Chabad - Today in Judaism - TODAY IS: Thursday, Elul 9, 5774 • 4 September 2014

Chabad - Today in Judaism - TODAY IS: Thursday, Elul 9, 5774 • 4 September 2014
Today's Laws & Customs:

• ELUL OBSERVANCES 
As the last month of the Jewish year, Elul is traditionaly a time of introspection and stocktaking -- a time to review one's deeds and spiritual progress over the past year and prepare for the upcoming "Days of Awe" of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
As the month of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness (see "Today in Jewish History" for Elul 1) it is a most opportune time for teshuvah ("return" to G-d), prayer, charity, and increased Ahavat Yisrael (love for a fellow Jew) in the quest for self-improvement and coming closer to G-d. Chassidic master Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi likens the month of Elul to a time when "the king is in the field" and, in contrast to when he is in the royal palace, "everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all."
Specific Elul customs include the daily sounding of the shofar (ram's horn) as a call to repentance. The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms). Click below to view today's Psalms.
Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27
Elul is also the time to have one's tefillin and mezuzot checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use.
Links: More on Elul
Today in Jewish History:

• NACHMANIDES RENEWS JERUSALEM COMMUNITY (1267) 
Nachmanides (Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, 1194-1270) arrived in Jerusalem, after being forced to flee his native Spain (see "On This Date" for Av 12) and renewed its Jewish community there. The synagogue he established is functional today, having been restored following the liberation of the Old City during the Six-Day War in 1967.
DAILY QUOTE:

For the land into which you are entering, to inherit it, is not like the land of Egypt from which you are coming, that you sow your seed and water it with your feet like a vegetable garden. The land into which you are crossing to inherit is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water of the rain of the heavens. A land which the L-rd your G-d seeks; constantly the eyes of the L-rd your G-d are on it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.(Deuteronomy 11:10-12)
DAILY STUDY:
CHITAS AND RAMBAM FOR TODAY:
Chumash: Ki Teitzei, 5th Portion Deuteronomy 23:25-24:4 with Rashi
• Chapter 23
25. When you enter your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat as many grapes as you desire, until you are sated, but you shall not put [any] into your vessel. כה. כִּי תָבֹא בְּכֶרֶם רֵעֶךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ עֲנָבִים כְּנַפְשְׁךָ שָׂבְעֶךָ וְאֶל כֶּלְיְךָ לֹא תִתֵּן:
When you enter your neighbor’s vineyard: Scripture is speaking of a worker [who enters his employer’s vineyard to work there]. — [B.M. 87b]
כי תבא בכרם רעך: בפועל הכתוב מדבר:
as you desire: As many as you wish.
כנפשך: כמה שתרצה:
until you are sated: But not excessive eating. — [B.M. 87b]
שבעך: ולא אכילה גסה:
you shall not place [any] into your vessel: From here [we learn that] Scripture is referring only to the period of the vintage, when you place [grapes] into the owner’s vessel (B.M. 87b). However, if the worker is entering [the vineyard] in order to hoe or or cover the exposed roots [with earth], he may not eat [any of the grapes]. — [B.M. 89b]
ואל כליך לא תתן: מכאן שלא דברה תורה אלא בשעת הבציר, בזמן שאתה נותן לכליו של בעל הבית, אבל אם שכרו לעדור ולקשקש, אינו אוכל:
26. When you enter your neighbor's standing grain, you may pick the ears with your hand, but you shall not lift a sickle upon your neighbor's standing grain. כו. כִּי תָבֹא בְּקָמַת רֵעֶךָ וְקָטַפְתָּ מְלִילֹת בְּיָדֶךָ וְחֶרְמֵשׁ לֹא תָנִיף עַל קָמַת רֵעֶךָ:
When you enter your neighbor’s standing grain: This [verse] too, is speaking of a worker [who enters his employer’s grain field, to work there]. — [B.M. 87b]
כי תבא בקמת רעך: אף זו בפועל הכתוב מדבר:
Chapter 24
1. When a man takes a wife and is intimate with her, and it happens that she does not find favor in his eyes because he discovers in her an unseemly [moral] matter, and he writes for her a bill of divorce and places it into her hand, and sends her away from his house, א. כִּי יִקַּח אִישׁ אִשָּׁה וּבְעָלָהּ וְהָיָה אִם לֹא תִמְצָא חֵן בְּעֵינָיו כִּי מָצָא בָהּ עֶרְוַת דָּבָר וְכָתַב לָהּ סֵפֶר כְּרִיתֻת וְנָתַן בְּיָדָהּ וְשִׁלְּחָהּ מִבֵּיתוֹ:
[When a man takes a wife… that she does not find favor in his eyes] because he discovers in her an unseemly [moral] matter: [In this case] he has an obligation to divorce her, lest she find favor in his eyes [and he might consequently wish to keep her, which he must not do, since she had committed an act of impropriety]. — [Gittin 90b]
כי מצא בה ערות דבר: מצוה עליו [לגרשה] שלא תמצא חן בעיניו:
2. and she leaves his house and goes and marries another man, ב. וְיָצְאָה מִבֵּיתוֹ וְהָלְכָה וְהָיְתָה לְאִישׁ אַחֵר:
[and goes and marries] another man: who differs from her first husband, for that one sent the evil woman out of his home, whereas this [man] has taken her in[to his home]. — [Gittin 90b]
לאיש אחר: אין זה בן זוגו של ראשון, הוא הוציא רשעה מתוך ביתו וזה הכניסה:
3. if the latter husband hates her and writes her a bill of divorce, and places it into her hand and sends her away from his house, or if the latter husband who took her as a wife, dies ג. וּשְׂנֵאָהּ הָאִישׁ הָאַחֲרוֹן וְכָתַב לָהּ סֵפֶר כְּרִיתֻת וְנָתַן בְּיָדָהּ וְשִׁלְּחָהּ מִבֵּיתוֹ אוֹ כִי יָמוּת הָאִישׁ הָאַחֲרוֹן אֲשֶׁר לְקָחָהּ לוֹ לְאִשָּׁה:
if the latter husband hates her: Scripture informs him that eventually he will [come to] despise her, and if not, she will bury him, for it says, “or if the latter husband… dies.”- [Sifrei 24:135]
ושנאה האיש האחרון: הכתוב מבשרו שסופו לשנאותה, ואם לאו קוברתו, שנאמר או כי ימות:
4. her first husband, who had sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, since she was defiled [to him], for that is an abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring sin to the land the Lord, your God, gives you for an inheritance. ד. לֹא יוּכַל בַּעְלָהּ הָרִאשׁוֹן אֲשֶׁר שִׁלְּחָהּ לָשׁוּב לְקַחְתָּהּ לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְאִשָּׁה אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר הֻטַּמָּאָה כִּי תוֹעֵבָה הִוא לִפְנֵי יְהֹוָה וְלֹא תַחֲטִיא אֶת הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ נַחֲלָה:
since she was defiled [to him]: [This unusual expression comes] to include a sotah [a woman suspected of adultery] because she secluded herself [with another man]. [Until her trial ceremony takes place (see Num. 5:11-31) and it is yet unknown whether she has indeed committed adultery, he may not have relations with her.] - [Sifrei 24:136]
אחרי אשר הטמאה: לרבות סוטה שנסתרה:
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Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 49 - 54
• Special Custom for the Month of Elul and High Holidays
The Baal Shem Tov instituted a custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).
