Jewcy
Now Reading
What’s a Mitzvah and What’s the Difference?
Jewcy
Jewcy
Slut for Slicha
A Very Jewcy Rosh Hashanah
Snipped and Satisfied
Schtupless in Seattle
Gefilte Guilt
Messy Meshugane. Again.

What’s a Mitzvah and What’s the Difference?

by
June 6, 2007

If you think that a mitzvah is a good deed then you've come to the right blog. Let's start by addressing common misconceptions:

  • A mitzvah is not a good deed.
  • A mitzvah is not a commandment.
  • A mitzvah is not helping someone.
  • There are not 613 mitzvahs or mitzvot.

I'm not saying that a mitzvah isn't related to good deeds, but they are not the same.

So what is it already? A mitzvah is a certain type of transcendent connection that you create when you do some actions (such as good deeds) with the right frame of mind. Let's take the most basic example: You're walking outside and a stranger asks you for a handout. You give him a dollar. Did you do a mitzvah? Let's say for the sake of discussion that he uses the money to buy food to stay alive.

Survey says: You definitely did a good deed. But you didn't do a mitzvah!

It's not a mitzvah until you have in mind as you had him the dollar that you're doing a holy act that unites heaven and earth and imitates God as it were. A person can spend their entire life helping others and never do a mitzvah. If you are doing good things without knowing it, without consciously choosing, it means that you had parents who gave you good habits. It doesn't make you a spiritually-oriented person.

Judaism says that you were put on this planet for a purpose. Actually, you have two purposes, your meta-purpose and your specific purpose. Your meta-purpose is the same as mine, it is the general purpose of human existence. Your specific purpose is the details of how you are going to realize that meta-purpose.

Our meta-purpose is to transcend the auto-pilot and perceive the hand of God in every transaction of Nature and of Man. What makes this constant awareness so hard is that we have these bodies that have physical cravings and distract us from the spiritual awareness. One solution to this problem is to unite body and mind by focusing like a laser on the transcendence of the body's action. To put it simply, when I do a mitzvah with the proper focus – called kavanah – I am fulfilling my purpose in this life (in at least the general sense).

Now, how many mitzvahs are there? As I mentioned above, if you say 613, then you've come to the right blog to get your head fixed. Before I tell you the actual number, let's clarify one point: regardless of the number, the fact that there are a set number of mitzvahs means that there are x number of channels through which you can connect your physical existence to the Source in order that your existence be meaningful and not a pointless sham.

Each one of those channels is a unique opportunity to give your life transcendent meaning. So, for instance, giving tzeddakah gives you a different connection than not eating meat and cheese together.

But the uniqueness of a mitzvah compared to another mitzvah is only one facet. Another facet is the way you give tzedakah (or any other mitzvah). Your way is different from the way in which I do it. In order for us to bring the world into harmony, the world needs both your expression and mine of that mitzvah. If either of us fails to do a mitzvah, then our collective karma is lacking one connection that it would have otherwise had.

Therefore the true number of mitzvahs is really 613 times the number of Jewish people. Your mitzvahs affect me and mine affect you.

A mitzvah to the soul is like food to the body: it's good for you to do, but how you do it is just as important as what you do.

Below are three videos to compare and contrast. The first is a player piano recording of Scott Joplin himself playing "Maple Leaf Rag". It's undoubtedly a work of genius.

The second is a human being playing the same song. Which is more enjoyable for you to watch?

The third is a different human playing a different fast song.

What do you think? It seems to me that the contrast between these performances compares to doing a mitzvah on auto-pilot versus with all your heart and soul. You can test this: In the next 30 minutes, try to find a mitzvah to do, and do it with the awareness that you are creating a transcendental connection while you do it. Then let us know below on how it went.

Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld graduated from Stanford University with degrees in Classics and Anthropology. Having exploring numerous traditions, he began his return toward a Jewish path after living in rural Mississippi, “surrounded by folks who knew my people's book better than I did!” He eventually journeyed to Israel, where he studied for seven years and was ordained. After three years in Northern California, he recently relocated to the East Coast with his wife and children and founded Jewish Spiritual Literacy, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Jewish education. Rabbi Seinfeld is author of the popular Penguin paperback, The Art of Amazement: Judaism’s Forgotten Spirituality and engages audiences from all Jewish backgrounds with his humor and depth of insight into spiritual and philosophical topics.

