Mitzvah (Commandment)

…showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:6

מִצְוָה

Mitsvâh mits-vaw'; from H6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law):—(which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept.

In common usage, a mitzvah often means “a good deed”—as in “Do a mitzvah and help your mother carry in the groceries.” 

Mitzvah is made up of four Hebrew letters: Mem, tzade, vav, hey. 

Mem: flowing water, movement, cleansing power

Tzade: the one before the throne, bended knee, a trail or path

Vav: connecting two or more things (including heaven and earth)

Hey: revelation, window 

Have you ever tried to clap with one hand? That's what it's like when one tries to make the 'commandments' of God just a list of do's and don'ts. Why do I say that?

Because the "commandments" (Mitzvot is the plural) are designed to be done as part of a loving relationship between us and God. As the “vav” in the letters suggest, it is a joinder. The Sages teach that within the word "mitzvah" is 'b'tzavta', which means togetherness. Every mitzvah is a point of connection between He who commands and we who are commanded. We receive His revelation as we join ourselves on bended knee, allowing His Presence to flow over us, changing us. The revelation directs us on the journey or path. 

If we "do" a mitzvah without consciousness of that relationship; if we 'do' them to check off a list of dos and don’ts - then it is as if we are clapping one-handed, we have made a rendezvous of one. (I wish I could remember where I learned this, and give proper credit to this great idea)

We must believe God has spoken these words, that He takes an interest in humankind and each of us individually and that He wants the very best for us. God is good.