All the Commandments which Jews are required to keep are based on the Torah. Some may seem less important than others, but we should remember the words of Pirkei Avoth (ii,1): 'Be heedful of a light precept [one which does not need much effort and sacrifice] as of a grave one, for you do not know the grant of reward for each precept.' As we shall see, the laws about the Shabbat and Festivals, about food and about duties of man to his neighbour, are a few examples of commandments which are all part of the Divine Order. By keeping them we practise a life of holiness. The Mitzvoth must be observed if the Jew wishes to lead a happy, noble and righteous life. Moses made this clear when he said: And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your G-d require from you, but to fear the Lord your G-d, to walk in His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul. To keep the commandmentsof the Lord and His statutes which I command you this day, for your good. (Deut. x,12,13).
According to an early tradition quoted by Rabbi Simlai in the Talmud, there were 613 commandments revealed to Moses, 248 of them positive ones and 365 prohibitions. A complete list of them is given by Maimonides in his introduction to the Mishneh Torah. They are known as the 613 Mitzvot. Many of them, relating to the Temple and sacrifices, could not be observed after the Destruction. On the other hand, many apply to the everyday life of a Jew today. |
