This interview with Cathie Perolman originally appeared in The Prophet Magazine, issue 2024:3. Cathie was interviewed by Janis Wasser.
Please introduce yourself.
Hi! I’m Cathie Perolman. My husband Gary and I have been members of Temple Isaiah since 1994, when we moved to the area. We were a career military family stationed at Ft. Meade and decided to join Temple Isaiah.
How long have you been a knitter?
I have been knitting since I was five years old. My mother taught me. It has always been an important part of my life.
How did you get involved with Knitzvah?
I was initially asked to be the knitting contact for Sisterhood in 2018, when Knitzvah was just being organized. Since then, it has developed into quite an exciting and vibrant group. ”Knitzvah” is a combination word… knitting plus mitzvah… hence Knitzvah! However, we have always included crocheters as well.
Who is involved in Knitzvah?
Anyone in the community who is interested in knitting or crocheting projects for the underserved community are welcome to join our efforts! While it is not necessary to be a TI member, most crafters do have some connection to our community.
How does Knitzvah work?
Crafters knit or crochet together or at home. We organize the completed projects during our meeting and members deliver them to our donation sites. Yarn is collected from donations, organized by color and yarn type, and stored in my garage. Crafters pick up their yarn needs either at a meeting or at a time that is convenient for them. We meet once a month to craft in community but many people complete projects at home. We are happy to teach anyone who is interested in learning or learning a new stitch or pattern. People who cannot attend a meeting are able to pick up yarn at their convenience by contacting Cathie. The average meeting attendance is between 7–15 people and there are approximately 30 crafters involved in this group. Finished projects are brought to a meeting or dropped off at the Temple or my home.
To whom do you donate?
Knitzvah has contributed to various projects over the years. We have made afghans for Warm-Up America for the unhoused. These were made by joining squares made by our members. We make many hats and scarves each year that are donated to GrassRoots our homeless shelter, low income middle schools in the community and UMBC for students in need.
After October 7, Knitzvah met the call to help the IDF by knitting, crocheting and collecting 570 hats for grateful soldiers in Israel and the Middle East.
Knitzvah had a table at TI’s Mitzvah Day the past two years where we introduced TI members to the skill of loom knitting. This excitement leads to members taking Mitzvah hats home to finish and families even purchasing looms of their own for future projects. Our effort grew this past year and the table was always full of loom knitters.
Knitzvah’s newest project, spearheaded by Ellen Levin, brings love and care to members of the TI community recovering from illness. These care packages include a set of hand-made coasters.
Knitzvah has been prolific this past year. 180 handmade hats and scarves have been donated to local community organizations for distribution. We plan to continue supporting these efforts in the future.
How can people get involved?
Sign up at the opening Sisterhood event.
Sisterhood would like to thank Cathie and all the Knitzvah participants for all their dedication and crafty efforts on behalf of the community. Cathie, it has been a pleasure interviewing you and learning about your amazing group. Thank you.
