Jews, Muslims Volunteer on Christmas, Give Christians a Break
This year's Mitzvah Day is so popular that there is a wait list for volunteers.
Mitzvah Day is when hundreds of volunteers from metro Detroit pitch in to make Christmas a brighter day for their neighbors and community members. Organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council, Mitzvah Day started about 20 years ago, said co-chair Micki Grossman, of Farmington Hills. She said it started with the idea of volunteering around the community every month at places like nursing homes and hospitals. "Then someone came up with the idea that on Christmas Day, as Jewish people, we don't have anything to do," said Grossman, who has been co-chair of Mitzvah Day for six or seven years and before that a volunteer and site coordinator. Mitzvah literally means commandment, so volunteers see this as a way to fulfill their obligation …
