Today's Laws & Customs:
• Count "Twenty-Three Days to the Omer" Tonight
Tomorrow is the twenty-third 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 twenty-three days, which are three weeks and two 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: Gevurah sheb'Netzach -- "Restraint in Ambition"
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
• Sanctification of the Moon
Once a month, as the moon waxes in the sky, we recite a special blessing called Kiddush Levanah, "the sanctification of the moon," praising the Creator for His wondrous work we call astronomy.
Kiddush Levanah is recited after nightfall, usually on Saturday night. The blessing is concluded with songs and dancing, because our nation is likened to the moon—as it waxes and wanes, so have we throughout history. When we bless the moon, we renew our trust that very soon, the light of G‑d's presence will fill all the earth and our people will be redeemed from exile.
Though Kiddush Levanah can be recited as early as three days after the moon's rebirth, the kabbalah tells us it is best to wait a full week, till the seventh of the month. Once 15 days have passed, the moon begins to wane once more and the season for saying the blessing has passed.
Links:
Brief Guide to Kiddush Levanah: Thank G‑d for the Moon!
More articles on Kiddush Levanah from our knowledgebase.
Today in Jewish History:
• Jerusalem Walls Dedicated (335 BCE)
The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was celebrated with great jubilation nearly 88 years after they were destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia.
• Venetian Ghetto (1516)
On the 7th of Iyar, 1516, the Venetian City Council decreed that all Jews be segregated to a specific area of the city.
Venice's ghetto was surrounded by water, with a canal leading to its gates. At night the "Christian guards" patrolled the waters around the ghetto to ensure that the night curfew wasn't violated. At the same time of the establishment of this ghetto, numerous other degrading laws were enacted, including the requirement that all Jews wear yellow stars as identification.
Despite all these restrictions, the Jewish community blossomed and functioned normally. In 1797, the ghetto was abolished by Napoleon during the course of the French Revolution.
The site chosen to accommodate the Jews had once housed the city's foundries, gettos in Italian -- and thus the eventual popularization throughout Europe of the word "ghetto" to describe the city sections where Jews were forced to reside.
• Passing of Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz, “Kli Yakar” (1619)
Born in the year 1550 in Luntschitz, Poland, with just the name Ephraim, the name Sholomo was added later during a life-threatening illness (a common practice in Judaism).
Rabbi Sholomo Efraim was a disciple of the famed Talmudist, Rabbi Sholomo Luria, author of the Yam Shel Sholomo, as well as the great Jewish kabalist and philosopher, Rabbi Judah Lowe, known as the “Maharal of Prague.”
In the year 1604, after having first headed the yeshivah in Levov, he was appointed rabbi of Prague, replacing Rabbi Lowe, who was then quite elderly. He held the position until his passing.
He is the author of a number of works, but is perhaps best known for his work Kli Yakar (a commentary on the Torah) and Olelot Ephraim (a collection of sermons).
Among his prominent students was Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller, author of a classic commentary on the Mishnah called Tosfot Yom Tov.
Daily Quote:
I offer thanks to You, O living and everlasting king, for having restored my soul within me; great is Your faithfulness[The "Modeh Ani" prayer, recited immediately upon waking each morning]
Daily Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Emor, 1st Portion Leviticus 21:1-21:15 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation | Video Class• Leviticus Chapter 21
1And the Lord said to Moses: Speak to the kohanim, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: Let none [of you] defile himself for a dead person among his people אוַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־משֶׁ֔ה אֱמֹ֥ר אֶל־הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים בְּנֵ֣י אַֽהֲרֹ֑ן וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ לֹֽא־יִטַּמָּ֖א בְּעַמָּֽיו:
Speak to the kohanim: Heb. אֱמֹר וְאָמַרְתָּ “Speak [to the Kohanim …] and say [to them],” lit. “Say…and you shall say.” [This double expression comes] to admonish the adult [Kohanim to be responsible] for the minors [that they must not contaminate them (Mizrachi)]. — [Yev. . 114a]
אמר אל הכהנים: אמור ואמרת, להזהיר גדולים על הקטנים:
the sons of Aaron: [Had Scripture used just this expression,] I would have thought that even desecrated [kohanim, those born from forbidden unions, as in verse 7, are included in this admonition to separate from uncleanness]. Scripture, therefore, states, “the kohanim ” [to teach us that the admonition applies only to non-desecrated kohanim].
בני אהרן: יכול חללים, תלמוד לומר הכהנים:
the sons of Aaron: Even those who have defects are implied.
בני אהרן: אף בעלי מומין במשמע:
the sons of Aaron: But not the daughters of Aaron, [who may become defiled for the dead]. — [Torath Kohanim 21:1,2]
בני אהרן: ולא בנות אהרן:
Let none [of you] defile himself [for a dead person] among his people: While the dead person is among his people [and therefore has people, non- kohanim, to bury him]. This comes to exclude [from the prohibition a kohen who comes across] a מֵתמִצְוָה, [a dead person for whom no one is in calling distance to attend to his burial and thus it is incumbent for people to attend to him]. — [Torath Kohanim 21:4]
לא יטמא בעמיו: בעוד שהמת בתוך עמיו, יצא מת מצוה:
2except for his relative who is close to him, his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother, בכִּ֚י אִם־לִשְׁאֵר֔וֹ הַקָּרֹ֖ב אֵלָ֑יו לְאִמּ֣וֹ וּלְאָבִ֔יו וְלִבְנ֥וֹ וּלְבִתּ֖וֹ וּלְאָחִֽיו:
except for his relative: [The expression שְׁאֵרוֹ] “his relative” refers only [here] to his wife. — [Torath Kohanim 21:5; Yev. . 22b]
כי אם לשארו: אין שארו אלא אשתו:
3and for his virgin sister who is close to him, who was not [yet] with a man for her, he shall defile himself. גוְלַֽאֲחֹת֤וֹ הַבְּתוּלָה֙ הַקְּרוֹבָ֣ה אֵלָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־הָֽיְתָ֖ה לְאִ֑ישׁ לָ֖הּ יִטַּמָּֽא:
who is close [to him]: [This expression is] to include the sister who was betrothed [but not yet married] - [Torath Kohanim 21:5; Yev.. 60a]
הקרובה: לרבות את הארוסה:
who was not [yet] with a man: for relations. — [see Yev. 60a]
אשר לא היתה לאיש: למשכב:
for her, he shall defile himself: [This is] an obligation [for him to do so]. — [Torath Kohanim 21:8; Sotah 3a]
לה יטמא: מצוה:
4[But] a husband shall not defile himself for [a wife who causes] his desecration, [while she is] among his people. דלֹ֥א יִטַּמָּ֖א בַּ֣עַל בְּעַמָּ֑יו לְהֵ֖חַלּֽוֹ:
[But] a husband shall not defile himself for [a wife who causes] his desecration, [while she is] among his people: He may not defile himself for his [deceased] wife who was unfit for him, and by whom he was desecrated [from his status,] while she was with him. — [Torath Kohanim 21:10; Yev.. 22b] And this is the simple meaning of the verse: “A husband shall not defile himself” for his relative [i.e., his wife], while she is still “among his people,” i.e., while she has [non- kohen] relatives who can attend to her burial, for she is therefore not under the category of an unattended deceased. And which relative [i.e., wife] are we dealing with here? [With a wife] “through whom he becomes desecrated (לְהֵחַלּוֹ),” i.e., [because she was unfit to marry him,] he subsequently becomes desecrated from his kehunah [and is unfit to perform the Holy Service].
