“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” Heeding those words of William James, local difference-makers are collaborating on Mitzvah Day, a day of good deeds.
While the event was originally founded by members of the Hoboken Synagogue, it is open to members of all religions, and they need more volunteers for certain projects on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The main event will be a health fair in the Housing Authority projects complete with active-participation video games and an obstacle course. That event will actually be the kickoff to a future nutrition program for kids in the projects.
A “mitzvah” is a Jewish term that has come to mean “good deed,” but originated as a reference to the divine “commandments” in which Jews are called to perform acts of kindness.
Hoboken resident and synagogue member Jake Stuiver is heading up the charge for the program and organizing volunteers.
Painters needed
One project that needs more volunteers is painting and building maintenance at the Jubilee Center, where kids from the projects participate in after-school programs and get free meals. A similar volunteer project will be held at the Hoboken Boys and Girls Club.
The group is trying to set up another project at either the YMCA or Elks Club.
Some volunteers are also assisting in handing out clothes in Jersey City for Dress For Success, a charity that donates professional-looking clothes for low-income persons on job interviews.
Food and fitness fest
The biggest event takes place at Mama Johnson Field, Fourth and Jackson streets, and begins at 1 p.m. with a barbecue following at 4 p.m.
“I didn’t want it to be one day of community service, then that’s it.” – Jake Stuiver
________
On some of the activities, kids can score points and win a bike ride with Acting Mayor Dawn Zimmer.
Stuiver said they also hope to give away three to five bikes to winners.
He has teamed up with some of the guiding figures in the projects for the event. Carmelo Garcia, executive director of the Housing Authority, is excited the good deeds are making their way to his residents.
“This is a great partnership that offers nutritional, educational, and recreational opportunity for our residents,” Garcia said.
Rev. Anthony Forbes, a community organizer, said he is getting involved to introduce the idea of Mitzvah Day to the residents.
“I’m doing my best to connect the Jewish community to the Housing Authority community,” he said.
“We’re bridging the gap between the two communities,” he said, “not only introducing the mitzvah topic to their awareness, but bringing nutrition into their homes.”
Anyone can volunteer, not just the synagogue faithful, and anyone is invited to attend the fair.
Forbes said, “Eating healthy and exercising is a universal thing.”
The idea for the fair came from a brainstorming discussion between Stuiver and city employee Paul Drexel.
Acting Mayor Dawn Zimmer and other officials, including 2nd Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason, will help out in various capacities that day. Zimmer and Mason both belong to the congregation of the United Synagogue.
Stuiver said the Hoboken Board of Education is also involved.
Helpful hands
Stuiver said they are also trying to promote good deeds year-round, not just one day a year.
“I didn’t want it to be one day of community service, then that’s it,” he said. So every month after the event, he said, volunteers can meet to discuss how they can keep the nutritional campaign and other services ongoing.
Another tenet of Mitzvah Day is making it easy for volunteers to step in. Stuiver said anyone over 18 years old can come give some time back to the community.
For more information on Mitzvah Day or to volunteer, please e-mail mitzvahday2009@hobokensynagogue.org, or call Stuiver directly at (201) 978-8977.
Timothy J. Carroll may be reached at tcarroll@hudsonreporter.com.