What began five years ago as one manâs mission to provide hesed to those in need, culminated in this yearâs First Annual Mitzvah Man Auction and Bake Sale, held at the home of Marcy and Harris Gindi in Allenhurst, NJ. They graciously opened their home to help raise funds and to spread the word about this amazing organization.
The Mitzvah Man organization has grown from a one man show to an army of volunteers, ready and willing to answer the calls from those in need. A few small ads in various community magazines has led to a fast growing organization, with thousands of calls having been answered over the past several years. The organization delivers a wide variety of aid both physical and emotional. From people in need of basic food, to Holocaust survivors, the disabled, and elderly in need of company, the Mitzvah Man is always there to provide.
The evening was filled with laughter and inspiration. Ricky Cohen kicked off the event with a superb speech delving into the importance of hesed and how it begins at home. Ricky shared some great ideas that his family has put into action, including having each family member speak at the Shabbat table about a hesed activity that they were involved with that week.
Next up was David âHurdleâ Tawil, who threw his classic humor into the mix. He gave an enthusiastic speech about the Mitzvah Man and the importance of making a difference in someoneâs life, and how good deeds are the true measure of a person and stay with them forever. He reviewed some of the great community organizations that have been formed by and that shape our community, including Bikur Holim, Angel Fund, and Sephardic Food Fund.
The last speaker of the night was the âMitzvah Manâ himself, who spoke from his heart. He shared some of the stories from the past few years and how he and his volunteers have been able to assist and change so many lives for the better. Some of the stories included:
⢠Helping a widow get her electricity turned back on within minutes.
⢠Helping a boy with cancer get his wish to see the Knicks from box seats at MSG.
⢠Getting rides for 60 Holocaust survivors to attend a luncheon, and then staying on to dance and entertain.
⢠Helping to organize Shabbat lunch, prayers and Kaddish in senior citizen homes.
⢠Delivering flowers before Shabbat every week to grandmothers in the community.
⢠Finding a ride to the airport for an elderly man, while another volunteer safely escorted him to Israel.
⢠Obtaining an iPad for a bedridden child with cancer, allowing him to participate with his classmates from his hospital bed.
⢠Getting a new washing machine for a family in need.
These, and the many other stories that were shared, demonstrate the that the organization has touched many lives in the short time it has been around. Those in attendance left inspired to sign up as volunteers and to get involved in whatever way they could.
The following afternoon, Rabbi Joey Haber kicked things off with an inspirational speech to a standing-room only crowd. He spoke of the importance that the Torah places on giving of oneself and on helping those in need. The Mitzvah Man followed up with some more stories that inspired everyone. Over the course of the evening and the following day, hundreds came to show support and to get involved. Many of those in attendance came to share their own stories of how they or their family members had been helped. There was a true feeling of joy shared by all. People walked in with a smile, and walked out inspired to put a smile on the faces of others.
The event also featured a bake sale with everything from cookies and cake to tehineh and challah. A top notch Chinese Auction with amazing prizes donated by members of our community also added to the day. There was a lively Monopoly Deal tournament for the kids, transforming the event into a good time for all ages. Such a well-coordinated operation can only be attributed to the many hours spent by Mitzvah Man volunteers, dedicated to making things run smoothly. Special thanks to Allison Safdieh, Mandy Dweck, Marlo Abali, and Jack Mortob, as well as others too numerous to list who assisted with promotion and spreading the word. tzku tâmitzvot!
The Mitzvah Man organization is now over 800 volunteers strong, which includes over 100 volunteers signed up at this yearâs auction. Be a part of something specialâvisit www.mitzvah-man.org and get involved now!
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Julie and Joe Danziger are community members and Mitzvah Man volunteers.
