Dear Rabbi Simon,
I was wondering if you could please recommend a book that addresses the concept of the spiritual “economics” of Mitzvot, that is, how to gain merit in Hashem’s eyes? I listened to a rabbi yesterday and he mentioned Ishmaelites as having the merits of circumcision, tefilah etc. [ie, he was circumcised, and his name is associated with Hashem hearing his prayers. These features—circumcision and prayer—continue to characterise the descendants of Ishmael=Arabs and Muslims generally.] I need to wrap my head around it.
Many thanks
Sabrina
Dear Sabrina
It is difficult to assign value/impact to mitzvot and rank them accordingly. Ultimately, we cannot know the reward for mitzvot (see Avot 2:1, Artscroll Siddur p. 550), plus so much is dependent on the specific circumstances. Putting to one side the particular case of Ishmael (and his modern-day descendants), I can recommend a modern classic which is a sophisticated introduction to mitzvot generally, with an emphasis on meaning and philosophical underpinnings. This is Horeb by the great Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. Originally written in a rich 19th century German, it is still in print in English translation. Get it from Torah Treasures in Golders Green or online retailers.
I hope this is helpful.
Rabbi Rashi Simon