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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Friday, 16 Tishrei, 5778 · October 6, 2017 - Sukkot - 2nd day - Candle Lighting - Light Shabbat Candles before sunset ––:––Torah Reading
Sukkot 1 [and 2]: Leviticus 22:26 - 23:44
Sukkot 1 [and 2]: Numbers 29:12-16
Sukkot Day 1: Zachariah 14:1-21
Sukkot 1 [and 2]: Leviticus 22:26 Adonai said to Moshe, 27 “When a bull, sheep or goat is born, it is to stay with its mother for seven days; but from the eighth day on, it may be accepted for an offering made by fire to Adonai. 28 However, no animal is to be slaughtered together with its young on the same day, neither cow nor ewe.
29 “When you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Adonai, you must do it in a way such that you will be accepted. 30 It must be eaten on the same day it is offered; leave none of it till morning; I am Adonai.
31 “You are to keep my mitzvot and obey them; I am Adonai. 32 You are not to profane my holy name; on the contrary, I am to be regarded as holy among the people of Isra’el; I am Adonai, who makes you holy, 33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am Adonai.”
23:1 (iv) Adonai said to Moshe, 2 “Tell the people of Isra’el: ‘The designated times of Adonai which you are to proclaim as holy convocations are my designated times.
3 “‘Work is to be done on six days; but the seventh day is a Shabbat of complete rest, a holy convocation; you are not to do any kind of work; it is a Shabbat for Adonai, even in your homes.
4 “‘These are the designated times of Adonai, the holy convocations you are to proclaim at their designated times.
5 “‘In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, between sundown and complete darkness, comes Pesach for Adonai. 6 On the fifteenth day of the same month is the festival of matzah; for seven days you are to eat matzah. 7 On the first day you are to have a holy convocation; don’t do any kind of ordinary work. 8 Bring an offering made by fire to Adonai for seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.’”
9 Adonai said to Moshe, 10 “Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘After you enter the land I am giving you and harvest its ripe crops, you are to bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the cohen. 11 He is to wave the sheaf before Adonai, so that you will be accepted; the cohen is to wave it on the day after the Shabbat. 12 On the day that you wave the sheaf, you are to offer a male lamb without defect, in its first year, as a burnt offering for Adonai. 13 Its grain offering is to be one gallon of fine flour mixed with olive oil, an offering made by fire to Adonai as a fragrant aroma; its drink offering is to be of wine, one quart. 14 You are not to eat bread, dried grain or fresh grain until the day you bring the offering for your God; this is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live.
15 “‘From the day after the day of rest — that is, from the day you bring the sheaf for waving — you are to count seven full weeks, 16 until the day after the seventh week; you are to count fifty days; and then you are to present a new grain offering to Adonai. 17 You must bring bread from your homes for waving — two loaves made with one gallon of fine flour, baked with leaven — as firstfruits for Adonai. 18 Along with the bread, present seven lambs without defect one year old, one young bull and two rams; these will be a burnt offering for Adonai, with their grain and drink offerings, an offering made by fire as a fragrant aroma for Adonai. 19 Offer one male goat as a sin offering and two male lambs one year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20 The cohen will wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before Adonai, with the two lambs; these will be holy for Adonai for the cohen. 21 On the same day, you are to call a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work; this is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live.
22 “‘When you harvest the ripe crops produced in your land, don’t harvest all the way to the corners of your field, and don’t gather the ears of grain left by the harvesters; leave them for the poor and the foreigner; I am Adonai your God.’”
(v) 23 Adonai said to Moshe, 24 “Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘In the seventh month, the first of the month is to be for you a day of complete rest for remembering, a holy convocation announced with blasts on the shofar. 25 Do not do any kind of ordinary work, and bring an offering made by fire to Adonai.’”
26 Adonai said to Moshe, 27 “The tenth day of this seventh month is Yom-Kippur; you are to have a holy convocation, you are to deny yourselves, and you are to bring an offering made by fire to Adonai. 28 You are not to do any kind of work on that day, because it is Yom-Kippur, to make atonement for you before Adonai your God. 29 Anyone who does not deny himself on that day is to be cut off from his people; 30 and anyone who does any kind of work on that day, I will destroy from among his people. 31 You are not to do any kind of work; it is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live. 32 It will be for you a Shabbat of complete rest, and you are to deny yourselves; you are to rest on your Shabbat from evening the ninth day of the month until the following evening.”
(vi) 33 Adonai said to Moshe, 34 “Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to Adonai. 35 On the first day there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work. 36 For seven days you are to bring an offering made by fire to Adonai; on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation and bring an offering made by fire to Adonai ; it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of ordinary work.
37 “‘These are the designated times of Adonai that you are to proclaim as holy convocations and bring an offering made by fire to Adonai — a burnt offering, a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, each on its own day — 38 besides the Shabbats of Adonai, your gifts, all your vows and all your voluntary offerings that you give to Adonai.
39 “‘But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to observe the festival of Adonai seven days; the first day is to be a complete rest and the eighth day is to be a complete rest. 40 On the first day you are to take choice fruit, palm fronds, thick branches and river-willows, and celebrate in the presence of Adonai your God for seven days. 41 You are to observe it as a feast to Adonai seven days in the year; it is a permanent regulation, generation after generation; keep it in the seventh month. 42 You are to live in sukkot for seven days; every citizen of Isra’el is to live in a sukkah, 43 so that generation after generation of you will know that I made the people of Isra’el live in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am Adonai your God.’”
44 Thus Moshe announced to the people of Isra’el the designated times of Adonai.
Sukkot 1 [and 2]: Numbers 29:(vii) 12 “‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you are to have a holy convocation. You are not to do any kind of ordinary work, and you are to observe a feast to Adonai seven days. 13 You are to present a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, bringing a fragrant aroma to Adonai. It is to consist of thirteen young bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs in their first year (they are to be without defect), 14 with their grain offering — fine flour mixed with olive oil, six quarts for each of the thirteen bulls, four quarts for each of the two rams, 15 and two quarts for each of the fourteen lambs; 16 also one male goat as a sin offering; in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain and drink offerings.
Sukkot Day 1: Zachariah 14:1 Look, a day is coming for Adonai
when your plunder, [Yerushalayim], will be divided
right there within you.
2 “For I will gather all the nations
against Yerushalayim for war.
The city will be taken,
the houses will be rifled,
the women will be raped,
and half the city will go into exile;
but the rest of the people
will not be cut off from the city.”
3 Then Adonai will go out
and fight against those nations,
fighting as on a day of battle.
4 On that day his feet will stand
on the Mount of Olives,
which lies to the east of Yerushalayim;
and the Mount of Olives will be split in half
from east to west, to make a huge valley.
Half of the mountain will move toward the north,
and half of it toward the south.
5 You will flee to the valley in the mountains,
for the valley in the mountains will reach to Atzel.
You will flee, just as you fled before the earthquake
in the days of ‘Uziyah king of Y’hudah.
Then Adonai my God will come
to you with all the holy ones.
6 On that day, there will be
neither bright light nor thick darkness;
7 and one day, known to Adonai,
will be neither day nor night,
although by evening there will be light.
8 On that day, fresh water will flow
out from Yerushalayim,
half toward the eastern sea
and half toward the western sea,
both summer and winter.
9 Then Adonai will be king
over the whole world.
On that day Adonai will be the only one,
and his name will be the only name.
10 All the land will be made like the ‘Aravah, from Geva to Rimmon in the Negev. Yerushalayim will be raised up and inhabited where she is, from Binyamin’s Gate to the place where the earlier gate stood, and on to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hanan’el to the king’s winepresses. 11 People will live there, the curse will be broken, and Yerushalayim will live in safety.
12 Adonai will strike all the peoples who made war against Yerushalayim with a plague in which their flesh rots away while they are standing on their feet, their eyes rot away in their sockets, and their tongues rot away in their mouths. 13 When that day comes, there will be among them great panic, sent by Adonai, so that everyone lays hands on his neighbor, who in turn attacks him. 14 Y’hudah too will fight against Yerushalayim; and the wealth of all the nations will be assembled — gold, silver and clothing in great abundance. 15 A plague like this plague will also affect the horses, mules, camels, donkeys and all the other animals in those camps.
16 Finally, everyone remaining from all the nations that came to attack Yerushalayim will go up every year to worship the king, Adonai-Tzva’ot, and to keep the festival of Sukkot. 17 If any of the families of the earth does not go up to Yerushalayim to worship the king, Adonai-Tzva’ot, no rain will fall on them. 18 If the family of Egypt doesn’t go up, if they refuse to come, they will have no [annual] overflow [from the Nile]; moreover, there will be the plague with which Adonai will strike the nations that don’t go up to keep the festival of Sukkot. 19 This will be Egypt’s punishment and the punishment of all the nations that don’t go up to keep the festival of Sukkot.
20 When that day comes, this will be written on the bells worn by the horses: “Consecrated to Adonai”; and the cooking pots in the house of Adonai will be [as holy] as the sprinkling bowls before the altar. 21 Yes, every cooking pot in Yerushalayim and Y’hudah will be consecrated to Adonai-Tzva’ot. Everyone who offers sacrifices will come, take them and use them to stew the meat. When that day comes, there will no longer be merchants in the house of Adonai-Tzva’ot.
Today's Laws & Customs:
• Eat in Sukkah (7 days)
The festival of Sukkot, commemorating G-d's enveloping protection of the Children of Israel during their 40-year journey through the desert (1313-1273 BCE), is celebrated for seven days, beginning from the eve of Tishrei 15. During this time, we are commanded to "dwell" in a sukkah -- a hut of temporary construction, with a roof covering of raw, unfinished vegetable matter (branches, reeds, bamboo, etc.) -- signifying the temporality and fragily of human habitation and man-made shelter and our utter dependence upon G-d's protection and providence. "How [does one fulfill] the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah? One should eat, drink, and live in the sukkah, both day and night, as one lives in one's house on the other days of the year: for seven days a person should make his home his temporary dwelling, and his sukkah his permanent dwelling" (Code of Jewish Law, Orach Chaim 639:1).
At least one k'zayit (approx. 1 oz.) of bread should be eaten in the sukkah on the first evening of the festival, between nightfall and midnight. A special blessing, Leishiv BaSukkah, is recited. For the rest of the festival, all meals must be eaten in the sukkah (see the Code of Jewish Law or consult a Halachic authority as to what constitutes a "meal"). Chabad custom is to refrain from eating or drinking anything outside of the sukkah, even a glass of water.
Also see: the Ushpizin
Links: The Big Sukkah; The Temporary Dwelling; The Easy Mitzvah
• The "Four Kinds" (6 days)"And you shall take for yourself on the first day," instructs the Torah in Leviticus "the splendid fruit of a tree, fronds of dates, the branch of the thick-leafed tree and aravot of the river." Torah SheBaal Peh (the oral tradition given to Moses at Sinai and handed through the generations, and later documented in the Mishnah and Talmud) identifies the four kinds as the etrog (citron), lulav (unopened palm branch), hadass (myrtle twig, of which three are taken) and aravah (willow, two twigs). The palm branch, three myrtle twigs and two willow twigs are bound together (with rings made from palm leaves).
Each day of Sukkot -- except Shabbat -- we take the lulav in hand, recite a blessing over it, take hold of the etrog, hold the "Four Kinds" together, and move them back and forth in all directions (right, left, forward, up, down and back). An additional blessing, shehecheyanu, is recited the first time that the Four Kinds are taken during the festival. We also hold the Four Kinds during the Hallel prayer (moving them as above in specified places in the text) and the Hoshaanot prayers (during which we march around the reading table in the synagogue) which are included in the daily service each day of Sukkot.
Link: The Four Mysteries of King Solomon
• "Water Drawing" Celebrations (7 nights)When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, one of the special Sukkot observances was to pour water on the Altar. The drawing of water for this purpose was preceded by all-night celebrations in the Temple courtyard; on the 15 steps leading to the azarah (inner courtyard) stood Levites while playing a variety of musical instruments, sages danced and juggled burning torches, and huge oil-burning lamps illuminated the entire city. The singing and dancing went on until daybreak, when a procession would make its way to the Shiloach Spring which flowed in a valley below the Temple to "draw water with joy." "One who did not see the joy of the water-drawing celebrations," declared the sages of the Talmud, "has not seen joy in his life."
While water was poured each day of the fetival, the special celebrations were held only on Chol Hamoed since many of the elements of the celebration (e.g., the playing of musical instruments) are forbidden on Yom Tov.
Today, we commemorate these joyous celebrations by holding Simchat Beit HaShoeivah ("joy of the water drawing") events in the streets, with music and dancing. The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of holding such celebrations on Shabbat and Yom Tov as well -- without musical instruments of course. The fact that we cannot celebrate as we did in the Temple, said the Rebbe, means that we are free to celebrate the joy of Sukkot with singing and dancing every day of the festival.
