Many mistakenly view mitzvot as the equivalent of good deeds. Though mitzvot are indeed good deeds, they are much more than just that. The word mitzvah, which literally means “commandment,” ...

To be ‘shomer mitzvot’ does not mean to keep mitzvot! That is the surprising view of the Or HaChaim Hakadosh. If that’s the case, what does being ‘shomer mitzvot’ mean? The Or HaChaim explains that it ...

Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto’s teachings are renowned across the Jewish world. His lessons combine Hasidic thought and philosophy with practical advice for a better life. Here, we have gathered some insights ...

Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its ...

When it comes to the Torah many do not connect the consequences of inactions when it comes to not doing mitzvot. This is a great challenge in particular for many non-Orthodox Jews. “Vayikra,” the book ...

Two recently published books, “The Mitzvah Project Book: Making Mitzvah Part of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah … and your Life” and “It’s a … It’s a … It’s a ...

Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its ...

Do mitzvot have reasons or are they purely a Divine decree? Should we live lives insulated from other cultures or integrated with them? Is religious life an ascetic one or should we take advantage of ...

Jews believe that God gave them the mitzvot. Therefore, by obeying these laws, they will deepen their connection with God. For Reform Jews, observing the mitzvot is a matter of personal choice. They ...

Jews believe that Moses received the mitzvot from God. Therefore, following the mitzvot will help them to live a good life as God would want. Jews also believe they were given free will by God in ...

You are on a ship in the middle of a tempest. The ship is pitching and heaving. Water is sloshing over the deck. The crew is throwing cargo overboard. You realize with a sinking feeling: This is all ...