See below for today's additional chapters.
Chapter 49
This psalm is a strong message and inspiration for all, rich and poor alike, rebuking man for transgressions which, owing to habit, he no longer considers sinful; yet, these sins incriminate man on the Day of Judgement. The psalm speaks specifically to the wealthy, who rely not on God but on their wealth.
1. For the Conductor, by the sons of Korach, a psalm.
2. Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all you inhabitants of the world;
3. sons of common folk and sons of nobility, rich and poor alike.
4. My mouth speaks wisdom, and the thoughts of my heart are understanding.
5. I incline my ear to the parable; I will unravel my riddle upon the harp.
6. Why am I afraid in times of trouble? [Because] the sins I trod upon surround me.
7. There are those who rely on their wealth, who boast of their great riches.
8. Yet a man cannot redeem his brother, nor pay his ransom to God.
9. The redemption of their soul is too costly, and forever unattainable.
10. Can one live forever, never to see the grave?
11. Though he sees that wise men die, that the fool and the senseless both perish, leaving their wealth to others-
12. [nevertheless,] in their inner thoughts their houses will last forever, their dwellings for generation after generation; they have proclaimed their names throughout the lands.
13. But man will not repose in glory; he is likened to the silenced animals.
14. This is their way-their folly remains with them, and their descendants approve of their talk, Selah.
15. Like sheep, they are destined for the grave; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright will dominate them at morning; their form will rot in the grave, away from its abode.
16. But God will redeem my soul from the hands of the grave, for He will take me, Selah.
17. Do not fear when a man grows rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
18. for when he dies he will take nothing, his glory will not descend after him.
19. For he [alone] praises himself in his lifetime; but [all] will praise you if you better yourself.
20. He will come to the generation of his forefathers; they shall not see light for all eternity.
21. Man [can live] in glory but does not understand; he is likened to the silenced animals.
Chapter 50
This psalm speaks of many ethics and morals. The psalmist rebukes those who fail to repent humbly and modestly. He also admonishes those who do not practice that which they study, and merely appear to be righteous; they sin and cause others to sin.
1. A psalm by Asaph. Almighty God, the Lord, spoke and called to the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2. Out of Zion, the place of perfect beauty, God appeared.
3. Our God will come and not be silent; a fire will consume before Him, His surroundings are furiously turbulent.
4. He will call to the heavens above, and to the earth, to avenge His people:
5. "Gather to Me My pious ones, those who made a covenant with me over a sacrifice.”
6. Then the heavens declared His righteousness, for God is Judge forever.
7. Listen, my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against you-I am God your God.
8. Not for [the lack of] your sacrifices will I rebuke you, nor for [the lack of] your burnt offerings which ought to be continually before Me.
9. I do not take oxen from your house, nor goats from your pens;
10. for every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle of a thousand mountains.
11. I know every bird of the mountains, and the crawling creatures of the field are in My possession.
12. Were I hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is mine.
13. Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
14. Offer confession as a sacrifice to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15. and call to Me on the day of distress; I will free you, and you will honor Me.
16. But to the wicked, God said, "What does it help you to discuss My laws, and bear My covenant upon your lips?
17. For you hate discipline, and throw My words behind you.
18. When you see a thief you run with him, and your lot is with adulterers.
19. You sent forth your mouth for evil, and attach your tongue to deceit.
20. You sit down to talk against your brother; your mother's son you defame.
21. You have done these things and I kept silent, so you imagine that I am like you-[but] I will rebuke you and lay it clearly before your eyes.
22. Understand this now, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart and there be none to save you.
23. He who offers a sacrifice of confession honors Me; and to him who sets right his way, I will show the deliverance of God."
Chapter 51
This psalm speaks of when Nathan the prophet went to David's palace, and rebuked him for his sin with Bathsheba. David then secluded himself with God, offering awe-inspiring prayers and begging forgiveness. Every person should recite this psalm for his sins and transgressions.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David,
2. when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had gone to Bathsheba.
3. Be gracious to me, O God, in keeping with Your kindness; in accordance with Your abounding compassion, erase my transgressions.
4. Cleanse me thoroughly of my wrongdoing, and purify me of my sin.
5. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
6. Against You alone have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Your eyes; [forgive me] so that You will be justified in Your verdict, vindicated in Your judgment.
7. Indeed, I was begotten in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
8. Indeed, You desire truth in the innermost parts; teach me the wisdom of concealed things.
9. Purge me with hyssop and I shall be pure; cleanse me and I shall be whiter than snow.
10. Let me hear [tidings of] joy and gladness; then the bones which You have shattered will rejoice.
11. Hide Your face from my sins, and erase all my trespasses.
12. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew within me an upright spirit.
13. Do not cast me out of Your presence, and do not take Your Spirit of Holiness away from me.
14. Restore to me the joy of Your deliverance, and uphold me with a spirit of magnanimity.
15. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
16. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, God of my deliverance; my tongue will sing Your righteousness.
17. My Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise.
18. For You do not desire that I bring sacrifices, nor do You wish burnt offerings.
19. The offering [desirable] to God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and broken heart, God, You do not disdain.