לא יטמא בעל בעמיו להחלו: לא יטמא לאשתו פסולה שהוא מחולל בה בעודה עמו. וכן פשוטו של מקרא לא יטמא בעל בשארו בעוד שהוא בתוך עמיו, שיש לה קוברין, שאינה מת מצוה, ובאיזה שאר אמרתי, באותו שהוא להחלו, להתחלל הוא מכהונתו:
5They shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shall they shave the edge of their beard, nor shall they make cuts in their flesh. הלֹֽא־יִקְרְח֤וּ (כתיב לא־יִקְרְחֻ֤ה) קָרְחָה֙ בְּרֹאשָׁ֔ם וּפְאַ֥ת זְקָנָ֖ם לֹ֣א יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ וּבִ֨בְשָׂרָ֔ם לֹ֥א יִשְׂרְט֖וּ שָׂרָֽטֶת:
They shall not make bald patches on their heads: for a deceased. But are not [all] Israelites warned against this (see Deut. 14:1)]? However, when referring to the Israelites, Scripture says, “[You shall not…make any baldness] between your eyes [for the dead]” (Deut. 14:1). Thus, one might think that one is not liable [for making bald patches] anywhere else on the head. Scripture, therefore, says [regarding kohanim] “[They shall not make bald patches] on their heads” [teaching us that the prohibition applies to the entire head]. And we can extrapolate from kohanim to all Israelites through a gezeirah shavah [i.e., a Rabbinical tradition linking the laws of two otherwise unrelated verses or passages through common key words or phrases, as follows]: Here [regarding kohanim] Scripture uses the expression קָרְחָה - bald patches, and there regarding Israelites, Scripture [also] uses the expression קָרְחָה - bald patches. Thus, just as here [regarding kohanim, the prohibition applies to] the entire head, so is it understood further [regarding all Israelites], [that the prohibition applies to] the entire head, wherever one makes a bald patch on the head, [not just “between the eyes”], and just as there [regarding all Israelites, the prohibition applies to making bald patches only as a gesture of mourning] over a dead person [(see Deut. 14:1), “You shall not…make any baldness…for the dead”] - so, here [regarding kohanim, the prohibition applies to making bald patches only as a gesture of mourning] over a dead person. — [Torath Kohanim 21:11; Mak. 20a]
לא יקרחה קרחה: על מת. והלא אף ישראל הוזהרו על כך, אלא לפי שנאמר בישראל (דברים יד א) בין עיניכם, יכול לא יהא חייב על כל הראש, תלמוד לומר בראשם, וילמדו ישראל מהכהנים בגזרה שוה, נאמר כאן קרחה ונאמר להלן בישראל קרחה, מה כאן כל הראש אף להלן כל הראש במשמע, כל מקום שיקרח בראש. ומה להלן על מת, אף כאן על מת:
nor shall they shave the edge of their beard: Since it is stated in reference to all Israelites, “and you shall not destroy [the edge of your beard]” (Lev. 19:27), one might think that if one removed [the hairs] with tweezers or with a plane, one would be liable [to lashes]. Therefore, it says [here], “nor shall they shave,” [meaning] that one is liable only for something called “shaving” (גִּלוּחַ) with “destruction” (הַשְׁחָתָה) involved in it - that being a razor. — [Mak. 21a]
ופאת זקנם לא יגלחו: לפי שנאמר בישראל (ויקרא יט כז) ולא תשחית, יכול לקטו במלקט וברהיטני יהא חייב, לכך נאמר לא יגלחו, שאינו חייב אלא על דבר הקרוי גלוח ויש בו השחתה, וזהו תער:
nor shall they make cuts in their flesh: יִשְׂרְטוּ שָׂרֶטֶת, lit. “nor shall they cut a cut in their flesh.” [Why the double language?] Since regarding [all] Israelites, Scripture states (Lev. 19:28), “You shall not make cuts in your flesh for a person [who died],” one might think, that if someone made [several, e.g.,] five cuts, he would be liable for [having transgressed] only one [negative commandment]. Scripture, therefore, states, “nor shall they cut a cut,” to make one becomes liable for every individual cut made. For this word שָׂרֶטֶת is superfluous and thus is to be expounded [as above], as Scripture could have [merely] written, “nor shall they cut,” [in which case] I would have known that it means [not to cut] a cut. [Hence, the superfluous שָׂרֶטֶת was written to make one liable for each individual cut.]- [Torath Kohanim 21:12]
ובבשרם לא ישרטו שרטת: לפי שנאמר בישראל (ויקרא שם כח) ושרט לנפש לא תתנו, יכול שרט חמש שריטות לא יהא חייב אלא אחת, תלמוד לומר לא ישרטו שרטת, לחייב על כל שריטה ושריטה. שתיבה זו יתירה היא לדרוש, שהיה לו לכתוב לא ישרטו ואני יודע שהיא שרטת:
6They shall be holy to their God, and they shall not desecrate their God's Name, for they offer up the fire offerings of the Lord, the food offering of their God, so they shall be holy. וקְדשִׁ֤ים יִֽהְיוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א יְחַלְּל֔וּ שֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם כִּי֩ אֶת־אִשֵּׁ֨י יְהֹוָ֜ה לֶ֧חֶם אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֛ם הֵ֥ם מַקְרִיבִ֖ם וְהָ֥יוּ קֹֽדֶשׁ:
They shall be holy: [Since Scripture does not state “They are holy,” but rather “They shall be holy,” it means that if kohanim wish to defile themselves over the dead and thereby desecrate their holiness]-against their will, the court must [prevent them from doing so, and thereby] sanctify them in this respect. — [Mizrachi; Torath Kohanim 21:13]
קדשים יהיו: על כרחם יקדישום בית דין בכך:
7They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute or who is desecrated, and they shall not marry a woman who is divorced from her husband for he [the kohen] is holy to his God. זאִשָּׁ֨ה זֹנָ֤ה וַֽחֲלָלָה֙ לֹ֣א יִקָּ֔חוּ וְאִשָּׁ֛ה גְּרוּשָׁ֥ה מֵֽאִישָׁ֖הּ לֹ֣א יִקָּ֑חוּ כִּֽי־קָד֥שׁ ה֖וּא לֵֽאלֹהָֽיו:
who is a prostitute: Heb. זֹנָה, [a woman] with whom an Israelite who is forbidden to her, has cohabited, for example, [relationships] punishable by excision (see Lev., Chapter 18), or a nathin [a descendant of the Gibeonites who were converted at the time of Joshua (see Josh., chapter 9) and who were forbidden to marry into Israel for all generations], or a mamzer [a product of a forbidden union]. — [Torath Kohanim 21:14; Yev. 61b]
זנה: שנבעלה בעילת ישראל האסור לה, כגון חייבי כריתות או נתין או ממזר:
who is desecrated: Heb. חֲלָלָה, [a woman] who was born from one who is unfit for the kehunah, for example, the daughter of a widow from a Kohen Gadol or the daughter of a divorcee from an ordinary kohen [the children of such unions becoming “desecrated” from the kehunah]. Also, [the term חֲלָלָה includes a woman] who becomes desecrated from the kehunah through relations with one of those who are themselves disqualified for the kehunah. — [Kid. 77a]
חללה: שנולדה מן הפסולים שבכהונה, כגון בת אלמנה מכהן גדול או בת גרושה וחלוצה מכהן הדיוט, וכן שנתחללה מן הכהונה על ידי ביאת אחד מן הפסולים לכהונה:
8You shall sanctify him, for he offers up the food offering of your God; he shall be holy to you, for I, the Lord Who sanctifies you, am holy. חוְקִ֨דַּשְׁתּ֔וֹ כִּֽי־אֶת־לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ ה֣וּא מַקְרִ֑יב קָדשׁ֙ יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֔ךְ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם:
You shall sanctify him: Against his will- [meaning], that if he refuses to divorce [such a woman, lash him and chastise him until he divorces [her]. — [Yev. 88b; Mizrachi; Torath Kohanim 21:19]
וקדשתו: על כרחו, שאם לא רצה לגרש, הלקהו ויסרהו עד שיגרש:
he shall be holy to you: Treat him with holiness, e.g., he should be the first to commence any matter, and to [be the one who] begins the blessings at a meal. — [Gittin 59b]
קדש יהיה לך: נהוג בו קדושה לפתוח ראשון בכל דבר ולברך ראשון בסעודה:
9If a kohen's daughter becomes desecrated through adultery she desecrates her father; she shall be burned in fire. טוּבַת֙ אִ֣ישׁ כֹּהֵ֔ן כִּ֥י תֵחֵ֖ל לִזְנ֑וֹת אֶת־אָבִ֨יהָ֙ הִ֣יא מְחַלֶּ֔לֶת בָּאֵ֖שׁ תִּשָּׂרֵֽף:
If [a kohen’s daughter] becomes desecrated through adultery: Heb. כִּי תֵחֵל. [The word תֵּחֵל here, stems from the word חִלּוּל, desecration, and not from the word הַתְחָלָה, beginning, and thus, the phrase here means:] If she becomes desecrated (תִּתְחַלֵּל) through a forbidden union, whereby she had a marriage-bond to a man and she committed adultery-whether [this bond had been] a betrothal or a marriage. And our Rabbis differ with regards to the matter [i.e., as to which stage of marriage-bond is referred to here]. All agree, however, that Scripture did not speak of a single woman. — [Sanh. 50b-51a]
כי תחל לזנות: כשתתחלל על ידי זנות, שהיתה בה זיקת בעל וזנתה או מן האירוסין או מן הנשואין. ורבותינו נחלקו בדבר, והכל מודים שלא דבר הכתוב בפנויה:
she desecrates her father: She has desecrated and degraded his honor, for [people] will say of him, “Cursed is he who fathered this one! Cursed is he who raised this one!” - [Sanh. 52a]
את אביה היא מחללת: חללה ובזתה את כבודו, שאומרים עליו ארור שזו ילד, ארור שזו גדל:
10And the kohen who is elevated above his brothers, upon whose head the anointment oil has been poured or who has been inaugurated to wear the garments he shall not leave his hair unshorn or rend his garments. יוְהַכֹּהֵן֩ הַגָּד֨וֹל מֵֽאֶחָ֜יו אֲשֶׁר־יוּצַ֥ק עַל־רֹאשׁ֣וֹ | שֶׁ֤מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה֙ וּמִלֵּ֣א אֶת־יָד֔וֹ לִלְבּ֖שׁ אֶת־הַבְּגָדִ֑ים אֶת־רֹאשׁוֹ֙ לֹ֣א יִפְרָ֔ע וּבְגָדָ֖יו לֹ֥א יִפְרֹֽם:
he shall not leave his hair unshorn: Heb. לֹא יִפְרָע. He shall not leave his hair unshorn as a gesture of mourning. — [Torath Kohanim 21:27] Now what is considered “leaving one’s hair unshorn?” More than thirty days. — [Sanh. 22b]
לא יפרע: לא יגדל פרע על אבל. ואיזהו גידול פרע, יותר משלשים יום:
11And he shall not come upon any dead bodies; he shall not defile himself for his father or his mother. יאוְעַ֛ל כָּל־נַפְשֹׁ֥ת מֵ֖ת לֹ֣א יָבֹ֑א לְאָבִ֥יו וּלְאִמּ֖וֹ לֹ֥א יִטַּמָּֽא:
And [he shall not come] upon any dead bodies: [i.e., he shall not enter] the tent [or house, etc., wherein] the dead person [lies]. — [Torath Kohanim 21:28]
ועל כל נפשת מת וגו': באהל המת:
dead bodies: [This comes] to include [the law that] revi’ith [a “quarter” of a log] of blood [issued] from a dead person, defiles [anything found] in the tent. — [Sanh. 4a]
נפשת מת: להביא רביעית דם מן המת שמטמא באהל:
he shall not defile himself for his father or his mother: [Since the Kohen Gadol, unlike the ordinary kohen (see verse 2 above), is forbidden to defile himself for any dead body, even for his parents, this seemingly superfluous statement here comes only] to permit him [to defile himself] for a מֵת מִצְוָה, a dead person for whom there is no one to attend to [his burial]. — [Torath Kohanim 21:28; Nazir 48a]
לאביו ולאמו לא יטמא: לא בא אלא להתיר לו מת מצוה:
12He shall not leave the Sanctuary, and he will not desecrate the holy things of his God, for the crown of his God's anointing oil is upon him. I am the Lord. יבוּמִן־הַמִּקְדָּשׁ֙ לֹ֣א יֵצֵ֔א וְלֹ֣א יְחַלֵּ֔ל אֵ֖ת מִקְדַּ֣שׁ אֱלֹהָ֑יו כִּ֡י נֵ֠זֶר שֶׁ֣מֶן מִשְׁחַ֧ת אֱלֹהָ֛יו עָלָ֖יו אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה:
He shall not leave the Sanctuary: He shall not [leave the precincts of the Sanctuary to] follow the funeral procession [even of a relative]. — [Sanh. 18a] Furthermore, from here, our Rabbis learned that a Kohen Gadol may offer up sacrifices [even] if he is an onen [i.e., if his close relative died on that day]. [The following, therefore], is its meaning [i.e., the meaning of the verse]: Even if his father or mother died, [the Kohen Gadol] need not leave the Sanctuary, but he may perform the service. — [Sanh.. 84a]
ומן המקדש לא יצא: אינו הולך אחר המטה. ועוד מכאן למדו רבותינו שכהן גדול מקריב אונן, וכן משמעו, אף אם מתו אביו ואמו אינו צריך לצאת מן המקדש אלא עובד עבודה:
he will not desecrate the holy things: [meaning] that he does not thereby desecrate the Holy Service, for Scripture has permitted him [to perform the Holy Service under such circumstances]. However, an ordinary kohen who performs the Holy Service while being an onen, desecrates [it]. — [Sanh. 84a]
ולא יחלל את מקדש: שאינו מחלל בכך את העבודה שהתיר לו הכתוב, הא כהן הדיוט שעבד אונן חלל:
13He shall marry a woman in her virgin state. יגוְה֕וּא אִשָּׁ֥ה בִבְתוּלֶ֖יהָ יִקָּֽח:
14A widow, a divorcee, a woman who is desecrated or a prostitute he shall not marry [any] of these. Only a virgin of his people may he take as a wife. ידאַלְמָנָ֤ה וּגְרוּשָׁה֙ וַֽחֲלָלָ֣ה זֹנָ֔ה אֶת־אֵ֖לֶּה לֹ֣א יִקָּ֑ח כִּ֛י אִם־בְּתוּלָ֥ה מֵֽעַמָּ֖יו יִקַּ֥ח אִשָּֽׁה:
a woman who is desecrated: [The terms וַחֲלָלָה זֹנָה are not to be connected to mean a חֲלָלָה who is a זֹנָה, but rather, they should be read as two separate items, וַחֲלָלָה and then זֹנָה Thus, חֲלָלָה here refers to a woman] who was born from those unfit for the kehunah. — [see Rashi verse 7 above; Torath Kohanim 21: 34]
וחללה: שנולדה מפסולי כהונה:
15And he shall not desecrate his offspring among his people, for I am the Lord, Who sanctifies him. טווְלֹֽא־יְחַלֵּ֥ל זַרְע֖וֹ בְּעַמָּ֑יו כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ:
And he shall not desecrate his offspring: But, if he does marry one of those [women listed in the verse as] being unfit [to marry a Kohen Gadol], his offspring from that woman are desecrated from the holiness of the kehunah [and are permitted to defile themselves for the dead, and they may marry a widow or a divorcee]. — [Nachalath Yaakov; Torath Kohanim 21:34]
ולא יחלל זרעו: הא אם נשא אחת מן הפסולות, זרעו הימנה חלל מדין קדושת כהונה:
Daily Tehillim: Chapters 39 - 43• Hebrew text
• English text• Chapter 39
David's prayer bewailing his suffering. But it is not suffering itself that pains him, rather he is saddened by its disturbing his Torah study. For man's days are few, "and if not now, when (will he study)?" for he may die, today or tomorrow. He therefore requests that his suffering be removed, to enable him to study Torah and acquire a place in the World to Come.
