HaChinuch

Sefer HaChinuch, also known as HaChinuch (Hebrew: ספר החינוך), is a medieval Jewish work that presents the 613 commandments and offers concise explanations of their purposes. The book is intended as an educational guide for lay readers, children, and households, illustrating how the mitzvot relate to worship, ethical conduct, and daily life.

Authorship and date are traditionally attributed to Rabbi Aaron ha-Levi of Barcelona in the 13th century, though the exact authorship is disputed among scholars. Some scholars have suggested an anonymous author or a later compilation. Regardless of authorship, the work circulated in medieval Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities and became influential in Jewish education.

Structure and approach: Sefer HaChinuch organizes the mitzvot in a fixed sequence and provides a short, direct statement of the commandment followed by a concise rationale. Each mitzvah is presented with its biblical source and a brief explanation of its aims, often emphasizing the spiritual and moral purposes behind the law. The book covers both positive commandments and prohibitions and is notable for its focus on education and character formation as outcomes of commandment observance, rather than as a dry legal compendium.

Influence and reception: HaChinuch has had lasting impact as a foundational primer on the commandments and a common teaching tool in Jewish education. It influenced later works on mitzvot and character development and is frequently studied in schools and study groups. While not a halakhic code, it is valued for its pedagogical approach, clarity of presentation, and attempt to connect ritual practices with broader ethical and theological goals. Editions and translations have circulated widely from the early modern period onward.