May 17, 2010

Dear CBI Mitzvah Day Participants,

Thank you for helping make our 2^nd annual Mitzvah Day a HUGE success.  It's a fabulous feeling to surpass ones expectations. I didn't think we could actually top last years' but we did. Beginning with the Mitzvah Day committee finding incredible projects and your willingness to give of yourselves for a few hours on May 2^nd we had a day that I hope you will never forget. I know the beneficiaries won't.

The enthusiasm at 8 in the morning was tremendous!

Our 500+ participants, with the youngest being about 9 months, gave over 1500 hours to more than a dozen agencies on one day, in one city from one synagogue. We accomplished everything from building swing sets, removing graffiti, sorting 17280 lbs  of food, assisting animals, painting a barn, visiting those with Special Needs, cooking, cleaning , building and serving at shelters, moving refugees from Iraq, Iran and Somalia into new homes, spending time with the elderly (including singing, dancing, playing Wii and of course BINGO), showing respect and appreciation to teachers, planting, picking up trash, painting murals, making cards, and many other tasks.

The Rabbis, team captains and I have received numerous thank-you's from you and the agencies we assisted. It is a powerful message we delivered to the community by volunteering our time. It shows that we not only care about others but we are willing to help those who might not be able to help themselves.  And by doing so, we in turn gave ourselves the gift of being personally rewarded. This is a wonderful example of Tikkun O'lam.

I am honored and proud to be a member of Congregation Beth Israel. Thank you all so very much for giving with your hands and your hearts. You certainly filled mine.

Shalom,
Susan Breakstone
Mitzvah Day Chair