Vision & Mission

Celebrating 10 Years of Mitzvahs

 

What is Mitzvah Day in a minute?

Mitzvah Day 2017 launch video

What Mitzvahs did we do in 2016?

A Mitzvah

A Mitzvah, literally, is a commandment in Jewish law. However, it is often used to mean a good deed or an act of kindness and that is the basis for Mitzvah Day.  It is an integral part of Jewish life.

What we do

On Mitzvah Day, we give our time, not our money, to make a difference to the community around us. We introduce people to social action, to their neighbours and to local charities setting up projects which address real needs. Jewish led, we bring  people of other faiths, and none to volunteer side by side, with fun and laughter,  with our community,  to get to know each other.

Our vision

Guided by the Jewish values of tikkun olam, gemilut chasadim and tzedek, our vision is of Jews and non-Jews coming together to build more cohesive neighbourhoods and to strengthen civil society. 

Our values

Mitzvah Day is rooted in Jewish values that underpin our projects and partnerships so that they have a real, lasting impact 

1. Tikkun Olam 

The Hebrew translates as ‘healing’ or ‘perfecting’ the world to  instil a shared responsibility in the welfare of society at large – helping others, looking after our environment, and addressing diverse human rights

2. Gemilut Chasadim

The Hebrew literally means ‘the giving of loving-kindness’ which knows no bounds and not only teaches the art of giving but also not to expect to receive something material in return. Acts of kindness are engraved in a Jewish way of life, where individuals give selflessly of their time and of themselves. Every year on Mitzvah Day, thousands do just that, through projects based on the principle of doing acts of kindness.

3. Tzedek

The Hebrew translates as ‘righteousness’ and ‘justice’ and, can manifest itself through social action and acts of loving-kindness; not because it feels good but because the Jewish faith commands that it is the right thing to do.