What difference can I make? That’s often the feeling many people have when faced with the overwhelming nature of our world’s challenges. Twenty of us gathered at Hope The Mission, recently, to peel hundreds of sweet potatoes and break cauliflower florets into edible pieces. Collectively we helped to feed 3,000 people who are sustained each day by meals prepared in the HTM kitchens. What difference did we make for each of them? The answer is obvious. They were able to eat for another day because of our efforts.

When we gather to give of our time and energy to perform small acts of kindness, we make a meaningful difference in the life of another human being. We may not change the state of our world, but we touch a life, and that counts for a great deal. Modern research into the development of resilience also reveals that when we act with kindness, we sustain our own sense of purpose and wellbeing.

Our community needs Mitzvah Day and each of us can benefit our own spiritual health with expressions of generosity. Join us on February 23 to work collectively to impact the lives of others, and let regular generosity become part of your own practice—for yourself and for others.

—Rabbi Ron Stern

• Hope the Mission
• Shoes that Fit
• Wise Readers to Leaders
• United Hatzalah
• Israel Para Sport Center
• Maman non profit
• SOVA
• Beit Issie Shapiro

• Music- DJ to play from 10 a.m. -11 a.m.
• Dance for Israel from 11:30 a.m.-12 noon
• Blood Drive with Cedars from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.