Mitzvot in Judaism

This section explains Mitzvot in Judaism. The word mitzvot (singular: mitzvah) refers to the 613 commandments that form the core of Jewish law and religious practice. These laws govern all aspects of life, including worship, morality, social justice, and daily activities. The mitzvot were given by God to Moses as part of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. By following the mitzvot, Jews uphold their sacred agreement with God, demonstrating their commitment to their faith.

The Origins of the Mitzvot

The mitzvot originate in the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Jewish tradition holds that Moses received both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah on Mount Sinai, which together provide divine guidance for how Jews should live.

The Mishneh Torah, written by the medieval Jewish philosopher and scholar Moses Maimonides (Rambam), presents the mitzvot in a structured list and serves as an essential legal and philosophical interpretation of Jewish teachings.

Categories of Mitzvot

The mitzvot are traditionally classified in different ways:

1. Positive and Negative Mitzvot

• Positive mitzvot (Mitzvot Aseh) – These are 248 commandments that instruct Jews on what they should do. Examples include:
  • Honouring one's parents (Exodus 20:12)
  • Giving to charity (tzedakah) (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
  • Observing the Sabbath (Shabbat) (Exodus 20:8)
• Negative mitzvot (Mitzvot Lo Ta’aseh) – These are 365 prohibitions, telling Jews what they must not do. Examples include:
  • Do not steal (Exodus 20:15)
  • Do not murder (Exodus 20:13)
  • Do not worship false gods (Exodus 20:3)

2. Ritual and Moral Mitzvot

• Ritual mitzvot – These commandments focus on worship and religious observances. They define how Jews should honour God through acts such as prayer, festivals, and dietary laws (kashrut). Examples include:
  • Observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement
  • Keeping kosher (following dietary laws)
  • Wearing tefillin (small boxes containing Torah verses) during prayer
• Moral mitzvot – These guide ethical behaviour and how Jews should treat others. They include laws on justice, honesty, and kindness. Examples include:
  • Caring for the poor and vulnerable
  • Treating others with respect and fairness
  • Giving workers fair wages

The Six Constant Mitzvot

Among the 613 mitzvot, there are six commandments that Jews are expected to keep in mind at all times:

1. Believe in God – Jews should acknowledge God's existence.
2. Do not believe in other gods – Idolatry is forbidden.
3. Know that God is One – Judaism teaches monotheism.
4. Love God – Express love for God through devotion and good deeds.
5. Fear God – Show reverence and humility towards God.
6. Do not be misled by personal desires – People should resist temptation and stay focused on following God’s will.

Following the Mitzvot: Free Will and Responsibility

Jews believe that they have free will, meaning they can choose whether or not to follow God's laws. However, the Torah teaches that good choices lead to blessings and a closer relationship with God, while bad choices lead to negative consequences.

The story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis highlights this concept. God gave them free will, but when they disobeyed His command and ate the forbidden fruit, they suffered consequences. This teaches Jews that freedom comes with responsibility.

Different Jewish Approaches to the Mitzvot

• Orthodox Jews follow the mitzvot strictly, as they believe the Torah is the unchanging word of God. However, some mitzvot, such as those related to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, cannot be observed today since the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE.
• Reform and Progressive Jews believe that some mitzvot can be adapted to modern life, particularly those that relate to cultural or ritual practices rather than morality. They may choose which commandments to follow based on personal conviction.
• Conservative Jews take a middle-ground approach, maintaining many traditional practices while also allowing for some modern interpretations.

The Mitzvot and the Afterlife

Many Jews believe that following the mitzvot not only brings fulfilment in this life but also affects what happens after death. Some believe that those who live righteously will be rewarded in Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come), or in Gan Eden (Paradise). Others believe that failing to follow the mitzvot could lead to a period of purification in Sheol or Gehinnom.

Regardless of views on the afterlife, most Jews focus on fulfilling the mitzvot in this life, as Judaism places great emphasis on actions and responsibilities in the present world.