Link: The Taste of Water
Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Vezot Hab'rachah, 6th Portion Deuteronomy 33:27-33:29 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Deuteronomy Chapter 33
27which are the abode for the God Who precedes all, and below, are the mighty ones of the world. He expelled the enemy from before you, and said, 'Destroy!' כזמְעֹנָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵי קֶ֔דֶם וּמִתַּ֖חַת זְרֹעֹ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם וַיְגָ֧רֶשׁ מִפָּנֶ֛יךָ אוֹיֵ֖ב וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הַשְׁמֵֽד:
which are the abode for God Who precedes all: The skies are an abode for God who preceded (קֶדֶם) all other deities. He selected the skies [above] as His residence and abode, while all the strong men live below Him.
מענה אלהי קדם: למעון הם השחקים לאלהי קדם, שקדם לכל אלהים ובירר לו שחקים לשבתו ומעונתו, ומתחת מעונתו כל בעלי זרוע שוכנים:
are the mighty ones of the world: [Literally, “The arms of the world.” This refers to] Sihon, Og, and the kings of Canaan, who were [considered] the strength and might of the world. Therefore, despite themselves, they will tremble and quake, and their power will dwindle before God - the fear of one above always falls upon the one below, and thus, He to whom power and might belong is the one who helps you, and who...
זרעת עולם: סיחון ועוג ומלכי כנען, שהיו תקפו וגבורתו של עולם, לפיכך על כרחם יחרדו ויזועו וכחם חלש מפניו. לעולם אימת הגבוה על הנמוך, והוא שהכח והגבורה שלו בעזרך:
drove out the enemy from before you: And said to you,“Destroy them!”
ויגרש מפניך אויב: ואמר לך השמד אותם:
which are the abode: Heb. מְעֹנָה. Every word that requires a lamed as a prefix [meaning “for” or “to”] can instead have a hey as a suffix [and the meaning is identical. Thus, here, the word מְעֹנָה is equivalent to לַמָּעֹן, meaning “for an abode”]. — [Yev. 13b]
מענה: כל תיבה שצריכה למ"ד בתחלתה הטיל לה ה"א בסופה:
28And Israel dwelled safely and alone as Jacob [blessed them], in a land of grain and wine; also, their heavens will drip dew. כחוַיִּשְׁכֹּן֩ יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל בֶּ֤טַח בָּדָד֙ עֵ֣ין יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ דָּגָ֣ן וְתִיר֑וֹשׁ אַף־שָׁמָ֖יו יַֽעַרְפוּ־טָֽל:
safely and alone: Every single individual [will dwell safely]-each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. [And their security will be so sound, that] they will have no need to live together in one group, because of the enemy.
בטח בדד: כל יחיד ויחיד איש תחת גפנו ותחת תאנתו מפוזרין ואין צריכים להתאסף ולישב יחד מפני האויב:
as Jacob [blessed]: Heb. עֵין יַעִקֹב. [The word עֵין, has the same meaning here] like [referring to the manna],“And its appearance (וְעֵינוֹ) was like the appearance of (כְּעֵין) crystal” (Num. 11:7). [So, our verse comes to teach us that the blessing here, of Israel dwelling בָּדָד] is like the appearance of the blessing that Jacob blessed, and not like the [meaning of the word] בָּדָד used by Jeremiah,“I dwelled alone (בָּדָד) ” (Jer. 15:17), but like the appearance of the promise [of secure dwelling] that Jacob made to them [Joseph and his brothers],“And God will be with you, and bring you back to the land of your forefathers” (Gen. 48:21). - [Sifrei 33:28]
עין יעקב: כמו (במדבר יא, ז) ועינו כעין הבדולח, כעין הברכה שברכם יעקב, לא כבדד שאמר ירמיה (ירמיה טו, יז) בדד ישבתי, אלא כעין הבטחה שהבטיחם יעקב (בראשית מח, כא) והיה אלהים עמכם והשיב אתכם אל ארץ אבותיכם:
will drip: Heb. יַעַרְפוּ [like] יִרְעִפוּ, will drip .
יערפו: יטיפו:
also, their heavens will drip dew: [Why does the verse say “also”? It means:] Also, Isaac’s blessing will be added to that of Jacob, which states, “And the God will give you from the dew of the heavens” (Gen. 27: 28). - [Sifrei 33:28]
אף שמיו יערפו טל: אף ברכתו של יצחק נוספת על ברכתו של יעקב (שם כז, כח) ויתן לך האלהים מטל השמים וגו':
29Fortunate are you, O Israel! Who is like you, O people whose salvation is through the Lord, the Shield Who helps you, your majestic Sword! Your enemies will lie to you, but you will tread upon their heights." כטאַשְׁרֶ֨יךָ יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל מִ֣י כָמ֗וֹךָ עַ֚ם נוֹשַׁ֣ע בַּֽיהֹוָ֔ה מָגֵ֣ן עֶזְרֶ֔ךָ וַֽאֲשֶׁר־חֶ֖רֶב גַּֽאֲוָתֶ֑ךָ וְיִכָּֽחֲשׁ֤וּ אֹֽיְבֶ֨יךָ֙ לָ֔ךְ וְאַתָּ֖ה עַל־בָּֽמוֹתֵ֥ימוֹ תִדְרֹֽךְ:
Fortunate are you, O Israel: After Moses specified the blessings to Israel, he said to them, “Why do I have to specify all the details? In general: Everything is yours!”
אשריך ישראל: לאחר שפרט להם הברכות אמר להם מה לי לפרוט לכם, כלל דבר, הכל שלכם:
Fortunate are you, O Israel. Who is like you…!: Your salvation depends on God, Who is the Shield that helps you and the Sword of your majesty.
אשריך ישראל מי כמוך: תשועתך בה' אשר הוא מגן עזרך (ואשר הוא) וחרב גאותך:
Your enemies will lie to you: Like, for instance, the Gibeonites, who said, “Your servants have come from a… distant land…” (Josh. 9:9).
ויכחשו אויביך לך: כגון הגבעונים שאמרו (יהושע ט, ט) מארץ רחוקה באו עבדיך וגו':
and you will tread upon their heights: [The meaning here is: “And you will crush their neck underfoot,”] similar to“Place your feet upon the necks of these kings!” (Josh. 10:24).
ואתה על במותימו תדרוך: כענין שנאמר (שם י, כד) שימו את רגליכם על צוארי המלכים האלה:
Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 79 - 82
• Hebrew text
• English text
Chapter 79
In this psalm, Asaph thanks God for sparing the people and directing His wrath upon the wood and stones (of the Temple). Still he cries bitterly, mourning the immense destruction: The place where the High Priest alone was allowed to enter-and only on Yom Kippur-is now so desolate that foxes stroll through it!
1. A psalm by Asaph. O God, nations have entered Your inheritance, they defiled Your Holy Sanctuary; they turned Jerusalem into heaps of rubble.
2. They have rendered the corpses of Your servants as food for the birds of heaven, the flesh of Your pious ones for the beasts of the earth.
3. They spilled their blood like water around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury [them].
4. We became the object of disgrace to our neighbors, ridicule and scorn to those around us.
5. Until when, O Lord! Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
6. Pour Your wrath upon the nations that do not know You, upon the kingdoms that do not call Your Name,
7. for they devoured Jacob and desolated His abode.
8. Do not recall our former sins; let Your mercies come swiftly towards us, for we have fallen very low.
9. Help us, God of our deliverance, for the sake of the glory of Your Name; save us and pardon our sins for the sake of Your Name.
10. Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Let there be known among the nations, before our eyes, the retribution of the spilled blood of Your servants.
11. Let the groan of the prisoner come before You; liberate those condemned to death, as befits the greatness of Your strength.
12. Repay our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom, for the disgrace with which they reviled You, O Lord.
13. And we, Your people, the flock of Your pasture, will thank You forever; for all generations we will recount Your praise.
Chapter 80
An awe-inspiring prayer imploring God to draw near to us as in days of old.
1. For the Conductor, on the shoshanim, 1 a testimony by Asaph, a psalm.
2. Listen, O Shepherd of Israel, Who leads Joseph like sheep. Appear, You Who is enthroned upon the cherubim.
3. Arouse Your might before Ephraim, Benjamin and Menashe, for it is upon You to save us.
4. Return us, O God; cause Your countenance to shine, that we may be saved.
5. O Lord, God of Hosts, until when will You fume at the prayer of Your people?
6. You fed them bread of tears, and gave them tears to drink in great measure.
7. You have made us an object of strife to our neighbors; our enemies mock to themselves.
8. Return us, O God of Hosts; cause Your countenance to shine, that we may be saved.
9. You brought a vine out of Egypt; You drove out nations and planted it.
10. You cleared space before it; it took root and filled the land.
11. Mountains were covered by its shade, and its branches became mighty cedars.
12. It sent forth its branches till the sea, and its tender shoots to the river.
13. Why did You breach its fences, so that every passerby plucked its fruit?
14. The boars of the forest ravage it, and the creepers of the field feed upon it.
15. O God of Hosts, please return! Look down from heaven and see, and be mindful of this vine,
16. and of the foundation which Your right hand has planted, and the son whom You strengthened for Yourself.
17. It is burned by fire, cut down; they perish at the rebuke of Your Presence.
18. Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You strengthened for Yourself.
19. Then we will not withdraw from You; revive us, and we will proclaim Your Name.
20. O Lord, God of Hosts, return us; cause Your countenance to shine that we may be saved.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument shaped like a shoshana, a rose (Metzudot).
Chapter 81
This psalm was chanted in the Holy Temple on Rosh Hashanah, a day on which many miracles were wrought for Israel.
1. For the Conductor, upon the gittit,1 by Asaph.
2. Sing joyously to God, our strength; sound the shofar to the God of Jacob.
3. Raise your voice in song, sound the drum, the pleasant harp, and the lyre.
4. Blow the shofar on the New Month, on the designated day of our Holy Day;
5. for it is a decree for Israel, a ruling of the God of Jacob.
6. He ordained it as a precept for Joseph when he went forth over the land of Egypt; I heard a language which I did not know.
7. I have taken his shoulder from the burden; his hands were removed from the pot.2
8. In distress you called and I delivered you; [you called] in secret, and I answered you with thunderous wonders; I tested you at the waters of Merivah, Selah.
9. Hear, My people, and I will admonish you; Israel, if you would only listen to Me!
10. You shall have no alien god within you, nor shall you bow down to a foreign deity.
11. I am the Lord your God who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open wide your mouth, [state all your desires,] and I shall grant them.
12. But My people did not heed My voice; Israel did not want [to listen to] Me.
13. So I sent them away for the willfulness of their heart, for following their [evil] design.
14. If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would only walk in My ways,
15. then I would quickly subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their oppressors.
16. Those who hate the Lord would shrivel before Him, and the time [of their retribution] shall be forever.
17. I would feed him [Israel] with the finest of wheat, and sate you with honey from the rock.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument crafted in Gath (Metzudot).
2.The cooking vessels used to prepare food for their captors (Rashi)
Chapter 82
This psalm admonishes those judges who feign ignorance of the law, dealing unjustly with the pauper or the orphan, while coddling the rich and pocketing their bribes.
1. A psalm by Asaph. God stands in the council of judges; among the judges He renders judgment:
2. How long will you judge wickedly, ever showing partiality toward the evildoers?
3. Render justice to the needy and the orphan; deal righteously with the poor and the destitute.
4. Rescue the needy and the pauper; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
5. But they do not know, nor do they understand; they go about in darkness, [therefore] all the foundations of the earth tremble.
6. I said that you are angels, supernal beings, all of you;
7. but you will die as mortals, you will fall like any prince.
8. Arise, O God, judge the earth, for You possess all the nations.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 22
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Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 22
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אך האמת אגיד לשומעים לי, כי אהבה מקלקלת השורה, והנה היא כסות עיניים שלא לראות האמת
However, I shall relate the truth1 to those who listen to me:2 “Love upsets the natural order of conduct,” for it is a covering of the eyes that prevents people from seeing the truth.
The Alter Rebbe is quick to insist that his listeners’ love for the “life of the body” is no doubt motivated by a spiritual purpose. Nevertheless, they become so enmeshed in this love that they soon come to love the “life of the body” for its own sake as well. This latter love upsets the natural order to the point that it drives people to seek advice on material matters.
מרוב אהבתם לחיי הגוף
Because of their great love for the life of the body —
לשם שמים, לעבוד בו את ה׳ ברשפי אש ושלהבת גדולה מאהבת נפשם את ה׳
[though this love is indeed experienced] for the sake of heaven, so that with [the body] they can serve G‑d with flashes of fiery fervor and an ardent flame,3 this love being even greater than their soul’s love for G‑d —
ועל כן היטב חרה להם בצער הגוף, חס ושלום, ה׳ ירחם
they are extremely irate when their body undergoes suffering. (Heaven forfend; may G‑d show compassion!)
ואין יכולין לקבל כלל, עד שמעבירם על דעתם, לכתת רגליהם מעיר לעיר, לשאול עצות מרחוק
Thus they are not able to bear [it] at all, to the point that it drives them out of their mind, causing them to tramp about from city to city to seek advice from afar.
