JCDS parties for a good cause

Posted

PROVIDENCE – The Jewish Community Day School held a mitzvah-filled party at Temple Beth-El on Dec. 15 to ring in the holiday season and showcase the power of giving.

Nearly 100 children and their families attended “Mitzvahs and Miracles.” Current and former JCDS students, as well as other volunteers, staffed booths where children took part in fun activities that also made a difference for those in need: Children made hats to donate to homeless children living at Crossroads Rhode Island; crafted thank you cards for their teachers; and painted rocks that will be placed at the Lincoln Park World War II monument, in Lincoln. 

Sharon Sock, a parent of two JCDS alumni, helped spearhead the original event three years ago.

 “I thought that, rather than just having a traditional Hanukkah party with gifts and things to buy, we should focus on mitzvahs and giving back to the community,” she said.

Rachel Mersky Woda, a co-chair of the parent association at the JCDS, said, “Our events have many goals, but the ultimate goal is always to build community and bring people together. We wanted to celebrate Hanukkah, but not just have your standard latke and sufganiyot celebration.

“We always want to teach our children what they can do for others. This event was created to engage our children in tikkun olam and the good work that can benefit those around us. This includes everyone from Syrian refugees to homeless children at Crossroads to veterans and even our own teachers.”   

SAM SERBY is a native of East Greenwich and attended Temple Sinai, in Cranston, for many years. He is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University.

JCDSRI, Hanukkah,