On Sunday 15th November over 100 members of Habonim Dror from all over Britain, and in Israel,  joined forces to take part in the biggest-ever Mitzvah Day. Mitzvah Day is one day of the year when the Jewish community unite to do good deeds for others. The event was backed by Tony Blair who recorded a special video message of support for Mitzvah Day.

In North Manchester, 30 chanachim and madrachim gathered to do a good deed for the residents of Heathlands. Everyone came to the Maccabi Centre along with their old wellies, ready to transform them into ‘Welly Plants’. The wellies were painted and decorated, then filled with compost and a bulb was planted.  Several of the madrachim and roshim then went along to a lovely afternoon tea put on by the residents of Heathlands, accompanied by a sketch by the pupils of Langdon college. The wellies were handed over to the residents in a ceremony.

In South Manchester, 25 chanachim and madrachim took part in Blue Peter’s Operation Smile appeal. Everyone brought their old t-shirts with, to transform them into hospital gowns to be sent to India for use in surgery for children with clefts. The t-shirts were decorated and nice messages were written on them, before being cut into hospital gowns, with ribbons tied at the back. Over 50 t-shirts were made and have been sent to India.

In London, 40 chanachim and madrachim gathered at the London Jewish Cultural Centre to take part in various arts and crafts events, including cake-baking and bracelet-making. Plant pots were decorated and then bulbs were planted, to send to the residents of a local Jewish care home, Hammerson House.

In Israel, the Shnatties also played their part in Mitzvah Day.  On 13th November the 21 Shnatties went to Kibbutz Shiller to pack oranges and clementines to be donated to underprivelaged children.  This was organised through the charity Table to Table, which gives food resources to children.

Over 100 Mitzvah’s were done by our members on this day and Habonim is very proud to have such a big impact on this great event. A big Heyach to all involved!

To learn more about Mitzvah Day go to www.mitzvahday.org.uk