Why Mitzvot Bring True Happiness – The Spiritual Power of Commandments in Judaism

The Talmudic Sages taught us: “God wished to grant merit to Israel; therefore, He gave them Torah and commandments in abundance” (Makkot 23b). The mitzvot (commandments) are intended to benefit us, and to grant us merit and goodness. Every mitzvah we fulfill brings us closer to God, elevates our earthly life into a more spiritual one, and therefore makes us truly happier.

All mitzvot are designed for our good, both in this world and in the World to Come, as individuals and as a people. There are many reasons for each mitzvah, though some are only apparent in the long term. Rambam in The Guide for the Perplexed explains that certain mitzvot affect us psychologically. For example, the prohibition against eating meat with blood instills within us respect and reverence for life and creation. The dietary laws, in general, cultivate a deeper love for life over time. This is in contrast to those who treat living beings recklessly and may eventually develop disgust toward life itself.

Our sages taught that observing the laws of family purity benefits both husband and wife, helping them renew the flame of love throughout their lives.

Beyond these practical explanations, mitzvot also have spiritual purposes hidden from us — not only the great reward they bring us in the World to Come, but also the eternal refinement and elevation they bring to our souls. These inner transformations cannot be seen in this world, only once we complete our mission and return to the next world. As our sages said: “The mitzvot were given only to refine God’s creations” (Bereishit Rabbah 44). Just as a diamond is refined from dirt and stone, so mitzvot purify the soul in preparation for the World to Come.

It is highly recommended to study the classic Sefer HaChinuch, which explains the reason and inner meaning of each mitzvah, helping to draw our hearts closer to their observance. When you begin to see even a small glimpse of the practical benefits of mitzvot, you can then imagine how much deeper their impact must be on our inner soul.

Tefillin, for example, instill in us reverence for God through accepting His kingship upon ourselves. As Rambam writes in Hilchot Tefillin (ch. 4): “The holiness of tefillin is exceedingly great. Whenever the tefillin are upon a person’s head and arm, he is humble and God-fearing, and does not turn to idle laughter or frivolous talk, nor does he think impure thoughts, but instead turns his heart to words of truth and justice.” Each day through tefillin, we discipline the evil inclination, sanctify ourselves for a moment, and dedicate our hearts to our Father in Heaven.

The chapters inside the tefillin, recounting the Exodus from Egypt, serve as a sign of remembrance of God’s great deeds and deepen our attachment to Him.

What about happiness?

We must first distinguish between joy and true happiness. Joy can be fleeting, even deceptive, found in entertainment, jokes, songs, or temporary pleasures. A person who laughs now is not necessarily happy. Even someone depressed may laugh at a joke, yet still remain depressed. On the other hand, a soldier on a difficult mission, tired and hungry, can still be deeply happy because of the significance of his role.

The Hebrew word for happiness, osher, shares its root with ishur, meaning “approval” or “affirmation”. True happiness is when a person feels their actions are right, good, and meaningful. Hearing music or a funny story brings temporary joy, but not lasting happiness. Once it ends, emptiness often returns.

In contrast, when you pray or fulfill a mitzvah, you feel true happiness because your actions are affirmed: you know you have gathered diamonds for eternity, brought redemption closer, and drawn nearer to life’s ultimate purpose. This is inner happiness — the awareness that your deeds are beloved before God.

Notice the difference between a day when you put on tefillin and a day when you did not. On the day with tefillin, holiness rests upon you, you feel a quiet satisfaction, a sense of victory over the evil inclination, and the joy of having offered a small sacrifice for God. This feeling accompanies you the whole day, and there is no emptiness, because your soul has been nourished.

Even when a mitzvah is sometimes difficult or inconvenient, it will bring happiness. Each mitzvah is a diamond in your possession, and the awareness of it gives you inner approval and fulfillment.

True happiness is the deep knowledge that you are living a life of purpose, meaning and growth.