Sefer Hamitzvos

For these commandments which I commanded you this day, are not concealed from you, nor far away…. Rather, it is very close to you, in your mouth….
—Devarim, 30:11-14

Welcome to Sefer Hamitzvos

Sefer Hamitzvos (lit., ‘Book of Commandments’) is one of Rambam's defining works. In it, he enumerates the 613 biblical commandments and elaborates on the primary details of each.

The Sefer Hamitzvos begins with an introduction by Rambam, explaining the purpose of the book. Rambam then lists the fourteen principles he uses to determine which mitzvos fall within the category of the 613 biblical commandments, and finally presents a concise exploration of first the positive commandments and then the negative ones.

While numerous Sages compiled their list the 613 biblical commandments, Rambam’s is unique in that it served as the basis for his eventual magnum opus, the encyclopedic Mishneh Torah.

The Sefer Hamitzvos Study Schedule

The study of Sefer Hamitzvos runs parallel to the three-chapter daily Mishneh Torah study track. As such, the commandments are presented in the same order in which they’re discussed in Mishneh Torah. You can study Sefer Hamitzvos at any point during the day.

Make the Most of Your Sefer Hamitzvos

Students study not only the commandments, but also the introduction and principles of the Sefer Hamitzvos.

On days where there are no parallel commandments, the student will study the text of the Mishneh Torah track.

With Sefer Hamitzvos, it’s important to understand the simple meaning of the text.

Reap the Benefits of Sefer Hamitzvos Study

The study of Sefer Hamitzvos is one of the easiest ways to learn the biblical commandments. With commandments organized by category and explained in clear and concise terms, your daily study will give you enriched and comprehensive knowledge of fundamental, biblical Jewish law.

“Whoever has dedicated his heart to the love of G-d should review daily the 613 commandments.”
— The Shaloh

“The 613 Commandments are 613 pillars that begin with the inner will of G-d and reach all the way down into this material world.”
— Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, Sefer HaTanya

“The Infinite Divine energy has 613 pathways into this physical world, corresponding to the 613 commandments of the Torah. It is through the learning of Torah, which elaborates on these commandments, that these energies are manifested within a person.”
— Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, Likkutei Torah

“There are 248 positive commandments, corresponding to the 248 organs of man. Each organ asks of man: ‘Do a commandment with me.’ There are 365 negative commandments, corresponding to the days of the year. Each day asks of man: ‘Don’t transgress a prohibition on my day.’"
— Midrash Tanchuma, Parshat Ki Tzezei; Yalkut Shimoni, Yitro 271

“There are many commandments that a person does not always have the ability to fulfill; when he reads these commandments, G-d considers it as if he fulfilled them.”
— Rabbi Moshe M’kotzi (Semag)

“A soldier needs to know all details of his mission before he goes out into combat. Similarly, a Jew, who is a soldier in the army of G-d, must know all the commandments. These are the details of his mission.”
— Rabbi Chaim of Sanz

Practice of the Sages, Throughout the Ages

The 13th-century author of the Sefer Hamitzvos Katan, Rabbi Yitzchak of Corbeil, wrote: “I request that everyone learn each day a page of the Book of Commandments....
And I will bless every person who joins me in this request.”*
*Note: While the author is speaking of his own compilation, one can see his insistence of daily learning of Mitzvot.

The 17th century Rabbi Shabtai Hakohen (The Shach) wrote: “I notice that many do not pay attention to the need to be fluent in the 613 commandments… One should go through it once a day, or at least once a week.”
— Poiel Tzedek, Introduction

Sefer Hamitzvos in Your Chayenu — Video

Sefer Hamitzvos in Your Chayenu