mitzvah

/ˈmɪts.və/

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew מצווה (mitsvá, “a commandment”).

Why this word is great

MITZVAH — [Noun] Any of the 613 commandments in Jewish law; also, an act of kindness or a Jewish celebration, particularly referring to bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. From Hebrew מצווה (mitsvá, 'commandment'), rooted in צוה (tsavah, 'to command'). Unlike 'commandment' (a general divine rule) or 'good deed' (a secular act of kindness), 'mitzvah' carries the weight of sacred obligation and cultural resonance. It is the flicker of Sabbath candles lit precisely at dusk, the coins dropped into a tzedakah box with quiet intention, or the nervous pride of a thirteen-year-old chanting Torah for the first time—a reminder that duty and devotion are not burdens, but bridges to meaning.

noun

Any of the 613 commandments of Jewish law.“She called Penansky regularly to remind her to observe the mitzvahs.”
An act of kindness, a good deed.“‘You heard about them pulling my license. That was indirectly Joel. Who, without meaning to, did me such a mitzvah.’”
A Jewish celebration, but particularly a clipping of bar mitzvah and/or bat mitzvah.“Glenview Mansion is an elegant 1926 home included on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the 153-acre Rockville Civic Center Park, it is the perfect location for weddings, private parties, mitzvahs, conferences, and many other special occasions. Every rental includes a customized set-up to support the unique needs of your event.”