The Mitzvah Brigade is an active support group for CBA. Our members participate in various in-house and community projects.

Mitzvah Brigade has quiet ways of helping in the community. From helping the Food Committee to assure there is challah and wine for each Oneg and Kiddush to assuring we have a minyan to recite Kaddish. Additionally, we worked with each committee throughout the year to ensure successful birthday and anniversary celebrations, chavurahs, and holiday celebrations.

SNEAKERS THAT FIT
In memory of Dr. Barry Levin

Who doesn’t enjoy a new pair of sneakers? For a child it is the promise of running races, shooting
baskets, an air of “cool” and just plain being comfortable! That is the case for most of our children, but
right here, in our local Orlando area community, there are children for whom this is only a dream. This is
the reason that in 1997, a few of our synagogues joined together and began the project, SNEAKERS
THAT FIT.

Now, each year, beginning November 1 and lasting through the first week of December, Temple Israel,
Congregation Beth Am and the Social Action Committee of CRJ, join together to present SNEAKERS
THAT FIT. We partner with 5 Title l schools, and the organization, New Hope for Grieving Children and
Families, to provide students in need with a new pair of sneakers. The sneakers are delivered to the
schools before the winter holiday break. Many of you may wonder why we stopped the individual
shopping experience and collection of shoes. This new development began during the pandemic when
shopping, in stores, was difficult. Quality sneakers are very expensive. We learned, due to our
partnership with the Reebok Outlet, that the deep discounts they offer for this project allow us to buy
more at a considerably lower cost. Average sneakers could cost you $50-60. Sneakers That Fit is able to
purchase excellent quality sneakers for an average of $25-28. This also includes a pair of new socks for
each recipient. The Reebok Outlet loyally assists us with purchasing the most for our money to fit these
little feet in need.

WE NEED YOU! This is one of the easiest, yet one of the most impactful, community projects we
implement during the school year. Your dollars donated stretch further than your dollars spent
shopping. I hope you understand that we are trying to be as efficient as possible with your donations.
EVERY DOLLAR DONATED is used to purchase sneakers and socks.

Information for donating is available year-round on the CRJ website. Last year we provided
approximately 400 pairs of sneakers in addition to new socks, underwear, clinic supplies, and other
assistance to our family of schools. You can make this project a Jewish family life lesson by giving back to
the community. Start now! It is never too early to begin sending in your donations! Please write your
check to SNEAKERS THAT FIT. Please send your contributions to Congregation Beth Am, PO Box 915756,
Longwood, FL 32791-5756. Thank you for your continued support! Wishing everyone good health and
happiness in the New Year!

Along with one of our selected charities, Seminole County is having a Mother’s Day Drive to benefit Safe House Seminole. In addition to cash and gift cards from such places as Home Depot where maintenance items can be purchased, the guests at Safe House also need:

• Food Items: Canned meats like tuna, chicken, spam; snacks like granola bars, crackers, breakfast
  bars, juice boxes, and afterschool snacks.
• Pantry Items: Tupperware containers, quart and gallon size storage bags, dishwasher soap,
  garbage bags (13 gallons), paper products (plates, bowls, paper towels – no Styrofoam), twin
  blankets and bed sheets.
• Childcare Items: Diaper sizes 3T, 4T, 6T, wipes, strollers, car seats, and formula.
  Drop-off locations: any Seminole County Library branch, Red Bug Lake Park, and the Seminole
  County Fire Station.

Additionally, we are continuing to collect clean, old towels for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, and toiletries and children’s clothing for Safe House of Seminole County. Please email us at shalom@congbetham.org if you have any items you wish to contribute to these exceptional community causes.

New members and ideas are always welcome. Please feel free to share your time, used/clean towels (Pet Alliance), or new toiletries (Safe House), and especially your ideas.

To request more information, please email shalom@congbetham.org