Thank you!

After two years of unparalleled conflict abroad and division at home, Mitzvah Day 2025 helps us connect with each other and focus on what matters in and between our communities – building a better society for all. By working side-by-side in this way, people from different faith traditions build connections, celebrate our shared values and ultimately create a more unified and supportive society.  This year was meaningful to say the least.

CHILDREN DOING MITZVAHS FOR OTHER CHILDREN
This year we focussed on children in need and bringing Mitzvah Day activities to our own Mill Hill Cheder.  And as every year – the Mill Hill Cheder kids were wonderfully helpful and excited.  They packed snack and sweets bags for Food Bank Aid and wrapped presents and cards for children of Spread A Smile.  Thank you to the teachers, Rabbi Spector and his team for the wonderful support and beautiful collaboration.  We all benefited, thank you!!

MITZVAH MAKING VOLUNTEERS 
Beyond the Cheder‘s committed involvement we had  many volunteers giving their time on the day from our own community.  Your willingness and “I’ll do anything’ mindset was so very appreciated.  From tying ribbons to packing (and not snacking) on sweets to helping keep kids engaged was truly remarkable.  For some of you your first time and for others of you it is an annual activity and we Thank You, Thank You!!  We also collected winter clothes and toiletries for Separated Child charity helping teens and refugees in shelters.


FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL 
Additionally, we had representation of 3 of the 6 Mill Hill Churches…
This may feel less interesting to you but…. actually, this year more than ever it is important.  Showing our Jewish values beyond our own community is critical. Mitzvah Day brings ALL people together toward a common goal of doing good.   It is a day which is Jewish led and offers a very positive view on Jews that is unfortunately not as strong a perception as it should be. We had our non-Jewish visitors commenting on the beauty and need of ‘mitzvahs’ , others having met their first Jewish person on Mitzvah Day, several others supporting us and feeling disgusted by the antisemitism today, others first time seeing and being in a shul and others just recognising Mill Hill Synagogue as doing good work for so many!!

Thank you to all that help to make this day happen and for all the volunteers.  A special mention of those that put up with my requests and needs from Day 1 of planning:
Lisa and Leanne in the office...  all done with such efficiency and a smile, huge thank you!

Marshall Hoffman and his CST team… Marshall this year we experienced some meaningful Jewish explanation and engagement from the wider Mill Hill community, thank you!

Ben Sweiry for supporting and representing proactive and very positive youth.  You were so helpful and lovely to work with, thank you! The caretakers for helping make it happen every year and…. And finally, a tremendous thank you to the ever so devoted and active Mill Hill Mitzvah Day committee Nathalie Sweiry, Zoe Kessler, Karen Mizrahi and Debra Fisher. 

Your positively, active can-do attitude and never ending commitment are inspiring and remind us all of mitzvah making, thank you!!