Magical Mitzvah Day
COMMUNITY organisations, shuls, school children, seniors, youth movements and members of the wider community banded together on Sunday to celebrate international Mitzvah Day and perform good deeds around Melbourne.
It was a day of unity as Jews from across Australia joined more than 18 countries and thousands of people around the world in improving their community with small acts that make a significant difference.
More than 40 Melbourne communal organisations were involved in this year’s event where they put on an array of activities that promoted the Jewish values of tzedek (righteousness), gemilut chassadim (acts of loving-kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Activities included planting trees at a community garden for disadvantaged children, donating blood, preparing meals for the homeless, cleaning the beach and entertaining seniors.
Mitzvah Day chair Judy Feiglin said that the day exceeded expectations and was a resounding success. “I am overwhelmed with the generosity of spirit and goodwill. It all came together really well, I was really thrilled with everything that happened everywhere,” Feiglin told The AJN.
Feiglin said she found it particularly inspiring to see Jewish organisations work together with the wider community and non-Jewish organisations for Mitzvah Day and hopes to see this expand next year.
“A number of projects that were outside the Jewish community were really meaningful and really beneficial … B’nai B’rith’s partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence really left its mark.”
Other projects included Stand Up’s annual picnic with the Sudanese community, Impact’s packages for women escaping domestic violence, Leo Baeck’s various activities at the Asylum Seeker Centre and VAJEX honouring servicemen and women.
Feiglin said the dedication of the younger generation in various projects was a highlight and it demonstrated the spirit of Mitzvah Day.
“It’s about young and old and people of all abilities coming together as well as people from all different backgrounds and beliefs … It also celebrates what already goes on in our community, that we are caring for each other and others.”
ZOE KRON
Challah baking at Melbourne’s Central Shul as part of Mitzvah Day 2013. Photo: Peter Haskin
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