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Leap of faith: 20 years of Mitzvah Day
Annual inter-faith initiative offers connection and hope
A rabbi, a bishop, a Muslim and a politician enter a kitchen – it sounds like the opening line of a slightly overtold joke. But it was exactly what happened on Sunday across the country as people from all faiths got together to make mitzvot, good deeds, on the 20th anniversary of Mitzvah Day.
As I shared my chopping board with the Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, we joked about our days, compared aspects of our work, and enjoyed the dulcet tones of background guitar music from a member of our cooking team avoiding getting his hands dirty.
Many things make Mitzvah Day unique. It is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, with over 2,000 projects taking place and more than 55,000 volunteers. It is not a day of giving money, but of giving time, a day rooted in action which supports both Jewish and non-Jewish causes alike.
But the thing that made it feel profoundly special this year was something different. In a time of rising antisemitism, this was a day that was proudly, unapologetically Jewish. We celebrated what we strive to do as Jews every day, to “be a light unto the nations” as Isaiah commands us, by giving back to the wider community. And we did it alongside people of all faiths, and people of no faith, who share in our values and who also seek to make the world a better place.
Across the country, there were multiple projects where Jews and non-Jews sat alongside one another, not divided by their politics, but united in their desire to do some good in a world that is often harsh and unkind.
Many of the projects were simple: making a cupcake to send to residents of a care home, planting bulbs, clearing rubbish. Small acts that were a profound reminder that each of us can spark joy and spread a smile.
So I head back into the kitchen, where volunteers of six faiths chopped and stirred, laughed and shared stories. Together we made over 50 bowls of soup, some of which were delivered to the Barnet Winter Shelter, and some of which were frozen to use at a refugee drop-in later this month. The aim of the project was to create something warm, hearty and nourishing. After cooking, and sharing a bowl of soup, I believe we all left feeling nourished – not just by food, but by the love, kindness and friendship we experienced. Through this act of giving, we built bridges and lasting relationships.
In our world that so often feels divided, Mitzvah Day offered a moment of connection, a reminder that our shared values, hopes and humanity can still bring us together.
Rabbi Hannah Kingston is at North Western Reform Synagogue Alyth Gardens
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