How to Effectively Study The Book of Our Heritage (Sefer HaToda'ah)

The Book of Our Heritage (Sefer HaToda’ah), authored by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, is an encyclopedic guide to the Jewish year.

It is structured chronologically by the Jewish month, blending Halacha (law), Minhag (custom), and Midrashic history to prepare the reader for upcoming festivals and observances.

Whether you are a Baal Teshuva seeking foundational knowledge, a parent looking for Shabbos table material, or an educator building curriculum, this guide will help you maximize your study of this classic work.

How is the Book of Our Heritage organized?

Understanding the structure is essential before beginning your study.

Chronological by month

The work is divided into volumes corresponding to the months of the Jewish year, typically beginning with Tishrei (Rosh Hashanah) or Nissan (Passover).

Each section covers:

• The historical significance of the month
• The specific laws of its holidays
• Relevant biographical sketches of great Rabbis who passed away during that period

The three-volume English edition

The English edition published by Feldheim is commonly split into three volumes:

• Volume 1: Tishrei through Shevat
• Volume 2: Adar through Nissan
• Volume 3: Iyar through Elul

The complete Feldheim Edition contains approximately 1,000 pages of commentary across 3 volumes.

What is the best schedule for studying Kitov?

The most effective study method is the “30-Day Pre-Holiday Cycle.”

The Halachic precedent

Halacha dictates that one should study the laws of a festival 30 days prior to its arrival. This provides not just legal preparation but spiritual readiness.

Practical application: Begin the chapter on Pesach on Purim (30 days before Passover) to ensure you cover both the laws and the spiritual concepts before the holiday arrives.

The “Shabbos table” method

For families, consider reading the section on the current Jewish month at the first Shabbos table following Rosh Chodesh.

This approach:

• Sets the spiritual tone for the family for the entire month
• Provides context for any minor holidays or commemorations within that month
• Creates a predictable, engaging educational rhythm

Daily study option

For those with consistent learning schedules, the book can be divided into daily portions. A chapter typically takes 15-20 minutes to read carefully, making it suitable for:

• Morning commute study
• Post-Shacharis learning seder
• Evening family reading

Does the book cover Halacha or history?

This is a common question, and the answer reveals the book’s unique value.

A hybrid format

The text utilizes a hybrid format. It presents Halacha (such as the detailed laws of Sukkah building) alongside Aggadah (philosophical insights and stories).

Unlike a dry code of law like the Mishnah Berurah, Kitov uses narrative storytelling to explain why a custom exists, making it accessible for laymen and children alike.

What you will find in each section

• Minhagim: Customs of various Jewish communities (Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Chassidic)
• Ta’amei HaMitzvos: Reasons behind the commandments
• Midrashic sources: Stories and teachings from the Sages that illuminate the holidays
• Practical Halacha: Summarized laws for observance

Which edition of Sefer HaToda’ah should you own?

Not all editions are created equal.

The Feldheim classic

The classic English translation by Rabbi Nachman Bulman (published by Feldheim) is preferred for its poetic and faithful rendering of Kitov’s Yiddish-influenced Hebrew.

Rabbi Bulman captured not just the meaning but the spirit of the original text, making the English edition a beloved classic in its own right.

Pocket editions: A caution

Newer “pocket” or abridged editions may cut certain historical footnotes and philosophical tangents. These are acceptable for quick reference but are not recommended for deep study.

Recommendation: For serious students, educators, and families, the full hardcover set is worth the investment.

Hebrew vs. English

If you are comfortable reading Hebrew, the original Sefer HaToda’ah offers nuances that even the best translation cannot fully capture. However, the Bulman translation is so well-regarded that many English speakers use it as their primary text without significant loss.

Conclusion

The Book of Our Heritage is more than a reference book. It is a companion through the Jewish year, transforming each month from a date on a calendar into a living experience of history, law, and meaning.

For best results:

• Use the 30-Day Cycle to prepare for each holiday
• Read at the Shabbos table to engage your family in monthly themes
• Invest in the Feldheim hardcover for the complete, unabridged experience

May your study bring depth and joy to your observance of the Jewish calendar.