HUNDREDS of people painted the town green as they did a good deed as part of this year’s Mitzvah Day celebrations.

The annual social day of action was held yesterday (November 22) and saw people make decorations for a hospice, collect donations for a food bank and donate their old bikes.

The national event saw people wear their green Mitzvah Day t-shirts and blow up green balloons as they did their Mitzvahs.

Edgware Masorti Synagogue, in Stream Lane, Edgware, partnered with Emmanuel Church, also in Edgware, for the second year running.

The interfaith project saw them attempt to break the world record for the longest continuous string of bunting – nearly 60,000 bunting flats.

They will be used to decorate Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, in Beauchamp Court, Barnet – north London’s only children’s hospice.

They also collected non-perishable food to give to the Open Heavens food bank in Edgware. People then gave up their time to sort the food into boxes and piles.

Meanwhile, children from Kisharon’s Tuffkid Nursery were invited to a Mitzvah Day party at Ner Yisrael Synagogue in The Crest, Hendon.

The party was organised by synagogue volunteer Julie Cohn and a team of helpers from around the community.

Activities included arts and crafts, decorating iced biscuits and a music and dance session led by Terri Markiewicz.

Natalie Granat, whose two-year-old son Aaron goes to Tuffkid Nursery, attend the party with her daughter, Talya, 15 months, and her husband, Daniel.

She said: “The children absolutely loved it.”

Young volunteer Tziyona Elf, a pupil at JFS, in Kenton, said the morning was “interesting and fun” and was pleased to help the charity where her mother works.

Kisharon chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson also attended the event and presented Ms Cohn with a bouqet of flowers.

Kisharon Bike Shop in Church Road, Hendon, was a drop off point for people wanting to donate unwanted bikes.

The afternoon also saw Team Kisharon win a football match 6 – 5 against Langdon at Power League, in Mill Hill.

Kisharon players included Moishe Goldblatt, Daniel Yefet, and Eli Cohen.

Dr Jacobson said: “Langdon displayed wonderful sportsmanship-they had many experienced players but, in the spirit of the day, with the help of the Maccabi staff they went out of their way to give Kisharon a chance - and a hugely enjoyable time was had by all.”

Cockfosters and Southgate Synagogue also took part in Mitzvah Day celebrations. Youth director Alex Fenton hosted a BOX IT scheme where people dropped off old clothes, shoes and other items.
The items are all going to be given to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.