More than 70 families gathered at JF&CS’ Family Mitzvah Day (FMD) on Sunday, January 19th, at The Weber School to participate in thoughtful projects that will benefit our entire community — from JF&CS clients all the way to Israel! The event not only provided hands-on volunteer opportunities for all ages, but also created space for the greater community to connect.
“I’m amazed by the turnout from families who came together to support their community!” said Megan Koziel, Volunteer Engagement Manager. "It was heartwarming to see the next generation not only learn about the importance of helping others, but also experience the importance of community.”
This was the first Mitzvah Day JF&CS has created specifically for families, and based on the feedback, it won’t be the last.
“I was thrilled to participate with my daughter Lily,” said Danielle Kroo, who attended Mitzvah Day with her daughter. “The event transformed service projects into fun, meaningful activities that kids and adults could enjoy together.”
Lindsay Borenstein, who served as Family Volunteer Committee Chair, was dedicated to helping the event be a success. “Mitzvah Day was a wonderful way for my kids to learn about the needs of our community and to fulfill the mitzvah of tikkun olam or 'repairing the world,'” she said. “We hope to make this an annual outing!”
The Impact of Mitzvah Day
It took a village to make the event a success. An impressive 50 student volunteers from The Weber School joined JF&CS staff and volunteers.
Sherri Bouhi, who oversees The Michael & Andrea Leven Office of Student Service & Philanthropy at The Weber School, said that after the event many students expressed a sense of “fulfillment and personal growth,” and that “they feel more connected to their peers and the broader community.”
The event taught both student volunteers and young attendees about their roles and responsibilities in the community, fostering empathy and a sense of Jewish pride. “Some students mentioned that the experience helped them gain a new perspective on social issues and inspires them to continue giving back beyond their school years,” said Sherri.
“It was amazing to see older kids running the projects while younger ones got involved in their own way—all creating real impact for our community,” observed Danielle.
By the Numbers
Attendees produced:
• 200 soup-in-a-Jar kits for the Kosher Food Pantry
• 600 dental hygiene kits for the Ben Massell Dental Clinic
• 200+ care bags for seniors and their caretakers through Aviv Older Adult Services
• 1 community art piece to be displayed in the Gathering Space at JF&CS Main Campus in Dunwoody
• 200+ handmade fidgets and 175 sensory kits for clients of the Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center
• 80+ terrariums for Holocaust survivors
• 400+ inspirational stamped bracelets for all JF&CS clients
“The projects were so well-organized and quick, making giving back feel do-able and fun,” said Danielle. “Lily and I loved making the soup jars, care bags, and stamped bracelets.”
The shelf-stable soup-in-a-jar kits were a popular project and are appreciated by clients of the Kosher Food Pantry.
“Our clients absolutely love the Soup in a Jar!” said Ernie Ball, Food Pantry Coordinator, who was on-site guiding families through the process. “We love being able to offer a high-quality, nutritious product that doesn’t require a lot of resources for our clients to make.”
Attendees also donated more than 300 books to PJ Library, made eco-friendly lip balm with Adamah ATL, learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with Repair the World, created hundreds of keychains for Israeli soldiers with the Shinshinim, made feelings bookmarks with BeWELL ATL, and created slime with the JF&CS Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center. They also put their best smiles forward with a photobooth from Snap & Fun, boogied to tunes from ATL Fever Entertainment, and enjoyed a coffee & cocoa bar from Mocha My Day.
Special Thanks to:
Our Community Partners: Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Gather Grants | The Weber School | Schoenbaum Shinshinim | Repair the World | PJ Library | Adamah ATL | La Dee Da Children’s Art Studio | Snap & Fun Photobooth | Atlanta Fever Entertainment | Gold Events by Rachel | Jessica Kalina Photography
The Family Mitzvah Day Committee: Lindsay Borenstein | Cobi Cohen | Jenny Glade | Rachel Goldschein | Leigh Segall | Tova Tritt | Meredith Yehudai
The Volunteers Team is always working on new and impactful ways to get our volunteers involved with the great work at JF&CS! Join us here, and check out full album of photos from Family Mitzvah Day!