1,000 Days of Loving-Kindness and Repairing the World
In one month, I will mark 1,000 days since joining the Pozez JCC team. A recent memoir writing workshop (the next is April 20th) taught me a technique to reflect on a long-term connection to a space by gathering impressions of people and interactions into a single, representative day.
While the following day is fictional, the characters are real. If you recognize one of the volunteers mentioned below, please send them this blog and thank them for their dedication to Jewish community and values.
Morning Impressions
It’s a chilly February morning. In the parking lot, I spot Lisa exiting the building. By the time I’ve arrived, she has already finished a Cardio Sculpt class, discussed promoting the Interfaith Comedy Show, and shared insights on the Parasha Posters in the gallery. I want to have Lisa’s energy when I grow up.
After unloading soccer gates and beeswax sheets from my car—standard gear for a Jewish professional preparing for Taste of Israel and Women’s Wisdom — I run into Karen. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she shares ideas for the Women’s Social Impact group and her excitement for the upcoming Adult Engagement trip.
Inside, I wave to another Lisa at the front desk and Jordi at security. In the lobby, I find Paula and Joshua, our special interest group enthusiasts, sharing a laugh over coffee. Paula, a lead volunteer of the book club, proudly shows off the coming year’s book list, while Joshua recounts a spirited debate from the News in Review Round Table.
The Midday Hustle
Finally at my desk, I find registrations for the Jewish Fantasy concert is rocking, and my inbox is full of gratitude for the recent Klezmer performance. Mike, one of our stellar NVRides volunteers, sent me an email about the show. Mike seems to have more than 24 hours in a day; between pickleball clinics, driving seniors to appointments, and sitting on multiple committees, he even found time to drop off toy cars for the kids at our NVRides recruitment table (with logos handmade on each car!).
By afternoon, I’m in the multifunctional mailroom warming up lunch in the microwave. I chat with Tracy, a J-Fit trainer and dedicated NVRides driver. She reflects on how she started volunteering six years ago to help others get to medical appointments. She never expected the profound joy and connection the riders would bring to her own life.
Planning for Impact
Later, I meet with Amy (Director of Partnerships and Family Engagement) to plan Good Deeds Day on April 12th. We’re organizing hands-on projects for all ages:
- For neighbors: Wrapping silverware for shelters or making flowers for seniors.
- For kids: Assembling snack packs for local students.
- For community: Sorting kosher food for Yad Yehuda.
- For pets: Crafting recycled toys for local animals.
During the meeting, Megan, a volunteer who jumped right into the DMV community upon moving here, texts to say she’s coming to Good Deeds Day. Amy and I wrap up by discussing the community garden; our volunteer Michelle is already asking for the schedule. Whether it’s planting veggies, baking challah, or joining family programs, Michelle always shows up.
Closing the Day
As I head out, I greet Abby and her husband. She’s off to improv class while he heads to a board meeting. Beyond her great humor, for years, Abby has been our champion breakfast cook for Hypothermia Prevention.
Driving home, I feel incredibly lucky. I spend my day doing amazing, meaningful things, surrounded by caring, thoughtful, and fun people — and I also have a salary! Our community is a living example of gmilut hasadim (acts of loving-kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Our volunteers come for the impact, but they stay for the community.
