Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, stepping into a space buzzing with excitement and energy—700 volunteers, families, and individuals all coming together to make a difference. That was the scene at this year’s Community Mitzvah Day, where the air was thick with enthusiasm and the sound of chatter, laughter, and the shuffling of hands as volunteers moved from one project to the next.
From the very first moment you walked onto the Aidekman Campus, you could feel that something extraordinary was happening.
Melanie Kass, Co-Chair of the Center for Volunteerism, captured the feeling perfectly: “The enthusiasm and excitement of Community Mitzvah Day was tangible. Happy, smiling faces welcomed all at the reception tables and into the events. There were thoughtful activities for young children, accessible water bottles and snacks at all locations, beautifully organized workstations—and again, the smiles.”
Together, we came together as one community to roll up our sleeves and serve. There was something deeply meaningful about seeing families of all ages working side by side, packing food, making dog toys, painting rocks, and so much more—all with the shared goal of making the world a better place.
Here’s everything you helped us accomplish on Community Mitzvah Day:
- Packed 1,000 kosher for Passover food packages for families in need.
- Assembled 400 hygiene kits for women who are underserved.
- Made 250 sun butter and jelly sandwich lunch bags to support those who are food insecure.
- Photographed and documented 400 headstones in one of our historic Newark Jewish cemeteries.
- Cooked, packed, donated, and served meals for families experiencing homelessness.
- Painted inspirational rocks for Holocaust memorial gardens and communities in Israel.
- Donated dog toys and blankets to local animal shelters.
- Decorated and potted succulents alongside local seniors.
- Packed 10,000 nutritious meals for refugees worldwide.
- Cleaned up a local park.
In every project, we saw the Jewish values of Tzedakah (charity), Chesed (kindness), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) come to life in ways that were truly moving.
One lay leader shared their experience: “I was so glad to pack Passover boxes in Whippany. It was truly inspiring to see the range of age and stage in the room—parents with children, seniors, and lots of new faces. And if you didn’t catch the tears in Melanie Kass’ eyes when Sheriff Gannon said he was proud to stand in front of our community—wow. Very powerful, very impactful.”
None of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible community and partners. A huge thank you to Women’s Philanthropy, NextGen, and the Business & Professionals Network (BPN) for their leadership and active participation. Your efforts made this day a success and brought people together in ways that will last well beyond the event.
We also want to express our gratitude to the CMD committee, the Center for Volunteerism, and all participating agencies and synagogues. Your hard work behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly and effectively.
None of this is possible without the generosity of donors like you to the UJA Annual Campaign. Your contributions support not only this day of service but countless other opportunities to live our Jewish values and repair the world. Thank you for making a difference.
After a long, joyful day—our hearts overflowing with gratitude and muscles sore from all the work—one community member, with a sparkle of excitement, turned and asked, “Can you let me know when there are other Mitzvah Days?”
As Melanie so beautifully put it: “You turned a Community Mitzvah Day into a Community Mitzvah Extravaganza!” We’re already looking forward to next year!