About us

About Mitzvah Day

Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action. Over 40,000 people around the world, come together to give our time, not 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 together people of all faiths and backgrounds, to volunteer side-by-side, building longstanding, genuine relationships.

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

Projects can include a wide variety of activities and include a range of art and crafts activities such as making dog toys for animal rescue centres, eco-projects such as tree planting and litter picks, friendship projects such as visiting care homes, collection projects such as food collections for local food banks, clothing collections, stationery collections, appreciation projects such as writing letters to hospital workers, support staff, fire service workers etc. cooking projects to make food to be donated to night shelters and refuge centres, upcycling projects such as making tote bags out of t-shirts, and care projects such as making and distributing essential supplies to rough sleepers. The list is endless! 

Our Vision

Guided by the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness) and Tzedek (justice), 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 ‘repairing’ 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 ‘acts 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.

Watch our videos to learn more!

Highlights from 2019

Celebrating 10 Years of Mitzvahs

What is Mitzvah Day in a minute?

Mitzvah Day 2017 launch video

What Mitzvahs did we do in 2016?