But why indeed does G‑d cause suffering? Moreover, how are we to respond to life’s difficulties, if it is not proper to seek advice on them from Torah sages and tzaddikim? The Alter Rebbe goes on to explain:
ולא שעו אל ה׳, לשוב אליו ברוח נמוכה והכנעת הגוף
Those who seek merely to be rid of their physical afflictions are not following the proper path of the Torah, for in doing so, they do not turn to G‑d by [penitently] returning to Him with humble spirit and submission of the body
לקבל תוכחתו באהבה, כי את אשר יאהב ה׳ וכו׳
to accept His chastisement with love,4 “for it is him whom G‑d loves [that He chastises].”
For misfortunes are in fact a call from G‑d that one should repent. Indeed, they should be a source of satisfaction: out of G‑d’s particular love for him, he has been chosen to be roused to repentance.
***
וכמו אב רחמן חכם וצדיק, המכה את בנו, שאין לבן חכם להפוך עורף לנוס למצוא לו עזרה, או אפילו מליץ יושר לפני אביו הרחמן והצדיק וחסיד
This is analogous to a compassionate, wise and righteous father who hits his son. Surely a wise son should not turn his back to escape and find himself help, or even an intercessor to his father, who is compassionate, righteous and kind (chassid).
The Rebbe Rayatz once remarked5 that when the Alter Rebbe first speaks of the father who punishes, he does not use the term “chassid”. (He uses it only later, in the context of the intercessor.) The reason, says the Rebbe, is that a father who smites his child may indeed be compassionate, righteous and wise — but he is not a chassid, for a chassid does not hit!
In any event, we see that if the child is truly wise he will not flee from punishment.
רק להיות ישר יחזו פנימו עם אביו, פנים בפנים, לסבול הכאותיו באהבה, לטוב לו כל הימים
Rather, he will look straight at his father, face to face, bearing his smacks lovingly for his lifelong benefit.
To transpose this to the analogue: Every Jew ought to look straight at his Father, “face to Face.”
והנה למעלה, בחינת פנים
Now in the Divine realm, the concept of “Face”
הוא הרצון והחשק אשר אבינו שבשמים משפיע לבניו כל טוב עולמים וחיי נפש וגוף
is the willingness and desire with which our Father in heaven bestows upon His children all the good of the worlds — the physical and the spiritual worlds — as well as life for the soul and body;
באהבה ורצון, חשיקה וחפיצה, על ידי תורת חיים, שהיא רצונו יתברך, אשר נתן לנו
[all of this He bestows] out of love and willingness, out of inner desire and delight, through the Torah of Life, which is His blessed Will, that He gave unto us.
The present passage is based on the body language that typically accompanies a gift.
As explained earlier in Tanya (ch.22), one gives a gift to a good friend face to face: the giver’s eyes rest on the face of the recipient. Through his very stance the giver thus expresses the fact that his gift stems from his “face” (panim) and innermost core (pnimiyut). When, however, one gives something to an enemy, he averts his face. This simply gives outward expression to his real aversion: the gift is not prompted by any inner desire, but by some external factor.
In our context, then, G‑d’s loving willingness in showering us with His gifts is described by the metaphor of “Face”.
כמו שנאמר: כי באור פניך נתת לנו תורת חיים כו׳
As we recite in the Amidah,6 “For in the light of Your Face, You have given us...the Torah of Life...,”
לעשות בה רצונו
with which (and through which) to carry out His will.
ועל זה נאמר: באור פני מלך חיים ורצונו כו׳
And of this it is written,7 “For in the light of the King’s Face there is life, and His will....”
מה שאין כן לעובדי גילולים, משפיע חיי גופם שלא ברצון וחשיקה וחפיצה
To the heathens, however, He grants the life of their bodies8 without willingness, pleasure and delight.
לכך נקראים אלהים אחרים, שיונקים מבחינת אחוריים
For this reason they are referred to as elohim acherim (“other gods”), for they draw [their life-force] from achorayim (the “hinderside” of Divinity).
To continue the above metaphor: The Divine “reluctance” to grant life-force to the heathens — i.e., the so-called external level of Divine desire — is here described by a term that is the opposite of the “Face”, which expressed G‑d’s innermost will.
וכך הוא באדם: הרצון והחשק הוא בחינת פנים
It is likewise with man: willingness and pleasurable desire, i.e., man’s innermost desires, relate to the “face”.
Thus, turning to G‑d “face to Face” means that a man accepts willingly and with inner desire whatever is apportioned to him from the Supernal Face, from G‑d’s innermost desire. In our context, this refers to a willing acceptance of G‑d’s admon-ishments as expressed in physical suffering.
ואם אינו מקבל באהבה ורצון, כאלו הופך עורף ואחור, חס ושלום
If one does not accept [this suffering] with love and willingness, it is as if he turns his neck and back [on G‑d], heaven forfend.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Cf. Daniel 11:2. |
| 2. | Bereishit Rabbah 55:8. |
| 3. | Cf. Shir HaShirim 8:6. |
| 4. | Mishlei 3:12. As in many other instances, the Alter Rebbe ended his quotation with “etc.”, choosing not to spell out the painful final words of the verse. |
| 5. | Sefer HaSichot 5704, p. 15. |
| 6. | Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 60, et al. |
| 7. | Mishlei 16:15. |
| 8. | Note of the Rebbe: “This requires further examination, for seemingly this also applies to the life-force of their souls. See Tanya, ch. 22, and end of ch. 3.” |
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work
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Negative Commandment 256
Mistreating Widows and Orphans
"You shall not afflict any widow or orphan"—Exodus 22:21.
We are forbidden to distress a widow or young orphan. We may not upset these downtrodden individuals through harsh words or actions. Instead we are to interact with them gently and with empathy for their plight. Indeed, the Torah assures us that G‑d listens to the cry of the widow and orphan, and metes out severe punishments to those who torment them.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Mistreating Widows and Orphans
Negative Commandment 256
Translated by Berel Bell
The 256th prohibition is that we are forbidden from mistreating1 orphans2 and widows.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),3 "Do not mistreat a widow or an orphan."
This prohibition includes treating them harshly by one's words or actions. Rather, one should speak with them with very soft and pleasant words; do business with them in the best possible manner; treat them in the nicest way — and to do so to the extreme. One who is not careful to act in this manner has transgressed this prohibition.
The Al‑mighty (exalted be He) already explained and guaranteed4 the punishment for one who transgresses this prohibition, in His statement (exalted be He),5 "I will display My anger and kill you."
FOOTNOTES
1.Kapach writes that the Arabic word, "galta" indicates behavior which is coarse, cruel and harsh.
2.One who has lost either parent, until being self-sufficient without having to rely on adult assistance (Hilchos De'os 6:10)
3.Exodus 22:21.
4.See Kapach, note 98, that this word was removed from his previous translation.
5.Exodus 22:23.
Negative Commandment 301
Gossiping
"You shall not go around as a tale-bearer among your people"—Leviticus 19:16.
It is forbidden to relay information about one individual to another—even if the information is one hundred percent true, and even if there is nothing objectionable about the actions that you are reporting.
The prohibition is understandably exacerbated if one libels another.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Gossiping
Negative Commandment 301
Translated by Berel Bell
The 301st prohibition is that we are forbidden from gossiping.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "Do not go around as a gossiper among your people."
Our Sages2 explained, "Do not speak softly to one and harshly to another. Another explanation: Do not act like a traveling salesman by traveling around carrying words."3
This prohibition includes4 not to publicize a shem ra.5
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev.19:16.
2.Sifra.
3.The Hebrew word for gossiper is "rachil." The first explanation of the Sifra finds an allusion to the word "rach", meaning "soft." In the context of the previous verse, which speaks of how a judge should treat his litigants, this means not to speak softly to one and harshly to another. The second explanation is based on the word, "rocheil," which means a traveling salesman.
4.46a..
5., "bad name." "Motzi shem ra" refers to false gossip. "Lashon ha'ra" (literally, "evil tongue") refers to gossip which is true, but negative. "R'chilus" (translated here as "gossiping") refers to any gossip. See Hilchos De'os 7:2.
Negative Commandment 304
Revenge
"You shall not take revenge"—Leviticus 19:18.
We are forbidden to avenge one bad deed with another. A typical example of the revenge that the Torah prohibits: David asks Isaac to lend him his scythe, and Isaac refuses. Next day, Isaac needs an axe, and asks David whether he can borrow his. "I will not lend you my axe," David responds, "just as you didn't lend me your scythe..."
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Revenge
Negative Commandment 304
Translated by Berel Bell
The 304th prohibition is that we are forbidden from taking revenge upon each other.
This would be, for example if one person did something [against another]; and the other person doesn't stop pursuing him until he pays him back in the same way, or causes him the same pain which he caused. G‑d has prohibited this, in His statement,1 "Do not take revenge."
In the words of the Sifra, "How far does the prohibition against taking revenge go? If a person requests, 'Lend me your sickle,' and the other won't lend it; and tomorrow [the latter] requests, 'Lend me your ax,' and he answers, 'I won't lend to you just as you didn't lend me your sickle.' In this case the Torah says,2 'Do not take revenge.'"
From this example one can derive all other cases.
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev.19:18.
2.Ibid.
Negative Commandment 305
Bearing a Grudge
"You shall not bear any grudge"—Leviticus 19:18.
We are not allowed to bear a grudge against another – even if we never act upon the grudge.
For example: David asks Isaac to lend him his scythe, and Isaac refuses. Next day, Isaac needs an axe, and asks David whether he can borrow his. "I will lend you my axe," David responds, "I am not like you who refused to lend me your scythe..."
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Bearing a Grudge
Negative Commandment 305
Translated by Berel Bell
The 305th prohibition is that we are forbidden from bearing a grudge, even if we don't take revenge. This means we remember the wrongdoing that the person did to us, and mention it to him.
source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "Do not take revenge nor bear a grudge."
the words of the Sifra, "How far does the prohibition against bearing a grudge go? If a person requests, 'Lend me your sickle,' and the other won't lend it; and tomorrow [the latter] requests, 'Lend me your ax,' and he answers, 'Here it is — I'm not like you, who wouldn't lend me your sickle.' In this case the Torah says,2 'Do not bear a grudge.'"
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Ibid.
• 1 Chapter A Day: Listing of Mitzvos Part 1
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The Division of the Mitzvot According to the Halachot of the
Mishneh Torah
I saw fit to divide this text into fourteen books.
וראיתי לחלק חיבור זה לארבעה עשר ספרים:
The first book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that are the foundations of the faith [taught by] Moses, our teacher, of blessed memory, those which a person must know before everything - e.g., the unity of God, blessed be He, and the prohibition against worshipping false gods. I have called this book The Book of Knowledge.
ספר ראשון. אכלול בו כל המצוות שהן עיקר דת משה רבנו, וצריך אדם לידע אותם תחילת הכול--כגון ייחוד שמו ברוך הוא, ואיסור עבודה זרה. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר המדע.
The second book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that are constant and which were commanded to us so that we will love God and constantly remember Him - e.g., the recitation of the Shema, prayer, tefillin, and the priestly blessing. Circumcision is included in this category because it is a sign in our flesh to recall [God] constantly, during the times when we are not wearing tefillin, tzitzit, or the like. I have called this book The Book of Love.
ספר שני. אכלול בו המצוות שהן תדירות, שנצטווינו בהם כדי לאהוב את המקום ולזוכרו תמיד--כגון קרית שמע, ותפילה, ותפילין, וברכות; ומילה בכלל, לפי שהיא אות בבשרנו להזכיר תמיד בשעה שאין שם לא תפילין ולא ציצית וכיוצא בהן. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר אהבה.
The third book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that are associated with specific times - e.g., the Sabbath and the festivals. I have called this book The Book of the Seasons.
ספר שלישי. אכלול בו כל המצוות שהן בזמנים ידועים--כגון שבת, ומועדות. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר זמנים.
The fourth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that involve intimate relations - e.g., marriage, divorce, yibbum, and chalitzah. I have called this book The Book of Women.
ספר רביעי. אכלול בו המצוות של בעילה--כגון קידושין וגירושין, וייבום וחליצה. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר נשים.
The fifth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that involve forbidden intimate relations and those that involve forbidden foods. [I have grouped the two (forbidden intimate relations and forbidden foods) together] because it is in these two matters that God has sanctified us and separated us from the [other] nations.
[The Torah mentions the concept of holiness] with regard to both these matters, stating [Leviticus 20:24, 27]: "[I am God, your Lord,] who has separated you from among the nations... and I have set you apart among the nations." [Accordingly,] I have called this book The Book of Holiness.
ספר חמישי. אכלול בו מצוות של ביאות אסורות, ומצוות של מאכלות אסורות--לפי שבשני עניינים האלו קידשנו המקום והבדילנו מן האומות בעריות ובמאכלות אסורות, ובשניהם נאמר "ואבדיל אתכם מן העמים" (ויקרא כ,כו), "אשר הבדלתי אתכם מן העמים" (ויקרא כ,כד). וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר קדושה.
The sixth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that one is obligated in when he forbids himself [certain things] by his statements - e.g., vows and oaths. I have called this book The Book of Utterances.
