Recent Mitzvahs

I found a wonderful quote from Maimonides that I shared at the beginning of the project. I think it’s worth sharing again now that I am nearing the goal of 1000 mitzvahs.

Maimonides states that, ” Giving a thousand gold coins to one person and none to another does not allow the giver the full opportunity to acquire the quality of generosity – not as full an opportunity to one who gives a thousand gold coins on a thousand different occasions…the repetition of the acts a thousand times secures for that individual the personal characteristic of generosity. (Commentary to Mishna, Avot 3:15)

944) Gave a colleague some information she requested.

945) During the school day on Thursday, our school ran two different circus events. One for the younger kids and one for the older children. I was originally only going to volunteer for the morning event, but heard there was still a need in the afternoon so I took on that shift too.

946) Thursday night, I volunteered for a Girls Inc Fundraiser. It was a wonderful evening. Even as a volunteer, I was able to participate in some of the fund raising activities. I enjoyed answering questions for patrons and running the silent auction items to the recipients.

947) I struck up a conversation Thursday with a stranger with a dog of the same breed as ours. I recommended my pet groomer.

On Friday, I received a mitzvah at Costco. I had been shopping with my son and a man took my shopping basket back to the store for me. I thanked him and he told me since I had a child with me it was his pleasure to help.

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A few more simple mitzvahs this week

546) Volunteered for a school field trip yesterday for my son. I get so much out of volunteering with the school events and just love being able to participate.

547) Attended a Bat Mitzvah last night with my daughter for a young woman in our community. This week someone asked me about what a Bar or Bat Mitzvah was and how that connected to my idea of doing mitzvahs. This celebration takes place in the life of a girl at age 12 and a boy at age 13 when they are formally recognized by the Jewish community as an adult. When they have their bar/bat mitzvah ceremony they now have additional responsibilities and opportunities as adults in the community. It is always a pleasure to be included in someone’s “simcha” or celebration of a life cycle event. This bat mitzvah was for women only and my daughter was included in the invitation. she enjoyed the celebration too.

548) Inquired about someone’s health who I had seen earlier in the week and wasn’t doing very well.

549) Inquired about someone’s daughters health.

550) When my daughter and I were shopping today at Costco,  a mom nervously asked my daughter if she would mind trying on a pair of mittens to see if they would fit her daughter. My daughter was happy to participate even suggesting which ones were the most comfortable and my son said to me – be sure to write that on the blog, mom!

551) Gave $ to a friend leaving for Israel. This is a Jewish custom we do to ensure someone will travel safely. (The idea is that they will give the money for tzedakah or charity wherever they are headed.) Seems I only remember to do this when someone is actually going to Israel but I like the idea for anytime someone is traveling.

At the bat mitzvah I received a lovely mitzvah from a stranger. One of the woman sitting at our table whom I had never met before came up to me at the end to comment and let me know how nicely my daughter had spoken with her. She went on to say that my daughter had exhibited wonderful etiquette to speak back to her politely even after she had just taken a bite of food. What a thrill as a mother to be told these comments about our children. Remember to pass on compliments to other parents when you have them too!

Weekend mitzvahs

231) Picked up litter today on the sidewalk in our neighborhood.

232) Gave tzedakah (charity)  to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital while I was checking out at Costco on Thursday.

233)  I met a women who had lost her husband recently. I recommended two books I thought could be helpful. She had read one and heard of the other and was happy for the reminder.

234) While shopping today with my daughter and getting excellent customer service during a rather long purchase, I filled out the comment card and complimented both sales associates who had helped me.

235&236) Mailed two get well cards.