The Greater Hartford Jewish community is kicking off the new year with its first-ever Mitzvah Fair and Expo, to be held Sunday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Young Israel of West Hartford, located at 2240 Albany Ave.

Geared for all members of the Jewish community – from the “just Jewish” to the observant – the fair is intended to inspire individuals and families to do good deeds throughout the year. Among the fair’s events and activities:

• Enjoy a kosher BBQ
• Have a sofer (master scribe) examine your mezuzot and holy scrolls
• Learn about how to kasher your kitchen, ritually wash your vegetables
• Learn about the lost art of shatnez fabric checking
• Get swabbed for the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry
• Visit a sukkah exhibit presented by the Bess & Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy
• Shop for Sukkot – select your own lulav, etrog, and Sukkot decorations
• Exploration of volunteer opportunities with Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Plus, children are invited to enjoy Sukkot arts and crafts activities and an interactive Jewish learning project presented by the Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership’s (CJEL) WOW! Initiative

Admission is free, with one personal hygiene item or non-perishable, kosher food item for donation to the Jewish Family Services’ Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry.

The fair is sponsored by Young Israel of West Hartford, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, the Sigel Hebrew Academy, CJEL, Hebrew High School of New England, and the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry.

For more information, visit www.youngisraelwh.org/event/mitzvahfair2017.