 On Sunday, November 2, Hillel of Greater Philadelphia participated in the second annual Jewish Federation Mitzvah Mania. Students came to volunteer from Temple University, Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Jewish Graduate Student Network.
As reported by Dana Grzesh, TU '12, students participated in a home clean up in Northeast Philadelphia. "A good deed never goes unnoticed and that is how I felt when I participated in Philadelphia's annual Mitzvah Mania on November 2nd. There could not have been a better way to help local members of the community than with my fellow Hillel members and staff. When I first heard about this event, I immediately wanted to participate especially since this project is aimed towards helping members of the local Jewish Community." "From the moment I stepped on the bus to the moment I stepped into the brisk air at our destination, I was prepared to work. At this point a whirlwind of emotions had rushed upon me. Excitement and worry crowded my mind as we were about to meet the elderly couple who we would be helping that Sunday. The excitement was due to the mitzvah that I was about to complete and the worry was the want to do everything possible to help this couple within the allotted time. As I entered the couple's home a feeling of warmth consumed me and the very thought of my own grandparents flooded my mind. I could see in the elderly man's eyes how thankful and overjoyed he was to have us in his home. And even his wife, who unfortunately suffers from dementia, possessed a similar glow as we introduced ourselves one by one." "I offered to spend time in the kitchen, a comfortable place for me and a room where many families spend significant time. I guess you can say there is some sentimental value to this location. It was not an easy task, scrubbing the tile to remove caked on grease and rinsing dusty dish wear, but I did not mind. I knew this is what had to be done. While I was in the kitchen, other people were scattered elsewhere within the house. Some were downstairs enclosing windows with plastic in preparation for the winter and others were upstairs painting or spackling walls. I was proud to see everyone contributing over 100%." "I am proud to say that Mitzvah Mania has been, personally, my best mitzvah. This was the first large community service project I have ever participated in and I am so glad that I took advantage of it. I may have been exhausted as I dragged myself back onto the bus, but I was smiling from ear to ear. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing you helped those who really need an extra hand or two. I cannot wait for Mitzvah Mania next year." Dara Grzesh,Temple University 2012 In addition to the above project led by Temple University Hillel, Jewish students from Drexel University worked on home repair, students from the University of Pennyslvania worked on painting and cleaning the Politz Hebrew Academy, and members of the Jewish Graduate Student Network spent the day beautifying Fairmont Park. | 
