Rabbi Josh Levy, the Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism, helped Mitzvah Day mark its 20th anniversary at a special celebration and 2025 launch event.

The evening brought together faith and community leaders with Mitzvah Day staff, trustees, project coordinators and charity partners from across the past two decades – including those from many of our Progressive communities.

Rabbi Josh and Sarah Bendredj of Southgate Progressive Synagogue joined representatives from the Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Baháʼí communities to write cards for users of the JW3 Foodbank (pictured) – for which everyone attending the event also brought donations.

Rabbi Josh said: “Mitzvah Day reminds us that Judaism is about trying to make the world a better place. It has done something truly transformational, by bringing Jewish values and commitments to the forefront – building relationships within and between communities, and making social action and social justice a core part of our Jewish lives.”

Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks CBE celebrates with Progressive Judaism’s Simon Rothstein

The gathering also saw the launch of this year’s Mitzvah Day theme: 20 Years of Building Bridges.

The theme focusses on how – against a background of global unrest, divisions in society and rising antisemitism – Mitzvah Day is about proud and positive Jewish-led social action, making a genuine difference to the society in which we live together.

Mitzvah Day’s Founder and Chair Laura Marks CBE, a member of Alyth, told guests: “As we celebrate 20 years of Mitzvah Day, our mission of reaching out and helping others, in a world which feels fragile, is more vital than ever.

“This year, we ask all those taking part to connect with local charities and other faith communities who may still be strangers. We can break down barriers between people and communities through meaningful, side-by-side social action projects that offer real support where it matters most.”

There are three ways that those taking part can put the theme into action at this year’s Mitzvah Day, which will take place on and around Sunday 23 November 2025.

Building Bridges between faith communities, so that Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and those of all religions and backgrounds can come together and build essential genuine and long-lasting relationships.

Building Bridges for the future, passing down the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness) and tzedek (justice) from one generation to the next.

Building Bridges with the charities who desperately need us, supporting the most vulnerable people in society and responding to the urgent challenges of today.