ספר שישי. אכלול בו מצוות שיתחייב אדם בהן מי שאסר עצמו בדברים--כגון שבועות ונדרים. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר הפלאה.
The seventh book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that deal with the produce of the earth - e.g., the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, the tithes, the terumot, and the other mitzvot which are relevant to this subject. I have called this book The Book of Agricultural [Laws].
ספר שביעי. אכלול בו מצוות שהם בזרע הארץ--כגון שמיטין ויובלות, ומעשרות ותרומות, ושאר מצוות הנכללים עימהן מעניינם. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר זרעים.
The eighth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that involve the construction of the Temple and the communal offerings that are brought regularly. I have called this book The Book of [the Temple and its] Service.
ספר שמיני. אכלול בו מצוות שהן בבניין מקדש וקרבנות ציבור התמידין. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר עבודה.
The ninth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that involve the sacrifices [brought by] individuals. I have called this book The Book of Sacrifices.
ספר תשיעי. אכלול בו מצוות שהן בקרבנות היחיד. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר קרבנות.
The tenth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that involve ritual purity and impurity. I have called this book The Book of Ritual Purity.
ספר עשירי. אכלול בו מצוות שהן בטהרות וטמאות. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר טהרה.
The eleventh book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that [govern relations] between an individual and his colleague that involve damage to property or personal injury. I have called this book The Book of Damages.
ספר אחד עשר. אכלול בו מצוות שבין אדם לחברו, ויש בהם היזק תחילה בממון או בגוף. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר נזקים.
The twelfth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that govern sales and the acquisition [of property]. I have called this book The Book of Acquisition [of Property].
ספר שנים עשר. אכלול בו מצוות מכירה וקנייה. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר קניין.
The thirteenth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that [govern relations] between an individual and his colleague and do not involve damage at the outset - e.g., the laws of watchmen, debtors, claims lodged [against one another], and [their] denial. I have called this book The Book of Judgments.
ספר שלושה עשר. אכלול בו מצוות שבין אדם לחברו, בשאר דינין שאין בתחילתן היזק--כגון שומרין, ובעלי חובות, וטענות וכפירות. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר משפטים.
The fourteenth book - I will include within it all the mitzvot that are delegated to the Sanhedrin - e.g., execution [when convicted by] the court, the acceptance of testimony, and the laws pertaining to a king and the wars he [wages]. I have called this book The Book of Judges.
ספר ארבעה עשר. אכלול בו מצוות שהן מסורין לסנהדרין--כגון מיתות בית דין, וקבלת עדות, ודין המלך ומלחמותיו. וקראתי שם ספר זה ספר שופטים.
These are [the governing principles for] the division of the Halachot of this text according to the subjects [treated in] the [different] books and the division of the mitzvot according to the subjects [treated in] the halachot.
The Listing of the Mitzvot According to the Halachot of the Mishneh Torah
וזה הוא חילוק הלכות של חיבור זה לפי ענייני הספרים, וחילוק המצוות לפי ענייני ההלכות.
Sefer HaMada- The Book of Knowledge
ספר המדע
It contains five halachot. They are, in order:
Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah - The Laws [which are] the Foundations of the Torah
Hilchot De'ot - The Laws of Personal Development
Hilchot Talmud Torah - The Laws of Torah Study
Hilchot Avodat Kochavim UMazalot V'Chukkot
HaAkum - The Laws [Governing the Prohibition against] the Worship of Stars and Spiritual Forces,and the Statutes of the Idolaters
Hilchot Teshuvah - The Laws of Teshuvah
הלכותיו חמש, וזה הוא סידורן: הלכות יסודי התורה, הלכות דעות, הלכות תלמוד תורה, הלכות עבודה זרה וחוקות הגויים, הלכות תשובה.
Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah - The Laws [which are] the Foundations of the Torah
They contain ten mitzvot:
Six positive commandments and four negative commandments.
They are:
1. To know that there is a God
2. Not to consider the thought that there is another
divinity aside from God
3. To unify Him
4. To love Him
5. To fear Him
6. To sanctify His name
7. Not to profane God's name
8. Not to destroy those things associated with His name
9. To listen to a prophet who speaks in [God's] name
10. Not to test God.
הלכות יסודי התורה. יש בכללן עשר מצוות--שש מצוות עשה, וארבע מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לידע שיש שם אלוה; (ב) שלא יעלה במחשבה שיש שם אלוה זולתי ה'; (ג) לייחדו; (ד) לאוהבו; (ה) ליראה ממנו; (ו) לקדש שמו; (ז) שלא לחלל את שמו; (ח) שלא לאבד דברים שנקרא שמו עליהם; (ט) לשמוע מן הנביא המדבר בשמו; (י) שלא לנסותו.
Hilchot De'ot
The Laws of Personal Development
They contain eleven mitzvot:
Five positive commandments and six negative com-
mandments.
They are:
1. To emulate His ways
2. To cling to those who know Him
3. To love one's fellow Jews
4. To love the converts
5. Not to hate one's [Jewish] brethren
6. To rebuke
7. Not to embarrass
8. Not to oppress the unfortunate
9. Not to gossip
10. Not to take vengeance
11. Not to bear a grudge.
הלכות דעות. יש בכללן אחת עשרה מצוות--חמש מצוות עשה, ושש מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) להידמות בדרכיו; (ב) להידבק ביודעיו; (ג) לאהוב את הריעים; (ד) לאהוב את הגרים; (ה) שלא לשנוא אחים; (ו) להוכיח; (ז) שלא להלבין פנים; (ח) שלא לענות אמיללין; (ט) שלא לילך רכיל; (י) שלא לנקום; (יא) שלא לנטור.
Hilchot Talmud Torah
The Laws of Torah Study
They contain two mitzvot:
1. To study Torah
2. To honor those who study it and know it.
הלכות תלמוד תורה. יש בכללן שתי מצוות עשה: (א) ללמוד תורה; (ב) לכבד מלמדיה ויודעיה.
Hilchot Avodat Kochavim V'Chukkot HaAkum
The Laws of [Governing the Prohibition against]
the Worship of Stars and the Statutes of the
Idolaters
They contain 51 mitzvot:
Two positive commandments and forty nine negative commandments.
They are:
1. Not to show interest in the worship of false gods
2. Not to stray after the thoughts of one's heart or the sights one's eyes behold
3. Not to curse [God]
4. Not to worship [false gods] with the types of service with which they are customarily served
5. Not to bow down to [false gods]
6. Not to make an idol for oneself
7. Not to make an idol even for others
8. Not to make images even for decoration
9. Not to entice others to [worship false gods]
10. To burn an apostate city
11. Never to rebuild it
12. Not to receive benefit from any of its property
13. Not to persuade a single individual to worship [false gods]
14. Not to love a mesit
15. Not to reduce one's hatred for him
16. Not to save his life
17. Not to advance any arguments on his behalf
18. Not to withhold information that will lead to his conviction
19. Not to prophesy in the name of [false gods]
20. Not to listen to anyone who prophesies in the name of [false gods]
21. Not to give false prophecy even in the name of God
22. Not to fear executing a false prophet
23. Not to swear in the name of a false god
24. Not to perform the deeds associated with an ov
25. Not to perform the deeds associated with a yid'oni
26. Not to offer to Molech
27. Not to erect a pillar [for purposes of worship]
28. Not to prostrate oneself on hewn stones
29. Not to plant an asherah
30. To destroy false gods and all their objects of worship
31. Not to benefit from false gods and all their objects of worship
32. Not to benefit from ornaments that have adorned false gods
33. Not to establish a covenant with nations who worship false gods
34. Not to show them favor
35. Not to allow them to settle in our land
36. Not to follow their customs or manner of dress
37. Not to act as a soothsayer
38. Not to practice black magic
39. Not to practice divination
40. Not to cast spells
41. Not to seek information from the dead
42. Not to consult an ov
43. Not to consult a yid'oni
44. Not to practice sorcery
45. Not to shave the temples of our heads
46. Not to shave off the corners of our beards
47. For a man not to wear a woman's apparel
48. For a woman not to wear a man's apparel
49. Not to tattoo [our bodies]
50. Not to make cuts in our flesh
51. Not to tear out hair [in mourning] for the dead.
הלכות עבודה זרה וחוקות הגויים. יש בכללן אחת וחמישים מצוות--שתי מצוות עשה, ותשע וארבעים מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) שלא לפנות אחר עבודה זרה; (ב) שלא לתור אחר הרהור הלב וראיית העיניים; (ג) שלא לגדף; (ד) שלא יעבוד אותה כדרך עבודתה; (ה) שלא ישתחווה לה; (ו) שלא לעשות פסל לעצמו; (ז) שלא לעשות פסל אפילו לאחרים; (ח) שלא לעשות צורות ואפילו לנואי; (ט) שלא להדיח אחרים אחריה; (י) לשרוף עיר הנידחת; (יא) שלא לבנותה; (יב) שלא ליהנות מכל ממונה; (יג) שלא להסית יחיד לעובדה; (יד) שלא לאהוב המסית; (טו) שלא לעזוב שנאתו; (טז) שלא להצילו; (יז) שלא ללמד עליו זכות; (יח) שלא יימנע מללמד עליו חובה; (יט) שלא להתנבא בשמה; (כ) שלא לשמוע מן המתנבא בשמה; (כא) שלא להתנבא בשקר, ואפילו בשם ה'; (כב) שלא לגור מהריגת נביא שקר; (כג) שלא לישבע בשם עבודה זרה; (כד) שלא לעשות אוב; (כה) שלא לעשות יידעוני; (כו) שלא להעביר למולך; (כז) שלא להקים מצבה; (כח) שלא להשתחוות על אבן משכית; (כט) שלא ליטע אשרה; (ל) לאבד עבודה זרה וכל הנעשה בשבילה; (לא) שלא ליהנות בעבודה זרה ובכל משמשיה; (לב) שלא ליהנות בציפויי נעבד; (לג) שלא לכרות ברית לעובדי עבודה זרה; (לד) שלא לחון עליהם; (לה) שלא יישבו בארצנו; (לו) שלא לנהוג כמנהגותיהם וכמלבושיהם; (לז) שלא לנחש; (לח) שלא לקסום; (לט) שלא לעונן; (מ) שלא לחבור חבר; (מא) שלא לדרוש אל המתים; (מב) שלא לשאול באוב; (מג) שלא לשאול ביידעוני; (מד) שלא לכשף; (מה) שלא להקיף פיאת ראש; (מו) שלא להשחית פיאת הזקן; (מז) שלא יעדה איש עדי אישה; (מח) שלא תעדה אישה עדי איש; (מט) שלא לכתוב קעקע; (נ) שלא להתגודד; (נא) שלא לעשות קורחה על מת.
Hilchot Teshuvah
The Laws of Teshuvah
[They contain] one mitzvah, that a sinner should repent before God from his sin and confess.
הלכות תשובה. מצות עשה אחת, והוא שישוב החוטא מחטאו לפני ה', ויתוודה.
Thus, this book contains a total of 75 mitzvot: 16 positive commandments and 59 negative commandments.
נמצאו כל המצוות הנכללות בספר זה, חמש ושבעים--שש עשרה מהן מצוות עשה, ותשע וחמישים מצוות לא תעשה.
Sefer Ahavah
The Book of Love
ספר אהבה
It contains six halachot. They are, in order:
Hilchot Kri'at Shema - The Laws of the Recitation of the Shema
Hilchot Tefillah U'Virkat Kohanim - The Laws of Prayer and the Priestly Blessing
Hilchot Tefillin UM'zuzah V'Sefer Torah - The Laws of Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Torah Scrolls
Hilchot Tzitzit - The Laws of Tzitzit
Hilchot Berachot - The Laws of Blessings
Hilchot Milah - The Laws of Circumcision
הלכותיו שש, וזה הוא סידורן: הלכות קרית שמע, הלכות תפילה וברכת כוהנים, הלכות תפילין ומזוזה וספר תורה, הלכות ציצית, הלכות ברכות, הלכות מילה.
Hilchot Kri'at Shema
The Laws of the Recitation of the Shema
[They contain] one positive commandment, to recite the Shema twice daily.
הלכות קרית שמע. מצות עשה אחת, והיא לקרות קרית שמע פעמיים ביום.
Hilchot Tefillah U'Virkat Kohanim
The Laws of Prayer and the Priestly Blessing
They contain two positive commandments:
1. To serve God in prayer each day
2. For the priests to bless the Jews each day.
הלכות תפילה וברכת כוהנים. יש בכללן שתי מצוות עשה: (א) לעבוד את ה' בתפילה בכל יום; (ב) לברך כוהנים את ישראל בכל יום.
