History

Mitzvah Day in Akron

Mitzvah Day in Akron was started by Temple Israel in 2002 and is a day-long effort committed to helping different agencies in and outside the Akron community by collaborating with other faith-based organizations in the Akron Community.

In keeping with Judaism’s teachings of tikkun olam, to repair the world, Mitzvah Day strives to inspire its participants to pursue social justice through social activism. We have more than a dozen projects HERE. Sign up NOW to participate and work to improve the lives of people in need. When choosing your project, note the # of volunteers needed, the time, location and age for volunteers.

Washington Hebrew Congregation initiated Mitzvah Day in 1991 under the leadership of Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig and a small but devoted group of lay leaders who wanted to make a difference in the DC community.

In the years since its inception, Mitzvah Day has evolved into one of the largest undertakings at the Washington congregation, and the event has become a national model, adapted by congregations around the country.

At Washington Hebrew Congregation, a committee of Temple members works for nine months to organize over forty projects that serve the needy in the DC area.

Each year members come together, and in just one day prepare hundreds of meals for the hungry and sort clothes for the homeless, brighten the days of children in need, visit seniors in nursing homes, provide entertainment to children and teens, paint or spruce up an agency working to serve underprivileged individuals, and clean up outdoor parks that are enjoyed by many in the community.

In Akron, Temple Israel brought Mitzvah Day to Akron in 2002. Elaine Jaffe was President and Eileen Schonfeld was our first Mitzvah Day chair. Over the years we have made changes to the list of projects. We have partnered with several congregations in our area, and improved the lives of both clients and participants.

This year, we are partnering with more than 20 congregations and organizations in Summit County to sponsor 19 projects in the Akron community.

In the past dozen-plus years, we have partnered with these organizations and others to help dozens of organizations, projects and people throughout the area.