Mitzvah Day Across the Movement
Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Thursday, 26 November 2009
Mitzvah Day, Sunday 15th November was a great success this year and 17 Reform communities and organisations took part by making a difference through volunteering. Here are just a few of them.Hendon
Members of Hendon Reform Synagogue really took Mitzvah Day to heart. The older pupils of the Religion School together with some adults visited Osmond House, a Jewish Care home and entertained the residents with a variety of Hebrew, Yiddish and English songs.
Other members together with Sunday School pupils helped pack parcels and gifts donated by synagogue members including Chanukkah cards for Israel Defence Force soldiers, hospital gowns for children in India, men’s winter clothing for Homeless Action in Barnet, toys for the children of Barnado’s, stationery and Lego for World Jewish Relief and women’s and children’s winter clothing for communities in the Former Soviet Union.
Rabbi Yuval Keren said: “The response from our synagogue to Mitzvah Day was overwhelming. It was so good to see people of all ages gathered together for such good causes. I think everybody who helped and contributed felt a sense of community and achievement.”
Rabbi Keren later visited the Freeman Barnardo's family centre in Harlesden, North West London where he participated the unveiling of a plaque by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. After the event Rabbi Keren presented the gifts prepared on Mitzvah Day to children and young adults who benefit from this fantastic new Barnardo’s facility.
Manchester
Members of Manchester Reform Synagogue took part in a variety of projects co-ordinated by shul Member Julia Jacobson, starting with a clean up of Southern Cemetery led by Jessel Golding and his 18 member team of volunteers.
Executive member Rosemary Taylor organised the popular 'Buy One Give One' event outside a store in West Didsbury. Charities benefiting from the donations of items of shopping include Cornerstone (a Roman Catholic organisation that feeds the hungry at a drop-in centre in Hulme), Mustard Tree (a homeless charity supported by local Quakers), Unity in Oldham (supporting asylum seekers) and the Manchester Night Shelter. Rosemary said “The event this year was more successful than previously, with many more items collected. I’m so pleased that we have been able to continue to support such worthy organisations”.
Simone Cohen-Elf led a group of volunteers to paint a Cheder classroom in the shul, whilst Mandy Bernhardt led the junior choir, at the Heathlands Jewish Care home. There was also a walk with wheel chair bound residents around the grounds of Brookvale care home.
The day ended with a ‘Collectathon’ in the shul where volunteers gathered to collect and distribute tinned & dried food for the refugees and homeless, toys for children of Banardo’s, and spectacles for Vision Aid to be sent on to developing countries.
Mitzvah day founder and chair, Laura Marks has congratulated Manchester Reform Synagogue on their efforts saying “every project makes a real difference to the individuals it touches.”
North West Surrey
Approximately 30 synagogue members, with the support of four local Waitrose branches, launched a highly successful initiative on behalf of homeless in the area. Customers were encouraged to donate a food item to the charity and, as a result, over 1,000 foodstuffs were delivered to the Thames Homeless Project.
Other activities included, preparing care packages for children at Barnardo's, visiting elderly Jewish residents at Nightingale House in South West London and . This was the first time NWSS formally organised activities in recognition of Mitzvah Day. The well-organised volunteer opportunities enabled adults and children of all ages to participate in this worthwhile cause.
Mitzvah Day Project organiser, Jill Attfield, was impressed by how much was accomplished in such a short period of time and said: “I hope others will be inspired and learn that we all have the power to make a big difference in our community.”
West London
Members of the community were asked to collect bags of warm clothes which will be sent via World Jewish Relief to communities in the Former Soviet Union, whilst teenagers from the Religion School collected extra tins of food for the West London Homeless Day Centre, from shoppers at Marble Arch. A team of 12-13 year olds went to Hoop Lane Cemetery and helped with the sweeping, cleaning and weeding. There was also a mobile phone and empty ink cartridge collection.
The Religion school teenagers had never undertaken such a project before and this highlights the difference a group of youngsters can make to our environment and help support others in need.
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