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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Friday, 6 Kislev, 5778 · November 24, 2017 - Candle Lighting Light Candles before sunset ––:––Daily Quote: The progeny of Abraham are likened to the dust of the earth (Genesis 13:16), and to the stars of the heavens (Genesis 15:5). For when they fall they fall as low as dust, and when they rise they rise as high as the stars... (The Midrash)
Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Vayeitzei, 6th Portion Genesis 31:17-31:42 with Rashi
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Genesis Chapter 31
17So Jacob rose, and he lifted up his sons and his wives upon the camels. יזוַיָּ֖קָם יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב וַיִּשָּׂ֛א אֶת־בָּנָ֥יו וְאֶת־נָשָׁ֖יו עַל־הַגְּמַלִּֽים:
his sons and his wives: He put the males before the females, but Esau put the females before the males, as it is said (below, 36:6):“And Esau took his wives and his sons, etc.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 74:5].
את בניו ואת נשיו: הקדים זכרים לנקבות, ועשו הקדים נקבות לזכרים, שנאמר (לקמן לו ו) ויקח עשו את נשיו ואת בניו וגו':
18And he led all his livestock and all his possessions that he had acquired, the purchase of his acquisition, which he had acquired in Padan aram, to come to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. יחוַיִּנְהַ֣ג אֶת־כָּל־מִקְנֵ֗הוּ וְאֶת־כָּל־רְכֻשׁוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָכָ֔שׁ מִקְנֵה֙ קִנְיָנ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם לָב֛וֹא אֶל־יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן:
the purchase of his acquisition: What he had purchased from [the sale of] his animals, viz. manservants, maidservants, camels, and donkeys. — [from Gen. Rabbah 74:5]
מקנה קנינו: מה שקנה מצאנו עבדים ושפחות וגמלים וחמורים:
19Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and [meanwhile] Rachel stole her father's teraphim. יטוְלָבָ֣ן הָלַ֔ךְ לִגְזֹ֖ז אֶת־צֹאנ֑וֹ וַתִּגְנֹ֣ב רָחֵ֔ל אֶת־הַתְּרָפִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְאָבִֽיהָ:
to shear his sheep: that he had given into the hands of his sons, a journey of three days between him and Jacob.
לגזוז את צאנו: שנתן ביד בניו דרך שלשת ימים בינו ובין יעקב:
and [meanwhile] Rachel stole her father’s teraphim: She intended to separate her father from idolatry. — [from Gen. Rabbah 74: 5]
ותגנב רחל את התרפים: להפריש את אביה מעבודה זרה נתכוונה:
20And Jacob concealed from Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was fleeing. כוַיִּגְנֹ֣ב יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב אֶת־לֵ֥ב לָבָ֖ן הָֽאֲרַמִּ֑י עַל־בְּלִי֙ הִגִּ֣יד ל֔וֹ כִּ֥י בֹרֵ֖חַ הֽוּא:
21So he and all that were his fled, and he arose and crossed the river, and he directed his face toward Mount Gilead. כאוַיִּבְרַ֥ח הוּא֙ וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ וַיָּ֖קָם וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ר אֶת־הַנָּהָ֑ר וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת־פָּנָ֖יו הַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד:
22On the third day, Laban was informed that Jacob had fled. כבוַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְלָבָ֖ן בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י כִּ֥י בָרַ֖ח יַֽעֲקֹֽב:
On the third day: For there was a three-day journey between them.
ביום השלישי: שהרי דרך שלשת ימים היה ביניהם:
23So he took his kinsmen with him, and he pursued him seven days' journey, and he overtook him at Mount Gilead. כגוַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת־אֶחָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ף אַֽחֲרָ֔יו דֶּ֖רֶךְ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים וַיַּדְבֵּ֥ק אֹת֖וֹ בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד:
his kinsmen: Heb. אֶחָיו, lit., his brothers, his kinsmen.
