Lifestyle/Community
UJW fulfils mitzvah of ‘bringing light’
In numerous countries across the world, November 22 will be commemorated as Mitzvah Day, bringing together people of different faiths to celebrate their common humanity and their concern for the needy, the lonely, and those whose lives are difficult.
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Pictured: This solar light takes 12 hours to charge – using sunlight – and then runs for an incredible 60 hours!
In South Africa, the Union of Jewish Women is playing a leading role, working closely with various religious groups.
“On Chanukah we celebrate the festival of lights. This is the opportunity to bring lights to families living in squatter camps in our area,” the UJW said.
The groups are working together on the theme of “Bringing Light to the People”, focusing on making a difference to many who live in abject squalor and poverty in squatter camps. “These families have no access to electricity, no lights, no heating, and are forced to rely on paraffin lamps which, while being fairly ineffective, are at the same time frighteningly dangerous and have resulted in tragedies too numerous to mention.”
The UJW says it has come up with an answer to this problem: specialised solar lights that can provide up to 60 hours of cost-free light and are charged by exposure to sunlight. In so doing, it also simultaneously protects the environment from the damaging effect of pollution.
Appealing to the generosity of the Jewish community, the UJW says: “For a mere R100 per unit, the lives of these families, of students battling to study by paraffin lamp, will be irrevocably changed, for the better.
“Your much appreciated donations will bring light into their lives.”
The UJW is also inviting schools to participate in the project, “by approaching and asking parents to donate towards this vital initiative”.