Hanukkah Mitzvah Challenge

December Hanukkah Mitzvah Challenge : Nine Ways to demonstrate dedication to Judaism!

December 1 - 18

Hanukkah means “dedication.”  This year, let’s demonstrate dedication to Judaism by fulfilling at least one Jewish value / commandment through the Hanukkah Mitzvah Challenge. Below are eight mitzvot / Jewish values suggested representing the eight nights of Hanukkah plus the shamash, the helper candle!

The challenge consists of doing one or more of the mitzvot (commandments) or values listed below. Take a picture of yourself/family/others doing the action, and send the picture to cheryl@tinw.org. Together, through this challenge, we will spread happiness and light, during this Festival of Lights!

Hanukkah Mitzvah Challenge (these are not in any order of priority):

1. Collect and Drop off Canned food for the Croton Cortlandt Food Pantry:  Our local food pantry is especially in need of cereal, peanut butter and soup. All non perishable food items are accepted.  Please drop off your canned food in the baskets outside the Temple front entrance on Weds. Dec. 2, 9 and the 16th (between 9:00am and 5:00pm). We will have it delivered to the Croton Cortlandt Food Pantry.  

Jewish Value: Feeding the Hungry

2. Donate clothes and other items for The Midnight Run.  We need donations for Midnight Run! TINW is accepting clothing donations on Wednesdays (10 am - 5 PM) and on Sunday, December 13th during the TINW “Schmooze By.” For more details about the collection, click here.

Jewish Value: Clothing the Needy, Tzedakah

3. Help a Parent/Adult/Senior with a Chore

Jewish Value: Kibud Av v’Em / Honoring Parents and Gemilut Chasadim / Acts of Lovingkindness

4. Interview a grandparent, aunt, relative or senior and write down their story

Jewish value : Honoring Tradition, Respecting Elders

5. Call someone on the phone to give them a compliment and brighten their day

Jewish Value: Sayver Panim Yafot  / Spreading Joy and Happiness

6. Make Get Well Card(s) for those who are sick for the TINW Caring Committee. We will collect these during our “Schmooze By” on December 13th.

Jewish Value: Bikkur Holim, Visiting the Sick

7. Make a Hanukkiah (Hanukkah Menorah) for the TINW Hanukkah Menorah Challenge

Jewish Values: Hiddur Mitzvah, Beautifying the Commandment / Bal Tashit / Do not Destroy

8. Show Gratitude to parents and/or teachers by making them a small gift or sending them a thank you note

Jewish Value: Gratitude 

9. Shamash Candle:  Choose Your Own Mitzvah!