Mitzvot, the 613 commandments in Judaism

The Jewish religion is based on a multitude of commandments, called mitzvot ( מִצְוֹת ), which guide the spiritual, ethical, and everyday lives of believers. These commandments form the foundation of Jewish practice and are an expression of the profound relationship between man and God.

The meaning of mitzvot

The Hebrew word "mitzvah" literally means "commandment" or "obligation." In Jewish tradition, mitzvot are understood as divine instructions recorded in the Tanakh, specifically the Torah (the five books of Moses). There are 613 mitzvot in total, divided into two main categories:

Positive Commandments – These 248 mitzvot include actions that must be actively performed, such as observing Shabbat or praying. The number, 248, corresponds to the number of human limbs according to the Torah.

Negative Commandments – The 365 prohibitions contain actions that should be avoided, such as the prohibition of stealing or eating certain foods. The number, 365, corresponds to the number of days in the calendar year.

There is equality among the mitzvot, although a distinction is made between minor ( kalot ) and major ( chamurot ) violations of the commandments.

The 10 Commandments as core principles

A particularly well-known part of the mitzvot are the Ten Commandments, which God gave to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai. They contain fundamental moral principles such as the prohibition of murder, stealing, and lying, as well as the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy.

The protection of life as the highest commandment

'We live by our rules, we don't die by them,' an American Jewish friend once said to me. A good point, because the protection of life is arguably the most fundamental commandment, and the sanctity of life (Pikuach Nefesh) is a central principle in Judaism.

The protection of human life takes precedence over almost all other mitzvot. If a mitzvah would endanger a person's life, it may or must be broken. This is especially true in emergencies, such as receiving medical care on Shabbat or receiving food on Yom Kippur, when a person's life depends on it.

Mitzvot in everyday life

Many mitzvot affect the everyday lives of Jewish believers. Some examples include:

Kashrut (dietary laws): The mitzvot regulate which foods are permitted (kosher) and how they may be prepared.

Shabbat : The seventh day of the week is a day of rest on which work is forbidden and spiritual activities take center stage.

Tefillin and Mezuzah : Wearing phylacteries (tefillin) and attaching a scroll case (mezuzah) to doorposts are also mitzvot.

The role of mitzvot in modern Judaism

Although mitzvot originate from ancient times, they retain central importance in Judaism to this day. Different sects within Judaism interpret and practice them differently. While Orthodox Jews strive to fulfill all 613 commandments, Reform and Liberal Jews focus on ethical commandments and often interpret the traditional rules more flexibly.

Conclusion

The mitzvot are far more than religious precepts—they provide ethical and spiritual guidance for life. They remind us that every action has meaning and that the relationship between man and God is strengthened through conscious, holy acts. Thus, the Jewish commandments remain a living and central element of the faith.

PS: a list of the 613 Mitzvot can be found here: The commandments and prohibitions according to Maimonides