Sefer HaHinuch, Hashkafah, Mysticism and Rationalism

The Sefer HaHinuch is imho one of the best works on Hashkafah for our day. His presentation of Torah uMitzvot balances the ideals of ritual, discipline, and symbolism, with the more Universal Ideals of Kindness and Compassion. And he seems to be one of the very few to take that approach.

Here is how he comes across:

1. His First and Foremost Taam Hammitzvah is the rational and the reasonable. This straightforward approach l'havdil, somewhat complies with Ochkham's Razor

2. However, he often expresses that Kabbalah or Sod has something to say, too.
This often comes in 2 flavours
A. The rational reason is weak and does not suffice.
B. The rational reason is "OK" but the Kabbalistic reason is more profound

Thus, he does not take the Rational at the Expense of the Mystical, nor vice versa. Both aspects are fundamental. R Bacheyei, a near contemporary of the Hinuch, is one of the few with that same approach towards Parshanut.

I would always recommend that a rabbi use this approach with Baalei Bayit; viz. Cherchez the reasonable approach, and Keep the "Sod" approach in reserve.

I do not recommended leading with the Mystical approach, because this imho tends to weaken one's Sichliyyut faculties with regard to understanding Torah.

Best Regards,
RRW