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Mitzvah Day 2025

Sunday, April 27, 2025 • 29 Nisan 5785

9:00 AM - 4:30 PMTemple Beth El

Participate with us on Mitzvah Day 2025 when we come together to give back to the greater community through acts of kindness, service, and connection, and present Marcia Vandercook with the Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award.

Register Now

Mitzvah Day is an opportunity for everyone, from young children to older adults, to come together and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, and strengthen the bonds with fellow Temple Beth El (TBE) members. Lunch and refreshments will be provided as we celebrate the spirit of community and service that lies at the heart of our Jewish tradition. If you have any questions, please contact Aleeza at engage@tbemadison.org.

Our activities for the day will center around the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing our world), n’divut (generosity), g’milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), and y’didut (friendship). 

There’s something for every age group and skill set, so register your family and invite your TBE friends to sign up too. Projects include cooking, crafting, gardening, and more. Some projects have limited space, and may fill up fast. Many of our projects from past years are returning, such as fleece blankets for Project Linus, meals for Ronald McDonald House and Catholic Multicultural Center, cleanup at the Goodman Center (east side) or Goodman Campus (Verona), spreading mulch at Beit Olamim cemetery, and manicures for residents of the Capitol Lakes retirement community. Registration and information for the National Bone Marrow Registry will again be part of the day. New projects for 2025 include a cleanup at Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), and organizing men’s clothes for those recently released from incarceration. 

To assist with our projects we’re collecting these items in the coatroom, along with monetary donations for project supplies.Thank you to the many TBE groups, committees, and individuals who have stepped up to coordinate Mitzvah Day service projects! 

There will be morning project offerings for adults while Religious School is in session (including Tots and Tunes for preschoolers and their grown-ups), and then we will kick off the rest of our day with lunch together, where we’ll present Marcia Vandercook with the Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award. After lunch, community service projects will be available for all ages. Stop by our Kehillah (Community) Cafe during the afternoon for a snack, connection, and more.

  • 9:00 am - Morning mitzvah projects begin (project start times vary)
  • 9:15 am - Religious School, with Cafe Panim in the Frank Adult Lounge with opportunity for World Zionist Congress Voting
  • 10:45 am - Tots and Tunes
  • 11:50 am - Lunch including pep rally with presentation of the Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award
  • 1:00 pm - Afternoon mitzvah projects begin (project start times vary)
  • 1:30 pm - Kehillah Café Opens: Join us in the Weinstein Community Court for some nosh, community connection, and reflection. Some of our projects will be taking place here too.

Have fun together while doing good for our community!

Quick links:

Lunch

Thanks to Adamah (falafel contains gluten), Ian’s Pizza and Rocky Rococo (one pizza will be gluten free), and Hy-Vee (salad) for donating our lunch items. Thanks to their donations we’re able to fuel you for doing good at no cost to you, though we do ask that you register to help our organizers and facilities team. Lunch will include the presentation of the Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award and a pep rally for our day of service. You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy together with us.

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award

The Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award was established in 2024 to honor Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, TBE’s senior rabbi from 2005 to 2024, and current rabbi emeritus, specifically to honor volunteers who, like Rabbi Biatch, have a passion for advocacy and social justice and dedication to tikkun olam, repairing the world. During his tenure at TBE Rabbi Biatch championed and supported actions and dialogue on a wide range of issues to make our local, national, and international community a safer and more just place. This year we will honor Marcia Vandercook with the Rabbi Jonathan Biatch Tikkun Olam Award for her years of service through the Temple Social Action Committee and as Civic Engagement Action Team chair, her work on the Social Justice Spotlight, and her many efforts elevating others in this holy work. Join us at lunch to recognize Marcia and learn more about her contributions to TBE and our greater community. 

Bone Marrow Donor Drive

The biggest mitzvah of all is pikuach nefesh, to save a human life. In the spirit of this value we will again offer the opportunity to join the National Marrow Donor Program. On Mitzvah Day those ages 18–40 will be able to swab their cheeks to be added to a life-saving stem cell transplant registry. Those who are not 18–40 can help by sharing this important opportunity with others. Look for the information and swabbing table inside the Swarsensky Social Hall starting at 10 am before Tots and Tunes and during lunch, and as part of Kehillah Cafe in the afternoon. Last year we were able to add 9 new potential donors to the registry. Joining the registry does not commit you to anything beyond opening yourself to potentially save a life. If you’re a match for someone you would be contacted with further information and options for next steps. Not able to join us on April 27 but interested in joining the registry? Text TBEMadison to 61474 to join the registry today and be credited to our drive.  