Hilchot Tefillin UM'zuzah V'Sefer Torah
The Laws of Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Torah Scrolls
They contain five positive commandments. They are:
1. To [place] tefillin on the head
2. To tie them on the arm
3. To affix a mezuzah at the entrance of our gateways
4. For a man to write a Torah scroll for himself
5. For a king to write a second Torah scroll for himself, so that he will have two Torah scrolls.
הלכות תפילין ומזוזה וספר תורה. יש בכללן חמש מצוות עשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) להיות תפילין על הראש; (ב) לקושרם על היד; (ג) לקבוע מזוזה בפתחי השערים; (ד) לכתוב כל איש ספר תורה לעצמו; (ה) לכתוב המלך ספר שני לעצמו כדי שיהיה לו שני ספרי תורה.
Hilchot Tzitzit
The Laws of Tzitzit
[They contain] one positive commandment, to tie tzitzit to the fringes of our garments.
הלכות ציצית. מצות עשה אחת, והיא לעשות ציצית על כנפי הכסות.
Hilchot Berachot
The Laws of Blessings
[They contain] one positive commandment, to bless His name after eating.
הלכות ברכות. מצות עשה אחת, והיא לברך את שמו אחר אכילה.
Hilchot Milah
The Laws of Circumcision
[They contain] one positive commandment, to circumcise males on the eighth day.
הלכות מילה. מצות עשה אחת, והיא למול את הזכרים ביום השמיני.
Thus, this book contains a total of eleven positive commandments.
נמצאו כל המצוות הנכללות בספר זה, אחת עשרה מצוות עשה.
Sefer Zemanim
The Book of Seasons
ספר זמנים
It contains ten halachot. They are, in order:
Hilchot Shabbat - The Laws of the Sabbath
Hilchot Eruvin - The Laws of Eruvin
Hilchot Sh'vitat Asor - The Laws of Resting on the Tenth Day [Yom Kippur]
Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov - The Laws of Resting on Holidays
Hilchot Chametz UMatzah - The Laws of Chametz and Matzah
Hilchot Shofar V'Sukkah V'Lulav - The Laws of Shofar, Sukkah, and Lulav
Hilchot Shekalim - The Laws of the [Half-] Shekel Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh - The Laws of the Sanctification of the New Month
Hilchot Ta'aniot - The Laws of Fasts
Hilchot Megillah V'Chanukah - The Laws of the Megillah and of Chanukah
הלכותיו עשר, וזה הוא סידורן: הלכות שבת, הלכות עירובין, הלכות שביתת עשור, הלכות שביתת יום טוב, הלכות חמץ ומצה, הלכות שופר וסוכה ולולב, הלכות שקלים, הלכות קידוש החודש, הלכות תענייות, הלכות מגילה וחנוכה.
Hilchot Shabbat
The Laws of the Sabbath
They contain five mitzvot:
Two positive commandments and three negative commandments.
They are:
1. To rest on the seventh [day]
2. Not to do work on it
3. [For the court] not to inflict punishment on the Sabbath
4. Not to travel beyond the limits [of one's place] on the Sabbath
5. To sanctify the day by remembering it.
הלכות שבת. יש בכללן חמש מצוות--שתי מצוות עשה, ושלוש מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לשבות בשביעי; (ב) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (ג) שלא לענוש בשבת; (ד) שלא לצאת חוץ לגבול בשבת; (ה) לקדש היום בזכירה.
Hilchot Eruvin
The Laws of Eruvin
[They contain] one positive commandment, which is Rabbinic in origin and is not included among [the 613 commandments of the Torah].
הלכות עירובין. מצות עשה אחת, והיא מדברי סופרים ואינה מן המניין.
Hilchot Sh'vitat Asor
The Laws of Resting on the Tenth Day [Yom Kippur]
They contain three mitzvot:
Two positive commandments and two negative commandments:
1. To rest on this day
2. Not to do work on it
3. To fast on this day
4. Not to eat or drink on it.
הלכות שביתת עשור. יש בכללן ארבע מצוות--שתי מצוות עשה, ושתי מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לשבות בו ממלאכה; (ב) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (ג) להתענות בו; (ד) שלא לאכול ולשתות בו.
Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov
The Laws of Resting on Holidays
They contain twelve mitzvot:
Six positive commandments and six negative commandments.
They are:
1. To rest on the first day of Pesach
2. Not to work on that day
3. To rest on the seventh day of Pesach
4. Not to work on that day
5. To rest on the holiday of Shavuot
6. Not to work on that day
7. To rest on the first day of Rosh HaShanah
8. Not to work on that day
9. To rest on the first day of the festival of Sukkot
10. Not to work on that day
11. To rest on the eighth day of the festival [of Sukkot]
12. Not to work on that day.
הלכות שביתת יום טוב. יש בכללן שתים עשרה מצוות--שש מצוות עשה, ושש מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לשבות בראשון של פסח; (ב) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (ג) לשבות בשביעי של פסח; (ד) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (ה) לשבות ביום חג השבועות; (ו) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (ז) לשבות בראש השנה; (ח) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (ט) לשבות בראשון של חג הסוכות; (י) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה; (יא) לשבות בשמיני של חג; (יב) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה.
Hilchot Chametz UMatzah
The Laws of Chametz and Matzah
They contain eight mitzvot:
Three positive commandments and five negative commandments.
They are:
1. Not to eat chametz on the fourteenth [of Nisan] from noontime onwards
2. To destroy leaven on the fourteenth [of Nisan]
3. Not to eat chametz for all seven days [of Pesach]
4. Not to eat a mixture containing chametz for all [these] seven days
5. For chametz not to be seen [in one's possession] for all [these] seven days
6. For chametz not to be found [in one's possession] for all [these] seven days
7. To eat matzah on the night of Pesach
8. To tell the story of the exodus from Egypt on that night.
הלכות חמץ ומצה. יש בכללן שמונה מצוות--שלוש מצוות עשה, וחמש מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) שלא לאכול חמץ ביום ארבעה עשר מחצות היום ולמעלה; (ב) להשבית שאור מארבעה עשר; (ג) שלא לאכול חמץ כל שבעה; (ד) שלא לאכול תערובת חמץ כל שבעה; (ה) שלא ייראה חמץ כל שבעה; (ו) שלא יימצא חמץ כל שבעה; (ז) לאכול מצה בלילי הפסח; (ח) לספר ביציאת מצריים באותו הלילה.
Hilchot Shofar V'Sukkah V'Lulav
The Laws of Shofar, Sukkah, and Lulav
They contain three positive commandments: They are:
1. To hear the sounding of the shofar on the first of Tishrei
2. To dwell in a sukkah for the seven days of that festival
3. To take the lulav in the Temple on all the seven days of the festival.
הלכות שופר וסוכה ולולב. יש בכללן שלוש מצוות עשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לשמוע קול שופר באחד בתשרי; (ב) לישב בסוכה שבעת ימי החג; (ג) ליטול לולב במקדש כל שבעת ימי החג.
Hilchot Shekalim
The Laws of the [Half-] Shekel
[They contain] one positive commandment, for each man to give a half-shekel each year.
הלכות שקלים. מצות עשה אחת, והיא ליתן כל איש מחצית השקל בכל שנה.
Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh
The Laws of the Sanctification of the New Month
[They contain] one positive commandment, to calculate, know, and appoint the day on which each of the months of the year begin.
הלכות קידוש החודש. מצות עשה אחת, והיא לחשוב ולידע ולקבוע באיזה יום הוא תחילת כל חודש וחודש מחודשי השנה.
Hilchot Ta'aniot
The Laws of Fasts
[They contain] one positive commandment, to fast and call out before God at times of great communal distress.
הלכות תענייות. מצות עשה אחת, והיא להתענות ולזעוק לפני ה' בעת כל צרה גדולה שתבוא על הציבור.
Hilchot Megillah V'Chanukah
The Laws of the Megillah and of Chanukah
They contain two positive commandments, which are Rabbinic in origin and are not included among [the 613 commandments of the Torah].
הלכות מגילה וחנוכה. יש בכללן שתי מצוות עשה מדברי סופרים, ואינם מן המניין.
Thus, this book contains a total of 35 of the Torah's commandments: 19 positive commandments and 16 negative commandments. It also contains three commandments which are Rabbinic in origin.
נמצאו כל המצוות של תורה הנכללות בספר זה, חמש ושלושים--תשע עשרה מהן מצוות עשה, ושש עשרה מצוות לא תעשה; ויש בו שלוש מצוות מדברי סופרים.
Sefer Nashim
The Book of Women
ספר נשים
It contains five halachot. They are, in order:
Hilchot Ishut - The Laws of Marriage
Hilchot Gerushin - The Laws of Divorce
Hilchot Yibbum Va'Chalitzah - The Laws of Yibbum and Chalitzah
Hilchot Na'arah Betulah - The Laws Pertaining to a Virgin Maiden
Hilchot Sotah - The Laws Pertaining to a Sotah
הלכותיו חמש, וזה הוא סידורן: הלכות אישות, הלכות גירושין, הלכות ייבום וחליצה, הלכות נערה בתולה, הלכות סוטה.
Hilchot Ishut
The Laws of Marriage
They contain four mitzvot:
Two positive commandments and two negative commandments.
They are:
1. To marry a woman with a marriage contract and a marriage ceremony
2. Not to engage in sexual relations with a woman without a marriage contract and a marriage ceremony
3. Not to withhold living expenses, clothing, and conjugal rights [from one's wife]
4. To be fruitful and multiply with her.
הלכות אישות. יש בכללן ארבע מצוות--שתי מצוות עשה, ושתי מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לישא אישה בכתובה וקידושין; (ב) שלא תיבעל אישה בלא כתובה וקידושין; (ג) שלא ימנע שאר כסות ועונה; (ד) לפרות ולרבות ממנה.
Hilchot Gerushin
The Laws of Divorce
They contain two mitzvot:
1. A positive commandment, for a man to divorce [his wife] with a get
2. For a man who divorces his wife not to remarry her after she has married another person.
הלכות גירושין. יש בכללן שתי מצוות: (א) מצות עשה, והוא שיגרש המגרש בספר; (ב) שלא יחזיר גרושתו משנישאת.
Hilchot Yibbum Va'Chalitzah
The Laws of Yibbum andChalitzah They contain three mitzvot:
Two positive commandments and one negative commandment.
They are:
1. To perform yibbum
2. To perform chalitzah
3. For a yevamah not to marry another person until she is absolved of her obligation to the yavam.
הלכות ייבום וחליצה. יש בכללן שלוש מצוות--שתי מצוות עשה, ואחת מצות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לייבם; (ב) לחלוץ; (ג) שלא תינשא יבמה לאיש זר עד שתסור רשות היבם מעליה.
Hilchot Na'arah Betulah
The Laws Pertaining to a Virgin Maiden
They contain five mitzvot:
Three positive commandments and two negative commandments.
They are:
1. To fine one who seduces a woman
2. For a rapist to marry the woman he rapes
3. For a rapist never to divorce [his wife]
4. For a woman whose husband made defamatory remarks about her to remain married to him forever
5. For a husband who made defamatory remarks about his wife never to divorce her.
הלכות נערה בתולה. יש בכללן חמש מצוות--שלוש מצוות עשה, ושתי מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לקנוס המפתה; (ב) שיישא האונס אנוסתו; (ג) שלא יגרש האונס; (ד) שתשב אשת מוציא שם רע תחת בעלה לעולם; (ה) שלא יגרש מוציא שם רע את אשתו.
Hilchot Sotah
The Laws Pertaining to a Sotah
They contain three mitzvot:
One positive commandment and two negative commandments.
They are:
1. To perform the ritual associated with [the testing of] a Sotah, [a woman who aroused her husband's] jealousy, as prescribed by the Torah
2. Not to place oil on her sacrifice
3. Not to place frankincense on her sacrifice.
הלכות סוטה. יש בכללן שלוש מצוות--אחת מצות עשה, ושתיים מצוות לא תעשה; וזה הוא פרטן: (א) לעשות לסוטה כתורת הקנאות הסדורה בתורה; (ב) שלא ליתן שמן על קרבנה; (ג) שלא ליתן עליו לבונה.
Thus, this book contains a total of 17 of the Torah's commandments: nine positive commandments and eight negative commandments.
נמצאו כל המצוות הנכללות בספר זה, שבע עשרה--מהן תשע מצוות עשה, ושמונה מצוות לא תעשה.
• 3 Chapters A Day: De'ot De'ot - Chapter Six, De'ot De'ot - Chapter Seven, Talmud Torah Talmud Torah - Chapter One
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Audio: Listen | Download | Video ClassDe'ot - Chapter Six
1
It is natural for a man's character and actions to be influenced by his friends and associates and for him to follow the local norms of behavior. Therefore, he should associate with the righteous and be constantly in the company of the wise, so as to learn from their deeds. Conversely, he should keep away from the wicked who walk in darkness, so as not to learn from their deeds.
This is [implied by] Solomon's statement (Proverbs 13:20): "He who walks with the wise will become wise, while one who associates with fools will suffer." Similarly, [Psalms 1:1] states: "Happy is the man who has not followed the advice of the wicked."
A person who lives in a place where the norms of behavior are evil and the inhabitants do not follow the straight path should move to a place where the people are righteous and follow the ways of the good.
