What are the Jewish Laws

Jewish law is central to jewish life. In Hebrew it is known as Halacha - meaning ‘the path’ or ‘the way’. It touches on all aspects of our life - whether at home, in the street, at the market, the workplace, the house of study or in the synagogue. Many Jews see themselves as bound by this law, and look to it for inspiration and for guidance.

Ometimes they are called "laws," "rules " or "commandments". Many people think of a mitzvah as "a good act," or "a good thing to do." There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah. Jews believe that the Torah gives mitzvot for all people; all people must keep seven laws that were taught to Noah and his children after the flood.