A Few Good Deeds

Hey GOLDA gang! With summer at an end, we turned to illustrator and children’s author Suzy Ultman to get her tips on how to prepare for the new year (school and otherwise). Below, you will find her recommendations for simple mitzvot that will help you beat the post-Labor Day blues. Enjoy!

How can I be helpful?

That’s a question I ask myself regularly. So when it came time to brainstorm ideas for my third Jewish board book, mitzvot seemed like the perfect fit.

IT’S A MITZVAH! is a love letter to everyday actions that build kindness, connection, and peace. The book introduces our littlest citizens to small deeds with big heart, helping them develop care, empathy, and community connection.

Mitzvot are almost as old as time, so it feels very meaningful to share these ideas and ideals with the next generation. Thank you for joining in the mitzvah-making joy!

Bake Something to Share

Along with drawing, baking has been a true love of mine since I was very little. As my own kids have grown, it’s been a joy hanging-out with them in the kitchen. It’s given me the opportunity to teach them family recipes, try new things, and connect over working together.

And, there’s something very special about sharing homemade treats. Whether it’s with family, a friend in need, or a community fundraiser, it always brings a smile!

(This is TZEDAKAH: the mitzvah of giving righteously, being fair, and thinking about others.)

Write a Note

I’m a big fan of leaving notes and sending notes. My husband is often the recipient of an unexpected post-it note tucked into his sock drawer or stuck to his computer. I also love surprising friends and family with snail mail. It’s such an easy, playful, and personal way to let people know that they’re loved and appreciated!

At the non-profit Love For Our Elders, they’re “fighting loneliness with love, one letter at a time.” The organization pairs elders with letter writers, and lets the connection blossom.

(This is SIMCAH: the mitzvah of cultivating happiness, joy, and celebration.)

Relax on Shabbat

Yes, it’s a mitzvah to reboot your system, and practice shabbat-ing! It’s a time to cultivate rest, reflection, and connection.

From an early age, I was introduced to the feeling of slowing down. My family kicked-off every Shabbat with a Friday night dinner at my grandparents’ home. The weekly tradition invited our whole family to pause their “doing”, and be present for togetherness and sharing.

This childhood experience inspired me to continue Shabbat throughout my life. Over time, I added my own twist on the Friday evening traditions. I don’t always have the time to prep dinner with all of the shabbat fixings, so I’ll purchase some of the goodies. And, to help get into the Shabbat mood, my family has really enjoyed Oneg Home’s conversation deck.

(This is MENUCHA: the mitzvah of relaxing at the end of the week.)

Nurture Nature

I grew-up in “Happy Valley”, a moniker given to my hometown nestled in the Pennsylvania mountains and surrounded by woods. As a kid, I loved to adventure in the forest -- running, exploring, making-up games, picking berries, and watching the little critters under the canopy of trees.

That connection with nature enriched me, and I love to find simple ways to give-back — hanging a bird feeder, picking-up trash that’s lying around outside, learning about local wildlife, planting something.

(This is TIKKUN OLAM: the mitzvah of repairing the world.)

Invite Someone to Play

We tend to think that playdates are for kids, but adults need them too! Have coffee together, and fill-up your cup with kind, happy, human connection.

Or, try a long walk, a bookstore meet-up, an antique treasure hunt, a yoga class, or whatever your heart needs!

(This is HACHNASAT ORCHIM: the mitzvah of welcoming guests)

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Enjoy the long weekend! Until next time…

Stay GOLDA!