Sunday, November 16, 2025

The 613 laws of Moses

 




 


The 613 laws of Moses, also known as mitzvot, are a collection of commandments found in the Torah, though the Bible does not explicitly number them. According to Jewish tradition, the number is divided into 248 positive (or "do") commands and 365 negative (or "do not") commands. The most well-known are the Ten Commandments, which are considered the foundation of the 613 laws. 
  • Source
    The laws are found in the books of the Torah: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. 
  • Categories
    They are divided into positive and negative commandments. 
  • Examples of positive commands
    Love God, love your neighbor as yourself, honor your father and mother, and teach the Torah to your children. 
  • Examples of negative commands
    Do not have other gods, do not murder, do not steal, do not commit adultery, and do not hate your neighbor. 
  • Purpose
    The laws were intended to guide the Israelites in their daily life, covering many aspects from rituals to ethical conduct. 
  • Modern application
    While some laws are no longer applicable due to the destruction of the Temple, Jewish tradition continues to interpret and apply the core principles of the commandments to modern life. 

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