TODAY'S LAWS & CUSTOMS:
• COUNT "FORTY-FIVE DAYS TO THE OMER" TONIGHT
Tomorrow is the forty-fifth day of the Omer Count. Since, on the Jewish calendar, the day begins at nightfall of the previous evening, we count the omer for tomorrow's date tonight, after nightfall: "Today is forty-five days, which are six weeks and three days, to the Omer." (If you miss the count tonight, you can count the omer all day tomorrow, but without the preceding blessing).
The 49-day "Counting of the Omer" retraces our ancestors' seven-week spiritual journey from the Exodus to Sinai. Each evening we recite a special blessing and count the days and weeks that have passed since the Omer; the 50th day is Shavuot, the festival celebrating the Giving of the Torah at Sinai.
Tonight's Sefirah: Tifferet sheb'Malchut -- "Harmony in Receptiveness"
The teachings of Kabbalah explain that there are seven "Divine Attributes" -- Sefirot -- that G-d assumes through which to relate to our existence: Chessed, Gevurah, Tifferet, Netzach, Hod, Yesod and Malchut ("Love", "Strength", "Beauty", "Victory", "Splendor", "Foundation" and "Sovereignty"). In the human being, created in the "image of G-d," the seven sefirot are mirrored in the seven "emotional attributes" of the human soul: Kindness, Restraint, Harmony, Ambition, Humility, Connection and Receptiveness. Each of the seven attributes contain elements of all seven--i.e., "Kindness in Kindness", "Restraint in Kindness", "Harmony in Kindness", etc.--making for a total of forty-nine traits. The 49-day Omer Count is thus a 49-step process of self-refinement, with each day devoted to the "rectification" and perfection of one the forty-nine "sefirot."
Links:
How to count the Omer
The deeper significance of the Omer Count
TODAY IN JEWISH HISTORY:
• HEBRON LIBERATED (1967)
One day after Israeli forces liberated Eastern Jerusalem in the course of the Six-Day War, another of the holy cities, Hebron, was also liberated.
Following the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, Jordan took over the control of Hebron along with the rest of the West Bank. During this time, Israelis were not allowed to enter the West Bank. The Jewish Quarter was destroyed, Jewish cemeteries were desecrated, 58 synagogues were destroyed and an animal pen was built on the ruins of the Patriarch Abraham Synagogue.
DAILY QUOTE:
These [trust] in chariots and these in horses, but we mention the name of G d our G d. They kneel and fall, but we rise and gain strength. G d save us; may the King answer us on the day we call.(Psalms 20:8-10)
DAILY STUDY:
CHITAS AND RAMBAM FOR TODAY:
Chumash: Naso, 5th Portion Numbers 7:1-7:41 with Rashi
• Chapter 7
1. And it was that on the day that Moses finished erecting the Mishkan, he anointed it, sanctified it, and all its vessels, and the altar and all its vessels, and he anointed them and sanctified them. א. וַיְהִי בְּיוֹם כַּלּוֹת משֶׁה לְהָקִים אֶת הַמִּשְׁכָּן וַיִּמְשַׁח אֹתוֹ וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ וְאֶת כָּל כֵּלָיו וְאֶת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וְאֶת כָּל כֵּלָיו וַיִּמְשָׁחֵם וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אֹתָם:
And it was that on the day that Moses finished: Heb. כַּלּוֹת. On the day the Mishkan was erected, the Israelites were like a bride (כַּלָּה) entering the nuptial canopy.-[Tanchuma Naso 20, 26, Pesikta Rabbathi 5:5, Pesikta d’Rav Kahana p. 6a, and other sources] [According to Tanchuma, the derash is based on the spelling כַּלֹּת, which differs from the spelling in all extant sifrei Torah. Some believe that the derash is based on the vowelization כַּלּוֹת, instead of כְּלוֹת, which would clearly mean “finishing.” Heidenheim believes that the choice of the word כַּלּוֹת, the root of which is ambiguous, indicates the intention of the Torah to include both meanings: finishing and nuptials. See fn. 104 to Pesikta d’Rav Kahana.]
ויהי ביום כלות משה: כלת כתיב, יום הקמת המשכן היו ישראל ככלה הנכנסת לחופה:
Moses finished: Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the wise-hearted [men] assembled the Mishkan, yet Scripture credits Moses with it, because he utterly devoted himself to it, overseeing that the design of each article conformed with what he was shown on the mount [Sinai], to instruct the craftsmen, and he did not err in any design. Similarly, we find with David, that since he devoted himself to the building of the Temple, as it says, “O Lord, remember for David all his affliction, that he swore to the Lord…” (Ps. 132:1-2), therefore, it [the Temple] was called by his name, as it says, “See your House, David” (I Kings 12:16). - [See Midrash Tanchuma Naso 21]
כלות משה: בצלאל ואהליאב וכל חכם לב עשו את המשכן, ותלאו הכתוב במשה, לפי שמסר נפשו עליו לראות תבנית כל דבר ודבר כמו שהראהו בהר להורות לעושי המלאכה, ולא טעה בתבנית אחת וכן מצינו בדוד לפי שמסר נפשו על בנין בית המקדש, שנאמר זכור ה' לדוד את כל ענותו אשר נשבע לה' וגו' (תהלים קלב, א - ב), לפיכך נקרא על שמו, שנאמר ראה ביתך דוד (מלכים א' יב, טז):
[On the day] that Moses finished erecting: It does not say: “On the day he erected.” This teaches us that throughout the seven days of investitures, Moses erected it and dismantled it, but on that day he erected it but did not dismantle it. Therefore, it says, “Moses finished erecting”-that day marked the end of his erecting [the Mishkan]. It was the New Moon of Nissan. On the second [day], the red cow was burned; on the third [day], they sprinkled the first sprinkling (See below ch. 19); and on the seventh [day], they [the Levites] were shaved (see below 5:7). - [Sifrei 1:145]
ביום כלות משה להקים: ולא נאמר ביום הקים מלמד שכל שבעת ימי המלואים היה משה מעמידו ומפרקו ובאותו היום העמידו ולא פרקו, לכך נאמר ביום כלות משה להקים, אותו היום כלו הקמותיו וראש חדש ניסן היה, בשני נשרפה הפרה, בשלישי הזו הזיה ראשונה, ובשביעי גלחו:
2. The chieftains of Israel, the heads of their fathers' houses, presented [their offerings]. They were the leaders of the tribes. They were the ones who were present during the counting, ב. וַיַּקְרִיבוּ נְשִׂיאֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל רָאשֵׁי בֵּית אֲבֹתָם הֵם נְשִׂיאֵי הַמַּטֹּת הֵם הָעֹמְדִים עַל הַפְּקֻדִים:
They were the leaders of the tribes: They were the officers [appointed] over them in Egypt, and they were beaten on account of them, as it says,“The officers of the children of Israel were beaten” (Exod. 5:14). [Rashi interprets הַמַּטֹּת as“the sticks.” Hence, נְשִׂיאֵי הַמַּטֹּת means “the chieftains who were beaten with sticks.”] - [Sifrei 1:145]
הם נשיאי המטת: שהיו שוטרים עליהם במצרים והיו מוכים עליהם, שנאמר (שמות ה, יד) ויכו שוטרי בני ישראל וגו':
who were present during the counting: They stood with Moses and Aaron when they counted the Israelites, as it says,“With you [Moses and Aaron] there shall be [a man from each tribe]” (Num. 1:4).
הם העומדים על הפקודים: שעמדו עם משה ואהרן כשמנו את ישראל, שנאמר (במדבר א, ד) ואתכם יהיו וגו':
3. They brought their offering before the Lord: six covered wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for each two chieftains, and an ox for each one; they presented them in front of the Mishkan. ג. וַיָּבִיאוּ אֶת קָרְבָּנָם לִפְנֵי יְהוָֹה שֵׁשׁ עֶגְלֹת צָב וּשְׁנֵי עָשָׂר בָּקָר עֲגָלָה עַל שְׁנֵי הַנְּשִׂאִים וְשׁוֹר לְאֶחָד וַיַּקְרִיבוּ אוֹתָם לִפְנֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן:
six covered wagons: The word צָב can denote only “covered.” Similarly,“In covered wagons (בַּצַּבִּים) and on mules” (Isa. 66:20). Covered wagons are called צַבִּים. [Some expound the word צָב in the sense of הַצְבִי יִשְׂרָאֵל, “O beauty of Israel” (II Sam. 1:19), (meaning) that they were elegant.] - [Sifrei Naso 1:148, Num. Rabbah 12: 17. See Maharzav.]
שש עגלת צב: אין צב אלא מחופים וכן (ישעיה סו, כ) בצבים ובפרדים, עגלות מכוסות קרויות צבים:
they presented them in front of the Mishkan: for Moses did not accept them from their hands until he was instructed to do so by the Omnipresent. Rabbi Nathan says: Why did the chieftains see fit to be the first to contribute here, whereas concerning the work of the Mishkan , they were not the first to contribute [but the last]? However, the chieftains said as follows, “Let the people contribute what they can, and then we will complement whatever is missing.” When they saw that the people had supplied everything-as it says, “And the work was sufficient for them” (Exod. 36:7)-they said, “What is left for us to do now?” So they brought the shoham stones and the filling [stones] for the ephod and the choshen . Therefore, [in order to make amends,] here they were first to contribute. — [Sifrei Naso 1:150]
ויקריבו אותם לפני המשכן: שלא קבל משה מידם עד שנאמר לו מפי המקום. אמר רבי נתן מה ראו הנשיאים להתנדב כאן בתחלה, ובמלאכת המשכן לא התנדבו תחלה, אלא כך אמרו הנשיאים יתנדבו צבור מה שיתנדבו, ומה שמחסרין אנו משלימין, כיון שראו שהשלימו צבור את הכל, שנאמר (שמות לו, ז) והמלאכה היתה דים, אמרו מעתה מה לנו לעשות, הביאו את אבני השוהם והמלואים לאפוד ולחשן, לכך התנדבו כאן תחלה:
4. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ד. וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָֹה אֶל משֶׁה לֵּאמֹר:
5. Take [it] from them, and let them be used in the service of the Tent of Meeting. You shall give them to the Levites, in accordance with each man's work. ה. קַח מֵאִתָּם וְהָיוּ לַעֲבֹד אֶת עֲבֹדַת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְנָתַתָּה אוֹתָם אֶל הַלְוִיִּם אִישׁ כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתוֹ:
6. So Moses took the wagons and the cattle and gave them to the Levites. ו. וַיִּקַּח משֶׁה אֶת הָעֲגָלֹת וְאֶת הַבָּקָר וַיִּתֵּן אוֹתָם אֶל הַלְוִיִּם:
7. He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon, according to their work. ז. אֵת | שְׁתֵּי הָעֲגָלוֹת וְאֵת אַרְבַּעַת הַבָּקָר נָתַן לִבְנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתָם:
according to their work: Because the burden of the sons of Gershon was lighter than that of [the sons of] Merari, who carried the planks, the pillars, and the sockets.
כפי עבודתם: שהיה משא בני גרשון קל משל מררי, שהיו נושאים הקרשים והעמודים והאדנים:
8. And he gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their work under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. ח. וְאֵת | אַרְבַּע הָעֲגָלֹת וְאֵת שְׁמֹנַת הַבָּקָר נָתַן לִבְנֵי מְרָרִי כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתָם בְּיַד אִיתָמָר בֶּן אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן:
9. But to the sons of Kohath he did not give, for incumbent upon them was the work involving the holy [objects], which they were to carry on their shoulders. ט. וְלִבְנֵי קְהָת לֹא נָתָן כִּי עֲבֹדַת הַקֹּדֶשׁ עֲלֵהֶם בַּכָּתֵף יִשָּׂאוּ:
for incumbent upon them was the work involving the holy [objects]: [I.e.,] the burden of the holy objects [such as] the ark and the table, etc. [was incumbent upon them]. Therefore “they were to carry on their shoulders” [and not in wagons].
