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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Sunday, Av 21, 5777 · August 13, 2017Today in Jewish History:
• Passing of R. Chaim Brisker (1918)Passing of Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik of Brisk (1853-1918), outstanding Talmudic scholar and Jewish leader.
Daily Quote:
The Egyptian Exodus involved breaking the bonds and limitation of Egypt in order to escape it. Chassidic teaching instructs to take this one step further: to step out of worldly limitations and bounds while remaining in the world. While functioning within the world we must transcend its limitations... [Hayom Yom, Tevet 25]
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Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Re'eh, 1st Portion Deuteronomy 11:26-12:10 with Rashi
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Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 104 - 105
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Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 7
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Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5777 · August 13, 2017
Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 7
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“Fortunate are we. How good is our portion, how pleasant is our lot....”1
In this prayer, which is recited as part of the introductory morning prayers preceding Hodu, we offer thanks to G‑d for our “portion” and “lot” — His self-revelation to every individual Jew. These same terms appear together in a similar context in the following two successive verses:2
ה׳ מנת חלקי וכוסי וגו׳, חבלים נפלו לי וגו׳
“G‑d is the allotment3 of my portion and of my cup; [You support my lot]. The tracts [apportioned by lot] have fallen unto me pleasantly; [yea, I have a goodly heritage].”
These verses together indicate that the Jews’ pleasant portion and lot is an irradiation of G‑dly light. A question, however, arises: Why is the G‑dliness that illumines our souls referred to by both terms, both as “our portion” and as “our lot,” when “portion” can refer to any one of several identical benefactions, while “lot” indicates something which is granted exclusively to a particular individual who wins a lottery, for example, having been chosen by “lot”?
להבין לשון חלקנו וגורלנו
In order to understand the terms “our portion” and “our lot,”
צריך לבאר היטב לשון השגור במאמרי רז״ל: אין לו חלק באלקי ישראל
one must properly explain a common4 expression in the teachings of our Sages, of blessed memory, viz.: “He has no part in the G‑d of Israel.”
כי הגם דלכאורה לא שייך לשון חלק כלל באלקות יתברך
Now it would seem that a term like “part” cannot possibly be applied to G‑d,
שאינו מתחלק לחלקים, חס ושלום
because He is not divisible into parts, Heaven forfend.
G‑d is the ultimate in simple and uncompounded unity, the very antithesis of divisibility; nevertheless we find that our Sages here use the term “part” in relation to G‑d. How can this be?
We must perforce conclude that though G‑d Himself is indivisible, the G‑dly illumination that descends into Jewish souls can be described with the word “part”, inasmuch as it is revealed in parts, so to speak, as shall soon be explained.
אך הענין, כמו שכתוב ביעקב: ויקרא לו אל אלקי ישראל
This concept can be understood by considering a verse concerning Jacob:5 “And he called Him ‘E‑l, G‑d of Israel.’ ”
The Alter Rebbe now goes on to explain the meaning of the verse in order to answer a number of simple questions: (a) Until this verse the name “Jacob” is used consistently; why does this verse suddenly change to “Israel”? (b) How does this conclusion of the verse relate to its beginning, “And he set up an altar”? (c) What is novel about the epithet, “E‑l, G‑d of Israel”?
פירוש
The meaning [of this verse is as follows]:
כי הנה באמת הקב״ה כשמו כן הוא
In truth, the Holy One, blessed is He, is true to His Name.
On the one hand, the phrase “Holy One” (in the Hebrew original, קדוש) implies that G‑d stands above and apart from creation, while “blessed be He” (where the Hebrew ברוך, lit., “blessed”, also means to descend and be revealed) implies that the level of G‑dliness which previously was “holy” and “apart” — the indirect “He” in the phrase quoted — is drawn down into the world in a revealed manner, as will soon be explained.
כי אף דאיהו ממלא כל עלמין עליונים ותחתונים
Though He permeates all the upper and lower worlds,
מרום המעלות עד מתחת לארץ הלזו החומרית
from the peak of all levels to this lowly corporeal world,
G‑d permeates and is present to an equal degree in all worlds. It should be noted that the term “permeates all worlds” used here, does not refer to the degree of contracted G‑dliness that is generally said to “fill all worlds” according to their individual capacity to retain it. Rather, here the Alter Rebbe refers to G‑d’s permeating all worlds to an equal degree.
כמו שכתוב: הלא את השמים ואת הארץ אני מלא
as it is written,6 “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth” —
אני ממש
i.e., “I, My very self,”
דהיינו מהותו ועצמותו, כביכול, ולא כבודו לבד
meaning G‑d’s very Being and Essence, as it were, and not only His glory —
In another verse we find,7 “The earth is filled with His glory.” That verse alludes merely to the “glory” and radiation of G‑dliness. Here, however, the words “I fill” refer to G‑d’s very Essence permeating all worlds.
Now, although G‑d Himself permeates and is to be found in all worlds:
אף על פי כן הוא קדוש ומובדל מעליונים ותחתונים, ואינו נתפס כלל בתוכם, חס ושלום
He is nevertheless “holy” in the sense of “apart from” the upper and lower worlds, and is not at all contained in them, Heaven forfend,
כתפיסת נשמת האדם בגופו, על דרך משל
in the way, by analogy, that the soul of man is contained in his body, and is affected by the changes within it. Unlike the soul, G‑d is not at all affected by the worlds in which He is to be found,
כמו שכתוב במקום אחר באריכות
as explained elsewhere at length.8
ולזאת
For this reason, i.e., since G‑d is entirely distinct and apart from all worlds,
לא היו יכולים לקבל חיותם ממהותו ועצמותו לבד, כביכול
they could not receive their life-force from His Being and Essence in itself, as it were.
רק התפשטות החיות אשר הקב״ה מחיה עליונים ותחתונים
Rather, the diffusion of the life-force whereby the Holy One, blessed be He, animates the upper and lower worlds
הוא, על דרך משל, כמו הארה מאירה משמו יתברך
is, metaphorically speaking, like a radiation shining forth from His Name,
G‑d’s Name is itself a mere radiation; from it there emanates yet another radiation.
שהוא ושמו אחד
for He and His Name are One — for which reason a ray that emanates from His Name is able to animate the various worlds.
וכמו שכתוב: כי נשגב שמו לבדו
Thus it is written,9 “For [even] His Name alone is exalt-ed”; i.e., G‑d’s Name is exalted “alone”, standing apart from all the worlds which it transcends,
רק זיוו והודו על ארץ ושמים
while only His reflection and10 “His splendor are on the earth and the heavens.”
Thus, all of creation exists from but a radiation of G‑d’s Name, which, as previously mentioned, is itself merely a radia-tion.
והארה זו מתלבשת ממש בעליונים ותחתונים, להחיותם
This radiation actually vests itself in the upper and lower worlds in order to animate them.
At this level, the G‑dly life-force is not merely present in created beings and worlds, but actually vests itself in them: it contracts and adapts to the spiritual capacity of each particular world in which it is vested, and is integrated within it.
ונתפשת בתוכם על ידי ממוצעים רבים
It is contained in them by means of many intermediaries, i.e., levels that are related both to the levels above and below them, thereby enabling them to serve as conduits for the transference of the radiation,
וצמצומים רבים ועצומים
and by means of numerous and intense contractions,
“Numerous” describes the quantitative diminution of Divine light and life-force; “intense” alludes to their qualitative diminution, whereby the light that emerges after the contraction is entirely different from the light that originally emanated before being screened and contracted.
בהשתלשלות המדרגות, דרך עלה ועלול וכו׳
in a downward, chainlike progression through the levels of the various worlds, in a sequence of cause and effect, and so on.
Within every world the lower level develops from the higher level by way of cause and effect, the higher level serving as the cause and source of the lower.
After all these contractions and descents, then, the light manifests itself within the various worlds by becoming vested in them.
FOOTNOTES
1. Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 17.
2. Tehillim 16:5-6.
3.The Rebbe here refers the reader to Tanya, Part I, ch. 18, which states that “the blessed Ein Sof is garbed in the faculty of wisdom in the human soul, of whatever sort of a Jew he may be, ...[and this faculty of Chochmah] is beyond any graspable knowledge or intelligence.”
[I.e., G‑d apportions His light to various individuals in a superrational manner — by lot, so to speak.]
4. Commenting on the term “common”, the Rebbe notes: “So far, I have found the above-quoted expression (‘He has no part...’) in one place only (in Midrash Tanchuma, end of Parshat Tazria). In many places, by contrast, we find, ‘You have no part [in the G‑d of Israel],’ (as in Bereishit Rabbah2:4, with further references indicated there, and as quoted in Torah Or, beginning of p. 30a). We likewise find, ‘They have no part [in the G‑d of Israel]’ (Berachot 63b). [Why, then, does the Alter Rebbe quote the less frequent form?] It is quite possible that [with a statement as drastic as this] the Alter Rebbe did not want [to address the reader in] the second person nor [apply it to others in] the plural form — a reluctance that may readily be appreciated.”
5. Bereishit 33:20.
6. Yirmeyahu 23:24.
7. Yeshayahu 6:3.
8. Likkutei Amarim, Part I, ch. 42.
9. Tehillim 148:13.
10. Tehillim 148:13.
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Today's Mitzvah
Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5777 · August 13, 2017
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Positive Commandment 197
Lending Money
"If you lend money to My people, the poor among you"—Exodus 22:24.
We are commanded to lend money to the impoverished, in order to help relieve them and ease their burden. This mitzvah is even greater than that of giving charity; for one who has already reached the point where he has to openly ask people for money is less bothered and pained by [having to ask for assistance] than one who has not yet reached this level. He therefore needs assistance to keep his situation from being known and reaching such a level.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Demanding Payment of a Loan from a Destitute Borrower
"You shall not be to him as a creditor"—Exodus 22:24.
It is forbidden to demand payment of a debt from a borrower if the lender is aware that the borrower has not the means to repay. It is even forbidden for the lender to pass before the borrower [lest his presence, and therefore the acute awareness that he owes him money, shame him].
Demanding repayment of a debt that includes interest is also included in this prohibition.
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Deuteronomy Chapter 11
26Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse. כורְאֵ֗ה אָֽנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם בְּרָכָ֖ה וּקְלָלָֽה:
A blessing and a curse: [i.e.,] those that were stated, [respectively,] on Mount Gerizim and on Mount Ebal.
ראה אנכי נותן לפניכם היום ברכה וקללה: האמורות בהר גריזים ובהר עיבל:
27The blessing, that you will heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today; כזאֶת־הַבְּרָכָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְע֗וּ אֶל־מִצְוֹת֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָֽנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּֽוֹם:
The blessing: on the condition that you listen [and obey].
