Mitzvot B’Yahad
Doing Social Justice and Mitzvot Together
Mitzvot B’Yahad (MitzBy) provides members of our Beth Sholom community the opportunity to uphold Judaism’s central tenets of Tikkun Olam (repair the world) and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness). Whether it is the Mitzvah Food Pantry, Cook for a Friend, Make a Difference Day blanket making, Helene’s Heroes Blood Drives or learning forums that expand our awareness of social justice issues, Mitzvot B’Yahad provides a home and support for these activities to flourish. We believe in the strength and power of individuals coming together to make a difference. Mitzvot B’Yahad – together. Never has working together been more needed as communities continue to navigate the many challenges of a post pandemic world.
On Thursday evening, May 6, 2021, the Hittinger Family, MitzBy and the Old York Road Kehillah jointly co-sponsored a virtual Annual Reitenberg Memorial Program. Amy Spitalnick, Executive Director of Integrity First for America (IFA), spoke about this nonpartisan, nonprofit organization which is dedicated to defending principles of democracy, civil rights and equal social justice. The program was moderated by Shira Goodman, Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Philadelphia, who addressed the growth of white supremacist and far-right extremist movements in America. IFA attorneys are currently representing a group of peaceful protestors from the Charlottesville community in a landmark legal case against two dozen neo-Nazis and members of hate groups who planned and executed violent riots in Charlottesville.
Prior to the onset of COVID-19, our work was ongoing, day in and day out, to meet peoples’ needs. But MitzBy was also ready to respond to an unexpected crisis. Our Mitzvah Food Pantry, a joint project with the Federation of Greater Philadelphia, typically served 120- 150 families weekly pre-COVID. It was then designated an Emergency Food Site during the pandemic. Under the able leadership of Beverly McFadden, Stuart Warsetsky and their steadfast group of volunteers, all necessary safety precautions were put in place to ensure that members of our own community continued to receive nutritious food for their families during an especially difficult time. As our sanctuary is a beacon of spiritual light, our Mitzvah Food Pantry is a beacon of sustenance and hope to our friends and neighbors.
Cook for a Friend volunteers, under the dedicated leadership of Rachel Black and Marilyn Rubin, have not been able to use the BSC kitchen during the pandemic. As soon as our building reopens, they will resume cooking meals for hundreds of people each month. These meals will again be delivered to Klein Life for distribution to seniors and other adults who are not able independently to access nutritious food on a regular basis.
On MLK Make A Difference Day, Mitzby continues to work with Marlene Snyder, founder of Kare4Kids, to make blankets for children served by various social service agencies. She and her husband Bob deliver the blankets personally, making a a tangible difference to the children and their families. Over the last several years, we have expanded our Make a Difference Day to benefit Beds for Kids, a local agency that provides new beds, bedding, educational materials promoting healthy bed time habits/hygiene, age-appropriate books, and stuffed animals. We have collected and sorted these items as part of our MLK day projects. Additionally, we have made cards for hospitalized children through Sarah’s Smiles. Another new addition is Nationalities Service Center, a Philadelphia based agency which provides services and support for immigrants and refugees. We collected and delivered hygiene kits to help this population.
Helene’s Heroes Blood Drives –
Rene Feitelson continues to do an excellent job of working with the Red Cross to ensure that Beth Sholom’s blood drives are successful. The drives are held every three months. Volunteers greet and welcome donors, offer snacks and beverages, and converse with donors as they relax after donating. We thank Stanley Daniels, who generously provides sandwiches, drinks, and dessert to all Red Cross staff. But we know that our work is critical to making these things happen.
Please think about ways in which you would like to volunteer – MitzBy is interested in your ideas and passions. Join us!
For more information, contact Marjorie Boxbaum at margiemail2000@yahoo.com.
MitzBy Members: Marge Boxbaum, Jessica Eisenberg, Rene Feitelson, Noga Gold, Ronne Hellmann, Beverly McFadden, Carol Nemeroff, Jeanette Norris, Marilyn Rubin, Marlene Snyder, Robert Snyder, Stuart Warsetsky, Arlene Weissman