Mitzvah

A mitzvah is a commandment that defines how Jewish life is meant to be lived. The term refers first to the obligations set out in the Torah, which cover behavior, ritual practice, and social responsibility. Over time, the word also came to describe the act of carrying out these obligations. In this sense, a mitzvah is not primarily about personal intention or kindness but about fulfilling what is required within a covenantal framework. Mitzvot structure daily life by turning belief into practice, linking identity, obedience, and action through defined responsibilities.