Reflections: Mitzvah Mania

Buses departed campus early on Sunday morning and students arrived at the Klein JCC where they joined 1,000 additional participants.  Throughout the brisk fall day students worked, lifted, cleaned, climbed, and painted. The days events were impactful and meaningful for both those who participated and those who were aided.

Working in partnership with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, students and board members worked in Jewish homes that had not been cared for or repaired in ages.  Many had broken windows letting in cold air drafts.  Kitchens where in disrepair with faucets or drawers that could not be moved. Hallways were repainted, light bulbs were changed, carpets were repaired, and countless items were fixed.  Many of the homes were owned by elderly individuals unable to tackle these chores themselves.  Without the student participation, it would have been a cold, dark winter.

Additionally, a team of 20 students worked at the Politz Hebrew Academy.  This group painted the exterior of the building and cleaned the inside of the facility. Ultimately, their time will enable the Politz students to learn in better conditions than they were previously familiar with.

While many arrived tired, and left just as exhausted, a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment was in the air. Student left talking about continuing the work that they had begun on November 2.