את אחיו: קרוביו:
seven-days’ journey: All those three days [during the time] the reporter went to tell Laban, Jacob went on his way. We find that Jacob was six days distant from Laban, and on the seventh day, Laban overtook him. We find that the entire distance that Jacob had traversed in seven days, Laban traversed in one day (as it is said: “and he pursued him seven-days’ journey,” but it does not say:“and he pursued him seven days.”) - [from Gen. Rabbah 74:6]
דרך שבעת ימים: כל אותן שלשה ימים שהלך המגיד להגיד ללבן הלך יעקב לדרכו. נמצא יעקב רחוק מלבן ששה ימים, ובשביעי השיגו לבן, למדנו שכל מה שהלך יעקב בשבעה ימים הלך לבן ביום אחד (שנאמר וירדוף אחריו דרך שבעת ימים, ולא נאמר וירדוף אחריו שבעת ימים):
24And God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream of the night, and He said to him, "Beware lest you speak with Jacob either good or evil." כדוַיָּבֹ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל־לָבָ֥ן הָֽאֲרַמִּ֖י בַּֽחֲלֹ֣ם הַלָּ֑יְלָה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ פֶּן־תְּדַבֵּ֥ר עִם־יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד־רָֽע:
either good or evil: All the good of the wicked is considered evil to the righteous. — [from Yev. 103]
מטוב ועד רע: כל טובתן של רשעים רעה היא אצל הצדיקים:
25And Laban overtook Jacob, and Jacob pitched his tent on the mountain, and Laban pitched with his kinsmen on Mount Gilead. כהוַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג לָבָ֖ן אֶת־יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב וְיַֽעֲקֹ֗ב תָּקַ֤ע אֶת־אָֽהֳלוֹ֙ בָּהָ֔ר וְלָבָ֛ן תָּקַ֥ע אֶת־אֶחָ֖יו בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד:
26And Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done, that you concealed from me, and led away my daughters like prisoners of war? כווַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֔יתָ וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב אֶת־לְבָבִ֑י וַתְּנַהֵג֙ אֶת־בְּנֹתַ֔י כִּשְׁבֻי֖וֹת חָֽרֶב:
like prisoners of war: lit., like captives of a sword. Every army that goes to war is called חָרֶב, sword.
כשביות חרב: כל חיל הבא למלחמה קרוי חרב:
27Why have you fled secretly, and concealed from me, and not told me? I would have sent you away with joy and with songs, and with drum and with harp. כזלָ֤מָּה נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙ לִבְרֹ֔חַ וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב אֹתִ֑י וְלֹֽא־הִגַּ֣דְתָּ לִּ֔י וָֽאֲשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֛ בְּשִׂמְחָ֥ה וּבְשִׁרִ֖ים בְּתֹ֥ף וּבְכִנּֽוֹר:
and concealed from me: [lit., you stole me, meaning] you concealed from me.
ותגנב אתי: גנבת את דעתי:
28And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and daughters. Now, you have acted foolishly. כחוְלֹ֣א נְטַשְׁתַּ֔נִי לְנַשֵּׁ֥ק לְבָנַ֖י וְלִבְנֹתָ֑י עַתָּ֖ה הִסְכַּ֥לְתָּ עֲשֽׂוֹ:
29I have the power to inflict harm upon you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Beware of speaking with Jacob either good or bad.' כטיֶשׁ־לְאֵ֣ל יָדִ֔י לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת עִמָּכֶ֖ם רָ֑ע וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨י אֲבִיכֶ֜ם אֶ֣מֶשׁ | אָמַ֧ר אֵלַ֣י לֵאמֹ֗ר הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ מִדַּבֵּ֥ר עִם־יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד־רָֽע:
I have the power: There is strength and power in my hand to inflict harm upon you. Also, every tk that refers to the Deity means that He is mighty and has much strength.
יש לאל ידי: יש כח וחיל בידי לעשות עמכם רע. וכל אל שהוא לשון קדש על שם עזוז ורוב אונים הוא:
30But now, you have gone away, for you longed for your father's house, [but]why have you stolen my gods?" לוְעַתָּה֙ הָלֹ֣ךְ הָלַ֔כְתָּ כִּֽי־נִכְסֹ֥ף נִכְסַ֖פְתָּה לְבֵ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ לָ֥מָּה גָנַ֖בְתָּ אֶת־אֱלֹהָֽי:
you longed: You wished. There are many words in Scripture (Ps. 84:3): “My soul yearns, yea, yea, it pines” ; (Job:14:15) “You desire the work of Your hands.”
