The recently released, English-language sefer, Badei Hamitzvos Volume 1: Bereishis and Shemos, (Feldheim 2025), by Rabbi Yitzchok Weber, is a concise, easy-to-read, and indispensable guide to the 613 mitzvos and their halachos, enlightening readers of all ages to the taryag mitzvos and the parsha. The work is arranged according to the weekly Torah portion and follows the mitzvos as laid out by the Sefer Hachinuch. The author, Rabbi Yitzchok Weber, provides sources from the Rambam, Shulchan Aruch, and Rashi, as well as other Acharonim. Volume 1 covers Bereishis and Shemos. Readers can engage in in-depth study thanks to extensive footnotes. Badei Hamitzvos has received extensive haskamos and excellent reviews for being a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the 613 mitzvos.
Rabbi Weber* first lists a pasuk,
its mitzva, halachos, and application as well as the consequences of violating
the mitzvah. The in-depth footnotes provide explanations and sources. Badei
Hamitzvos can also be used as a teaching tool and for Shabbos table
discussion. This sefer makes learning about the mitzvos more enjoyable
and gives an enhanced appreciation of the mitzvos. Readers of any age, both men
and women, can appreciate this work and will learn all about each mitzvah
through text and sources, according to his or her own level.
Regarding Pesach, the sefer discusses
the mitzva obligation of sipur yetzias Mitzrayim (telling the story of
the Exodus from Egypt), which is listed in Parshas Bo: “And you shall recount
to your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what Hashem did for me when
I went out of Mitzrayim’” (Shemos 13:8). We are obligated to verbally recount
the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim on the first night of Pesach in
order to recall the great miracles Hashem performed for us at that time
(Minchas Chinuch 21). This mitzva cannot be fulfilled by mere thought.
While the pasuk mentions
“son,” one is obligated to recite the story of yetzias Mitzrayim
to whomever is present or even to oneself, if alone. This commandment applies
even if a person is well versed and educated about the story. One who recites what
Hashem did on that day is praiseworthy. One should describe the events in a way
the listener will understand on his level. It is not enough to recall what
happened to our ancestors; rather, one should view himself as having been freed
from Mitzrayim. Because this mitzva only applies on the first night of Pesach,
one should wait until nightfall to recount the story. Otherwise, it is
questionable if he has fulfilled his obligation.
We can fulfill the mitzva to
remember yetzias Mitzrayim year-round on our own; however, the mitzva to
retell the story on the first night of Pesach can only be fulfilled by relating
it to others. Like other verbal mitzvos, one who is chayav (obligated) in
this mitzva can be motzi (fulfill on behalf of) others. If one doesn’t
do this mitzva on the first night of Pesach, he cannot do it at any other time.
This mitzva applies to both men and women, in all places and at all times. One who
does not engage in sipur yetzias Mitzrayim on the first night of Pesach
has transgressed this commandment.
Mitzvos form the basis of our
relationship with Hashem; they are our bread and butter. Rabbi Weber’s sefer
is intended to help us strengthen our relationship with Hashem by explaining
each mitzva. This sefer fills a void for people who go through the
motions without understanding the mitzvos. Through Badei Hamitzvos, the parshios
are opened up to us in a way we never understood before.
Chaim Yehuda Meyer is an attorney and writer living in
Brooklyn, New York, who writes for local and international publications on
issues affecting the Jewish community. He also works with special needs
individuals as a direct service provider. Mr. Meyer can be reached at howard.jay.meyer@gmail.com.
*Rabbi Yitzchok Weber grew up in Toronto where his
father, Rabbi Yehoshua Weber shlita, was the Rav of Clanton Park Synagogue.
Rabbi Yitzchok learned in Ner Yisroel of Toronto. He then went onto learn in
Yeshiva Darchei Torah and the Mir Yerushalayim. Presently, Rabbi Weber learns
in Beis Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. Badei Hamitzvos Volumes 2 and 3 cover
Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim and will iy”H be released in the coming years.
