Every Jew is born Jewish, but the real question is: how do we live as Jews?

The Gemara tells us that King David sought to define what makes a life truly “Jewish.” Rather than simply saying one must keep all the mitzvot, he highlighted core values such as honesty, integrity, kindness, and truth. Later, the prophets condensed these principles even further, until Chavakuk summarized it all in one powerful phrase: “The righteous shall live through his faith.”

Interestingly, throughout much of our history, the prophets focused mainly on mitzvot between people — honesty, compassion, and caring for others. Why? Because when the Jewish people lived in their land, mitzvot such as Shabbat, tefillin, and kosher were taken for granted. The real weakness was in moral behavior and interpersonal conduct.

But in exile, the challenge changed. The Jewish people became known for their morality and compassion, yet the mitzvot that visibly define Jewish identity began to weaken.

That is why the Rebbe emphasized the importance of the mitzvot that strengthen and express Jewish identity today: tefillin, Shabbat candles, kosher food, Jewish education, Torah study, and filling the home with holiness.

Parshat Bechukotai teaches: “If you walk in My statutes” — blessing comes when a Jew lives in a way that reflects a distinct Jewish identity. Judaism is not only about where we live, but how we live.

To live Jewishly means to bring holiness, identity, and purpose into every part of life.