את הברכה: על מנת אשר תשמעו:
28and the curse, if you will not heed the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn away from the way I command you this day, to follow other gods, which you did not know. כחוְהַקְּלָלָ֗ה אִם־לֹ֤א תִשְׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מִצְוֹת֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וְסַרְתֶּ֣ם מִן־הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָֽנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם לָלֶ֗כֶת אַֽחֲרֵ֛י אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־יְדַעְתֶּֽם:
[If you… depart] from the way that I command you this day, to follow [other gods]: This teaches that whoever worships idols departs from the entire path that Israel has been commanded. From here [our Rabbis] said: One who acknowledges [the divinity of] pagan deities is as though he denies the entire Torah. — [Sifrei]
מן הדרך אשר אנכי מצוה אתכם היום ללכת וגו': הא למדת שכל העובד עבודה זרה הרי הוא סר מכל הדרך שנצטוו ישראל. מכאן אמרו כל המודה בעבודה זרה ככופר בכל התורה כולה:
29And it will be, when the Lord, your God, will bring you to the land to which you come, to possess it, that you shall place those blessing upon Mount Gerizim, and those cursing upon Mount Ebal. כטוְהָיָ֗ה כִּ֤י יְבִֽיאֲךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה בָא־שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה אֶת־הַבְּרָכָה֙ עַל־הַ֣ר גְּרִזִּ֔ים וְאֶת־הַקְּלָלָ֖ה עַל־הַ֥ר עֵיבָֽל:
you shall place those blessing: As the Targum [Onkelos] renders it: יָת מְבָרְכַיָא,“those who bless.”
ונתתה את הברכה: כתרגומו ית מברכיא, את המברכים:
upon Mount Gerizim: [עַל, usually “upon,” here means] “facing Mount Gerizim.” [The Levites] turned their faces [toward the mountain] and began with the blessing:“Blessed is the man who does not make any graven or molten image….” Each of the curses in that section [beginning Deut. 27:15] were first stated in the expression of a blessing. Afterwards, they turned their faces towards Mount Ebal and began [to recite the corresponding] curse. — [Sotah 32a]
על הר גרזים: כלפי הר גרזים הופכין פניהם ופתחו בברכה, ברוך האיש אשר לא יעשה פסל ומסכה וגו'. כל הארורים שבפרשה אמרו תחלה בלשון ברוך ואחר כך הפכו פניהם כלפי הר עיבל ופתחו בקללה:
30Are they not on the other side of the Jordan, way beyond, in the direction of the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites, who dwell in the plain, opposite Gilgal, near the plains of Moreh? להֲלֹא־הֵ֜מָּה בְּעֵ֣בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן אַֽחֲרֵי֙ דֶּ֚רֶךְ מְב֣וֹא הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ בְּאֶ֨רֶץ֙ הַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֔י הַיּשֵׁ֖ב בָּֽעֲרָבָ֑ה מ֚וּל הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל אֵ֖צֶל אֵֽלוֹנֵ֥י מֹרֶֽה:
Are they not [on the other side of the Jordan]?- [: Moses] gave [geographical] landmarks [describing the mountains].
הלא המה: נתן בהם סימן:
beyond: Heb. אַחֲרֵי, [I.e.,] after crossing the Jordan, much further on in distance, for that is the meaning of the expression אַחֲרֵי, “beyond”; wherever [the term] אַחֲרֵי is used, [it signifies]“a great separation [in time or place].”
אחרי: אחר העברת הירדן הרבה והלאה למרחוק. וזהו לשון אחרי. כל מקום שנאמר אחרי, מופלג הוא:
[on the other side of the Jordan, way beyond,] in the direction of the sunset: [i.e.,] beyond the Jordan, toward the west. And the cantillation marks of the verse prove that [אַחֲרֵי and דֶּרֶךְ] refer to two separate things, for they are marked with two [conjunctive] accents [thus demonstrating that these words are not connected]: אַחֲרֵי is punctuated with a pashta [which separates the word from the succeeding one], and דֶּרֶךְ is punctuated with a mashpel [which we call a yetib]. In addition, [the ד of the word דֶּרֶךְ has a dagesh inside it [which indicates that the word דֶּרֶךְ begins a new phrase or topic]. If, however, אַחֲרֵי דֶרֶךְ were one phrase [meaning “beyond the direction”], then אַחֲרֵי would have been punctuated by a conjunctive accent, namely a shofar hafuch [which we call a mahpach] and דֶּרֶךְ by a pashta [the combination of which indicates the connection between those words. Additionally, the ד of the word דֶּרֶךְ] would not have a dagesh inside it. [But this is not so, and thus אַחֲרֵי and דֶּרֶךְ are separate words in this verse.]
דרך מבוא השמש: להלן מן הירדן לצד מערב. וטעם המקרא מוכיח שהם שני דברים, שננקדו בשני טעמים, אחרי נקוד בפשטא, ודרך נקוד במשפל והוא דגוש, ואם היה אחרי דרך דבור אחד, היה נקוד אחרי במשרת בשופר הפוך, ודרך בפשטא ורפה:
opposite: Far off from Gilgal.
מול הגלגל: רחוק מן הגלגל:
[near] the plains of Moreh: This is Shechem, as is stated:“to the place of Shechem, to the plain of Moreh” (Gen. 12:6).
אלוני מורה: שכם הוא, שנאמר (בראשית יב, ו) עד מקום שכם עד אלון מורה:
31For you are crossing the Jordan, to come to possess the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you, and you shall possess it and dwell in it. לאכִּ֤י אַתֶּם֙ עֹֽבְרִ֣ים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן לָבֹא֙ לָרֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם נֹתֵ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖הּ וִֽישַׁבְתֶּם־בָּֽהּ:
For you are crossing the Jordan: The miracles [that will occur for you during your crossing] of the Jordan will be a sign in your hands that you will come and inherit the land [as promised]. — [Sifrei]
כי אתם עוברים את הירדן וגו': נסים של ירדן יהיו סימן בידכם שתבואו ותירשו את הארץ:
32And you shall keep to perform all the statutes and ordinances that I am setting before you today. לבוּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָֽנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם הַיּֽוֹם:
Deuteronomy Chapter 12
1These are the statutes and ordinances that you shall keep to perform in the land which the Lord God of your fathers gives you to possess all the days that you live on the earth. אאֵלֶּה הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֘ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֒ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֩ נָתַ֨ן יְהֹוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֧י אֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ לְךָ֖ לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ כָּ֨ל־הַיָּמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם חַיִּ֖ים עַל־הָֽאֲדָמָֽה:
2You shall utterly destroy from all the places where the nations, that you shall possess, worshipped their gods, upon the lofty mountains and upon the hills, and under every lush tree. באַבֵּ֣ד תְּאַבְּד֠וּן אֶת־כָּל־הַמְּקֹמ֞וֹת אֲשֶׁ֧ר עָֽבְדוּ־שָׁ֣ם הַגּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם יֹֽרְשִׁ֥ים אֹתָ֖ם אֶת־אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם עַל־הֶֽהָרִ֤ים הָֽרָמִים֙ וְעַל־הַגְּבָע֔וֹת וְתַ֖חַת כָּל־עֵ֥ץ רַֽעֲנָֽן:
You shall utterly destroy: Destroy and then destroy them again. From here [we derive that] one who eradicates idolatry must thoroughly uproot it [i.e., remove every trace of it]. — [A.Z. 45b]
אבד תאבדון: אבד ואחר כך תאבדון מכאן לעוקר עבודה זרה שצריך לשרש אחריה:
from all the places where the nations,… worshipped: And what shall you destroy from them? Their gods that are on the mountains, etc.
את כל המקומות אשר עבדו שם וגו': ומה תאבדון מהם, את אלהיהם אשר על ההרים:
3And you shall tear down their altars, smash their monuments, burn their asherim with fire, cut down the graven images of their gods, and destroy their name from that place. גוְנִתַּצְתֶּ֣ם אֶת־מִזְבְּחֹתָ֗ם וְשִׁבַּרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔ם וַֽאֲשֵֽׁרֵיהֶם֙ תִּשְׂרְפ֣וּן בָּאֵ֔שׁ וּפְסִילֵ֥י אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם תְּגַדֵּע֑וּן וְאִבַּדְתֶּ֣ם אֶת־שְׁמָ֔ם מִן־הַמָּק֖וֹם הַהֽוּא:
altar: [constructed] of many stones.
מזבח: של אבנים הרבה:
monument: [constructed] of one stone. This is the בִּימוּס [the pedestal for an idol] concerning which we learn in the Mishnah (A.Z. 3:7): A stone that was originally carved for an idol’s pedestal.
מצבה: של אבן אחת, והוא בימוס ששנינו במשנה (ע"ז מז ב) אבן שחצבה מתחלתה לבימוס:
asherah: a tree that is worshipped.
אשרה: אילן הנעבד:
and destroy their name: By giving them disgraceful nicknames. What they call בֵּית גליא,“exalted temple,” [you] should call בֵּית כְּלִיָא,“dug out house,” what they call עַיִן כָּל,“the all-seeing eye,” [you] should call עַיִן קוֹץ “the thorn eye.” - [A.Z. 46a]
ואבדתם את שמם: לכנות להם שם לגנאי, בית גליא קורין לה בית כריא, עין כל עין קוץ:
4You shall not do so to the Lord, your God. דלֹא־תַֽעֲשׂ֣וּן כֵּ֔ן לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם:
You shall not do so [to the Lord your God]: to burn sacrifices to God in any place you choose, but rather at the place that He will choose. Another explanation is: “And you shall tear down their altars… and destroy their name… [but] do not do so [to the Lord your God]”; this is an admonition [addressed] to one who would erase the Name [of God from any writing] or remove a stone from the altar or from the courtyard (Mak. 22a). Rabbi Ishmael said: Would it enter your mind that the Israelites would tear down the altars [of God]? Rather, [the meaning of“You shall not do so” is that] you should not do like the deeds of the nations so that your sins would cause the sanctuary of [i.e., built by] your fathers to be destroyed. — [Sifrei]
לא תעשון כן: להקטיר לשמים בכל מקום (פסוק ה), כי אם במקום אשר יבחר. דבר אחר ונתצתם את מזבחותם ואבדתם את שמם לא תעשון כן, אזהרה למוחק את השם ולנותץ אבן מן המזבח או מן העזרה. אמר רבי ישמעאל וכי תעלה על דעתך שישראל נותצין את המזבחות, אלא שלא תעשו כמעשיהם, ויגרמו עונותיכם למקדש אבותיכם שיחרב:
5But only to the place which the Lord your God shall choose from all your tribes, to set His Name there; you shall inquire after His dwelling and come there. הכִּי אִם־אֶל־הַמָּק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֨ר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ מִכָּל־שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֔ם לָשׂ֥וּם אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שָׁ֑ם לְשִׁכְנ֥וֹ תִדְרְשׁ֖וּ וּבָ֥אתָ שָּֽׁמָּה:
you shall inquire after His dwelling: Heb. לְשִׁכְנוֹ. This is the Mishkan in Shiloh.
לשכנו תדרשו: זה משכן שילה:
6And there you shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the separation by your hand, and your vows and your donations, and the firstborn of your cattle and of your sheep. ווַֽהֲבֵאתֶ֣ם שָׁ֗מָּה עֹלֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֔ם וְאֵת֙ מַעְשְׂרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְאֵ֖ת תְּרוּמַ֣ת יֶדְכֶ֑ם וְנִדְרֵיכֶם֙ וְנִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת בְּקַרְכֶ֖ם וְצֹֽאנְכֶֽם:
and your sacrifices: Obligatory peace offerings.
וזבחיכם: שלמים של חובה:
your tithes: [I.e.,] the tithe of the cattle and the second tithe, to eat them within the walls [of Jerusalem].
מעשרתיכם: מעשר בהמה ומעשר שני לאכול לפנים מן החומה:
the separation by your hand: These are the first fruits, of which it is stated: “And the kohen shall take the basket from your hand” (Deut. 26:4).
תרומת ידכם: אלו הבכורים, שנאמר בהם (דברים כו, ד) ולקח הכהן הטנא מידך:
and the firstborn of your cattle: to give them to the kohen , and he shall offer them up there.
