Mitzvah

In its primary meaning, the Hebrew word mitzvah (; Hebrew: מִצְוָה, romanized: miṣwā, lit. 'commandment', pronounced [mit͡sˈva]; pl. מִצְווֹת, miṣwōṯ, pronounced [mit͡sˈvot]) refers to a commandment from God that is to be performed as a religious duty. Jewish law (Halakha) largely consists of discussions of these commandments. According to religious tradition, there are 613 commandments. In its secondary meaning, the word mitzvah refers to a deed performed in order to fulfill such a commandment. Thus, the term mitzvah has also come to mean an individual act of human kindness in keeping with the law. The expression conveys a sense of heartfelt sentiment beyond mere legal duty, such as "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). For some mitzvot, the purpose is specified in the Torah; though, the opinions of the Talmudic rabbis (Chazal) are divided between those who seek the purpose of the mitzvot and those who do not question them. The former believe that if Jews understand the reason for each mitzvah, it would help them observe and perform it. The latter argue that if the purpose for each mitzvah could be determined, people might try to achieve what they see as the ultimate purpose of the mitzvah while rejecting the mitzvah itself.