1. For the Conductor, for yedutun,1 a psalm by David.
2. I said that I would guard my ways from sinning with my tongue; I would guard my mouth with a muzzle, [even] while the wicked one is before me.
3. I became mute with stillness, I was silent [even] from the good, though my pain was crippling.
4. My heart grew hot within me, a fire blazed in my utterance, as I spoke with my tongue.
5. O Lord, let me know my end and what is the measure of my days, that I may know when I will cease.
6. Behold, like handbreadths You set my days; my lifetime is as naught before You. But all is futility, all mankind's existence, Selah.
7. Only in darkness does man walk, seeking only futility; he amasses riches and knows not who will reap them.
8. And now, what is my hope, my Lord? My longing is to You.
9. Rescue me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of the degenerate.
10. I am mute, I do not open my mouth, for You have caused [my suffering].
11. Remove Your affliction from me; I am devastated by the attack of Your hand.
12. In reproach for sin You chastened man; like a moth, You wore away that which is precious to him. All mankind is nothing but futility, forever.
13. Hear my prayer, O Lord, listen to my cry; do not be silent to my tears, for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner like all my forefathers.
14. Turn from me, that I may recover my strength, before I depart and I am no more.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument (Metzudot).
Chapter 40
The psalmist speaks of the numerous wonders that God wrought for the Jewish people, asking: "Who can articulate His might? I would relate and speak of them, but they are too numerous to recount!" He created the world and split the sea for the sake of Israel, [yet] He desires no sacrifices, only that we listen to His voice.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David.
2. I put my hope in the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
3. He raised me from the turbulent pit, from the slimy mud, and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps.
4. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God; multitudes will see and fear, and will trust in the Lord.
5. Fortunate is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and did not turn to the haughty, nor to those who stray after falsehood.
6. You have done much, O You, Lord my God-Your wonders and thoughts are for us; none can compare to You; should I relate or speak of them, they are too numerous to recount!
7. You desired neither sacrifice nor meal-offering, but [obedient] ears You opened for me; You requested neither burnt-offering nor sin-offering.
8. Then I said, "Behold, I come with a Scroll of the Book written for me."1
9. I desire to fulfill Your will, my God; and Your Torah is in my innards.
10. I proclaimed [Your] righteousness in a vast congregation; behold I will not restrain my lips-O Lord, You know!
11. I did not conceal Your righteousness within my heart; I declared Your faithfulness and deliverance; I did not hide Your kindness and truth from the vast congregation.
12. May You, Lord, not withhold Your mercies from me; may Your kindness and truth constantly guard me.
13. For countless evils surround me; my sins have overtaken me and I cannot see; they outnumber the hairs of my head, and my heart has abandoned me.
14. May it please You, Lord, to save me; O Lord, hurry to my aid.
15. Let those who seek my life, to end it, be shamed and humiliated together; let those who desire my harm retreat and be disgraced.
16. Let those who say about me, "Aha! Aha!" be desolate, in return for their shaming [me].
17. Let all those who seek You exult and rejoice in You; let those who love Your deliverance always say, "Be exalted, O Lord!”
18. As for me, I am poor and needy; my Lord will think of me. You are my help and my rescuer; my God, do not delay!
FOOTNOTES
1.Upon recovery, David expresses thanks, not through sacrifices, by dedicating himself to Torah (Radak).
Chapter 41
This psalm teaches many good character traits, and inspires one to be thoughtful and conscientious in giving charity-knowing to whom to give first. Fortunate is he who is thoughtful of the sick one, providing him with his needs.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David.
2. Fortunate is he who is thoughtful of the poor, [for] the Lord will save him on the day of evil.
3. The Lord will guard him and keep him alive; he will be praised throughout the land; You will not deliver him to the desires of his enemies.
4. The Lord will support him on the bed of illness; You will turn him over in his bed all throughout his sickness.
5. I said, "Lord, be gracious to me! Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You!”
6. My foes say that evil [awaits] me: "When will he die, and his name perish?”
7. And if one comes to see [me], he speaks insincerely, for his heart gathers iniquity for himself, and when he goes out he speaks of it.
8. Together they whisper against me-all my enemies; against me they devise my harm, [saying]:
9. "Let his wickedness pour into him; now that he lies down, he shall rise no more.”
10. Even my ally in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has raised his heel over me.
11. But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up, and I will repay them.
12. With this I shall know that You desire me, when my enemies will not shout gleefully over me.
13. And I, because of my integrity, You upheld me; You set me before You forever.
14. Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, to all eternity, Amen and Amen.
Chapter 42
This psalm awakens the hearts of the Children of Israel who do not feel the immense ruin, loss, and bad fortune in their being exiled from their Father's table. Were they wise, they would appreciate their past good fortune in coming thrice yearly, with joy and great awe, to behold God during the festivals, free of adversary and harm. May God place mercy before us from now to eternity, Amen Selah.
1. For the Conductor, a maskil1 by the sons of Korach.
2. As the deer cries longingly for brooks of water, so my soul cries longingly for You, O God!
3. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and behold the countenance of God?
4. My tears have been my bread day and night, when they say to me all day, "Where is your God?”
5. These do I recall, and pour out my soul from within me: how I traveled [to Jerusalem] in covered wagons; I would walk leisurely with them up to the House of God, amid the sound of rejoicing and thanksgiving, the celebrating multitude.
6. Why are you downcast, my soul, and why do you wail within me? Hope to God, for I will yet thank Him for the deliverances of His countenance.
7. My God! My soul is downcast upon me, because I remember You from the land of Jordan and Hermon's peaks, from Mount Mitzar.2
8. Deep calls to deep3 at the roar of Your channels; all Your breakers and waves have swept over me.
9. By day the Lord ordains His kindness, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
10. I say to God, my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in gloom under the oppression of the enemy?”
11. Like a sword in my bones, my adversaries disgrace me, when they say to me all day, "Where is your God?”
12. Why are you downcast, my soul, and why do you wail within me? Hope to God, for I will yet thank Him; He is my deliverance, [the light of] my countenance, and my God.
FOOTNOTES
1.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge. (Metzudot)
2.My heart aches when I remember the pilgrims from lands east of Jordan, and those from distant Hermon and Mitzar, who would travel to Jerusalem for the festivals (Radak)
3.Before one misfortune has ended, another is already upon us; as if one calls the other to come (Metzudot).
Chapter 43
A significant prayer concerning the magnitude of the troubles we have suffered at the hands of the impious nations. May it be God's will to send Moshiach and Elijah the Prophet, who will lead us to the Holy Temple to offer sacrifices as in days of old.
1. Avenge me, O God, and champion my cause against an impious nation; rescue me from the man of deceit and iniquity.
2. For You are the God of my strength; why have You abandoned me? Why must I walk in gloom under the oppression of the enemy?
3. Send Your light and Your truth, they will guide me; they will bring me to Your holy mountain and to your sanctuaries.
4. Then I will come to the altar of God-to God, the joy of my delight-and praise You on the lyre, O God, my God.
5. Why are you downcast, my soul, and why do you wail within me? Hope to God, for I will yet thank Him; He is my deliverance, [the light of] my countenance, and my God.
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 46• Lessons in Tanya• English Text
• Hebrew Text
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• Sunday, Iyar 7, 5776 · May 15, 2016
• Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 46
• וכולם שואלים: איה מקום כבודו, ועונים: מלא כל הארץ כבודו, הם ישראל עמו
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:• English Text | Hebrew Text |
Audio: Listen | Download | Video Class• Sunday, Iyar 7, 5776 · May 15, 2016
All these [angels] ask: “Where is the place of His glory?” And they answer:1 “The whole physical earth is full of His glory”; that is — i.e., How is this world “full of His glory?” — because of His people, Israel.