ובכורות בקרכם: לתתם לכהן ויקריבם שם:
7And there you shall eat before the Lord, your God, and you shall rejoice in all your endeavors you and your households, as the Lord, your God, has blessed you. זוַֽאֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗ם בְּכֹל֙ מִשְׁלַ֣ח יֶדְכֶ֔ם אַתֶּ֖ם וּבָֽתֵּיכֶ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּֽרַכְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ:
as the Lord, [your God,] has blessed you: Commensurate to to the blessing, bring [the offerings]. — [Sifrei]
אשר ברכך ה': לפי הברכה הבא:
8You shall not do as all the things that we do here this day, every man [doing] what he deems fit. חלֹ֣א תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּן כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנַ֧חְנוּ עֹשִׂ֛ים פֹּ֖ה הַיּ֑וֹם אִ֖ישׁ כָּל־הַיָּשָׁ֥ר בְּעֵינָֽיו:
You shall not do as all [the things] that we do [here this day]: This refers back to [what is stated above], “For you are crossing the Jordan…” (Deut. 11:31), meaning: When you will cross the Jordan, you immediately are permitted to offer up [sacrifices] on a bamah [a temporary altar] during the entire fourteen years of conquering [the nations] and dividing [the land among the tribes], but on a bamah you may not sacrifice all that you sacrifice “here this day,” in the Mishkan , which is with you and has been anointed and is [thus] fit to sacrifice therein sin-offerings and guilt-offerings, vows and donations, whereas on a bamah , you may sacrifice only what is vowed or a donated. And that is the meaning of “every man [doing] what he deems fit” vows and donations that you donate because you deem fit to bring them, not because of any obligation [imposed upon you]; only these may you offer up on a bamah . — [Sifrei; Zev. 117b]
לא תעשון ככל אשר אנחנו עשים וגו': מוסב למעלה (דברים יא, לא) על כי אתם עוברים את הירדן וגו' כשתעברו את הירדן מיד מותרים אתם להקריב בבמה, כל ארבע עשרה שנה של כבוש וחלוק, ובבמה לא תקריבו כל מה שאתם מקריבים פה היום במשכן, שהוא עמכם ונמשח והוא כשר להקריב בו חטאות ואשמות נדרים ונדבות, אבל בבמה אין קרב אלא הנידר והנידב. וזהו איש כל הישר בעיניו, נדרים ונדבות שאתם מתנדבים על ידי שישר בעיניכם להביאם ולא על ידי חובה, אותם תקריבו בבמה:
9For you have not yet come to the resting place or to the inheritance, which the Lord, your God, is giving you. טכִּ֥י לֹֽא־בָאתֶ֖ם עַד־עָ֑תָּה אֶל־הַמְּנוּחָה֙ וְאֶל־הַנַּֽחֲלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ:
For you have not yet come [to the resting place]: All those fourteen years [of conquering and dividing the land].
כי לא באתם: כל אותן ארבע עשרה שנה:
not yet: Heb., עַד עַתָּה, the same as עִדַיִין, “not yet.”
עד עתה: כמו עדיין:
to the resting place: This is Shiloh.
אל המנוחה: זו שילה:
[or to] the inheritance: This is Jerusalem. — [Sifrei ; Zev. 119a]
הנחלה: זו ירושלים:
10And you shall cross the Jordan and settle in the land the Lord, your God, is giving you as an inheritance, and He will give you rest from all your enemies surrounding you, and you will dwell securely. יוַֽעֲבַרְתֶּם֘ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֣ם בָּאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם מַנְחִ֣יל אֶתְכֶ֑ם וְהֵנִ֨יחַ לָכֶ֧ם מִכָּל־אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֛ם מִסָּבִ֖יב וִֽישַׁבְתֶּם־בֶּֽטַח:
And you shall cross the Jordan and settle in the land: You will have apportioned it [among yourselves] and every man will recognize his portion and [the territory of] his tribe.
ועברתם את הירדן וישבתם בארץ: שתחלקוה ויהא כל אחד מכיר את חלקו ואת שבטו:
and He will give you rest: [I.e.,] after conquering and dividing [the land] and having obtained rest from the “nations which the Lord left over, through whom to test Israel” (Judg. 3:1). And that was only in the days of David. Then:
והניח לכם: לאחר כבוש וחלוק ומנוחה (שופטים ג, א) מן הכנענים אשר הניח ה' לנסות בם את ישראל. ואין זאת אלא בימי דוד, אז:
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Chapter 104
This psalm tells of the beauty of creation, describing that which was created on each of the six days of creation. It proclaims the awesomeness of God Who sustains it all-from the horns of the wild ox to the eggs of the louse.
1. My soul, bless the Lord! Lord my God, You are greatly exalted; You have garbed Yourself with majesty and splendor.
2. You enwrap [Yourself] with light as with a garment; You spread the heavens as a curtain.
3. He roofs His heavens with water; He makes the clouds His chariot, He moves [them] on the wings of the wind.
4. He makes the winds His messengers, the blazing fire His servants.
5. He established the earth on its foundations, that it shall never falter.
6. The depths covered it as a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
7. At Your exhortation they fled; at the sound of Your thunder they rushed away.
8. They ascended mountains, they flowed down valleys, to the place which You have assigned for them.
9. You set a boundary which they may not cross, so that they should not return to engulf the earth.
10. He sends forth springs into streams; they flow between the mountains.
11. They give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild animals quench their thirst.
12. The birds of the heavens dwell beside them; they raise their voice from among the foliage.
13. He irrigates the mountains from His clouds above; the earth is satiated from the fruit of Your works.
14. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and vegetation requiring the labor of man to bring forth food from the earth;
15. and wine that gladdens man's heart, oil that makes the face shine, and bread that sustains man's heart.
16. The trees of the Lord drink their fill, the cedars of Lebanon which He planted,
17. wherein birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the cypress.
18. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the rabbits.
19. He made the moon to calculate the festivals; the sun knows its time of setting.
20. You bring on darkness and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep forth.
21. The young lions roar for prey, and seek their food from God.
22. When the sun rises, they return and lie down in their dens.
23. Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening.
24. How manifold are Your works, O Lord! You have made them all with wisdom; the earth is full of Your possessions.
25. This sea, vast and wide, where there are countless creeping creatures, living things small and great;
26. there ships travel, there is the Leviathan that You created to frolic therein.
27. They all look expectantly to You to give them their food at the proper time.
28. When You give it to them, they gather it; when You open Your hand, they are satiated with goodness.
29. When You conceal Your countenance, they are terrified; when You take back their spirit, they perish and return to their dust.
30. When You will send forth Your spirit they will be created anew, and You will renew the face of the earth.
31. May the glory of the Lord be forever; may the Lord find delight in His works.
32. He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33. I will sing to the Lord with my soul; I will chant praise to my God with my [entire] being.
34. May my prayer be pleasant to Him; I will rejoice in the Lord.
35. May sinners cease from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!
Chapter 105
When David brought the Holy Ark up to the City of David, he composed this psalm and sang it before the Ark. He recounts all the miracles that God performed for the Jews in Egypt: sending before them Joseph, who was imprisoned, only to be liberated by God, eventually attaining the status of one who could imprison the princes of Egypt without consulting Pharaoh.
1. Offer praise to the Lord, proclaim His Name; make His deeds known among the nations.
2. Sing to Him, chant praises to Him, speak of all His wonders.
3. Glory in His holy Name; may the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4. Search for the Lord and His might; seek His countenance always.
5. Remember the wonders that He has wrought, His miracles, and the judgements of His mouth.
6. O descendants of Abraham His servant, children of Jacob, His chosen ones:
7. He is the Lord our God; His judgements extend over the entire earth.
8. He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He has commanded to a thousand generations;
9. the covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac.
10. He established it for Jacob as a statute, for Israel as an everlasting covenant,
11. stating, "To you I shall give the land of Canaan"-the portion of your inheritance,
12. when they were but few, very few, and strangers in it.
13. They wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.
14. He permitted no one to wrong them, and admonished kings for their sake:
15. "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do not harm My prophets.”
16. He called for a famine upon the land; He broke every source of bread.
17. He sent a man before them; Joseph was sold as a slave.
18. They afflicted his foot with chains, his soul was put into iron;
19. until the time that His words came, the decree of the Lord purified him.
20. The king sent [word] and released him, the ruler of nations set him free.
21. He appointed him master of his house and ruler of all his possessions,
22. to imprison his princes at will, and to enlighten his elders.
23. Thus Israel came to Egypt, and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham (Egypt).
24. He multiplied His nation greatly, and made it mightier than its adversaries.
25. He turned their hearts to hate His nation, to conspire against His servants.
26. He sent Moses, His servant; Aaron, whom He had chosen.
27. They placed among them the words of His signs, miracles in the land of Ham.
28. He sent darkness and made it dark, and they did not defy His word.
29. He transformed their waters to blood, and killed their fish.
30. Their land swarmed with frogs in the chambers of their kings.
31. He spoke, and hordes of wild beasts came, and lice throughout their borders.
32. He turned their rains to hail, flaming fire in their land;
33. it struck their vine and fig tree, it broke the trees of their borders.
34. He spoke, and grasshoppers came, locusts without number;
35. and it consumed all grass in their land, it ate the fruit of their soil.
36. Then He smote every firstborn in their land, the first of all their potency.
37. And He took them out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled.
38. Egypt rejoiced at their leaving, for the fear [of Israel] had fallen upon them.
39. He spread out a cloud for shelter, and a fire to illuminate the night.
40. [Israel] asked, and He brought quail, and with the bread of heaven He satisfied them.
41. He opened a rock and waters flowed; they streamed through dry places like a river,
42. for He remembered His holy word to Abraham His servant.
43. And He brought out His nation with joy, His chosen ones with song.
44. He gave them the lands of nations, they inherited the toil of peoples,
45. so that they might keep His statutes and observe His laws. Praise the Lord!
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Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5777 · August 13, 2017
Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 7
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“Fortunate are we. How good is our portion, how pleasant is our lot....”1
In this prayer, which is recited as part of the introductory morning prayers preceding Hodu, we offer thanks to G‑d for our “portion” and “lot” — His self-revelation to every individual Jew. These same terms appear together in a similar context in the following two successive verses:2
ה׳ מנת חלקי וכוסי וגו׳, חבלים נפלו לי וגו׳
“G‑d is the allotment3 of my portion and of my cup; [You support my lot]. The tracts [apportioned by lot] have fallen unto me pleasantly; [yea, I have a goodly heritage].”
These verses together indicate that the Jews’ pleasant portion and lot is an irradiation of G‑dly light. A question, however, arises: Why is the G‑dliness that illumines our souls referred to by both terms, both as “our portion” and as “our lot,” when “portion” can refer to any one of several identical benefactions, while “lot” indicates something which is granted exclusively to a particular individual who wins a lottery, for example, having been chosen by “lot”?
להבין לשון חלקנו וגורלנו
In order to understand the terms “our portion” and “our lot,”
צריך לבאר היטב לשון השגור במאמרי רז״ל: אין לו חלק באלקי ישראל
one must properly explain a common4 expression in the teachings of our Sages, of blessed memory, viz.: “He has no part in the G‑d of Israel.”
כי הגם דלכאורה לא שייך לשון חלק כלל באלקות יתברך
Now it would seem that a term like “part” cannot possibly be applied to G‑d,
שאינו מתחלק לחלקים, חס ושלום
because He is not divisible into parts, Heaven forfend.
