The Kosher Bookworm: The Mitzvoth of the Month of Nissan

One of the most unique and informative books ever published explaining the whys and wherefores of mitzvoth is a comprehensive and in-depth guide entitled, ”The Encyclopedia of the Taryag Mitzvot” edited by Rabbi Dovid Wax.

Organized according to the order of their appearance in the Torah, the mitzvoth are each elucidated individually under eight categories, each dealing with a different component of the mitzvah.

First there is the basic mitzvah, then

an expanded treatment. Further on, we have a broader treatm-ent of the laws invo-lved, situations in Hala-

chah, and the blessi-ngs involved.

Illuminations of the mitzvah involves suggested reasons and insights as well as stories, parables and reflections as seen through the eyes of the sages and, lastly, the count of the mitzvah that lead us to the numerical figure of 613.

Among the primary sources utilized in this work are the classic Sefer HaChinuch, and the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvoth.

The prologue consists of 65 pages of detailed explanations as to the very basis of our faith’s beliefs concerning the rationale and reasoning behind the study of mitzvoth. It cites in detail the works of the Rambam’s Mishnah Torah, the Saadiah Gaon, the Maharal, the Kuzari, the Ramban and many others, thus giving the reader a comprehensive appreciation of the vast spectrum of the foundations of our faith.

The first volume under review contains 24 mitzvoth. Of these,

18 relate directly to the observance of Pesach, beginning with Mitzvah Four: To Sanctify the

New Month.

This mitzvah is most relevant to us this coming Shabbat. In addition to observing Shabbat itself, we also observe Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the month of Pesach, and the annual observance of the special maftir for Shabbat Hachodesh with the reading of this mitzvah from a third Sefer Torah.

This observance heralds the formal recognition of the coming of the Pesach holiday season.

“This month shall be for you the first of months” {Exodus 12:2}

“This mitzvah,” according to the author of this guide,” “imposes two obligations upon beis din: to determine when the new moon became visible and to sanctify that day as Rosh Chodesh, and to add an extra month to the lunar calendar if necessary, thus rendering it a leap year.”

This mitzvah sets the tone for the heart of the observances and prayers for this coming Shabbat. The Bible text is a commandment given directly from G-d to Moses just prior to the Exodus experience. It is the lead in to the 17 mitzvoth to follow that detail the early divine commandments that serve as the

observances of the Pes-ach rituals both in Egypt and for the many years to follow.

This includes the Pesach offering, the eli-mination of chometz, the eating of matzah and the obligation to recount

the story of the Exo-

dus experience.

One fascinating aspect that is detailed in the count of the mitzvah as it relates to this week’s Shabbat HaChodesh theme deals with the intricacies of counting and calculating the months so as to assure that they will conform seasonally with Pesach to fall in the spring and Succoth to fall in the autumn.

Also, it is noted further on in this work, that some authorities count as a separate mitzvah the calculations of the seasons and constellations, that being, to engage in the detailed and learned study of astronomy. Most authorities, however, do not view this as a separate mitzvah. Nevertheless, the discussions on this and related matters makes for fascinating reading and discussion.

Among those cited in this work who helped to assist in its publication are some names that many of you might recognize: Rabbi Oscar Ehrenreich, Rabbi Dovid

Weinberger, Rabbi Herschel Billet, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Heshy Muehlgay, Elazar Fingerer, and

Lloyd Kielson.

This volume goes a long way to help all of us to better appreciate the details and rationale behind the seasonal liturgical observances that are ahead of us.

Hopefully, you will have an opportunity in the months to come to familiarize yourselves with the other three volumes in this series, especially the one dealing with the

Ten Commandments.

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Recently Artscroll published in English the first volume of “The Book of Mitzvos: Sefer Hachinuch” briefly detailing the first 65 mitzvoth of the Torah.

Its convenient and compact format makes its use in transit as well as in class and home most timely, especially at this time of year. Coupled with the recent publication of English Talmud Yerushalmi for the Tractate of Pesachim, we now have two halachic based classics available in clear English, easy to read and comprehend for all.

Last but surely not least is the recent publication of the fifth volume, in Hebrew, of the Dirshu edition of The Mishneh Berurah dealing with the intricate laws of Pesach. Featured in this work is an updated component with contemporary Piskei Halacha from the halachic descisions of our time, each tailored to our practical needs and concerns.