Monmouth Reform Temple In Tinton Falls Does Good Deeds For Community

TINTON FALLS, NJ — Every year the entire membership of the Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) in Tinton Falls joins together to perform "mitzvahs" or good deeds on its official Mitzvah Day, which was Sunday, May 7.

“Mitzvah Day — a day of Tikkun Olam — a day of giving to those in need. There are many who need our help, and this is an opportunity to give to our community. Service to others is a part of our Jewish community,” said Mitzvah Day Committee co-chair Marcia Rachlin.

The good deeds included weeding, tilling and planting the temple garden that supplies food pantries in Asbury Park with tons of fresh produce every year. Several teams were also engaged in yard and basement cleanout on the temple grounds. Two teams also cleaned a beach in Sea Bright as well as the Henry Hudson trail of debris. Nine members met to prepare food at the Center for Asbury Park to stock their freezers.

The youngest members of the synagogue along with adults participated in crocheting projects and planting flowerpots to give to senior citizen residents for Mother’s Day. The children also created festive, patriotic cards to send to American veterans, and painted “hearts of hope” to send to children battling terminal illness through the Give Kids the World and the Hearts of Hope nonprofit organizations.

The latter was an initiative led by MRT Bat Mitzvah student Rosie Conway. Another MRT student, Lyra Seligman, led a food donation drive for the Monmouth Day Care Center, a continuation of her Bat Mitzvah project for the past several years.

Mitzvah Co-Chairperson Dean Ross also organized the concluding day picnic lunch for all the volunteers.