כי עבדת הקדש עליהם: משא דבר הקדושה הארון והשלחן וגו', לפיכך בכתף ישאו:
10. The chieftains brought [offerings for] the dedication of the altar on the day it was anointed; the chieftains presented their offerings in front of the altar. י. וַיַּקְרִיבוּ הַנְּשִׂאִים אֵת חֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ בְּיוֹם הִמָּשַׁח אֹתוֹ וַיַּקְרִיבוּ הַנְּשִׂיאִם אֶת קָרְבָּנָם לִפְנֵי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ:
The chieftains brought [offerings for] the dedication of the altar: After they had contributed the wagons and the oxen for carrying the Mishkan , they were inspired to contribute offerings for the altar to dedicate it.
ויקריבו הנשאים את חנכת המזבח: לאחר שהתנדבו העגלות והבקר לשאת המשכן, נשאם לבם להתנדב קרבנות המזבח לחנכו:
the chieftains presented their offerings in front of the altar: For Moses did not accept it from their hands until instructed to do so by the Almighty. — [Sifrei Naso 1:152]
ויקריבו הנשיאים את קרבנם לפני המזבח: כי לא קבל משה מידם עד שנאמר לו מפי הגבורה:
11. The Lord said to Moses: One chieftain each day, one chieftain each day, shall present his offering for the dedication of the altar. יא. וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָֹה אֶל משֶׁה נָשִׂיא אֶחָד לַיּוֹם נָשִׂיא אֶחָד לַיּוֹם יַקְרִיבוּ אֶת קָרְבָּנָם לַחֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ:
shall present his offering for the dedication of the altar: But Moses still did not know how they should bring [the offerings], whether in the order of their births [namely, the order in which Jacob’s sons were born] or according to the order in which they traveled-until he was instructed by the Holy One, blessed is He, that they should bring the offerings according to the order in which they traveled, each one in his day. — [Sifrei Naso 1:152]
יקריבו את קרבנם לחנכת המזבח: ועדיין לא היה יודע משה האיך יקריבו, אם כסדר תולדותם, אם כסדר המסעות, עד שנאמר לו מפי הקב"ה יקריבו למסעות, איש יומו:
12. The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah. יב. וַיְהִי הַמַּקְרִיב בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן אֶת קָרְבָּנוֹ נַחְשׁוֹן בֶּן עַמִּינָדָב לְמַטֵּה יְהוּדָה:
on the first day: That day acquired ten crowns; it was the first day of Creation, the first day of the [offerings of the] chieftains, etc., as it is stated in Seder Olam.
ביום הראשון: אותו היום נטל עשר עטרות, ראשון למעשה בראשית, ראשון לנשיאים וכו', כדאיתא בסדר עולם:
of the tribe of Judah: Scripture traces his kinship to his tribe, but not that he solicited [the offering] from his tribe and then offered it up. Or perhaps it says, “of the tribe of Judah” to teach that he indeed solicited [the offering] from his tribe and then brought [it]? Scripture therefore states,“This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab” (verse 17), [to teach us that] he brought from his own [resources]. — [Sifrei Naso 1:153, 157]
למטה יהודה: יחסו הכתוב על שבטו, ולא שגבה משבטו והקריב. או אינו אומר למטה יהודה אלא שגבה משבטו והביא, תלמוד לומר זה קרבן נחשון, משלו הביא:
13. And his offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering. יג. וְקָרְבָּנוֹ קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶם | מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה:
both filled with fine flour: for a voluntary meal offering. — [Sifrei Naso 1:155]
שניהם מלאים סלת: למנחת נדבה:
14. One spoon [weighing] ten [shekels] of gold filled with incense. יד. כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת:
ten gold [shekels]: Heb. עִשָׂרָה זָהָב. As Targum [Onkelos] renders: it contained the weight of ten [shekels of] silver according to the holy shekel.
עשרה זהב: כתרגומו, משקל עשר שקלי הקדש היה בה:
filled with incense: We never find incense brought by an individual or on the outer [i.e., copper] altar except in this case; this was a temporary order. — [Men. 50a]
מלאה קטרת: לא מצינו קטרת ליחיד ולא על מזבח החיצון אלא זו בלבד, והוראת שעה היתה:
15. One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering. טו. פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ אֶחָד בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה:
One young bull: The choice of the herd. — [Sifrei Naso 1:146]
פר אחד: מיוחד שבעדרו:
16. One young he goat for a sin offering. טז. שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת:
One young he-goat for a sin-offering: to atone for [uncleanness caused by] a grave in the depths [i.e., an unknown grave which may lie in the earth over which people unknowingly pass, rendering them unclean],which is a [case of] uncertain contamination. - [Sifrei Naso 1:156]
שעיר עזים אחד לחטאת: לכפר על קבר התהום וטומאת ספק:
17. And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab. יז. וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתּוּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן נַחְשׁוֹן בֶּן עַמִּינָדָב:
18. On the second day, Nethanel the son of Zu'ar, the chieftain of Issachar brought [his offering]. יח. בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי הִקְרִיב נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן צוּעָר נְשִׂיא יִשָּׂשכָר:
Nethanel the son of Zu’ar… brought…:
הקריב נתנאל בן צוער:
19. He brought his offering of one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering. יט. הִקְרִב אֶת קָרְבָּנוֹ קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶם | מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה:
He brought his offering: Why is the word הִקְרִב, “brought [his offering],” used in connection with the tribe of Issachar, but is not used in connection with any of the [other] tribes? Because [the tribe of] Reuben came and complained, “Is it not enough that my brother Judah has preceded me? Let me [at least] offer up after him.” Moses said to him,“I was told by the Almighty that they should offer up in the order in which they travel, according to their divisions.” This is why it says: הִקְרִב אֶת קָרְבָּנוֹ, [in which the word הִקְרִב is] missing a“yud,” [thus] giving it the meaning of הַקְרִב, in the imperative-for he was commanded by the Almighty,“Bring the offering!” (Sifrei Naso 1:158) What is the meaning of הִקְרִב … הִקְרִב, twice? For because of two reasons he [Issachar] merited to be the second of the tribes to offer their sacrifices: One, because they were [well] versed in the Torah, as it says,“And of the sons of Issachar, those who had understanding of the times” (I Chron. 12:32). Another, because they advised the chieftains to contribute these offerings (Sifrei). In the writings of Rabbi Moses Hadarshan [“the preacher”], I found [the following]: Rabbi Phinehas the son of Yair says [that] Nethaniel the son of Zu’ar gave them this idea.
הקרב את קרבנו: מה תלמוד לומר הקריב בשבטו של יששכר, מה שלא נאמר בכל השבטים, לפי שבא ראובן וערער ואמר די שקדמני יהודה אחי, אקריב אני אחריו. אמר לו משה מפי הגבורה נאמר לי שיקריבו כסדר מסען לדגליהם. לכך אמר הקרב את קרבנו, והוא חסר יו"ד, שהוא משמע הקרב, לשון צווי, שמפי הגבורה נצטווה הקרב. ומהו הקריב הקרב שני פעמים, שבשביל שני דברים זכה להקריב שני לשבטים אחת שהיו יודעים בתורה, שנאמר (ד"ה א' יב, לג) ומבני יששכר יודעי בינה לעתים, ואחת שהם נתנו עצה לנשיאים להתנדב קרבנות הללו. וביסודו של ר' משה הדרשן מצאתי אמר רבי פנחס בן יאיר, נתנאל בן צוער השיאן עצה זו:
one silver bowl: Heb. קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף. The numerical value of [the two words] in gematria amounts to nine hundred and thirty, corresponding to the years of Adam, the first man (Gen. 5:5). ק = 100 ע = 70 ר = 200 ת =400 כ = 20 ס = 60 פ = 80, total 930
קערת כסף: מנין אותיותיו בגימטריה תתק"ל כנגד שנותיו של אדם הראשון:
weighing one hundred and thirty shekels: Alluding to the fact that when he [Adam] began to raise a family to maintain the existence of the world, he was one hundred and thirty years old, as it says,“Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and he begot…” (Gen. 5:3).
שלשים ומאה משקלה: על שם שכשהעמיד תולדות לקיום העולם בן מאה ושלשים שנה היה, שנאמר (בראשית ה, ג) ויחי אדם שלשים ומאת שנה ויולד בדמותו וגו':
one silver sprinkling basin: Heb. מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף. The gematria of these[three words] is five hundred and twenty- מ = 40 ז = 7 ר = 200 ק = 100 א = 1 ח = 8 ד = 4 כ = 20 ס = 60 פ = 80, total 520, alluding to Noah, who began raising a family at the age of five hundred, and alluding to the twenty years before his children were born in which the decree of the [Great] Flood was enacted, as I explained [to be the meaning of the verse],“His days shall be one hundred and twenty years” (Gen. 6:3). This is why it says מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף rather than מִזְרָק כֶּסֶף אֶחָד, as it says in the case of the [silver] bowl [i.e., קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף אַחַת], to tell us that even the letters of [the word] אֶחָד are included in the calculation.
מזרק אחד כסף: בגימטריה תק"כ, על שם נח שהעמיד תולדות בן ת"ק שנה, ועל שם עשרים שנה שנגזרה גזירת המבול קודם תולדותיו, כמו שפירשתי אצל (בראשית ו, ג) והיו ימיו מאה ועשרים שנה, לפיכך נאמר מזרק אחד כסף ולא נאמר מזרק כסף אחד, כמו שנאמר בקערה, לומר שאף אותיות של אחד מצטרפות למנין:
seventy shekels: Corresponding to the seventy nations who emanated from his [Noah’s] sons.
שבעים שקל: כנגד שבעים אומות שיצאו מבניו:
20. One spoon [weighing] ten [shekels] of gold filled with incense. כ. כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת:
One spoon: Corresponding to the Torah, which was given by the hand of the Holy One, blessed is He. [כַּף also means“hand.”]
כף אחת: כנגד התורה שנתנה מידו של הקב"ה:
ten gold [shekels]: Corresponding to the Ten Commandments.
עשרה זהב: כנגד עשרת הדברות:
filled with incense: קְטֹרֶת. The gematria of קְטֹרֶת [i.e., 613] corresponds to the six hundred and thirteen commandments-provided that you convert the “kuph” into a “daleth” in accordance with the cipher known as א״ת ב״ש ג״ר ד״ק [in which the first and last letters of the alphabet are interchangeable, the second and the second-to-last letters, etc. Thus, ד = 4 ט = 9 ר = 200 ת = 400, totaling 613].
מלאה קטרת: גימטריה של קטרת תרי"ג מצות, ובלבד שתחליף קו"ף בדל"ת על ידי א"ת ב"ש ג"ר ד"ק:
21. One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering. כא. פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ אֶחָד בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה:
One young bull: Corresponding to Abraham, of whom it says, “He took a young bull” (Gen. 18:7).
פר אחד: כנגד אברהם, שנאמר בו (בראשית יח, ז) ויקח בן בקר:
one ram: Corresponding to Isaac [of whom it says,] “and took the ram [and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son]…” (Gen. 22:13).
איל אחד: כנגד יצחק (שם כב, יג) ויקח את האיל וגו':
one lamb: Corresponding to Jacob, [about whom it says,] “Jacob separated the lambs” (Gen. 30:40).
כבש אחד: כנגד יעקב (שם ל, מ) והכשבים הפריד יעקב:
22. One young he goat for a sin offering. כב. שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת:
One young he-goat: to atone for the sale of Joseph, about which it says, “and they slaughtered a kid” (Gen. 37:31).
שעיר עזים: לכפר על מכירת יוסף, שנאמר בו (שם לז, לא) וישחטו שעיר עזים:
23. And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zu'ar. כג. וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתֻּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן צוּעָר:
And for the peace-offering: two oxen: Corresponding to Moses and Aaron, who established peace between Israel and their Father in heaven.
ולזבח השלמים בקר שנים: כנגד משה ואהרן, שנתנו שלום בין ישראל לאביהם שבשמים:
Rams…he-goats…lambs: Three types, corresponding to kohanim, Levites, and Israelites, and corresponding to the Torah, the Prophets, and the Holy Writings. The three fives [in this verse] correspond to the five books of the Pentateuch, to the five commandments inscribed on the first tablet, and the five commandments inscribed on the second one. Until this point, [my comments were] in the name of Rabbi Moses Hadarshan [the preacher].
