For many, Sunday
is a mitzvah

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

It may very well be the largest community service project to ever take place in Philadelphia.
On Sunday, Jews will partake in Mitzvah Mania, an amalgamation of volunteer opportunities taking place throughout the five-county area. Conceived by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Mitzvah Mania offers individuals a chance to be part of local projects and make the world a better place.
So far, about 4,500 volunteers have signed up for the hundreds of projects being organized by agencies like the Fairmount Park Commission, the city Mural Arts Program, Mitzvah Food Pantry and the Jewish Relief Agency. Most events take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"There’s something going on all over the place," said Lynn Edelman, a corporate and public communications associate with the Jewish Federation.
The Jewish Community Centers Klein Branch in Somerton is one of the nine centrally located headquarters for a collection of projects, including the development of a memorial garden, a grounds cleanup and blood drive (sign up at www.pleasegiveblood.org/donate, and type in the Klein sponsor code 5V39).
"They’ll be engaging thousands of volunteers, from adults and children," said Lisa Sandler, project liaison at Klein.
Other Northeast Mitzvah Mania locations include Temple Beth Ami, which will visit residents at Deer Meadows Retirement Community and Federation Housing, whose several residences will be doing bulb-planting and multicultural and intergenerational projects. Rhawnhurst NORC will hold its annual Winterization Day for seniors needing help prepping for the cold weather, and the Orleans Technical Institute will help make birdhouses, planters and lamps. ••
Some projects are already filled, and volunteers are asked to pre-register by calling 215-832-0564 or visiting www.jewishphilly.org/mitzvahmania
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com