If all the places with which he is familiar and of which he hears reports follow improper paths, as in our times, or if he is unable to move to a place where the patterns of behavior are proper, because of [the presence of] bands of raiding troops, or for health reasons, he should remain alone in seclusion as [Eichah 3:28] states: "Let him sit alone and be silent."
If they are wicked and sinful and do not allow him to reside there unless he mingle with them and follow their evil behavior, he should go out to caves, thickets, and deserts [rather than] follow the paths of sinners as [Jeremiah 9:1] states: "Who will give me a lodging place for wayfarers, in the desert."
א
דרך ברייתו של אדם להיות נמשך בדעותיו ובמעשיו אחר ריעיו וחביריו ונוהג כמנהג אנשי מדינתו לפיכך צריך אדם להתחבר לצדיקים ולישב אצל החכמים תמיד כדי שילמוד ממעשיהם ויתרחק מן הרשעים ההולכים בחשך כדי שלא ילמוד ממעשיהם הוא ששלמה אומר הולך את חכמים יחכם ורועה כסילים ירוע ואומר אשרי האיש וגו' וכן אם היה במדינה שמנהגותיה רעים ואין אנשיה הולכים בדרך ישרה ילך למקום שאנשיה צדיקים ונוהגים בדרך טובים ואם היו כל המדינות שהוא יודעם ושומע שמועתן נוהגים בדרך לא טובה כמו זמנינו או שאינו יכול ללכת למדינה שמנהגותיה טובים מפני הגייסות או מפני החולי ישב לבדו יחידי כענין שנאמר ישב בדד וידום ואם היו רעים וחטאים שאין מניחים אותו לישב במדינה אא"כ נתערב עמהן ונוהג במנהגם הרע יצא למערות ולחוחים ולמדברות ואל ינהיג עצמו בדרך חטאים כענין שנאמר מי יתנני במדבר מלון אורחים:
Commentary on Halachah 1
2
It is a positive commandment to cleave unto the wise and their disciples in order to learn from their deeds as [Deuteronomy 10:20] states: "and you will cling to Him."
Our Sages [questioned the nature of this command for] is it possible for man to cling to the Divine Presence? They [resolved the difficulty,] explaining this commandment to mean: Cleave unto the wise and their disciples.
Therefore, one should try to marry the daughter of a Torah Sage and marry his daughter to a Torah Sage, eat and drink with Sages, do business on behalf of Sages, and associate with them in all possible ways as [Deuteronomy 11:22] states: "to cling to Him."
Similarly, our Sages have directed [us], saying: "Sit in the dust of their feet and drink in their words thirstily."
ב
מצות עשה להדבק בחכמים ותלמידיהם כדי ללמוד ממעשיהם כענין שנאמר ובו תדבק וכי אפשר לאדם להדבק בשכינה אלא כך אמרו חכמים בפירוש מצוה זו הדבק בחכמים ותלמידיהם לפיכך צריך אדם להשתדל שישא בת תלמיד חכם וישיא בתו לתלמיד חכם ולאכול ולשתות עם תלמידי חכמים ולעשות פרקמטיא לתלמיד חכם ולהתחבר להן בכל מיני חבור שנאמר ולדבקה בו וכן צוו חכמים ואמרו והוי מתאבק בעפר רגליהם ושותה בצמא את דבריהם:
Commentary on Halachah 2
3
Each man is commanded to love each and every one of Israel as himself as [Leviticus 19:18] states: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Therefore, one should speak the praises of [others] and show concern for their money just as he is concerned with his own money and seeks his own honor.
Whoever gains honor through the degradation of a colleague does not have a share in the world to come.
ג
מצוה על כל אדם לאהוב את כל אחד ואחד מישראל כגופו שנאמר ואהבת לרעך כמוך לפיכך צריך לספר בשבחו ולחוס על ממונו כאשר הוא חס על ממון עצמו ורוצה בכבוד עצמו והמתכבד בקלון חבירו אין לו חלק לעולם הבא:
Commentary on Halachah 3
4
Loving a convert who has come to nestle under the wings of the Shechinah [fulfills] two positive commandments: one for he is [also] included among the "neighbors" [whom we are commanded to love] and one because he is a convert and the Torah (Deuteronomy 10:19) states: "and you shall love the converts."
[Thus, God] has commanded us concerning the love of a convert just as He has commanded us concerning loving Himself as [Deuteronomy 11:1] states: "and you shall love God, your Lord." The Holy One, blessed be He, Himself, loves converts as [Deuteronomy 10:18] states: "and He loves converts."
ד
אהבת הגר שבא ונכנס תחת כנפי השכינה שתי מצות עשה אחת מפני שהוא בכלל ריעים ואחת מפני שהוא גר והתורה אמרה ואהבתם את הגר צוה על אהבת הגר כמו שצוה על אהבת עצמו שנאמר ואהבת את ה' אלהיך הקב"ה עצמו אוהב גרים שנאמר ואוהב גר:
Commentary on Halachah 4
5
Whoever hates a [fellow] Jew in his heart transgresses a Torah prohibition as [Leviticus 19:17] states: "Do not hate your brother in your heart." One is not [liable for] lashes for violating this prohibition because no deed is involved.
The Torah only warns [us] against hating in [our] hearts. However, a person who beats a colleague or insults him, although he is not permitted to do so, does not violate [the prohibition,] "you shall not hate."
ה
כל השונא אחד מישראל בלבו עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תשנא את אחיך בלבבך ואין לוקין על לאו זה לפי שאין בו מעשה ולא הזהירה תורה אלא על שנאה שבלב אבל המכה את חבירו והמחרפו אע"פ שאינו רשאי אינו עובר משום לא תשנא:
Commentary on Halachah 5
6
When one person wrongs another, the latter should not remain silent and despise him as [II Samuel 13:22] states concerning the wicked: "And Avshalom did not speak to Amnon neither good, nor bad for Avshalom hated Amnon."
Rather, he is commanded to make the matter known and ask him: "Why did you do this to me?", "Why did you wrong me regarding that matter?" as [Leviticus 19:17] states: "You shall surely admonish your colleague."
If, afterwards, [the person who committed the wrong] asks [his colleague] to forgive him, he must do so. A person should not be cruel when forgiving [as implied by Genesis 20:17]: "And Abraham prayed to God..."
ו
כשיחטא איש לאיש לא ישטמנו וישתוק כמו שנאמר ברשעים ולא דבר אבשלום את אמנון מאומה למרע ועד טוב כי שנא אבשלום את אמנון אלא מצוה עליו להודיעו ולומר לו למה עשית לי כך וכך ולמה חטאת לי בדבר פלוני שנאמר הוכח תוכיח את עמיתך ואם חזר ובקש ממנו למחול לו צריך למחול ולא יהא המוחל אכזרי שנאמר ויתפלל אברהם אל האלהים:
Commentary on Halachah 6
7
It is a mitzvah for a person who sees that his fellow Jew has sinned or is following an improper path [to attempt] to correct his behavior and to inform him that he is causing himself a loss by his evil deeds as [Leviticus 19:17] states: "You shall surely admonish your colleague."
A person who rebukes a colleague - whether because of a [wrong committed] against him or because of a matter between his colleague and God - should rebuke him privately. He should speak to him patiently and gently, informing him that he is only making these statements for his colleague's own welfare, to allow him to merit the life of the world to come.
If he accepts [the rebuke], it is good; if not, he should rebuke him a second and third time. Indeed, one is obligated to rebuke a colleague who does wrong until the latter strikes him and tells him: "I will not listen."
Whoever has the possibility of rebuking [sinners] and fails to do so is considered responsible for that sin, for he had the opportunity to rebuke the [sinners].
ז
הרואה חבירו שחטא או שהלך בדרך לא טובה מצוה להחזירו למוטב ולהודיעו שהוא חוטא על עצמו במעשיו הרעים שנאמר הוכח תוכיח את עמיתך המוכיח את חבירו בין בדברים שבינו לבינו בין בדברים שבינו לבין המקום צריך להוכיחו בינו לבין עצמו וידבר לו בנחת ובלשון רכה ויודיעו שאינו אומר לו אלא לטובתו להביאו לחיי העולם הבא אם קיבל ממנו מוטב ואם לאו יוכיחנו פעם שניה ושלישית וכן תמיד חייב אדם להוכיחו עד שיכהו החוטא ויאמר לו איני שומע וכל שאפשר בידו למחות ואינו מוחה הוא נתפש בעון אלו כיון שאפשר לו למחות בהם:
Commentary on Halachah 7
8
At first, a person who admonishes a colleague should not speak to him harshly until he becomes embarrassed as [Leviticus 19:17] states: "[You should]... not bear a sin because of him." This is what our Sages said: Should you rebuke him to the point that his face changes [color]? The Torah states: "[You should]... not bear a sin because of him."
From this, [we learn that] it is forbidden for a person to embarrass a [fellow] Jew. How much more so [is it forbidden to embarrass him] in public. Even though a person who embarrasses a colleague is not [liable for] lashes on account of him, it is a great sin. Our Sages said: "A person who embarrasses a colleague in public does not have a share in the world to come."
Therefore, a person should be careful not to embarrass a colleague - whether of great or lesser stature - in public, and not to call him a name which embarrasses him or to relate a matter that brings him shame in his presence.
When does the above apply? In regard to matters between one man and another. However, in regard to spiritual matters, if [a transgressor] does not repent [after being admonished] in private, he may be put to shame in public and his sin may be publicized. He may be subjected to abuse, scorn, and curses until he repents, as was the practice of all the prophets of Israel.
ח
המוכיח את חבירו תחלה לא ידבר לו קשות עד שיכלימנו שנאמר ולא תשא עליו חטא כך אמרו חכמים יכול אתה מוכיחו ופניו משתנות ת"ל ולא תשא עליו חטא מכאן שאסור לאדם להכלים את ישראל וכל שכן ברבים אף על פי שהמכלים את חבירו אינו לוקה עליו עון גדול הוא כך אמרו חכמים המלבין פני חבירו ברבים אין לו חלק לעולם הבא לפיכך צריך אדם להזהר שלא לבייש חבירו ברבים בין קטן בין גדול ולא יקרא לו בשם שהוא בוש ממנו ולא יספר לפניו דבר שהוא בוש ממנו במה דברים אמורים בדברים שבין אדם לחבירו אבל בדברי שמים אם לא חזר בו בסתר מכלימין אותו ברבים ומפרסמים חטאו ומחרפים אותו בפניו ומבזין ומקללין אותו עד שיחזור למוטב כמו שעשו כל הנביאים בישראל:
Commentary on Halachah 8
9
It is pious behavior if a person who was wronged by a colleague would rather not admonish him or mention the matter at all because the person who wronged him was very boorish or because he was mentally disturbed, [provided] he forgives him totally without bearing any feelings of hate or admonishing him. The Torah is concerned only with those who carry feelings of hate.
ט
מי שחטא עליו חבירו ולא רצה להוכיחו ולא לדבר לו כלום מפני שהיה החוטא הדיוט ביותר או שהיתה דעתו משובשת ומחל לו בלבו ולא שטמו ולא הוכיחו הרי זו מדת חסידות לא הקפידה תורה אלא על המשטמה:
Commentary on Halachah 9
10
A person is obligated to show great care for orphans and widows because their spirits are very low and their feelings are depressed. This applies even if they are wealthy. We are commanded to [show this attention] even to a king's widow and his orphans as [implied by Exodus 22:21]: "Do not mistreat any widow or orphan."
How should one deal with them? One should only speak to them gently and treat them only with honor. One should not cause pain to their persons with [overbearing] work or aggravate their feelings with harsh words and [one should] show more consideration for their financial interests than for one's own. Anyone who vexes or angers them, hurts their feelings, oppresses them, or causes them financial loss transgresses this prohibition. Surely this applies if one beats them or curses them.
Even though [a person who violates] this prohibition is not [liable for] lashes, the retribution one suffers for its [violation] is explicitly stated in the Torah (ibid. 22:23): "I will display My anger and slay you with the sword." There is a covenant between them and He who spoke and created the world that whenever they cry out because they have been wronged, they will be answered as [ibid.:22] states: "When they cry out to Me, I will surely hear their cry."
When does the above apply? When one causes them suffering for one's own purposes. However, it is permitted for a teacher to cause them suffering while teaching them Torah, or a craft, or in order to train them in proper behavior. Nevertheless, he should not treat them in the same manner as he treats others, but rather make a distinction with regard to them and treat them with gentility, great mercy, and honor for [Proverbs 22:22] states: "For God will take up their cause."
This applies to both those orphaned from their father and those orphaned from their mother. Until when are they considered orphans in the context [of this mitzvah]? Until they no longer need a mature individual to support, instruct, and care for them and are able to see to all their own needs by themselves, like other adults.
