1. a commandment or precept in Jewish law
Usage: Judaism
2. a good deed or act of kindness
Usage: informal

Examples

• Following the mitzvah to honor one’s parents is central to Jewish ethics.
• The rabbi explained the importance of each mitzvah in daily life.
• Helping the elderly neighbor was considered a mitzvah by the community.
• She performed many mitzvahs throughout her lifetime.
• The bar mitzvah ceremony marks when a boy becomes responsible for observing the mitzvah.
• Donating to charity is both a mitzvah and a personal responsibility.