20. In Your goodwill, bestow goodness upon Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
21. Then will You desire sacrifices [offered in] righteousness, olah and other burnt offerings; then they will offer bullocks upon Your altar.
Chapter 52
David laments his suffering at the hands of Doeg, and speaks of Doeg's boasts about the evil he committed. David asks, "What does he think? Does he consider the doing of evil a mark of strength?" David also curses Doeg and those like him.
1. For the Conductor, a maskil by David,
2. when Doeg the Edomite came and informed Saul, saying to him, "David has come to the house of Achimelech.”
3. Why do you boast with evil, O mighty one? God's kindness is all day long.
4. Your tongue devises treachery; like a sharpened razor it works deceit.
5. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking righteousness, Selah.
6. You love all devouring words, a deceitful tongue.
7. God will likewise shatter you forever; He will excise and pluck you from the tent, and uproot you from the land of the living forever.
8. The righteous will see it and be awed, and they will laugh at him:
9. "Here is the man who did not make God his stronghold, but trusted in his great wealth, and drew strength from his treachery.”
10. But I am like a fresh olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God's kindness forever and ever.
11. I will thank you forever for what You have done; I will hope in Your Name, for You are good to Your pious ones.
Chapter 53
This psalm speaks of when Titus pierced the curtain of the Holy of Holies with his sword, and thought he had killed "himself" (a euphemism for God).
1. For the Conductor, on the machalat,1 a mas-kil2 by David.
2. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God!" They have acted corruptly and committed abominable deeds; not one does good.
3. God looked down from heaven upon mankind, to see if there was any man of intelligence who searches for God.
4. But they all regressed together; they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
5. Indeed, the evildoers who devour My people as they devour bread, who do not call upon God, will come to realize.
6. There they will be seized with fright, a fright such as never was; for God scatters the bones of those encamped against you. You shamed them, for God rejected them.
7. O that out of Zion would come Israel's deliverance! When God returns the captivity of His people, Jacob will exult, Israel will rejoice.
Chapter 54
A prayer to God asking that in His might He save all who hope for His kindness. Read, and you will discover an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer that should be said by all in the appropriate time.
1. For the Conductor, with instrumental music, a maskil by David,
2. when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Behold, David is hiding among us!”
3. O God, deliver me by Your Name, and vindicate me by Your might.
4. God, hear my prayer, listen to the words of my mouth.
5. For strangers have risen against me, and ruthless men have sought my soul; they are not mindful of God, Selah.
6. Behold, God is my helper; my Lord is with those who support my soul.
7. He will repay the evil of my watchful enemies; destroy them by Your truth.
8. With a free-will offering I will sacrifice to You; I will offer thanks to Your Name, O Lord, for it is good.
9. For He has saved me from every trouble, and my eye has seen [the downfall of] my enemy.
Additional Three Chapters
The Baal Shem Tov instituted a custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).
Today's Chapters are 25, 26 and 27.
Chapter 25
The verses in this psalm are arranged according to the alphabet, excluding the letters Bet, Vav, and Kuf, which together equal the numerical value of Gehenom (purgatory). One who recites this psalm daily will not see the face of purgatory.
1. By David. To You, Lord, I lift my soul.
2. My God, I have put my trust in You. May I not be put to shame; may my enemies not gloat over me.
3. Indeed, may all who hope in You not be put to shame; let those who act treacherously without reason be shamed.
4. O Lord, make Your ways known to me; teach me Your paths.
5. Train me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I yearn for You all day.
6. O Lord, remember Your mercies and Your kindnesses, for they have existed for all time.
7. Do not recall the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; remember me in accordance with Your kindness, because of Your goodness, O Lord.
8. Good and upright is the Lord, therefore He directs sinners along the way.
9. He guides the humble with justice, and teaches the humble His way.
10. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and truth for those who observe His covenant and testimonies.
11. For the sake of Your Name, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
12. Whoever is a God-fearing man, him will He teach the path that he should choose.
13. His soul will abide in well-being, and his descendants will inherit the earth.
14. The secret of the Lord is to those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.
15. My eyes are always turned to the Lord, for He releases my feet from the snare.
16. Turn to me and be compassionate to me, for I am alone and afflicted.
17. The sufferings of my heart have increased; deliver me from my hardships.
18. Behold my affliction and suffering, and forgive all my sins.
19. See how numerous my enemies have become; they hate me with a violent hatred.
20. Guard my soul and deliver me; may I not be put to shame, for I place my trust in You.
21. Let integrity and uprightness guard me, for my hope is in You.
22. Redeem Israel, O God, from all its afflictions.
Chapter 26
In this psalm King David inundates God with prayers and acts of piety, because he envies those who are his spiritual superiors, saying, "If only I were on their level of piety and virtue!"
1. By David. Judge me, O Lord, for in my innocence I have walked, and in the Lord I have trusted-I shall not falter.
2. Try me, O Lord, and test me; refine my mind and heart.
3. For Your kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked constantly in Your truth.
4. I did not sit with men of falsehood, and with hypocrites I will not mingle.
5. I detested the company of evildoers, and with the wicked I will not sit.
6. I wash my hands in purity, and circle Your altar, O Lord,
7. to give voice to thanks, and to recount all Your wonders.
8. I love the shelter of Your House, O Lord, and the place where Your glory resides.
9. Gather not in my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of bloodshed,
10. In whose hands are schemes, and whose right hand is filled with bribes.
11. But I walk in my innocence; redeem me and show me favor.
12. My foot stands on level ground; in assemblies I will bless the Lord.
Chapter 27
King David acknowledges and praises God, placing his trust in Him because of his victories in war. "Nevertheless, it is not wars that I desire, for I cannot gain perfection with them. Only one thing do I ask: to abide day and night in the study hall studying Torah, to gain perfection so that my soul may merit the life of the World to Come."
1. By David. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life-whom shall I dread?
2. When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh, my oppressors and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
3. If an army were to beleaguer me, my heart would not fear; if war were to arise against me, in this I trust
4. One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I seek: that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the Lord, and to visit His Sanctuary.
5. For He will hide me in His tabernacle on a day of adversity; He will conceal me in the hidden places of His tent; He will lift me upon a rock.
6. And then my head will be raised above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of jubilation; I will sing and chant to the Lord.
