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Who wrote the Sefer HaChinuch, and in what context?
The author of Sefer HaChinuch wished to remain anonymous (as did most medieval Jewish scholars). Yet, it is widely assumed that his name was Rabbi Aaron Halevi from Barcelona (Spain), and that he likely lived and wrote in the 14th Century.
Clearly, the Book was written primarily for the author’s own son in order to, in his own words, “inspire the heart of the boy, my son, and [the] children who are his friends… with an accounting of the mitzvos, to habituate them (the children) with the mitzvos, and to attach pure thoughts to their thoughts ….”
Needless to say, the book has become a beautiful classic, suitable for the “child” in all of us!
With best regards,
Rabbi Boruch Clinton
