Family Picnic and Mitzvah Day

In October 2018, BAS congregants of all ages were invited for a Family Picnic and Mitzvah Day activities. People brought dairy lunches and blankets. We began with a gigantic picnic in the hallway outside the Sanctuary and were joined by migrant children from Abbott House. Introductory remarks were by Laura Solomon, Tikkun Olam Chevra chair; Laura Candela Katz, who spoke about Abbott House; Abby Reiken, Education Director and co-organizer of the day’s activities; and our own Rabbi Les Bronstein. Our congregant Esther, who is fluent in Spanish, translated for the Abbott House kids who have not yet learned English. Activities that followed included baking, crafts, photo booth with props and relay races. The children embraced each activity with unbridled enthusiasm. Advocacy work on immigration, by writing postcards, was also available for those who chose to participate. A large group of BAS volunteers made the afternoon a beautiful success.