נכספתה: חמדת, והרבה יש במקרא (תהלים פד ג) נכספה וגם כלתה נפשי, (איוב יד טו) למעשה ידך תכסוף:
31And Jacob replied, and he said to Laban, "Because I was afraid, because I said, 'Lest you steal your daughters from me.' לאוַיַּ֥עַן יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֑ן כִּ֣י יָרֵ֔אתִי כִּ֣י אָמַ֔רְתִּי פֶּן־תִּגְזֹ֥ל אֶת־בְּנוֹתֶ֖יךָ מֵֽעִמִּֽי:
Because I was afraid, etc: He answered him the first [question] first, that he said to him (verse 26), “and you led away my daughters, etc.” - [from Avoth d’Rabbi Nathan , 37:11-13]
כי יראתי וגו': השיבו על ראשון ראשון, שאמר לו (פסוק כו) ותנהג את בנותי וגו':
32The one with whom you find your gods shall not live. In the presence of our brothers, recognize for yourself what is with me, and take [it] for yourself." For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. לבעִ֠ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּמְצָ֣א אֶת־אֱלֹהֶ֘יךָ֘ לֹ֣א יִֽחְיֶה֒ נֶ֣גֶד אַחֵ֧ינוּ הַכֶּר־לְךָ֛ מָ֥ה עִמָּדִ֖י וְקַח־לָ֑ךְ וְלֹֽא־יָדַ֣ע יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ֥י רָחֵ֖ל גְּנָבָֽתַם:
shall not live: And from that curse, Rachel died on the way (Gen. Rabbah 74:4).
לא יחיה: ומאותה קללה מתה רחל בדרך:
what is with me: of yours. — [from Targum Jonathan]
מה עמדי: משלך:
33So Laban entered Jacob's tent and Leah's tent and the tent[s] of the two handmaids, but he did not find [them]; and he had come out of Leah's tent and entered Rachel's tent. לגוַיָּבֹ֨א לָבָ֜ן בְּאֹֽהֶל־יַֽעֲקֹ֣ב | וּבְאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֗ה וּבְאֹ֛הֶל שְׁתֵּ֥י הָֽאֲמָהֹ֖ת וְלֹ֣א מָצָ֑א וַיֵּצֵא֙ מֵאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֹ֥הֶל רָחֵֽל:
Jacob’s tent: That is, Rachel’s tent, for Jacob was usually with her, and so Scripture states: (below, 46:19): “The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife.” In reference to all of them, however, it does not say,“Jacob’s wife.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 74:9]
באהל יעקב: הוא אהל רחל, שהיה יעקב תדיר אצלה, וכן הוא אומר (להלן מו יט) בני רחל אשת יעקב, ובכולן לא נאמר אשת יעקב:
and entered Rachel’s tent: when he came out of Leah’s tent, he went back into Rachel’s tent before he searched the tent[s] of the handmaids. Why [did he bother to do] all this? Because he was aware that she was one who touches everything. — [from Gen. Rabbah 74:9]
ויבא באהל רחל: כשיצא מאהל לאה חזר לו לאהל רחל קודם שחיפש באהל האמהות. וכל כך למה, לפי שהיה מכיר בה שהיא משמשנית:
34But Rachel had taken the teraphim and placed them into the camel saddle and sat upon them; so Laban felt about the entire tent but did not find [them]. לדוְרָחֵ֞ל לָֽקְחָ֣ה אֶת־הַתְּרָפִ֗ים וַתְּשִׂמֵ֛ם בְּכַ֥ר הַגָּמָ֖ל וַתֵּ֣שֶׁב עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם וַיְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁ לָבָ֛ן אֶת־כָּל־הָאֹ֖הֶל וְלֹ֥א מָצָֽא:
into the camel saddle: Heb. בְּכַר, an expression of pillows (כָּרִים) and cushions וּכְסָתוֹת, as the Targum renders: בָּעִבִיטָא דְגַמְלָא, which is a saddle, made like a pillow, and in Eruvin 15b, 16a) we learned:“If they encircled it with pillows (עִבִיטִין).” These are the pack-saddles of the camels, bastel in French, pack-saddle.
