JF&CS presents the 21st annual Mitzvah Day on Sunday, September 10. The fun-filled day of good deeds is a much-anticipated gathering, connecting like-minded individuals while serving the Atlanta community.
Mitzvah Day serves as the kickoff for the upcoming year of service opportunities at JF&CS, and is a great opportunity for both seasoned volunteers and those curious about getting involved. This year, all volunteering will benefit JF&CS services, clients and community partners, and projects are divided among two groups: Young Professionals and Families.
“The goal is to create a positive experience where the child or teen can connect an action with tzedakah and receive the benefit of themselves making a difference, not just donating money,” said Amy Rosen, member of the Family Committee. “To me, one of the greatest benefits is my children (and those of all ages) getting to experience the act of volunteering, not just hearing about it.”
Young Professional Committee member Alison Sherman shared Amy’s enthusiasm for the day of good deeds. “My favorite part about Mitzvah Day is seeing the Atlanta Jewish community of all ages work together to support the greater Atlanta community,” she said.
So that everyone can find a meaningful way to spend their Mitzvah Day, there are a variety of opportunities to choose from. Both family groups and young professional groups will volunteer from 1:30-3:30 pm, then enjoy receptions with mingling and refreshments.
Family Volunteer Projects
Family projects will take place at JF&CS, located at 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Participants can choose from kid-friendly activities like a Food Pantry Shopping Adventure, making Rosh Hashanah gift bags for Bikkur Cholim patients in the hospital, fall planting in our Giving Garden, and painting picnic tables for staff and clients. There is also a remote opportunity to participate in the Lemonade FUNraiser.
Volunteer Engagement Manager Megan Koziel is leading the Family projects portion of Mitzvah Day, with the help of an incredible committee of volunteers. The Family Committee Members are Lindsay Borenstein, Cobi Cohen, Adi Feen, Tiffany Landes, Amy Rosen, Jessica Sacks, Sami Tanenbaum, Tova Tritt, and Hilary Unell.
The family reception will be held at JF&CS immediately following the projects, where families will have a chance to connect and enjoy refreshments.
Young Professionals Projects
Projects for Young Professionals all take place off-campus at locations around Metro Atlanta. Volunteers can choose from spending time with adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities at their homes in our Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program (ILP), preparing meals for the ILP homes, making Rosh Hashanah gift bags for older adults in our One Good Deed Program, working with JF&CS Kosher Food Pantry partners, Atlanta Community Food Bank and Bagel Rescue, and helping at Concrete Jungle’s Doghead Farm. There’s truly an opportunity for everyone.
JF&CS’ PAL and Young Professionals Program Manager Sarah Bernstein is spearheading the Young Professional projects, along with a dedicated committee. The Young Professionals volunteering their time on the committee are Carlin Barnes, Leslie Bashuk, Bella Clifton, Reanna Edlin, Ethan Fialkow, Eva Gluck, Jonathan Olens, Nathan Sauer, Jessy Schwartzman, Allison Sherman, and Justin Silver.
The Young Professionals reception will be held at Scofflaw Brewing, 1738 MacArthur Blvd NW, from 4pm-6pm.
Mitzvah Day is possible thanks to our volunteers, our committees, and our community partners. Special thanks to Atlanta Community Food Bank, NextGen, Concrete Jungle, Congregation Shearith Israel, Bagel Rescue, Repair the World, The Temple, and Temple Sinai.
Registration opens August 17. Sign up for our Volunteers Email List to receive a reminder when it’s time to register.
For more info on Mitzvah Day, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in-the-loop.