Mitz-VAH is Hebrew for commandment. Usually mitzvah is translated as “a good deed” which is generally true, but not entirely the same as a commandment from Torah. There are 613 Mitz-VOT (plural) in the Torah.
I like to think about mitzvot as our Rules for Good Living. The thing about mitzvot, is that we do them not because we’re nice people or we’re in a good mood, but because they bring consciousness into our daily life.
Here are a few examples,
Paying attention by saying a “thank you” Bracha for the food we eat
Making the world “right” by contributing Tzedakah
Lighting Shabbat candles to take time in life to rest and spend time with each other
Sharing, helping, noticing, loving
See? These are things we do every day!
6 Responses to “Mitzvah”
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Posted in Hebrew Vocabulary, Torah
February 28th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
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