G‑d is the ultimate in simple and uncompounded unity, the very antithesis of divisibility; nevertheless we find that our Sages here use the term “part” in relation to G‑d. How can this be?
We must perforce conclude that though G‑d Himself is indivisible, the G‑dly illumination that descends into Jewish souls can be described with the word “part”, inasmuch as it is revealed in parts, so to speak, as shall soon be explained.
אך הענין, כמו שכתוב ביעקב: ויקרא לו אל אלקי ישראל
This concept can be understood by considering a verse concerning Jacob:5 “And he called Him ‘E‑l, G‑d of Israel.’ ”
The Alter Rebbe now goes on to explain the meaning of the verse in order to answer a number of simple questions: (a) Until this verse the name “Jacob” is used consistently; why does this verse suddenly change to “Israel”? (b) How does this conclusion of the verse relate to its beginning, “And he set up an altar”? (c) What is novel about the epithet, “E‑l, G‑d of Israel”?
פירוש
The meaning [of this verse is as follows]:
כי הנה באמת הקב״ה כשמו כן הוא
In truth, the Holy One, blessed is He, is true to His Name.
On the one hand, the phrase “Holy One” (in the Hebrew original, קדוש) implies that G‑d stands above and apart from creation, while “blessed be He” (where the Hebrew ברוך, lit., “blessed”, also means to descend and be revealed) implies that the level of G‑dliness which previously was “holy” and “apart” — the indirect “He” in the phrase quoted — is drawn down into the world in a revealed manner, as will soon be explained.
כי אף דאיהו ממלא כל עלמין עליונים ותחתונים
Though He permeates all the upper and lower worlds,
מרום המעלות עד מתחת לארץ הלזו החומרית
from the peak of all levels to this lowly corporeal world,
G‑d permeates and is present to an equal degree in all worlds. It should be noted that the term “permeates all worlds” used here, does not refer to the degree of contracted G‑dliness that is generally said to “fill all worlds” according to their individual capacity to retain it. Rather, here the Alter Rebbe refers to G‑d’s permeating all worlds to an equal degree.
כמו שכתוב: הלא את השמים ואת הארץ אני מלא
as it is written,6 “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth” —
אני ממש
i.e., “I, My very self,”
דהיינו מהותו ועצמותו, כביכול, ולא כבודו לבד
meaning G‑d’s very Being and Essence, as it were, and not only His glory —
In another verse we find,7 “The earth is filled with His glory.” That verse alludes merely to the “glory” and radiation of G‑dliness. Here, however, the words “I fill” refer to G‑d’s very Essence permeating all worlds.
Now, although G‑d Himself permeates and is to be found in all worlds:
אף על פי כן הוא קדוש ומובדל מעליונים ותחתונים, ואינו נתפס כלל בתוכם, חס ושלום
He is nevertheless “holy” in the sense of “apart from” the upper and lower worlds, and is not at all contained in them, Heaven forfend,
כתפיסת נשמת האדם בגופו, על דרך משל
in the way, by analogy, that the soul of man is contained in his body, and is affected by the changes within it. Unlike the soul, G‑d is not at all affected by the worlds in which He is to be found,
כמו שכתוב במקום אחר באריכות
as explained elsewhere at length.8
ולזאת
For this reason, i.e., since G‑d is entirely distinct and apart from all worlds,
לא היו יכולים לקבל חיותם ממהותו ועצמותו לבד, כביכול
they could not receive their life-force from His Being and Essence in itself, as it were.
רק התפשטות החיות אשר הקב״ה מחיה עליונים ותחתונים
Rather, the diffusion of the life-force whereby the Holy One, blessed be He, animates the upper and lower worlds
הוא, על דרך משל, כמו הארה מאירה משמו יתברך
is, metaphorically speaking, like a radiation shining forth from His Name,
G‑d’s Name is itself a mere radiation; from it there emanates yet another radiation.
שהוא ושמו אחד
for He and His Name are One — for which reason a ray that emanates from His Name is able to animate the various worlds.
וכמו שכתוב: כי נשגב שמו לבדו
Thus it is written,9 “For [even] His Name alone is exalt-ed”; i.e., G‑d’s Name is exalted “alone”, standing apart from all the worlds which it transcends,
רק זיוו והודו על ארץ ושמים
while only His reflection and10 “His splendor are on the earth and the heavens.”
Thus, all of creation exists from but a radiation of G‑d’s Name, which, as previously mentioned, is itself merely a radia-tion.
והארה זו מתלבשת ממש בעליונים ותחתונים, להחיותם
This radiation actually vests itself in the upper and lower worlds in order to animate them.
At this level, the G‑dly life-force is not merely present in created beings and worlds, but actually vests itself in them: it contracts and adapts to the spiritual capacity of each particular world in which it is vested, and is integrated within it.
ונתפשת בתוכם על ידי ממוצעים רבים
It is contained in them by means of many intermediaries, i.e., levels that are related both to the levels above and below them, thereby enabling them to serve as conduits for the transference of the radiation,
וצמצומים רבים ועצומים
and by means of numerous and intense contractions,
“Numerous” describes the quantitative diminution of Divine light and life-force; “intense” alludes to their qualitative diminution, whereby the light that emerges after the contraction is entirely different from the light that originally emanated before being screened and contracted.
בהשתלשלות המדרגות, דרך עלה ועלול וכו׳
in a downward, chainlike progression through the levels of the various worlds, in a sequence of cause and effect, and so on.
Within every world the lower level develops from the higher level by way of cause and effect, the higher level serving as the cause and source of the lower.
After all these contractions and descents, then, the light manifests itself within the various worlds by becoming vested in them.
FOOTNOTES
1. Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 17.
2. Tehillim 16:5-6.
3.The Rebbe here refers the reader to Tanya, Part I, ch. 18, which states that “the blessed Ein Sof is garbed in the faculty of wisdom in the human soul, of whatever sort of a Jew he may be, ...[and this faculty of Chochmah] is beyond any graspable knowledge or intelligence.”
[I.e., G‑d apportions His light to various individuals in a superrational manner — by lot, so to speak.]
4. Commenting on the term “common”, the Rebbe notes: “So far, I have found the above-quoted expression (‘He has no part...’) in one place only (in Midrash Tanchuma, end of Parshat Tazria). In many places, by contrast, we find, ‘You have no part [in the G‑d of Israel],’ (as in Bereishit Rabbah2:4, with further references indicated there, and as quoted in Torah Or, beginning of p. 30a). We likewise find, ‘They have no part [in the G‑d of Israel]’ (Berachot 63b). [Why, then, does the Alter Rebbe quote the less frequent form?] It is quite possible that [with a statement as drastic as this] the Alter Rebbe did not want [to address the reader in] the second person nor [apply it to others in] the plural form — a reluctance that may readily be appreciated.”
5. Bereishit 33:20.
6. Yirmeyahu 23:24.
7. Yeshayahu 6:3.
8. Likkutei Amarim, Part I, ch. 42.
9. Tehillim 148:13.
10. Tehillim 148:13.
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5777 · August 13, 2017
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Positive Commandment 197
Lending Money
"If you lend money to My people, the poor among you"—Exodus 22:24.
We are commanded to lend money to the impoverished, in order to help relieve them and ease their burden. This mitzvah is even greater than that of giving charity; for one who has already reached the point where he has to openly ask people for money is less bothered and pained by [having to ask for assistance] than one who has not yet reached this level. He therefore needs assistance to keep his situation from being known and reaching such a level.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Lending Money
Positive Commandment 197
Translated by Berel Bell
The 197th mitzvah is that we are commanded to lend money to a poor person, in order to help him and to ease his burden. This mitzvah is even greater and of more magnitude than that of giving charity; for one who has already reached the point where he has to openly ask people for money is less bothered and pained by this [having to ask for assistance] than one who has not yet reached this level. He therefore needs assistance to keep his situation from being known and reaching such a level.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "When you lend money to My people, to the poor man among you..."
In the words of the Mechilta: "Every time the Torah uses the word im ['if' or 'when'], it indicates an optional mitzvah [i.e. 'if'] except for three" — one of the three being this verse, "When you lend money to My people, to the poor man among you...."
Our Sages also said, "The verse 'When you lend money' constitutes an obligatory commandment. [The question is asked:] You said its obligatory, but perhaps it is only optional? The Torah therefore said,2 'Extend to him any credit he needs.' This indicates that it is an obligation, not just an option."
The details of this mitzvah are explained in many passages in tractate Kesuvos3 and in Bava Basra.4
FOOTNOTES
1.Ex. 22:24.
2.Deut. 15:8.
3.48a.
4.8a.
Negative Commandment 234Demanding Payment of a Loan from a Destitute Borrower
"You shall not be to him as a creditor"—Exodus 22:24.
It is forbidden to demand payment of a debt from a borrower if the lender is aware that the borrower has not the means to repay. It is even forbidden for the lender to pass before the borrower [lest his presence, and therefore the acute awareness that he owes him money, shame him].
Demanding repayment of a debt that includes interest is also included in this prohibition.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Demanding Payment of a Loan from a Destitute Borrower
Negative Commandment 234
Translated by Berel Bell
The 234th prohibition is that we are forbidden from demanding repayment of a loan when we know that the borrower is unable to pay.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "["When you lend money to My people, to the poor man among you,] do not behave like a creditor toward him."
Our Sages said in tractate Bava Metzia:2 "What is the source for the law that when someone owes you a maneh and you know that he does not have the money to repay you, that you are not even allowed to walk in front of him? It is the verse, 'do not behave like a creditor toward him.' " The Mechilta says: "The verse, 'do not behave like a creditor toward him' teaches that you should not constantly be visible to him."
You should be aware that this prohibition includes asking for repayment of an interest-bearing loan. Our Sages therefore said,3 "One who lends money with interest also transgresses G‑d's statement (exalted be He), 'do not behave like a creditor toward him,' as explained below.4
FOOTNOTES
1.Ex. 22:24.
2.75b.
3.Bava Metzia 5:11.
4.See N237.
• 1 Chapter A Day: Edut Edut - Chapter 11English Text | Hebrew Text
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Edut - Chapter 11
1
When one does not read the Written Law, nor study the Oral Law, nor carry on ordinary social relationships, he can be assumed to be wicked and is disqualified as a witness according to Rabbinic decree. The rationale is that whenever a person has descended to such a degree, it can be assumed that he will transgress most transgressions that will present themselves to him.
א
מי שאינו לא במקרא ולא במשנה ולא בדרך ארץ הרי זה בחזקת רשע ופסול לעדות מדבריהם שכל מי שירד עד כך חזקה שהוא עובר על רוב העבירות שיבואו לידו:
2
For this reason, unlearned people should not be designated as witnesses, nor do we accept such a person's testimony unless it has been established that he observes the mitzvot, performs acts of kindness, conducts himself in an upright manner, and carries on normal social relationships. The testimony of such a person may be accepted even though he is unlearned and is unfamiliar with both the Written and Oral Law.
ב
לפיכך אין מוסרין עדות לעם הארץ ואין מקבלין ממנו עדות אא"כ הוחזק שהוא עוסק במצות ובגמילות חסדים ונוהג בדרכי הישרים ויש בו דרך ארץ מקבלין עדותו אע"פ שהוא עם הארץ ואינו לא במקרא ולא במשנה:
3
Thus one may conclude any Torah scholar may be assumed to be acceptable as a witness unless he is disqualified, and any unlearned person may be assumed to be unacceptable unless it is established that he follows just paths.
