The Hidden Meaning Behind Jewish Mitzvot: Why Every Commandment Matters

Sarit asks: "Hello Rabbi. I’m in the early stages of becoming more observant, and I have a question that really bothers me. I know there is a God, and that He gave the Torah to the Jewish people, but I find it hard to understand the purpose behind certain commandments. For example, I’m careful not to separate food on Shabbat, but I wonder, why would this be important to God? Similarly, how does it help me spiritually that I can’t cut paper on Shabbat, or listen to music during the Omer, or eat chametz (leavened bread) on Passover? And why is it so important to actually burn the chametz? On the other hand, I do understand and value many other commandments, such as the laws of modesty, where the damage of ignoring them is more obvious. I truly want to believe with all my heart that every mitzvah has meaning, and that it matters to keep them with care. Thank you.”

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Shalom Sarit, and thank you for your heartfelt question. First of all, I admire your sincerity and your desire to grow spiritually. The fact that you’re asking these questions shows that you are searching for deeper understanding, and that curiosity itself will guide you toward greater strength in your observance.

As you know, God created your soul and sent you into this world in a physical body, so you could grow spiritually and refine your inner qualities. That means every thought, word, and action matters. God gave you free choice — between good and evil, between following your will and His will. Every mitzvah you keep strengthens your bond with Him, because it requires you to surrender personal desire for His sake. That inner act of devotion is what makes mitzvot so powerful.

Think of it like medicine: sometimes even the smallest pill or most unusual treatment can heal the entire body from invisible dangers. In the same way, every mitzvah is connected to a spiritual “root” of the soul, even when we can’t perceive it with our senses. Beyond the hidden spiritual layer, there’s also a logical and ethical dimension we can understand. It is therefore worthwhile to study the reasons behind mitzvot — for example, in the classic Sefer HaChinuch, which explains the purpose of each one, or by listening to contemporary lectures.

Shabbat and the Power of Rest

Shabbat is designed to remind us of creation itself. By refraining from work, we step away from the material rush of daily life and reorient ourselves to the Creator. Even small prohibitions, like not cutting paper (the category of koréa — tearing), carry meaning. Tearing changes an object from one form into another, creating something “useful” that wasn’t accessible before. God commanded us to abstain from all forms of creative work on the seventh day, just as He “rested” on the seventh day of creation. By honoring this, we declare our faith in Him and also prepare ourselves spiritually.

Preparing for Shabbat teaches us a larger lesson that this world is our preparation, and the “World to Come” is the eternal Shabbat. “Whoever labors before Shabbat will eat on Shabbat” (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 3a). The discipline of preparing and refraining, even in small details, shapes our soul into one that is more mindful, humble, and ready to connect to God.

The Omer and the Power of Memory

Not listening to music during the Omer period is a form of national mourning for the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who perished because of baseless hatred. By observing this custom, we train our hearts to honor Torah and to value unconditional love among Jews. As our sages say: actions shape the heart. Even small restrictions nurture our inner character and deepen our sensitivity to the values God wants us to live by.

(Photo: Flash 90)

Chametz and the Lesson of Freedom

The prohibition of chametz on Passover connects us back to the Exodus from Egypt. Giving up bread — the most basic staple — for an entire week, is a powerful act of memory and faith. It bonds us with our ancestors who left Egypt 3,300 years ago, and unites Jews across all generations in a single act of remembrance. By doing this, we also internalize the truth that our food, our lives, and our freedom are in God’s hands.

Burning the chametz adds an even stronger dimension. If a human king demanded that we remove chametz, we might simply throw it in the garbage. However, when the King of Kings commands it, we take it into the streets and burn it before our eyes. This public act leaves a lasting impression that this isn’t just human tradition, but a divine command. It engraves within us the seriousness of the mitzvah, and the importance of purging chametz completely from our homes and hearts.

The Deeper Truth of Mitzvot

Our sages taught: “The mitzvot were given only to refine humanity” (Bereishit Rabbah 44). Each commandment is like a tool that polishes the soul, just as a jeweler polishes diamonds to reveal their brilliance. Sometimes we can understand the benefit (like family purity strengthening marriage, modesty fostering dignity, or Shabbat providing spiritual rest), but even when we don’t, the mitzvah still transforms us.

Many today can explain their psychological and relational benefits of the laws of family purity, but even those who don’t understand them experience the blessing of stronger love and unity in their marriage simply by observing them. Mitzvot operate at the level of the soul, whether or not we grasp the reason.

The Torah is essentially the “manufacturer’s manual” for the soul. God, who created us, gave us mitzvot as instructions for how to live, thrive, and elevate ourselves. Those who return to observance often describe newfound joy, peace, and meaning in life.

Sarit, your journey of strengthening faith is beautiful. Even when the reasons aren’t clear, every mitzvah connects you directly to God and refines your soul. Over time, you’ll see how even the smallest details uplift your inner life and bring you closer to Him.

Wishing you continued growth, joy, and light in your path!