Temple Beth El's Mitzvah Day Is Now a Year-Round Mitzvah Market

January 2024

By Nicole Sidman

Mitzvah Day is a cherished tradition among TBE families, and when it had to be put on hold due to COVID, we received numerous requests to bring it back. We’re excited to announce that it’s back … reimagined.

At Temple Beth El, we firmly believe that giving back to our community is a fundamental aspect of Judaism and an essential part of our way of life. We asked ourselves how we could extend the spirit of Mitzvah Day beyond a single day and throughout the entire year. While there are many opportunities to assist in Charlotte, we decided it was crucial to explore how mitzvot, or acts of kindness, could be performed right here in our Shalom Park community.

As a result, we are reinventing Mitzvah Day and introducing the inaugural Mitzvah Market! This "market" is unique because it's not about shopping for physical goods; instead, it's an opportunity to discover ways to get involved in and support your community.

We have retained all the cherished moments from our traditional in-person Mitzvah Days. We will come together as a community in the sanctuary at 9 a.m. to sing, pray, and, of course, enjoy bagels! Children in the Religious School will then participate in special activities with their classes before visiting the Mitzvah Market as a group. Meanwhile, adults will have the chance to engage in acts of service and learn about various ways to remain involved throughout the year. We encourage congregants of all ages to join us at 9 a.m., but you are welcome to arrive anytime between 9 a.m. and noon.

All of these activities will take place in one central location within Temple Beth El. Without leaving the temple grounds, you can participate in service projects and discover 13 different programs happening right here at Shalom Park. We hope you will join us as we gather in the community, standing together in our shared commitment to making Charlotte a better place.

The Mitzvah Market has received partial funding through a grant from the Lenora Stein Fund for Community Creative Learning. This grant was awarded to support Temple Beth El's "Living Jewish Values Initiative," which aims to help children and families view community service as a powerful expression of their Jewish identity.