JS: Values and Mitzvot

TO LEARN, TO VALUE, TO DO!

ללמוד, להעריך, לעשות

 

At the heart of Judaism is the commandment להיות קדושים--to be kadosh (holy). But how is a person to do that? And how does a nation do that? The answer to that question is found in the "How-to Book of Jewish Living" - the Torah. The Torah is filled with guideliness for how the Jewish people can reach the goal of being a holy people. These guidelines are the mitzvot, the commandments, which shape a Jewish life.

There are mitzvot that teach how we should:

  • take care of the earth

  • teach our children

  • honor parents and teachers

  • visit the sick

  • be honest and trustworthy

  • observe shabbat and celebrate the holidays

  • be kind to animals

  • avoid being wasteful

  • perform ritual commandments

  • build a just society

These mitzvot are the basis of the values which we teach our students. At its core, Judaism is a religion that challenges people to act on their beliefs. The mitzvot set our actions into play.

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