View Comments (156)

  • Annem Okula Gelecek Liseli Türk Pono. Annem okula gelecek diyor liseli türk porno.

    Lise 1’e giden tangalı kız okuldan kaçıp kendisinden büyük sevgilisinin evine gitmiş
    gerisi malum. Gönderen BabyFace zaman: 04:27.

  • Fantastic data. Thanks a lot.
    money can t buy happiness essay [url=https://essaypromaster.com]how to write an essay introduction paragraph[/url] essay online writer

  • Amazing information. Thank you!
    service essay writing [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com]using essay writing service[/url] article writing service

  • With thanks, I appreciate it.
    how to write a argumentative essay [url=https://flowleadsua.com]writing essay about yourself[/url] australia essay writing service

  • Seriously loads of terrific data.
    essay writing pdf [url=https://orangepornhub.com]https://orangepornhub.com/[/url] writing services online

  • Seriously many of wonderful information.
    how to find college essay prompts [url=https://flowleadsua.com]https://flowleadsua.com/[/url] custom report writing

  • Nicely put, Cheers.
    cheap essays online [url=https://englishessayhelp.com]https://englishessayhelp.com/[/url] college essay writing service reviews

  • You said it adequately.!
    what to write about for college essay [url=https://englishessayhelp.com]college of charleston application essay[/url] essay websites

  • Kudos! I appreciate this.
    help me to write an essay [url=https://freshapps.space]how can i write an essay[/url] help with writing a thesis statement

  • You have made your point very effectively!.
    essay writing scholarships [url=https://flowleadsua.com]https://flowleadsua.com/[/url] best custom essay writing services

  • With thanks, Quite a lot of information.
    cheap essays to buy [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com]writing my essay[/url] help writing phd proposal

  • You explained it really well!
    essay on college education [url=https://essayssolution.com]https://essayssolution.com/[/url] affordable essay writing service

  • Whoa many of wonderful info!
    college essay art [url=https://altertraff.com]essay writing service reviews[/url] custom written dissertation

  • Wonderful facts. Thanks a lot!
    how to write an introduction to an essay [url=https://freshappshere.com]essay custom writing[/url] inexpensive resume writing services

  • Fine posts. Appreciate it!
    expository essay writing [url=https://writingthesistops.com]tok essay help[/url] personal statement writing service

  • You actually suggested it very well.
    reflection essay on writing [url=https://essayssolution.com]https://essayssolution.com/[/url] website that writes essays for you

  • Appreciate it, Numerous information.
    short college essays [url=https://quality-essays.com]essays writer[/url] best online essay writing service

  • You said it very well..
    hire essay writer [url=https://theessayswriters.com]custom essay writing services reviews[/url] best custom essay writing service

  • You have made your point quite nicely!.
    writing application essays [url=https://altertraff.com]essays writing service[/url] assignment writer

  • Wonderful advice. Regards.
    essay writing guides [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com]https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/[/url] article writers

  • Nicely put, Thank you!
    how to write a college entrance essay [url=https://ouressays.com]https://ouressays.com/[/url] best freelance content writing websites

  • Nicely put, Kudos!
    writing a personal essay for college [url=https://essaypromaster.com]leadership essays for college[/url] phd dissertation writing service

  • Thanks. I enjoy it!
    cheap custom essay writing [url=https://englishessayhelp.com]https://englishessayhelp.com/[/url] writing services for students

  • Thank you, I appreciate it!
    best online essay writing service [url=https://freshapps.space]essay writer[/url] website copywriting services

  • Lovely information. Kudos!
    essay writer software [url=https://englishessayhelp.com]https://englishessayhelp.com/[/url] high quality article writing services

  • Superb write ups. With thanks.
    how to write a college level essay [url=https://ouressays.com]https://ouressays.com/[/url] custom writing services

  • Kalifornijas indiāņi gatavoja priekšmetus no obsidiāna un tirgojās kā naudu
    izmantojot apstrādātus gliemežvākus. Epidēmijas, Zelta drudzis 19.
    gadsimta vidū un citi iemesli iznīcināja ap 90%
    pamatiedzīvotāju, viszemākais indiāņu skaits Kalifornijā bija gadsimta mijā.

