What is a “Mitzvah”?
In Jewish tradition, a Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. It is about taking practical action to help others, through simple, everyday acts of kindness that together create a powerful wave of goodwill. When these acts are carried out collectively, they strengthen the community and bring light in moments of darkness.
This can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to a local business, or donating to those in need.
One Mitzvah for Bondi
Donate to organisations in service of others.
In honour of Ruvien Morrison, a man of incredible generosity.
Visit someone who is unwell and offer support.
In honour of Marika Pogany, a tireless Meals on Wheels volunteer caring for the elderly and vulnerable.
Perform one small task to help your parent or older relative.
In honour of Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a model of devotion and respect to his parents.
Offer hospitality to someone you may not have thought to.
In honour of Sofia Gurman, who expressed love so beautifully through hospitality.
Help those needing transport, treat the roads and drivers with respect.
In honour of Boris Gurman, who put the interests of others ahead of his own.
Reflect with a moment of silence to seek guidance and clarity before beginning a task.
In honour of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who saw the potential in every soul he met and who encouraged the fulfilment of this Mitzvah.
Spend the first hour of your evening dedicated to your family, screen-free.
In honour of Tibor Weitzen, who welcomed others with warmth and sweetness.
Begin your day with thanks for the good things surrounding you.
In honour of Dan Elkayam, who carried a deep sense of gratitude for life and for God's beautiful world, with a particular love for nature and for travelling to discover new places.
Say a prayer for the complete physical and spiritual recovery for the victims of the Bondi massacre.
In honour of Alex Kleytman, who was killed while shielding his wife from gunfire.
Give the time you committed to the tasks you committed to.
In honour of Peter 'Marzo' Meagher, retired police officer, volunteer, and servant of the public.
When someone wants to repay you for an act of kindness, encourage them to ‘pay it forward’ to a stranger instead.
In honour of Adam Smyth, a true mensch - generous, kind, and always giving without expecting anything in return.
Remind those you love every day how grateful you are for all they do for you.
In honour of Boris Tetleroyd, a devoted family man and gifted musician.
Quietly perform an act of kindness to brighten someone else’s day.
In honour of Edith Brutman, an exemplary employer and a model of generosity.
Read children stories that show them all the good in the world.
In honour of Tania Tretiak, a grandmother who loved her family.
Empower the next generation to carry forward not with loss but with hope.
In honour of Matilda Bee Britvan (age 10), a radiant child who brought light and joy.
Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, President, Rabbinical Association of Australasia, has identified, in consultation with their families, one mitzvah for each of the 15 victims in honour of them.
Related links:
The 15 Mitzvahs
Primary school students can create a Mitzvah.
High school students can create a Mitzvah.
The NSW Faith Affairs Council has unanimously endorsed distribution through their respective faith communities to encourage the honouring of the victims in this way.
What can I do to help?
We are calling on community members to take part, as individuals, families, schools, community groups or organisations to undertake an act of kindness in honour of the Bondi victims. You can do this through actions like:
- Volunteering
- Donating
- Giving blood
- Calling someone you haven't spoken to in a while
- Buying a neighbour a coffee
- Supporting those in need.
At a time of grief, choosing kindness and connection is a powerful way to help shape a shared future.
Read some of the submitted Mitzvahs
What else can I do?
Donate Blood
Visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the free Donate Blood app. The closest blood banks to Martin Place are at Town Hall, St Andrews Place and 1 York Street.
What mental health support is available?
If you need support, there are a number of helplines available to you.
The Transcultural Mental Health Line 1800 648 911 is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
If you, or someone in your care, needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au.