18 | DECEMBER 19 • 2024 J N O n Christmas Day, hundreds of volunteers from the Detroit Jewish community will par- ticipate in Mitzvah Day, a long-stand- ing tradition where the Jewish commu- nity spends the day giving back by vol- unteering with local nonprofits across the Metro area. Volunteers will spread out across 17 service sites, including food pan- tries, shelters and community centers. Projects range from preparing and serving meals to organizing donations, wrapping gifts and visiting with resi- dents in nursing homes. This collective effort allows nonprofit staff to enjoy Christmas with their families while ensuring their critical services continue uninterrupted. This year marks a new chapter for Mitzvah Day, now organized by the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Community Relations Department. “Mitzvah Day is a cherished tradition that exemplifies the spirit of service and giving, ” said Nancy Welber Barr, chair of the Federation’s Community Relations Committee. “We are proud to continue this meaningful work while fostering new connections across our diverse Greater Detroit community. ” Since its launch in 1996, Mitzvah Day has evolved into more than a volunteer event; it is an opportunity for interfaith collaboration. Jewish volunteers work alongside partners from Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities, strengthening ties through shared service. “Working together across faiths builds understanding and respect while making a tangible impact, ” said Welber Barr. Volunteer opportunities are avail- able with the following organizations: Cass Community Social Services, Jewish Senior Life/Prentis Residence, Pope Francis Center–Day Center, Canterbury-on-the-Lake, Brilliant Detroit, St. Stephen’s Methodist Church –Jimmy’s Kids, HOPE Shelters, Christ Church, JARC, Bridging Communities Inc. and Vista Maria. As in past years, Mitzvah Day offers opportunities for all ages and abilities, including family-friendly projects. To learn more about Mitzvah Day and to volunteer, visit jewishdetroit.org/event/ mitzvahday24. At one of the Detroit service sites, Jewish families help feed homeless guests on the Christmas holiday in a wonderful illustration of interfaith unity. Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, the Pope Francis Center pro- vides vital services to individuals expe- riencing homelessness. On an average day, they welcome over 200 guests and provide them with nutritious meals, showers, laundry, and access to doctors, dentists, lawyers and housing providers through their free clinics. On Christmas Day, for Mitzvah Day, their Day Center provides a special meal and distributes backpacks full of gifts such as hygiene products and clothing for the winter season (thermal underwear, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, etc.) as a gesture of goodwill. Father Tim McCabe, president and CEO of Pope Francis Center, says the Mitzvah Day partnership with the Jewish community has gone back at least 10 years. It’s the busiest day of the year, McCabe says, and the Jewish commu- nity’s help is much appreciated. “It’s a wonderful interfaith moment, ” he states. McCabe recalls a personal story from Mitzvah Day years ago that illustrates how special the day is. “I went to the back of the church where we’re distributing the gifts, and I noticed a woman with a hijab, and I introduced myself. I asked what brought her there, and she said she works with the Mitzvah group, doing volunteer service. “So, on a Christian holiday, there are Christians and Muslims and Jews all working together to serve God’s people, people who are less fortunate than us, ” McCabe said. “I was moved to tears. I thought, this is the reality — the majority of us are all good, God-fearing people, who care and show compassion for people less fortunate than us. ” McCabe says the Jewish community has been committed to “being there” and helping with whatever they need on the busiest day of the year. “That’s common within the Jewish community, in my experience, ” McCabe says. “That sense of commu- nity, helping others and tzedakah, it’s so beautiful. “Mitzvah Day drops all barriers between religion, faith and culture, and we just work together to serve people who are really struggling, ” he added. “ And on Christmas, I don’t know that we could do it without them. “From this beautiful experience, my hope is we come to a deeper under- standing of our common humanity, and that at our core, we’re all the same.” 28th Annual Mitzvah Day Nancy Welber Barr Hundreds of volunteers from the Detroit Jewish community are expected to support sites across the Metro area. DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER Father Tim McCabe OUR COMMUNITY Dan and Sue Stettner and Elyse, Ava and Ryan Cohen, all of Huntington Woods, and Eric Harris of Detroit (dressed as Santa) deliver meals for Bridging Communities in Detroit back in 2017. A group of Mitzvah Day volunteers from the Michigan Muslim Community Council prepare to unload a truck full of gifts for Jimmy’s Kids in Detroit in 2017.