For the past three years, children and adults have gathered at WRT’s Mitzvah Fair—aptly named Bring More Light Into This World—to connect with local agencies, learn about social action opportunities, and participate in hands-on projects that make a difference. This year, more than ever, it feels vital to focus on the tangible good we can bring to others and to our community. That is why, instead of one day of light, WRT will host a Mitzvah Week, from January 11 through January 19, 2026.
Throughout the week, we’ll offer volunteer opportunities both at WRT and with partner organizations in our local community. The week will culminate on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—a national day of service and volunteerism. As Dr. King reminded us, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
9 am – 1 pm at WRT
MRJ’s Annual Blood Drive
Donating blood is easy and takes less than an hour! 1 donation can save up to 3 lives!
Check back for sign up information!
11:30 am – 1:00 pm in the WRT Lobby
Stop by WRT and learn about partner organizations through which you can get involved in the community. Pick up your WRT Mitzvah Corps t-shirt and learn about volunteer commmunities throughout the week.
11:30 am – 1:30 pm at WRT
Bid on signed Eagles paraphernalia and support the Eagles Autism Foundation.
11:30 – 1:30 pm at WRT
Learn how you can help refugees resettle in Westchester County. Meet with representatives Hearts and Homes for Refugees to learn how you can make a difference right hear in Westchester.
9:30 am – 11:00 am at Feeding Westchester, 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford
Join us in nourishing our neighbors in the fight against hunger by volunteering at the Feeding Westchester food bank!
What to expect:
Volunteers must be 14 years old and up, 12-13 year olds are permitted if accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm at HOPE Community Services, 50 Washington Ave, New Rochelle
Community Kitchen Dinner: This team will volunteer in our Soup Kitchen as packers and servers of to-go meals. Volunteers prepare dinner, serve the guests, and assist with clean up. The minimum volunteer age is 12, and 12-13 year olds must have an adult with them.
9:00 am – 11:00 am at 1750 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY
Join fellow WRT members and community members for a Produce Party! Unpack and sort a truckload of fresh surplus produce. Pack it up and load it into cars. You can also sign up to drive to community drop-off sites run by Grassroots Grocers.
Check back here to sign up!
From January 11 – 19, remember to bring the following items for donation to our participating organizations.
Cereal, meals in a can, and pasta for donation to Hope Community Services.
New and gently used shoes of all sizes for The Sharing Shelf
Are you interested in helping at the Mitzvah Fair for the day?
sharon.stiefel@wrtemple.org
Keep checking back for more information and organizations!
Organized by the WRT Social Impact Council: Allison Friedland and Nancy Michaels (Co-Chairs), Isabel Block, Adam Hellegers, Danielle Hotlzman, Drew Kramer, Jeff Mutterperl, and Julie Schnur
The Mitzvah Fair is made possible by the Social Impact & Community Engagement Fund.