בכר הגמל: לשון כרים וכסתות כתרגומו בעביטא דגמלא, והיא מרדעת העשויה כמין כר ובעירובין (דף טז א) הקיפוה בעביטין, והן עביטי גמלים, בשטי"ל בלע"ז [אוכף]:
35And she said to her father, "Let my lord not be annoyed, for I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me." So he searched, but did not find the teraphim. להוַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־אָבִ֗יהָ אַל־יִ֨חַר֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י כִּ֣י ל֤וֹא אוּכַל֙ לָק֣וּם מִפָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּי־דֶ֥רֶךְ נָשִׁ֖ים לִ֑י וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ וְלֹ֥א מָצָ֖א אֶת־הַתְּרָפִֽים:
36And Jacob was annoyed, and he quarreled with Laban, and he said to Laban, "What is my transgression? What is my sin, that you have pursued me? לווַיִּ֥חַר לְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב וַיָּ֣רֶב בְּלָבָ֑ן וַיַּ֤עַן יַֽעֲקֹב֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֔ן מַה־פִּשְׁעִי֙ מַ֣ה חַטָּאתִ֔י כִּ֥י דָלַ֖קְתָּ אַֽחֲרָֽי:
that you have pursued: Heb. דָלַקְתָּ, you pursued, like (Lam. 4:19):“they chased us (דָּלָקֻנוּ) on the mountains,” and like (I Sam. 17:53):“from pursuing (מִדְּלוֹק) the Philistines.” - [from Targum Onkelos]
דלקת: רדפת, כמו (איכה ד יט) על ההרים דלקונו, וכמו (ש"א יז נג) מדלוק אחרי פלשתים:
37For you have felt about all my things. What have you found of all the utensils of your house? Put it here, in the presence of my kinsmen and your kinsmen, and let them decide between the two of us. לזכִּֽי־מִשַּׁ֣שְׁתָּ אֶת־כָּל־כֵּלַ֗י מַה־מָּצָ֨אתָ֙ מִכֹּ֣ל כְּלֵֽי־בֵיתֶ֔ךָ שִׂ֣ים כֹּ֔ה נֶ֥גֶד אַחַ֖י וְאַחֶ֑יךָ וְיוֹכִ֖יחוּ בֵּ֥ין שְׁנֵֽינוּ:
and let them decide: Let them clarify who is right, aprover in Old French, prove, clarify. — [from Targum Jonathan ben Uzziel]
ויוכיחו: ויבררו עם מי הדין, אפרובי"ר בלע"ז [לברר]:
38Already twenty years have I been with you, and your ewes and she goats have not aborted, neither have I eaten the rams of your flocks. לחזֶה֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָֽנֹכִי֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ רְחֵלֶ֥יךָ וְעִזֶּ֖יךָ לֹ֣א שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ וְאֵילֵ֥י צֹֽאנְךָ֖ לֹ֥א אָכָֽלְתִּי:
have not aborted: They have not aborted their fetuses, like: (Hos. 9:14):“a miscarrying (מַשְׁכִּיל) womb” (Job 21:10):“his cow bears young and does not abort (תְּשַׁכֵּל).”
לא שכלו: לא הפילו עיבורם, כמו (הושע ט יד) רחם משכיל, (איוב כא י) תפלט פרתו ולא תשכל:
the rams of your flocks: From here they deduced that even a one-day-old ram is called a ram. Otherwise, what is his boast? He did not eat rams, but he ate lambs. If so, he is a thief. — [from B.K. 65b] 39.
ואילי צאנך: מכאן אמרו איל בן יומו קרוי איל, שאם לא כן מה שבחו, אילים לא אכל אבל כבשים אכל, אם כן גזלן הוא:
39I have not brought home to you anything torn [by other animals]; I would suffer its loss; from my hand you would demand it, what was stolen by day and what was stolen at night. לטטְרֵפָה֙ לֹֽא־הֵבֵ֣אתִי אֵלֶ֔יךָ אָֽנֹכִ֣י אֲחַטֶּ֔נָּה מִיָּדִ֖י תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נָּה גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣י י֔וֹם וּגְנֻֽבְתִ֖י לָֽיְלָה:
anything torn: By a lion or a wolf. — [from Targum Jonathan ben Uzziel]
טרפה: על ידי ארי או זאב:
I would suffer its loss: Heb. אִחַטֶּנָה, an expression similar to (Jud. 20:16):“and not miss (יַחֲטִיא) ” ; (I Kings 1: 21):“My son Solomon and I will be lacking (חַטָּאִים).” I would suffer the loss; if it was missing, it was missing to me, for you would demand it from my hand.
אנכי אחטנה: לשון (שופטים כ טז) קולע באבן אל השערה ולא יחטיא, (מ"א א כא) אני ובני שלמה חטאים, חסרים, אנכי אחסרנה, אם חסרה חסרה לי, שמידי תבקשנה:
I would suffer its loss: The Targum renders: דַּהִוַת שַׁגְיָא מִמִנְיָנָא, what was missing (נִפְקֶדֶת) and lacking from the count, like (Num. 31:49):“and no man was missing (נִפְקַד) from us,” which the Targum renders: לָא שְׁגָא.