Join our Blood Donor Team

Come together with the 22 TBE members that are already part of the “Temple Beth El Madison” Red Cross team that have impacted 3,000 lives. You can also do pikuach nefesh (saving a life) as part of our donor team. If you’re already a donor through the Red Cross, join our team and see our collective impact in your app. Thinking about being a donor but have questions? Let Aleeza Hoffert know, and she’ll match you up with some of our experienced donors who can chat with you about it. There will not be the opportunity to donate as part of Mitzvah Day itself, though we’re happy to help facilitate your donating in any way we can. 

Kehillah Café

Join us in the Weinstein Community Court any time from 1:30 to 4:30 pm to enjoy a snack, view pictures from Mitzvah Day, catch up with friends or meet new ones, share your Mitzvah Day experiences, and more. Some of our service projects will also be taking place at Kehillah Cafe. 

There’s a space on the registration form to contribute to our cafe snacks. Sweet or savory, homemade or store bought items are all welcome as long they are labeled with ingredients or for common allergens. A Mitzvah Day co-chair will reach out to those who indicate they would donate a snack item. 

Registration

Register below, or click here to open the form in a new window. View the Mitzvah Day Project Quick Guide PDF to learn about all the project options. Registration for projects is on a first come, first served basis. Many projects have limited space and will fill up. Please note that remaining spaces or if a project is full is only viewable on the registration form, not the Mitzvah Day Project Quick Guide PDF. Projects that are full will say “fully booked,” or if space is available, the number of remaining spots will be shown (see image below). Please reach out to Aleeza at engage@tbemadison.org with any questions.

Mitzvah Day Projects

There are many different Mitzvah Projects to choose from. View the Mitzvah Day Project Quick Guide PDF to learn about all the project options. Space is limited for most projects, so don't delay, register today!

  • Assembling Health Care Kits for Planned Parenthood 
  • Bags, Bath and Beyond for Refugees
  • Bone Marrow Donor Registry
  • Buckthorn Removal at Camp Shalom 
  • Capitol Lakes Nail Salon
  • Caring Committee Connection Cards
  • Cooking for Catholic Multicultural Center
  • Dane County Humane Society Thrift Store Cleanup
  • Diaper Duty sort and bundle
  • Fiber Arts Schmooze Community Knit-a-thon for Knitters Guild 
  • Keys to Success craft keychains
  • Landscaping at DAIS
  • Meals for Returning Citizens
  • Men's Clothing Sort and Store
  • Mensches Spreading Mulch
  • Mitzvah Day Mensches
  • PJ Library Family Mitzvah Project for Ronald McDonald House
  • Project Linus Blankets
  • Pull Invasives from the Cedar Buffer
  • Ronald McDonald House Cooking

Questions?

Contact Aleeza A. Hoffert, program coordinator, at engage@tbemadison.org or 608-238-3123, or one of our Mitzvah Day co-chairs: Lynn Renner, Linda Reivitz, and Staci Rieder.

Find our accessibility measures and visitor guide on our in-person information page.

 

Register

   Adults (ages 13+)
   Youth (12 and under)
Donations of $18 or more will be recognized in the Giving Spotlight email newsletter.

PROJECTS

Please read through the project options below or view the Mitzvah Day Project Quick Guide PDF to learn about all 20 project options before completing registration. You are responsible for transportation to the project location. All youth in 5th grade or below should be accompanied by a grownup. Project leads will follow up with those who register in the weeks ahead of Mitzvah Day.

Assembling Health Care Kits for Planned Parenthood

  • Volunteers will help pack menstrual care and safer sex kits for distribution through Planned Parenthood.
  • Requirements:  Ages 15 and up
  • Location:  TBE room 109 Frank Adult Lounge
  • TBE Project Lead:  Drea Malarkey, TBE Reproductive Rights Action Team
  • Jewish Values:  shmirat haguf, taking care of the body
   1:00–2:00 pm, TBE room 109 Frank Adult Lounge - Fully Booked
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Bags, Bath and Beyond

