OUTSTANDING BRITISH MITZVAH DAY

1. Newcastle Synagogues

United Hebrew Congregation Newcastle and Newcastle Reform Synagogue teamed up this Mitzvah Day for a number of projects to help those in need as well as to help the environment. Members united to fill 140 shoe boxes with items for a homeless charity.

2. Edgware Hendon Reform Synagogue

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (“EHRS”) held an intergenerational Mitzvah Day Tea Party, where guests included Norwood members, people from local residential homes, and four teenage Ukrainian refugees who have been taken in by families in the community. The event, based on the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim (welcoming the guest), is an important way to unite the synagogue and the wider community. EHRS has also developed inclusive initiatives such as building a sensory room.

3. Tenants from Jewish Blind and Disabled

Every year on Mitzvah Day, the 350 tenants of Jewish Blind & Disabled (“JBD”) are encouraged to get involved and to do a mitzvah for those less fortunate than themselves. Last year, they donated their pre-loved books to New Chapters – Langdon’s online second-hand book business, which provides the opportunity for Langdon members to take their first step into the world of work. Tenants in all seven JBD developments cleared their bookshelves and donated literally hundreds of items. There were so many donations, they had to be taken by minibus!

4. South Hampstead Synagogue

Over 100 people participated in South Hampstead Synagogue’s Mitzvah Day activities in aid of a range of incredible causes. Volunteers all got together at the synagogue to help sort a mountain of donated clothes, food, toys, and baby essentials. Charities supported included Castlehaven Food Bank, New Horizon Youth Centre, St Mary's Primrose Hill Church Winter Shelter, Camp Simcha, and a charity supporting Afghan refugees.

5. Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue

Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue’s activities started the week before Mitzvah Day with a gardening project at Canons Park. On Mitzvah Day itself, an immense collect-a-thon amassed donations including food, toys, toiletries, and books for charities including Camp Simcha, Langdon, All Aboard, and Watford New Hope Trust. A men's homeless charity in Harrow benefited from the hearty soup made by a group of volunteers. In the kid's zone, children made tote bags for Leket Israel Giving Tree; created stencil cards for Save a Child's Heart, and planted flowers to brighten the shul courtyard. A group of toddlers and parents from the shul also visited the local Jewish Care home to sing to the residents. The day culminated with the extremely popular seniors tea attended by 150 seniors, including AJEX ex-servicemen/women.