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One Community, Many Mitzvot

 

A Southern New Jersey community project honoring the victims of October 7 through intentional acts of kindness, service, and Jewish values.

Good deeds can change the world when we act together as one community. One Community, Many Mitzvot invites individuals, families, synagogues, schools, agencies, and community groups across Southern New Jersey to perform intentional acts of kindness and service in memory of the victims of October 7.

Each mitzvah honors a life, strengthens our local Jewish community, and brings Jewish values such as Tikkun Olam, Chesed, Kehillah, and Ahavat Yisrael into action.

How the Project Works 

  1. Choose the name of someone whose memory you wish to honor  

  2. Select mitzvot or a volunteer opportunity from the categories below 

  3. Perform the mitzvah intentionally, “I am doing this mitzvah in memory of…”

  4. Invite someone else to participate so the chain of the mitzvot continues throughout the communtiy. 

  5. Share reflections, photos, or participation on your social media with #snjmanymitzvot, #jcrcsnj, #jfedsnj

Volunteer Connection: Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey 

 

Participants who want a formal volunteer placement can apply through the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey volunteer process. Volunteers complete an online application, speak with a volunteer coordinator, and are matched with an opportunity that fits their interests, availability, skills, and community needs. Some direct-service roles may require references, background checks, paperwork, fingerprinting, or other screening before volunteers begin. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.  

For questions, contact [email protected] or 856-751-9500 x1145. 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

  • Food security: pantry helpers, food drives, grocery delivery, personal shopping, and weekly kosher meal delivery. 
  • Older adults and veterans: transportation to medical or essential appointments, veteran-to-veteran transportation, friendly visiting, and phone check-ins. 
  • Families and teens: class, youth group, B’nai Mitzvah, holiday card, gift drive, and collection-drive projects. 
  • Disability services: support for social, recreational, enrichment, culinary training, and catering programs. 
  • Community life: event committees, program support, hospitality, administrative help, fundraising support, Israel advocacy, interfaith and intergroup relations, and combating antisemitism. 

 

Every mitzvah matters. Every name remembered matters. Together, our community can transform memory into action, grief into goodness, and individual deeds into a shared movement of healing, service, and hope for a peaceful and healthy New Year. 

Community mitzvah pathways

 

Spiritual Practice and Jewish Life

  • Light Shabbat or holiday candles with a name in mind.
  • Put on tefillin or help someone learn how to do so.
  • Check or dedicate a mezuzah in a home, office, classroom, or communal space.
  • Study a short portion of Torah, Jewish text, or reflection each day.
  • Give tzedakah, even in a small amount, with intention. 

 

Caring for People in Need

  • Volunteer at or organize a collection for a local food pantry.
  • Gather friends, family, or community members to prepare meals or care packages.
  • Donate gently used clothing, household items, professional attire, blankets, hygiene supplies, or other necessities. 

 

Honoring Elders, Survivors, and Isolated Neighbors

  • Visit, call, or send a card to someone who is ill, recovering, grieving, or isolated.
  • Spend time with residents of a senior living community.
  • Record and share a family or community member’s story as an act of L’Dor V’Dor.

 

Welcoming, Respect, and Community Connection 

  • Invite someone new to a Shabbat meal, holiday gathering, synagogue program, or community event.
  • Welcome a newcomer to your synagogue, workplace, school, or neighborhood.
  • Offer a genuine compliment or write thank-you notes to volunteers, teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, or staff.
  • Show respect and appreciation to someone whose views differ from your own, practicing Derech Eretz and Shalom. 

 

Hands-On Service and Community Events

  • Participate in program support by greeting attendees, helping with setup and cleanup, or assisting at community events.
  • Join a planning committee for a community program, cultural event, family initiative, or Federation impact area.
  • Create a class, youth group, B’nai Mitzvah, family, or workplace service project. 

 

Stewardship of Creation 

  • Recycle, reuse, repair, or repurpose an item instead of discarding it.
  • Plant a tree or participate in a community garden.
  • Support pollinators, birds, or local wildlife habitats.
  • Join a neighborhood, park, stream, or beach cleanup as an act of Bal Tashchlit and care for creation.