On April 23, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is hosting Community Mitzvah Day, a day dedicated to good deeds and giving back in honor of Israel’s 75th anniversary. Volunteer opportunities will be available for people of all ages throughout the community.
Chesed, acts of loving-kindness, and mitzvot, good deeds, are cornerstones of Judaism. Each of the volunteer opportunities below offers participants the chance to follow these commandments through the lens of a particular Jewish value. Find which value motivates you to give back to your community.
1. Sh’mirat Ha-Teva
Sh’mirat Ha-Teva is all about caring for nature and the Earth around us. The options below focus on conservation and restoration, giving volunteers the opportunity to clean and beautify our community.
Cemetery Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Har Jehuda Cemetery
Join fellow volunteers for a fun, inspiring "Friends of Jewish Cemeteries" (FJC) Har Jehuda Cemetery Clean Up. Help turn the tide of despair due to years of neglect, unstable ground, broken and fallen headstones. Volunteer participation supports descendants, community members, and neighbors along with those at rest. Activities will include cutting overgrowth (e.g., vines, weeds, etc.), trash pick-up, and raking. Tools will be provided. Bring garden clothes, gloves and a hat. This volunteer opportunity is recommended for age 12 and up. To register, click here.
Cemetery Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Har Nebo Cemetery
Join fellow volunteers for a fun, inspiring "Friends of Jewish Cemeteries" (FJC) Har Nebo Cemetery Cleanup. Help turn the tide of despair due to years of neglect, unstable ground, broken and fallen headstones. Volunteer participation supports descendants, community members, and neighbors along with those at rest. Activities will include cutting overgrowth (e.g., vines, weeds, etc.), trash pick-up, and raking. Tools will be provided. Bring garden clothes, gloves and a hat. This volunteer opportunity is recommended for age 12 and up. To register, click here.
Community Trail Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
Participants will clean the walking path that encircles the JCC campus for community use. The beautification of the path was started last year and, once completed, will be a beautiful asset for those visiting the JCC to walk, run and stroll in the surrounding nature. Volunteers should be prepared to be outside for several hours, come wearing long pants, long sleeves and be available to do yard-like work. To register, click here.
Mitzvah Fair: Arboretum Restoration
April 23, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ambler Arboretum of Temple University
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at the Ambler Arboretum by helping to replant and revitalize spaces damaged from the 2021 tornado. Projects may include tree planting, general garden cleanup and planting garden spaces. To register, click here.
Mitzvah Fair: Park Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
High School Park
Come and be part of caring for High School Park, which includes 11 acres right in the center of Elkins Park! Volunteers will help with weeding, spreading wood chips and mulch, collecting trash, sweeping the long stairs and planting some of the new gardens. There will be projects for all ages and abilities! To register, click here.
Greening Greenfield School Yard Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Albert M. Greenfield School
Join us as we clean up the play yard at Greenfield, a public elementary and middle school. Spend the morning in the heart of the city as we give back to our community by taking care of our public spaces. Come help maintain and beautify the yard, ensuring that it is clean and welcoming for kids to play. To register, click here.
2. Kibud Zekaynim
Kibud Zekaynim teaches us to honor and care for our elders. The options below will give volunteers the opportunity to work with or provide support for older adults in the community by offering meals and/or companionship.
Breakfast Bags for Seniors
April 23, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Congregation Kol Emet
Join Congregation Kol Emet to help prepare the most important meal of the day: breakfast! Drop off non-perishable breakfast items, help pack and decorate breakfast bags and create cards to bring a smile to KleinLife recipients. Congregation Kol Emet will also be accepting non-perishable breakfast items prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
Breakfast Bags for Seniors
April 23, 2023 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ohev Shalom of Bucks County
Join Ohev Shalom to help prepare the most important meal of the day: breakfast! Drop off non-perishable breakfast items, help pack and decorate breakfast bags and create cards to bring a smile to KleinLife recipients. Ohev Shalom will also be accepting non-perishable breakfast items prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
Food, Smiles and Mitzvot
April 23, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Miriam and Robert M. Rieder House
Volunteers will participate in a meaningful day, filled with food, smiles and mitzvot. Participants can enjoy a light lunch in the Rieder House community room, which will include an Israel 75 program led by Shaare Shamayim’s own, Rabbi Sandi Berliner. Volunteers will then walk the halls of the Rieder House to distribute a challah to every resident in the community along with a craft previously made by the students of Paley Early Learning Center. To register, click here.
