JCCMW Hosts MLK Day of Service 2023

By Stephen E. Lipken

Susan Solow Dubin, UJA Federation Westchester, welcomed the community to the JCC Mid Westchester (JCCMW) in Scarsdale’s, Martin Luther King Day of Service 2023 on Monday, January 16.

“Our theme this year is a Wider Tent and a Stronger World. Whatever your age and background, we are all here because we belong to one community.  We are grateful to JCCMW’s 2023 partners: UJA, Shames JCC, St. Pius X Church, Scarsdale, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle and Westchester Jewish Center for partnering with us on this interfaith community service effort.”

“All the decorated blizzard boxes that you pack today will be donated to HOPE Community Services, 50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle to provide a full non-perishable meal to someone in need.” 

JCCMW Director of Jewish Culture Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein quoted James, “What good is it, my brothers if someone says that they have faith but does not have works?” “Those boxes are going to people who are hungry. What good is having all this teaching and tradition if we are not going to do anything with it. Our faith has to be in action, deeds of loving kindness rather than sacrifice. 

“I want to share with you a First Century Rabbinic text, the Mishna. How many people were created in that first round?  Why just start with one?  The Rabbinic Text says for the sake of peace among humankind, one should not say to another that my father was better than your father.  We all come from one source.  It means we all have rights to be fed, clothed, feel safe and be loved.

“We are going to decorate these blizzard boxes and fill them with nourishment.” 

Over 200 volunteers packed 250 blizzard boxes with full, non-perishable meals during the 7th regional wide MLK Day of Service.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is best known for his strategy of nonviolent protest for racial equality, and many draw inspiration from Dr. King’s dream for a more diverse and equal America.