7. Lord, hear my voice as I call; be gracious to me and answer me.
8. In Your behalf my heart says, "Seek My countenance"; Your countenance, Lord, I seek.
9. Do not conceal Your countenance from me; do not cast aside Your servant in wrath. You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, God of my deliverance.
10. Though my father and mother have forsaken me, the Lord has taken me in.
11. Lord, teach me Your way and lead me in the path of righteousness, because of my watchful enemies.
12. Do not give me over to the will of my oppressors, for there have risen against me false witnesses, and they speak evil.
13. [They would have crushed me] had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14. Hope in the Lord, be strong and let your heart be valiant, and hope in the Lord.
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Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 12
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
Thursday, Elul 9, 5774 • 4 September 2014
Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 12
והנה מודעת זאת שישראל בטבעם הם רחמנים וגומלי חסדים
Now, it is well known that Jews by their very nature act compassionately and perform deeds of lovingkindness.1
מפני היות נפשותיהם נמשכות ממדותיו יתברך
[This is so] because their souls issue from G‑d’s attributes,
אשר החסד גובר בהן על מדת הדין והגבורה והצמצום
in which Chesed prevails over the attribute of din, Gevurah, and tzimtzum,
וכמו שכתוב: גבר חסדו על יראיו
as it is written,2 “His Chesed prevails over those who fear Him,” alluding to the fact that the Divine attribute of Chesed prevails over the Divine attribute of Gevurah.
שלכן נקראת הנשמה בת כהן, כמו שכתוב בזהר הקדוש
The soul is therefore called “daughter of the priest,” since it derives from the attribute of Chesed which is called “Kohen”, as is written in the sacred Zohar.3
Since the soul derives from the Divine attributes which are dominated by kindness and compassion, Jews by their very nature are kind and compassionate.
והנה הצדקה הנמשכת מבחינה זו נקראת בשם מעשה הצדקה
Now, the charity that issues from this source — from the soul’s inherently kind and compassionate nature — is referred to as “the act of charity,”
כי שם מעשה נופל על דבר שכבר נעשה, או שנעשה תמיד ממילא
for the term “act” (maaseh) applies to that which is already done, or which is constantly being done spontaneously;
והיא דבר ההווה ורגיל תמיד
thus, something existent, common and constant.
ואף כאן
Here, too, with regard to tzedakah that is motivated by the soul’s innate sense of kindness and compassion,
הרי מדת החסד והרחמנות הוטבעה בנפשות כל בית ישראל מכבר
the trait of kindness and compassion is implanted in the souls of the entire House of Israel from aforetime,
מעת בריאותן והשתלשלותן ממדותיו יתברך
from the time that they were created and that they evolved from G‑d’s attributes,
כמו שכתוב: ויפח באפיו גו׳
as it is written4 in regard to Adam’s soul entering his body, “And He blew into his nostrils [a soul of life],”
ואתה נפחת בי
[and we likewise say]5 concerning the entry of each and every soul into its individual body, “You blew it into me,”
ומאן דנפח כו׳
and6 “He who blows, [blows from within him],” from his innermost being.
So, too, in the analogue: Since the soul emanates from the inward aspect of the Divine attributes, it is infused with them as well, so that the attribute of kindness dominates the soul even as it finds itself within the body.
וגם בכל יום ויום, בטובו מחדש מעשה בראשית
Furthermore,7 in His goodness [G‑d] renews the act (maaseh) of creation every single day, and this includes the supernal attributes.
וחדשים לבקרים גו׳
Likewise, with regard to souls below, [it is written],8 “They are new every morning....”
“Act” (maaseh) thus refers to a constant process, such as the renewal of the soul with its characteristic traits of kindness and compassion. The “act of tzedakah” hence refers to the tzedakah which a Jew practices by virtue of these innate character traits.
אך לשון עבודה אינו נופל אלא על דבר שהאדם עושה ביגיעה עצומה, נגד טבע נפשו
The term “service” (avodah), however, applies only to what a man does with immense exertion, contrary to his soul’s inclination,
Indeed, it is his very disinclination for a particular task that works against him, and necessitates such exertion.
רק שמבטל טבעו ורצונו, מפני רצון העליון ברוך הוא
but he overrules his nature and will out of deference to the Supreme Will;
כגון לייגע עצמו בתורה ובתפלה, עד מיצוי הנפש כו׳
exhausting himself, for example, in Torah and prayer, “to the extent of pressing out the soul....”9
Since the soul is not naturally inclined to such a situation, a great deal of toil and effort is required.
ואף כאן, במצות הצדקה, ליתן הרבה יותר מטבע רחמנותו ורצונו
In our case, too, with regard to the commandment of giving charity, [to “serve” entails] giving far more than [would be prompted by] the nature of one’s compassion and will.
וכמו שאמרו רז״ל על פסוק: נתון תתן, אפילו מאה פעמים
As our Sages, of blessed memory, commented10 on the verse,11 “Give, you shall give”: “...even a hundred times.”
FOOTNOTES
1. Yevamot 79a; see Tanya, Part I, end of ch. 1.
2. Tehillim 103:11.
3. Note of the Rebbe: “II, 95a.”
4. Bereishit 2:7.
5. Morning Blessings (Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 6); cf. Berachot 60b.
6. Cited above (Part I, ch. 2) in the name of the Zohar.
7. The clause that follows paraphrases a statement in the morning prayers (Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 44).
8. Eichah 3:23.
9. Note of the Rebbe: “Iggeret HaKodesh, Epistle 1.”
10. Note of the Rebbe: “Sifri, Devarim 15:10; commentary of Rashi there.”
11. Devarim, loc. cit.
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Rambam:
• Daily Mitzvah P109 - Sefer Hamitzvos:
Thursday, Elul 9, 5774 • 4 September 2014
Today's Mitzvah

Positive Commandment 109 (Digest)
Immersing in a Mikvah (Ritual Pool)
"He shall bathe all his body in water"—Leviticus 15:16.
A person who chooses to become cleansed of any ritual impurity is commanded to immerse in a mikvah [a natural pool of water]. According to the tradition of the Oral Law, for a mikvah to be kosher it must contain enough water for [an average] person to submerge himself within them—unless it is a moving stream of water, in which case even the smallest amount of water suffices [for a smaller than average individual, or for immersing a ritually impure utensil].