Making Our World Beautiful
April 23, 2023 | 2:00 p.m.
Horsham Center for Jewish Life
Join community volunteers and nursing home residents for intergenerational mitzvah activities. Volunteers will work together to assist in beautifying the outside garden area at the center. Additional activities may include making glass tile stepping stones, mural painting, and decorating and planting flowers in flower pots. In addition, the program will include storytelling and singing. Masks are required for indoor activities. To register, click here.
3. Kehillah
Kehillah encourages us to build an inclusive community. The opportunity below will provide a sensory friendly opportunity for all to give back.
What’s Tzedekah? A Sensory Friendly Program
April 23, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
This inclusive, indoor event for children focuses on the value of giving Tzedakah. Families will have the opportunity to have a special gallery tour to see examples of Tzedakah boxes, hear stories about the importance of Tzedakah and make their own box to take home. The jkidaccess team will provide support for children who need accommodations to participate. To register, click here.
4. Gevurah
Gevurah is about strength, both physical strength and content of character. The option below will give volunteers the opportunity to thank lone soldiers in Israel for their courage.
Care Packages for Lone Soldiers
April 23, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chester County History Center - Auditorium
Community members are invited to gather in the auditorium of Chester County History Center to learn about The Lone Soldier Center, in memory of Michael Levin (z"l), an Israeli non-profit organization that provides services and support for IDF soldiers who don't have family in Israel. On Mitzvah Day, volunteers will make tzedakah boxes, greeting cards, and collect personal hygiene and new clothing items. These items will be distributed to current lone soldiers in Israel. To register, click here.
5. Sh’mirat Ha-Guf
Sh’mirat Ha-Guf teaches us to care for our bodies. The options below focus on cooking, packing and sorting food for members of the community in order to combat food insecurity.
Cook for a Friend
April 23, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia
Participants will prepare Cook for a Friend meals with kosher frozen pre-cooked ingredients. Approximately 200 meals will be made in two hours from start to clean-up. These meals will benefit low-income homebound older adults across the Greater Philadelphia area. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat they don’t want to wear a hairnet. To register, click here.
Feed the Homeless
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County
Participants will make soup at Beth Israel to support a homeless project, Better Days Ahead. The director, staff and volunteers of Better Days Ahead will take the soup that we make and feed homeless persons in Phoenixville and Pottstown. The volunteers of Better Days Ahead will take the soup to a homeless shelter, where they will heat it and feed 200 people. Beth Israel Congregation will also be accepting canned vegetables, tomatoes and lentils prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
Food Deliveries
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
JRA Warehouse
Each month, volunteers from around the community come together to pack and deliver kosher food for individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia struggling with hunger. JRA is unique in that the food is hand-delivered to community members in need. Volunteers will be able to sign up to deliver food by selecting a “delivery route.” A delivery route consists of a few houses within close proximity to one another or an apartment complex. Advanced registration is encouraged. To register, click here.
Food Drive and Grocery Sorting
April 23, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (KI)
Food insecurity remains a huge problem as people are struggling to pay for rent, medications and other bills. Community volunteers will help the HaMotzi Dinner Program at KI sort and package donated items for later distribution. KI will also be accepting toiletries and non-perishable food items prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
Food Packing: All Ages
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
JRA Warehouse
Each month, volunteers come together at JRA’s Northeast Philadelphia warehouse to pack and deliver kosher food for individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia struggling with hunger. During the all ages packing shift, volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities are welcomed to help pack pantry staples, fresh produce and other household supplies into boxes while working in a giant assembly line. Closed toe shoes are required. Advanced registration is encouraged. To register, click here.
