Super Sunday aims to reach 2,500 supporters, build community

SUPER SUNDAY — the annual phonathon and largest community fund-raiser in support of the United Jewish Appeal campaign of Greater MetroWest NJ — this year will take place on Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Aidekman Jewish Community Campus in Whippany and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Wilf Jewish Community Campus in Scotch Plains.

Funds raised through Super Sunday fuel the work of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, providing services to individuals and institutions in the local area and offering support to Jewish communities in Israel and around the world. This year’s goal is to reach 2,500 supporters on Super Sunday as part of an annual goal of 12,000.

Cultural programs and social action activities in conjunction with Super Sunday are geared for all ages. Among those offered this year at one or both campuses are: “CAN-orah,” building a giant hanukkia with canned foods (to be donated later to local food banks and the Jewish Relief Agency); a PJ Library kids’ story time and drum circle; a Ga-ga (Israeli dodgeball) competition; MitzvahMania, social action opportunities for tweens and young families; and a Make Your Own Hanukka Crafts session.

A Family Fun Day for children with special needs and their families will be held in Scotch Plains.

Teens and college students will be welcome to participate in a call session from 5 to 8 p.m. in Whippany, assisted by the federation’s rishonim (young Israeli emissaries) and including prizes, free food, and the chance to earn community service hours. Young people in the Scotch Plains area can get to Whippany on a “fun” bus leaving the Wilf campus at 4:15 p.m. and returning at 9.

Other activities include a toy and food drive, blood drive, bone marrow registry, and vendor marketplace with Judaica and other gift items.

Super Sunday chairs are Ken Rotter of Westfield, Ron Silbermann of Randolph, Steve Weisbrot of Scotch Plains, and Jessica and Aaron Wolff of Denville.

Silbermann said he volunteers “because it is important to give back and attempt to make the world a better place. Being the son of two Holocaust survivors, I was raised with this value.”

“For me a successful day is measured not only by the number of dollars raised…but by the feeling of community,” said Aaron Wolff. “Super Sunday creates that sense of community.”

Super Sunday “is the one day all year where we can…work together, shoulder-to-shoulder, with a singular goal in mind,” said Weisbrot, a first-time chair. “I consider it my duty to educate my peer group about the breadth and depth of good work we do in Greater MetroWest so that when Super Sunday rolls around, they already know why they should want to be involved.”

Added Jessica Wolff: “Beyond the monetary benefits that many children in our community receive through the funds raised on Super Sunday, children who participate get to experience first-hand what it means to be part of a community and to give to others.”

Volunteers will receive phone solicitation training on site. Kosher meals and snacks are provided to all volunteers and their families. Organizers ask those unable to volunteer to make as generous a donation as possible when called.

Local residents are also being asked to join in the national #GivingTuesday initiative on Dec. 2 (see related article).

To register as a Super Sunday volunteer and to see the full schedule, visit jfedgmw.org/supersunday or call 973-929-3010.