How many mitzvot are in the Torah?

The traditional total is 613 mitzvot, often called taryag. Rabbi Simlai states that 248 are positive commandments and 365 are prohibitions (Makkot 23b). A positive commandment directs an action; a prohibition requires refraining from something. The number is a framework for the Torah’s commandments, not a claim that every person can perform every one.

Many commandments have particular conditions. Priestly service is assigned to Aaron and his descendants (Numbers 18:7); terumah and tithes have territorial rules tied to the Land of Israel (Shulchan Aruch, YD 331:1). Rambam’s introduction to Mishneh Torah lists the positive and negative commandments by subject. Learning a commandment includes identifying who is obligated and when it applies, not just memorising its name.

Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvot establishes principles for enumeration. Its first principle excludes rabbinically instituted commandments from the count of 613. That does not make them optional: Rambam explicitly discusses blessings over rabbinic observances such as Hanukkah lights and Megillah reading (Hilchot Berachot 11:3).

A Beit Din may ask for one positive commandment, one prohibition, and an example that cannot be performed today because it requires the Temple. The formal conversion instruction includes both lighter and weightier mitzvot (Shulchan Aruch, YD 268:2). A common mistake is thinking acceptance of mitzvot requires personally carrying out all 613 regardless of eligibility. It means accepting their authority, including the conditions governing their application.