כי הניח הקב״ה את העליונים ואת התחתונים
For the Holy One, blessed be He, forsook the higher and lower creatures that are not the ultimate purpose of His creation,
ולא בחר בכולם, כי אם בישראל עמו, והוציאם ממצרים, ערות הארץ, מקום הזוהמא והטומאה
choosing none of them but Israel His people, whom He brought out of Egypt2 — “the obscenity of the earth,” the place of filth and impurity —
Like the lowly and disgraceful individual who was raised from the dunghill by the king in person, the Children of Israel were brought forth out of Egypt by the King Himself:
ולא על ידי מלאך ולא על ידי כו׳, אלא הקב״ה בכבודו ובעצמו ירד לשם
“not3 through an angel which is a created being whose abode is in the World of Beriah, Yetzirah or Asiyah, nor through a messenger from the level of the World of Atzilut, but the Holy One, blessed be He, Himself in His glory” descended there.
כמו שכתוב: וארד להצילו וגו׳
as it is written:4 “And I descended to save him from the hand of the Egyptians,”
Just as the king in the parable, after raising the individual from the dungheap, takes him into his palace and shares with him the closest companionship, in a like manner did G‑d treat His people.
כדי לקרבם אליו בקירוב ויחוד אמיתי, בהתקשרות הנפש ממש
in order to bring them near to Him in true closeness and unity, with a real attachment of soul — so that the Jew’s soul will be truly bound up with the Almighty,
This is also so regarding the Torah, concerning which G‑d says: “I have written and given My ’soul‘*” to the Jewish people, by giving them the Torah. Thus, not only is the Jew’s soul truly bound up with G‑d, but G‑d’s “soul”, too, is united with the Jew.
בבחינת נשיקין פה לפה, לדבר דבר ה׳, זו הלכה
on the level of “kisses” of mouth to mouth, so that the Jew’s mouth be united with the “mouth” and speech of G‑d, by uttering “the word of G‑d, namely, the Halachah,”
When a Jew speaks and studies the words of the Torah his speech is united with Supernal speech in a manner of “kisses” of mouth to mouth. This unity, however, is external in comparison with the deeper and more inward “union of spirit and spirit,” as explained in the previous chapter. This deeper level of unity is also attained through Torah study:
ואתדבקות רוחא ברוחא, היא השגת התורה, וידיעת רצונו וחכמתו
and the fusion of “spirit” of man with “spirit” of G‑d, namely, the comprehension of the Torah and the knowledge of His Will and wisdom,
When Torah is studied with comprehension, the person knows both G‑d’s Will and wisdom. Knowing the halachah, the law that determines that an object is (say) either kosher or non-kosher, constitutes the knowledge of G‑d’s Will, while comprehending the reason for the halachah relates to G‑d’s wisdom.
דכולא חד ממש
which are truly one; G‑d’s Will and wisdom are truly one with Him. Hence, through Torah study, Jews become united with G‑d in a manner of “union of spirit and spirit”;
וגם בבחינת חיבוק
also with a form of “embrace”, for Torah and mitzvot also effect the unity of an “embrace”, similar to a person embracing his friend with his body and arms,
הוא קיום המצות מעשיות ברמ״ח אברים
namely, the fulfillment of the positive precepts with the 248 organs which the human being possesses. Performance of the 248 positive commandments brings about a state of “embrace” wherein G‑d’s 248 “organs” embrace man’s,
דרמ״ח פיקודין הן רמ״ח אברין דמלכא, כנזכר לעיל
for the 248 ordinances are the 248 “organs” of the King, as mentioned earlier, in ch. 23.
Each organ of the body is an appropriate vessel for the particular faculty of the soul that resides therein, such as the eye for the faculty of sight, the ear for the faculty of hearing, and so on. So too, each mitzvah is an appropriate vessel for the specific emanation of the Divine Will that desires the Jew to perform the particular commandment.
ודרך כלל נחלקין לשלש בחינות: ימין ושמאל ואמצע, שהן חסד דין ורחמים
In a general manner, these 248 positive mitzvot are divided into three categories — right, left, and center — namely, Chesed (“kindness”), Din (“stern justice”), and Rachamim (“mercy”).
There are mitzvot which are in the category of the “right side” — Chesed; others in the category of the “left side” — Din;still others, in the category of the “center” — Rachamim. These are:
תרין דרועין וגופא וכו׳
the two arms and the body.
Chesed is the right arm; Gevurah, or Din, is the left; and Rachamim represents the body (the center). Just as when a person embraces another he does so with both arms and his body, so too, do the “two arms” and “body” of the mitzvot embrace the Jew who performs them.
וזה שאומרים: אשר קדשנו במצותיו
This is the meaning of the text of the various blessings pronounced before one fulfills a mitzvah: “[Blessed be He] Who has betrothed us by His commandments”:
The Hebrew word kidshanu — generally rendered, “Who has sanctified us” — is here rendered, “Who has betrothed us,” from the Hebrew word kiddushin (“betrothal”). For mitzvot too, are:
כאדם המקדש אשה, להיות מיוחדת עמו ביחוד גמור, כמו שכתוב: ודבק באשתו והיו לבשר אחד
like a man who betrothes a wife, so that she be united with him in a perfect bond, as it is written:5 “And he shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh.”
ככה ממש, ויתר על כן לאין קץ, הוא יחוד נפש האלקית העוסקת בתורה ומצות, ונפש החיונית ולבושיהן הנ״ל, באור אין סוף ברוך הוא
Exactly similar to the unity achieved through betrothal, and even infinitely surpassing it, is the union of the divine soul that is engaged in Torah and the commandments, and of the vivifying soul, and their garments referred to above, viz., thought, speech and action — all of them becoming united with the light of the blessed Ein Sof.
This spiritual union infinitely surpasses the physical union of man and wife. The correlation to a physical union is valid only in the sense that in this world there can be no greater union than that of man and wife. This union is termed kiddushin.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Yeshayahu 6:3. |
| 2. | Bereishit 42:9. |
| 3. | Haggadah of Passover. |
| 4. | Shmot 3:8. |
| 5. | Bereishit 2:24. |
• Sefer Hamitzvos:• English Text | Hebrew Text |
Audio: Listen | Download | Video Class• Sunday, Iyar 7, 5776 · May 15, 2016
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Negative Commandment 114
Shearing an Animal Designated for Sacrifice
"And do not shear the firstborn of your sheep"—Deuteronomy 15:19.
It is forbidden to shear an animal designated for sacrifice.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Shearing an Animal Designated for Sacrifice
The Paschal Offering
"And the entire assembly of the congregation of Israel shall slaughter it in the afternoon"—Exodus 12:6.
Every individual is commanded to offer [or participate on a group that is offering] the Paschal Sacrifice on the afternoon of the fourteenth of Nissan [the eve of Passover]—even if this day falls on the Shabbat.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• The Paschal Offering
Sacrificing the Paschal Offering with Chametz in One's Possession
"You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread"—Exodus 23:18.
It is forbidden to have chametz (leavened bread) in one's possession from the onset of the time when the Paschal Offering is brought—noon of the fourteenth of Nissan [the eve of Passover].
This prohibition applies to all those who are participating in the eating of the sacrifice, the priest who slaughters it, the priest who sprinkles its blood on the altar, and the priest who offers its fats on the altar.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Sacrificing the Paschal Offering with Chametz in One's Possession
Leaving Overnight the Fats of the Paschal Offering
"Neither shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until the morning"—Exodus 23:18.
It is forbidden to leave unsacrificed the fats of the Paschal Offering that are designated to be burnt on the altar, until they become invalid for offering [i.e., until the following morning].
Full text of this Mitzvah »
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Negative Commandment 114
Shearing an Animal Designated for Sacrifice
"And do not shear the firstborn of your sheep"—Deuteronomy 15:19.
It is forbidden to shear an animal designated for sacrifice.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Shearing an Animal Designated for Sacrifice
Negative Commandment 114
Translated by Berel Bell
And the 114th prohibition is that we are forbidden from shearing wool from sanctified animals.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,1 "And do not shear your firstborn sheep."
[This verse speaks only about the firstborn animals, but] we derive the prohibition from working with and from shearing all sanctified animals from the law of the firstborn.
The details of these two commandments, i.e. working and shearing, have been explained in tractate Bechoros. One who shears anything from2 sanctified animals is also punished by lashes.
FOOTNOTES
1.Deut. 15:19.
2.The Arabic word for "any" could refer either to the amount of wool (i.e. any amount of wool, as translated above) or to the type of animal, i.e. regardless of the category of sacrifice it was designated for. It could therefore also be translated, "who shears any sanctified animal," See Kapach, 5731, note 15.
Positive Commandment 55The Paschal Offering
"And the entire assembly of the congregation of Israel shall slaughter it in the afternoon"—Exodus 12:6.
Every individual is commanded to offer [or participate on a group that is offering] the Paschal Sacrifice on the afternoon of the fourteenth of Nissan [the eve of Passover]—even if this day falls on the Shabbat.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• The Paschal Offering
Positive Commandment 55
Translated by Berel Bell
And the 55th mitzvah is that we are commanded to sacrifice a lamb for Pesach on the 14th day of the month of Nissan.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "The entire community of Israel shall then slaughter it in the afternoon" [immediately preceding Pesach].
Anyone, man or woman, who transgresses this commandment by intentionally not bringing the offering in the proper time is punished by kares. It has been explained in tractate Pesachim2 that women are equally obligated as men to bring a Pesach offering, and that it overrides Shabbos, i.e. it is offered even when the 14th of Nissan falls on Shabbos.
Scripture states that the punishment is kares in G‑d's statement,3 "If a man is pure and was not on a distant journey, and he neglects to bring the Pesach offering, that person shall be cut off [spiritually]." In the beginning of tractate Kerisus,4 when listing the commandments punishable by kares — all of which are prohibitions — it lists, "And Pesach and circumcision, which are positive commandments." We have already explained this in the Introduction.5
The details of this mitzvah are explained in tractate Pesachim.
FOOTNOTES
1.Ex. 12:6.
2.91b.
3.Num. 9:13.
4.2a.
5.Immediately preceding the first positive commandment.
Negative Commandment 115Sacrificing the Paschal Offering with Chametz in One's Possession
"You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread"—Exodus 23:18.
It is forbidden to have chametz (leavened bread) in one's possession from the onset of the time when the Paschal Offering is brought—noon of the fourteenth of Nissan [the eve of Passover].