    Lai gan mūsdienās indiāņu skaits.

  • Appreciate it. An abundance of information!
    paying college athletes essay [url=https://ouressays.com]https://ouressays.com/[/url] ghostwriters for hire

  • You have made your position quite nicely..
    how can i pay someone to write my essay [url=https://topswritingservices.com]https://topswritingservices.com/[/url] best dissertation writing service

  • Nicely put. Appreciate it.
    write my essay for me [url=https://service-essay.com]how to write a essay for scholarship[/url] cheap essay writing service us

  • Thank you, An abundance of tips.
    on writing the college application essay [url=https://writingthesistops.com]how to write an argument essay[/url] online writing service

  • You’ve made your stand pretty well!.
    the best essay writing services [url=https://essayssolution.com]https://essayssolution.com/[/url] phd writers

  • Thank you! I value this!
    how to write a good introduction to an essay [url=https://essaywriting4you.com]how to write an interesting essay[/url] custom writer

  • Nicely put, Regards!
    how to write a argumentative essay [url=https://theessayswriters.com]focus on writing paragraphs and essays[/url] cv writing service

  • Thanks! I value it.
    how to write a winning scholarship essay [url=https://quality-essays.com]how to write an admission essay[/url] online cv writing services

  • Thank you, An abundance of information!
    steps in writing an essay [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com]college application essay editing[/url] best custom essay writing services

  • Regards, I value it!
    best essay writing service review [url=https://quality-essays.com]https://quality-essays.com/[/url] writing homework help

  • You explained that superbly.
    cheap essay writing service [url=https://englishessayhelp.com]essays writing services[/url] medical residency personal statement writing services

  • Terrific information, Many thanks!
    how to write an essay about a poem [url=https://essaywriting4you.com]essays writing services[/url] phd dissertation writing services

  • Seriously a good deal of helpful material.
    writing an illustration essay [url=https://flowleadsua.com]https://flowleadsua.com/[/url] novel writing help

  • Regards! Excellent information.
    nyu college application essay [url=https://orangepornhub.com]essay writing service[/url] essay writing service online

  • You actually mentioned it effectively.
    i need help writing a narrative essay [url=https://essaypromaster.com]how to write a personal essay[/url] essay writing service australia

  • Kudos, Numerous information!
    what is the best college essay editing service [url=https://essayssolution.com]https://essayssolution.com/[/url] technical writing help

  • Nicely put, Many thanks!
    compare and contrast essay high school and college [url=https://orangepornhub.com]how i write essay[/url] best seo article writing service

  • Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before
    but after browsing through many of the articles I realized it’s
    new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly pleased I found it and I’ll be
    bookmarking it and checking back often!

  • Heya! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look
    forward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!

  • You actually mentioned it really well. college essay brainstorming [url=https://essaypromaster.com/#]essay writing services reviews[/url] college essays

  • Kız henüz 18 yaşında olduğunu ve daha önce hiç seks yapmadığını söyler.

    18’lik genç kız adamın bu teklifini rededip ordan uzaklaşır.
    Adam eğer isterse onu arabası ile istediği yere bırakabileceğini söyler.
    Saf masum kız da adamın bu fikrine sıcak bakar ve birlikte
    adamın arabasına doğru yürümeye başlarlar.

  • An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this
    onto a co-worker who was doing a little homework on this. And he
    in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to
    discuss this matter here on your blog.

  • I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am
    not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such
    detailed about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!

    Also visit my web-site coupon

  • Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless think of if you added
    some great photos or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with images and videos,
    this website could certainly be one of the best in its field.
    Good blog!

    Here is my homepage … coupon

  • We absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be what precisely
    I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs?

    I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write in relation to here.
    Again, awesome website!

    My web site: coupon

  • Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying
    to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.
    If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  • Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to
    your website? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users
    would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!

  • Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.
    I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back
    in the future. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice morning!

  • Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.

    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how
    can we communicate?

  • Can I simply just say what a comfort to find
    someone who really understands what they’re discussing on the net.

    You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it
    important. More and more people have to look at this and understand this side of your story.
    I was surprised you’re not more popular since you surely have the gift.

  • whoah this weblog is great i love reading your articles.
    Keep up the good work! You recognize, many persons are searching around for this info, you can help them greatly.

