Mitzvot is a Hebrew word that means "commandment" or "obligation". In its primary meaning, it refers to a commandment commanded by God to be performed as a religious duty. The Jewish law consists of discussion of these commandments, and there are 613 mitzvot mentioned in the Torah. These commandments can be broken down into 248 positive mitzvot and 365 negative mitzvot. Positive mitzvot are actions that one is commanded to perform, while negative mitzvot are actions that one is commanded to avoid.

Mitzvot can be divided into two categories: Biblical mitzvot and rabbinic mitzvot. The former are referred to in the Talmud as mitzvot doraita, translated as commandments of the Law (Torah) . The latter are additional laws decreed by rabbis of later generations, which are known as mitzvot derabbanan.

The purpose of some mitzvot is specified in the Torah, while others are not questioned by the Talmudic rabbis. The former believe that if people were to understand the reason and purpose for each mitzvah, it would help them to observe and perform the mitzvah.

Mitzvot are not simply "good deeds" but are commandments traditionally understood to come from God and intended for the Jewish people to observe. They deal with every aspect of how one should go about leading a Jewish life. Mitzvot have been integral to Judaism for millennia and are a decisive act that embodies empathy and kindness while bringing us closer to others.