Power Play: The importance of the worthy deed

Mitzvah is a Hebrew word. It refers to the commandments of Jewish law, but more generally means doing a good, kind and worthy deed.

Every one of us, each and every day, has the chance to do something worthy. But most of us look the other way. Not because we’re unkind or cold-hearted, but usually because we’re a little lazy or too wrapped up in our own worlds.

If you see a person struggling to find the last dollar to pay for their groceries, then help them out. If one of your co-workers is having a terrible day, ask if you can lighten the load. If somebody is run off their feet and barely has time for a cup of coffee, much less a sandwich, go and buy them one.

It might be a simple gesture, or your mitzvah might call for something that will take real time and energy from you.

If you are in a position to help, then help. There’s a difference between keeping your nose out of somebody else’s business and turning your back on someone. The former is good. The latter is bad.

If nothing else, a mitzvah is our entry ticket to the human race.