The Winnipeg section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is observing Mitzvah Day on Nov 21,2021.  

 

As Ellyn Shulman explains, “Mitzvah Day is a day observed in several countries around the world, in which various community groups each plan their own 'Mitzvah program' to coincide on the same day.  This builds community is so many ways.  Of course we are actually building community in a literal way by doing great projects, but we are also building community feeling as participants know that while they are performing their mitzvah, others throughout city will be performing their Mitzvahs on the same day.  Mitzvahs are focused on giving time, not money to make a difference in our community. "

 

The  theme of  Mitzvah Day this year is “togetherness in the UK” , Shulman notes. She explains that “ The theme 'togetherness' involves interfaith groups banding together for the greater good, in the spirit of warm fellowship.  By coming together to do hands-on social action projects we build friendships, get to know each other better and can pool resources to effect great change.”

 

The NCJW Winnipeg Section is trying  to involve several interfaith groups this year, such as “ Some churches, Islamic/Muslim groups, Bear Clan, the Mennonite community and the Yazzidi community.

 

Shulman adds, "Mitzvah Day is about getting involved in a hands-on way. We hope to build links between the organizations of the Jewish community and the general community, and to get people thinking more deeply about the ways in which we can all help make the world a better place."

Shulman states that last year Mitzvah Day was a more difficult year because of covid and some of limitations it caused for groups to get together.  "We were just happy to have 21 organizations participate...This is our third Mitzvah Day.  We hope to continue for many years to come!  Our affiliates in other countries participate as well, not only in the UK, but Australia, South Africa and others."

 

 

The NCJW Board  in Winnipeg has 15 women at its core. "We have over a hundred life members, and many other supporters who participate in individual projects or programs," Shulman says

 

Mitzvah Day projects this year:

• Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association – donating dental hygiene products to Spence Neighborhood Association
• Rady Jewish Community Centre and Early Learning Centres - collecting books and toys for Indigenous Women Healing Centre
• Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada– collecting children’s books
• Congregation Adas Yeshurun Herzlia – sock drive for Agape Table
• Jewish Federation of Winnipeg -Women’s Philanthropy – donating feminine hygiene products to Ndinawe Safe House
• Camp Massad – collecting winter clothing for local Jewish Child and Family Service
• Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre –  residents are making dog biscuits for Manitoba Mutts Annual Christmas Fair
• National Council of Jewish Women- making sandwiches for Mama Bear Clan’s street Patrol
• Canadian Yazidi Association – volunteering  at Tuxedo Family Resource Centre
• Woven : Mennonite Women Together – providing cleaning services to Genesis House in Winkler
• Westworth United Church – inviting guests and the minister of West Broadway Community Ministry to tell their stories and help lead worship
• Congregation Shaarey Zedek – collecting winter outerwear for Koats for Kids
• Congregation Etz Chayim – at the Synagogue’s Family Chanukah Party, families are making Chanukah cards for Simkin Centre residents
• Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – making Shabbat gift bags for Gwen Secter members
• Gray Academy of Jewish Education – student council is leading the school in making sandwiches for Main Street Project
• Congregation Temple Shalom – making Chanukah Art cards for Simkin Centre residents
• Jewish Child and Family Service – collecting socks, underwear and  gloves for RaY (Resource Assistance for Youth)
• B'nai Brith Canada – baking Chanukah cookies for food hampers that Jewish Child and Family Service give to client families
• B’nai Brith Camp – collecting warm clothing for Sunshine House
• Jewish Federation of Winnipeg – volunteering to serve breakfast at Agape Table and donating hygiene products
• Aleph Bet Child Life Enrichment Program – donating nonperishable food items, winter clothing, game and toys as well as personal hygiene products to donate
• Brock Corydon School – grade 4 and 5 students are writing  letters of appreciation to front line workers
• Holy Rosary Church – collecting donations to Oak Table Ministries at their Sunday Service
• ORT – collecting warm winter gear for Siloam Mission
• PJ Library and Buddy Philanthropists – hosting a virtual event with the Winnipeg  Humane Society and collecting items to the animals

 

Please reach out to individual organizations for more details.