What is a Mitzvah

A Mitzvah is an action (or inaction), which like Torah, functions on many dimensions. For some its as simple as doing something good, for others its a pathway to heaven, but all agree that a Mitzvah is more than just one thing. 

The beauty of a Mitzvah is that it’s not just about being a good person. It’s about connecting to something greater than ourselves and serves as a way to bind us with our people, our beliefs, and our collective responsibility. 

In Jewish teachings, we have many names to describe G-d. Some refer to nature itself, others to the infinite eternal moment. The original Hebrew, which we call the holy language, contains many layers within each word and letter. A Mitzvah is from the root word Command or Connect and itself is a name of G-d. As we navigate our life and pass on the lessons we learn to our children and community, the Truths we’ve learned and the lives we’ve lived get encapsulated in the rituals we develop. A Mitzvah connects us to generations of Jews who’ve lived, loved, suffered, and sacrificed for us to be here. 

There are many different types of Mitzvahs. Some are easy to do and understand, others feel more ritualistic and connect us to our community and help pass down the tradition. Some are actions we refrain from to keep our minds pure and avoid creating long term damage, while others are purely symbolic whose meaning is waiting to be unlocked by those who are worthy.

But regardless of what type of Mitzvah speaks most to you, its a joy to know that we’ve been gifted with so many opportunities to do good and through which we can change our lives and environment for the better.