This prohibition applies to all those who are participating in the eating of the sacrifice, the priest who slaughters it, the priest who sprinkles its blood on the altar, and the priest who offers its fats on the altar.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Sacrificing the Paschal Offering with Chametz in One's Possession
Negative Commandment 115
Translated by Berel Bell
And the 115th prohibition is that we are forbidden from slaughtering the Pesach offering [when in possession] of leavened bread.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,1 "Do not sacrifice the blood of My [Pesach] offering when in possession of leavened bread." The prohibition is repeated with the wording,2 "Do not slaughter [the blood of My (Pesach) offering when in possession of leavened bread]."
These means that beginning in the afternoon, which is the time for slaughtering the Pesach offering, one may not own leavened bread. Anyone performing the slaughter, sprinkling the blood, burning [the fats], or belonging to a group [which will be eating the Pesach offering together3] may not own leavened bread. If one of them owned leavened bread at that time [of doing the action], he is punished by lashes.
The Mechilta4 explains, "The verse, 'Do not slaughter the blood of My (Pesach) offering [when in possession] of leavened bread,' means that you may not slaughter the Pesach sacrifice when the leavened bread is still existing [in your possession]."
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the 5th chapter of Pesachim.5
FOOTNOTES
1.Ex. 23:18.
2.Ibid., 34:25.
3.Unlike other offerings, the Pesach is brought together by a group called a chaburah.
4.Parshas Mishpatim.
5.63a.
Negative Commandment 116Leaving Overnight the Fats of the Paschal Offering
"Neither shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until the morning"—Exodus 23:18.
It is forbidden to leave unsacrificed the fats of the Paschal Offering that are designated to be burnt on the altar, until they become invalid for offering [i.e., until the following morning].
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Leaving Overnight the Fats of the Paschal Offering
Negative Commandment 116
Translated by Berel Bell
And the 116th prohibition is that we are forbidden from leaving the fats of the Pesach sacrifice without being burning them, causing them to become invalid as nosar.1
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "Do not allow the fat of My offering to remain overnight until morning."
The Mechilta3 says, "The verse, 'Do not allow to remain overnight,' teaches that the fats become invalid if they remain the entire night on the floor [of the Temple].4
The commandment is repeated in different words,5 "Do not allow the [Pesach] sacrifice to remain overnight until morning."
FOOTNOTES
1.N131.
2.Ex. 23:18.
3.Parshas Mishpatim.
4.In Hilchos P'sulei HaMukdashin 3:11, the Rambam rules that they become invalid even if they remained the entire night on the altar.
5.Ibid., 34:25.
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Halacha 1
Any of the sacrifices - whether individual sacrifices or communal sacrifices1 - that were sacrificed for a different purpose than that for which they were originally designated are acceptable,2 but they did not satisfy the obligation incumbent on their owner with the exception of sin-offering and the Paschal sacrifice.3If they are offered for a different purpose, they are unacceptable. [This applies whether] one changes the purpose of the sacrifice at the time of slaughter, at the time he receives its blood, he brings it to altar, or when he casts it upon it, as we explained.4
What is meant by saying that [the owner] does not fulfill his obligation through such [a sacrifice]? For example, one slaughtered [an animal designated as] a burnt-offering as a peace-offering. It does not fulfill the obligation of the owner, neither for the burnt-offering for which he is obligated or for a sin-offering. Instead, he is obligated to bring another sacrifice. Similarly, if one slaughtered a burnt-offering brought by Reuven for the sake of Shimon, it does not fulfill the obligation either of Reuven or of Shimon.5
When does the above apply? When one changed the purpose of the sacrifice intentionally. If, however, one erred and had the impression that the [animal designated as] a burnt-offering was [designated as] a peace-offering and carried out all of its services for the sake of a peace-offering, the owner is considered to have fulfilled his obligation. Similarly, when one offered a sin-offering or a Paschal sacrifice for a different purpose in error, they are acceptable. For supplanting [a purpose] mistakenly is of no consequence.6
Similarly, if one performs melikah on a fowl [designated as] a burnt-offering or squeezed out its blood for a different purpose, it is acceptable,7 but does not fulfill the obligation of the owner. And a sin-offering of fowl [brought for a different purpose] is unacceptable.
Halacha 2
Similarly, all of the meal-offerings that were offered for a different intent than that originally conceived are acceptable, but the owners do not fulfill their obligation with the exception of a meal-offering of a sinner8 and a meal offering of a sotah.9If while performing one of the four services10 one had an intent for a different purpose, [the meal-offering] is unacceptable.11
What is implied? One separated a handful from a freewill meal-offering for the sake of a meal-offering of a sinner, from an offering intended to be prepared in a deep frying-pan for the sake of one to be prepared in a flat frying-pan, or from an offering intended to be prepared in a flat frying-pan for the sake of one to be prepared in a deep frying-pan.12Similar laws apply in all analogous situations.
Halacha 3
It is forbidden to have an incorrect intent [when performing sacrificial service with] consecrated animals, as will be explained.13 Therefore if one slaughtered a sacrificial animal for a different purpose or took a handful from a meal-offering for a different purpose, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he is obligated to complete the remainder of the services for the proper purpose. Even if one slaughtered [the animal], received its blood, and brought it to the altar for an improper purpose, one is obligated to cast it on the altar for the proper purpose.14
Why are the laws governing a sin-offering and the Paschal sacrifice different from those governing all other sacrifices and the laws governing a meal-offering of a sinner and that of a sotah different from those governing all other meal-offerings? Because the Torah singled them out. With regard to a sin-offering, [Leviticus 4:33] states: "And he shall slaughter it as a sin-offering," i.e., that it must be slaughtered for the sake of a sin-offering. Similarly, all of its other services [must be performed] for the proper intent, as [implied by ibid.:28]: "for his sin," i.e., that its service must be performed for the sake of [atoning for] that sin. And [ibid.:26] states: "And he will atone for him," i.e., [the service must be performed] for the sake of its owner.15
And with regard to the Paschal sacrifice, [Deuteronomy 16:1] states: "And you shall offer a Paschal sacrifice to God, your Lord," implying that all of the acts must be performed for the sake of the Paschal sacrifice. [Exodus 12:27] states: "And you shall say, 'It is a Paschal sacrifice unto God,' implying that it must be slaughtered for the sake of the Paschal sacrifice. Thus if one altered the purpose for which it was sacrificed or [offered for] a different owner,16 it is not acceptable.
And with regard to the meal-offering of a sinner, [Leviticus 5:12] states: "It is a sin-offering."17 And with regard to the meal-offering of a sotah, [Numbers 5:15] states: "It is a meal-offering [resulting from] envy." [The implication is that] all of the actions associated with them must be performed for that purpose.
Halacha 4
When a sin-offering is offered for the sake of another sacrifice, e.g., it was offered for the sake of a burnt-offering, a guilt-offering, or a peace-offering, it is unacceptable, as we explained. If, however, it was slaughtered as an ordinary animal, it is acceptable, but the owner does not fulfill his obligation.
Halacha 5
According to the Oral Tradition,18 was derived that [an intent for] sacrificial purposes can disqualify sacrificial animals, but an intent for ordinary purposes does not.
Halacha 6
If one slaughtered [an animal designated as a sin-offering to atone] for another sin, e.g., it was brought [to atone] for partaking of fat and one slaughtered it [to atone] for partaking of blood, it is unacceptable.19
Halacha 7
If one slaughtered [an animal designated as a sin-offering to atone] for the sake of another person who was obligated to bring a sin-offering, even an adjustable guilt-offering,20 it is unacceptable.
Halacha 8
If, however, one slaughtered it for the sake of another person who was obligated to bring a burnt-offering ,21 it is acceptable, but the owner has not fulfilled his obligation.
[The concept mentioned previously22 derived from Leviticus 4:26:] "And he will atone for him," [i.e., "for him,"] and not for his colleague who is obligated to bring a sin-offering like he is.
Halacha 9
If one slaughtered [an animal designated as a sin-offering] for the sake of a deceased person, it is acceptable, but it does not satisfy the obligation of the owner, because there is no atonement for the dead [through sacrifices].23
Halacha 10
If one slaughtered [a sacrificial animal] with the desired intent, but at the time of slaughter had the intent to cast its blood on the altar for a different purpose, it is disqualified, for the intent one has for one service during the performance of another service [is significant].26 Thus the intent one had during the time of slaughter is considered as if it was in [the priest's] mind at the time he cast [the blood on the altar]. Therefore [the sacrifice] is disqualified.
Halacha 11
A Paschal sacrifice that was slaughtered for a different intent - whether for the sake of another sacrifice or whether as an ordinary animal27 - it is unacceptable, as it is written: "And you shall say, 'It is a Paschal sacrifice unto God,'28
When does the above apply? When it was slaughtered on its appropriate time, the day of the fourteenth of Nisan. Moreover, even if it was slaughtered in the morning of that day29 for a different intent, it is unacceptable.30 If, however, one slaughtered it with a different intent at a time not appropriate for its [sacrifice], it is acceptable.31
[If it was slaughtered] for the sake of others and not for its owner, it is considered as if it did not have an owner on the day [when it should be sacrificed] and it is unacceptable.
Halacha 12
When a Paschal sacrifice was slaughtered with the proper intent on the fourteenth of Nisan before noon, it is unacceptable, because this is not the time of the sacrifice. If it was older than one year32 and it was slaughtered at the appropriate time for the sake of a Paschal sacrifice and similarly, if one of the other sacrifices were slaughtered for the sake of a Paschal sacrifice, even if it was slaughtered after noon, they are acceptable, but the owners do not fulfill their obligation.
Halacha 13
When a thanksgiving-offering is slaughtered for the sake of a peace-offering, the owner's obligation is fulfilled. When a peace-offering is slaughtered for the sake of a thanksgiving-offering, the owner's obligation is not fulfilled. [The rationale is that] a thanksgiving-offering is called a peace-offering,33but a peace-offering is not called a thanksgiving-offering.
Halacha 14
When a burnt-offering was slaughtered for the sake of another person who was not obligated to bring a sacrifice at all, the owner does not fulfill his obligation,34for it was not slaughtered for his sake. Although the person for whom it was sacrificed is not liable for any sacrifice in his own mind, it is impossible that he is not obligated [to seek] atonement from heaven, for there is no Jewish person who has never violated a positive commandment.35
Halacha 15
Halacha 16
When the two sheep to be brought on Shavuot were slaughtered with the intent that they were rams,38 the community is not considered to have fulfilled its obligation.39If [the priests] thought they were rams and slaughtered them with the intent that they were rams, they are considered to have fulfilled their obligation, for the intent was uprooted in error.40
Halacha 17
When a guilt-offering of a person [to be purified from]tzara'at41was slaughtered for the sake of another type of sacrifice or its blood was not placed on the thumb and large toe of the person seeking atonement,42 accompanying offerings43 are required.44For if it were offered without accompanying offerings, it will be as if one offered a freewill offering. And a guilt-offering is never brought as a freewill offering.
