Mitzvah
Fulfilling a Mitzvah
The word Mitzvah has many different meanings. It could refer to the commandments in the Torah, along with the seven rabbinic commandments. In modern society, though, Mitzvah is most often used as a term to refer to an act of human kindness. A Mitzvah is an important part of Jewish society, just as it is important with other religions as well.
When Mitzvah is considered to be an act of human kindness, it transcends all religions. While historically, Mitzvah is considered to be a term related to Judaism, anyone in any religion can perform a Mitzvah. While they may not refer to it by that name, they can still perform an act of kindness for another person.
In order to successfully fulfill a Mitzvah you have to perform an act of kindness that is above and beyond the normal act of kindness. It is performing an act that is completely selfless. One such act of kindness that is often referenced when referring to a Mitzvah is burying someone unknown. This is completely selfless and considered to be a Mitzvah. While other acts can also be a Mitzvah, they need to follow the same lines. They need to be acts that help someone else, but do not actually help the person who performed them.
A Mitzvah is really what religion should be built upon. Random acts of kindness will always have a place in religion, and they help society every time they are performed. Mitzvahs are necessary in order for religion to remain powerful in the world today. They get to the heart of religion and remind people what faith is really about.
Goodness has a place in every religion. Performing a mitzvah is one of the most important things anyone can do in a religion. When people perform acts of kindness, they remember why they believe in their religion. They believe because of the goodness, and that goodness allows them to help others.
-- The author, Adherents, runs the website adherents.com which collects and presents statistics and other information on religion. Adherents.com is the leading authority when referencing religious statistics for the TV news and print media. © 2008 http://www.adherents.com - All Rights Reserved
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