MITZVAH DAY: OUR HERITAGE OF HELPING
Sunday April 14, 2024
We are thrilled to bring back the beloved Temple Emanuel tradition of Mitzvah Day this year in celebration of our 150th Anniversary! "Mitzvah Day: Our Heritage of Helping" is more than just a day of service; it is a celebration of our shared commitment to making the world a better place. By coming together as a community, we honor the values that have been passed down through the generations and reaffirm our dedication to leaving a positive legacy for the future. The whole Temple Emanuel community is invited to join us for a day filled with meaningful connections, impactful service, and the joy of giving back.
Everyone will begin their Mitzvah Day at Temple with Tefilah for all. We are excited to include our Religious School students! Here is the day's schedule:
8:45 AM - Religious School drop-off - This is a regular Religious School day and each class will have a chance to participate in our Migrant Donation service project for about 30 minutes during their Religious School day.
11:15 AM - Mitzvah Day Tefilah - Our Religious School students will move into the sanctuary for tefilah, and we invite all families and community members to join them for a joyful tefilah service focused on Temple's Heritage of Helping. You do not need to have a student in Religious School to join tefilah on Mitzvah Day!
12:00 PM - Religious School dismissal
12:15 PM to 1:00 PM - Lunch - We will provide a pizza lunch for all who register in advance for Mitzvah Day. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Service Projects - Projects commence at Temple Emanuel and at select off-site locations.
MAIN PROJECT
Migrant Donation Project at Temple
We will be packing four different kits for migrant families on-site at Temple:
- Child nutrition kits
- Adult nutrition kits
- General hygiene kits
- Menstrual product kits
Register for the Migrant Donation Project (All ages welcome)
MORE PROJECTS AT TEMPLE
Beautifying Temple Emanuel Grounds
Help keep Temple Emanuel’s outdoor spaces beautiful! Weather permitting, we will clean up trash and clear weeds in the outdoor spaces at Temple Emanuel. Dress for outdoor work. Gloves and trash bags provided.
Register for Beautifying Temple Emanuel Grounds (All ages welcome)
Cooking for Judi's House
Using the Temple Emanuel kitchen, we will cook meals for Judi’s House, whose mission is to help children and families grieving a death find connection and healing.
Register for Judi's House (Age 12+)
Kindness Cards - Accessible Project
Temple Emanuel’s Disability & Accessibility group is hosting a service project to create kindness cards for those we can’t see in person on this Mitzvah Day. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to write or draw a message of love and support. This will take place in Room B/C at Temple, which has flexible seating and tables suitable for people who use a variety of mobility devices.
Register for Kindness Cards (All ages welcome)
PROJECTS AT OTHER LOCATIONS
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Trash pickup at Bluff Lake Nature Center, a unique urban wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom in northeast Denver.
Register for Bluff Lake Nature Center (Age 5+)
Clothes to Kids
Clothes to Kids provides new and quality used clothing to low-income, school-aged children in Denver County free of charge. Volunteers will sort incoming donations, restock the retail store, and help with neatening and organizing of the store to keep it looking its best.
Register for Clothes to Kids (Age 10+)
Ekar Farm at Denver Academy of Torah
Outdoor preparation of fields at Ekar Farm and Community Gardens, a communal urban farm inspired by Jewish values.
Register for Ekar Farm at Denver Academy of Torah (All ages welcome)
Family Promise of Greater Denver
Reorganize the playroom and help with spring cleaning at the Family Promise shelter. Family Promise forms relationships with families at risk of experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, meals and a spectrum of supportive services as they obtain permanent stability.
Register for Family Promise of Greater Denver (All ages welcome)
“Newborns in Need” program at Denver Health
Assembling supplies kits for families in need, so their newborn babies get the healthy start they deserve.
Register for “Newborns in Need” program at Denver Health (Age 6+)
SAME Café
Clean the kitchen, storage, and/or prep areas at SAME Café.
Register for SAME Café (Age 6+)
