Mitzvah goreret mitzvah


The Hebrew phrase mitzvah goreret mitzvah, averah goreret averah expresses the belief in Judaism that following one commandment leads to another. The saying is found in the mishnah in Pirkei Avot 4:2.
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. Another is by habit, in which a person becomes accustomed to performing a mitzvah regularly.
The contrast to this belief is called aveira goreret aveira in which the commission of an aveira 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, and is widely sung in the Reform Jewish movement.

Examples