Tanya Shats, Social Action Committee Chair
Prior to joining Beth Tikvah, I had never heard of Mitzvah Day. My Jewish learning looked very different, and I mostly understood mitzvot in terms of how one celebrates holidays, prays, or follows specific rules. There were many times when I worried that if I couldn’t observe certain mitzvot, like keeping Shabbat, Hashem might view me as somehow less than. I often wondered what truly makes someone “good” and what my larger role in the world might be. I had never heard the phrase tikkun olam, though I was very familiar with tzedakah and the important role that giving back plays in Jewish life.
After the pandemic shutdown ended, our family began actively participating at Beth Tikvah to help our son build a Jewish identity and community. He joined Religious School, began learning Hebrew with Morah Daniel, and truly enjoyed the fun family activities. When I was first asked whether we would be coming to Mitzvah Day, I shared that I had no idea what it was and asked if it was open to children. I was told not only that children were welcome, but that the day was intentionally designed to help children learn how they, too, can give back. I was hooked. I attended the first year, co‑chaired the second and third years, and now have the privilege of leading it.
On Sunday, April 12, Beth Tikvah hosted another successful and well‑attended Mitzvah Day. The social hall was filled to capacity with children laughing, completing meaningful projects, and parents connecting with one another while learning about local nonprofits organizations.
In total, we offered more than 12 project stations benefiting organizations such as Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Alicia’s Closet, Wexner Heritage Village, Action Ohio, Worthington Resource Pantry, and Friends of the Shelter. We also hosted creative stations where participants made kindness rocks to share, thank you cards for first responders, and more than 150 Tikvah Totes care packages. There are truly no words to capture the joy of watching children feel empowered to help others, or of hearing parents express their desire to replicate these projects in their own homes and communities.
This day was made possible through the generous support of Beth Tikvah families and staff, whose donations and supplies brought these projects to life. Thank you to the Women of Beth Tikvah, Brotherhood, Shishim, Rabbi Karen Martin, the Garden Buds, and the many volunteers who helped plan, organize, and carry out the day. We are also deeply grateful to the nonprofit partners who joined us and shared the impact of these efforts on the families they serve.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Social Action Fund. Your generosity sustains this work and helps ensure that we can continue making a difference in the future.