  • In this family-friendly project, we'll learn about the local refugee community, along with decorating bags and filling them with household items needed by the moms in the Northport Afghan Women's English language learning group.
  • Requirements:  Kindergarten and up; young kids should have a grown-up with them
  • Location:  TBE room 106
  • TBE Project Lead:  Lynn Silverman & Erica Serlin, Immigrant and Refugee Rights Action Team co-chairs
  • Jewish Values:  hachnasat or'chim, hospitality
   1:00–2:00 pm, TBE room 106 - 2 of 10 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Bone Marrow Donor Registry

  • You’ll be answering questions and registering those eligible for the bone marrow donor registry including collecting their cheek swabs. All materials will be provided by NMDP (formerly Be The Match). Training will be provided.
  • Requirements:  Great for those who prefer sitting
  • Location:  TBE Swarsensky Social Hall
  • TBE Project Lead:  Staci Rieder, Mitzvah Day co-chair
  • Jewish Values:  pikuach nefesh, saving a life
   10:00–11:45 am, TBE Swarsensky Social Hall - Fully Booked
   11:45 am–1:15 pm, TBE Swarsensky Social Hall - Fully Booked
   1:15–2:45 pm, TBE Swarsensky Social Hall - 2 Open
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Buckthorn Removal at Camp Shalom

  • We will help care for our Goodman Jewish Community Campus by taking part in removal of buckthorn, an invasive species. Please wear closed-toe shoes, wear long pants and long sleeves, prepare to spend a few hours outside, and bring leather gloves.
  • Requirements:  Teens and up
  • Location:  Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Rd PD, Verona, WI 53593
  • TBE Project Lead:  Sam Toso
  • Jewish Values:  shmirat hateva, protecting nature
   3:00–5:00 pm, Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Rd PD, Verona - 17 of 20 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Capitol Lakes Nail Salon

  • Manicures for Capitol Lakes residents! Previous experience with painting nails is helpful. Nail polish will be provided and volunteers are welcome to bring additional polish options or supplies. Kids in 3rd grade and up who can polish nails or schmooze with seniors are welcome with a grown-up.
  • Requirements:  3rd grade (with a grown-up) and older
  • Location:  Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main St., Madison
  • TBE Project Lead:  Jessica Rieder
  • Jewish Values:  kibud z'keinim, honoring elders; l'hiyot chaver, being a friend; shmirat haguf, taking care of the body; g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   1:30–3:30 pm, Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main St., Madison - 16 of 20 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Caring Committee Connection Cards

  • Help the TBE Caring Committee reach out to congregants and families facing challenging times. We will be writing and sending get well, sympathy, thinking of you, or other cards to support members going through an illness or loss of a loved one.
  • Requirements: High school or older
  • Location:  TBE Weinstein Community Court
  • TBE Project Lead:  TBE Caring Committee
  • Jewish Values:  g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness; l'hiyot chaver, being a friend
   1:00–2:00 pm, TBE Weinstein Community Court - 7 of 12 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Cooking for Catholic Multicultural Center

  • Gather in the Temple kitchen to cook a meal for neighbors in need at the Catholic Multicultural Center. We will provide the ingredients and recipe—you provide the cooking skill and camaraderie (and the cleanup).
  • Requirements:  High school or older
  • Location:  TBE Kitchen
  • TBE Project Lead:  Sue Levy
  • Jewish Values:  ma'achal r'evim, feeding the hungry
   9:15–11:15 am, TBE kitchen - Fully Booked
   1:00–3:00 pm, TBE kitchen - 2 of 8 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Dane County Humane Society's Thrift Store Cleanup

  • Help clean up and organize the Dane County Humane Society's Thrift Store on the West Side. Adult size latex gloves provided.
  • Requirements:  Age 7 and up; children should have an adult with them
  • Location:  DCHS Thrift Store, 6904 Watts Road, Madison, WI 53719
  • TBE Project Lead:  Jo Golden, Tova Sacks, Becca Youngerman
  • Jewish Values:  g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   1:30–3:30 pm, DCHS Thrift Store, 6904 Watts Road, Madison, WI 53719 - 2 of 12 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Diaper Duty

  • We'll sort donated diapers into size groups and bundle them up for delivery to the Village Diaper Bank.
  • Requirements:  All ages; younger children should have an adult with them
  • Location:  TBE room 105
  • TBE Project Lead:  Nick Nunez, Families with Young Children co-chair
  • Jewish Values:  shmirat haguf, taking care of the body
   1:00–2:00 pm, TBE room 105 - 1 of 12 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Fiber Arts Schmooze Community Knit-a-thon for Knitters' Guild

