Chinuch for Basic Mitzvah versus Hiddur Mitzvah[1]
Some Poskim[2] rule that once a child reaches the age of Chinuch one is required to educate him not just in the letter of the law fulfillment of Mitzvos, but even in fulfilling the Mitzvah with Hiddur Mitzvah. Other Poskim[3] however rule, that there’s never an obligation to educate a child in a matter of Hiddur Mitzvah. [Practically speaking, even if one were to conclude that there is no strict obligation to educate a child in the fulfillment of a Hiddur mitzvah, it remains the widespread custom of God‑fearing Jews and families to educate their children not only in the basic performance of mitzvot, but even in matters of hiddur mitzvah (enhancing a mitzvah). This approach is reflected in numerous statements of the Rebbe.[4]]
- Example: Buying a beautiful Esrog: An example of educating a child in hiddur mitzvah is teaching him to use a beautiful esrog for Sukkos. While one fulfills the basic mitzvah even with a kosher but simple and inexpensive esrog, there is an added enhancement (hiddur) to seek out a nicer, more beautiful one. Parents often train children from a young age not to suffice with the cheapest option, but to value and choose a mehudar esrog, thereby educating them to perform mitzvos in the most beautiful manner.
- Using olive oil for Chanukah candles: Another example is with Chanukah lights. Technically, one fulfills the mitzvah with any valid fuel, such as wax candles. However, there is a hiddur to use olive oil, as it produces a clearer and more ideal flame.
Many parents accustom their children to use olive oil from the age of chinuch, even though wax candles would suffice, in order to instill the concept of performing mitzvos with enhancement and beauty.
[1] See Encyclopedia Talmudit ibid footnotes 31 and 450-454; Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:8; Koveitz Noam 4; Igros Kodesh 31:70; See Toras Hakatan [Rubinovitch] Chapter 2:22; Chapter 3:10-11
[2] Rama 675:3 regarding a child lighting Chanukah candles “According to our custom that every family member lights their own candles, also a child who has reached the age of education is required to light”; P”M 671 M”Z 1; See M”B 677:13; Kaf Hachaim 677:22; According to Michaber, obviously the child does not light being that according to him only one person lights in each home.
[3] M”A 677:8 “Possibly even according to our custom that every family member lights their own candles, a child is exempt from lighting”; M”B 677:13; Biur Halacha 675:3 “Uledidon”; Shiltei Giborim, brought in M”A ibid; Meiri; Kaf Hachaim 677:22; The M”A and Biur Halacha ibid bring opinions that argue on Rama and hold that even according to the Ashkenazi custom that all male household members light, nevertheless, there’s no obligation to educate a child in a matter of Hidur Mitzvah, and therefore he is not obligated to light. The M”B 675:14 concludes he is only required to light one candle; Sefer Chanoch Lanar 25 footnote 2; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid
[4] See for example Igros Kodesh 8:20; 22:208