אילם עתדים כבשים: שלשה מינים כנגד כהנים ולוים וישראלים, וכנגד תורה נביאים וכתובים. שלש חמשיות כנגד חמשה חומשין, וחמשת הדברות הכתובין על לוח אחד, וחמשה הכתובין על השני. עד כאן מיסודו של ר' משה הדרשן:
24. On the third day, the chieftain was of the sons of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon. כד. בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי נָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי זְבוּלֻן אֱלִיאָב בֶּן חֵלֹן:
On the third day, the chieftain…: On the third day, the chieftain who brought the offering was from the sons of Zebulun, and so with all of them. However, regarding Nethanel, about whom it states, הִקְרִיב נְתַנְאֵל, “Nethanel… brought,” it is appropriate to follow it with the phrase “the chieftain of Issachar” [unlike the other instances, where the verse refers to the chieftain as“the chieftain of the sons of so-and-so,” followed by his name], since his name and what he had offered has already been mentioned. Concerning the others, where it does not say: הִקְרִיב, “he offered,” the appropriate wording is this,“the chieftain was of the sons of so-and-so”-that day, the chieftain who brought his offering was from such-and-such a tribe. [Why the word הִקְרִיב is written only in reference to Nethanel is discussed above on verses 18 and 19.]
ביום השלישי נשיא וגו': ביום השלישי היה נשיא המקריב לבני זבולון, וכן כולם, אבל בנתנאל שנאמר בו הקריב נתנאל, נופל אחריו הלשון לומר נשיא יששכר, לפי שכבר הזכיר שמו והקרבתו, ובשאר שלא נאמר בהן הקריב, נופל עליהן לשון זה נשיא לבני פלוני, אותו היום היה הנשיא המקריב לשבט פלוני:
25. His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering. כה. קָרְבָּנוֹ קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶם | מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה:
26. One spoon [weighing] ten [shekels] of gold filled with incense. כו. כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת:
27. One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering. כז. פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ אֶחָד בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה:
28. One young he goat for a sin offering. כח. שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת:
29. And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon. כט. וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתֻּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן אֱלִיאָב בֶּן חֵלֹן:
30. On the fourth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Reuben, Elitzur the son of Shedeur. ל. בַּיּוֹם הָרְבִיעִי נָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן שְׁדֵיאוּר:
31. His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering. לא. קָרְבָּנוֹ קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶם | מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה:
32. One spoon [weighing] ten [shekels] of gold filled with incense. לב. כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת:
33. One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering. לג. פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ אֶחָד בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה:
34. One young he goat for a sin offering. לד. שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת:
35. And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Elitzur the son of Shedeur. לה. וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתֻּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן שְׁדֵיאוּר:
36. On the fifth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. לו. בַּיּוֹם הַחֲמִישִׁי נָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵל בֶּן צוּרִישַׁדָּי:
37. His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering. לז. קָרְבָּנוֹ קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶם | מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה:
38. One spoon [weighing] ten [shekels] of gold filled with incense. לח. כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת:
39. One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering. לט. פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ אֶחָד בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה:
40. One young he goat for a sin offering. מ. שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת:
41. And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. מא. וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתֻּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן שְׁלֻמִיאֵל בֶּן צוּרִישַׁדָּי:
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Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 140 - 150
• Chapter 140
David composed this psalm against his slanderers, especially the chief conspirator Doeg. Anyone confronted by slanderers should recite this psalm.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David.
2. Rescue me from the evil man, protect me from the man of violence,
3. who devise evil schemes in their heart; every day they gather for wars.
4. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the spider's venom is forever under their lips.
5. Guard me, Lord, from the hands of the wicked, protect me from the man of violence-those who plot to cause my steps to slip.
6. Arrogant ones have hidden a snare for me, and ropes; they spread a net by my path, they set traps for me continually.
7. I said to the Lord, "You are my God!" Listen, O Lord, to the voice of my pleas.
8. God, my Lord, the strength of my deliverance, You sheltered my head on the day of armed battle.
9. Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; fulfill not his scheme, make it unattainable forever.
10. As for the head of my besiegers, let the deceit of their own lips bury them.
11. Let burning coals fall upon them; let it cast them down into the fire, into deep pits, never to rise again.
12. Let not the slanderous man be established in the land; let the evil of the man of violence trap him until he is overthrown.
13. I know that the Lord will execute judgement for the poor, justice for the needy.
14. Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
Chapter 141
This psalm teaches an important lesson: One should pray for Divine assistance that his mouth not speak that which is not in his heart. The gatekeeper only allows the gate to be opened for a purpose; let it be the same with one's lips.
1. A psalm by David. O Lord, I have called You, hasten to me; listen to my voice when I call to You.
2. Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the raising of my hands as an afternoon offering.
3. O Lord, place a guard for my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.
4. Do not incline my heart to a bad thing-to perform deeds in wickedness, with men, doers of evil; let me not partake of their delicacies.
5. Let the righteous one strike me with kindness and let him rebuke me; like the finest oil, let my head not refuse it. For as long [as I live], my prayer is [to preserve me] from their harm.
6. For their judges have slipped because of their [hearts of] rock, though they heard my words and they were pleasant.
7. As one who chops and splinters [wood] on the ground, so have our bones been scattered to the mouth of the grave.
8. For to You, God, my Lord, are my eyes; in You I take shelter; do not pour out my soul.
9. Protect me from the hands of the snare they laid for me, and from the traps of the evildoers.
10. Let the wicked fall into their own nets together, until I pass over.
Chapter 142
David composed this psalm while hiding from Saul in a cave, at which time he had cut off the corner of Saul's garment (to prove that he was able to kill him but did not wish to do so). He declared, "Where can I turn, and where can I run? All I have is to cry out to You!"
1. A maskil1 by David, when he was in the cave, a prayer.
2. With my voice I will cry out to the Lord; with my voice I will call to the Lord in supplication.
3. I will pour out my plea before Him; I will declare my distress in His presence.
4. When my spirit is faint within me, You know my path. In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.
5. Look to my right and see, there is none that will know me; every escape is lost to me. No man cares for my soul.
6. I cried out to You, O Lord; I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
7. Listen to my song of prayer, for I have been brought very low. Deliver me from my pursuers, for they are too mighty for me.
8. Release my soul from confinement, so that it may acknowledge Your Name. Because of me, the righteous will crown [You] when You will deal graciously with me.
Chapter 143
1. A psalm by David. O Lord, hear my prayer, lend Your ear to my supplications. With Your faithfulness answer me, and with Your righteousness.
2. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no living being would be vindicated before You.
3. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has set me down in dark places, like those who are eternally dead.
4. Then my spirit became faint within me; my heart was dismayed within me.
5. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all Your deeds; I spoke of Your handiwork.
6. I spread out my hands to You; like a languishing land my soul yearns after You, Selah.
7. Answer me soon, O Lord, my spirit is spent; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who descend into the pit.
8. Let me hear Your kindness in the morning, for have I trusted in You. Let me know the way in which I should walk, for to You I have lifted my soul.
9. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord. I have concealed [my troubles from all, save] You.
10. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good spirit lead me in an even path.
11. For the sake of Your Name, O Lord, give me life; in Your righteousness, take my soul out of distress.
12. And in Your kindness, cut off my enemies and obliterate all those who oppress my soul, for I am Your servant.
Chapter 144
After triumphing in all his wars, David composed this psalm in praise of God.
1. By David. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, Who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for war.
2. My source of kindness and my fortress, my high tower and my rescuer, my shield, in Whom I take refuge; it is He Who makes my people submit to me.
3. O Lord, what is man that You have recognized him; the son of a mortal, that You are mindful of him?
4. Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
5. O Lord, incline Your heavens and descend; touch the mountains and they will become vapor.
6. Flash one bolt of lightning and You will scatter them; send out Your arrows and You will confound them.
7. Stretch forth Your hands from on high, rescue me and deliver me out of many waters, from the hand of strangers,
8. whose mouth speaks deceit and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
9. God, I will sing a new song to You, I will play to You upon a harp of ten strings.
10. He who gives victory to kings, He will rescue David, His servant, from the evil sword.
11. Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of strangers, whose mouth speaks deceit and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
12. For our sons are like plants, brought up to manliness in their youth; our daughters are like cornerstones, fashioned after the fashion of a palace.
13. Our storehouses are full, overflowing with all manner of food; our sheep increase by the thousands, growing by the tens of thousands in our open fields.
14. Our leaders bear the heaviest burden; there is none who break through, nor is there bad report, nor outcry in our streets.
15. Happy is the nation for whom this is so. Happy is that nation whose God is the Lord.
Chapter 145
One who recites this psalm three times daily with absolute concentration is guaranteed a portion in the World to Come. Because of its prominence, this psalm was composed in alphabetical sequence.
1. A psalm of praise by David: I will exalt You, my God the King, and bless Your Name forever.
2. Every day I will bless You, and extol Your Name forever.
3. The Lord is great and exceedingly exalted; there is no limit to His greatness.
4. One generation to another will laud Your works, and tell of Your mighty acts.
5. I will speak of the splendor of Your glorious majesty and of Your wondrous deeds.
6. They will proclaim the might of Your awesome acts, and I will recount Your greatness.
7. They will express the remembrance of Your abounding goodness, and sing of Your righteousness.
8. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and of great kindness.
9. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies extend over all His works.
10. Lord, all Your works will give thanks to You, and Your pious ones will bless You.
11. They will declare the glory of Your kingdom, and tell of Your strength,
12. to make known to men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
13. Your kingship is a kingship over all worlds, and Your dominion is throughout all generations.
14. The Lord supports all who fall, and straightens all who are bent.
15. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food at the proper time.
16. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and benevolent in all His deeds.
18. The Lord is close to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
19. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him, hears their cry and delivers them.
20. The Lord watches over all who love Him, and will destroy all the wicked.
21. My mouth will utter the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy Name forever.
Chapter 146
This psalm inspires man to repent and perform good deeds while still alive. Let him not rely on mortals who are unable to help themselves, and who may suddenly pass on. Rather, one should put his trust in God, Who is capable of carrying out all He desires.
1. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul.
2. I will sing to the Lord with my soul; I will chant praises to my God while I yet exist.
3. Do not place your trust in nobles, nor in mortal man who has not the ability to bring deliverance.
4. When his spirit departs, he returns to his earth; on that very day, his plans come to naught.
5. Fortunate is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope rests upon the Lord his God.
6. He makes the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; He keeps His promise faithfully forever.
7. He renders justice to the oppressed; He gives food to the hungry; the Lord releases those who are bound.
8. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord straightens those who are bowed; the Lord loves the righteous.
9. The Lord watches over the strangers; He gives strength to orphan and widow; He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10. The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 147
This psalm recounts God's greatness, and His kindness and goodness to His creations.
1. Praise the Lord! Sing to our God for He is good; praise befits Him for He is pleasant.
2. The Lord is the rebuilder of Jerusalem; He will gather the banished of Israel.
3. He heals the broken-hearted, and bandages their wounds.
4. He counts the number of the stars; He gives a name to each of them.
5. Great is our Master and abounding in might; His understanding is beyond reckoning.
6. The Lord strengthens the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground.
7. Lift your voices to the Lord in gratitude; sing to our God with the harp.
8. He covers the heaven with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow upon the mountains.
9. He gives the animal its food, to the young ravens which cry to Him.
10. He does not desire [those who place their trust in] the strength of the horse, nor does He want those who rely upon the thighs [swiftness] of man.
11. He desires those who fear Him, those who long for His kindness.
12. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; Zion, extol your God.
13. For He has strengthened the bolts of your gates; He has blessed your children in your midst.
14. He has made peace within your borders; He satiates you with the finest of wheat.
15. He issues His command to the earth; swiftly does His word run.
16. He dispenses snow like fleece; He scatters frost like ashes.
17. He hurls His ice like morsels; who can withstand His cold?
18. He sends forth His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19. He tells His words [Torah] to Jacob, His statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20. He has not done so for other nations, and they do not know [His] ordinances. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 148
The psalmist inspires one to praise God for His creations-above and below-all of which exist by God's might alone.
1. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the celestial heights.
2. Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts.
3. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all the shining stars.
4. Praise Him, hea-ven of heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens.
5. Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for He comman-ded and they were created.
6. He has established them forever, for all time; He issued a decree, and it shall not be transgressed.
7. Praise the Lord from the earth, sea-monsters and all [that dwell in] the depths;
8. fire and hail, snow and vapor, stormy wind carrying out His command;
9. the mountains and all hills, fruit-bearing trees and all cedars;
10. the beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged fowl;
11. kings of the earth and all nations, rulers and all judges of the land;
12. young men as well as maidens, elders with young lads.
13. Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name is sublime, to Himself; its radiance [alone] is upon earth and heaven.
14. He shall raise the glory of His people, [increase] the praise of all His pious ones, the Children of Israel, the people close to Him. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 149
1. Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, [recount] His praise in the assembly of the pious.
2. Israel will rejoice in its Maker; the children of Zion will delight in their King.
3. They will praise His Name with dancing; they will sing to Him with the drum and harp.
4. For the Lord desires His people; He will adorn the humble with salvation.
5. The pious will exult in glory; they will sing upon their beds.
6. The exaltation of God is in their throat, and a double-edged sword in their hand,
7. to bring retribution upon the nations, punishment upon the peoples;
8. to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with iron fetters;
9. to execute upon them the prescribed judgment; it shall be a glory for all His pious ones. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 150
This psalm contains thirteen praises, alluding to the Thirteen Attributes (of Mercy) with which God conducts the world.
1. Praise the Lord! Praise God in His holiness; praise Him in the firmament of His strength.
2. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His abundant greatness.
3. Praise Him with the call of the shofar; praise Him with harp and lyre.
4. Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.
5. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clanging cymbals.
6. Let every soul praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
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Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 52
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
Thursday, Iyar 29, 5774 • May 29, 2014
Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 52
אבל השכינה עצמה, שהיא ראשית הגילוי ועיקרו, מה שאין סוף ברוך הוא מאיר לעולמות בבחינת גילוי, והיא מקור כל המשכות החיות שבכל העולמות
But as for the Shechinah itself, namely, the origin and core of the manifestation whereby the blessed Ein Sof illumines the Worlds in a revealed form and which is the source of all streams of vitality in the Worlds,
שכל החיות שבהם אינו רק אור המתפשט ממנה כאור המתפשט מהשמש
(1their entire vitality being no more than the light which is diffused from it like the light radiated from the sun), —
אי אפשר לעולמות לסבול ולקבל אור שכינתה, שתשכון ותתלבש בתוכם ממש, בלא לבוש המעלים ומסתיר אורה מהם
concerning the Shechinah itself, the source of all vitality for the worlds: the worlds cannot endure or receive the light of this Shechinah, that it might actually dwell and enclothe itself in them, without a “garment” to screen and conceal its light from them,
שלא יתבטלו במציאות לגמרי במקורם, כביטול אור השמש במקורו בגוף השמש, שאין נראה שם אור זה, רק עצם גוף השמש בלבד
so that they may not become entirely nullified and lose their identity within their source, just as the light of the sun is nullified in its source, namely, in the sun itself — where this light cannot be seen, but only the integral mass of the sun itself.
So, too, since the Shechinah is the source of vitality of the whole of creation, all of which receives but a ray of the Shechinah, then if the Shechinah itself — the actual source — would be manifest, all created beings would be nullified in that source. Their situation would be exactly similar to the sun’s rays as they are found within the orb of the sun, where they are completely nullified.
In order for the Shechinah to dwell within the Worlds and their creatures, there must therefore be a “garment” which serves to conceal its light. Only then can creation receive the Shechinah and not be nullified out of existence.
FOOTNOTES
1. Parentheses are in the original text.
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Rambam:
• Daily Mitzvah - Sefer Hamitzvos:
Thursday, Iyar 29, 5774 • May 29, 2014
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
Negative Commandment 149
A Non-Priest Partaking of the Holiest Sacrifices
"But a stranger shall not eat of them because they are holy"—Exodus 29:33.
A non-priest may not eat of the "Holy of Holies" sacrifices (e.g., the flesh of the Sin Offering).
A Non-Priest Partaking of the Holiest Sacrifices
A Non-Priest Partaking of the Holiest Sacrifices
Negative Commandment 149
Translated by Berel Bell
And the 149th prohibition is that a non-kohen is forbidden from eating kodshei kadashim.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,1 "A non-kohen may not eat [kodshei kadashim], because they are holy."
The punishment of lashes is given only when the eating takes place in the Temple courtyard, and after the blood has been sprinkled [on the altar].2
FOOTNOTES
1.Ex. 29:33.
2.I.e. under conditions which would make it permissible for a kohen to consume the sacrifice.
________________________________________
Positive Commandment 132Declaration of the First Fruits
"And you shall call out and say before G d, your G d: 'An Aramean [sought to] destroy my father..."—Deuteronomy 26:5.
When bringing the First Fruit to the Holy Temple, the owner is commanded to speak of G d's kindness towards us and express gratitude to G d for saving us ever since the times of Jacob, and rescuing us from the slavery and the tormenting of the Egyptians. The owner then beseeches G d to continue showering blessing upon us.
Women are not obligated to make this declaration.
Declaration of the First Fruits
Positive Commandment 132
Translated by Berel Bell
The 132nd mitzvah is that we are commanded that when bringing bikkurim, one must make a proclamation of the kindness G‑d has bestowed upon us: how He saved us from the early difficulties of our patriarch Ya'akov and from the slavery and affliction of the Egyptians; to thank Him for all this and to ask that He continue His blessings forever.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,1 "You shall then make the following declaration before G‑d your L‑rd: 'An Aramean tried to destroy my ancestor....' " until the end of the entire section. This mitzvah is called mikra bikkurim.
The details of this mitzvah are explained in tractate Bikkurim and the 7th chapter of Sotah. Women are not obligated in this mitzvah.
FOOTNOTES
1.Deut. 26:5.
________________________________________
Rambam:
• 1 Chapter: Zechiyah uMattanah Zechiyah uMattanah - Chapter Two Zechiyah uMattanah - Chapter Two
Halacha 1
The property of a deceased convert who has no heirs, property that is ownerless, and a field that a gentile sold to a Jew who has not taken hold of it are all governed by the same laws. Whoever manifests ownership over them using a valid chazakah - to be described in Hilchot Mechirah - acquires them, with one exception: eating produce.
Halacha 2
What is implied? When a person buys landed property from a colleague and manifests his ownership over it by eating produce, he acquires it, as we have explained. But with regard to the acquisition of ownerless property or property of a deceased convert, even if a person eats produce of a tree for several years, he does not acquire the tree itself or the land itself until he performs a deed involving the land itself or performs a task involving the tree.
An incident occurred when a woman ate the produce of a date palm for thirteen years, and then another person manifested ownership over the tree by performing a task involving the tree itself. The incident was brought before the Sages and they ruled that the latter person acquired it.
Halacha 3
There are many acts that if performed by a purchaser to prove ownership of property are not effective , but when performed to manifest ownership over ownerless property, property belonging to a deceased convert or the like, are effective in acquiring it.
What is implied? When a person finds large palaces constructed on property belonging to a deceased convert or on ownerless property, if he paints them slightly or plasters them slightly - e.g., for a cubit or more opposite the entrance - he acquires them.
Halacha 4
When a person makes a design in the property of a deceased convert, he acquires it. If he sets out mattresses in the property of a deceased convert, he acquires it. If he plows a field with the intent of leaving it fallow in the property of a deceased convert, he acquires it.
When a person cuts branches of a vine or of a tree, or fronds from a date palm in the property of a deceased convert, if his intent is to improve the tree, he acquires the property. If his intent is to feed the branches to his animal, he does not acquire the property.
Halacha 5
What is implied? If the person prunes the branches of the tree from both sides, we can assume that he intends to improve the tree. If he cuts from only one side, it appears that his intent is only for the branches.
Similarly, when a person collects wood, grass and stones from a field, if his intent is to improve the land, he acquires the field. If his intent is to collect the wood, he does not acquire the field.
Halacha 6
What is implied? If the person collected both large and small branches, we can assume that his intent was to improve the land. If, by contrast, he collected only large branches and not small ones, we can assume that his intent was to collect wood.
Similarly, when a person levels the surface of the land, if his intent is to improve the land, he acquires the field. If his intent is to level a place to use as a grain heap, he does not acquire the field.
Halacha 7
What is implied? If the person takes earth from a high place and brings it to a lower place, it appears that his intent is to improve the land. If we see that he is not concerned with this and instead throws earth and stones anywhere without concern, we can assume that his intent is merely to level one limited area to use as a grain heap.
Similarly, when a person opens a flow of water into a field, if his intent is to improve the land, he acquires the field. If his intent is to catch fish, he does not acquire the field.
Halacha 8
What is implied? If the person made only a place for water to enter, it appears that his intent is to improve the land. If he made two openings -one for the water to enter and one for the water to leave - it appears that his intent is to catch fish.
Halacha 9
When a person builds large palaces on property belonging to a deceased convert, and another person comes and sets up the doors, the second person acquires the property.
The rationale is that the first person did not do anything with the land itself, is It is as if he piled up stones on the land, an act that does not bring about his acquisition of the property.
Nor is his acquisition effective because by constructing the building he made a fence around the land since this fence is not useful, because the entrance to the building is wide enough and one can pass through it. Setting up the structure of this building is not at all useful until one sets up the doors.
Halacha 10
When a person spreads seeds in rows in a field, he does not acquire the field. The rationale is that at the time he sowed the seeds, he did not improve the field at all. And at the time the produce grew, the benefit came as a result of a natural course of events. This is not sufficient for an acquisition to be made.
Halacha 11
If a partition existed within the property of a deceased convert, and another person came and built another partition on top of the existing one, he does not acquire the field. This applies even when the first partition sinks into the ground, and the higher partition is still functional. The rationale is that at the time the partition was built, it was not beneficial. And when it became beneficial, the benefit came as a result of a natural course of events.
Halacha 12
When a person manifests ownership over property belonging to a deceased convert or ownerless property, without the intent of acquiring it, he does not acquire it despite the fact that he built or erected a fence.
Halacha 13
When a person plows on property belonging to a deceased convert under the mistaken conception that it is his own property, he does not acquire it.
If he plows on property belonging to one deceased convert, while he thinks that it belongs to another, he does acquire it. For he intended that his deeds acquire ownerless property.
Halacha 14
If a convert was holding security belonging to a Jew, and when the convert died another Jew came and took possession of this security, it should be expropriated from him and returned to its owner. The rationale is that when the convert died, his lien on the article was nullified.
Halacha 15
When a Jew was holding security belonging to a convert, the convert dies, and another Jew takes hold of the security, the creditor should receive payment for the money owed him from the security. If it is worth more, the second person acquires the remainder.
Halacha 16
When does the above apply? When the security was not kept in a courtyard belonging to the first person. If it was kept in such a courtyard, his courtyard acquires it on his behalf, even without his knowledge, as we have explained with regard to an article that is discovered, and the person who takes hold of it afterwards does not acquire anything.
Halacha 17
The following rules apply when a convert dies and Jews take possession of his property. If the estate contains Canaanite servants above the age of majority, they acquire their freedom. Servants below the age of majority, by contrast, are regarded as are livestock. Whoever manifests ownership over them acquires them. We have already explained the manner in which a person manifests ownership over servants and acquires them.
Halacha 18
The following rules apply when it is rumored that a convert died and Jews take possession of his property, and then it is discovered that he did not die, that he has a child or that his wife is pregnant. They must all return the property.
If they all returned the property and then discovered that the first rumor had in fact been true and the convert had died at that time, that his son died before him, or that his wife miscarried, whoever takes possession at this time acquires the property. Those who originally took possession do not acquire it.
