Zerizim Makdimim L'mitzvos

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The term “zerizin makdimin l’mitzvot” refers to performing mitzvot at the earliest possible opportunity. The idea is derived from Avraham Avinu, who hurried to fulfill g-d’s command to bring his son Yitzchak as a sacrifice.

Another source for the concept of zerizin makdimin is derived from a play on words regarding the mitzva of matza. The verse says, “And you shall watch over the matzot ( et hamatzot ), for on this very day I have taken you out of the land of Egypt…” The Talmud tells us, “Do not read ‘ et hamatzot ,’ but rather, read ‘ et hamitzvot . ’ In other words, just as we must not permit matzot to become leavened, so too we must not permit mitzvot to become ‘leavened.’ Some are of the opinion that the principle of zerizin makdimin is a Torah requirement.

Nevertheless, the principle of zerizin makdimin is not an absolute requirement, and sometimes other considerations will take priority.

For example, the monthly Kiddush Levana is generally delayed to be performed on a Saturday night even though it can be performed earlier in the week (according to most customs). This is because it is preferable to recite Kiddush Levana when one is in a happy mood and wearing one’s finest clothes, as is the case at the conclusion of Shabbat, rather than to recite it at one’s earliest opportunity.

Sdei Chemed , Yom Hakippurim 1;  Shulchan Aruch Harav , OC 94:5;   Shevut Yaakov 1:34; Terumat Hadeshen 35.;  OC 426:2.