  • We will gather together to knit and/or crochet simple projects that will be donated to Madison Knitters' Guild, who will distribute the projects throughout the Madison area to those in need. If you’d like to complete projects in advance, please reach out to Melissa to get pattern information and drop off completed projects in the TBE office during regular office hours.
  • Requirements:  Know how to knit or crochet
  • Location:  Weinstein Community Court
  • TBE Project Lead:  Melissa Osborne, Kathy Heady, & Tracey Fine, TBE Fiber Arts Community
  • Jewish Values:  g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness; n'divut, generosity
   1:00–4:30 pm, Weinstein Community Court - 18 of 30 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Keys to Success

  • Make key chains with inspirational/motivational quotes by famous African American men, to give to formerly incarcerated men who are returning to the community and their own apartments, potentially with a Dignity Basket of personal care and hygiene supplies. We will also create magnet frames that will be added to the Mother's Day baskets that are given to African American mothers at the annual celebratory Mother's Day Brunch hosted by F.O.S.T.E.R. of Dane County and Nehemiah.
  • Requirements:  Kindergarten and up; younger kids must have a grown-up with them
  • Location:  TBE room B2 & B3
  • TBE Project Lead:  Betsy Abramson, Racial Justice Action Team co-chair
  • Jewish Values:  lifnei aver, being inclusive; tzedek tirdof, pursuing justice
   1:00–2:30pm, TBE room B2 & B3 - 3 of 8 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Landscaping at DAIS

  • We will be cleaning up the perimeter of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS). This will consist of weeding, trimming bushes, and cleaning up any debris that is left over from winter. We do have gloves and knee pads but please feel free to bring your own items. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for the weather as we will be working outside and it may be chilly/muddy. *DAIS is a confidential and secure facility. Participants will be required to sign a Visitor Confidentiality Form when they arrive.
  • Requirements:  High school or older; should be able to bend and stand, and be able to lift approx. 10–20 lbs for a short period of time
  • Location:  Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), 2102 Fordem Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
  • TBE Project Lead:  Eve Siegel
  • Jewish Values:  shmirat hateva, protecting nature; g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   9:00–11:00 am, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), 2102 Fordem Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 - 6 of 10 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Meals for Returning Citizens

  • Make lasagne or other pasta dishes plus a dessert for men who were formerly incarcerating getting set up in new apartments.
  • Requirements:  Third grade (with a grown-up) and older
  • Location:  Home of Marsha Mansfield (address will be shared with those who register for project)
  • TBE Project Lead:  Marsha Mansfield, Social Action Committee co-chair and Racial Justice Action Team
  • Jewish Values:  hachnasat or'chim, hospitality; g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   1:30–3:30 pm, Home of Marsha Mansfield (address will be shared with those who register for project) - 7 of 8 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Men's Clothing Sort and Store

  • Collect, sort, and store men's clothing for donation to men who are returning to the community after incarceration. Sort items into categories and by size, tag them, and put them in storage bins or on hangers, depending on items. Deliver to organization on McKenna Road.
  • Requirements:  3rd grade and up
  • Location:  TBE room B2 & B3
  • TBE Project Lead:  Ken Felz, Men's Club Representative; Betsy Abramson, Racial Justice Action Team co-chair
  • Jewish Values:  lifnei aver, being inclusive; tzedek tirdof, pursuing justice
   1:00–3:00 pm, TBE room B2 & B3 - Fully Booked
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Mensches Spreading Mulch

  • We will clean up and spread mulch at Beit Olamim Cemetery. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty or wet. Bring gardening gloves if you have. Park on Westfield Road and enter cemetery by foot between the columns at the Beit Olamin entrance. Organized by the TBE Men’s Club in partnership with the Jewish Burial Association of Madison.
  • Requirements:  High school or older
  • Location:  Beit Olamim Cemetery, 7302 Mineral Point Road, Madison
  • TBE Project Lead:  Marty Megeff, Men’s Club
  • Jewish Values:  g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   9:30–11:30 am, Beit Olamim Cemetery, 7302 Mineral Point Road, Madison - 11 of 30 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Mitzvah Day Mensches

