Saadia BBG joined Two’s AZA on Sunday for a six-fold program Oct. 6, at Mitzvah Garden KC. Members of Two’s and Saadia helped harvest tomatoes and peppers, before helping close down the garden until February.
Founded in 2000, Mitzvah Garden is a volunteer-supported, nonprofit garden with 100% of its harvests going to local food pantries.
“Six-Fold Sunday” started with a program led by Ruby Sokol, Saadia’s Shlichah, to commemorate the first anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. Each member received a story of the life of a Maccabi Tzair alumn who was a victim of the Hamas attacks one year ago. Maccabi Tzair is BBYO’s sibling movement in Israel that functions on the same values and principles as AZA and BBG, Sokol said. Every year it sends members to International Convention and summer programs within BBYO.
“Remembering their lives and what they dedicated their lives to is important,” said Sami Sandler, “because we’re remembering important people whose lives were tragically taken.”
Those who attended were: Bryan Persky, Judah Bassin, Michael Furey, Sam Hochler, KC Council Godol Noah Bergh, KC Council N’siah Sami Sandler, Ruby Sokol and Betsy Erenberg, and advisors Michelle Adler-Wexler and David Wexler.
After reading the stories of the Maccabi Tzair alumni, those present discussed ways to support BBYO’s sibling movement in Israel and reflected on how the war has affected each of them. The BBYO’ers shared what they are worried about, hopeful for and challenged by because of the war.
After the discussion, members of Two’s and Saadia went to work in the garden for a little “gardening of the soul.” This is Two’s second visit to the garden this fall and plans to continue volunteering in the spring as part of its campaign to end hunger in our local community.
The group harvested tomatoes, lettuce, and hot peppers.
Ken Sonnenschein, founder of Mitzvah Garden KC and father of two Two’s alumni, educated the chapters about the mission of the garden and where all the food is distributed. Sonnenschein explained that the food harvested by the Mitzvah Garden KC is sent to three partners: New Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church’s ReNewed Hope Food Pantry, Blue Valley School District and Jewish Family Services Food Pantry.
Following the gardening, members of Two’s AZA competed in a 3-and-3 basketball game on the outdoor courts of Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. “Six Fold Sunday” concluded with a Two’s AZA lunch at Piazza Tascio. Two’s checked off all six folds: Social Action, Education, Athletics, Health, Judaic and Social.