ג
נמצאת אומר כל תלמיד חכם בחזקת כשר עד שיפסל כל עם הארץ בחזקת שהוא פסול עד שיוחזק שהוא הולך בדרכי הישרים:
4
Whoever accepts the testimony of an unlearned person before it is established that he possesses the above positive qualities or before witnesses come and testify that he observes the mitzvot and carries on ordinary social relations is a commoner and will be required to face judgment, for he has forfeited the financial resources of Jews on the basis of the testimony of the wicked.
ד
וכל מי שיקבל עדות עם הארץ טרם שתהיה לו חזקה זו או קודם שיבואו עדים ויעידו שהוא נוהג במצות ובדרך ארץ הרי זה הדיוט ועתיד ליתן את הדין שהרי מאבד ממונן של ישראל על פי רשעים:
5
Similarly, base people are disqualified as witnesses by Rabbinic decree. This refers to people who walk through the marketplace eating in the presence of everyone, those who go unclothed in the marketplace when they are involved in ignoble tasks, and the like. The rationale is that they are not concerned with their own shame. All these people are considered as dogs; they will not be concerned with testifying falsely.
Included are those who partake of charity given by gentiles in public. Although they could derive this benefit in private, they denigrate themselves and accept it in public without showing concern for their honor. All of these individuals are disqualified according to Rabbinical decree.
ה
וכן הבזויין פסולין לעדות מדבריהם והם האנשים שהולכין ואוכלין בשוק בפני כל העם וכגון אלו שהולכין ערומים בשוק בעת שהן עוסקין במלאכה מנוולת וכיוצא באלו שאין מקפידין על הבושת שכל אלו חשובין ככלב ואין מקפידין על עדות שקר ומכלל אלו האוכלין צדקה של עכו"ם בפרהסיא אף על פי שאפשר להן שיזונו בצנעה מבזים עצמן ואינן חוששין כל אלו פסולין מדבריהם:
6
What is the difference between a person who is disqualified as a witness according to Scriptural Law and one who is disqualified by Rabbinic decree? The testimony of a person disqualified by Scriptural Law is nullified even though it was not announced in synagogues and houses of study that he is unacceptable.
Announcements must be made about a person who is disqualified by Rabbinic decree, by contrast, before his testimony is disqualified. Accordingly, any testimony that he gives before such announcements are made are accepted so that people who relied on him will not suffer a loss, for they did not know that he was unacceptable, and he is disqualified only by Rabbinic decree.
ו
מה בין פסול לעדות מן התורה לפסול מדבריהם שהפסול מן התורה שהעיד עדותו בטלה אע"פ שלא הכריזו עליו בבתי כנסיות ובבתי מדרשות והפסול מדבריהם צריך הכרזה לפיכך כל עדות שהעיד קודם שהכריזו עליו מקבלין אותם כדי שלא לאבד זכות העם שהרי לא ידעו שהוא פסול ואין פסולו אלא מדבריהם:
7
The testimony of one witness is acceptable with regard to the Torah's prohibitions, even though his testimony is not accepted with regard to other matters. This is evident from the fact that when a wicked person known to transgress slaughters an animal, his slaughter is acceptable. We accept his word when he says: "I slaughtered it according to law." When, however, a person is suspected of violating a particular prohibition frequently, his word is not accepted with regard to his own matters. His word is accepted, however, with regard to others.
ז
עד אחד נאמן באיסורין אף על פי שהוא פסול לשאר עדויות שהרי רשע בעבירה ששח שחיטתו כשירה ונאמן לומר כהלכה שחטתי אבל החשוד על דבר אינו נאמן על שלו אבל נאמן הוא על אחרים:
8
For this reason, a person suspected of violating a particular prohibition may serve as a judge and as a witness for others. We operate under the assumption that a person will not transgress so that others will benefit.
What is implied? The word of an unlearned person is accepted if he states: "The produce of so-and-so has been tithed." Similarly, the word of a person who is suspected of selling the meat of a firstborn is accepted if he states: "The meat which so-and-so is selling is ordinary meat." Similar principles apply with regard to other prohibitions. For the wicked fear the Torah's prohibitions, but they do not fear causing others monetary loss.
ח
לפיכך החשוד על דבר יש לו לדון בו ולהעיד בו לאחרים חזקה אין אדם חוטא כדי שיהנו אחרים כיצד נאמן עם הארץ לומר פירות פלוני מתוקנים הם ונאמן הנחשד למכור בשר בכור לומר בשר זה שמוכר פלוני חולין הוא וכן כל כיוצא בזה משאר האיסורין לפי שאימת האיסורים על הרשעים ואין אימת הממון עליהן:
9
The Kings of Israel may not testify, nor is testimony given against them, because they are strong-armed men of power who do not subjugate themselves to the yoke of the judges. Testimony may be made against a High Priest, by contrast, and he may give testimony concerning the king in the Supreme Sanhedrin, as explained.
ט
מלכי ישראל לא מעידין ולא מעידין עליהן מפני שהן אלמים בעלי זרוע ואינן נכנעין תחת עול הדיינים אבל כהן גדול מעידין עליו ומעיד הוא למלך בבית דין הגדול כמו שביארנו:
10
Our Sages had no need to list informers, epicursim, and apostates among those who are not acceptable as witnesses. For they listed only the wicked among the Jewish people. These rebellious deserters of the faith are inferior to the gentiles. Gentiles need not be saved from a pit, but neither should they be pushed into one the pious among them will receive a share in the world to come. These deserters of the faith should be pushed into a pit and should not be saved from one; they will not receive a portion in the world to come.
י
המוסרין והאפיקורוסין והמומרים לא הצריכו חכמים למנותן בכלל פסולי עדות שלא מנו אלא רשעי ישראל אבל אלו המורדין הכופרין פחותין הן מן העכו"ם שהעכו"ם לא מעלין ולא מורידין ויש לחסידיהן חלק לעולם הבא ואלו מורידין ולא מעלין ואין להן חלק לעולם הבא:
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Malveh veLoveh - Chapter 1
Introduction to Hilchos Malveh veLoveh
They contain twelve mitzvot: four positive commandments and eight negative commandments. They are:
1) to lend to a poor and destitute person;
2) not to press him for collection;
3) to press a gentile for collection of a debt he owes;
4) not to forcibly take collateral from a borrower;
5) to return collateral to its owner when he requires it;
6) not to delay giving the collateral to the poor man who owns it when he requires it;
7) not to take collateral from a widow;
8) not to take utensils used to prepare food as collateral;
9) that a lender should not loan at interest;
10) that a borrower should not take a loan given at interest;
11) that no one should be involved with the lender and the borrower of a loan given at interest - not to serve as a witness between them, not to draw up a promissory note, nor to serve as a guarantor;
12) to borrow and lend money to a gentile at interest.
These mitzvot are explained in the following chapters.
רמב"ם הלכות מלוה ולוה - הקדמה
הלכות מלוה ולוה. יש בכללן י"ב מצות, ארבע מצות עשה, ושמונה מצות לא תעשה, וזהו פרטן:
(א) להלוות לעני ומך.
(ב) שלא יגוש אותו.
(ג) ליגוש את העכו"ם.
(ד) שלא ימשכן בעל חוב בזרוע.
(ה) להחזיר המשכון לבעליו בזמן שהוא צריך לו.
(ו) שלא יאחר המשכון מבעליו העני בעת שהוא צריך לו.
(ז) שלא יחבול אלמנה.
(ח) שלא יחבול כלים שעושין בהן אוכל נפש.
(ט) שלא יתן המלוה בריבית.
(י) שלא ילוה הלוה בריבית.
(יא) שלא יתעסק אדם בין מלוה ולוה בריבית שלא יעיד ביניהן ולא יכתוב שטר ולא יערוב.
(יב) ללוות מן עכו"ם ולהלוות לו בריבית.
וביאור מצות אלו בפרקים אלו.
1
It is a positive commandment to lend money to the poor among Israel, as Exodus 23:24 states: "If you will lend money to My nation, to the poor among you." Lest one think that this is a matter left to the person's choice, it is also stated Deuteronomy 15:8: "You shall certainly loan to him."
This mitzvah surpasses the mitzvah of charity given to a poor person who asks for alms. For the latter person had already been compelled to ask, and this one has not yet sunk that low. Indeed, the Torah is very severe with regard to a person who does not lend money to a poor person, stating Ibid.:9: "Beware lest there be a defiant thought in your heart... and you look badly upon your poor brother and you not give him."
א
מצות עשה להלוות לעניי ישראל שנאמר אם כסף תלוה את עמי את העני עמך, יכול רשות תלמוד לומר העבט תעביטנו וגו' ומצוה זו גדולה מן הצדקה אל העני השואל שזה כבר נצרך לשאול וזה עדיין לא הגיע למדה זו, והתורה הקפידה על מי שימנע מלהלוות לעני שנאמר ורעה עינך באחיך האביון וגו'.
2
Whenever a person presses a poor person for payment when he knows that he does not have the means to repay the debt, he transgresses a negative commandment, as Exodus 22:24 states: "Do not act as a creditor toward him." It is, by contrast, a positive mitzvah to press a gentile for payment and to cause him exasperation, as Deuteronomy 15:3 states: "Press a gentile for payment." According to the Oral Tradition, we have learned that this is a positive commandment.
ב
כל הנוגש העני והוא יודע שאין לו מה יחזיר לו עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תהיה לו כנושה, ומצות עשה לנגוש את העכו"ם ולהצר לו שנאמר לנכרי תגוש מפי השמועה למדו שזו מצות עשה.
3
It is forbidden for one to appear before a person who owes him money when he knows that the debtor does not have the means to repay the debt. It is even forbidden to pass before him, lest one frighten him or embarrass him, even though one does not demand payment. Needless to say, this applies if he demands payment.
Just as it is forbidden for a creditor to demand payment; so, too, it is forbidden for a borrower to withhold money that he possesses due a colleague, telling him: "Go and return," as Proverbs 3:28 states: "Do not tell your colleague: 'Go and return.'"
Similarly, it is forbidden for a borrower to take a loan and use it when it is unnecessary and lose it, leaving his creditor without a source to collect the debt. This applies even if the owner is very wealthy. A person who acts in this way is wicked, as Psalms 37:21 states: "A wicked man borrows and does not pay." Our Sages commanded: "Treat money belonging to your colleague as dearly as your own."
ג
אסור לאדם להראות עצמו לבעל חובו בזמן שיודע שאין לו אפילו לעבור לפניו שלא יפחידו או יכלימו אע"פ שאינו תובעו ואין צריך לומר אם תבעו, וכשם שאסור לזה לתבוע כך אסור ללוה לכבוש ממון חבירו שבידו ולומר לו לך ושוב והוא שיש לו שנאמר אל תאמר לרעך לך ושוב, וכן אסור ללוה ליקח הלואה ולהוציאה שלא לצורך ולאבדה עד שלא ימצא בעל חוב מאין יגבה אע"פ שהמלוה עשיר גדול ועושה זה רשע הוא שנאמר לוה רשע ולא ישלם וצוו חכמים יהי ממון חברך חביב עליך כשלך.
4
When a lender demands payment of a loan - even if he is wealthy and the borrower is in a pressing situation and struggles to support his family - we are not merciful in judgment. Instead, we expropriate all the movable property" that the person owns to pay the last penny of the debt. If the movable property he owns is not sufficient, we expropriate the landed property after issuing a ban of ostracism against any person who possesses movable property or knows of movable property he possesses and does not bring it to court.