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Rambam:
• 3 Chapters: Bikkurim Bikkurim - Chapter 3, Bikkurim Bikkurim - Chapter 4, Bikkurim Bikkurim - Chapter 5
Bikkurim - Chapter 3
Halacha 1
The first fruits are given to the men of the priestly watch1 [on duty at that time]. They divide them among themselves like the Temple sacrifices.2 We have already explained that [the first fruits] are called terumah.3 Therefore a non-priest who partakes of the first fruits anywhere4 is liable for death at the hand ofheaven,5 provided he partook of them after they entered the walls of Jerusalem.6
Halacha 2
If a portion [of the first fruits] were inside Jerusalem and a portion were outside,7 [a non-priest] is liable for death for the portion that is inside and it is considered as consecrated property in all contexts. The portion that is outside is considered as ordinary property in all contexts.
Halacha 3
When a priest partakes of the first fruits outside of Jerusalem after they have entered inside [the city's] walls, he is liable for lashes according to Scriptural Law, as [Deuteronomy 12:17] states: 'You may not eat within your gates...8 the terumah of your hand.' [The latter term] refers to the first fruits,9 as we explained in Hilchot Terumah.10
Similarly, if a priest partakes of them in Jerusalem before they are placed in the Temple courtyard,11 he is liable for lashes according to Scriptural Law, as if he partook of them outside ofJerusalem,12 because [the first fruits] must be placed down in the Temple Courtyard as [ibid. 26:10] states: 'And you shall place them before the altar of God your Lord.'
Halacha 4
After the person bringing [the first fruits] places them down in the Temple Courtyard, they are permitted to the priest even though the former has not recited the declaration over them. When the first fruits were taken out of their place13 and then returned, they are permitted to be eaten.14
Halacha 5
[The laws applying to] partaking of the first fruits are identical [to those applying] to partaking of terumah in all of their details. In addition, [the following stringencies apply with regard] to first fruits. They are forbidden to one in the acute state of one in mourning.15 They must be brought to [Jerusalem]. And a priest who is ritually pure who partook of the first fruits that were impure receives lashes like an Israelite who is ritually pure who partook of the second tithe that became impure.16 [These concepts] do not apply with regard to terumah.17
Halacha 6
What is the source which teaches that the first fruits are forbidden to an onein?18 With regard to these fruits, [Deuteronomy 26:11] states: 'And you shall rejoice in all the good.'19 Implied is that they have to be eaten in a state of happiness and not in a state of acute mourning. One who partakes of [these fruits] in a state of acute mourning is liable for stripes for rebellious conduct.20
Halacha 7
The first fruits must [be brought in] a container, as [ibid.:2] states: 'And you shall place them in a container.' The most preferable way of performing the mitzvah is to bring each type of fruit in a separate container. If one brings them [all] in one container, he has fulfilled his obligation. [Even in such an instance,] he should not bring them mixed together. Instead, he should bring the barley below,21 wheat on top of it, olives on top of it, dates on top of them, pomegranates on top of them, and figs on the top of the container. There should be a substance, e.g., palm leaves, wild grass, or leaves, or the like, that intervenes between each type of produce. One should surround the figs with clusters of grapes from the outside.
Halacha 8
When a person brings the first fruits in a metal container, the priest takes them and returns the container to its owner. If he brings them in a reed or grass basket or the like, both the first fruits and the basket should be given to the priests.22 If the first fruits become impure, the baskets should not be given to the priests.23
Halacha 9
When they would bring the first fruits, they would also bring turtle doves and doves in their hands. Similarly, they would hang turtle doves and doves from the sides of the baskets24 in order to adorn the first fruits. Those that were with the baskets would be offered as burnt offeringS25 and those they would bring by hand would be given to the priests [as presents].26
Halacha 10
It is a positive commandment27 to make a declaration in the Temple concerning the first fruits when they are brought. One should begin and say [Deuteronomy 26:3-10]: 'I am making a statement to God your Lord that 1 have come to the land... An Aramean [sought] to destroy my ancestor...' until he completes the entire passage, concluding: '...You gave me, 0 God.' [This declaration] may only be made in the Holy Tongue, as it states: 'And you shall respond and say.'28
Halacha 11
At first, those who knew how to read would read [the passage themselves] and those who did not know how to read would read after one who read for them. [As a result,] those who did not know how to read would refrain from bringing [the first fruits] so that they would not be embarrassed.29 [Hence] the court ordained that the passage would be read for one who knows how to read like it is read for one who does not know.30
Halacha 12
A person who brings the first fruits is permitted to give them to his servant or his relative [to carry] throughout the journey until he reaches the Temple Mount.31When he reaches the Temple Mount, even if he is a king of Israel,32 he must place the basket on his own shoulder33 and proceed until he reaches the Temple Courtyard. He should read [the declaration,] 'I am making a statement to God your Lord today...,' while the basket is still on his shoulder. He then removes the basket from his shoulder. While he holds it by its edge, the priest puts his hand below it and raises it [up and down and to all four directions].34 He then reads: An Aramean [sought] to destroy my ancestor and he descended to Egypt...' until he completes the entire passage.' He then places the first fruits at the side of the altar, at the southwest comer, on the south side of the altar.35 He then prostrates himself36 and departs.
What is the source which teaches that the first fruits must be raised [up and down and to all four directions]? [The above prooftext states:] 'And the priest shall take the basket from your hand,' including [an obligation to] raise the first fruits [up and down and to all four directions]. Just as [the first fruits] must be raised [up and down and to all four directions], so to they require that a peace offering be brought with them and song [accompany their offering], for with regard to them, [ibid.:9] states: 'And you shall rejoice in all the good.' [Now,] with regard to the festivals, [ibid. states: 'And you shall rejoice on your festivals.' [An association is drawn between the two:] Just as the happiness of the festivals is marked by peace offerings, so too, peace offerings [are required] here. [Nevertheless,] these offerings are not absolute requirements.37
Halacha 13
When is a song pronounced over them? When they reach the Temple courtyard. The Levites would begin proclaiming:38 'I will exalt You God, for You have drawn me up...' (Psalms 30:2).39
Halacha 14
[When bringing] the first fruits, it is necessary that one remain [in Jerusalem] overnight.
What is implied? When a person brought his first fruits to the Temple, made the declaration, and offered his peace offerings, he should not depart from Jerusalem that day to return home.40 Instead, he should stay in Jerusalem overnight and return to his city on the following day, as [Deuteronomy 16:7] states: 'And you shall turn back in the morning and return to your tent.' [That verse41 teaches a general principle:] All occasions when you turn from the Temple when you visit it should only be in the morning.42
Thus the first fruits require seven factors: a) that they be brought to [Jerusalem], b) [in a] container, c) that the declaration be recited, d) that they be accompanied by a peace offering, e) and song, f) that they be raised [up and down and to all four directions], and g) that the person stay overnight [in Jerusalem].
FOOTNOTES
1.The priests were divided into 24 watches. Each one would serve in the Temple for a week at a time.
2.See Hilchot Ma'aseh Korbanot10:15.
3.HilchotTerumah15:20, Chapter 2, Halachah 19 above, et al.
4.I.e., within Jerusalem or outside the city.
5.The punishment a non-priest incurs for partaking of terumah (Hilchot Terumah 6:6).
6.It is forbidden to partake of the first fruits in all situations. One does not, however, become liable for this severe penalty unless they first entered the holy city. The rationale is that since a priest may not partake of them until they are brought to Jerusalem, the prohibition against a non-priest partaking of them does not apply until then.
7.The Aruch LeNer states that there is a difference of opinion among the Rabbis if this law applies when the produce is carried in a single container or only when it is carried in two containers.
8.I.e., in cities outside of Jerusalem.
9.Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 149) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 449) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
10.Hilchot Terumah 15:20.
11.Nevertheless, as indicated by the following halachah, the person bringing the first fruits need not make the declaration for them to be permitted.
12.I.e., this is included in the same negative commandment.
13.I.e., Jerusalem, the place where they may be eaten.
14.Sacrificial meat, by contrast, would be disqualified if this happened.
15.See the following halachah.
16.See Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 3:1.
17.Although a priest is not allowed to partake of impure terumah, such a transgression is not punishable by lashes. It is only a prohibition that results from a positive commandment (Hilchot Terumah 7:3).
18.Aninut refers to the state of severe mourning experienced on the day of the death of one's relative. See Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 3:6.
19.From this phrase, it is derived (Halachah 13) that it is necessary to bring peace offerings together with the first fruits. However, the two teachings are not exclusive.
20.Since the prohibition is not stated as a negative commandment in the Torah, one is not liable for lashes as prescribed by Scriptural Law. The Radbaz and others question this ruling, because, as Yevamot 73b teaches, an association is established between the first fruits and the second tithe. Hence just as one is liable for lashes for partaking of the second tithe in a state of acute mourning, so too, one should be liable for partaking of the first fruits.
21.This order is prescribed by the Tosefta, Bikkurim 2:8. The commentaries explain that the rationale for this order is that the produce that is most perishable is placed on top and that which is preserved best on bottom.
22.Bikkurim 3:8 relates that the rich would bring their first fruits in gold and silver containers, while the poor would bring them in wicker baskets. The rich would thus be allowed to keep their containers, while the poor would have to give them to the priests.
The rationale is that the metal containers are significant and thus cannot be considered to be ancillary to the fruits. Hence they must be returned to their owners. The wicker baskets, by contrast, are not significant and thus are considered to be ancillary to the fruits. Therefore they may be kept by the priests. In this regard, Bava Kama 913 states, 'Poverty pursues the poor,' i.e., because they were too poor to afford expensive containers, they were required to forfeit even their simple baskets.
23.Since the first fruits themselves are not given to the priests (see Chapter 4, Halachah 10), they do not acquire the containers either.
24.They were not placed on the baskets themselves, lest they soil the fruit [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:5)].
25.For fowl that were given as a free-will offering were sacrificed only as burnt offerings.
26.The Ra'avad offers a different interpretation of the above mishnah, explaining that only the first fruits were given to the priests, the fowl would be offered as burnt offerings. The Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh support the Rambam's interpretation. Nevertheless, Rashi (Menachot 58a) and Rav Ovadiah of Bartenura follow the Ra'avad's understanding.
27.Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 132) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 606) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
28.Sotah 32a understand this phrase as indicating that the passage should be recited exactly as it is written in the Torah.
29.I.e., the fact that they did not know the Holy Tongue would be an embarrassment for them. In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:7), the Rambam explains that this practice was instituted in the early age of the Second Temple era when many of those who returned to Zion did not know the Holy Tongue, as indicated by Nechemiah 13:24.
30.In his Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.), the Rambam explains that there is a support for this in the Biblical verse cited above: 'And you shall respond and say.' Anita, translated as 'respond,' has the connotation of repeating what someone else says.
31.As stated in Chapter 2, Halachah 21, a person should not send his first fruits to Jerusalem via an agent and if he does so, he may not make the declaration (Chapter 4, Halachah 8). Nevertheless, if he himself is bringing them, he may lighten his burden by having another person carry them. All of this applies before he reaches the Temple Mount At that point, he must carry them himself.
32.The Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:4) cites as an example, the conduct of King Aggripas.
33.In his Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.), the Rambam states that the Torah explicitly requires the person to bring the first fruits to the priest by hand.
34.This practice, referred to as tenufah, is required when bringing the peace offerings and other sacrifices.
35.The side which is before the entrance to the Sanctuary, for the first fruits must be Elaced down 'before God' (Radbaz).
36.As required by Deuteronomy 26:10.
37.After the fact, the first fruits are acceptable even if the sacrifices were not brought. The rationale is that the offering is not explicitly mentioned in the Biblical passage (Radbaz to Halachah 14). This concept also applies with regard to the song that should accompany them.
38.See Chapter 4, Halachah 17.
39.This psalm relates to the theme of thanksgiving, and was also recited over the thanksgiving offering (Sh'vuot 15b).
40.The Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh clarify that even if the person does not bring a sacrifice, he is still required to stay in Jerusalem overnight because of the first fruits.
41.Which speaks about the pilgrimage festivals, not bringing first fruits.
42.The commentaries question why, since, this is a general theme, the Rambam mentions it only here and not in other places.
