Mitzvahs in Melbourne
Following the success of last year’s initiative, Mitzvah Day activities will again take place across Melbourne on Sunday, November 25.
Born out of the belief that we can all make a positive difference to our world by taking action – Mitzvah Day is based on the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedek (righteousness), and gemilut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness).
The idea of a Mitzvah Day originated in the US more than 20 years ago, and Mitzvah Day International was lunched in the UK in 2008. Last year 25,000 people in 300 communities in 22 countries took part in the Jewish-led day of social action.
On Mitzvah Day, Jews – and those touched by the Jewish world – improve the world, in some small way, by taking part in a range of activities, such as collecting and distributing food and clothing, singing to and befriending seniors and people who are socially isolated, joining refugees in picnics, donating blood, making over public spaces, making and sending gifts to needy children and more.
Our vision is to reduce hardship and poverty, help our environment, and to bring a little joy where it is needed, all through hands-on participation. It is a way for people to take an active part regardless of their affiliation, age, sex, location. Mitzvah Day brings new and enthusiastic volunteers to those who need support.
Mitzvah Day serves as a platform for creating local relationships, both within the Jewish community, and with those from other faiths and communities. By working together for the common good we build stronger communities, making them better places to live.
A spokesperson for Mitzvah Day told JWire: “It’s about community building. It’s about looking beyond ourselves and helping to make the world a little bit of a better place, a little more enjoyable,
It’s not just the Jewish world, but the entire world”
Last year, 500 people were involved in Melbourne’s inaugural Mitzvah Day . This year on November 25, organisers hope more will participate
