CHELMSFORD, MA, JUNE 3, 2010 – —   The Qutbi Masjid (mosque) of North Billerica will join Congregation Shalom of North Chelmsford for a day of community service on Sunday, June 6. Members of both congregations will come together to help others, near and far, through community outreach and acts of loving kindness, with a focus on health and wellness. The focus has taken shape in a community health fair at Congregation Shalom between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. Members of the public of all ages are encouraged to visit free of charge. Donations will be used for community service projects.

The health fair theme, helping yourself and others stay healthy, expresses the guiding principle, “To save a life,” “Pikuach Nefesh” in Hebrew, or “Inqazul Hayat” in Arabic. The health fair features defibrillator training, bone marrow screening, and numerous formally staffed health information tables until noon (and browsing 1-2:30 pm). The theme of staying healthy will also come alive in the healthy baked items and lunches for sale.

From 2:30 to 3:30 pm all are welcome to enjoy the keynote presentation, “Let Go and Lighten Up: Introduction to Laughter Therapy” by the delightful, dynamic speaker Lisa Wessan, LCSW (http://www.mirthmaven.com). Learn about the science behind laughter therapy, and experience the healing power of laughter through a relaxing sequence of Laughter Yoga, Laughter Meditation, and Laffirmations. wear comfortable clothes). Among the benefits of Laughter, it can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, oxygenate the brain, improve memory, boost our immune system and give us an emotional lift, as well as relieve pain and stress. Even Alzheimer's patients can come into lucidity with laughter. Laughter can also act as a "social glue," even among strangers.

An attendee of a previous workshop, Lois Barth of HEALINGWORKS ON-SITE SERVICES, INC. commented, "... Lisa Wessan's ideas are innovative, unique and freeing. Her passion runs deep -- she is committed to contribute and enliven whatever environment she's in. When I saw Lisa facilitate an auditorium full of ethnically diverse elders, some not even being able to stand up without assistance, I thought, 'She'll never get them to do a penguin laugh.' But lo and behold, the room was transformed into a pack of laughing people, Lisa leading the way. It's a vision I'll never forget. Lisa rocks!"

This is the tenth annual Mitzvah Day at Congregation Shalom, and the second conducted jointly with the Qutbi Masjid. In Hebrew, a “mitzvah” is a commandment, but is also any act of human kindness. Rabbi Shoshana Perry’s excitement about this year’s Mitzvah Day shines through. “I love that people of all ages can come together and know that united we can make a difference in the world. I love that our members can join together with the members of the Masjid – that Muslim and Jew can work together in peace to create a kinder world.”

Including children in Mitzvah Day’s community service is always important. As in previous years, the kids will take pride in washing and vacuuming cars at Congregation Shalom to raise funds for community service. Kids and adults will cooperate on other projects at the synagogue, the masjid, and off-site locations. With this year’s activities, which include light carpentry, landscaping and gardening, knitting, preparing and serving food, visiting, and collecting medical supplies, participants will connect with neighbors who are homeless, elderly, or affected by disability or illness, as well as communities in need in Haiti.

Congregation Shalom is located at 87 Richardson Rd in Chelmsford and is wheelchair accessible. For more information visit http://www.congregationshalom.org, email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call (978) 251-8091.