Communal leaders put the kettle on to support Brew Monday

Clergy and leaders from across the Jewish community – and beyond – grabbed a cuppa last week for Brew Monday, the annual day that encourages everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with those they care about.

Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks CBE with actress Louisa Clein
Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks CBE with actress Louisa Clein

Pioneered by The Samaritans and brought to faith communities by Mitzvah Day, Brew Monday aims to dispel the myth that the third Monday in January is the most depressing of the year.

Progressive clergy Rabbi Josh Levy, Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Cantor Tamara Wolfson and Rabbi Charley Baginsky with their brews
Progressive clergy Rabbi Josh Levy, Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Cantor Tamara Wolfson and Rabbi Charley Baginsky

The goals of the day are to give people the chance to connect over a hot (or cold) drink, to combat the loneliness and isolation that many feel at this time, and to reduce stigma around mental health.

Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks CBE – who shared her brew with actress Louisa Clein – explained: “Even something as simple as a quick chat or phone call, over a favourite drink, can mean a great deal to someone who may be going through a difficult time.

“Brew Monday is another opportunity for us to remind the world that a good deed, no matter how big or small, can change someone’s day.”

Interfaith friends joining Mitzvah Day for Brew Monday included Parish of St Mary and Christ Church Hendon vicar The Rev'd Dr Julie Gittoes - who shared a cuppa with her colleague from The Church of England's Diocese of London
Interfaith friends joining Mitzvah Day on Brew Monday included St Mary and Christ Church Hendon vicar The Rev’d Dr Julie Gittoes and her colleague from The Church of England’s Diocese of London

Taking on board the call of ‘out with the blue, in with the brew’, communal organisations taking part included the Board of Deputies, Jewish Representative Council, Progressive Judaism and Leo Baeck College. They were joined by clergy of all faiths from Neasden Hindu Temple, Christ Church Hendon, Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue and other places of worship.

The entire team at Work Avenue – the community’s leading employment and business support organisation – joined in, and also provided a blog on supporting mental health in the workplace.

The Work Avenue team with their favourite drinks on Brew Monday
The Work Avenue team with their favourite drinks on Brew Monday

On a national level, major institutions supporting the initiative included the NHS, Network Rail, Freemasons, Three and Cambridge University.

Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond said that the spirit of Brew Monday is something that should be embraced all year round.

He added: “At Mitzvah Day, we believe every day is a good day for a cuppa and a catch-up with someone you care about. A conversation can make a huge difference. Let’s always show kindness and support to those around us.”

Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond calling friends and family on Brew Monday
Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond calling friends and family

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