As the oldest students in the lower school, Smith Jewish Academy’s fifth graders are stepping confidently into their role as leaders — and they’re doing it through mitzvot.
On Sunday, March 8, from 3:30-5 p.m., our fifth grade will host a schoolwide Mitzvah Fair, welcoming students and families of all ages to come together for hands-on acts of kindness, creativity, and community. Building on last month’s focus on service and volunteering for MLK Day, this project reflects our school’s deep commitment to raising caring, engaged mensches.
The fair is entirely planned and run by fifth graders, who have organized themselves into three committees — Activities, Marketing, and Baking — each responsible for a key part of the event. From designing mitzvah stations (think a mitzvah carnival!) to promoting the fair and baking treats for tz'dakah, students are practicing collaboration, responsibility, and real-world leadership skills.
At the fair, participants will be able to write cards to isolated seniors, make dog chew toys for animal shelters, create friendship bracelets for hospitalized children and first responders, and even play an environmentally themed bowling game — among many other interactive stations. All proceeds from the bake sale will be donated to tz'dakah, with fifth graders deciding together where the funds will go.
This Mitzvah Fair is more than an event. It’s a milestone. It’s a chance for our fifth graders to lead with heart, put Jewish values into action, and model for younger students what it looks like to take responsibility for building a caring community. We can’t wait to see them shine.