Bikkurim - Chapter 4
Halacha 1
Whenever anyone brings the first fruits, it is necessary that a [peace] offering be brought, song [be recited], they be raised [up and down and to all four directions] and the person remain in Jerusalem overnight.1 The declaration, however, is not a universal requirement. There are some who are obligated to bring the first fruits, but who do not recite the declaration over them.
Halacha 2
The following must bring [the first fruits], but may not recite the declaration: a woman, a tumtum2 and an adrogynus3 - for there is a doubt whether they are considered as a female;4 none of these can say "[the land] which You gave me,"5 and similarly, a guardian, a servant, and an agent, because they cannot say "which You gave me."6
Halacha 3
A convert, by contrast, may bring the first fruits and make the declaration, for [Genesis 17:5] states with regard to Abraham: "I have made you a father to a multitude of nations." Implied is that he is the father of all those who enter under the shelter of the Divine presence.7 The oath that his descendants would inherit the land was given to Abraham first.8 Similarly, the priest and the Levites bring [first fruits] and make a declaration, because they have cities in which to dwell.9
Halacha 4
A person who purchases two trees in his colleague's field10 must bring [the first fruits], but may not recite the declaration.11 [The rationale is that] there is a doubt whether he has a right to the land [on which the trees stand] or not.
What should he do? He should first12 consecrate them to the Temple treasury13 for it is possible that they are ordinary produce14 and non-consecrated food is not brought into the Temple Courtyard.15 The priest then redeems them from the Temple treasury and partakes of them.
He must separate terumah and the tithes from them, because of the possibility that they are ordinary produce. He must give the tithes from them to the priests,16 because it is a possibility that they are first fruits and forbidden to non-priests. He should not bring them himself, but instead, send them via an agent17 so that [the fact] that the declaration [is not recited] will not prevent them from being eaten. For whenever a declaration concerning [first fruits] is not fit to be made because of a doubt concerning their status, [the fact that] a declaration [is not recited] prevents it [from being eaten].18
Halacha 5
If one set aside his first fruits and then sold his field, he should bring them, but not make the declaration, because he cannot say: "[the land] which You gave me,"19 since it no longer belongs to him. The purchaser is not required to separate other first fruits, because the seller has already separated them.20 If, however, he does separate them, he should bring them, but not make the declaration.21 From another species [of produce], he should set aside the first fruits, bring them, and make the declaration.22
Halacha 6
When a person sells [the right to harvest] the produce of his field, the purchaser should bring [the first fruits], but not make the declaration. [The rationale is that] the acquisition of the produce is not equivalent to the acquisition of [the land] itself.23 When, however, one brings first fruits from the property of his wife,24 he makes the declaration even though he does not own the actual land, as [implied by Deuteronomy 26:11]: "which God, your Lord, has given you and your household."25Even if his wife dies after he has set aside [the first fruits] and he is in the midst of his journey [to Jerusalem], he should bring [the first fruits] and make the declaration.26
Halacha 7
When a person sells his field or sells trees and the land around them in the era when the Jubilee year is observed,27 [the purchaser] should bring [the first fruits] and make the declaration in the first Jubilee.28 [The rationale is that] the seller has not taken for granted that the land will be returned to him.29 If, however, he sold it again in the second Jubilee, [the purchaser] should bring [the first fruits], but should not make the declaration. For he is certain that he will receive only the produce,30 and the acquisition of the produce is not equivalent to the acquisition of [the land] itself.31
Halacha 8
When a person set aside his first fruits and became mortally ill,32 the one who is fit to inherit his [estate] should bring the first fruits without making the declaration.33 When a person set aside his first fruits and sent them with an agent, but the agent died in the midst of the journey, even if the owner brought them, he should not make the delaration. [The rationale is that the phrase (Deuteronomy 26:2):] "And you shall take... and you shall bring" does not apply unless the taking and the bringing are as one.
Halacha 9
When a person set aside his first fruits, but they were lost34 before they reached the Temple Mount and therefore he separated others instead of them,35he should bring the second fruits, but should not make the declaration. [The rationale is that] he cannot say [that he is bringing] "the first fruits of the land," for those that he is bringing are not the first fruits. One is not liable for an additional fifth [for partaking of] the produce separated second, as [he would had he partaken of] the first fruits.36
Halacha 10
When a person brings his first fruits and they become impure in the Temple Courtyard, he should spill out the basket there.37 He does not make the delaration.38
Halacha 11
If a person brought his first fruits from one species and made the declaration and afterwards brings first fruits from another species, he should not make the declaration for them. [This is derived from the phrase (Deuteronomy 26:3):] "I am making a statement today." [Implied is that] he makes one statement and not two.
Halacha 12
If a person separated his first fruits and then the spring [that served as his field's water supply]39 dried up or the tree [from which they were reaped] was cut down, he should bring them, but should not make the declaration. [The rationale is that] he is like someone who no longer possesses the land, because it has been ruined.40
Halacha 13
When a person brings his first fruits between Sukkot and Chanukah41- even if he set them aside before Sukkot - he should bring them without making the declaration, [as implied by Deuteronomy 26:11]: "You shall rejoice in all the good." [Implied is that] the declaration should be made only in a time of happiness, [i.e.,] between Shavuot and the end of Sukkot.42 All individuals other than these43 must bring their first fruits and make the declaration.
Halacha 14
The first fruits, the terumot,44 challah, the principal and the fifth,45 and the presents given when slaughtering an animal46 are a priest's private property. He may use them to purchase servants, land, or a non-kosher animal. A debtor47 of his may collect them as payment for his debt and a woman may take them in lieu of the money due her by virtue of her ketubah. And they may be used to purchase a Torah scroll.48
Halacha 15
The first fruits and the terumot are forbidden to be eaten by non-priests. [Generally,] when the first fruits are mixed with ordinary produce, they are permitted if there is 101 times the original amount as is the law with regard to terumah.49 Nevertheless, if they become mixed with the same species50of ordinary produce in Jerusalem, [the mixture] is forbidden even if the slightest amount of [the first fruits are mixed in] as [is the law regarding] the second tithe.51[The rationale is that] since [they are located in Jerusalem,] the place where one partakes of them, they are considered like52 an entity that could become permitted.53Although the first fruits are forbidden to non-priests even in Jerusalem, nevertheless, even the slightest presence of them in a mixture causes it to be forbidden.
Even if one sowed the first fruits after they were brought to Jerusalem,54 even the slightest amount of produce that grows from them causes a mixture to become forbidden.55 If, however, one sows the first fruits before they were brought to Jerusalem, the produce that grows from them is ordinary produce.56
Halacha 16
How are the first fruits brought to Jerusalem? All of [the inhabitants of] the towns in a regional area57 gather in the central town of the regional area, so that they will not ascend to Jerusalem as individuals, for [Proverbs 14:28] teaches: "The glory of the King is among the multitude of people."58
They come and sleep in the city's thoroughfare, but they do not enter the homes lest they contract impurity because of being under the same shelter as a corpse.59 In the morning, the leader calls out: "Arise and let us ascend to Zion, to God our Lord."60 An ox with its horns glazed with gold leads the procession. A crown of olive [branches]61 are placed on its head, to publicize that the first fruits come from the seven species [for which Eretz Yisrael is praised]. A flute plays before them until they arrive close to Jerusalem. They walk the entire way and proclaim: "I rejoiced when it was told me: 'Let us go to the house of God.'
They would travel for only two thirds of the day.62 When they arrived close to Jerusalem they sent emissaries to notify the inhabitants of Jerusalem and they adorned their first fruits63 and beautified them. If they had [some] produce that was fresh and other produce that was dried, the fresh produce was placed on top.64 The leaders of the Israelites and of the priests65 and the Temple treasurers would go out from Jerusalem to greet them. [The size of the welcoming party] was proportionate to the number of people who come. If many people come, many go out to greet them; if few, few. When they have all entered the gates of Jerusalem, they begin declaring: "Our legs were standing in your gates, O Jerusalem" (ibid.).
Halacha 17
All of the artisans in Jerusalem would stand in honor of them66 and would greet them: "Our brethren, the inhabitants of so-and-so, you have come in peace." They proceed through Jerusalem while the flute is sounded until they reach the Temple Mount. When they reach the Temple Mount, each one should carry the first fruits on his shoulders67 and say: "Halleluyah. Praise God in His holiness" [Psalm 150:1] until [the conclusion of that psalm]: "May all the souls praise You." They proceed through the Temple Mount until they reach the Temple Courtyard. When they reach the Temple Courtyard, the Levites open with the song [Psalm 30]: "I will exalt You, for You have drawn me up..."68
FOOTNOTES
1.As explained in the concluding halachot of the previous chapter.
2.A person whose genital area is covered with a mass of flesh and whose gender is impossible to detect.
3.A person with male and female sexual characteristics.
4.With regard to an androgynus, the doubt concerns the individual's halachic status. With regard to the tumtum, the doubt concerns the actual facts: Which gender is covered by the mass of flesh?
5.In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:5), the Rambam explains that Eretz Yisrael was given as an ancestral heritage only to males who are free men. Thus this disqualifies all of those mentioned in this clause and also the servant mentioned in the following clause.
6.For the first fruits they are bringing are not from their own land. They are acting on behalf of others.
7.For he taught all mankind faith [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.:4)].
8.I.e., all future converts are considered as Abraham's seed and thus have a share in the land "that God swore to [give] to your ancestors." Indeed, based on Ezekiel 47:22, Kapot Temarim states that in the Messianic era, converts will be given a share of the Holy Land.
9.As related in Numbers, ch. 35, in addition to the six cities of refuge, the Levites were given 42 cities that were scattered throughout the entire land of Eretz Yisrael. Although the land was given them from the tribal inheritances of the other tribes, it is still appropriate for them to speak of the land which God gave them, because the gifts were given as a result of God's command (Radbaz). See also Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 11:17.
10.He does not purchase the land on which the trees grow. Nevertheless, since he purchased two trees, our Sages (Bava Batra 81b; see Hilchot Mechirah 24:6) question whether or not he is given the right to the land around the trees. If, however, he purchases three trees, all agree that he has the right to the land.
11.Bava Batra 82a questions: Reciting the declaration is no more than reciting verses from the Torah. Even if he is not obligated to do so, what would be wrong with reciting these verses? In resolution, it explains that a) it appears that he is lying (because he is praising God for giving him land which in fact may not be his); or b) by bringing them as first fruits, he will prevent the terumah and the tithes from being separated from them.
12.I.e., before bringing them to the Temple Courtyard.
13.The consecration has a questionable status, because a person may not consecrate property that does not belong to him (Hilchot Arachin VaCharamim 6:16). And if the produce is first fruits, it does not belong to him.
14.For if the land does not belong to him, they are not considered as first fruits.
15.This is a general principle. See Hilchot Shechitah 2:3.
16.According to Scriptural Law, tithes must be given to the Levites. Nevertheless, when the Levites failed to return to Zion with Ezra in large numbers, he punished them and decreed that they should not be given the tithes. Afterwards, according to many views, it was possible to give the tithes either to the priests or the Levites. Nevertheless, in this instance, the tithes must be given to the priests for the reason stated by the Rambam.
17.For when an agent brings first fruits, a declaration should not be made, as stated in Halachah 2.
18.Bava Batra, loc. cit., explains that when there would be no difficulty in making the declaration, the fact that it is not made does not disqualify the first fruits from being eaten. When, however, it is required to be made, but cannot be made for a particular reason, the failure to make it disqualifies the offering.
19.Praising God for giving him the land.
20.And first fruits should be brought only once for each species. In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:7, based on the Jerusalem Talmud), the Rambam states that this is derived from Deuteronomy 26:3 which states: "I am making a statement to God your Lord today," implying that the statement can be made only once (see also Halachah 11).
21.For the concept derived above applies primarily to making the declaration and not actually bringing the first fruits.
22.Since they are being brought by two individuals, the fact that one species has been brought already does not disqualify the first fruits brought by the other person. If, however, they were being brought by the same person, he would not make the declaration again, as stated in Halachah 11.
23.And thus he cannot rightfully praise God for giving him the land.
