JANUARY 20 • 2022 | 27

faces&places

I

n its 25th year, Mitzvah Day turned into 
Mitzvah Weekend, running from Dec. 
24-26 to expand its outreach and offer 
alternatives to Jewish volunteers who observe 
the Sabbath. 
Hundreds of volunteers of various faiths 
came together to serve Metro Detroit non-
profits. Historically, Mitzvah Day is the single 
largest day of volunteering by Detroit’s Jewish 
Community Relations Council/American 
Jewish Committee. 
Volunteer efforts included almost 20 dif-
ferent organizations. Among many sites, 
participants prepared and served food at 
Cass Community Social Services, South 
Oakland Warming Shelters and Piquette 
Square, delivered Christmas gifts for 
Jimmy’s Kids and helped out at the Michigan 
Humane Shelters. 

JCRC/AJC Executive Director Rabbi Asher 
Lopatin and volunteer Shayna Lopatin

JCRC/AJC Board Director Carol Ogusky 
helps with meals at Fleischman Residence.

JCRC/AJC First Vice President Phil Neuman 
and Hinda Neuman deliver meals to those 
in need.

Patty Stelmaszak unpacks goodies from her truck.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JCRC/AJC

A Mitzvah 
Weekend

Rita Winer prepares food at Cass Community 
Social Services on Dec. 26.

