Q&A: Is There an Encyclopedia of All the Commandments?
Is There an Encyclopedia of All the Commandments?
Question
I’m looking for a book like Sefer HaChinukh, but with everything—Torah-level commandments, rabbinic laws, customs, and precautions.
Thank you.
Answer
I didn’t understand. Are you looking for a Jewish law book that contains everything? Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah is the closest thing.
Discussion on Answer
Absolutely not. It does not contain all the Jewish laws and customs, etc. It is mainly an encyclopedia of meta-halakhic principles.
Following Rabbi Michi’s recommendation of Maimonides—if you want to cover as many laws and customs as possible, then in the Steinsaltz edition of Maimonides there is a section called “Rulings and Approaches” — references to the statements of the Shulchan Arukh and the Rema that relate to Maimonides’ rulings, and the opinions of the halakhic decisors from the Shulchan Arukh and its commentaries, through responsa of the later authorities, down to contemporary halakhic decisors.
There are other good editions of Maimonides too, but for your purpose this edition is very suitable.
Sdei Chemed?