The Jewish Commandment to Do Good Deeds
The responsibility to do good in the world is deeply engrained in the Jewish faith, set forth in mitzvot, 613 commandments documented in the Torah. A number of additional mitzvot, issued by rabbis and known as rabbinic mitzvot, also provide guidance to adherents of the Jewish faith. What is a mitzvah? What are some of the common types of mitzvot? Are some mitzvot more important than others?
What Is a Mitzvah?
The word mitzvah translates from the Hebrew as “commandment” and has long been understood by Jewish scholars to refer to a commandment that comes from God and which must be performed as a religious duty. Over time, the term has also come to be commonly used to refer to general acts of human kindness which are consistent with the written mitvot. Under Jewish practices, there are two common types of mitzvot: positive commandments, which require that you engage in some type of action; and negative commandments, which identify the things you may not do.
The Three Categories of Mitzvot
The 613 commandments set forth in the Hebrew Bible are commonly divided into three specific types:
- Those which are self-evident, referred to as mishpatim, such as the admonitions against oppression, homicide or stealing
- So-called “testimonies” that coincide with and commemorate important historical events, known as “edot.” The commandment to eat matza during Passover or wear a head covering are examples of edot
- Chukim, also called decrees, which have no perceived rationale and are considered as representations of Divine will. The prohibitions related to eating pork and wearing wool and linen at the same time are common examples.
Are Some Mitzvot More Important than Others?
In the Sefer Hachinuch, a rabbinical text from the 13th century, six specific mitzvot are identified as “constant mitzvot,” meaning that the commandment to follow them is present at all times. Those constant mitzvot include:
- To know God and to understand that God created the universe and all things within it
- To worship only God (and have no other gods)
- To fear God
- To love God
- To recognize the oneness of God
- To avoid the passions of your heart and not to “stray after your eyes”
What Are the Rabbinic Mitzvot?
In addition to the 613 mitzvot enumerated in the Torah, seven additional rabbinic mitzvot have been issued, bringing the total to 620. The rabbinic mitzvot include:
- Lighting the lights at Hanukkah
- Lighting Shabbat candles
- Ritually washing your hands before you consume any bread
- Reciting a blessing whenever you experience an enjoyment of anything
- Reciting the Hallel psalms on high holy days
- Reading the scroll of Esther during Purim
- Constructing an eruv, or enclosed structure to permit certain activities which are commonly not allowed on Shabbat
How Has the Concept of Mitzvot Been Integrated into Daily Life?
Over time, as the concept of mitzvot has broadened to include general acts of kindness, a number of activities have commonly been identified as mitzvot:
- Providing hospitality to others, offering them a place to stay and food to eat when they are traveling
- Visiting the sick and lonely, providing physical and emotional comfort to others in time of need
- General charitable acts, known as tzedakah, such as contributing to a non-profit or engaging in community service
- Feeding the hungry, either by volunteering at a food kitchen or by donating money to food ministries
- Returning lost items to the rightful owner
- Treating all creatures within the animal kingdom with respect, care and compassion
- Avoiding gossip or speaking unkindly about or to others
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for Five Generations
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, we bring more than 130 of experience and understanding to people in New York and Florida who need funeral and/or burial services. We have a comprehensive understanding of the different funeral and burial customs within each Jewish tradition and can offer assistance and guidance on any issue, whether it’s the order of service at the memorial, the selection of a casket or monument, the details of sitting Shiva or the preparation of a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha to ensure proper preparation of the body according to Jewish law.
To learn how we can help, send us an email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
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