Halacha 18
When the sheep that is brought together with the omeroffering45 was slaughtered for a different intent, one should not bring two esronim for its accompanying offering.46Instead, he should bring one isaron, as is brought for other freewill offerings. [The rationale is that] it did not satisfy the obligation.47
Similarly, when [a lamb intended as] a continuous offering was slaughtered for a different intent, the two logs of wood48should not be brought up with it, as is done for the other continuous offerings. [The rationale is that] it does not fulfill the obligation of the continuous offering, but instead, is like other freewill offerings.
Halacha 19
When the sheep offered on Shavout49 where slaughtered for a different intent or they were slaughtered before their appropriate time or after their appropriate time, the blood should be cast upon the altar and the meat eaten50 even though the obligation of the community was not fulfilled. If it was the Sabbath, the blood should not be cast [on the altar].51 If it was cast [upon the altar], it is considered acceptable insomuch as the eimorim should be offered in the evening.
Halacha 20
Similarly when the peace-offerings of a nazirite were offered for a different intent, even though the owner does not fulfill his obligation, they are eaten for a day and a night52 and do not require bread.53 Similarly, when the guilt-offering of a nazirite or the guilt-offering of one [to be purified from]tzara'at54 were offered for a different intent, they are eaten, even though the owner does not fulfill his obligation.
FOOTNOTES
1.
The mention of communal sacrifices represents a change of mind for the Rambam. In his original version of his Commentary to the Mishnah (Zevachim 1:1, which is preserved in the standard printing of that text), he writes that a communal sacrifice slaughtered for a different intent fulfills the community's obligation. Rav Ovadiah of Bartenura also follows this view. In his later years, however, the Rambam emended his text to agree with this ruling (see Rav Kapach's text). Note also Rabbi Akiva Eiger's gloss who questions the initial version of the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah.
2.
Hence, even if one slaughtered an animal designated as a burnt-offering for the sake of a sin-offering, one should continue performing all the subsequent tasks for the sake of a burnt-offering [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (op. cit.)]. See Halachah 3.
3.
See Halachah 3 which explains why these offerings are singled out in contrast to all others.
4.
Chapter 13, Halachah 4.
5.
See Halachah 3 which explains the derivation of this concept. The Mishneh LiMelech questions the Rambam's equation of sacrifices offered for a different purpose than they were originally designated and those offered for the sake of a different person. There is, he explains, a fundamental difference between them. If one slaughters an animal for the sake of another person, the owner is still considered to have fulfilled his obligation. It is only when the blood is cast on the altar for the sake of another person that he is not considered to have fulfilled his obligation. Nevertheless, the Rambam's statements can be interpreted as referring to an instance when one slaughtered the animal with the intent to cast its blood on the altar for the sake of another person.
6.
This also represents a change of mind for the Rambam. In his original version of his Commentary to the Mishnah (Zevachim 1:1), which is preserved in the standard printing of that text), he writes that if an intent is supplanted in error, it is considered to be supplanted. In his later years, however, the Rambam emended his text to agree with this ruling (see Rav Kapach's text).
7.
This applies even if its blood was presented on the lower portion of the altar as is the blood of a sin-offering.
8.
I.e., the mal-offering brought by a transgressor obligated to bring an adjustable guilt-offering who is very poor. See Hilchot Shegagot, ch. 10.
9.
A woman suspected of adultery. This meal-offering is comparable to that of a sinner.
10.
Mentioned in Chapter 13, Halachah 6.
11.
See Halachah 3 which explains why these offerings are singled out in contrast to all others.
12.
See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot, ch. 13, for a description of the differences between these offerings.
13.
Chapter 18, Halachah 1.
14.
The rationale is that since the sacrifice is acceptable, its functions must be performed for the proper intent.
15.
Zevachim 7a interprets the phrase cited as implying: for him and not for his colleague. See Halachah 8.
16.
In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Zevachim 1:1), the Rambam states that the first verse teaches that the offering must be brought as a Paschal sacrifice and the second, that it must be brought for the sake of its owner. In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Pesachim 5:2), the Rambam quotes the Jerusalem Talmud which mentions only the second verse and states that a Paschal sacrifice that is not offered for the proper purpose is unacceptable. See also Halachah 11.
17.
Our text reflects an amended version. The standard printed text of the Mishneh Torahcontains a different prooftext.
18.
Zevachim 46b derives this principle through Biblical exegesis.
19.
I.e., even though it was slaughtered as a sin-offering, since it was not slaughtered for the sake of the sin for which the animal was originally designated, it is unacceptable.
20.
Since this is a different type of sacrifice, one might think that the situation is comparable to that stated in the following halachah, slaughtering a sin-offering for the sake of a person obligated to bring a burnt-offering. Nevertheless, since both offerings atone for sins punishable by karet, they are considered as comparable. Hence the sacrifice is disqualified (Rashi, Zevachim 9b).
21.
To atone for the failure to observe a positive commandment.
22.
I.e., the law stated in Halachah 7. From this concept, it is also possible to derive the law stated in this halachah, for the implication is that when one offers a sin-offering for the sake of another person who is obligated to bring a sin-offering, it is disqualified, but not when one offers it for the sake of another person who is not so obligated (Zevachim 7a).
23.
Hence the deceased person is not considered as obligated to bring a sacrifice. Therefore, this is not considered as an instance where one offered a sacrifice for the sake of another person obligated to bring a sacrifice.
24.
A burnt-offering to atone for the failure to observe a positive commandment.
25.
Hence he is considered to be obligated to bring a sacrifice.
Zevachim 71-7b explains that there is a difference between such a situation and a person who knows he is obligated to bring a burnt-offering (in which instance, the sin-offering is not disqualified, as stated in the previous halachah). When the person knows he must bring a burnt-offering, his atonement is associated with that offering only. When, however, he does not know that he must bring a burnt-offering, he will not seek atonement. Hence, the sin-offering he brings will bring him a certain measure of atonement for the positive commandments he did not perform. For as stated in Halachah 14, everyone has certain positive commandments that he has failed to fulfill.
26.
The Mishneh LiMelech restricts the scope of the Rambam's statements, maintaining that if at the time of slaughter or the performance of one of the other three services mentioned in Halachah 2, one has a disqualifying intent concerning receiving the blood or bringing it to the altar, the sacrifice is still acceptable.
27.
The commentaries question the Rambam's ruling, because even a sin-offering is acceptable when slaughtered as an ordinary animal. The Kessef Mishnehstates that the phrase "unto God" in the prooftext excludes slaughtering the animal for ordinary purposes. In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Pesachim 5:2), the Rambam cites the Jerusalem Talmud which states that the phrase "And you shall say, 'It is a Paschal sacrifice' excludes all other intents.
28.
See Halachot 1 and 3.
29.
The Paschal sacrifice may not be sacrificed until the afternoon of the fourteenth of Nisan. Nevertheless, since it is offered on that day, the morning is considered "the time of its sacrifice" with regard to the disqualification of an offering.
30.
There is a difference of opinion concerning this matter inZevachim 1:3. The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam maintaining that the more lenient opinion should be accepted. TheKessef Mishneh explains that the Rambam accepted the more stringent view because it is debated in the Talmud.
31.
For if it was slaughtered at such a time, it is considered as a peace-offering and a peace-offering that was slaughtered with a different intent is acceptable.
In the clause which follows, the sacrifice is unacceptable, because there is no one to partake of it and a Paschal sacrifice is brought only to be eaten (Hilchot Korban Pesach, ch. 2).
32.
At this age, it is no longer fit to be offered as a Paschal sacrifice.
33.
See Leviticus 7:15 which speaks of "the thanksgiving-peace sacrifice."
34.
For it is considered to have atoned for the person for whose sake it was sacrificed, as the Rambam proceeds to explain.
35.
And atonement for these unknown faults will be secured by this sacrifice.
36.
The heir.
37.
For it is considered to have atoned for the person for whose sake it was sacrificed, as the Rambam proceeds to explain.
38.
As stated in Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 8:1, together with the two loaves brought on Shavuot are offered several burnt offerings, among them two rams, and two sheep as communal peace-offerings.
39.
And two other sheep must be brought.
40.
As stated in Halachah 1.
41.
A skin malady similar to, but not identical with leprosy that renders one ritually impure.
42.
See Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah4:2.
43.
See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot, ch. 2.
44.
Even though the person has not fulfilled his obligation and must bring another sacrifice, he is required to bring the accompanying offerings, for the reason mentioned by the Rambam.
45.
See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim7:3.
46.
As would be required were it offered for the specified intent (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot2:5).
47.
In contrast to the guilt-offering mentioned in the previous halachah, it is customary to bring burnt-offerings as freewill offerings. Hence, the accompanying offerings should be brought accordingly.
48.
See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim2:2-3.
49.
As stated in Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 8:1, together with the two loaves brought on Shavuot are offered several burnt offerings, among them two rams, and two sheep as communal peace-offerings.
50.
The commentaries note that it is forbidden to offer the eimorim on the festival and question whether the intent is that the meat may be eaten on the festival or whether it is necessary to wait until the evening.
51.
For only obligatory sacrifices are offered on the Sabbath.
52.
Like the peace-offerings of a nazirite, rather than for a two days and a night like other peace offerings.
53.
Bread must be brought with the peace-offerings of a nazirite (Hilchot Nizirut 8:1).
54.
A skin malady similar to, but not identical with leprosy that renders one ritually impure.
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Halacha 1
When workers are working in consecrated orchards, even though it was agreed that they would receive food, they should not eat consecrated figs. If they do, they violate the prohibition against me'ilah. Instead, the Temple treasury should give them money to purchase food.
Halacha 2
When a person is threshing vetch that is consecrated, he must muzzle the ox. Although Deuteronomy 25:4 states: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is threshing," the latter phrase can be interpreted as "threshing appropriate for it."
Halacha 3
The holiness of consecrated property should not be transferred as payment for work, but only on money.
What is implied? When a craftsman performs a maneh'sworth of work for the Temple treasury, he should not be given a consecrated animal, nor a consecrated garment as payment unless its holiness is first transferred to money. After the article became ordinary property, it can be given to the craftsman as his wages. If the treasurers desire, they may then purchase the animal from the Temple treasury.