י
חייב אדם להזהר ביתומים ואלמנות מפני שנפשן שפלה למאד ורוחם נמוכה אע"פ שהן בעלי ממון אפילו אלמנתו של מלך ויתומיו מוזהרים אנו עליהן שנאמר כל אלמנה ויתום לא תענון והיאך נוהגין עמהן לא ידבר אליהם אלא רכות ולא ינהוג בהן אלא מנהג כבוד ולא יכאיב גופם בעבודה ולבם בדברים קשים ויחוס על ממונם יותר מממון עצמו כל המקניטן או מכעיסן או הכאיב להן או רדה בהן או אבד ממונן הרי זה עובר בלא תעשה וכל שכן המכה אותם או המקללן ולאו זה אף על פי שאין לוקין עליו הרי עונשו מפורש בתורה וחרה אפי והרגתי אתכם בחרב ברית כרת להן מי שאמר והיה העולם שכל זמן שהם צועקים מחמס הם נענים שנאמר כי אם צעק יצעק אלי שמוע אשמע צעקתו בד"א בזמן שעינה אותן לצורך עצמו אבל עינה אותם הרב כדי ללמדן תורה או אומנות או להוליכן בדרך ישרה הרי זה מותר ואע"פ כן לא ינהוג בהן מנהג כל אדם אלא יעשה להם הפרש וינהלם בנחת וברחמים גדולים וכבוד שנאמר כי ה' יריב ריבם אחד יתום מאב אחד יתום מאם ועד אימתי נקראים יתומים לענין זה עד שלא יהיו צריכין לאדם גדול להסמך עליו ולאמנן ולהטפל בהן אלא יהיה עושה כל צרכי עצמו לעצמו כשאר כל הגדולים:
Commentary on Halachah 10
De'ot - Chapter Seven
1
A person who collects gossip about a colleague violates a prohibition as [Leviticus 19:16] states: "Do not go around gossiping among your people."
Even though this transgression is not punished by lashes, it is a severe sin and can cause the death of many Jews. Therefore, [the warning]: "Do not stand still over your neighbor's blood" is placed next to it in the Torah [ibid.]. See what happened [because of] Doeg, the Edomite.
א
המרגל בחבירו עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תלך רכיל בעמיך ואף על פי שאין לוקין על דבר זה עון גדול הוא וגורם להרוג נפשות רבות מישראל לכך נסמך לו ולא תעמוד על דם רעך צא ולמד מה אירע לדואג האדומי:
2
Who is a gossiper? One who collects information and [then] goes from person to person, saying: "This is what so and so said;" "This is what I heard about so and so." Even if the statements are true, they bring about the destruction of the world.
There is a much more serious sin than [gossip], which is also included in this prohibition: lashon horah, i.e., relating deprecating facts about a colleague, even if they are true.
[Lashon horah does not refer to the invention of lies;] that is referred to as defamation of character. Rather, one who speaks lashon horah is someone who sits and relates: "This is what so and so has done;" "His parents were such and such;" "This is what I have heard about him," telling uncomplimentary things. Concerning this [transgression], the verse [Psalms 12:4] states: "May God cut off all guileful lips, the tongues which speak proud things..."
ב
אי זהו רכיל זה שטוען דברים והולך מזה לזה ואומר כך אמר פלוני כך וכך שמעתי על פלוני אע"פ שהוא אמת הרי זה מחריב את העולם יש עון גדול מזה עד מאד והוא בכלל לאו זה והוא לשון הרע והוא המספר בגנות חבירו אף על פי שאומר אמת אבל האומר שקר נקרא מוציא שם רע על חבירו אבל בעל לשון הרע זה שיושב ואומר כך וכך עשה פלוני וכך וכך היו אבותיו וכך וכך שמעתי עליו ואמר דברים של גנאי על זה אמר הכתוב יכרת ה' כל שפתי חלקות לשון מדברת גדולות:
3
Our Sages said: "There are three sins for which retribution is exacted from a person in this world and, [for which] he is [nonetheless,] denied a portion in the world to come: idol worship, forbidden sexual relations, and murder. Lashon horah is equivalent to all of them."
Our Sages also said: "Anyone who speaks lashon horah is like one who denies God as [implied by Psalms 12:5]: 'Those who said: With our tongues we will prevail; our lips are our own. Who is Lord over us?’”
In addition, they said: "Lashon horah kills three [people], the one who speaks it, the one who listens to it, and the one about whom it is spoken. The one who listens to it [suffers] more than the one who speaks it.”
ג
אמרו חכמים שלש עבירות נפרעין מן האדם בעולם הזה ואין לו חלק לעולם הבא עבודת כוכבים וגילוי עריות ושפיכות דמים ולשון הרע כנגד כולם ועוד אמרו חכמים כל המספר בלשון הרע כאילו כופר בעיקר שנאמר אשר אמרו ללשוננו נגביר שפתינו אתנו מי אדון לנו ועוד אמרו חכמים שלשה לשון הרע הורגת: האומרו והמקבלו וזה שאומר עליו והמקבלו יותר מן האומרו:
4
There are certain matters which are considered "the dust of lashon horah." What is implied? [For example, a person says:] "Who will tell so and so to continue acting as he does now," or "Do not talk about so and so; I do not want to say what happened," or the like.
Similarly, it is also considered the "dust of lashon horah" when someone speaks favorably about a colleague in the presence of his enemies, for this will surely prompt them to speak disparagingly about him. In this regard, King Solomon said [Proverbs 27:14]: "One who greets his colleague early in the morning, in a loud voice, curses him," for his positive [act] will bring him negative [repercussions].
Similarly, [to be condemned is] a person who relates lashon horah in frivolity and jest, as if he were not speaking with hatred. This was also mentioned by Solomon in his wisdom [Proverbs 26:18-19]: "As a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death and says: 'I am only joking.’”
[Also, to be condemned is] someone who speaks lashon horah about a colleague slyly, pretending to be innocently telling a story without knowing that it is harmful. When he is reproved, he excuses himself by saying: "I did not know that the story was harmful or that so and so was involved."
ד
ויש דברים שהן אבק לשון הרע כיצד מי יאמר לפלוני שיהיה כמות שהוא עתה או שיאמר שתקו מפלוני איני רוצה להודיע מה אירע ומה היה וכיוצא בדברים האלו וכל המספר בטובת חבירו בפני שונאיו הרי זה אבק לשון הרע שזה גורם להם שיספרו בגנותו ועל זה הענין אמר שלמה מברך רעהו בקול גדול בבקר השכם קללה תחשב לו שמתוך טובתו בא לידי רעתו וכן המספר בלשון הרע דרך שחוק ודרך קלות ראש כלומר שאינו מדבר בשנאה הוא ששלמה אמר בחכמתו כמתלהלה היורה זקים חצים ומות ואמר הלא משחק אני וכן המספר לשון הרע דרך רמאות והוא שיספר לתומו כאילו אינו יודע שדבר זה שדבר לשון הרע הוא אלא כשממחין בו אומר איני יודע שדבר זה לשון הרע או שאלו מעשיו של פלוני:
5
[There is no difference] whether one speaks lashon horah about a person in his presence or behind his back. [The statements] of people who relate matters which, when passed from one person to another, will cause harm to a man's person or to his property or will even [merely] annoy him or frighten him are considered as lashon horah.
If such statements were made in the presence of three people, [one may assume that the matter] has already become public knowledge. Thus, if one of the three relates the matter a second time, it is not considered lashon horah, provided his intention was not to spread the matter further and publicize it.
ה
אחד המספר בלשון הרע בפני חבירו או שלא בפניו והמספר דברים שגורמים אם נשמעו איש מפי איש להזיק חבירו בגופו או בממונו ואפילו להצר לו או להפחידו הרי זה לשון הרע ואם נאמרו דברים אלו בפני שלשה כבר נשמע הדבר ונודע ואם סיפר הדבר אחד מן השלשה פעם אחרת אין בו משום לשון הרע והוא שלא יתכוין להעביר הקול ולגלותו יותר:
6
All the above are people who speak lashon horah in whose neighborhood, one is forbidden to dwell. How much more so [is it forbidden] to sit [together] with them and hear their conversation.
The judgement against our ancestors in the desert was only sealed because of lashon horah.
ו
כל אלו הם בעלי לשון הרע שאסור לדור בשכונתם וכל שכן לישב עמהם ולשמוע דבריהם ולא נחתם גזר דין על אבותינו במדבר אלא על לשון הרע לבד:
7
A person who takes revenge against a colleague transgresses a Torah prohibition, as [Leviticus 19:18] states: "Do not take revenge."
Even though [revenge] is not punished by lashes, it is a very bad trait. Instead, a person should [train himself] to rise above his feelings about all worldly things, for men of understanding consider all these things as vanity and emptiness which are not worth seeking revenge for.
What is meant by taking revenge? A person's colleague asks him, "Lend me your hatchet. He responds, "I refuse to lend it to you." On the following day, the person [who refused] needs to borrow a hatchet from his colleague. He asks him: "Lend me your hatchet." The latter responds, "Just as you did not lend it to me, I will not lend it to you." This is considered as taking revenge. Instead, when he comes to ask him for it, he should give it to him with a full heart, without repaying him for what he did.
The same applies in other similar instances. Thus, King David proclaimed regarding his exemplary qualities [Psalms 7:5]: "Have I repaid those who have done evil to me? Behold, I have rescued those who hated me without cause."
ז
הנוקם מחבירו עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תקום ואע"פ שאינו לוקה עליו דעה רעה היא עד מאד אלא ראוי לו לאדם להיות מעביר על מדותיו על כל דברי העולם שהכל אצל המבינים דברי הבל והבאי ואינן כדי לנקום עליהם כיצד היא הנקימה אמר לו חבירו השאילני קרדומך אמר לו איני משאילך למחר צריך לשאול ממנו אמר לו חבירו השאילני קרדומך אמר לו איני משאילך כדרך שלא השאלתני כששאלתי ממך הרי זה נוקם אלא כשיבוא לו לשאול יתן בלב שלם ולא יגמול לו כאשר גמלו וכן כל כיוצא באלו וכן אמר דוד בדעותיו הטובות אם גמלתי שולמי רע ואחלצה וגו':
8
Similarly, anyone who holds a grudge against another Jew violates a Torah prohibition, as [Leviticus 19:18] states: "Do not bear a grudge against the children of your people."
What is meant by bearing a grudge? Reuven asked Shimon, "Rent this house to me," or "lend this ox to me," and Shimon was not willing [to do so]. A few days later, Shimon came to borrow or rent something from from him. Reuven told him, "Here, it is. I am lending it to you. I am not like you, nor am I paying you back for what you did."
A person who acts in this manner violates the prohibition against bearing a grudge. Instead [of doing so], he should wipe the matter from his heart and never bring it to mind. As long as he brings the matter to mind and remembers it, there is the possibility that he will seek revenge. Therefore, the Torah condemned holding a grudge, [requiring] one to wipe the wrong from his heart entirely, without remembering it at all.
This is a proper quality which permits a stable environment, trade, and commerce to be established among people.
ח
וכן כל הנוטר לאחד מישראל עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר ולא תטור את בני עמיך כיצד היא הנטירה ראובן שאמר לשמעון השכיר לי בית זה או השאילני שור זה ולא רצה שמעון לימים בא שמעון לראובן לשאול ממנו או לשכור ממנו ואמר לו ראובן הא לך הריני משאילך ואיני כמותך לא אשלם לך כמעשיך העושה כזה עובר בלא תטור אלא ימחה הדבר מלבו ולא יטרנו שכל זמן שהוא נוטר את הדבר וזוכרו שמא יבא לנקום לפיכך הקפידה תורה על הנטירה עד שימחה העון מלבו ולא יזכרנו כלל וזו היא הדעה הנכונה שאפשר שיתקיים בה יישוב הארץ ומשאם ומתנם של בני אדם זה עם זה:
Talmud Torah - Chapter One
Introduction to Hilchos Talmud Torah
They contain two positive commandments. They are:
1. To study Torah
2. To honor those who study it and know it
These mitzvot are explained in the following chapters.
רמב"ם הלכות תלמוד תורה - הקדמה
הלכות תלמוד תורה. יש בכללן, שתי מצות עשה. וזהו פרטן:
(א) ללמוד תורה.
(ב) לכבד מלמדיה ויודעיה. וביאור שתי מצות אלו בפרקים אלו.
1
Women, slaves, and minors are free from the obligation of Torah study. Nevertheless, a father is obligated to teach his son Torah while he is a minor, as [Deuteronomy 11:19] states: "And you shall teach them to your sons to speak about them."
A woman is not obligated to teach her son, for only those who are obligated to learn are obligated to teach.
א
נשים ועבדים וקטנים פטורים מתלמוד תורה אבל קטן אביו חייב ללמדו תורה שנאמר ולמדתם אותם את בניכם לדבר בם ואין האשה חייבת ללמד את בנה שכל החייב ללמוד חייב ללמד:
Commentary on Halachah 1
2
Just as a person is obligated to teach his son, so, too, is he obligated to teach his grandson, as [Deuteronomy 4:9] commands: "And you shall teach them to your sons and your grandsons."
[Furthermore, this charge is not confined] to one's children and grandchildren alone. Rather, it is a mitzvah for each and every wise man to teach all students, even though they are not his children, as [Deuteronomy 6:7] states: "And you shall teach them to your sons..." The oral tradition explains: "Your sons," these are your students, for students are also called sons, as [II Kings 2:3] states: "And the sons of the prophets went forth."
