Congregation Beth Sholom is again hosting Anchorage’s annual “Mitzvah Mall.” (Mitzvah is Hebrew for commandment and we are commanded to do good deeds) Think of this as a “bizarre bazaar.” There is a room filled with booths, but the “vendors” are nonprofit organizations. Instead of buying more material gifts, shoppers can donate to non-profit organizations on behalf of friends, family or others on their holiday gift list. They give a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
Previous year’s events raised between $10,000 -$14,000 worth of donations and goodwill in three hours! It is a festive event, with music to add to the fun. Musicians play acoustical music while donors shop. The representatives from the non-profit organizations decorate their booths to entice potential donors. We have live birds representing a bird treatment group.
“Gifts” are in various price ranges beginning at $5. Examples of gifts are
- $5 Donates towards tack (equipment) like hoof picks for horses used to help disabled people with enjoyment and therapy.
- $10 provides. food for one family from a Food Pantry
- $15 covers the cost of materials for a patient’s diabetic education pack.
Shoppers receive decorative gift cards to present to the person in whose honor the gift was purchased. What a mitzvah: resisting holiday consumerism, doing good deeds, bestowing a wonderful gift and having fun doing it.
Join us in making this holiday season special – for your friends and family and for the other families you’ll be helping, too. Entry is free.