Halacha 4
When the Temple is being built, consecrated wood and stones should not be taken, nor should the building be built with the intent that it is consecrated. Instead, everything should be built from ordinary property. This is a decree lest one of the workers benefit from the shade of the building or lean on a stone or beam while working. After the building is completed, the holiness of consecrated funds is transferred to the building.
If the treasurers need wood for the Temple for that day alone, they may purchase it with consecrated funds, for they are not delaying the matter for days in which instance it would be necessary to take precautions lest one lean on them and thus violate the prohibition against me'ilah.
Halacha 5
When an agreement is made with workers to build in the Temple and its courtyards, the agreement is made for so-and-so many selaim for so-and-so many cubits, considering a cubit as containing 20 thumbbreadths. When a measurement is made of what they built, it is measured and payment determined, considering a cubit as containing 24 thumbbreadths, so that the workers will not take unfair benefit from the Temple treasury, because they are not exact in measurement.
Halacha 6
It is a stipulation of the court that the priests may benefit from consecrated salt and wood while partaking of the sacrifices granted to them as their portion. They may not, however, use the salt of the Temple on their ordinary food.
Halacha 7
The prohibition against me'ilah applies to salt that is on a limb from a sacrifice to be offered on the altar. It does not, however, apply to salt on the ramp and the top of the altar.
Halacha 8
It is appropriate for a person to meditate on the judgments of the holy Torah and know their ultimate purpose according to his capacity. If he cannot find a reason or a motivating rationale for a practice, he should not regard it lightly. Nor should he break through to ascend to God, lest God burst forth against him. One's thoughts concerning them should not be like his thoughts concerning other ordinary matters.
See how severe the Torah rules concerning misappropriating sacred property. Now if wood, stones, earth, and ash become holy because the name of the Lord of the world was called upon them through speech alone and anyone who treats them as ordinary articles violates the prohibition against me'ilah and even if he acted unknowingly, he is required to secure atonement, how much more so with regard to the mitzvot which God ordained for us should a person not treat them derisively, because he does not understand their rationale. He should not conjure up matters that are not true concerning God, nor should he think about them with his mind as he would ordinary matters. ForLeviticus 19:37 states: "And you shall guard all My decrees and all My judgments and perform them." Our Sages commented:This adjures us to guard and perform both the decrees and the judgments. The meaning of "performing" is well known, i.e,. that one should observe the decrees. "Guarding" means to treat them with caution and not think that they are any less than the judgments.
The judgments are those mitzvot whose motivating rationale is openly revealed and the benefit of their observance in this world is known, e.g., the prohibitions against robbery and bloodshed and honoring one's father and mother. The decrees are the mitzvot whose motivating rationales are not known. Our Sages said: "I ordained decrees and you have no license to question them." A person's natural inclination confronts him concerning them and the nations of the world challenge them, e.g., the prohibition of the meat of a pig, milk and meat, the calf whose neck is broken, the red heifer, and the goat sent to Azazel. To what degree did King David suffer because of the heretics and the idolaters who would issue challenges concerning the decrees! As long as they would pursue him with false retorts that they would arrange according to man's limited knowledge, he would increase his clinging to the Torah, as Psalms 119:69 states: "Willful transgressors have stacked falsehoods against me, but I guard Your precepts with a full heart." And ibid.:86 states concerning this matter: "All of Your mitzvot are faithful; they pursue me with falsehood; help me."
All of the sacrifices are in the category of decrees. Our Sages said: "The world exists for the sake of the service of the sacrifices." For through the performance of the decrees and the judgments the righteous merit the life of the world to come. And between the two of them, the Torah gave precedence to the command for the decrees, as Leviticus 18:5 states: "And you shall heed My decrees and judgments which a person will perform and live through them."
Blessed be the Merciful One who provides assistance.
This concludes the eighth book which is the Book of Temple Service.
It includes nine Halachot and 95 chapters.
They are:
Hilchot Beit HaBechirah, the Laws of God's Chosen House, 8 chapters
Hilchot K'lei HaMikdash ViHaOvdim Bo, The Laws of the Temple Utensils and Those Who Serve Within, 10 chapters
Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash, The Laws of Entry to the Sanctuary, 9 chapters
Hilchot Issurei HaMizbe'ach, The Laws of Entities Prohibited to Be Offered on the Altar, 7 chapters
Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot, The Laws of the Sacrificial Procedures, 19 chapters
Hilchot Temidim UMusafim - The Laws of Continual and Additional Offerings, 10 chapters
Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim - The Laws of Consecrated Entities that Have Been Disqualified, 19 chapters
Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim - The Laws of the Yom Kippur Service, 5 chapters
Hilchot Me'ilah - The Laws of the Misappropriation of Consecrated Property, 8 chapters
Korban Pesach - Perek 1
Halacha 1
It is a positive commandment to offer the Paschal sacrifice on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan after midday. This offering is brought only from lambs or goats, a male in its first year. Both men and women are obligated in this mitzvah.
Halacha 2
One who willfully nullifies this mitzvah and allows the fourteenth of Nisan to pass without him offering the Paschal sacrifice despite the fact that he is not impure or not on a distant journey, he is liable for karet. If he neglected the offering of this sacrifice inadvertently, he is exempt.
Halacha 3
The Paschal sacrifice may be slaughtered only in the Temple Courtyard like other sacrifices. Even when sacrificing in high places was permitted, the Paschal sacrifice would not be offered on an individual alter. Anyone who offers the Paschal sacrifice on an individual altar is liable for lashes as if he offered it in the market place, as Deuteronomy 16:5 states" "You may not sacrifice the Paschal sacrifice in one of your gates." According to the Oral Tradition, it was taught that this is warning not to slaughter a Paschal sacrifice on an individual altar even during the time when sacrificing on the high places was permitted.
Halacha 4
The slaughter of the Paschal sacrifice takes place after midday. It should not be slaughtered until the afternoon daily offering is slaughtered. After the afternoon incense offering is brought and the lamps of the Menorah are kindled, they begin slaughtering the Paschal sacrifices and continue until the end of the day.
If one slaughtered the Paschal sacrifice after midday, but before the afternoon daily sacrifice was offered, it is acceptable, but one should stir the blood of the Paschal sacrifice until the blood of the daily offering is cast on the altar. Afterwards, the blood of the Paschal sacrifice should be cast after it. If, however, the blood of the Paschal sacrifice is cast before the blood of the daily offering, it is acceptable.
Halacha 5
A person who slaughters the Paschal sacrifice at the appropriate time while possessing an olive-sized portion ofchametz is liable for lashes, as Exodus 23:18 states: "Do not slaughter sacrificial blood over chametz, i.e., that one should not offer the Paschal sacrifice while chametz continues to exist in his possession.
Whether one slaughters, casts the blood on the altar, or offers the organs and fats, if one of these individuals or one of the members of the company partaking of this Paschal sacrifice possessed chametz in his domain at the time it is offered, he is liable for lashes. The sacrifice is, however, acceptable.
Halacha 6
The blood of the Paschal sacrifice should be poured out on the base of the altar. After the blood was poured, its belly should be opened up, the fats and organs to be offered on the altar removed. The fats of each Paschal sacrifice should be offered on the pyre individually. The owner of the sacrifice should take his Paschal sacrifice with its hide to his home in Jerusalem.There he roasts it and eats it in the evening.
Halacha 7
When one leaves these fats and organs and does not offer them until they remain overnight and thus become disqualified because they remained overnight, he violates a negative commandment, as Exodus 23:18 states: "Do not leave over the festive fats until the morning." Even though he transgresses, he is not liable for lashes, for the prohibition does not involve a deed.
Halacha 8
The fats of the Paschal sacrifice may be offered on the altar's pyre until dawn.
When does the above apply? When the fourteenth of Nisan falls on the Sabbath, for fats of sacrifices offered on the Sabbath may be offered on a festival. If, however, the fourteenth fell on a weekday, this leniency is not taken, because we do not offer the fats of sacrifices offered on a weekday on a festival.
Halacha 9
The Paschal sacrifice should be offered in three groups, as implied by Exodus 13:6 "And all of the congregation of the community of Israel shall slaughter it." Three collective terms are used "congregation," community," and "Israel." There should be no less than 30 people in each group.
Halacha 10
If there were only 50 people who came to slaughter the Paschal sacrifice, thirty enter the Temple Courtyard and slaughter their sacrificial animals. Ten depart and another ten enter. Then ten more depart and another ten enter.
Halacha 11
If there are less than 50 people who seek to offer Paschal sacrifices, the initial preference is not to offer that sacrifice. If, however, it was offered, it is acceptable. If all the Jewish people slaughtered their Paschal sacrifices at one time, it is acceptable.
How is the Paschal sacrifice slaughtered? The first group enters the Temple Courtyard until it is full. Its gates are locked and they begin slaughtering their Paschal sacrifices. As long as they are slaughtering and offering the blood, the Levites recite the Hallel. If they completed its recitation before the group completed its sacrifice, the Hallel is repeated. If they completed its repetition before the group completed its sacrifice, the Hallel is recited a third time. There was never a situation where the Hallel was completed a third time.
Halacha 12
For every time the Hallel is read, three blasts are sounded with the trumpets, a tekiah, teruah, and tekiah. Since these sacrifices are not accompanied by libations for the trumpets to be sounded when they are offered, they are sounded when the sacrifices are slaughtered.
Halacha 13
The priests stand in lines, holding silver and gold vessels in their hands. One line would all hold silver ones and another, all gold, without them mixing together so that it would be attractive.
The vessels did not have flat bottoms so that they would not be placed down and the blood allowed to coagulate.
Halacha 14
A slaughterer slaughters the sacrificial animal and a priestreceives its blood, gives to his colleague, who gives it to his colleague - so that many will be involved in the mitzvah - until the blood reaches the priest near the altar. He should pour it in a single action towards the altar's base. He receives a full vessel and returns the empty one.
Afterwards, the sacrificial animal is hung and skinned entirely. Its belly is ripped open and its innards are pressed until the filth and waste are removed from them. The organs and fats to be offered are removed, placed in a vessel, salted, and offered by a priest on the altar.
How is the sacrificial animal hung and skinned? There were iron pegs affixed in the walls and the pillars of the Temple Courtyard. The sacrificial animals were hung and skinned on them. For those who did not find a place to hang his animal, there were thin, smooth rods. One would place the rod on his shoulder and on his friend's shoulder and hang the sacrificial animal on it and skin it.