We expropriate all the landed property the borrower possesses, even if it is on lien to the ketubah of the borrower's wife or to another creditor with a prior lien. We expropriate it for this creditor. If ultimately, the person with the prior lien will come to claim the property, he may expropriate it from the creditor to whom it was given.
If the lender claims that the movable property in his domain does not belong to him, but instead was entrusted to him, rented by him, or lent to him, we do not heed his words. He must prove his statements or the property will be expropriated by the creditor.
ד
כשיתבע המלוה הלואתו אע"פ שהוא עשיר והלוה דחוק וטרוד במזונות אין מרחמין בדין אלא גובין לו חובו עד פרוטה אחרונה מכל מטלטלין שימצאו לו, ואם לא הספיקו המטלטלין גובין לו מן הקרקע אחר שמחרימין על מי שיש לו מטלטלין או מי שידע לו מטלטלין ולא יביאם לב"ד, וגובין מכל קרקע שיש לו אע"פ שהיא משועבדת לכתובת אשתו או לבעל חובו שקדם גובין לזה ואם יבא הראשון ויטרוף יטרוף, טען הלוה שמטלטלין אלו שבידי אינן שלי אלא פקדון הם בידי או שכורין או שאולין אין שומעין לו או יביא ראיה או יגבה מהן בעל חובו.
5
A creditor may not collect his due by expropriating the wardrobe of the debtor's wife or his sons, not from colored garments that were dyed for them even though they have not worn them yet, nor from new sandals that were purchased for them. These belong to the wife and the children themselves. When does the above apply? With regard to their weekday garments. The creditor may, by contrast, expropriate their Sabbath and festival garments. Needless to say, if they own rings or golden or silver ornaments, they must all be given to the creditor.
ה
אין בעל חוב גובה לא מכסות אשתו ובניו של לוה ולא מבגדים צבועים שצבען לשמן אף על פי שעדיין לא לבשו אותן ולא מסנדלים חדשים שלקחן לשמן אלא הרי אלו שלהן, בד"א בכלי החול אבל בגדי שבת והמועד גובה אותן בעל חוב ואין צריך לומר אם היו בהן טבעות וכלי זהב או כסף שהכל לבעל חובו.
6
The following rules apply when a borrower owned movable property or landed property, but also had outstanding promissory notes owed to gentiles. If he says: "All of my property is on lien to gentiles; if Jews take the property as payment for their debts, the gentiles will imprison me because of the debts I owe them, and I will be in captivity," my teachers have ruled that his words are not heeded, and the Jews are granted the right to expropriate his property. If the gentiles come and imprison him, all of Israel is commanded to redeem him.
ו
היו לו מטלטלין או קרקע והרי עליו שטר חובות לעכו"ם ואמר הרי כל נכסי משועבדין לעכו"ם ואם יטלו אותן הישראלים בחובם יאסרו אותי העכו"ם בחובן ואהיה בשביה, הורו רבותי שאין שומעין לו ויגבו הישראלים, וכשיבאו העכו"ם ויאסרוהו הרי כל ישראל מצווין לפדותו.
7
We allow a debtor consideration in the same manner that consideration is granted to a person who makes a pledge to the Temple treasury and is unable to pay it.
What is implied? The court tells the borrower: "Bring all the movable property that you own; don't leave anything, not even a needle."
After he brings his possessions, we give him from everything that he has brought:
a) food for 30 days;
b) clothing for 12 months that is appropriate for him - he should not wear silk clothes or a hat crowned with gold; instead, such garments are taken away from him and he is given appropriate garments for 12 months;
c) a couch to sit on and a bed and a mattress to sleep on; if he is a poor man, he is given a bed and a straw mattress to sleep on. These articles are not given to his wife or to his children, despite the fact that he is obligated to provide them with sustenance.
The borrower is also given his sandals and his tefillin. If he is a craftsman, he is given two of the tools of his craft of every type necessary. For example, if he is a carpenter, he is given two awls and two planes. If he has many types of one utensil and only one of another, he is granted two of the utensil of which he possesses many, and all that he owns of that he possesses one. We do not purchase other tools for him from the sale of those many tools.
Although the borrower is a farmer or a donkey driver, we do not grant him his team of oxen or his donkey. Similarly, if he is a sailor, we do not give him his ship, even though these are his only sources of livelihood. The rationale is that these articles are not considered utensils, but rather property. They should be sold with the other movable property in court and the proceeds given to the creditor.
ז
מסדרין לבעל חוב כדרך שמסדרין בערכין, כיצד אומר ללוה הבא כל המטלטין שיש לך ולא תניח אפילו מחט אחת ונותנין לו מן הכל מזון [ל'] יום וכסות י"ב חדש מכסות הראויה לו, ולא שילבש בגדי משי או מצנפת זהובה אלא מעבירין אותה ממנו ונותנין לו כסות הראויה לו לי"ב חדש, ומטה לישב עליה ומטה ומצע הראויין לו לישן עליהם, ואם היה עני מטה ומפץ לישן עליו, ואין נותנין כלים כאלו לאשתו ובניו אע"פ שהוא חייב במזונותיהם, ונותנין לו סנדליו ותפליו, היה אומן נותנין לו שני כלי אומנות מכל מין ומין כגון שהיה חרש נותנין לו שני מעצדין ושתי מגרות, היה לו מין אחד מרובה ומן אחד מועט נותנין לו שנים מן המרובה וכל שיש לו מן המועט, ואין לוקחין לו כלים מדמי המרובה, היה אכר או חמר אין נותנין לו לא צמדו ולא חמורו, וכן אם היה ספן אין נותנין לו ספינתו אע"פ שאין לו מזונות אלא מאלו אין אלו כלים אלא נכסים וימכרו עם שאר המטלטלין בבית דין וינתנו לבעל חובו.
8
The following law applies when a creditor comes to expropriate payment outside the presence of the borrower - e.g., the borrower journeyed to a distant country. If the borrower's wife seized possession of movable property belonging to her husband to sell so that she could derive her livelihood from it, it is expropriated from her and given to the creditor. The rationale is that even if her husband were present, he would not be entitled to provide for the sustenance of his wife and sons until he paid his debt in its entirety.
ח
מלוה שבא להפרע שלא בפני הלוה כגון שהיה הלוה במדינה רחוקה ותפסה האשה מטלטלין מנכסי הבעל כדי שתזון מהן מוציאין אותן מידה ונותנין לבעל חוב שאפילו היה בעלה עמה לא היה יכול לזון את אשתו ובניו עד שיפרע לו כל חובו.
Malveh veLoveh - Chapter 2
1
According to Scriptural Law, when a creditor demands payment of his debt, and the debtor possesses some property, consideration is granted to the debtor and the remainder of the possessions are granted to the creditor, as explained.
If no property belonging to the debtor is found or only those items that are granted to him in consideration are found, the debtor is enabled to go free.
We do not imprison him, nor do we tell him: "Bring proof that you are poor." We do not require him to take an oath that he has no possessions as the gentile legal process does. All of the above is included in the prohibition (Exodus 22:24): "Do not act as a creditor toward him." Instead, we tell the creditor: "If you know that this person who owes you money possesses property, go and seize it."
א
דין תורה שבזמן שיתבע המלוה את חובו אם נמצאו ללוה נכסים מסדרין לו ונותנין לבעל חובו את השאר כמו שביארנו, ואם לא נמצא ללוה כלום או נמצאו לו דברים שמסדרין לו בלבד ילך הלוה לדרכו ואין אוסרין אותו ואין אומרים לו הבא ראייה שאתה עני ולא משביעין אותו כדרך שדנין העכו"ם שנאמר לא תהיה לו כנושה, אלא אומרים למלוה אם אתה יודע נכסים לזה המחוייב לך לך ותפוס אותן.
2
If the creditor claims that the debtor possesses property, but is hiding it, and it is present within his home, according to law it is not proper for either the creditor or an agent of the court to enter his home to seize the property. Indeed, the Torah warned concerning this saying Deuteronomy 24:11: "Stand outside." We do, however, issue a ban of ostracism against anyone who owns property and does not give it to his creditor.
When, however, the Geonim of the early generations who arose after the compilation of the Talmud saw that the number of deceitful people had increased and the possibility of obtaining loans was diminishing, they ordained that a debtor who claims bankruptcy should be required to take a severe oath, comparable to a Scriptural oath, administered while he is holding a sacred article, that he does not possess any property aside from what he is given in consideration, that he has not hidden his property in the hands of others, or given the property to others as a present with the intent that it be returned.
He should include in the oath that any profit he makes and everything that comes into his possession or domain which he acquires, he will not use to provide sustenance, clothing, or care for his wife or children, that he will not give any person in the world a present. Instead, he will take from everything that he earns food for 30 days and clothing for 12 months that is appropriate for him - not the food of gluttons or drunkards, nor that enjoyed by the sons of royalty, and not the garments of the officers of the royal court, but food and clothing that is commonplace for him." Anything beyond his needs, he should give to his creditor little by little until he pays his entire debt. Before the oath is administered, a ban of ostracism is issued against anyone who knows that so and so possesses property that is either revealed or hidden and does not inform the court.
Even after this oath was ordained, neither a creditor nor an agent of the court is allowed to enter the house of the debtor. For an ordinance was not instituted to uproot the Torah's laws themselves. Instead, the debtor himself must bring out his utensils or say: "This and this is what I possess." We leave him what is appropriate for him, expropriate the rest and have him take the oath ordained as described above. This is the legal process among the Jewish community in all places.
If the debtor was seen with property after having taken this oath, and he tries to excuse himself, claiming that it belongs to others or that it was given to him as an investment, we do not accept his statements unless he brings proof. My teachers ruled in this manner.
ב
טען שיש לו והחביא אותן והרי הן בתוך ביתו אין מן הדין שיכנס לביתו לא הוא ולא שליח ב"ד שהתורה הקפידה על זה שנאמר בחוץ תעמוד, אבל מחרימין על מי שיש לו ולא יתן לבעל חובו, כשראו הגאונים הראשונים שעמדו אחר חבור הגמרא שרבו הרמאים וננעלה דלת בפני לוין התקינו שמשביעין את הלוה שבועה חמורה כעין של תורה בנקיטת חפץ שאין לו כלום יתר על דברים שמסדרין לו, ושלא החביאן ביד אחרים ושלא נתן מתנה ע"מ להחזיר וכולל בשבועה זו שכל שירויח וכל שיבא לידו או לרשותו מאשר תשיג ידו לא יאכיל ממנו כלום לא לאשתו ולא לבניו ולא ילביש אותן ולא יטפל בהן ולא יתן מתנה לאדם בעולם, אלא יוציא מכל אשר תשיג ידו מזון ל' יום וכסות י"ב חדש מזון הראוי לו וכסות הראוי לו, לא אכילת הזוללים והסובאין או בני מלכים ולא מלבושי הפחות והסגנים אלא כדרכו, וכל היתר על צרכו יתן לבעל חובו ראשון ראשון עד שיגבנו כל חובו, ומחרימין תחלה על מי שידע לפלוני נכסים גלויין או טמונין ולא יודיע לב"ד, גם אחר התקנה הזאת אין בעל חוב יכול להכנס לתוך ביתו של לוה לא הוא ולא שליח ב"ד שלא תקנו לעקור גוף התורה אלא הלוה עצמו יוציא כליו או יאמר כך וכך הוא שיש לי מניחין הראוי לו ויוציא השאר וישבע בתקנה זו וכזה דנין ישראל בכל מקומותן, נראה לו ממון אחר שנשבע שבועה זו ואמר של אחרים הוא או עסק הוא בידי אין שומעין לו עד שיביא ראייה וכן הורו רבותי.