    Feel free to surf to my page – raycon

  • An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little research
    on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the
    meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this
    topic here on your web site.

    my web-site; raycon

  • I feel this is one of the such a lot vital information for
    me. And i am satisfied studying your article.
    However want to statement on some general issues, The web site taste
    is ideal, the articles is truly nice : D. Just right job, cheers

  • What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely useful and
    it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute
    & help different customers like its aided me.

    Good job.

  • Can I simply say what a relief to find somebody who genuinely knows what
    they are discussing on the internet. You definitely understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    A lot more people ought to check this out and understand this side of your story.

    I can’t believe you are not more popular because you surely have the gift.

  • Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
    wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
    In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you
    write again very soon!

  • Hi there, I discovered your web site by the use of Google while searching for
    a similar matter, your web site got here up, it seems great.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just was alert to your blog via Google, and found that
    it is really informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
    I’ll appreciate if you happen to proceed this in future.
    Lots of other people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  • Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the
    favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use a few
    of your ideas!!

  • Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot approximately this, like you
    wrote the ebook in it or something. I feel that you could do with
    some p.c. to force the message house a bit, however instead of that, that is great blog.
    A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

  • Yazılan yazının yeterli bir uzunlukta, açık ve anlaşılır olması, oluşabilmektedir: Bir cümle içerisinde aynı
    anlamda bulunan birden fazla sözcük.

  • Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired!
    Very useful information specially the last phase :) I take care of such information much.
    I was looking for this certain info for a long time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  • Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and
    wanted to mention that I have truly loved browsing your blog posts.
    In any case I’ll be subscribing for your feed and
    I hope you write again soon!

  • Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  • Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be
    on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just
    don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without
    having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be
    back to get more. Thanks

  • What i don’t realize is in truth how you are now not really much
    more neatly-appreciated than you may be now. You’re very intelligent.
    You know therefore considerably in relation to this subject,
    made me in my opinion consider it from a lot of numerous
    angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it’s one
    thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs nice.
    At all times care for it up!

  • I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that
    you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield
    this hike.

  • Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!

    I truly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come
    back sometime soon. I want to encourage that you continue your great work,
    have a nice weekend!

  • Usually I don’t read article on blogs, but I would like to
    say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look
    at and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, very great
    article.

  • Does your website have a contact page? I’m having
    trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
    I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  • It’s in reality a nice and helpful piece of information.
    I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us.
    Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?

  • I am really thankful to the owner of this
    web site who has shared this wonderful paragraph at here.

  • I’m really impressed with your writing talents and also with the structure on your
    weblog. Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself?
    Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it’s uncommon to look a nice blog like this one today..

  • Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how
    could i subscribe for a weblog web site?
    The account helped me a applicable deal. I were a little bit familiar of this
    your broadcast provided bright transparent concept

  • What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve foundIt absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads.I am hoping to give a contribution & help otherusers like its helped me. Good job.

  • Its like you learn my mind! You appear to understand a lot about this, like you wrote the guide
    in it or something. I think that you can do with a few % to power the message home a
    bit, but other than that, that is wonderful blog. An excellent read.

    I’ll definitely be back.

  • We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve
    performed an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  • I simply couldn’t leave your website prior to suggesting that I
    actually enjoyed the usual information an individual supply to your guests?

    Is going to be again often to check out new posts

  • My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from
    PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress
    on several websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.

    I have heard good things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  • Attractive part of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to claim
    that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog
    posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment or even I fulfillment
    you get admission to persistently rapidly.

  • This is the perfect webpage for anybody who would like to find out about this topic.
    You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa).

    You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for many
    years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

  • Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday.
    It’s always exciting to read articles from other writers and use a
    little something from their sites.

  • Remarkably! It is as if you read my mind! A person appear to know therefore considerably relating to this, just like you authored the book inside it or something. I feel that you can do with a few images to drive the content residence a bit, on top of that, this really is great weblog. The outstanding study. I will definitely review again.

  • The guidelines you provided here i will discuss extremely precious. It been found such a pleasurable surprise to possess that anticipating me while i wakened today. There’re constantly to the issue as well as simple to understand. Thanks a large amount for the valuable ideas you’ve got shared here.

  • If you are going for most excellent contents like me, just pay a quick visit this site
    everyday since it offers quality contents, thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top