Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah

‘No good deed goes unpunished’ we usually say with a wink and chuckle. Doing something for others often ends up in more helpful acts, whether we anticipated it or not. The Jewish version of this statement is mitzvah goreret mitzvah- “one mitzvah (commitment or deed) will bring on another mitzvah (commitment/deed)” (Sayings of the Fathers 4:2). 

When talking to people at the moment, the mood is not quite the usual optimistic sense  we normally have in springtime, even with the days growing warmer, and more opportunities to sit outside. Many of us are emotionally exhausted, tired by continued greater work demands, living with a deep sense of foreboding, as our world is rattled by war. 

And yet, there is also a strong undercurrent of action and power, of new networks and relationships being created with a sense of purpose and drive, and with immense acts by many people reaching beyond themselves to help others. 

Mitzvah goreret mitzvah is being taken to a new level by the group ‘Homes for Ukraine Crouch End+’  which our community is part of. We have taken responsibility for organising a toiletry drive this coming Sunday, others organised a picnic for newly arrived guests from Ukraine and their hosts during the bank holiday weekend and more than 100 people attended.  For the 70 Ukrainians that have already arrived, (rising by about 10 each week), weekly social meet ups are already running in pubs around Crouch End, language sessions are being offered, and work networks are being activated. Instead of the exasperation, compassion fatigue, or exhausted ‘doom-scrolling’ through the news which has prevailed, there’s now also a feeling of purpose and energy through getting involved.

Covid taught us to organise locally, to get to know the people in our streets and neighbourhoods, to give help when needed, and also to ask for help when we were in need. And the support is not only aimed at helping Ukrainian refugees. There’s a growing involvement in community building activities, whether it’s to do with the environment, local spaces, creating food co-ops, through people’s work, or helping neighbours who need it. 

‘A mitzvah never goes unpunished’ is happening around us, in the best positive way. For those already involved, it gives a sense of purpose and gratitude, and for those who would like to try, just start small. One mitzvah can make a difference to those who receive but also those who give. For a mitzvah goes two ways, and helps build the community around us.