3
When a person takes this oath that he is bankrupt and all that he earns will be given to his creditors, he may not be required to take this same oath by all of his creditors. Instead, one oath applies to all the creditors. The rationale is that this is an ordinance instituted by the later sages, and we are not precise in applying it stringently. On the contrary, we are lenient.
ג
מי שנשבע שבועה זו שאין לו כלום וכל מה שירויח יתן לב"ח אין כל אחד מבעלי חובות בא ומשביעו ששבועה אחת כוללת כל בעלי חובות, ותקנת אחרונים היא ואין מדקדקין בה להחמיר אלא להקל.
4
An exception to the above practice is made with regard to a person who has established a reputation for being poor and virtuous, and conducts himself in a trustworthy manner, and this is known to the judges and the majority of the people. If a creditor comes and seeks to make this person take the oath mentioned above, and it can be presumed that the plaintiff has no doubt about the debtor's state of poverty, but instead wishes to cause him exasperation with this oath, to torment him and to embarrass him publicly, to take revenge upon him or to force him to borrow money from gentiles or take property belonging to his wife to pay this creditor and absolve himself from taking this oath, it appears to me that it is forbidden for a God-fearing judge to have this oath administered. If he does administer this oath, he violates the Scriptural prohibition: "Do not act as a creditor toward him."
Moreover, the judge should reproach the creditor and castigate him, for he is bearing a grudge and acting according to the reckless whims of his heart. Our Sages instituted this ordinance only because of deceitful people, as implied by Deuteronomy 22:2: "Until your brother seeks it out," which can be interpreted to mean: Seek out whether your brother is deceitful or not. In this instance, since it is established knowledge that this person is poor and that he is not deceitful, it is forbidden to require him to take this oath.
Similarly, when it is established knowledge that a person is deceitful and he deals corruptly in financial matters, we presume that he possesses financial resources although he claims to be bankrupt, and he is eager to take this oath. I maintain that it is not appropriate to require him to take the oath. Instead, if it is possible for the judge to compel him to make restitution to his creditor or to place him under a ban of ostracism until he makes restitution, he should do so. The rationale is that he is presumed to possess financial resources, and paying a creditor is a mitzvah.
The general principle is: Whenever a judge performs one of these activities with the sole intent of pursuing justice, as we have been commanded to, without intending to favor either of the litigants in judgment, he has that authority, and he will receive a reward for his efforts, provided that they are carried out for the sake of heaven.
ד
מי שהוחזק שהוא עני וכשר והולך בתום והדבר גלוי וידוע לדיין ולרוב העם ובא בעל חובו להשביעו בתקנה זו והוחזק התובע שאינו מסתפק בעניות זה אלא רוצה לצערו בשבועה זו להצר לו ולביישו ברבים כדי להנקם ממנו או כדי שילך וילוה מן העכו"ם או יקח נכסי אשתו ויתן לזה עד שינצל משבועה זו, יראה לי שאסור לדיין ירא שמים להשביעו שבועה זו ואם השביעו ביטל לא תעשה של תורה לא תהיה לו כנושה, ולא עוד אלא ראוי לדיין לגעור בתובע ולטרדו מפני שהוא נוטר והולך בשרירות לבו, שלא תקנו הגאונים תקנה זו אלא מפני הרמאין והרי נאמר עד דרוש אחיך אותו דרשהו אם רמאי הוא או אינו רמאי ומאחר שהוחזק זה שהוא עני ושאינו רמאי אסור להשביעו, וכן אני אומר שמי שהוחזק רמאי ודרכיו מקולקלין במשאו ומתנו והרי הוא אמוד שיש לו ממון וטען שאין לו כלום והרי הוא רץ להשבע בתקנה זו שאין ראוי להשביעו אלא אם יש כח בדיין לעשותו עד שיפרע בעל חובו או לנדותו עד שיתן יעשה מאחר שהוא אמוד שפריעת בעל חוב מצוה, כללו של דבר כל שיעשה הדיין מדברים אלו וכוונתו לרדוף הצדק בלבד שנצטוינו לרדפו ולא לעבור הדין על אחד מבעלי דינין ה"ז מורשה לעשות ומקבל שכר, והוא שיהיו מעשיו לשם שמים.
5
Whenever a person is obligated to take this oath because of a promissory note that he is liable for, he admitted owing money to other people, and he was able to amass more property than the minimum amount allotted to him, this extra amount should be given only to the creditors who possess promissory notes. The rationale is that we suspect that the debtor may be conspiring to perpetrate deception by making an admission of a debt concerning this property.
ה
מי שנתחייב בשבועה זו מפני שטר חוב שעליו והודה לאחרים בחובות אחרים והשיגה ידו יתר על הראוי לו לא יטול היתר אלא בעלי שטרות בלבד, שמא קנוניא עושה בהודאתו על נכסיו של זה.
6
When Reuven owes Shimon 100 zuz and Levi owes Reuven 100 zuz, we should expropriate the money from Levi and give it to Shimon.
Therefore, if Reuven does not possess any property, but has promissory notes owed to him by Levi, those promissory notes are given to Shimon to collect. Accordingly, if Levi claims that the promissory note was given on faith or that it had already been paid, even though Reuven acknowledges the truth of Levi's statement, his admission is of no consequence. The rationale is that we fear that they may be conspiring to perpetrate deception to cause Shimon to lose his right to the money owed by Levi. Instead, Shimon may take an oath and expropriate the money from Levi. This is the law that applies to anyone who expropriates property; he may do so only after taking an oath.
Similarly, the following law applies to any person against whom there is an outstanding promissory note, who admits owing money to another person on his own initiative. If he does not possess enough property to pay both debts, the person with the promissory note alone is entitled to collect his due. This is ordained, because we suspect that they may be conspiring to perpetrate deception to undermine the power of the person's promissory note.
ו
ראובן שהיה חייב לשמעון מאה ולוי חייב לראובן מאה מוציאין מלוי ונותנין לשמעון, לפיכך אם אין לראובן נכסים והיו לו שטרי חוב על לוי ואמר לוי שטר אמנה הוא פרוע הוא והודה לו ראובן אין משגיחין על הודאתו שמא קנוניא הם עושין לאבד זכותו של שמעון אלא ישבע שמעון ויטול מלוי כדין כל טורף שאינו נפרע אלא בשבועה, וכן כל מי שיש עליו שטר חוב והודה לאחר מעצמו בחוב אחר אם אין לו נכסים כדי שיגבו שניהם גובה בעל השטר בלבד שלא יעשו קנוניא על שטרו של זה.
7
It is forbidden for one to lend money - even to a Torah scholar - without having witnesses observe the transaction unless the lender receives an article as collateral. It is even more commendable to have the loan supported by a promissory note.
Whenever a person gives a loan without having witnesses observe the transaction, he transgresses the prohibition (Leviticus 19:14): "Do not place a stumbling block before the blind" and brings a curse upon himself.
ז
אסור לאדם להלוות מעותיו בלא עדים ואפילו לתלמיד חכם אלא אם כן הלוהו על המשכון והמלוה בשטר משובח יתר, וכל המלוה בלא עדים עובר משום ולפני עור לא תתן מכשול וגורם קללה לעצמו.
8
When a master borrows money from his servant and afterwards frees him, he is not liable to him at all. The same laws apply when a husband borrows from his wife. The rationales are that everything that a servant acquires becomes acquired by his master, and any money that is in a woman's possession is assumed to belong to her husband, unless she brings proof that it comes from her dowry.
ח
הרב שלוה מעבדו ואח"כ שחררו או לוה מאשתו ואחר כך גירשה אין להן עליו כלום שכל מה שקנה עבד קנה רבו וכל המעות שביד האשה בחזקת בעלה אלא אם הביאה ראייה שהן מנדונייתה.
Malveh veLoveh - Chapter 3
1
Collateral may not be taken from a widow, whether she is rich or poor, whether it is taken at the time the loan is given, or after the time the loan is given, as Deuteronomy 24:17 states: "You shall not take the garment of a widow as collateral." This prohibition applies even when the court would supervise the matter.
If a creditor takes such collateral, it must be returned, even against his will. If the widow admits the debt, she must pay. If she denies its existence, she must take an oath. If the security the creditor took became lost or was consumed by fire before he returns it, he is punished by lashes.
א
אלמנה בין שהיא עניה בין שהיא עשירה אין ממשכנין אותה לא בשעת הלואה ולא שלא בשעת הלואה ולא על פי ב"ד שנאמר ולא תחבול בגד אלמנה, ואם חבל מחזירין ממנו בעל כרחו ואם תודה לו תשלם ואם תכפור תשבע, אבד המשכון או נשרף קודם שיחזיר לוקה. 1
2
Similarly, whenever a person lends money to a colleague - whether he offers the loan in exchange for collateral, he takes collateral after the loan was given, or the collateral was given him by the court - he should not take utensils that are used for making food - e.g., a mill, kneading troughs, large cooking pots, a knife used for ritual slaughter or the like - as Deuteronomy 24:6 says: "Do not take as collateral... for one is taking a life as collateral."
If a creditor takes such collateral, it must be returned, even against his will. If the security he took became lost or was consumed by fire before the creditor returns it, he is punished by lashes.
ב
וכן המלוה את חבירו בין שהלוהו על המשכון בין שמשכנו אחר הלואה בידו או על פי ב"ד לא יחבול כלים שעושין בהם אוכל נפש כגון הרחים והעריבות של עץ ויורות שמבשלין בהם וסכין של שחיטה וכיוצא בהן שנאמר כי נפש הוא חובל, ואם חבל מחזיר בעל כרחו ואם אבד המשכון או נשרף קודם שיחזיר לוקה. 2
3
When a person takes several utensils that are used to produce food - e.g., he took a kneading trough, a pot and a knife - he is liable for each utensil independently. Even if he took two utensils that are used for the same activity, he is liable for taking two utensils and is given lashes for taking each of them.
This is implied by the,verse cited above, which mentions taking "a lower millstone and an upper millstone." This indicates that he is liable for each of the millstones independently. Just as the upper millstone and the lower millstone are two utensils that serve a single purpose, and the person is liable for each one independently; so, too, a person is liable for any other two utensils independently even though they serve the same purpose. Similarly, if he takes as collateral a yoke for oxen that plow, he is liable for two transgressions.
ג
חבל כלים הרבה של אוכל נפש כגון שחבל עריבה ויורה וסכין חייב על כל כלי וכלי בפני עצמו, אפילו שני כלים שהן עושין מלאכה אחת חייב עליהן משום שני כלים ולוקה שתים על שניהם שנאמר לא יחבול רחים ורכב לחייב על הרחים בפני עצמו ועל הרכב בפני עצמו כשם שהרכב והרחים מיוחדין שהן שני כלים ומשמשין מלאכה אחת וחייב ע"ז =על זה= בפני עצמו ועל זה בפני עצמו כך כל שני כלים אע"פ שמשמשין מלאכה אחת חייב על זה בפני עצמו ועל זה בפני עצמו, וכן אם חבל צמד בקר החורש לוקה שתים. 3
4
When a person gives a loan to a colleague - whether the borrower is rich or poor - he should not take security himself. Instead, he should charge the court with this responsibility.
