The sage Hillel said:
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, when?"
These words, spoken thousands of years ago, remain deeply relevant today—especially as we approach Good Deeds Day. The day was founded in 2007 by businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, with the aim of encouraging people to engage in positive actions and create change in the world through good deeds – both big and small. In 2011, the initiative expanded to the United States, and today, Good Deeds Day 2025 will take place on April 6th.
The initiative began in Israel, where thousands of people participated in the first day of activity, and over the years, it has expanded to dozens of countries. The idea is simple yet powerful: to dedicate one day a year in which every person performs a good deed – whether it’s volunteering, helping others, donating to the community, or even just offering a smile to someone in need.
Today, Good Deeds Day has become a global movement that brings together millions of people, organizations, and communities, all believing that every good deed, no matter how small, can make a difference and create a better world.
Good Deeds in Judaism-
Judaism views good deeds not only as a moral value but as a fundamental principle in the lives of individuals and communities. Over the centuries, the sages taught that Tzedakah (charity) and Gemilut Chasadim– acts of kindness such as visiting the sick, encouraging someone in distress, or providing help without expecting anything in return. are the cornerstones of a well-functioning society, and that every person can and should take part in building a better world. Especially when "One mitzvah leads to another" (Avot 4:2), meaning that one good deed can create positive ripples that affect the entire environment. The Torah explicitly commands us to care for the stranger, understanding that the people of Israel have a special responsibility toward those who are foreign among them because they, too, were once strangers in Egypt. The idea of mutual responsibility is at the heart of Jewish existence, and it is expressed in the commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18).
Taking Responsibility – "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?"
While Judaism teaches that good deeds should be a part of our routine, Good Deeds Day is an annual opportunity to pause for a moment, look around, and ask ourselves: How can we make the world a better place?
On Good Deeds Day, as in everyday life, we learn that change doesn’t start with "them," "the government," or "society" – it starts with us. Each of us carries the responsibility to act and contribute, even if it’s just with a small deed. If I don’t take the initiative to be good to others, who will do it in my place? Just as Hillel calls on each person to take responsibility for their own fate, so too on Good Deeds Day, we take responsibility for the world around us.
Contributing to the Community – "And when I am for myself alone, what am I?"
Much has been researched about the essential effects of community and relationships for humans and Hillel reminds us that it is not enough to develop ourselves individually. The true meaning of life lies in the connections we make with others – not just in personal success. In this way, every person who receives inspiration and responds by helping others contributes to the greater good.
In a more straightforward way "Tzedakah saves from death" expresses the profound impact that giving has on the life of the giver, not just the recipient.
Acting Now – "And if not now, when?"
The final part of Hillel’s quote is a wake-up call, the best time to perform a good deed is right now. For us good deed day has turned into a week from April 6 until the 10th offering more opportunities for more people to get involved and make a difference. Each day will volunteer in a different organization and for a different purpose.
Follow Good Deeds Week on the Federation website to sign up for volunteer activities and see how you can contribute to those around you.
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