MJCC launches monthly mitzvah

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2008-10-01T00:00:00

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center kicked off its Monthly Mitzvah Project Sept. 15 with the Sunshine Pantry named as the first beneficiary.

From Sept. 15-Oct. 31, the MJCC will collect items for the Sunshine Pantry, which provides food, clothing and sundries for those in need.

“The project reflects the Jewish commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, by providing opportunities to give to give back to our community,” said Jordana Levenick, MJCC special programs and rentals coordinator. “We are grateful to the generous support this project has received from the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation. Each month, look for the MJCC lobby display highlighting the organization of the month and how you can participate.”

The Sunshine Pantry began 25 years ago when Sharon Straus started a needy family project for her son’s Cub Scout pack. Originally housed in the Straus’ garage, the Pantry is now housed in commercial space in the Parkside Business Center in Beaverton. Currently the Pantry helps nearly 800 families. Through special donations, the Pantry is supplies food for those on special diets—including kosher, diabetic and gluten-free diets.

In November, the MJCC will collect donations for SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) in honor of Jewish Book Month.

In December, the MJCC will join with Jewish Family and Child Service and Portland Jewish Academy for the annual mitzvah menorah, which collects holiday gifts for families selected by JFCS.

The MJCC is seeking a metal- or wood-worker to create a menorah to be displayed in the lobby as part of the mitzvah menorah project. Artists interested in creating a 4’x5’ menorah for the annual project are asked to call Levenick at 503-535-3555.

“We felt the MJCC plays a vital role in helping our community and is a resource for a lot of people,” said Levenick. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for our members and visitors to give back to the greater community.”

Donations for the Sunshine Pantry can be dropped off at the MJCC, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy.