• June 20, 2025
  • 24 5785, Sivan
  • פרשת שלח־לך

How Many Mitzvot Are There?

How Many Mitzvot Are There?

A commonly known bit of Jewish knowledge is that there are 613 mitzvot. But what are they? Is there a single list? Beyond the fact that there there are 613 mitzvot there is very little agreement regarding this subject. Join Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman as he explores the sources for the number 613 and why that number is so controversial.

March 9, 2022 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
How Many Mitzvot Are There?: How Many Mitzvot Are There?
Class description

The idea that the Torah contains 613 commandments is a truism accepted by all Jews in theory (if not in practice).

But what are the 613 commandments? What exactly is a “commandment”? Renowned sages have debated the details of this truism. In today’s meeting we will talk about 613 commandments.

Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman graduated from Yeshiva University in 1980 and the dental school of Columbia University in 1985. In 1989 he began studying and teaching at Yeshivat Hamivtar and now studies and teaches at Yeshivat Machanaim in Efrat. He has rabbinic ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.