If so, why do the commandments [explicitly mention] one's son and grandson? To grant precedence to one's son over one's grandson, and one's grandson over the son of a colleague.
ב
כשם שחייב אדם ללמד את בנו כך הוא חייב ללמד את בן בנו שנאמר והודעתם לבניך ולבני בניך ולא בנו ובן בנו בלבד אלא מצוה על כל חכם וחכם מישראל ללמד את כל התלמידים אף על פי שאינן בניו שנאמר ושננתם לבניך מפי השמועה למדו בניך אלו תלמידיך שהתלמידים קרויין בנים שנאמר ויצאו בני הנביאים אם כן למה נצטוה על בנו ועל בן בנו להקדים בנו לבן בנו ובן בנו לבן חבירו:
Commentary on Halachah 2
3
Also, one is obligated to hire a teacher for one's son, while one is not required to undertake any expense to teach a colleague's son.
A person who was not instructed by his father is obligated to arrange for his own instruction when he can understand, as [Deuteronomy 5:1] states: "And you shall study them and take heed to perform them."
Similarly, in every place, one finds that study takes precedence over deed, for study brings about deed. However, deed does not bring about study.
ג
וחייב לשכור מלמד לבנו ללמדו ואינו חייב ללמד בן חבירו אלא בחנם מי שלא למדו אביו חייב ללמד את עצמו כשיכיר שנאמר ולמדתם אותם ושמרתם לעשותם וכן אתה מוצא בכ"מ שהתלמוד קודם למעשה מפני שהתלמוד מביא לידי מעשה ואין המעשה מביא לידי תלמוד:
Commentary on Halachah 3
4
If a person wants to study Torah and he has a son whom he should teach Torah, his [study] takes priority over [that of] his son. If his son is wiser and a more creative thinker and thus capable of understanding what he studies more than he [himself] is, his son is given priority.
Even though his son is granted priority, he should not neglect [his own studies]. For just as he is commanded to teach his son, he is commanded to teach himself.
ד
היה הוא רוצה ללמוד תורה ויש לו בן ללמוד תורה הוא קודם לבנו ואם היה בנו נבון ומשכיל להבין מה שילמוד יותר ממנו בנו קודם ואע"פ שבנו קודם לא יבטל הוא שכשם שמצוה עליו ללמד את בנו כך הוא מצווה ללמד עצמו:
Commentary on Halachah 4
5
A person should always study Torah and, afterwards, marry. If he marries first, his mind will not be free for study. However, if his natural inclination overcomes him to the extent that his mind is not free, he should marry, and then study Torah.
ה
לעולם ילמוד אדם תורה ואח"כ ישא אשה שאם נשא אשה תחלה אין דעתו פנויה ללמוד ואם היה יצרו מתגבר עליו עד שנמצא שאין לבו פנוי ישא ואחר כך ילמוד תורה:
Commentary on Halachah 5
6
At what age is a father obligated to teach [his son] Torah?
When he begins to speak, he should teach him Torah tzivah lanu Moshe... (Deuteronomy 33:4) and Shema Yisrael... (ibid. 6:4).
Afterwards, he should teach him [selected verses], little by little, verse by verse, until he is six or seven - depending on his health - [at which time] he should take him to a teacher of young children.
ו
מאימתי אביו חייב ללמדו תורה משיתחיל לדבר מלמדו תורה צוה לנו משה ושמע ישראל ואח"כ מלמדו מעט מעט פסוקים פסוקים עד שיהיה בן שש או בן שבע הכל לפי בוריו ומוליכו אצל מלמד התינוקות:
Commentary on Halachah 6
7
If it is local custom for a teacher of young children to take payment, he should be paid. [The father] is obligated to pay for his instruction until he can read the entire written Torah.
In a place where it is customary to receive a wage for teaching the written Torah, one is permitted to do so. However, it is forbidden to take a wage for teaching the Oral Law, as [implied by Deuteronomy 4:5]: "Behold, I have taught you laws and statutes, as God commanded me." [Our Sages teach that Moses was implying:] Just as I learned at no cost, so, too, have you been taught from me at no cost. Teach the coming generations in a like manner. Teach them at no cost as you have learned from me."
[Nevertheless,] if a person cannot find someone to teach him at no cost, he must pay for his studies, as [implied by Proverbs 3:23]: "Buy truth." May he charge to teach others? We learn [ibid.]: "but do not sell." Thus, it can be derived that it is forbidden to charge to teach Torah even though one's teacher charged to instruct him.
ז
היה מנהג המדינה ליקח מלמד התינוקות שכר נותן לו שכרו וחייב ללמדו בשכר עד שיקרא תורה שבכתב כולה מקום שנהגו ללמד תורה שבכתב בשכר מותר ללמד בשכר אבל תורה שבעל פה אסור ללמדה בשכר שנאמר ראה למדתי אתכם חוקים ומשפטים כאשר צוני ה' וגו' מה אני בחנם למדתי אף אתם למדתם בחנם ממני וכן כשתלמדו לדורות למדו בחנם כמו שלמדתם ממני לא מצא מי שילמדו בחנם ילמדו בשכר שנאמר אמת קנה יכול ילמד לאחרים בשכר תלמוד לומר ואל תמכור הא למדת שאסור לו ללמד בשכר אף על פי שלמדו רבו בשכר:
Commentary on Halachah 7
8
Every Jewish man is obligated to study Torah, whether he is poor or rich, whether his body is healthy and whole or afflicted by difficulties, whether he is young or an old man whose strength has diminished.
Even if he is a poor man who derives his livelihood from charity and begs from door to door, even if he is a husband and [a father of] children, he must establish a fixed time for Torah study during the day and at night, as [Joshua 1:8] commands: "You shall think about it day and night."
ח
כל איש מישראל חייב בתלמוד תורה בין עני בין עשיר בין שלם בגופו בין בעל יסורין בין בחור בין שהיה זקן גדול שתשש כחו אפילו היה עני המתפרנס מן הצדקה ומחזר על הפתחים ואפילו בעל אשה ובנים חייב לקבוע לו זמן לתלמוד תורה ביום ובלילה שנאמר והגית בו יומם ולילה:
Commentary on Halachah 8
9
The greater Sages of Israel included wood choppers, water drawers, and blind men. Despite these [difficulties], they were occupied with Torah study day and night and were included among those who transmitted the Torah's teachings from [master] to [student in the chain stretching back to] Moses, our teacher.
ט
גדולי חכמי ישראל היו מהן חוטבי עצים ומהן שואבי מים ומהן סומים ואף על פי כן היו עוסקין בתלמוד תורה ביום ובלילה והם מכלל מעתיקי השמועה איש מפי איש מפי משה רבינו:
Commentary on Halachah 9
10
Until when is a person obligated to study Torah? Until the day he dies, as [Deuteronomy 4:9] states: "Lest you remove it from your heart, all the days of your life." Whenever a person is not involved with study, he forgets.
י
עד אימתי חייב ללמוד תורה עד יום מותו שנאמר ופן יסורו מלבבך כל ימי חייך וכל זמן שלא יעסוק בלימוד הוא שוכח:
Commentary on Halachah 10
11
A person is obligated to divide his study time in three: one third should be devoted to the Written Law; one third to the Oral Law; and one third to understanding and conceptualizing the ultimate derivation of a concept from its roots, inferring one concept from another and comparing concepts, understanding [the Torah] based on the principles of Biblical exegesis, until one appreciates the essence of those principles and how the prohibitions and the other decisions which one received according to the oral tradition can be derived using them. The latter topic is called Gemara.
יא
וחייב לשלש את זמן למידתו שליש בתורה שבכתב ושליש בתורה שבעל פה ושליש יבין וישכיל אחרית דבר מראשיתו ויוציא דבר מדבר וידמה דבר לדבר ויבין במדות שהתורה נדרשת בהן עד שידע היאך הוא עיקר המדות והיאך יוציא האסור והמותר וכיוצא בהן מדברים שלמד מפי השמועה וענין זה הוא הנקרא גמרא:
Commentary on Halachah 11
12
How is the above expressed? A person who is a craftsman may spend three hours each day involved in his work, and [devote] nine hours to Torah study: In those nine hours, he should spend three reading the Written Law; three, the Oral Law; and three, meditating with his intellect to derive one concept from another.
The "words of the prophetic tradition" are considered part of the Written Law; and their explanation, part of the Oral Law. The matters referred to as Pardes are considered part of the Gemara.
The above applies in the early stages of a person's study. However, when a person increases his knowledge and does not have the need to read the Written Law, or occupy himself with the Oral Law constantly, he should study the Written Law and the oral tradition at designated times. Thus, he will not forget any aspect of the laws of the Torah. [However,] he should focus his attention on the Gemara alone for his entire life, according to his ambition and his ability to concentrate.
יב
כיצד היה בעל אומנות והיה עוסק במלאכתו שלש שעות ביום ובתורה תשע אותן התשע קורא בשלש מהן בתורה שבכתב ובשלש בתורה שבעל פה ובשלש אחרות מתבונן בדעתו להבין דבר מדבר ודברי קבלה בכלל תורה שבכתב הן ופירושן בכלל תורה שבעל פה והענינים הנקראים פרדס בכלל הגמרא הן במה דברים אמורים בתחלת תלמודו של אדם אבל כשיגדיל בחכמה ולא יהא צריך לא ללמוד תורה שבכתב ולא לעסוק תמיד בתורה שבעל פה יקרא בעתים מזומנים תורה שבכתב ודברי השמועה כדי שלא ישכח דבר מדברי דיני תורה ויפנה כל ימיו לגמרא בלבד לפי רוחב שיש בלבו ויישוב דעתו:
Commentary on Halachah 12
13
A woman who studies Torah will receive reward. However, that reward will not be [as great] as a man's, since she was not commanded [in this mitzvah]. Whoever performs a deed which he is not commanded to do, does not receive as great a reward as one who performs a mitzvah that he is commanded to do.
Even though she will receive a reward, the Sages commanded that a person should not teach his daughter Torah, because most women cannot concentrate their attention on study, and thus transform the words of Torah into idle matters because of their lack of understanding.
[Thus,] our Sages declared: "Whoever teaches his daughter Torah is like one who teaches her tales and parables." This applies to the Oral Law. [With regard to] the Written Law: at the outset, one should not teach one's daughter. However, if one teaches her, it is not considered as if she was taught idle things.
יג
אשה שלמדה תורה יש לה שכר אבל אינו כשכר האיש מפני שלא נצטוית וכל העושה דבר שאינו מצווה עליו לעשותו אין שכרו כשכר המצווה שעשה אלא פחות ממנו ואע"פ שיש לה שכר צוו חכמים שלא ילמד אדם את בתו תורה מפני שרוב הנשים אין דעתם מכוונת להתלמד אלא הן מוציאות דברי תורה לדברי הבאי לפי עניות דעתן אמרו חכמים כל המלמד את בתו תורה כאילו למדה תפלות בד"א בתורה שבעל פה אבל תורה שבכתב לא ילמד אותה לכתחלה ואם למדה אינו כמלמדה תפלות:
Hayom Yom:
• English Text | Video Class
Friday, Tishrei 16, 5778 · 06 October 2017
"Today's Day"
Friday, Tishrei 16, 2nd Day of Sukot, 5704
In the evening kiddush: Shehecheyanu precedes leisheiv ba'suka. At Mincha do not say Hodu (p. 124); do say Patach Eliyahu (p. 125).
Torah lessons: Chumash: B'racha, Shishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 79-82.
Tanya: (XXIIb) My beloved (p. 521) ...heart and soul. (p. 523).
The Tzemach Tzedek related: In 5569 (1808) we heard from my grandfather (the Alter Rebbe) for the sixth time the maamar Ush'avtem mayim1 (the first of that title in Likutei Torah) and the experience was reminiscent of the Talmudic statement (Yerushalmi Suka 5:1) "From there they drew (the holy spirit)."2 Yona3 received, at the celebration of the water-drawing, the gift of prophetic revelation; we received revelation without end. The end will be when Mashiach comes, for the end is rooted in the beginning.4
FOOTNOTES
1.Yeshayahu 12:3. "You shall draw water with joy from the wellsprings of deliverance."
2.Ruach hakodesh; see Yerushalmi, ibid.
3.The prophet Jonah.
4.See p. 29 (16 Adar I).
Daily Thought:
Seasons of Essence
There is the body, the soul, and then there is the essence. If the soul is light, then the essence is the source of light. If the soul is energy, then the essence is the generator. It is not something you have. It is who and what you are.
Whatever we do, we dance around that essence-core, like an orbiting spacecraft unable to land. We can meditate, we can be inspired—but to touch our inner core, the place from whence all this comes, that takes a power from beyond.
That is why there are seasons in life empowered from beyond. Special days and special nights, times of crisis and times of joy that touch the core. At other times, you can step forward. At those times, you can leap into a new form of being. (Motzei Chanuka 5735:7, and on many other occasions.)
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