A Project Genesis website

JewishAnswers.org

Ask the Rabbi: answers from Project Genesis rabbis

How many commandments are we able to perform?

Question

Considering we do not have the Holy Temple, as well as other factors which may exist, how many of the 613 commandments is a Jew living in the Diaspora able to fulfill? A Jew who lives in Israel?

Answer

77 positive commandments and 194 negative commandments, plus 26 that only apply to Israel. A positive commandment is one where we take action to carry it out, and a negative commandments is one where we hold back from transgressing.

 Best Wishes, Rabbi Azriel Schrieber