mitzvah

noun

mitz·​vah ˈmits-və 

plural mitzvoth ˈmits-ˌvōt 

-ˌvōth, 

-ˌvōs

or mitzvahs

1

: a commandment of the Jewish law

2

: a meritorious or charitable act

Examples of mitzvah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The only thing that hasn’t gone out of style is doing a mitzvah. — Judith Levy, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Director Paul Weiland, who lived out the exact same bar-mitzvah scenario his protagonist does, nails the specifics of a summer that, for better and for worse, remains ingrained into the national psyche. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Yeah, so the bar mitzvah was on our birthday — which is March 14 — a month ago. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Its symbolism is also meant to teach us to support others who could, in turn, perform mitzvahs (good deeds). — Parents Editors, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew miṣwāh

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mitzvah

• bar mitzvah
• bas mitzvah
• bat mitzvah