24.This refers even to property which the husband receives as nichsei milog (see Hilchot Ishut 16:1-2), i.e., the property itself belongs to the woman, but he is entitled to derive benefit from it.
25."Your household" can be interpreted as referring to one's wife. Thus even though the land belongs to his wife, he should make the declaration.
26.The husband inherits his wife's property. Thus now he owns both the land and the produce.
27.And ancestral property is returned to its original owner. See Hilchot Shemitah VeYoval, ch. 11.
28.For he is the owner of the land and the produce. Although he is required to return the land in the Jubilee year, that is a result of the Torah's decree and does not diminish the purchaser's ownership of the land.
29.Since the owner does not have the experience of having his land returned to him, he does not consider it a surety that it will be returned to him. In his mind, it is sold (Radbaz). The Rambam's source is Gittin 48a. Rashi interprets the passage differently.
30.And he knows that the land will be returned. Accordingly, it is as if he purchased only the produce and not the land.
31.As stated in Halachah 6.
32.This reflects the Rambam's version of the Jerusalem Talmud (Bikkurim 1:5). The version in the standard published text is slightly different (Radbaz, Kessef Mishneh).
33.While the owner of the produce is alive, the person fit to inherit the estate is considered as an agent, and hence may not make the declaration. Even though he was not explicitly appointed, we assume that this is the owner's desire. According to the Rambam's conception, if the owner is ill, but is not in mortal danger, another person cannot serve as his agent unless he is appointed as such.
34.In any manner, as indicated by Chapter 2, Halachah 20.
35.For he is required to replace them (ibid.).
36.As stated in Chapter 3, Halachah 5, the first fruits are considered as terumah. And as stated in Hilchot Terumah 6:6, one who partakes of terumah inadvertently must make restitution and add a fifth.
37.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:8). The Ra'avad maintains that the produce should be left in the Temple Courtyard until it rots. From Chapter 2, Halachah 19, some have inferred that according to the Rambam, the impure produce should be burnt. Kin'at Eliyahu maintains that this approach is far more appropriate than leaving it to rot in the Temple Courtyard.
38.For the declaration is made as a statement of thanksgiving after the first fruits are successfully offered and that is not possible in the present situation.
39.The bracketed additions are based on the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:6).
40.In its present state, the land is not able to produce fruit. Hence, it is as if he no longer possesses it (ibid.; according to Rav Kappach's text).
41.After Chanukah, he may not bring them at all.
42.This is the harvest season when a person feels happy with the bounty God has granted him.
43.I.e., those mentioned from Halachah 5 and onward.
44.I.e., both "the great terumah" and terumat ma'aser.
45.I.e, when a non-priest partakes of any of the above mentioned substances, he is obligated to pay the principal and a fifth as restitution.
46.See Chapter 9.
47.Even a non-priest.
48.The Radbaz questions why a Torah scroll is mentioned. If he is allowed to purchase a non-kosher animal with these objects, seemingly, it is obvious that he should be able to use them to purchase a Torah scroll. He explains that one might think that it is preferable that a person write a Torah scroll himself than purchase one. The Ma'aseh Rokeach explains that in contrast to other types of property, a Torah scroll may never be sold. Hence, if he uses the money from these objects to purchases it, he will never be able to derive physical benefit from these substances.
49.Hilchot Ma'achalot Asuurot 15:3; Hilchot Terumot 15:20-21.
50.If, however, they become mixed with a substance of another species, the presence of the first fruits can be nullified. See Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 15:12.
51.See Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 6:14-15.
52.This refers even to first fruits belonging to an Israelite. Hence, they are considered only "like an entity that could be permitted," but are not actually in that category (Radbaz).
53.For the entire mixture could be eaten by priests in a state of ritual purity. With regard to the law that the entire mixture is forbidden when even the slightest amount of a forbidden substance becomes mixed with it, see Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 15:10.
54.And thus the forbidden fruit itself no longer exists.
55.This is a penalty imposed upon him because the mixture could have - and the produce that grows could - be given to the priests. See the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 2:2).
56.Since the first fruits may not be eaten outside of Jerusalem, the mixture is not judged with the severity that applies to a mixture containing a forbidden entity that could become permitted. Instead, it is considered as an ordinary mixture and the presence of the first fruits can be nullified.
57.See Hilchot K'lei HaMikdash 6:1 for more particulars concerning the Hebrew term.
58.Thus coming as a group is a greater act of Divine glorification.
59.I.e., the first fruits must be brought in a state of ritual purity, and if a person bringing them enters a home, he may unknowingly contract ritual impurity, because he was under the same shelter as a corpse.
60.Cf. Jeremiah 31:5.
61.For of the seven species, olive branches are the most attractive [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:3)].
62.This would impress them and the inhabitants of the towns through which they passed with the importance of their pilgrimage. Also, it allowed for people of many regions to congregate and ascend to Jerusalem together.
63.See Chapter 3, Halachot 7 and 9.
64.Because fresh produce is more attractive.
65.The Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.).
66.Kiddushin 33a notes that this is a grat mark of respect for those who bring the first fruits. After all, artisans are not required to stand before Torah scholars and yet they would stand before the people who brought the first fruits.
67.See Chapter 3, Halachah 12.
68.See Chapter 3, Halachah 13.
Bikkurim - Chapter 5
Halacha 1
It is a positive commandment to separate a portion that is raised up1 from the dough [and given] to a priest,2 as [Numbers 15:20] states: "Raise up the first of your dough, the challah,3 as an offering...." According to Scriptural Law, this first portion does not have a minimum measure. Instead, even if one set aside a portion the size of a barley corn, he has absolved the entire dough. When a person designates his entire dough as challah, his deeds are of no consequence unless he leaves a portion of it [for himself].4
Halacha 2
According to Rabbinic Law, one should separate one twenty-fourth of the dough, so that there will be a [significant] present for the priest. [This is derived from Deuteronomy 14:4 which] states: "Give him," i.e., give him something that is fit to be called a gift.
A baker who makes a dough to be sold in the market place should separate one forty-eighth. [The rationale is that] since his dough is larger,5 this measure contains [enough] to be a [significant] present.
Halacha 3
Even when a private person makes dough for [the wedding] celebration of his son, he should separate one twenty-fourth even though it is large, so as not to make a distinction in [the requirements of] a dough made by a private person.6 [Conversely,] when a baker makes a small dough, [he must separate only] one forty-eighth, so as not to make a distinction in [the requirements of] a dough made by a baker.
Halacha 4
If a dough became impure unknowingly or because of forces beyond one's control, one need not separate more than one forty-eighth.7 If he purposefully made it impure, he must separate a twenty-fourth, so that the sinner will not benefit.8
Impure challah is permitted to be used by a priest as kindling fuel like impure terumah.9
Halacha 5
According to Scriptural law, we are only obligated to separate challah in Eretz Yisrael, as [Numbers 15:19] states: "When you partake of the bread of the land...," and only when the entire Jewish people are located there, as [ibid.:18] states: "When you enter," i.e., when you all enter and not only when a portion of you enter. For this reason, in the present era - and even in the era of Ezra10in Eretz Yisrael - [the observance of] challah is only a Rabbinic decree, as we explained with regard to terumah.11
Halacha 6
When the produce of the Diaspora is brought to Eretz [Yisrael], challah must be separated from it.12 When produce from Eretz [Yisrael], are brought to the Diaspora, they are exempt.13 [This is derived from ibid.:] "to which I will bring you." [Implied is that in that land,] you are liable, whether for the produce of the land itself or for that of other lands.
Halacha 7
Challah should also be separated in the Diaspora by Rabbinic decree so that the Jewish people will not forget the laws of challah. Challah from the Diaspora should not be brought to Eretz Yisrael, just as terumah14and first fruits15 from there should not be brought [to Eretz Yisrael]. If one should bring [such challah], it should be left to the day before Pesach and burned16like terumah.
Halacha 8
There are three different sets of laws that apply to challah in three different lands. In the entire area that was settled by those who returned from Babylonia until Kziv,17 one challah should be separated according to the appropriate measure18 and the priests may partake of it. In the remaining portions of Eretz Yisrael that were settled by the Jews who came out of Egypt, but not by those who returned from Babylonia - i.e., from Kziv until Amanah19 - two challot should be separated. One should be burnt and one should be eaten.
Why do we separate two challot there? Because the first challah is impure, because this land was not sanctified in the time of Ezra and the first sanctification was nullified after the Jews were exiled.20 [Nevertheless,] since [the land] is from Eretz Yisrael, a challah - one forty-eighth [of the dough] is separated and is burnt. A second challah is also separated and given to a priest to eat, so that people will not say that pure terumah should be burnt. For the first challah was burnt even though it did not contract impurity in a manner that was known to all.21 This second challah does not have a minimum measure. Instead, one may separate whatever he desires, because it is a Rabbinic ordinance.
In all of the lands from Amanah and beyond, whether in Syria22 or other lands, two challot should be separated: One is burnt so that people should not say we saw impure terumah being eaten23 and one is eaten so that the laws of challah will not be forgotten by the Jewish people. [Since] both of these are Rabbinic institutions, it is preferable to make the one that is eaten larger.24Accordingly, there is no minimum measure for the one that is burnt. Even the slightest amount [is acceptable]. The one which is eaten should be one forty-eighth [of the dough]. It is permitted to be eaten by zavim and zavot25- and needless to say, other people who are ritually impure.26
Halacha 9
In the present age when there is no pure dough,27 because of the impurity [imparted] by a human corpse,28 one challah - one forty-eighth [of the dough]29 - is separated in all Eretz Yisrael [in the present era]. [This applies even though] it is burnt, because it is impure, since the fundamental obligation to separate it is Scriptural.30 As was the law in previous ages, from Kziv to Amanah, a second challah is also separated for a priest to eat.31 There is no mimimum measure for it.
Halacha 10
Although challah from the Diaspora is impure, since its fundamental requirement is a Rabbinic ordinance,32 it is forbidden to be eaten only by priests who are impure because of impurity that result from a physical condition.33 These include [priests] who had a seminal emission, zavim, zavot, niddot,34 women who give birth, and people afflicted by tzara'at.35Others who are impure because they have been in contact with other sources of impurity, even those who are impure because of contact with a corpse, are permitted to partake of it.
Accordingly, if there was a priest who was a minor in the Diaspora - whether in Syria or in other lands - and one desired to separate [only] one challah, he could separate one forty-eighth of the dough. It could be eaten by a priest who is a minor who never had a seminal emission or a female from the priestly family who never menstruated. The person need not separate a second [challah].36
Halacha 11
Similarly, if a priest who was an adult immersed himself [in a mikveh and thus purified himself from the impurity resulting from] the emission of semen or zivut may partake of this first challah. Then [the one who separated it] need not separate a second challah in the Diaspora. [This applies] even though the sun has not set [after he immersed himself]37 and although he remains ritual impure due to the impurity imparted by a corpse.38
Halacha 12
Anyone who separates challah should recite the blessing: "[Blessed are You...] Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to separate challah."39 [This applies both] in Eretz Yisrael and in the Diaspora.40 Just as one recites a blessing when [separating challah that] is ritually pure, he should recite a blessing when separating the impure.
Therefore a naked man should not separate challah, because he may not recite the blessing.41 A naked woman who is sitting with her entire genital area covered by the ground may separate challah and recite a blessing.42
Halacha 13
A niddah and the like43 may recite a blessing and separate challah in the Diaspora. For she is not cautioned against touching the challah,44 only against partaking of it. If there is a priest who was a minor or [an adult] priest who immersed himself who is permitted to partake of it as we explained,45 he may partake of it, [eating] together with a non-priest at the same table. [The rationale is that] it is does not create a forbidden mixture,46 even if there are equal quantities of it and ordinary food.47 It may be given to an unlearned priest48 because [the woman] is impure because of the air of the Diaspora, and the prohibition against a priest actively seeking to receive his presents49 does not apply in this instance.
