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the outbreak of skin diseases seen early on as punishment for sin. Paru is the dean and co-founder of the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva (an adult Jewish education institute), former director of continuing edu- cation at Temple Beth Shalom and an ethics instructor at the Melton Adult Mini-School, which is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, the release points out. He trained as a social worker and served for many years as an executive of nonprofit orga- nizations, it adds. Paru studied religion and sociology at Yeshiva University in New York City, the release continues. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and political science at the University of Tulsa and a master's degree at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. "Freethinkers' Briefings are evidence-based summaries of what the general public needs to know about complex issues in the fields of religion, morality, ethics and justice," the release notes. For information call David Ryan at 365-4027 or email d2mryan@verizon.net. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is a Welcoming Congregation serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. More information may be found at uusarasota.org. Temple Emanu-El, located at 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota, invites the community to participate in the eighth annual Mitzvah Day on Sunday, May 4, beginning at noon. Taking its name from the Hebrew word mitz- vah — which means commandment but is often associated with good deeds — "Mitzvah Day is an afternoon devoted to hands-on ser- vice projects that benefit charitable agencies" throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, a news release explains. "There are opportuni- ties for people of all ages to be involved," it adds. The preferred registration deadline is April 28, but several projects will be available for late registrants or walk-in volunteers who wish to participate, the release notes. After creating cards for soldiers serving over- seas, hospitalized patients and nursing home residents, attendees will gather in the Temple Emanu-El sanctuary for a brief rally led by Rabbis Brenner and Elaine Rose Glickman, the release points out. Following the rally, Mitzvah Day participants will engage in proj- ects to benefit organizations including the Salvation Army, Anchin Pavilion, Manasota BUDS, Cat Depot, Take Stock in Children, Sarasota County Fire Department, Honor Animal Sanctuary, All Faiths Food Bank, Lions Club, BeTheMatch, Easter Seals, Suncoast Communities Blood Bank, Manatee County Schools, The Jewish Center of Sun City, SPARCC, SMART Horse Therapy Stables, Jewish Family & Children's Service and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the release says. Interested attendees of all faiths are invited to join the hundreds of Temple Emanu-El vol- unteers who participate in Mitzvah Day. For more information, call 379-1997. REGISTRATION CONTINUES FOR TEMPLE EMANU-EL'S MITZVAH DAY Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 113