The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah is gearing up for a re-imagined Mitzvah Day in 2021.
“In 2020, we asked members to think of and perform their own community service to ensure everyone stayed safe during the pandemic. Our members got creative and collectively, hundreds of what we called ‘mitzvah moments’ were accomplished. This year, we pushed ourselves to be creative, and develop an event where volunteers can once again gather safely to give back to our community,” said Rabbi Josh Leighton.
This year’s Mitzvah Day takes place May 2 and projects range from on-site at B’nai Jehudah’s parking lot, to create your own mitzvah project.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone can participate, whatever their comfort level is with being in a group right now. With the exception of our community blood drive, which will be very carefully spread out in the building, all of our projects are outside on May 2. We are also offering donation opportunities and take home projects for those who feel more comfortable doing a mitzvah from home,” said Rabbi Leighton.
Mitzvah Day looks different than years past. This year, instead of signing up for a specific project, volunteers will sign up for time blocks, during which they can work on a variety of projects, including making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Kesher KC Bag assembly for JFS, toiletry bag assembly, knitting and sewing projects, and arts and crafts projects to lift the spirits of others.
Other differences include the opportunity to donate items, reserve and pick up take home projects, and the opportunity to come up with your own off-site project and share volunteer hours with Mitzvah Day coordinators.
As the format changed for many aspects, some projects look the same, including working in the Mitzvah Garden KC, and a Rose Hill Cemetery clean up. Both projects were selected both for need and due to the fact that they are outside and volunteers can easily spread out while they work.
“This year is about helping and healing our community, following what has been a difficult year for many. We are looking forward to Mitzvah Day in our ‘new normal’ on May 2,” said Rabbi Leighton.
To view projects and to sign up for Mitzvah Day, go to bnaijehudah.org. To register for the blood drive, please go to savealifenow.org/group and enter Group Code: UP.
For other inquiries, please email and , or call 913.663.4050.
Community blood drive
While most of the projects are for B’nai Jehudah members only, the Mitzvah Day blood drive is open to anyone willing and able to donate blood. Thanks to the work of volunteer member Stacy Wright, B’nai Jehudah is once again working with the Community Blood Center to make it easy to donate blood. Appointments run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Congregation B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Ave., Overland Park, KS.
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by visiting savealifenow.org/group and using Group Code: UP. For additional details, contact Logan Marney at (816) 977-7959.