Some details:
Of all the types of ritually impure people, only the zav requires immersion in a moving stream of water.
This mitzvah is not obligatory. As long as an individual has no intention of entering the Temple Mount, he may remain in his ritually impure state.
An individual's purification process is not finalized until the sun sets on the day he immerses.
There may not be anything separating between the person's body and the waters of the mikvah.
The 109th mitzvah is that we are commanded to immerse in the waters of a mikvah and thereby be purified from whichever form of tumah previously existed.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "He must immerse his entire body in water." The Oral Tradition2 explains that [the phrase "his entire body" also teaches that] there must be enough water to cover his entire body.3 This is the minimum size of a mikvah unless the water is from a spring, in which case there is no minimum amount,4 as explained in the laws which deal with this mitzvah.
Among the conditions [governing the mikvah] is that only in the case of a zav is spring water required,5 as the verse6 states, "mayim chaim."
When we say that immersion is a mitzvah, this does not mean that any person who is tameh is required to immerse himself — as one who wears a four-cornered garment must put tzitzis on it, or that anyone with a house must build a fence around the roof. [When I say, "it is a mitzvah,"] I refer to the laws of immersion — that we are commanded that anyone who wants purification from tumah can do so only through immersion in water, after which he becomes tahor.
The Sifra7 says, "One might think that the phrase8 'He must immerse in water' is a Divine decree [and that it is an absolute requirement to immerse]. The verse therefore says, 'then he can return to the camp' [after being purified] from tumah." This hints to the principle I just explained, i.e. that the mitzvah is just the law, i.e. that one who wants to be purified should take certain steps. This law is itself the mitzvah. This does not mean however, that there is an independent requirement to immerse — should he want to remain tameh and not enter the machaneh Shechinah9 for any period of time, he may do so.
The Book of Truth (i.e. the Torah) explains that even though after the person immerses he becomes tahor, his purification is incomplete until sunset.10 The Oral Tradition also explains that during immersion he must be naked and that his entire body must come in contact with the water. As our Sages put it,11 "The phrase, 'his entire body' teaches that there can be nothing intervening between his body and the water."
We have therefore explained that this mitzvah of immersion includes the laws of mikvah, of intervening substances, and t'vul yom.12 This mitzvah is explained in tractates Mikva'os and T'vul Yom.
Rabbi Berel Bell is a well-known educator, author and lecturer. He and his family reside in Montreal, Canada.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by Sichos in English.
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev. 15:16.
2.Sifra.
3.This is 40 se'ah of water.
4.In practice, even a mikvah of spring water must contain 40 se'ah.
5.In other cases, even for a zavah, rain water is sufficient.
6.Lev. 15:13.
7.Ibid., 16:26.
8.Ibid., 14:8.
9.Corresponding to the Temple courtyard.
10.See Lev. 22:6. A person in this state is called a t'vul yom.
11.Eruvin 4b.
12.One who has immersed and is awaiting sunset, as mentioned above.
Translation of (the unabridged text of) Sefer Hamitzvot by Rabbi Berel Bell, member of the Rabbinical Court of Montreal and director of Teacher Training for the Jewish Learning Institute.
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Rambam:

• 1 Chapter a Day: To`en veNit`an To`en veNit`an - Chapter 7 
To`en veNit`an - Chapter 7
Halacha 1
When a person admits that he owes a maneh to a colleague in the presence of two witnesses, and makes his statement as an admission and not as a casual matter of conversation, his remarks serve as the basis for testimony. This applies even if he did not charge the witnesses to serve in that capacity, and the plaintiff was not present. If the plaintiff lodged a claim against him and he denied making these statements, his words are not heeded, and he is required to make restitution on the basis of the testimony of the witnesses. If there was only one witness present when he made his statements, he is required to take an oath, for he made his statement as an admission.
If, after the witnesses came and testified, the defendant claimed: "I made the admission in order not to appear wealthy," his word is accepted, but he is required to take a sh'vuat hesset. If the plaintiff was with the witnesses at the time the defendant made the admission, he cannot claim that he made the admission so as not to appear wealthy. If, however, he claims that he paid the debt afterwards, his word is accepted, but he is required to take a sh'vuat hesset.
Halacha 2
Whenever a person makes an admission in the presence of two witnesses, he cannot claim again: "I was speaking facetiously." Needless to say, this applies if he made the admission before three people. Instead, he is obligated to pay the sum that he admitted. For whenever a person makes a statement as an admission, it is as if he charges them with serving as witnesses.
Nevertheless, a legal record of his statements is not composed unless he charges them: "Compose a record, sign it and give it to the plaintiff." Even if he charged them, they must consult with him a second time before they give it to the plaintiff, as we have explained.
Similarly, if a person makes an admission in the court after he was summoned, a legal record may be composed, as will be explained in the following halachah. This applies provided the court knows the identity of both principals," so that two people will not perpetrate deception to obligate another person.
Halacha 3
The following rule applies when a court of three judges were sitting on their initiative in the place fixed for their sessions, and the plaintiff came and lodged a complaint in their presence. If they sent a messenger summoning the defendant, he came and admitted owing the debt in their presence, they may compose a legal record and give it to the plaintiff.
Different rules apply, however, if they were not in their fixed place, and they did not summon him, but instead, he collected them and caused the three judges to sit in session, admitting his debt in their presence and telling them: "Act as judges with regard to my issue." If the plaintiff comes afterwards and says: "Write down the admission for me," we do not compose the document. The rationale is that we suspect that the defendant paid him, and despite that, the plaintiff will try to lodge a claim against the defendant with the legal document. When does the above apply? With regard to a claim involving movable property. If, however, a person admitted an obligation involving landed property, the witnesses may compose a legal record and give it to him even though the admission was made only in the presence of two witnesses, the defendant did not affirm his statement with a kinyan, and the defendant did not instruct them: "Compose a document and give it to him." The rationale is that we need not worry that the defendant will give the defendant the land and then the plaintiff will lodge a claim against him again.
Halacha 4
Despite the fact that a legal record of a debtor's admission produced by the plaintiff does not state: "The defendant told us: 'Write down this record, sign it, and give it to the plaintiff,'" it is acceptable. For it is an accepted presumption that if the defendant had not given the witnesses such instructions, they would not have composed a legal record and given it to the plaintiff.
