Hiddur Mitzvah, or the beautification of a Mitzvah, goes beyond the everyday act of kindness. It’s an endeavor of love and devotion, elevating an already meaningful action to a higher level. In this article, we will explore some examples of how living a life led by hiddur mitzvah looks like, specifically in the context of Chabad and modern philanthropy.
The Meaning of Hiddur Mitzvah In Hebrew
Hiddur mitzvah is a concept that holds great significance in Jewish history and religious practice. The term itself comes from two Hebrew words: ‘hiddur’, which means beautification or enhancement, and ‘mitzvah’, which translates to commandment or good deed. Together, these words refer to the idea of beautifying or enhancing the observance of commandments.
Following G-d’s Command Through Mitzvot
The Torah contains 613 commandments that detail Jewish law on everything from ethical and moral standards to rituals and religious practices. You’ve likely noticed the word mitzvah laced into the Hebrew names of concepts like mitzvah of shalom bayit and bar or bat mitzvah. The former is an example of a mitzvah that relates to maintaining peace and harmony in the home, while the latter refers to a coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish adolescents.
The meaning of mitzvot like these is rooted in avodah (divine service). It is our collective duty to not only notice the good in the world but build upon it while sanctifying G-d’s name. This ties to the principles of tikkun olam (repairing the world), arvut hadadit and Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, which both refer to mutual responsibility and the broader importance of community in Judaism.
Putting Hiddur Mitzvah Into Practice
Hiddur mitzvah challenges us to go beyond what is expected and find ways to elevate our observance of commandments. It encourages us to beautify religious practices, not just in terms of aesthetics but also with intentionality and thoughtfulness.
While basic acts like reciting prayers and blessings or donating during holidays are important, hiddur mitzvah pushes us to embrace the Jewish ethos of compassion even further. It’s about living a life led by mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice), anavah (humility), kavod habriyot (respect for human beings), and chesed (loving-kindness).
What Does the Beautification of a Mitzvah Look Like?
Famous rebbes and female philanthropists such as the Lubavicher Rebbe and Hannah Greenbaum Solomon are excellent examples of what living a life led by hiddur mitzvah looks like. These notable Chabad leaders dedicated themselves to making synagogues places of community service. Their embracement of the Chabad philosophy has since inspired millions of Jewish philanthropists and perpetuated the development of support networks for families across the Jewish diaspora.
Modern Mitzot In Practice
In modern times, the concepts of philanthropy and tzedakah (charity) have expanded beyond traditional religious practices and into daily life. People are now taking the idea of beautifying a mitzvah and applying it across the entire Eight Degrees of Giving.
Perhaps the best example of hiddur mitzvah, art charity initiatives leverage Jews’ immense creative talent to raise funds for organizations for orphans, community healthcare resources, and more.
The practice of pe’ah, which originally meant leaving the corners of one’s fields unharvested for the poor, is now being interpreted as supporting organizations that fight food security with online charitable donations. Traditional acts of giving can now be done by offering tzedakah to non-profits in support of widows, children’s education programs, and other worthy causes. There are countless charities to contribute to and just as many ways to experience the psychological benefits of giving. Big or small, every amount makes a difference.
Hiddur Mitzvah Through Jewish Non-Profit Charity Organizations Like Colel Chabad
As the oldest Jewish philanthropic organization of its kind, Colel Chabad has had a significant hand in shaping the history of charitable giving in Israel.
- Donations to us support a variety of initiatives that run throughout the Jewish calendar year. Programs like Pantry Packers, provide thousands of Israeli families in need with food packages.
- Another unique project, Big Brother/Big Sister connects vulnerable individuals with mentors for ongoing support and guidance.
- Our hospital programs put the power of bikkur cholim (visiting the sick) into practice, providing comfort and companionship to patients in hospitals across Israel.
- Colel Chabad strives to support widows and orphans with initiatives and programs that aim at helping the most vulnerable among us.
Colel Chabad: A World Built on Kindness
We can all help build a world with kindness and we can improve it through action. The concept of hiddur mitzvah calls us to go above and beyond our prescribed duties as Jews. When you support non-profit programs for the poor and needy through Colel Chabad, you’re playing a tangible role in pikuach nefesh – saving lives and making an impact during times of immense crisis.
Live the beliefs of Judaism every day of the year by getting involved and signing up to volunteer with our Israeli charity today.