Food Packing: JRA Juniors
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
JRA Warehouse
Each month, volunteers from around the community come together to pack and deliver kosher food for individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia struggling with hunger. JRA Juniors is a special opportunity for families with kids under 10 to pack food in a comfortable warehouse environment. Families will get a pushcart, then walk along the assembly lines to pack food into boxes.There is no minimum age to participate! Snacks, music and fun are all included. Closed toe shoes are required. Advanced registration is encouraged. To register, click here.
Mensch Making Mitzvah Morning
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Congregation Beth El - Ner Tamid
Birthdays are an important part of childhood. Congregation Beth El - Ner Tamid is partnering with Kids Against Hunger, a local food pantry in Broomall, so everyone can celebrate their special day. Participants will make 'Birthday Boxes' complete with baking pans, cake mixes, and all of the ingredients needed to bake a birthday cake! Upon completion, these Birthday Boxes will be donated to families in need. Andi Joseph – singer, song writer and mitzvah maker extraordinaire – will engage everyone in singing songs about doing mitzvot/commandments, reading stories and making birthday cards for the recipients of these boxes! To register, click here.
6. Tikkun olam
Tikkun olam teaches us to repair the world, both environmentally and socially. The options below focus on social justice initiatives and will give volunteers the opportunity to provide essential materials to incoming refugees and other members of the community.
Blood Drive
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Or Hadash
One pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives. Join Beth Tikvah-B'nai Jeshurun and Or Hadash for an indoor volunteer opportunity to donate blood to the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. Blood drives benefit patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies. Blood donors must bring ID. To register, click here.
Care Packages for Ukrainian Refugees
April 23, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join the Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia to prepare care packages for Ukrainian Refugees. During this opportunity, volunteers will be cooking soup, decorating handwritten cards, and making DIY blankets to be sent to Ukrainian Refugees. To register, click here.
Hygiene Bags for Incoming Refugees
April 23, 2023 | 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Congregation Beth Israel of Media
Join Congregation Beth Israel of Media to assemble hygiene bags that HIAS-PA will provide to refugees coming to the U.S. The event will include a speaker sponsored by HIAS-PA, offering the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of refugees coming to the country as well as learn about the work of HIAS-PA. To register, click here.
7. Tzedakah
Tzedakah is all about giving to those in need. The options below allow volunteers to provide clothing, toiletries and other necessities to those facing poverty in the community.
Clothing Sort at the Our Closet Warehouse
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Our Closet in Your Neighborhood Warehouse
All are welcome to join the Jewish Family & Children Services of Greater Philadelphia to sort clothing at the Our Closet Warehouse. Volunteers will sort through clothing donations, which will be distributed later at their pop-up shops and in emergency clothing packages. Volunteering to sort clothing helps distribute a wide range of styles and sizes to those in our community! Our Closet in Your Neighborhood Warehouse will also be accepting new or gently used clothing prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
Mitzvah Fair
April 23, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Congregation Beth Or
Bring the Jewish value of chesed, loving-kindness, to our neighbors in need in an open-house setting. Participants will choose from three projects; creating sleeping mats for displaced individuals living on our city streets, assembling personal care kits for Project Home's 18, or making tie-knot blankets for patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Congregation Beth Or will also be accepting toiletry items prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
Mitzvah Fair
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Old York Road Temple - Beth Am
Volunteers will collect, sort and package much-needed items and complete other projects that will support community organizations. Some organizations will include The Breathing Room, Baby Bundles, Jenkintown Food Cupboard, Mitzvah Circle, HIAS, Whosoever Gospel Mission, animal rescues, Jewish Relief Agency, Stars of Hope, Sara's Smiles, and more. Old York Road Temple- Beth Am will also be accepting non-perishable food, clothing, pet products and personal care items prior to Mitzvah Day. To register, click here.
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Ready to do some good for your neighborhood? Click here to sign up for one of the Jewish Federation’s Israel 75 Community Mitzvah Day volunteer opportunities.