Mitzvah Day
WHAT IS MITZVAH DAY?
On Sunday November 20th we will be participating in Mitzvah Day. Last year this initiative brought together 20,000 Jewish people across the world to help 150 different charities. Mitzvah Day involves hands on projects, no fundraising, to support charities, build a stronger community, reduce hardship and poverty, help sustain the environment and put into action three of the fundamental, core values of Judaism: tikun Olam (healing the world) tzedek (justice, righteousness) and gemilut chasadim(acts of loving kindness.) Judaism is a religion of action, we hear the call to go out into the world and make a difference, not to accept the status quo but to act to change the world for the better. When Abraham Joshua Heschel joined in the freedom marches in America he said “I felt as if my feet were praying.” We all have the opportunity this year to allow our feet and our hands to pray.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Every day in Sydney women and children are escaping domestic violence. They are forced to flee from situations of abuse, horror and pain. Most often, they are unable to take any possessions with them and they often escape with literally the clothes on their backs. Children are uprooted from their homes and lives, leaving behind all that is precious to them, sometimes unable to take even one toy. Women leave with nothing, knowing that to protect themselves and their children they have no choice and they find themselves, if they are lucky, in a shelter. Others are living in cars and on the streets. In these circumstances even the most simple of items become luxuries and a small human kindness can change the world for them and their children.
This mitzvah day, we have chosen to create care packages for women and children who are taking refuge in shelters or have been forced to live on the streets. Our packages will contain some essential items and others which are small luxuries as well as messages from our community for strength and courage. Just knowing that someone is thinking about them, that someone cares, can make the world of difference.
HOW CAN I HELP AND BE INVOLVED?
You can help and be involved in a number of ways. Donating goods before mitzvah day, and your time on the day itself.
HELP BEFORE MITZVAH DAY:
DONATIONS
From now until the 20th of November we will be collecting items to place in our care packages. We want to keep the packages as consistent as possible so if you could donate only the following items we would be most grateful.
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Hand lotion
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Lip gloss
- New small plush toys, no bigger than 7-8cm
- Small note books
- Textas, pens, pencils
We also remind everyone that the recipients often do not have a place to store the goods, so smaller to medium sizes would be best. We will make packages for women and for children. Bins will be placed in the synagogue foyer and you may bring the items any time before the 20th of November.
We are also going to make and decorate small drawstring bags in which to pack the items. If you are someone who sews and has a machine and you could bring your machine on the day and sew some of the bags we would be grateful. Or if you are able to help organise the sewing group including patterns, co-ordinating the cutting of material and sewing on the day, please contact Louise who would appreciate your assistance, at socialjustice@emanuel.org.au
HELP ON MITZVAH DAY
Join with us on the 20th of November from 10am-1pm at the synagogue. Bring your children, bring your friends, come alone and meet other members of our community and work together to make a difference in the world and lives of others. You can come for the whole time, part of it, whatever time you are able to give. We will be sewing, packing, decorating, writing notes, making goodies and having a ball together.
SAVE A LIFE ON MITZVAH DAY
Mitzvah Day is also the chance for you to save a life, literally. We will be offering testing for bone marrow compatibility with the Gift of Life Organisation. They take a small amount of your blood and enter you into a registry. It may be your marrow which could save the life of another human being.
INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
What: Mitzvah Day
When: Sunday 20th November
Time: 10am-1pm
Where: Emanuel Synagogue Hall
We look forward to seeing you on Mitzvah Day!
Social Justice Team
On Sunday November 20th we will be participating in Mitzvah Day. Last year this initiative brought together 20,000 Jewish people across the world to help 150 different charities. Mitzvah Day involves hands on projects, no fundraising, to support charities, build a stronger community, reduce hardship and poverty, help sustain the environment and put into action three of the fundamental, core values of Judaism: tikun Olam (healing the world) tzedek (justice, righteousness) and gemilut chasadim(acts of loving kindness.) Judaism is a religion of action, we hear the call to go out into the world and make a difference, not to accept the status quo but to act to change the world for the better. When Abraham Joshua Heschel joined in the freedom marches in America he said “I felt as if my feet were praying.” We all have the opportunity this year to allow our feet and our hands to pray.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Every day in Sydney women and children are escaping domestic violence. They are forced to flee from situations of abuse, horror and pain. Most often, they are unable to take any possessions with them and they often escape with literally the clothes on their backs. Children are uprooted from their homes and lives, leaving behind all that is precious to them, sometimes unable to take even one toy. Women leave with nothing, knowing that to protect themselves and their children they have no choice and they find themselves, if they are lucky, in a shelter. Others are living in cars and on the streets. In these circumstances even the most simple of items become luxuries and a small human kindness can change the world for them and their children.
This mitzvah day, we have chosen to create care packages for women and children who are taking refuge in shelters or have been forced to live on the streets. Our packages will contain some essential items and others which are small luxuries as well as messages from our community for strength and courage. Just knowing that someone is thinking about them, that someone cares, can make the world of difference.
HOW CAN I HELP AND BE INVOLVED?
You can help and be involved in a number of ways. Donating goods before mitzvah day, and your time on the day itself.
HELP BEFORE MITZVAH DAY:
DONATIONS
From now until the 20th of November we will be collecting items to place in our care packages. We want to keep the packages as consistent as possible so if you could donate only the following items we would be most grateful.
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Hand lotion
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Lip gloss
- New small plush toys, no bigger than 7-8cm
- Small note books
- Textas, pens, pencils
We also remind everyone that the recipients often do not have a place to store the goods, so smaller to medium sizes would be best. We will make packages for women and for children. Bins will be placed in the synagogue foyer and you may bring the items any time before the 20th of November.
We are also going to make and decorate small drawstring bags in which to pack the items. If you are someone who sews and has a machine and you could bring your machine on the day and sew some of the bags we would be grateful. Or if you are able to help organise the sewing group including patterns, co-ordinating the cutting of material and sewing on the day, please contact Louise who would appreciate your assistance, at socialjustice@emanuel.org.au
HELP ON MITZVAH DAY
Join with us on the 20th of November from 10am-1pm at the synagogue. Bring your children, bring your friends, come alone and meet other members of our community and work together to make a difference in the world and lives of others. You can come for the whole time, part of it, whatever time you are able to give. We will be sewing, packing, decorating, writing notes, making goodies and having a ball together.
SAVE A LIFE ON MITZVAH DAY
Mitzvah Day is also the chance for you to save a life, literally. We will be offering testing for bone marrow compatibility with the Gift of Life Organisation. They take a small amount of your blood and enter you into a registry. It may be your marrow which could save the life of another human being.
INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
What: Mitzvah Day
When: Sunday 20th November
Time: 10am-1pm
Where: Emanuel Synagogue Hall
We look forward to seeing you on Mitzvah Day!
Social Justice Team