A question may arise if a legal document states only: "So-and-so acknowledged a debt in our presence in court." If the document does not state that there were three judges present or state information that would indicate that there were three judges present, we suspect that there were only two people present, and they erred and thought that an admission made in the presence of two people is considered an admission made in court. Therefore, we do not regard such a record as a legal document.
Halacha 5
We have already explained that an admission made in court or testimony given by witnesses in court has the same legal power as a loan supported by a promissory note.
When does the above apply? When the defendant did not accept the judgment until he was summoned and brought to court, as we have explained. If, however, two people come to a judgment and one lodges a claim against the other saying, "You owe me a maneh" and the defendant acknowledges the debt, his word is accepted if, after he departs, he claims to have paid the debt. He must, however, affirm that claim with a sh'vuat hesset.
The above applies whether the judges said: "You are obligated to pay him," or "Go out and pay him." Therefore, if the plaintiff comes back and says:
"Write down the admission he made," we do not write it down, for it is possible that the defendant paid him.
Similarly, if a person who was obligated to take an oath in court leaves the court and then returns and said: "I took the oath," his word is accepted. He is not required to take an oath that he took an oath. If there are witnesses who testify that he did not take an oath, a presumption that the defendant is lying with regard to that oath is established. His word is not accepted if he states that he took an oath unless the other litigant acknowledges - or he brings witnesses - that he took the oath in their presence.
Halacha 6
The following rule applies when two people come to judgment, one is obligated to the other, and the judges tell him: "Go out and pay him." If he leaves the court and then returns and said: "I paid," but there are witnesses who testify that he did not pay, a presumption that the defendant is lying with regard to that money is established.
Different rules apply if the judges tell him: "You are obligated to pay him." If he leaves the court and then returns and said: "I paid," but there are witnesses who testify that he did not pay, we do not say that a presumption that the defendant is lying is established. The rationale is that we assume he is procrastinating until the judgment is researched.
Therefore, if on another occasion he claimed that he paid the money that he was obligated to pay by these judges and there are no witnesses who deny his statements this second time, he is required to take a sh'vuat hesset and is then released from all obligations. For this reason, the trained men of wisdom of Spain would, in the presence of the court, tell the judges and a lender who admitted a debt or who was obligated to take an oath in court: "Serve as witnesses that he should not pay me or take an oath for me outside the presence of witnesses."
Halacha 7
When a person acknowledges in court that he owes a plaintiff a maneh and then says: "I now remember paying him the debt that I acknowledged and here are witnesses who substantiate my present claim," their testimony is effective, and the appropriate action is taken. The rationale is that he did not contradict the testimony of the witnesses, and it is not considered as if he said: "I never took this loan."
Halacha 8
A litigant who advanced a claim in court can return and issue a second claim that contradicts the first one. We rely on the second claim even though he did not provide an explanation why he originally lodged a different claim. Even if he left the court and returned he may change and reverse any claims he desires, until witnesses come and testify.
After witnesses come and contradict the final claim on which he relied, he cannot change it to another claim, unless he provides an explanation for the claim on which he relied that could extend its meaning to include also the claim that he made afterwards.
The above applies provided he did not depart from the court. If, however, he departed from the court, he cannot come back and issue a different claim after witnesses came and testified. This is not acceptable; we fear that perhaps wicked people taught him to issue false claims. Similar laws apply in all analogous situations.
____________________________
Rambam:
• 3 Chapters a Day: Kelim Kelim - Chapter 27, Kelim Kelim - Chapter 28, Mikvaot Mikvaot - Chapter 1
Kelim - Chapter 27
Halacha 1
There are types of three chests:
a) a chest that was broken open from its side; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one that was broken open from above; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) an oversized one; it is pure entirely.
Halacha 2
There are three types of kneading troughs:
a) a kneading trough that contains between two lugin and nine kabbin that was cracked; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one that is intact; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) an oversized one; it is pure entirely.
Halacha 3
There are three types of wagons:
a) a wagon made like a chair; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one that is made like a bed; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one made to transport large stones; it is pure entirely.
Halacha 4
There are three types of shields:
a) a shield that is bent over; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one used for sport in a stadium; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one made for Arabs to play with; it is pure entirely. The rationale is that it is made only to use as a shape and does not serve a functional purpose for people. Any k'li that does not serve a functional purpose for people is not susceptible to impurity at all.
Halacha 5
There are three types of leather wrappers:
a) one used by bloodletters; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one upon which people eat; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one upon which olives are spread; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 6
There are three types of bases:
a) one placed before a bed or before scribes; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one for a table; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one for a closet; it is pure entirely, because it is considered as part of the closet and its shape indicates such.
Halacha 7
There are three types of beds:
a) one made to lie on; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one for glass workers upon which they place glass utensils; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one for weavers upon which they weave clothes; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 8
There are three types of baskets that serve as dispensers:
a) one for fertilizer; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one for straw; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) a rope net carrier borne by camels; it is pure entirely, because its ropes are very coarse and thick, nor is it fit to serve as a container for straw and the like. Thus it is not considered as a k'li at all; it is only ropes.
Halacha 9
There are three types of mats:
a) one made for sitting; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one on which dyers place their garments; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) those used for vats upon which grapes are placed and which are used as covers; they are pure entirely, because they are not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 10
There are three types of leather pouches and three types of leather satchels:
a) those that contained the specified measures susceptible to midras impurity. What are their specified measures? For a leather pouch, four kabbin and for a satchel, five.
b) those that do not contain the specified measure are susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse; and
c) those made from the skin of a fish are pure entirely.
Halacha 11
There are three types of hides:
a) one made to serve as a rug; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one used to wrap keilim; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one used for straps and for sandals; it is pure entirely, because it does not have the form of an k'li.
Halacha 12
There are three types of sheets:
a) one made to lie upon; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one used for a curtain; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one with forms used for an embroiderer to learn from; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 13
There are three types of clothes:
a) a cloth napkin; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one used for scrolls; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) the shrouds of a corpse and the wrappings for the harps of the Levites; they are pure entirely, because they are not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 14
A leather garment made in the shape of a hand into which one inserts one's hand and fingers because of the cold and the like is called a firaklin (a glove). There are three types of gloves:
a) one used by trappers of wild beasts and fowl; it is susceptible to midras impurity, because the trapper rests against it;
b) one used to catch grasshoppers; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse, because the grasshoppers are placed inside of it;
c) one of harvesters with which fruit is harvested; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 15
There are three types of hairnets:
a) one worn by girls; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one worn by an older woman; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one worn to entertain drinkers; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
Halacha 16
There are three types of sandals:
a) those worn by humans; they are susceptible to midras impurity;
b) metal shoes for animals; they are susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) those made of cork or reeds; they are pure entirely.
