Get that feel-good factor on Mitzvah Day (From Times Series)

Get that feel-good factor on Mitzvah Day

5:24pm Thursday 24th September 2009 in

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A RAFT of projects are flooding in to community groups who are already filling their Mitzvah Day programme two months in advance.

Many synagogues, youth groups and businesses have signed up as partners for the good deed day which is taking place on November 15.

There are already plans for toy collections, food donations and group singing events which are all aimed at benefiting worthy causes across the borough.

The congregation at Edgware and District Reform Synagogue were amongst the first to register their support for the day.

Marian Cohen, from the synagogue, said they are hoping to support charities including Norwood, and Barnardos, as well as holding an interfaith event.

“We think it is really important that people in our community learn about the ideas of Mitzvah and think about others for a change,” she said.

“We want to get the message across about helping anyone in the community.

“The children love it last year and they get so much from it. It is wonderful to be involved in it and have the time to focus on yourself giving something that is not money.”

Members of the Finchley Reform Synagogue are already proposing, amongst other ideas, to ask shoppers to buy an extra food item on the day to give to a destitute asylum.

Debbie Juggler, who is helping to organise the synagogue's Mitzvah day events, said: “We try to give a different role to different age groups and the idea behind it is to teach the children about being a good Jew.

“We want to improve links with the community and Mitzvah Day can give you that feel good factor.”

To find out more about the day visit www.mitzvahday.org.uk or email rsharp@london.newsquest.co.uk