In Minsk, a Week of Good Deeds

In Minsk, volunteers proved again that it doesn't take much to give back. Whether by contributing your time, skills, or money, you can make a difference in someone's life starting today.

April 23, 2019

‘Frankly speaking, being a part of Jewish Volunteer Movement means that each week for me is a Good Deeds Week. Still, an event like this reminds all of us that everyone matters, that simple help always works, and that everyone has so much to offer but only together can we grow stronger.’

Yulia Zhigailova, Jewish Volunteer Movement coordinator

Good Deeds Week 2019 has wrapped up in Minsk, Belarus! Started in 2013, the event is a chance for the JDC-supported Minsk Jewish community to gather together with a common goal: to show that it doesn’t take much to give back. Whether by contributing your time, skills, or money, you can make a difference in someone’s life starting today.

The week kicked off with a dance flash mob and continued gathering momentum from there. In just two days, the Good Deeds team collected 20 large sets of groceries for needy families, stationary for art therapy sessions that will help children and adults with special needs, and baking supplies to make treats for the elderly. They also gathered together with representatives from different Jewish organizations and planted trees together.

Perhaps the most notable contribution came from the Rainbow Program, a social inclusion program for young adults with special needs that’s run by the Hesed Rakhamim social welfare center. Program members learn to cope with the difficulties and stresses of everyday life, and the surrounding Jewish community gives them a sense of home and comfort by providing much-needed care. Ten fellows from the Rainbow Program, along with 10 young Jewish volunteers, led an arts and crafts workshop, played games, and hosted a tea party — complete with home-baked cookies provided by the wonderful moms from JCC Emunah.

Good Deeds Week 2019 was made possible thanks to the Jewish Volunteer Movement, Minsk Jewish Student Cultural Center ‘Hillel’, JCC Emunah, Moishe House Minsk, Hesed Rakhamin, Beys Yisroel Minsk Jewish Community, and Project Kesher. It was also supported by JDC, the Israeli Embassy, the Israeli Cultural Center, The Jewish Agency for Israel, representatives of Beyt Simcha Center for Progressive Judaism, Litvak and Chabad Jewish communities, the Union of Belarusian Jewish Public Associations and Communities, and many others.

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