Temple Israel Mitzvah Day 2023

Many of you have expressed an interest in giving back to our local community and beyond. I am so thrilled to invite you to take part in Temple Israel’s Mitzvah Day – a project that Rabbi Alexis has been working on all year!!

We have almost 20 social action projects on-site at 45 East 75th Street, plus opportunities to give blood and to venture outside for a Central Park perimeter cleanup. We are also looking for a few more folks to run some of our project tables! Register in advance here, and check out the plethora of projects we are offering:

When: Sunday, May 7, 10am – 1pm

Where: Hewitt School
45 E. 75th Street

New York Common Pantry – Sandwich Packing: Make nutritious sandwiches and pack bagged lunches for those in need.

United Hatzalah: Send a message of gratitude to volunteer Emergency Medical Service providers in Israel and come see the iconic ambucycle.

Birthday in a Bag: Help make sure that all underprivileged children can celebrate their birthdays with fun, games, cake, & toys.

LSA Family Health Service – Snack Drive: Strengthen and empower vulnerable families and children in Harlem by meeting their basic needs for food.

Keshet – Postcard Writing to local legislators for LGBTQ+ Rights: Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families. Join us in declaring that LGBTQ+ rights are a Jewish value by writing postcards to our local legislators.

Free Minds Book Club – On the Same Page: Provide uplifting feedback on the poetry of incarcerated youth.

Central Park Conservancy – Park Cleanup: Gather at Hewitt and walk to Central Park at 10:30 am to help clean up the perimeter of the park between 72nd Street and 86th Street on 5th Avenue. All materials will be provided.

Gift of Life – Marrow Registry Cheek Swabbing Drive: Fight blood cancer and join the life-saving marrow and blood registry with a simple cheek swab!

New York Blood Center  – Blood Drive: Register to give blood and help save a life! Sign up for a Temple Israel donor slot at the New York Blood Center at 310 East 67th Street (between 1st and 2nd Aves). Register in advance here. Limited walk-in’s are also welcome.

Children’s Book Drive: Literacy matters! Bring new and gently used books for underserved children of all ages. Board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books are all welcome.

Summer Clothing Drive for Asylum Seekers: New or gently used shorts, jeans, leggings, short sleeve t-shirts/tops, shoes for adults and children. (Only casual summer clothes can be accepted.)

Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals: Help to make and decorate joyful hats and costuming items to uplift spirits and bring smiles, fun, and childhood normalcy back to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients.

Project Sunshine – Kits for Play: Assemble educational activity kits that promote safe and creative play to children in pediatric wards, emergency rooms, and hospital waiting rooms.

Climate Change Education: Interactive activities to teach children about how we can be the best stewards of our planet.

Bake Sale: Stop by our Bake Sale to pick up a sweet treat while supporting Mitzvah Day and our Social Action Committee.  Treat donations are most welcome! Please label any item you bring with ingredients and allergens.