  • Help make Mitzvah Day possible and assist the organizers.
    9:45–11:15 am: Set up for lunch and prep for Kehillah Café
    10:00–11:20 am: Pick up pizza from Rocky Rococo on Beltline & Ian's Pizza on State Street
    11:15 am–12:00 pm: Greeter
    12:45–1:30 pm: Clean up from lunch and set up Kehillah Café
    3:45–4:45 pm: Kehillah Café and Mitzvah Day cleanup
  • Requirements:  Teens and up
  • Location: TBE
  • TBE Project Lead:  Lynn Renner, Mitzvah Day Co-Chair
  • Jewish Values:  hachnasat or'chim, hospitality
   9:45–11:15 am, TBE - Fully Booked
   10:00–11:20 am, TBE - Fully Booked
   11:15–12:00 pm, TBE - Fully Booked
   12:45–1:30 pm, TBE - Fully Booked
   3:45–4:45 pm, TBE - 2 Open
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

PJ Library Family Mitzvah Project for Ronald McDonald House

  • We will be putting together care bags for kids and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Madison, including making cards. Ronald McDonald House keeps families with sick children together and near the care and resources they need.
  • Requirements:  Children of all ages
  • Location:  TBE room B7
  • TBE Project Lead:  Adina Gasser, PJ Library, Jewish Federation of Madison
  • Jewish Values:  hachnasat or'chim, hospitality; g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   1:00–2:30 pm, TBE room B7 - Fully Booked
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Project Linus Blankets

  • Assemble fleece blankets that will be distributed to babies and children in need through the Project Linus Madison chapter in partnership with local hospitals.
  • Requirements:  Must be able to tie a knot in fabric; younger children must have an adult with them
  • Location:  TBE Weinstein Community Court
  • TBE Project Lead:  Lindsay Suttin
  • Jewish Values:  hachnasat or'chim, hospitality; g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   1:00–2:00 pm, Weinstein Community Court - Fully Booked
   2:15–3:15 pm, Weinstein Community Court - 5 of 12 Left
   3:30–4:30 pm, Weinstein Community Court - 9 of 12 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Pull Invasives from the Cedar Buffer

  • Work on invasive plant removal on the UW-Madison Arboretum property across from Temple Beth El (an area that is called the Cedar Buffer). Wear long pants, wear sturdy shoes or boots (this is a must!), and dress for the weather (fleece is not recommended—burrs stick to it). Bring your own water bottle and insect repellent (and EpiPen if allergic to bee stings). The Arboretum will provide the tools, training, and gloves. This project will be canceled if it is raining or snowing.
  • Requirements:  Must be able to handle the physical work
  • Location:  Meet outside the Arbor Street doors of Temple
  • TBE Project Lead:  Marta Karlov, Environment and Climate Change Action Team
  • Jewish Values:  shmirat ha'adamah, taking care of the Earth
   10:00–11:30 am, Meet outside the Arbor Street doors of Temple - 1 of 10 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Ronald McDonald House Cooking

  • Together, in the kitchen at Ronald McDonald House, we’ll prepare dinner for about 30 residents. Ingredients and recipe provided. You provide the cooking skill, camaraderie, and cleanup. Ronald McDonald House keeps families with sick children together and near the care and resources they need.
  • Requirements:  Participants must wear masks and be vaccinated; some cooking skills needed
  • Location:  Ronald McDonald House, 2716 Marshall Ct., Madison
  • TBE Project Lead:  Jane Armstrong & Todd Giesfeldt
  • Jewish Values:  bikur cholim, caring for and visiting the sick; hachnasat or'chim, hospitality; g'milut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness
   1:30–3:30 pm, Ronald McDonald House, 2716 Marshall Ct., Madison - Fully Booked
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.

Spring Cleanup at Camp Shalom

  • Help get Camp Shalom and the Goodman Jewish Community Campus cleaned up before the summer. Take a trail walk to look for misplaced supplies and trash. Prepare sports equipment at both camps. Do some light gardening work (gloves are available for kids; adults need to bring their own; please bring rakes if able). Reset gardening sheds. Move/build items like picnic benches and four-square volleyball.
  • Requirements:  Kindergarten and up preferred; all ages welcome, youth with a grownup.
  • Location:  Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Rd PD, Verona
  • TBE Project Lead:  Leslie de Lange, TBE Youth Education Committee
  • Jewish Values:  nedivut, be generous; shmirat hateva, protecting nature
   2:00–4:00 pm, Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Rd PD, Verona - 19 of 25 Left
Name and email will be shared with project leaders to provide you with further details.
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April 30, 2025 2 Iyar 5785