flavors. Take Japan, for instance. They’ve got Seijin no Hi, where 20-year-olds are welcomed into society and step into adulthood. Latin American cultures throw a dazzling Quinceañera to celebrate a girl’s journey to womanhood. The Amish? They’ve got Rumspringa at 16 – talk about a cultural deep dive! Jewish cultures mark the transition with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and let’s not forget the Catholic Church’s Confirmation ritual. It’s a global party of growth and belonging!

THe U.S.

And in the U.S.? We’ve got… what? A driver’s license and high-school prom? Cool, but not exactly soul-stirring. Sure, Hollywood glories these with fun movies but where’s the depth, the meaning, a soul-satisfying event that says, “I have what it takes, I am loved, and I am ready for life’s adventure!?” Our lack of a rite of passage is more than just a cultural gap – it can leave the next generation wandering into adulthood without a compass, often extending those teen years way past their sell-by date. This can shake up decision-making, self-esteem, and life direction. What we’re missing is more than just a party. It’s about growing character, cementing identity, and knowing you are accepted (and loved) just for being you. It’s the secret sauce that can turn a society into a community, where everyone knows who they are and where they stand.

The Fix

So, what’s the fix? How do we bring that sense of epic adventure and eye-opening discovery into the lives of the next generation? There there are plenty of paths to take, but hey, every great journey starts with that first exciting step. Enter stage left: Bob Goff’s books ‘Love Does’ and ‘Everybody, Always’ (total must-reads, by the way!). These gems didn’t just open doors—they inspired change. Bob described how he kicked off a tradition with his kids, taking each of them on an adventure trip at ages 9, or 10. That got my wheels spinning – why not create a similar tradition, make a few changes, and share it so that we can help create generations that flourish!

The 14’er

Here’s the idea: When kids are in their 14th year, they’re given the opportunity to pick a dream destination (within reason of course – sorry, no Mars trips yet!). This isn’t just a trip; it’s a golden ticket to an adventure of a lifetime, accompanied by the most enthusiastic and loving supporters they could ask for – their parents. After all, who could be better companions for this incredible passage of discovery than the ones who have been their champions from the start?

The Epic

The journey is more than just a collection of Insta-worthy snapshots to share with friends, followers, and influences (though there will be plenty of those for sure). It allows the kids to reveal what truly excites, inspires, and motivates them. It’s a chance for parents to see the world through their child’s eyes – a perspective that might just offer some surprising insights while having shared experiences.

The Purpose

And the highlight of this adventure? It’s a special evening that transcends the usual dinner table conversation. This is where heart-to-heart discussions unfold, where parents share their admiration and insights into their child’s growing character. They spotlight their child’s strengths, dreams, and the immense potential they see in them. This moment is about empowering their leap into the next chapter of life with a fusion of love, confidence, and aspirations for the future. It’s a transformative experience that’s not just about ‘growing up’; it’s about igniting the path ahead with excitement, understanding, and a profound sense of self.

The Namee

Every monumental journey deserves a memorable name. Just as the Jewish community celebrates with their ‘Mitzvah,’ this new tradition has been christened a ‘Ritzvah!’

The Embrace

By embracing a Ritzvah, we taking a step towards nurturing a generation that’s confident, connected, and ready to give their unique gifts to the world. This is more than a solution to a cultural gap – it’s a path to a future where each young individual is celebrated, supported, and empowered to flourish in their own remarkable way.

The Rest…

We are excited to see how your Ritzvah story leads you.