Mitzvot

Derives from the root word 'Tzivah' which means "to command'. The Mitzvot (plural form of Mitzvah) are the 613 commandments found in the Torah (Five Books of Moses). There are thought to be 248 positive commandments that command actions are performed and 365 negative commandments that command doers to refrain from actions. Many of the laws are concerned with purity and sacrifice and are only applicable when the Temple stands in Jerusalem. Generally, there are only 270 Mitzvots (48 positive, 222 negative) that are applicable to everyone today. According to Jewish tradition, when the Temple is rebuilt and the Messiah comes, all 613 Mitzvot will be restored.

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