Growing up at Mitzvah Day

“The next stage in our life is a more senior, even more professional staff. We’ve had specific grants like the one to take on an interfaith member of staff and to expand our international work. We need a more specific international approach and the CEO will oversee that.”

With its day of good deeds in November and spin-off activities, Mitzvah Day has involved 500 organisations in projects ranging from recycling to feeding the homeless.

Ms Marks, who is also senior Board of Deputies vice-president, said her foremost concern was ensuring the charity did not stagnate.

“The CEO will have more experience of other organisations. We’ll benefit from that. We maybe need shaking up a bit. I would hate us to become establishment, or to become dull.

“One of the beautiful things about Mitzvah Day is that we change; we’re dynamic; we continue to challenge ourselves with new projects. I would hope that even as a grown up, we’ll have fresh ideas.”

Ms Bauernfreund said she had enjoyed her time at Mitzvah Day and hoped the CEO would take it “to the next level”.