Halacha 15
After the sacrifice was completed, the gates of the Temple Courtyard are opened. The first group departs and the second group enters. Then the second group departs and the third group enters. The manner in which it was offered the first time was repeated the second time and the third time. When the third group completed its sacrificial service and departed, the Temple Courtyard is washed.
Halacha 16
If the fourteenth of Nisan fell on the Sabbath, it was offered on the Sabbath in the same way as it was offered during the week. The floor of the Temple Courtyard would be washed, for prohibitions of the category of shvutare not observed in the Temple, even when the matter is not necessary for the Temple service. For the prohibitions of shvut are released entirely in the Temple.
Halacha 17
No one would bring their Paschal sacrifices to their homes on the Sabbath. Instead, the first group would depart with their Paschal sacrifices and sit on the Temple Mount. The second group would depart with their Paschal sacrifices and sit on the surrounding rampart. And the third group would stand in their place in the Temple Courtyard. They would all wait until the conclusion of the Sabbath and then everyone would bring their Paschal sacrifice to his home.
Halacha 18
The slaughter of the Paschal sacrifice, pouring its blood on the altar, pressing out its innards, and offering its fats supersede the Sabbath prohibitions. For it is impossible to perform these before the Sabbath, because the sacrifice has a fixed time, as implied by Numbers 9:2 which states that the sacrifice must be brought "at its appointed time." Nevertheless, carrying it through the city, bringing it from outside the Sabbath limits, cutting off its wart with a utensil do not supersede the Sabbath prohibitions, because these activities could be performed before the Sabbath. If, however, he could cut it off by hand on the Sabbath, he may. If it was dried up, he may cut it off, even with a utensil, for the prohibitions defined as shvut do not apply in the Temple at all.
Similarly, roasting it and washing out its innards do not supersede the Sabbath prohibitions, because these activities can be performed after the Sabbath.
Halacha 19
If one forgot and did not bring a knife, he should not bring it on the Sabbath. Instead, he should place it between the horns of the lamb or in its wool and spur it on until it brings it to the Temple. There he should consecrate it. Although he is having an animal carry a burden for him on the Sabbath, since he is doing this in an abnormal manner and because of the mitzvah, it was permitted.
When does this apply? When he has not consecrated his Paschal sacrifice as of yet or said: "This is a Paschal sacrifice." If, however, he consecrated it, he should not have a knife carried upon it, because he is having work performed by a consecrated animal.
Why was a person permitted to consecrate his Paschal sacrifice on the Sabbath? Since the sacrifice has a fixed time, it is permitted to consecrate it on the Sabbath. Similarly, a person may consecrate his festive offering on a festival without any concern.
Halacha 20
When a person slaughters his Paschal sacrifice and it is discovered to have a disqualifying physical blemish or it istreifah. he may slaughter another one whether on the weekday or on the Sabbath. He may proceed and slaughter one hundred one after the other until one is acceptable or until night falls and his offering of the sacrifice is postponed until the Second Pesach, because he was prevented by forces beyond his control.
Korban Pesach - Perek 2
Halacha 1
The Paschal sacrifice should be slaughtered only for the sake of those who were enumerated for partaking of it, asExodus 13:4 states: "Everyone... should be enumerated on the lamb." The implication is that one should be enumerated on it while it is alive. Those enumerated on a Paschal sacrifice are referred to as "the members of the company."
Halacha 2
When one individual sacrifices a Paschal sacrifice for himself alone, it is acceptable, provided he is capable of partaking of it in its entirety. As an initial preference, an endeavor is made not to sacrifice the Paschal sacrifice for the sake of one individual alone, for Numbers 9:12 states: "They shall offer it."
Halacha 3
The Paschal sacrifice should be slaughtered only for those who are fit to partake of it. If one of the members of the company was a minor, an elder person, or infirm, he may be counted among those for whom the Paschal sacrifice is slaughtered if he is capable of eating an olive-sized portion. If not, he may not be counted among them, as implied byExodus 12:4: "A person according to his capacity to eat," indicating that he must be fit to partake of it. Even if the company includes 100, if any one of them is not capable of eating an olive-sized portion, he may not be counted among those for whom it is slaughtered.
Halacha 4
A company should not be composed of solely women and servants or minors and servants so that frivolity will not be found among them. A company may, however, be made entirely of women even for the second Paschal sacrifice or entirely of servants. Minors may be counted among the company for whom the Paschal sacrifice is slaughtered, but a company may not be comprised solely of minors, for they are not intellectually mature.
Similarly, a company should not be made up solely of the infirm, the elderly, or those in an acute state of mourning. Even though they are capable of eating, since they will eat only a meager amount, it is possible that they will leave over from the Paschal sacrifice and cause it to become unacceptable. If they transgressed and had a Paschal sacrifice slaughtered for such a company, it is acceptable. Similarly, a company should not be made up solely of converts, lest they not be precise concerning it and cause it to be disqualified. If a Paschal sacrifice was slaughtered for such a company, it is acceptable.
Halacha 5
If a Paschal sacrifice was slaughtered for people who were not enumerated upon it or for individuals whom none could eat an olive-sized portion or it was slaughtered for the uncircumcised or those impure, it is unacceptable. If it was slaughtered for one who could partake of it and one who could not partake of an olive-sized portion, for those enumerated on it and for others not enumerated on it, for circumcised and uncircumcised, for the pure and the impure, it is acceptable. Those who are fit to partake of it eat according to law; it is as if he did not have the others in mind.
Halacha 6
If the Paschal sacrifice was slaughtered for the sake of the circumcised, but its blood was cast on the altar for the sake of the circumcised and the uncircumcised, it is unacceptable. The rationale is that casting the blood is more severe, because it is the fundamental dimension of the sacrifice.
If he slaughtered it for the circumcised so that the uncircumcised will derive atonement through it, it is unacceptable, because he had the uncircumcised in mind when casting the blood. If he slaughtered it for the sake of those who would partake of it so that its blood would be cast for those who would not partake of it, the Paschal sacrifice is acceptable, but no one fulfills their obligation with it, because the ones who will partake of it were not in mind when the blood was cast.
Halacha 7
When one was healthy at the time the sacrificial animal was slaughtered, but sick at the time its blood was cast or sick at the time of slaughter, but healthy at the time the blood was cast, the sacrificial animal should not be slaughtered, nor its blood cast for him unless he is healthy from the time it was slaughtered until its blood was cast.
Halacha 8
A person may have a sacrificial animal slaughtered for the sake of his son or daughter who are below majority and for his Canaanite servants and maidservants,whether with their consent or without their consent. He may not, however, slaughter for the sake of his son or daughter who are above majority or for the sake of his Hebrew servants and maidservants or for the sake of his wife without their consent. If they were silent and did not protest, they are considered to have consented.
Halacha 9
If one slaughtered a sacrificial animal for the sake of his son or daughter who are below majority and/or for his Canaanite servants and maidservants and they went and had one slaughtered for themselves, they fulfill their obligation by partaking of their master's sacrifice.
Halacha 10
If one slaughtered a sacrificial animal for the sake of his wife, his son or daughter who are above majority and/or for his Hebrew servants and maidservants and they went and had one slaughtered for themselves, there is no greater protest than this. They fulfill their obligation by partaking of their own sacrifice.
Halacha 11
When a woman is living in her husband's home and her father slaughters for her and her husband slaughters for her, she should partake of her husband's. If she was hurrying to go to her father's home on the first festival after her wedding as is the pattern of all women and both her father and her husband slaughtered for her, she should partake of her father's. From this point onward, she should eat at the place she desires, provided it is clear where she desires to eat at the time of slaughter.
Similarly, if two guardians sacrifice on behalf of an orphan, the orphan should eat where he desires. When does the above apply? To an orphan below majority. If, however, he is above majority, it is as if he was enumerated on two Paschal sacrifices. And when one enumerates himself on two Paschal sacrifices, he may partake only of the one slaughtered first.
Halacha 12
With regard to a Canaanite servant of two partners, if they are untrusting of each other, suspecting that the other will steal the servant, he should not partake of either of their Paschal sacrifice. If they are not untrusting, he may eat where he desires.
Halacha 13
A person who is half a servant and half free, he should not partake of his masters, nor of his own until he attains his freedom.
Halacha 14
To what extent can people be enumerated on a Paschal sacrifice? Until there is an olive-sized portion for each one.
One may be enumerated upon it and remove himself from it until it is slaughtered. Once it is slaughtered, he may not remove himself from it, for it was already slaughtered on his behalf.
The following rules apply when some people were enumerated on a sacrificial animal and others came and enumerated themselves on the same animal. If there is an olive-sized portion for the first, they may partake of it and are exempt from bringing a second Paschal sacrifice. The later ones who were added until there was not an olive-sized portion for each person should not partake of it and are obligated to offer a second Paschal sacrifice.
Halacha 15
When a person enumerates others on his portion of the Paschal sacrifice without the other members of his company knowing, the members of the company are entitled to give him his portion after it was roasted at the time when the sacrifice is eaten. The members of the company partake of their portion and he eats together with the others whom he enumerated in a second company.
Similarly, if one of the members of a company is a glutton, the members of the company are permitted to remove him and give him his portion which he will eat in his own company. If he is not a glutton, they may not divide.
• English Text | Video Class• Sunday, Iyar 7, 5776 · May 15, 2016• "Today's Day"
Wednesday Iyar 7, 22nd day of the omer 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Emor, Revi'i with Rashi.
Tehillim: 39-43.
Tanya: All these (p. 243)...the blessed En Sof. (p. 245).
When one enwraps himself with the tallit gadol (large tallit) it is unnecessary to cover his head and face down to his mouth; this is indicated in the laws of tzitzit in the siddur (p. 11). It is our custom, however, to cover the eyes1 with the upper part of the tallit.
During the days of sefira it is customary to study tractate Sota, one page each day2 - in addition to one's regular study sessions.
FOOTNOTES
1.I.e. to cover the head and face, down to past the eyes.
2.The number of pages in Sota, 49, coincides with the 49 days of the omer. One should begin this study on the First day of Chol Hamo'ed. Viz. sicha, Shavuot 5710, section 15.
• Daily Thought:
Kosher Yearnings
He sits and yearns for a thing he should not have.
The yearning itself is good—to live is to yearn. If there’s nothing for which you yearn, you can hardly be said to be alive.
It’s the form this yearning has taken that is death itself.
So the form must be crushed. Extinguished like the embers of an abandoned campfire in a dry forest.
And then that yearning can be freed, the flame of life that burns inside. That was always good. The yearning—that is life.
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