Mitzvah

A mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, also transliterated as "mitzva" in Ashkenazi Hebrew pronunciation) is a commandment or religious precept in Judaism. The term is derived from the Hebrew root tz.v.h, which means "commandment" or "law." Mitzvot (the plural form) encompass the 613 commandments given to the Jewish people in the Torah, as well as additional rabbinic commandments and ethical obligations. These commandments cover a wide range of aspects of Jewish life, including rituals, ethical behavior, and interactions with others. In modern usage, the term "mitzvah" can also refer to any good deed or act of kindness, beyond the strict religious context. Translations of the term include mitzva in Ladino, mitsva in Yiddish, and mitsvah in some other Jewish languages. The concept of mitzvah is central to Jewish practice and identity, shaping the daily lives and spiritual commitments of Jewish individuals and communities.