The literal meaning of the Hebrew word mitzvah is commandment, but the generally accepted sense is that of a good deed. The emphasis is on deeds—not on positive thoughts or wishes, but on conscious acts of empathy and kindness. To help you learn more about what it means to do a mitzvah, we've posted some book suggestions, activity ideas, discussion questions, and videos below. Click one of the tiles to get started!
Read
For Small Readers
Every day, zookeeper Amos McGee rides the bus to the zoo, where he plays chess with the elephant, races the tortoise, and reads stories to the owl. But one day he feels too sick to go to work, so his animal friends hop on the bus to visit him -- performing the mitzvah of bikur cholim, visiting the sick. Before long, Amos will feel healthy as a horse.
For Preschoolers (up to age 5)
Most weekends, Daddy brings the money and Missy brings the fun. But this time Missy is bringing the money, too -- and she's trying to decide what to do with it! When they go to a pizzeria that helps feed everyone, including people who can't pay, Missy makes a new friend -- and has an idea.
For Kindergarten and up
Mrs. Goldman is always knitting for everyone else in the neighborhood, and young Sophie helps her out by making pom-poms. But one day Sophie decides she wants to go beyond pom-poms and knit something for Mrs. Goldman, too. Who knew knitting could be so tricky? But Sophie gets an idea that ends up with a one-of-a-kind hat for her friend.
While working in his grandfather’s bakery, Benny learns the joys of giving and receiving, caring and gratitude.
Mitzvah Meerkat loves the simple acts of kindness that help lead to tikkun olam (repairing the world). Whether it’s welcoming friends, sharing food with the hungry, respecting our elders, or forgiving others for mistakes, there’s almost always an opportunity for a mitzvah.
You know the phrase “pay it forward”? In Judaism, it’s known as mitzvah goreret mitzvah -- one good deed brings another good deed, no matter how small. This sweet book shows that concept in action.
Gabriel loves pretending to be a magician, but his magic wand keeps getting him into trouble. Then he figures out how to be a mitzvah magician, using his powers for good. One-wish, two-wish, Jew-wish!
To find books about a specific mitzvah, visit our Books page and sort by “value.”
Do
Here are some mitzvot (plural of mitzvah) your child could undertake, along with the commandment each act of kindness fulfills:
Giving food or clothing to the homeless
(Respecting those in need)
Passing along cherished toys or games
(Do not covet)
Recycling or composting
(Do not destroy needlessly)
Sharing toys with a friend or sibling
(Peace in the home)
Making soup for a neighbour with the sniffles
(Visiting the sick)
Inviting a new classmate over for a playdate
(Welcoming guests)
Walking the dog or feeding a pet fish
(Being kind to animals)
You can download your very own “mitzvah chart” by clicking here. Or create your own by listing values that are important to your family and matching them with actions you and your child can take to exemplify those values.
Discuss
What makes something a mitzvah?
What are mitzvot our family can do together?
How can we show kindness to others?
How can we make the world a better place?
Watch
Let Grover and Shalom Sesame help your kids understand what doing a mitzvah is all about.
More
Are you interested in learning more about a specific mitzvot like returning lost objects or being a good friend? Search our blog for more activity and story ideas or check out an episode of Shaboom!.
Note: During the coronavirus pandemic, families can still practice the mitzvah of bikhur cholim, visiting the sick with virtual visits, care packages, hand-made cards, and phone calls and check-ins with loved ones.
As always, keep the conversation going with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
June 5, 2017