Make the most of Mitzvah Day
On Sunday November 17, members of Australia’s Jewish communities will work together for a variety of worthy causes in celebration of Mitzvah Day.
Mitzvah
Mitzvah
A ‘mitzvah’ is commonly recognized as doing a good deed, based on the Hebrew word for a commandment of Jewish law. On this day, regardless of age or affiliation, people are invited to take part in a project that will in some way better the community they live in.
The Mitzvah Day philosophy is based on the Jewish values of ‘tzedek’ (righteousness), ‘gemilut chassadim’ (acts of loving kindness), and ‘tikkun olam’ (repairing the world).
This is the third year Australia is taking part in Mitzvah Day, a phenomenon which was established in the United Kingdom about a decade ago and is rapidly extending to many countries worldwide. While the last two years have mostly involved Melbourne, this year Mitzvah Day Australia is going to Sydney, Perth and Brisbane as well.
To date there are 62 registered projects nationally for 2013 which include group blood donations, toy drives, cooking and meal distributions to those in need, space makeovers, working bees, entertaining residents in aged care facilities, community outreach, picnics with refugees, collectathons, environmental projects and a concert by children of the different Jewish day schools for senior homebound people and more….
Mitzvah
Mitzvah
It is hoped that some of the projects can be ongoing throughout the year.
Mitzvah Day chair Judy Feiglin said that getting involved in Mitzvah Day is something which is easy to do, but has a great deal of significance behind it.
“It’s about bringing the community together. It’s heartening to see people young and old, from many diverse backgrounds, coming together for the common good, On this day we give our time not our money to make a difference.” Feiglin said.
Member for Caulfield and Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services David Southwick has been involved in Mitzvah Day since its inception in Australia, and insists that it is a worthwhile day for all involved.
“Mitzvah Day challenges us to take good intentions and turn them into good deeds. This is a fantastic initiative that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” Southwick said.
For more information or to register a project, visit www.mitzvahday.org.au.
For enquiries, contact Judy Feiglin on 0402 263 806 or email [email protected].
