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 ...

In other words, one may not “kill two birds with one stone.” Each mitzvah that one performs must be done individually and with one’s undivided attention. 2 In fact, the intent to perform one mitzvah ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Recounting for the first time the story of an entire people who, after long years of harsh and grueling bondage, emerge into freedom. Parashat Beshalach is a historic Torah portion, recounting for the ...

DOWNTOWN — Today, Matthew Mezza would have turned 15. The Santa Monica High School freshman, known for his joking nature and quick smile, might have had a birthday party, and celebrated with the many ...

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 ...