The general principle is: Any entity that is not fit to sit upon or to ride upon - or which could be used for those purposes, but was not made for those purposes, but for another reason - is not susceptible to midras impurity. If it was made for another purpose, but is also used for sitting, e.g., a cloak or a veil; it is susceptible to midras impurity.
Whenever an article is susceptible to midras impurity; it is also susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse. There are, however, articles that are susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse, but are not susceptible to midras impurity, as we explained. Whenever an article is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse; it is also susceptible to the other types of impurity, whether of Scriptural origin or of Rabbinic origin, and they are susceptible to impurity imparted by liquids.
Halacha 17
There are three general principles applying to storage baskets:
a) when a worn-out one is hanging on one that is intact, the status of the one that is intact determines the ruling;
b) if a small one is hanging on a large one, the status of the large one determines the ruling;
c) if they are equal in size, the status of the inner one determines the ruling.
What is meant by saying: its status determines the ruling? That if it is perforated to the extent that a pomegranate would fall through it, they are both pure.
Halacha 18
There are three types of tablets:
a) one which scrolls are placed upon; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) a writing tablet that has a receptacle for wax; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) those that are flat are entirely pure, because they do not have the form of an k'li and they are not fit to sit or lie upon.
Kelim - Chapter 28
Halacha 1
Whenever the external surface of a k'li that has a receptacle contracts impurity from liquids, its inner side does not contract impurity vis-à-vis terumah. Nor does the outer side of the k'li's neck, its handles, or the fingerhold on the rim of the k'li contract impurity. If the inner portion of the k'li contracts impurity, all of the above components also contract impurity.
If impure liquids fall on the bases of keilim, their rims, their projections, or handles of keilim with receptacles, one should dry them and the receptacle is pure. Even the entire outer surface does not become impure.
Halacha 2
The following law applies to keilim made from goats hair, e.g., sacks and carrying bags, leather keilim, e.g., pillows and bolsters, and wooden keilim, even baskets and dispensers. If their external surface contracts impurity from liquids, their inner portion does not contract impurity.
Halacha 3
Flat keilim that can be purified by immersion, that are not fit to sit or lie upon, e.g., a table or countertop that does not have a side are not susceptible to impurity according to Scriptural Law. Accordingly, if the external surface of such a k'li contracts impurity from liquids, its inner surface does not contract impurity. If, however, flat keilim that can be purified by immersion are fit to sit or lie upon, e.g., a bed, a hide on which one sleeps, a chair or the like, the distinction between an inner surface and an outer surface does not apply. Instead, whether impure liquids touch their inner surface or their outer surface, the entire k'li contracts impurity.
Similarly, the distinction between an inner surface and an outer surface does not apply with regard to measures for wine and oil, a two-sided cooking k'li, a filter for mustard, and a filter for wine. If impure liquids fell on a portion of the k'li, the entire k'li contracts impurity, as is the law with regard to garments.
Halacha 4
A concept paralleling an external surface and an inner surface apply with regard to a plow.
What is implied? If impure liquids fall on the lance, only seven handbreadths of the beam adjacent to the lance become impure and the remainder of the beam is pure. Similarly, if impure liquids fall on the metal peg, only the four handbreadths of the beam that is adjacent to the metal peg become impure. If the liquids fell beyond the seven handbreadths and the four handbreadths, the situation resembles a receptacle whose outer surface was touched by impure liquids, in which instance, only the place where the liquids touched and the outer surface contract impurity.
Halacha 5
When there is a pouch with an inner pocket and one of the two contracted impurity due to contact with impure liquids, the other does not contract impurity.
When does the above apply? When their rims are on the same level. If, however, the external one overlaps the inner one, and the inner one contracts impurity, the external one also contracts impurity. If the external one contracts impurity, the inner one does not contract impurity. If the impurity stems from the carcass of a crawling animal, in all instances, if one contracted impurity, the others also did.
Halacha 6
When one carves out a measure of a revi'it and half a revi'it into one piece of wood and one of them contracted impurity from impure liquids, the other does not contract impurity even though they are on the same piece of wood.
What is implied? If impure liquids touched the inner surface of the revi'it measure, that measure and its outer side are impure, the half-revi'it measure and its outer side are pure. If the liquids touched the inner surface of the half-revi'it measure, that measure and its outer side are impure, the revi'it measure and its outer side are pure.
When one immerses this piece of wood in a mikveh, it should be immersed in its entirety all at one time. If the outer surface of the revi'it measure or of the half-revi'it measure contracted impurity from liquids, the entire outer surface of the piece of wood contracts impurity, because an outer surface is not divided.
Halacha 7
When the outer surface of a kettle was impure and it was boiling, we do not suspect that maybe liquids flowed out from it, touched its outer surface, and then receded back inside it. Instead, the liquids that are inside it are pure with regard to terumah.
Mikvaot - Chapter 1
HILCHOT MIKVEOT
The Laws of Mikveot
Included in this text is one positive commandment: that all impure individuals should immerse themselves in a mikveh and then regain purity.
This mitzvah is explained in the ensuing chapters.
Halacha 1
All impure entities - whether humans or keilim, whether they contracted a severe impurity of Scriptural origin or whether they contracted Rabbinic impurity - regain purity only through immersion in water that is collected in a pool in the ground.
Halacha 2
Whenever the Torah mentions washing one's flesh or laundering one's garments from impurity, the intent is solely the immersion of the entire body or article in a mikveh. The phrase, Leviticus 15:11: "And he did not wash his hands in water," also refers to the immersion of the entire body. This also applies to other impure people. If one immersed himself entirely with the exception of the tip of his little finger, he is still ritually impure.
Although all of these matters have their source in the Oral Tradition, Leviticus 11:32 does state: "He shall enter water; he remains impure until the evening and then he becomes pure." This rule is then applied with regard to all those impure: They must enter water.