Moreover, even an agent of the court who comes to collect security should not enter the borrower's house to collect the security. Instead, he should stand outside. The borrower should go into his own house and bring out the security for him, as Deuteronomy 24:11 states: "You shall stand outside." 3
If so, one might ask: What is the difference between the creditor himself and the agent of the court? The agent of the court may take the security from the borrower by force and give it to the lender. The creditor himself, by contrast, may not take the security unless it is willingly given him by the borrower.
If the creditor transgressed and entered the house of the borrower and took security, or took collateral away from him by force, he is not punished by lashes. The rationale is that the prohibition can be corrected by the performance of a positive commandment, as Ibid.: 13 states: "You shall certainly return the security to him before the setting of the sun."
If he did not fulfill the positive commandment concerning it - e.g., the collateral became lost or was consumed by fire - he is punished by lashes. In such an instance, the creditor should calculate the value of the collateral, subtract it from the debt, and lodge a suit for the remainder.
ד
המלוה את חבירו [אחד] עני ואחד עשיר לא ימשכננו אלא בב"ד ואפילו שליח ב"ד שבא למשכן לא יכנס לביתו וימשכננו אלא עומד בחוץ והלוה נכנס לביתו ומוציא לו המשכון שנאמר בחוץ תעמוד, א"כ מה בין בעל חוב לשליח ב"ד ששליח ב"ד יש לו ליקח המשכון מיד הלוה בזרוע ונותנו למלוה ובעל חוב אין לו ליקח המשכון עד שיתן לו הלוה מדעתו עבר ב"ח ונכנס לבית הלוה ומשכנו או שחטף המשכון מידו בזרוע אינו לוקה שהרי ניתק לעשה שנאמר השב תשיב לו את העבוט כבוא השמש ואם לא קיים עשה שבה כגון שאבד המשכון או נשרף לוקה ומחשב דמי המשכון ותובע השאר בדין. 4
5
When a person takes collateral from a colleague, whether through the medium of the court, or he personally takes it from him either by force or by consent of the lender he is not always entitled to maintain possession. If the borrower is poor and the creditor took as collateral an article that the borrower needs, he is commanded to return the collateral to the borrower at the time that the borrower needs it. For example, he should return a pillow at night for him to sleep on it and a plow during the day for him to work with. This is implied by Deuteronomy 24:13: "You must certainly return the collateral."
If the creditor transgressed and did not return to him a utensil to be used by day during the day, or a utensil to be used at night during the night, he transgresses a negative commandment, as ibid.:12 states: "Do not sleep with his collateral." This means: "Do not go to sleep while his collateral is in your possession"; this refers to a garment worn at night. With regard to articles that he wears or uses to perform work during the day, Exodus 22:25 states: "Until the setting of the sun, return it to him" - this teaches that he must return it to him throughout the day.
If the creditor must return the collateral to the debtor when he needs it, and may take it only when he does not need it, of what benefit is the collateral to him?
a) So that the debt will not be nullified in the Sabbatical year;
b) So that the collateral will not be considered part of the movable property inherited by the debtor's sons. Instead, the creditor may take payment from the collateral after the borrower dies.
Thus, a person who takes an object as collateral from a poor person who needs it and fails to return it at the appropriate time violates three commandments: "You shall not enter his house," "You must certainly return the collateral," and "Do not sleep with his collateral."
When does the above apply? When he took the collateral at a time other than the time the loan was given. If, however, he took the collateral from the debtor at the time the loan was given, he does not transgress these prohibitions.
ה
אחד הממשכן את חבירו בב"ד או שמשכנו בידו בזרוע או מדעת הלוה אם איש עני הוא ומשכנו דבר שהוא צריך לו הרי זה מצווה להחזיר לו העבוט בעת שהוא צריך לו, מחזיר לו את הכר בלילה כדי לישן עליו ואת המחרישה ביום כדי לעשות בה מלאכתו שנאמר השב תשיב לו את העבוט, עבר ולא השיב לו כלי היום ביום וכלי הלילה בלילה עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תשכב בעבוטו לא תשכב ועבוטו אצלך זו כסות לילה, ובכלים שהוא עושה בהן מלאכתו ביום או לובשן הוא אומר עד בוא השמש תשיבנו לו מלמד שיחזירו כל היום אם כן הוא שמחזיר לו המשכון בעת שהוא צריך לו ולוקח אותה בעת שאינו צריך לו מה יועיל המשכון כדי שלא ישמט החוב בשביעית ולא יעשה מטלטלין אצל בניו אלא יפרע מן המשכון אחר שמת הלוה, הא למדת שהממשכן את העני דבר שהוא צריך לו ולא החזירו לו בזמנו עובר משום שלשה שמות משום לא תבוא אל ביתו ומשום השב תשיב לו את העבוט ומשום לא תשכב בעבוטו, בד"א שמשכנו שלא בשעת הלואתו אבל אם משכנו בשעת הלואתו אינו חייב להחזיר כלל ואינו עובר בשם מן השמות האלו.
6
An agent of the court who comes to take collateral should not take articles that a person cannot give as collateral - e.g., the garment he is wearing, the utensils with which he eats, or the like. He should leave a bed and a mattress for a rich man, or a bed and a straw mattress for a poor man. Whatever possessions the debtor has besides these should be taken as collateral. The creditor will then return to him an article used by day during the day, and an article used at night during the night.
If the debtor has two of a particular article, the creditor may take one, but must return the other.
Until when is the creditor obligated to return the collateral and then take it again? Forever. If, however, the collateral was an article that the debtor did not need, nor an article that is left for a debtor, the creditor must keep it for 30 days. Afterwards, he may sell the collateral in a court of law.
If the debtor dies, the creditor is not required to return the collateral to his sons. If the debtor dies after the collateral was returned to him, the creditor may pull it away from his sons and does not have to return it to them.
ו
שליח ב"ד שבא למשכן לא ימשכן דברים שאי אפשר לאדם ליתן אותם משכון כגון בגד שעליו וכלי שאוכל בו וכיוצא באלו, ומניח מטה ומצע לעשיר ומטה ומפץ לעני, וכל הנמצא בידו חוץ מאלו יש לו למשכנו ויחזיר לו כלי היום ביום וכלי הלילה בלילה, היו לפניו שני כלים נוטל אחד ומחזיר אחד, עד מתי הוא חייב להחזיר וליקח עד לעולם, ואם היה המשכון מדברים שאינו צריך להם ואין מניחין אותן ללוה הרי זה מניחו אצלו עד שלשים יום ומשלשלים יום ואילך מוכר המשכון בבית דין, מת הלוה אינו מחזיר לבניו, מת הלוה אחר שהשיב לו המשכון שומטו המלוה מעל בניו ואינו מחזיר. 5
7
A creditor may take collateral from a guarantors" by force. He may enter the guarantor's house and take the collateral, as Proverbs 20:16 states: "Take his garment, because he guaranteed a stranger."
Similarly, a person who is owed a fee by a colleague - whether it be his own wages, a fee for his animal or his utensils, or rent for his house - may take collateral without consulting the court. He may enter his home and take collateral in lieu of his fee. If, however, he considered the fee as a loan, this is forbidden, as implied by Deuteronomy 24:10: "When you extend a loan of any type...."
ז
הערב מותר למשכן בזרוע ולהכנס לביתו וליטול המשכון שנאמר לקח בגדו כי ערב זר, וכן מי שיש לו שכר אצל חבירו בין שכר מלאכתו בין שכר בהמתו וכליו בין שכר ביתו ה"ז מותר למשכנו שלא ע"פ ב"ד ונכנס לביתו ונוטל המשכון בשכרו, ואם זקף עליו השכר במלוה אסור שנאמר כי תשה ברעך משאת מאומה וגו'.
8
The following rules apply with regard to a person who has in his possession collateral belonging to a poor person. If the fee for the rental of that article is more than the depreciation of the collateral - e.g., an ax, a large saw, or the like - it is permitted for him to rent it out and continually deduct the money he receives as its fee. This is like returning a lost object to its owner. He need not ask the owner for permission.
ח
מי שהיה בידו משכונו של עני אם היה שכרו יתר על פחתו כגון קרדום ומסר [הגדול] וכיוצא בהן ה"ז מותר להשכירו ומנכה שכרו תמיד בחובו מפני שזה כמשיב אבדה ואין צריך רשות בעלים.
FOOTNOTES
1.אלמנה בין שהיא עניה בין שהיא וכו' עד שנאמר ולא תחבול בגד אלמנה. א"א בשעת הלואה אין זה חובל עכ"ל.
2.וכן המלוה את חבירו וכו' עד כי נפש הוא חובל. א"א לא נהיר עכ"ל.
3.כשם שהרכב והרחים וכו' עד לוקה שתים. א"א זה אינו עכ"ל.
4.עבר בעל חוב ונכנס עד כבוא השמש. א"א שבוש הוא זה אלא מפני שנתחייב באחריותו כדכתיבנא לעיל עכ"ל.
5.שליח ב"ד שבא למשכן וכו' עד הלילה בלילה. א"א זה אינו מחוור שהרי פסק למעלה שאפילו שליח ב"ד שבא למשכן לא יכנס כו' והלוה מוציא לו המשכון א"ו ראוי לומר אעפ"כ בגד שעליו וכלים שאוכל בהם כגון קערה ושלחן ומפה שהוא צריך להם לאכילת היום והלילה לא יטול כלל וכן מטה ומצע ומפץ שהן צריכין ביום ובלילה ושלא בשעת סדור קאמר עכ"ל. /השגת הראב"ד/ היו לפניו שני כלים עד שלשים יום. א"א כמ"ש סתם הלואה שלשים יום עכ"ל.
Hayom Yom:• English Text | Video Class
Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5777 · 13 August 2017
"Today's Day"
Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Re'ei, first parsha with Rashi.
Tehillim: 104-105.
Tanya: VI. "But he who (p. 419) ...of our salvation..." (p. 423).
Activism on behalf of the ways of Chassidus means that even when a chassid is in the marketplace, deeply involved in his business, he still thinks about what he can do for chassidic concerns and the welfare of chassidim. When he encounters a business acquaintance among the market people he should seek to persuade him to attend the shi'urim (public study sessions) in Chassidus, or to attend a farbrengen.
Activism on behalf of the ways of Chassidus is a personal obligation, regardless whether one is great or limited in knowledge of Chassidus.
"Today's Day"
Sunday, Menachem Av 21, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Re'ei, first parsha with Rashi.
Tehillim: 104-105.
Tanya: VI. "But he who (p. 419) ...of our salvation..." (p. 423).
Activism on behalf of the ways of Chassidus means that even when a chassid is in the marketplace, deeply involved in his business, he still thinks about what he can do for chassidic concerns and the welfare of chassidim. When he encounters a business acquaintance among the market people he should seek to persuade him to attend the shi'urim (public study sessions) in Chassidus, or to attend a farbrengen.
Activism on behalf of the ways of Chassidus is a personal obligation, regardless whether one is great or limited in knowledge of Chassidus.
Daily Thought:
Real Motives
No person can know his own inner motives.
He may be kind because kindness brings him pleasure.
He may be wise because wisdom is music to his soul.
He may become a martyr burned in fire because his heart burns with defiance.
How can you know that your motives are sincere? What is the test?
The test will be when doing the right thing cuts against the grain. [Torah Ohr 19b; Likkutei Sichot, vol. 20, pp. 76, 306–307.]
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