Mitzvah goreret mitzvah

The Hebrew phrase mitzvah goreret mitzvah, averah goreret averah (Hebrew: מצווה גוררת מצווה, עברה גוררת עברה; "one good deed will bring another good deed, one transgression will bring another transgression") expresses the belief in Judaism that following one commandment leads to another.[1][2] The saying is found in the mishnah[3] in Pirkei Avot 4:2.[4]

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There are several ways in which such an effect can take place. One can be as a result of inspiration, in which the act of a mitzvah is witnessed by others, who in turn, follow in their footsteps.[5] Another is by habit, in which a person becomes accustomed to performing a mitzvah regularly.[6]

The contrast to this belief is called averah goreret averah in which the commission of an aveira (sin) leads to another sin.

The phrase has often been used in songs for children to encourage the performance of good works. One popular song, written by Andy Vogel in 1986, was recorded on the Reform Jewish movement's "NFTY at 50" album,[7] and is widely sung in the Reform Jewish movement.

Examples
  • A person places money in a pushka (tzedaka collection box). This is seen by others, who in turn are inspired to place money in the box.
  • A person helps someone in need, and feels good about themself and therefore continues to do help others.

See also

References
  1. Rosenberg, Shelley Kapnek (2003-06-30). Raising a mensch - Shelley Kapnek Rosenberg - Google Books. ISBN 9780827607545. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
  2. Freeman, Susan (1999). Teaching Jewish Virtues: Sacred ... - Google Books. ISBN 9780867050455. Archived from the original on 2021-02-22. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
  3. Greenberg, Zushe. "The Tefillin That Helped Cope With Life and With Death - Stories". Chabad.org. Archived from the original on 2011-09-10. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
  4. Olitzky, Kerry M.; Isaacs, Ronald H.; Sabath, Rachel T. (1996). Striving toward virtue: a ... - Google Books. ISBN 9780881255348. Archived from the original on 2021-02-22. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
  5. Reimer, Joseph (1997). Succeeding at Jewish education: how ... - Google Books. ISBN 9780827606234. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
  6. Living courageously By Samuel Chiel, page 168
  7. "Mitzvah Goreret by Nfty on Amazon Music - Amazon.com". Amazon. Archived from the original on 2021-02-22. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
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