People gather at Temple Beth Shalom for Mitzvahpalooza. Courtesy: Temple Beth Shalom

By Susan Laves

Temple Beth Shalom hosted its annual Mitzvahpalooza on Sunday, January 18, 2026, bringing together approximately 150 participants for a morning of hands-on service projects benefiting nonprofit organizations across the greater Austin area. The event, held in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, focused on community service rooted in the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world.

Congregants of all ages participated in a range of projects designed to support local organizations addressing housing insecurity, early literacy, health care, food access, and family support. Projects took place throughout the Temple Beth Shalom campus and were structured in an open-house format, allowing participants to engage in multiple activities during the morning.

Among the donations collected were hundreds of books, including approximately 250 children’s books donated to BookSpring, an organization that supports early literacy by building home libraries for children in Central Texas. Additional books were redirected to other community partners to ensure appropriate use. Participants also donated and sorted 35 new, gently used, or handmade blankets, which were distributed to Casa Marianella and Caritas. Smaller blankets were donated to Austin Pets Alive. Cookies were also baked and packaged for delivery to first responders.

“One of the volunteer roles involved coordinating donated items and arranging delivery to partner organizations,” said Lora Ann Gerson, a longtime Temple Beth Shalom community member who helped organize the event. “Seeing the volume of donations and working with community partners to ensure everything reached the right place highlighted how much care went into every step of the process.”

Additional projects included assembling Shabbat boxes for hospital patients, creating greeting cards for children receiving medical care, knitting hats and scarves for individuals in need, and collecting coins to support Community First! Village, a residential community serving individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

A Mitzvah Fair held during the first part of the morning connected participants—particularly students preparing for b’nai mitzvah—with representatives from local organizations offering year-round volunteer opportunities. Participating organizations included Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service, Giving Austin Labor Support, and Joshua’s Stage.

“When volunteers were asked to help lead projects or share their skills, the response was immediate,” Gerson continued. “There was a strong willingness to participate, and that enthusiasm carried through the entire morning.”

The program also included an opening ceremony and a performance by the Temple Beth Shalom Kids’ Choir, which participated in an offsite performance at a senior living facility as part of the day’s service activities.

Jordan Magidson, Temple Beth Shalom’s director of youth education and programming, said the event is designed to encourage ongoing engagement in service.

“Mitzvahpalooza is one day on the calendar, but it reflects a larger goal of helping families see service as an ongoing part of Jewish life,” Magidson said.

According to Mitch Levinson, Temple Beth Shalom’s director of community and culture, the event also reflects broader community values.

“The focus is on creating opportunities for people to serve together across generations,” Levinson said. “Events like this help build connections within the Jewish community while strengthening relationships with organizations throughout Austin.”

Mitzvahpalooza is held annually at Temple Beth Shalom and is open to members of the congregation and their families. Organizers noted that many participants continue volunteering with partner organizations after the event.