One Minute Mitzvot
Brief actions often have great impact. A few words, a few steps, a gesture, a facial expression ... often leave a deep impression.
Which brings us to the One Minute Mitzvot: a list of Mitzvot, each of which can be carried out in a brief slice of time.
Of course, some mitzvot on the list require a bit more than a minute. Some require less. And all vary depending on the individual and circumstance. The phrase "One Minute" is not to be taken literally.
In any case, as we conclude the month of Elul - a prelude to the days of Awe of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - we place extra emphasis on soul searching and self improvement. And we seek to add to our repertoire of mitzvot, paying closer attention to those we have not observed well in the past.
Why not begin with this list ...
| 1. Recite a bracha before eating. 2. Console a person in mourning. 3. Affix a mezuzah to a doorpost. 4. Advise a friend. 5. Remove Challah before baking bread. 6. Deal honestly in business. 7. Wear tefillin. 8. Stand as an ederly person passes. 9. Light candles before Shabbat and holidays. 10. Respect a parent. 11. Say Kiddush. 12. Respect a sage. 13. Discuss Torah at the dinner table. 14. Repay a loan. |
15. Wash Netilat Yadyim
before eating bread. 16. Help the needy. 17. Say Havdalah. 18. Compliment a friend. 19. Recite a bracha on a pleasant fragrance. 20. Correct a friend. 21. Study one minute of Torah. 22. Return a lost item. 23. Remember the Exodus from Egypt. 24. Lend money to a friend. 25. Teach your children a bit of Torah. 26. Invite a guest to your home. 27. Love others as you love yourself. |
Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg.