Question

5. Explain Mitzvah and its importance in Judaism.

Answer 1

Mitzvah refers to a good deed or a charitable act in Judaism and the literal meaning is 'commandment'. The importance of this is that, they believe that it is how God wanted them to perform and act in the society. It also states that it is not a good deed just to refrain from doing something bad but doing charitable acts such as helping a stranger or feeding the poor and lending a helping hand to someone is considered a good deed according to this. People who have a modern mindset do not usually follow principles from the fact that they are commanded as they feel that their behavior is determined by someone else. But according to the Mitzvah, it describes how God has given the commandments and there is potential punishment if one fails to observe these commands. They also believed that they should follow i not just because it is a command but also because it can lead to potential penalties from God due to non compliance. The fact that the Jewish people believe is that the commandments in general will shape each individual as a good human being and will help then be a useful member of the society. Moreover, the Jew feel that they are part of a group or their belongingness in their group increases while complying with it.