Sefer Hachinuch

What is Sefer Hachinuch?

One one foot, it is an explanation of each mitzvah in the Torah (all 613!), likely written in 13th century Barcelona. The text explores each mitzvah, moving through the Torah by parsha. For more detail, please come to the class, and/or take a peek at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sefer_Hachinuch.

What level of learning is this directed to? Because the text is widely available in Hebrew with an English translation, someone with a basic Jewish education will find this text accessible. Likewise, the advanced learner can find challenge as well, as they seek it.

Who is teaching this class? The idea of exploring this text began as just that: an exploration by lay folk. This class will be more discussion oriented instead of taught, allowing us to move at a pace that we can manage, as well as seek out additional sources if necessary. Important to remember: our learning is more an exploration of the text as philosophy, not halacha, as our current reality does not follow in lock step with the Chinuch.

Why is this women only? Women's learning offers an opportunity for a 'safe space' for opinions, perspectives, and varied levels of knowledge backgrounds. It also reminds those of us who feel pulled in a multitude of directions that our own learning and exploration is important!