Halacha 3
All keilim that contract impurity can be purified through immersion in a mikveh with the exception of an earthenware container, a glass k'li, and a reed mat.
With regard to an earthenware container, Leviticus 11:33 states: "You shall break it," implying that its purification comes only through breaking it. Even if it was joined to the earth, even affixed to it with a nail, and even if it was filled with lime or gypsum, it retains its impurity until it is broken. Our Sages considered glass keilim like earthenware containers in this respect.
Halacha 4
A reed mat is not included among the keilim that are susceptible to other types of impurity. Since it does not have a receptacle, it is not in the category of the wooden keilim mentioned by the Torah. Nevertheless, since it is fit to lie upon, it was included among the keilim susceptible to midras impurity according to Scriptural Law. Now since there is no explicit mention of its association with purity and impurity in the Torah and yet, it was included among the articles that contract impurity, it was not included with regard to purification through immersion in a mikveh. For only keilim mentioned in the Torah can be purified in a mikveh. A reed mat can be purified only by being torn to the extent that there remain less than six handbreadths by six handbreadths.
Halacha 5
A zav can be purified only through immersion in a stream, for Leviticus 15:13 states that he must immerse "in living water." A zavah and other persons and keilim that are impure may immerse or be immersed in a mikveh.
Halacha 6
All those obligated to immerse may immerse during the day with the exception of a nidah and a woman after childbirth. They must immerse at night, as we explained with regard to the laws of nidah. One who has a seminal emission may immerse throughout the entire day from the beginning of the night. This is derived from Deuteronomy 23:12 which states: "And it shall be that toward evening, he shall immerse in water." This teaches that he may immerse and continue in his state from the beginning of the night until the night falls the following day.
Halacha 7
All those who immerse should immerse their entire bodies while naked at one time. If the person has hair, all of his hair must be immersed; it is considered as part of his body according to Scriptural Law.
Whenever impure individuals immersed while wearing clothes, the immersion is acceptable, because the water passes through the clothes and they do not intervene. Similarly, if a nidah immerses in her clothes, she is permitted to resume relations with her husband.
Halacha 8
All those who immerse must have the intent to purify themselves through immersion. If one did not have such an intent, the immersion is acceptable with regard to ordinary foods. Even a nidah who immerses without intent, e.g., she fell into water or descended into water to cool off, is permitted to her husband. Nevertheless, with regard to terumah and sacrificial food, she is not considered pure until she immerses with the proper intent.
Halacha 9
When a person ties his hands and feet and is seated in an irrigation canal, if the water covers his body entirely, he is pure.
When a person jumps into a mikveh, it is reprehensible. When one immerses in a mikveh twice, it is reprehensible. When one tells a friend: "Place your hand upon me in the mikveh," it is reprehensible.
Halacha 10
Water from the mikveh need not seep into the non-visible portions or the creases of a person's body, as implied by the verse: "And he did not wash his hands in water." It can be inferred that it is necessary only that visible portions of the body be in contact with the water. Nevertheless, the non-visible portions must be fit for water to reach them without there being any intervening substances upon them. Therefore, our Sages instructed: At home, a person should always teach that a woman should rinse between the folds of her body and then immerse.
A woman should immerse as she stands normally when weaving or when nursing her child.
Halacha 11
A woman should not immerse in a harbor, because she will be embarrassed because of the inhabitants of the city and will not immerse properly. If mats were erected as a screen for the purpose of modesty, she may immerse in a harbor. A woman should not immerse while standing on an earthenware container, on a basket, or the like, because she will be afraid of falling and the immersion will not be acceptable.
Halacha 12
When either a human or a k'li is immersed, there should not be any intervening substance between them and the water. If there is an any intervening substance between them and the water - for example, there was dough or mud clinging to the flesh of a person or the substance of a k'li - the person or the k'li is impure as it was originally and the immersion is invaild.
According to Scriptural Law, if there is an intervening substance covering the larger portion of the person's body or the larger portion of the k'li, the immersion is invalid, provided he objects to the intervening substance and would like to remove it. If, however, he does not object to it and does not pay attention whether it would be removed or not, it is not considered an intervening substance, even if it covers the major portion of the person or the k'li. Similarly, if it covers less than half a person's body, it is not considered as an intervening substance even if he objects to it. According to Rabbinic decree, any intervening substance that one objects to invalidates an immersion even if it covers only the lesser portion of the person's body. This is a decree, lest such a substance cover the greater portion of the person's body. And any intervening substance that covers the larger portion of the person's body disqualifies the immersion even if he does not object to it. This is a decree, lest a substance that one objects to cover the greater portion of his body.
Thus if even a drop the size of a mustard seed of an intervening substance, e.g., dough, tar, or the like, was on a person's flesh or on the substance of a k'li, and he objects to it, his immersion is disqualified. If he does not object to it, the immersion is acceptable unless the intervening substance covers the major portion of the k'li or the person, as explained.
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Hayom Yom:
Thursday, Elul 9, 5774 • 4 September 2014

"Today's Day"
Thursday, Elul 9, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Teitsei, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 49-54. Also 25-27.
Tanya: Now, it is (p. 453) ...a hundred times." (p. 455).
My grandfather said in reference to hitbon'nut, the profoundly concentrated contemplation on a subject extremely difficult to comprehend: If the subject is of deep personal concern, the person will come to understand and comprehend it very well. The proof of this is in the Torah, in laws involving women, etc., and the ingenious arguments that they may put forth on their own behalf. These arguments are discussed by Tanaim, Amoraim and Gaonim, all exceptionally brilliant minds, and the Torah is the Torah of Truth.1 Yet this woman is far removed, intellectually, from being able to devise such (ingenious, brilliant) claims. But the truth is that when a subject is of deep concern to a person, even those of weak intellect will come up with profound concepts.
FOOTNOTES
1. In Talmudic discussion of arguments which litigants may offer on their own behalf, some arguments would appear to be too involved and ingenious for the layman, so how could these claims possibly occur to the litigants? And since these arguments are suggested in the Torah of Truth, they must be accessible to these litigants!
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Daily Thought:

Why the Heavens?
Why were we made so small, with such great heavens above our heads?
Because He desired creatures that would know wonder.(Maamar Bati L’Gani 5732)
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