In response to the unrest caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and by two years of a global pandemic, KU Chabad has launched its own version of March Madness as college students follow the March Madness basketball tournament.
Aptly named “March Mitzvah Madness,” the initiative encourages students to complete acts of kindness to bring more light to the world and to “be the change they want to see in the world.”
Instead of the traditional brackets that track the winning teams, the contestants of March Mitzvah Madness fill in bingo charts filled with ideas of good deeds they can do. Students who complete challenges like “Call a family member,” “Pay for the coffee of the person behind you,” or “Say the Shema before you go to sleep,” are eligible for raffle tickets for various prizes.
Lauren Berger, a sophomore from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is leading the March Mitzvah Madness program.
“Social action was always a really big part of my life in high school,” she said. “Being in college now and having less opportunities for engaging with such mitzvot, it really felt like a piece of me was missing. Having the opportunity to make this action so attainable reminds myself and other college students like me that we have time to help others alongside our busy day to day schedules.”
March Mitzvah Madness was kicked off by “Mitzvah Day,” where students gathered to support the community. They packed hundreds of essential bags for people experiencing food and housing insecurity. Other groups split up to clean local parks and visit elderly residents in nearby recreational and rehabilitation centers. This was an extension of the “Smile on Seniors” program, which pairs students with seniors who have no family nearby to keep them company and help them with some basic needs.
“It was so much fun helping out those in need and being part of a mitzvah opportunity,” said Hailey Levinson, a KU sophomore from Chicago, Illinois. “College life is really busy, and it's great to have positive outlets.”
A large tent was set up in the center of campus with brightly colored signs that said, “March Mitzvah Madness” and “Solidarity With Ukraine.” Students were able to sign up and pledge to do good deeds for peace in Ukraine. The table was stocked with informational pamphlets, charity boxes, tefillin, and Shabbat candles so students could perform their mitzvah on the spot. There were also swab kits for the bone marrow registry and pens to write letters of support to Ukrainian refugees.
Chabad also founded “The Harry Shaffer Memorial Fund,” in memory of the beloved KU professor of the same name. Shaffer was heavily involved in social issues in his time, even retiring from his position at the University of Alabama to protest the university’s expulsion of its first African American student. The fund perpetuates his legacy by supporting social activity, including March Mitzvah Madness. Those interested can learn more about this fund and participate by visiting HarryShafferFund.com
“The Talmud says that ‘a little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness,’” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, director of Chabad KU. “With all the acts of kindness and mitzvot March Mitzvah Madness has generated, we are sure to bring peace to Ukraine and the whole world.”