Zerizin Makdimin L’mitzvot: Performing Mitzvot at the Earliest Opportunity

Our sages teach us that those who are meticulous will always hurry to perform mitzvot, a concept known as “ zerizin makdimin l’mitzvot. ” (1)  We learn the concept of zerizin makdimin l’mitzvot from Avraham Avinu, who hurried to fulfill G-d’s commandment to bring Yitzchak up as a sacrifice on the altar, an episode known as the “Akeida.” (2)

Another source performing mitzvot at the earliest opportunity in derived from matza! The Torah 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…” (3) The Talmud tells us, “Do not read ‘ et hamatzot ,’ but rather, read ‘ et hamitzvot . ’ In other words, just as we must hurry the baking of matzot so that they do not leaven, so too, we must not permit mitzvot to become ‘leavened.’ (4) Once you have the opportunity to perform a mitzva, do it immediately.” (5) There is even an opinion that hurrying to perform mitzvot is a Torah requirement. (6)

Here are some examples of where the principle of “zerizin makdimin” is invoked.

1. Performing bedikat chametz as soon as it is dark. (7)

2. To begin the Pesach Seder as soon as it is dark. (8)

3. To purchase one’s Lulav and Etrog well before Sukkot. (9)

4. To shake the Lulav early every morning of Sukkot. (10)

5. To recite the morning prayers every day promptly after waking up. (11)

6. To recite the Birkat Hachama, the once-in-28-years blessing on the sun when it returns to the position it was in at the time of creation as early as possible. (12)

7. To recite Havdalah promptly at the conclusion of Shabbat. (13)

and more!

Nevertheless, the principle of zerizin makdimin is not an absolute requirement, and sometimes other considerations will take priority. For example, some authorities rule that it is better to perform a mitzva in a more beautiful and meticulous manner rather than to perform it earlier in the day in a less preferable manner. (14) Others disagree and rule that a person should not delay the performance of a mitzva in order to be able to perform it later in a more beautiful manner. (15)

On a related note, there is much discussion as to what is to take priority: the principle of zerizin makdimin or the principle of “ b’rov am hadrat Melech. ” The principle of b’rov am teaches that one should endeavor to do mitzvot with as many people in attendance as possible. Zerizin makdimin and b’rov am often conflict when scheduling a brit mila . Although a brit mila may be performed at any time on the eighth day, (16) common custom is to perform it early in the morning in order to comply with zerizin makdimin .. (17) However, what if scheduling the brit for later in the afternoon would allow more people to attend? Which consideration should take priority? Zerzin – do the brit as soon as possible on the eight day or B’rov Am – delay the brit in order to allow more people to attend?

Lehalacha, if one wants to wait to perform the brit later with more people, he may do so.

1 Yoma 28b; Pesachim 4a.

2 Bereishit 22:3.

3 Shemot 12:17.

4 Just as dough is ruined if left too long before being turned into matza, so too, mitzvot that are left too long before being performed can become “ruined.”

5 Rashi, Shemot 12:17, from Mechilta .

6  Sdei Chemed , Yom Hakippurim 1.

7 Pesachim 4a.

8  Beit Yosef , OC 458.

9  Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 130:6.

10 OC 652:1.

11 OC 58:2; Mishna Berura 58:10.

12  Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:7.

13  Mishna Berura 299:16.

14  Shulchan Aruch Harav , OC 94:5.

15  Sefer Chassidim 878; Magen Avraham 25:2.

16 Vayikra 12:3.

17 Rambam, Hilchot Mila 1:8; YD 262:1

19 Rosh Hashana 32b; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:7, 97:9; Shevut Yaakov , OC 1:30