“Mitzvah Day” has now become a tradition at KU Chabad, as each semester a Sunday is dedicated to students gathering together for a day of impact.
Earlier this month, tens of students at KU, among them many brothers of Jewish fraternity AEPi, undertook service projects to bring Jewish values to life and help the community.
“At times like these when there is so much darkness in our world, we need to each recognize how we are a candle,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad. “When we use the flame of our candle to light a candle in someone else’s life, our light is not diminished. It grows, because there is now more light in the world.”
The volunteers dispersed to tackle a range of projects, each chosen to meet a unique need in the area. Some groups set out to restore and clean up the 150-year-old B’nai Israel Cemetery. Another team visited senior citizens, offering companionship, conversation and assistance with daily tasks. Meanwhile, others worked in the local community garden, helping to cultivate fresh produce for those in need.
Adam Goldsmith, a KU sophomore from Colorado, was one of the organizers of the event.
“It was really amazing that everyone could come together on a Sunday afternoon and do acts of community service together,” Goldsmith said. “It’s part of our duty as members of the Jewish community, and I’m so proud of everyone for showing up.”
