Mitzvah Day Magic
Two years ago Judy Feiglin had a dream. Last year together with an encouraging and inspiring committee the dream was realised and Mitzvah Day Australia was born. Judy Feiglin tells J-Wire readers about Mitzvah Day 2012…
This year I am proud and excited to report that on Sunday 25 November over 1000 volunteers from many sectors of the Melbourne Jewish community came together with the common goal of achieving the Mitzvah Day vision of “reducing the impact of hardship and poverty, helping our environment and bringing a little joy where it is needed, all through hands-on participation. It is a way for people to take an active part regardless of their affiliation, age, sex, location.”
The common feeling of those who participated in the 36 individual projects that took place on Sunday was a sense of fun and fulfilment and I would like to thank everyone who helped bring the Mitzvah Day 2012 dream to fruition and for their tireless behind-the-scenes work to make the day run perfectly.
And the dream grows ever larger hopefully with Jewish communities around Australia embracing Mitzvah Day in other cities. Here in Melbourne, there is scope for any number of new projects and we encourage the community to get on board. We can make a real difference together and I invite even more members of the community to join us next year for Mitzvah Day on 17 November 2013 to participate in what has become an international day of Jewish goodwill.
Over one hundred Jewish Care volunteers gathered at Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and used Mitzvah Day to prepare Chanukah gifts while also celebrating the upcoming International Volunteer Day.
From toddlers to elders, volunteers enjoyed decorating Chanukah holiday cards and sorting through colourful chocolate coins and dreidels with a wonderful community spirit. In less than 2 hours, 1500 Chanukah gift bags were packed for Jewish Care residents, clients and isolated community members.