Keith Mack
The Hebrew word mitzvah means commandment and refers to a commandment from God to be performed as a religious duty. In Jewish law, there are two primary forms of mitzvah: positive commandments (mitzvot aseh) and negative commandments (mitzvot lo ta’aseh). Positive commandments are actions that are to be performed, such as lighting Shabbat candles or giving tzedakah (charity). Negative commandments tell Jews what they should not do as observers of the faith, such as eating non-kosher food. The Torah contains 613 commandments, divided into 248 positive commandments and 365 negative commandments. These commandments fall into three categories: statutes or decrees, which transcend human logic; laws, where the rationale is easy to comprehend; and testimonies or mnemonics that help reinforce important Jewish ideas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Mitzvah: A commandment from God to be performed as a religious duty; Law: A rule that must be followed |
| Origin | Mitzvah: The Hebrew word "mitzvah" means "commandment"; Law: Can vary |
| Number of Commandments | Mitzvah: 613 commandments; Law: N/A |
| Categories | Mitzvah: Positive commandments (248-250) and negative commandments (365); Law: N/A |
| Examples of Commandments | Mitzvah: Lighting Shabbat candles, giving charity, observing kosher dietary laws; Law: N/A |
| Purpose | Mitzvah: To connect with God and achieve spiritual transformation; Law: To maintain order and regulate behaviour |
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What You'll Learn
The meaning of 'mitzvah'
The word "mitzvah" means "commandment" in Hebrew. In its strictest sense, it refers to commandments instituted in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. However, the word is also used more loosely to refer to any good deed. Mitzvah can refer to a physical action, such as lighting candles on Shabbat, or an intangible action like studying Jewish law.
According to Jewish tradition, there are 613 commandments or mitzvot in the Torah, which can be divided into two groups: 248 positive commandments (things to do) and 365 negative commandments (things not to do). These commandments are believed to have been prescribed directly by God and serve as an ethical foundation for the beliefs of the Chabad movement. The 613 mitzvot are also divided into three categories: mishpatim ("laws"), edot ("testimonies"), and chukim ("decrees").
The concept of mitzvah is deeply ingrained in Jewish culture and plays a fundamental role in the way of life for Jews. Observing the kosher laws is considered one of the hallmarks of Jewish observance, as it is a constant reminder that being Jewish is central to one's identity. Mitzvot are also seen as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual connection. Each mitzvah is framed as a direct link between the individual and God, capable of spiritual transformation on its own.
Over time, prominent rabbis have introduced additional good deeds and rabbinic laws, known as mitzvot derabbanan. These include the takkanah and the gezeirah. The majority view of classical rabbis was that the commandments would remain applicable during the Messianic Age, although a significant minority believed they would be nullified.
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The 613 commandments
The commandments are divided into three categories: statutes or decrees, which transcend human logic; laws, where the rationale is easy to comprehend; and testimonies or mnemonics that help reinforce important Jewish ideas. The mitzvot are the tools provided by the Torah to fulfil one's spiritual purpose and to establish and maintain a relationship with God.
The Talmud does not provide a list of these commandments, and while several great Jewish scholars have compiled complete listings, they disagree on certain commandments. For instance, some commandments may be seen as independent, while others may be seen as part of another commandment and are not counted on their own.
Some examples of positive commandments include lighting Shabbat candles, giving charity, and daily Torah study. Negative commandments include prohibitions on eating non-kosher food, engaging in forbidden sexual relationships, and incest.
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Positive and negative commandments
In Jewish law, there are two primary forms of mitzvots: positive commandments (mitzvot aseh) and negative commandments (mitzvot lo ta’aseh).
Positive commandments refer to actions that are to be performed. These include lighting Shabbat candles, giving tzedakah (charity), and donning tefillin. There are 248 or 250 positive commandments, depending on the source. They are seen as a way to fulfil God's will and bring holiness into our lives, as well as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual connection.
Negative commandments, on the other hand, refer to actions that should not be done. Examples include eating non-kosher food and engaging in forbidden sexual relationships. There are 365 negative commandments. They play a crucial role in steering Jews away from harmful behaviours and ensuring a moral and ethical life.
The exact number of commandments that are applicable today is a subject of debate. While some sources maintain the number to be 613, others claim it to be 271 (77 positive and 194 negative commandments) plus an additional 26 that apply when in the land of Israel.
The commandments are not limited to the above categories, as they can also be classified according to their nature and purpose. They can be divided into mishpatim ("laws"), edot ("testimonies"), and chukim ("decrees"). Mishpatim includes self-evident commandments such as not murdering or stealing. Edot commemorates significant events in Jewish history, such as Shabbat, which symbolises the creation of the world in six days, followed by a day of rest. Chukim are commandments with no apparent rationale and are seen as pure manifestations of God's will, such as the kosher laws.
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Rabbinic laws
There are seven rabbinic mitzvahs, or mitzvot, that were initiated by prophets and rabbis of the ancient judicial courts during the first millennium after the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. These rabbinic mitzvahs are of rabbinic origin and are not extensions of commandments in the Torah. They are preceded by a blessing, which clarifies their status as mitzvahs.
The three categories of rabbinic laws are:
- Gezeirah: These are laws instituted to prevent people from accidentally violating Torah commandments. For example, a gezeirah may prohibit handling objects associated with work on Shabbat, such as a pencil or hammer, to reinforce the Torah's commandment of refraining from work on that day.
- Takkanah: This category includes rabbinic decrees.
- Minhag: This category includes customs and traditions.
While rabbinic laws are generally viewed as binding, there are differences in how they are applied compared to the laws from the Torah. In cases of conflict between a Torah law and a rabbinic law, the Torah law takes precedence. Additionally, in situations of doubt regarding a Torah law, a strict position is taken, while a lenient approach is adopted for rabbinic laws.
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Kosher laws
The laws of kashrut can be classified according to the origin of the prohibition (Biblical or rabbinical) and whether the prohibition concerns the food itself or a mixture of foods. Kashrut dictates that only certain types of mammals, birds, and fish, meeting specific criteria, are kosher. For example, non-kosher animals include any mammals without certain identifying characteristics (cloven hooves and rumination), any birds of prey, and any fish without fins or scales. All invertebrates are non-kosher, except for certain types of locusts. Reptiles, amphibians, and rodents are also not kosher.
The laws of kashrut are considered one of the hallmarks of Jewish observance, as eating is a constant reminder that being Jewish is central to one's identity. These laws are also believed to promote mindfulness and spiritual discipline in one's daily life. While some modern Jews believe that these laws are simply primitive health regulations, others argue that they are symbolic in character, with kosher animals representing virtues and non-kosher animals representing vices.
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Frequently asked questions
Mitzvah is a Hebrew word that means "commandment" or "obligation" and refers to the religious duties and deeds required of Jewish people. Law, on the other hand, refers to the broader system of rules and regulations that govern a society or community. In the context of Judaism, Jewish law (Halakha) includes the discussion and interpretation of the 613 commandments or mitzvot found in the Torah.
Mitzvot can be physical actions such as lighting candles on Shabbat, wearing tzitzit (fringes) on clothing, or observing kosher dietary laws. They can also be intangible actions like studying Jewish law, giving prayers and blessings, or performing acts of charity (tzedakah).
Mitzvot are seen as a way to connect with God and bring holiness into one's life. They serve as an ethical foundation for Jews and play a fundamental role in shaping Jewish identity and culture. According to Jewish tradition, each mitzvah is a direct link between the individual and God, capable of spiritual transformation.
