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Mitzvah Day
Mitzvah day. A Chanukah card designing, smoothie-hat making, Darfur-crisis educating, all-singing, all-dancing whirlwind of good deeds sweeping across the Brittania hotel in Primrose hill. The concept has its roots across the Atlantic and was brought here by the all-conquering Laura Marks in conjunction with another American import, the JCC. The day is pretty much what it says on the tin – a day where all sorts of individuals and organisations come together to participate in fun Mitzvot.
On all counts, it was phenomenally successful. It catered for all tastes: whether you were of an artistic disposition or were interested in learning about Darfuri culture Mitzvah day was for you. Even children had specific activities dedicated to them in the form of a Darfur awareness and culture exchange session run by the enthusiastic Habonim Dror madrichim.
Thanks to the fabulous efforts of Habonim Dror and the Aegis Trust, this was also a fantastic opportunity for the Jewish community to build links with the Darfuri community in London and I spotted new friendships developing aplenty around the room. At the end, we all had a chance to sample a small portion of Darfuri culture in the form of Darfuri dancing, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Across the whole of the UK, the Jewish community were living up to the call to arms on the JCC leaflet - ‘dig a little deeper’ - by engaging in acts of good will and generosity. From packathons to helping the homeless, Mitzvah day has done much to engender a good name for the Jewish community in this country.
Overall, I think the take home message from Mitzvah day is as important as the day itself. Mitzvah day should not just be a day. Mitzvah day should merely be the tip of the iceberg; a day which forces us to realise that none of us do enough Mitzvot in our lives. We all can do more small things which make a significant difference to the lives of others. In this way as well as many others, Mitzvah day is perfect at triggering this process. Believe it or not, a World Jewish Relief Packathon takes place every week. Darfuri refugees live right on our doorstep. It is possible to give blood ridiculously regularly. For me that is the real value of the day: the chance not just to do a Mitzvah but to begin a life of Mitzvot.
Jem Stein
Click Here to see the pictures
See what World Jewish Relief (WJR) had to say about the day
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