In an increasingly complex world, a simple family tradition from Australia offers a poignant reflection on how to cultivate kindness and community spirit in the next generation. Nomi Kaltmann, an Australian lawyer and journalist, has highlighted the practice of 'mitzvah notes' within her family, a method designed to instil values of empathy and consideration in her young children.
These 'mitzvah notes', derived from the Hebrew word often translated as an intentional act of goodness or kindness, are small written messages presented to Kaltmann's three-year-old daughter. They acknowledge specific instances where the child has demonstrated positive behaviour, such as sharing a toy, helping someone without being asked, or simply remembering to say 'thank you' or 'please'. The notes are then proudly taken to nursery, where teachers share them with the class and display them alongside other children's good deeds, creating a culture of recognition for positive actions.
Kaltmann explains that this approach goes beyond mere praise for a single action. Instead, it aims to construct a fundamental identity within the child, reinforcing the idea that they are inherently a person who helps, cares, and strives to do the right thing. This method, she believes, encourages children to look outwards, fostering a sense of being part of something larger than themselves, rather than focusing solely on individual desires or achievements.
The journalist draws parallels to a biblical verse from the Book of Proverbs, which suggests that training a child according to their path will ensure they do not depart from it even when older. For Kaltmann, this underscores the power of shaping a child's self-perception by consistently highlighting their positive attributes. She notes that this positive framing can even be effective in encouraging less appealing tasks, such as tidying a room, by affirming the child's identity as a helpful individual.
The significance of these small acts of kindness was brought into sharper focus following a recent terror attack in Bondi, Australia. In response to the tragedy, and in consultation with the Jewish community, a national day for performing 'mitzvot' was organised, inviting people of all faiths to participate. This collective effort saw individuals volunteering at soup kitchens, cleaning beaches, and visiting elderly care home residents, demonstrating a belief that goodness can grow through small, interconnected actions, even in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, Kaltmann suggests that these seemingly minor notes carry a profound message. They communicate to a child, 'I saw what you did, and I appreciate your acts of kindness,' thereby encouraging their continuation. If enough children grow up internalising the belief that kindness and thoughtfulness are integral to who they are, these small notes could play a significant role in raising individuals who contribute positively to society.