Jewish tradition instructs, “You are not obligated to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (Pirkei Avot, 2:21) Some 80 FJC members gathered on May 5 for our annual Mitzvah Day, a chance to engage as a community in tikkun olam / repair of the world. The power of working together was palpable. Aside from the effective and meaningful work accomplished for a wide variety of organizations, this day of mitzvot brought new friendships among members of all ages. Click here for the Cape Cod Times' coverage, a lovely article and photo gallery from Monday, May 6.
Projects took place both on- and off-site and were chosen to enable everyone to participate, from the most active to members who wanted a seated activity. Off-site we sent teams to:
- Habitat for Humanity's recently-built home in Mashpee to work on landscaping
- Falmouth's Shining Sea Bike Path, working with the Friends of Falmouth Bikeways to clean and tend the area of the path between Depot Ave and Locust Street
- Falmouth Dog Park to spruce up the park for its second birthday celebration
- Village at Cataumet to plant flowerboxes
- Falmouth Service Center's Community Garden to prepare and plant the FJC's vegetable garden (all produce is donated to the Service Center)
On-site our crews engaged in:
- baking for Around the Table, Falmouth's lunch program, and Hineinu, FJC's caring committee
- clipping and sorting coupons for the Falmouth Service Center
- assembling birthing kits for distribution around the world
- weeding and mulching the flower gardens at the FJC
- creating r'fuah cards (healing/get well cards) that will be sent to members of the FJC
Many thanks to all workers and project captains, as well as FJC's Social Action Committee, for taking part in Mitzvah Day.