Bergenfield—Communities around the United States came together for National Mitzvah Day, an event designed to encourage participation in acts of kindness, charity and communal involvement. The program was coordinated through the efforts of Areyvut, a Bergen County-based organization which has established itself as a leader in charity-oriented educational efforts. For this event, Areyvut partnered with Good Deeds Day, an annual international celebration of doing good deeds.

National Mitzvah Day premiered the launch of Areyvut’s first Tikkun Olam Tour, a day of service that brought participants to three locations in the Bergen County area to take part in good deeds and community service. From 9:00 a.m. to1:00 p,m,, Young Israel of Teaneck began the tour by washing ambulances at the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps, then played games with residents at CareOne on Teaneck Road, did art projects with children at Jewish Education for Special Children and concluded with delivering lunch to four Teaneck fire stations. The event was a remarkable success and at its completion participants felt ecstatic and inspired by the work they did.

Other events that took place on National Mitzvah Day included two separate Mitzvah Clown visits to The Jewish Home at Rockleigh and Brighton Gardens of West Orange.

“It’s so meaningful and empowering having families do chesed together.” says Daniel Rothner, Founder and Director of Areyvut. “By participating together, parents inspire their children to become active members of the community “

Areyvut is excited about organizing more Tikkun Olam Tours and getting more schools, synagogues and communities involved in the future.

To organize a Tikkun Olam Tour for your family or for a listing of projects, educational resources and events please visit www.areyvut.org.