If a person desires to eat first and then separate the challah in the Diaspora, he is permitted, for the fundamental obligation is Rabbinic in origin.50
Halacha 14
Challah is called terumah. Therefore it may only be separated from [dough] in the same location51 like terumah.52 And as an initial preference, one may not separate pure [dough as challah] for impure dough.53
Halacha 15
All of those individuals concerning whom it was said they should not separate terumah and if they separate it, the separation is invalid,54 are governed by the same laws with regard to challah. In all situations concerning which it was said that terumah should not be separated from this type of produce for another,55 challah should also not be separated. Whoever may not partake of terumah,56 may not partake of challah. Whoever may partake of terumah57 may partake of challah.
Halacha 16
A blind person and an intoxicated person58 may separate challah as an initial preference. For with regard to dough, there is no inferior or superior portions that he must distinguish and separate from the superior portion.59
FOOTNOTES
1.This phrase translates the Hebrew terumah, for that term is also applied to challah in certain contexts. For that reason several of the laws that apply to terumah also apply to challah.
2.Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 133) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 385) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. The Rambam considers separating the dough and giving it to the priests as two parts of the same mitzvah. The Ramban, by contrast, considers them as separate mitzvot.
3.The heading of this set of halachot is "The Laws of the First Fruits and the Other Presents [Given] to Priests in the Outlying Areas." In the first four chapters, the Rambam discussed the first fruits. Now he proceeds to explain the other presents. He begins with challah because it also involves grain and is also called terumah. See Radbaz.
4.By calling it "the first," the Torah is implying that there is a second, i.e., that something is left over [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Challah 1:9), based on the Jerusalem Talmud]. See also Hilchot Terumah 3:5 and note the contrast to Chapter 2, Halachah 17.
5.The Jerusalem Talmud (Challah 2:7) gives another reason for the difference in measures. Ideally, the requirement would only be one forty-eighth. Nevertheless, generally, the one separating challah from the dough is a woman and women are by nature tightfisted. If they are told to give one twenty-fourth, they will ultimately give a forty-eighth. The Siftei Cohen 322:2 gives another reason for reducing the measure required of a baker. He is preparing the dough for profit and our Sages did not desire to cause him a loss.
6.Our Sages desired that their laws be uniform out of fear that once distinctions were made, individuals would ultimately give less than the desired amount.
7.Challah which is impure may not be eaten by a priest and may be used only as fuel. An ordinary person may, however, partake of a loaf made from impure dough. Hence, rather than waste the dough, it is preferable to give a smaller portion as challah.
8.I.e. the person separating the dough would benefit from it becoming impure, because he will have to give a smaller portion to the priest.
9.See Hilchot Terumah 11:1. At present, since all dough is impure, theoretically, this is the measure which should be given (Siftei Cohen 322:3). In practice, however, at present, even impure challah is not given to a priest.
10.Who led the return to Zion after the Babylonian exile.
11.See Hilchot Terumah 1:5, 26. Even the Ra'avad, who differs with the Rambam with regard to terumah, finds this position acceptable with regard to challah. See also Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 20:3.
12.Provided the dough is made in Eretz Yisrael. The converse applies with regard to the following clause. The dough must be made in the Diaspora (Radbaz).
13.The Ra'avad maintains that challah must be separated from such dough by Rabbinic decree. The Kessef Mishneh states that this is obvious from the following halachah.
14.See Hilchot Terumah 2:17. Since the Diaspora is ritually impure by Rabbinic decree, any dough brought from there to Eretz Yisrael would be consigned to destruction. However, it should not be burnt immediately, because we do not know that it definitely contracted ritual impurity in Eretz Yisrael, and it is forbidden to burn challah unnecessarily. Nor may it be returned to the Diaspora, lest people think it is permitted to take challah from Eretz Yisrael to the Diaspora [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Challah 4:10)].
15.See Chapter 2, Halachah 1.
16.Since the dough is chametz, "leavened," it must be destroyed before the onset of the Pesach holiday.
17.See Hilchot Terumah 1:8.
18.See Halachah 2.
19.See Hilchot Terumah 1:7.
20.Thus in a strict halachic sense, this land has the status of the Diaspora.
21.Since this land was once Eretz Yisrael, not everyone knows that it is impure like the Diaspora.
22.Where certain of the agricultural laws that must be observed in Eretz Yisrael are observed. See Hilchot Terumah 1:4.
23.For everyone knows that the Diaspora is impure.
24.So that food is not wasted.
25.A man becomes a zav when he has an emission from his urinary tract similar, but not identical to that which results from gonorrhea. A woman becomes a zavah when she experiences vaginal bleeding at times other than would be expected due to her menstrual cycle. In both cases, the individuals are ritually impure. See Leviticus, ch. 15.
26.In certain instances, a distinction is made between impurity that results from a physical condition in one's body - such as the above - and other types of impurity (see Halachah 10). However, no such distinction is made here.
The Ra'avad differs with this ruling and maintains that the challah is forbidden to any priest who is ritually impure, citing his statements in Hilchot Terumah 7:8.
The Rambam's ruling here appears to differ from his ruling in that source. The Kessef Mishneh explains that the leniency here applies only after the priests have immersed in a mikveh. The Radbaz explains that here we are speaking about two challot, with one being burnt. Hence the one given to the priest may be eaten.
27.The shifting of this phrase from the previous halachah to this halachah is based on authoritative manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah and also makes from an easier reading of the text.
28.Which affects everyone in the present age, for we do not have a red heifer to purify ourselves.
29.As is the law with regard to challah that became impure because of factors beyond one's control (Halachah 4).
30.At present the obligation to separate challah in Eretz Yisrael is Rabbinic in origin (Halachah 5). Nevertheless, since the original obligation there was Scriptural, the challah that is separated must have a minimum measure even though it is burnt.
31.Although at present, everyone knows that all the people living there are ritually impure, no deviation was made from the original ruling.
32.For according to Scriptural Law, there is no need to separate it.
33.Because there is a more serious dimension to their ritual impurity [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Challah 4:8)]. See also Hilchot Terumot 7:8-9. As mentioned there, the Ra'avad differs with this ruling.
34.A woman who is impure because of menstrual bleeding.
35.A skin malady resembling - but not entirely similar to - leprosy which renders a person ritually impure.
36.To be burnt. Since he is not separating a second challah, the law is more stringent than in Halachah 8, which can be eaten by priests with this level of impurity (Radbaz).
37.And a priest who immersed himself to emerge from ritual impurity could not partake of terumahuntil sunset of the day he immersed himself (Hilchot Terumah 7:4).
The Rambam's ruling is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 322:5). The Rama cites the opinion of Rabbenu Nissan who requires the priest to wait until sunset.
38.For purification from such impurity requires the ashes of the Red Heifer and those were not available after the destruction of the Temple.
The Ra'avad differs with this ruling as well and maintains that even after immersing, such a priest may not partake of challah. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 322:3-5) quotes the Rambam's rulings in all the above matters. The Rama writes that since at present, it is not customary to partake of challah in any place, even in Eretz Yisrael, only one challah is separated. There is no minimum measure to it (although it is desirable that it be the size of an olive). This challah is burnt.
39.The Ra'avad states that one should conclude "to separate terumah," for challah is also referred to as terumah. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 328:1) quotes the Ra'avad's ruling. The Rama states that the Rambam's version of the blessing is also acceptable. The Turei Zahav and the Siftei Cohen 328:1 speak of a conclusion that combines both terms "to separate terumah, challah."
40.Even though the obligation to separate challah in the Diaspora is only Rabbinic in origin, it is appropriate to recite a blessing, as it is appropriate to do so when fulfilling other Rabbinic commandments (Radbaz).
41.And it is not fitting to observe a mitzvah without reciting a blessing.
42.For her nakedness is covered by the ground. A man's, by contrast, projects outward.
43.I.e., the individuals who are impure because of a physical condition mentioned in Halachah 10.
44.Although her touch would render an article ritually impure, it is ritually impure regardless because we are all impure due to contact with a human corpse. Hence, there is no difficulty with her touching it.
45.See Halachot 10-11.
46.The term midama'at used by the Rambam refers to a mixture of terumah (or challah of Scriptural status) with other substances.
47.I.e., according to Scriptural Law, the presence of a forbidden substance is nullified when it is mixed with a greater quantity of permitted substances (bittul berov). In this instance, it is not necessary to have a majority of permitted food, half and half is sufficient, for this challah is forbidden only as a Rabbinic injunction.
The Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh explain that although Bechorot 27a indicates that a majority is necessary, the Rambam's ruling is based on the Jerusalem Talmud (Challah 4:8), from which it is evident that half and half is acceptable. Moreover, the Tur (Yoreh De'ah 323) states that according to the Rambam's understanding that at the outset, it is permitted to nullify a Rabbinic prohibition, one may intentionally make such a mixture.
The Rambam's ruling is cited by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 323:1). The Tur and the Rama cite Rabbenu Asher's view that, like terumah, there must be 101 times the forbidden amount before the challah is nullified.
48.As stated in Hilchot Terumah 6:2, an unlearned priest is unfamiliar with and/or careless in the observance of the laws of ritual purity. Hence, he is not given terumah, lest he cause it to become impure.
49.Our translation is slightly loose. The literal meaning of the Rambam's words, quoted from Bechorot 27a is "[the decree against] a priest helping in the granary does not apply to him." As stated in Hilchot Terumah 12:19, our Sages forbade that because it would appear that he is working for the terumah. Instead, the terumah should be given him in a manner that connotes respect and reverence.
50.When the obligation is Scriptural in origin, partaking of the food on the basis of a stipulation that one will separate challah (or terumah) afterwards is forbidden. As explained in Hilchot Terumah 1:21, the principle of bereirah - that retroactively, an action performed afterwards is considered as if it was performed at the outset - applies only with regard to matters of Rabbinic Law and not with regard to matters of Scriptural Law.
The Siftei Cohen 323:1 emphasizes that the leniencies in this halachah apply only with regard to challah from the Diaspora, for there never was an obligation to separate it according to Scriptural Law. Although, at present, separating challah in Eretz Yisrael is also a Rabbinic obligation, since originally the obligation was Scriptural, none of these leniencies are granted.
51.Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Challah 1:9).
52.See Hilchot Terumah 3:17.
53.See Hilchot Terumah 5:7. After the fact, however, the separation is effective.
54.A deaf-mute, a mentally or emotionally unstable person, a minor, a gentile who separated terumah from produce belonging to a Jew, even with his permission, and a person who separate terumah from produce that does not belong to him without the owner's permission (Hilchot Terumah 4:2).
55.See Hilchot Terumah, ch. 5.
56.A non-priest and an impure person.
57.A priest, his wife, and his servants.
58.We are speaking of a person who is still in control of his faculties, but whose judgment is slightly blurred. If he loses control of his faculties entirely, he is considered as an emotionally unstable person. See Hilchot Mechirah 29:18.
59.I.e., with regard to terumah, such individuals are told not to separate terumah as an initial preference, because terumah must be separated from the superior produce and they are incapable of making that distinction (Hilchot Terumah 4:4). Nevertheless, this rationale does not apply with regard to challah.
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Hayom Yom:
• Thursday, Iyar 29, 5774 • 29 May 2014
Thursday, Iyar 29, 44th day of the omer
Thursday, Iyar 29, 44th day of the omer, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Bamidbar, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 140-150.
Tanya: But as for (p. 273)...the sun itself. (p. 273).
The ascent of the soul1 occurs three times daily, during the three times of davening. This is particularly true of the souls of tzadikim who "go from strength to strength."2 It is certain that at all times and in every sacred place they may be, they offer invocation and prayer on behalf of those who are bound to them and to their instructions, and who observe their instructions. They offer prayer in particular for their disciples and disciples' disciples, that G-d be their aid, materially and spiritually.
FOOTNOTES
1. Of the departed.
2. Tehillim 84:8, i.e. from level to level.
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Daily Thought:
Inner Voice
There is an outer world and there is an inner world. As deep as you penetrate, as high as you reach, there is always something breathing inside.
The outer world is made of things. Breathing inside the things are words.
Words are the outside. Inside the words are stories.
The story is the outside. Inside the story is a thought.
Thoughts are the outside. Inside the thoughts is a great light.
At the origin of all light is the beginning that cannot be known.
The outside we can touch and come to know.
The inside—we must wait and be still, so that it may speak to us.
As it did at Sinai. As it does whenever we learn Torah with all our heart and soul.
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