SeMaK (Sefer Mitzvot Katan) by Rabbi Isaac of Corbeil: what it is
The Sefer Mitzvot Katan (ספר מצוות קטן), “The Small Book of Commandments,” known by its acronym SeMaK, is a 13th-century poetic abridgment of the SeMaG. Its author is Rabbi Isaac of Corbeil.
Quick facts
| Title | Sefer Mitzvot Katan (SeMaK) |
| Author | Rabbi Isaac of Corbeil |
| Composition | Between 1263 and 1277 (according to Sefaria) |
| First printing | Constantinople, 1510 (according to Sefaria) |
| Original title | Sheva Amudei HaGolah (“The Seven Pillars of the Exile”) |
Content
It blends laws, stories and ethical teachings. It omits commandments not applicable in the post-Temple era as well as the extensive legal discussions of the SeMaG.
The seven pillars
It was originally titled Sheva Amudei HaGolah because it is divided into seven parts corresponding to the days of the week, to encourage daily review.
Spread
According to Sefaria it achieved widespread popularity and was included by some early authorities in the prayer book so that the precepts could be recited daily.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SeMaK?
A poetic abridgment of the Sefer Mitzvot Gadol, with laws, stories and ethical teachings.
Why does it have seven parts?
So that it can be reviewed on each day of the week.
Sources
- Sefer Mitzvot Katan, entry on Sefaria