- Exemptions to the Obligation of Chinuch due to illness and burdensomeness of child[1]
There are a number of special circumstances in which a child, even after having reached the age of chinuch, is nevertheless exempt from being educated to fulfill a mitzvah in the normal manner. The following are common examples:
A child who is ill:[2] A child who is sick, or whose health may be compromised by performing a mitzvah, is exempt from chinuch in that mitzvah for the duration of the illness. Even though an adult who is merely uncomfortable would still be obligated, a child is not required to be educated in a way that may harm or endanger his health. Accordingly, a child who is very cold, weak, or likely to become ill is not required to sleep in the Sukkah. Likewise, a child is not educated to fast on Yom Kippur before the appropriate age, since fasting is not befitting for his physical well‑being. We find the halachic basis for this leniency in several areas, including the exemption of a child from sleeping in the Sukkah when it may cause illness and the exemption from fasting on Yom Kippur. Additionally, some Poskim rule that it is permitted for a child to transgress a rabbinic prohibition for his own legitimate need. Based on this principle, it is permitted for a child to eat kitniyot on Pesach if he is ill, even when the illness is not life‑threatening, as explained in another chapter.
A child who is sleeping:[3] A child who is asleep does not need to be awakened in order to fulfill mitzvot. For example, if a child has fallen asleep and did not daven, count the Omer, recite Birkat HaMazon, or say Keriat Shema, there is no requirement to wake him for the sake of chinuch.
Mitzvot that are overly burdensome:[4] Mitzvot that are excessively difficult or burdensome for a child are not included in the obligation of chinuch. Accordingly, a child is not required to fulfill mitzvot such as oneg Shabbat in the same manner as adults—for example, forcing him to eat fish, meat, or other delicacies. Likewise, there is no requirement to be particular that a child eat three full Shabbat meals in the adult sense, or quantities of food beyond what is reasonable for him.
Mitzvot Requiring Extended Concentration:[5] Likewise, included among the exemptions discussed above are mitzvot that require prolonged concentration, sustained focus, and present an excessive burden for a child. A child is therefore not obligated through chinuch to fulfill mitzvot that demand an adult level of attentiveness and consistency. Examples include praying all three daily prayers in their entirety like an adult; davening regularly with a minyan and listening attentively to the entire repetition of the Chazzan; reading Shanyim Mikra Viechad Targum; completing the full Megillah reading on Purim without missing even a single word or letter; and similar obligations that require intense focus over extended periods. Such practices are generally considered overly burdensome for a child, even one above the age of twelve. Accordingly, it is not customary to obligate children fully in these mitzvot upon reaching the age of chinuch. Rather, they are educated gradually, according to their capacity and maturity, as they approach the age of bar mitzvah, at which point full obligation takes effect.
💬 Example: The Twelve-Year-Old Chazan Listener
A father insisted that his twelve-year-old son stand motionless and listen attentively to every word of the Chazaras HaShatz three times daily. When the child lost concentration, the father interpreted it as laziness and a lack of yiras Shamayim. In truth, sustained concentration for such lengthy periods may be difficult even for many adults. Chinuch requires teaching a child to grow in mitzvah observance gradually and successfully, not imposing adult expectations before the child is ready.
Significant Ages Mentioned in the Chapter
| Situation | Exemption |
| Illness | Exempt |
| Risk of illness | Exempt |
| Sleeping child | No need to awaken |
| Excessively burdensome mitzvah | Exempt |
| Advanced concentration requirement | Exempt or partial chinuch |
| Physical suffering | Exempt |
Mitzvos Commonly Considered Too Burdensome for Full Chinuch
| Mitzvah | Standard Practice |
| Full adult davening | Gradual education |
| Listening to entire Chazaras Hashatz | Gradual education |
| Shnayim Mikra | Gradual education |
| Megillah without missing a word | Gradual education |
| Three full Shabbos meals like an adult | Not required |
| Advanced oneg-Shabbos standards | Not required |
[1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:7; Toras Hakatan 14:18-21
[2] Admur 269:3; 343:7; 616:5; Michaber 616:1; M”A 269:1; Yuma 78b; Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:7
[3] See Bach Y.D. 273 regarding a child who is sleeping in Ohel Hameis that there is no need to awaken him and the 2nd opinion in Admur 70:2 regarding the morning Shema that one is exempt from waking him up in the morning; See Or Letziyon 2:45-13; Piskeiy Teshuvos 70:2; Toras Hakatan 14:18-21
[4] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:7
[5] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:7