Good Deeds Day Brings Milwaukee Together in Jewish Joy

As part of Repair the World’s Spring 2025 National Days of Jewish Service, Tikkun Ha-Ir (THI) united Milwaukee residents for a meaningful day of service, Jewish joy, and community connection.

Volunteers pack 1,000 care kits at Good Deeds Day. Photo credit: Tikkun Ha-Ir (THI)

Rhonda Lindner, Jewish Social Justice Educator at THI looked out at the 250 volunteers gathered at the Milwaukee JCC for Good Deeds Day-MKE, packing sandwiches, assembling hygiene kits, and serving alongside friends, family members, and neighbors. “Good Deeds Day was a tremendous day of seeing our Jewish values and learning show up for the broader Milwaukee community and the agencies we call partners,” Rhonda shared. “By 3pm, we were a sea of black and neon t-shirts, over 200 people strong working in community, laughing with friends and strangers, and teaching our young generations the value of service.”

At a time filled with stress and uncertainty, Good Deeds Day-MKE became what Rhonda described as “a much needed bright spot of hope and faith in action.” For an afternoon, volunteers experienced a Jewish communal space centered on connection, purpose, and joy. “Gone was the stress, grief, and challenges that have become all too common in our community,” Rhonda said.

“The day was a living, breathing example of #JEWISHJOY.”

Volunteers distribute 1,850 pounds of food for neighbors in need. Photo credit: Tikkun Ha-Ir (THI)

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was getting to experience it alongside her own family. ”Good Deeds Day provided an opportunity for my three generation family to come together for a greater good,” she shared. “My husband, two adult children, one son-in-law, and my mother gathered together and bonded through sandwich-making, snack bag prepping, no-sew blanket making, and hygiene kit packing.” Her family was far from the only multigenerational group participating. Rhonda recalled,

“I saw dozens of grandparents cuddling with grandchildren, adult siblings working together, and college students getting to know each other, and parents laughing with children and friends. All of this done in a positive Jewish space.”

By the end of the day, volunteers left feeling energized and connected through service. As Rhonda shared, “It is such an important lesson in the social justice world – we all have something to give, and we all have something to receive.” Together, volunteers contributed 625 hours of service to support the Milwaukee community, distributing 1,850 pounds of food and packing 1,000 care kits for neighbors in need. Through joyful Jewish service, volunteers are building a stronger, more connected Milwaukee community.