אנכי אחטנה: תרגומו דהות שגיא ממנינא שהיתה נפקדת ומחוסרת, כמו (במדבר לא מט) ולא נפקד ממנו איש, תרגומו ולא שגא:
what was stolen by day and what was stolen at night: לַיְלָה גְנֻבְתִי יוֹם וּגְנֻבְתִי, [similar to] גְנוּבַת יוֹם או ֹגְנוּבַת לַיְלָה, what was stolen by day and what was stolen at night, I paid all.
גנבתי יום וגנבתי לילה: גנובת יום או גנובת לילה הכל שלמתי:
what was stolen: Heb. גְּנֻבְתִי Similar to (Lam. 1:1):“great (רַבָּתִי) among the nations, a princess (שָׂרָתִי) among the provinces” ; (Isa. 1:21):“full (מְלֵאִתִי) of justice” ; (Hos. 10:11):“that loves (אוֹהַבְתִּי) to thresh.”
גנבתי: כמו (איכה א א) רבתי בגוים שרתי במדינות, (ישעיה א כא) מלאתי משפט, (הושע י יא) אוהבתי לדוש:
40I was [in the field] by day when the heat consumed me, and the frost at night, and my sleep wandered from my eyes. מהָיִ֧יתִי בַיּ֛וֹם אֲכָלַ֥נִי חֹ֖רֶב וְקֶ֣רַח בַּלָּ֑יְלָה וַתִּדַּ֥ד שְׁנָתִ֖י מֵֽעֵינָֽי:
the heat consumed me: An expression of (Deut. 4:24):“a consuming (אֹכְלָה) fire.”
אכלני חרב: לשון (דברים ד כד) אש אוכלה:
and the frost: Heb. וְקֶרַח, like (Ps. 147:17):“He hurls His ice (קַרְחוֹ).” The Targum renders: גְלִידא, ice, or frost.
וקרח: כמו (תהלים קמז יז) משליך קרחו, תרגומו גלידא:
my sleep: Heb. שְׁנָתִי. An expression of שֵׁנָה, sleep.
שנתי: לשון שינה:
41This is twenty years that I have spent in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your animals, and you changed my wages ten times. מאזֶה־לִּ֞י עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָה֘ בְּבֵיתֶ֒ךָ֒ עֲבַדְתִּ֜יךָ אַרְבַּע־עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה שָׁנָה֙ בִּשְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתֶ֔יךָ וְשֵׁ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים בְּצֹאנֶ֑ךָ וַתַּֽחֲלֵ֥ף אֶת־מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת מֹנִֽים:
and you changed my wages: You would change the stipulation between us from speckled to spotted and from ringed to striped.
ותחלף את משכרתי: היית משנה תנאי שבינינו מנקוד לטלוא ומעקודים לברודים:
42Had not the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, been for me, you would now have sent me away empty handed. God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and He reproved [you] last night." מבלוּלֵ֡י אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִי֩ אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם וּפַ֤חַד יִצְחָק֙ הָ֣יָה לִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה רֵיקָ֣ם שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑נִי אֶת־עָנְיִ֞י וְאֶת־יְגִ֧יעַ כַּפַּ֛י רָאָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַיּ֥וֹכַח אָֽמֶשׁ:
and the Fear of Isaac: He did not wish to say, “the God of Isaac,” because the Holy One, blessed be He, does not associate His name with the righteous while they are alive. Although He said to him upon his departure from Beer-sheba (above, 28:13): “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac,” since his eyes had become dim and a blind man is like a dead man, Jacob was afraid to say, “the God of,” and said,“and the Fear of.”
ופחד יצחק: לא רצה לומר אלהי יצחק, שאין הקב"ה מייחד שמו על הצדיקים בחייהם, ואף על פי שאמר לו בצאתו מבאר שבע (לעיל כח יג) אני ה' אלהי אברהם אביך ואלהי יצחק, בשביל שכהו עיניו והרי הוא כמת, יעקב נתיירא לומר אלהי ואמר ופחד:
and He reproved [you] last night: Heb. וַיוֹכַח, an expression of reproof, but it is not an expression of clarification.
ויוכח: לשון תוכחה הוא ולא לשון הוכחה:
Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 35 - 38• Hebrew text
• English text
Chapter 35
This psalm is an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer about David's enemies-that they be as chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of God. It also declares that everything comes about through God's help.
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
FOOTNOTES
1.These men flatter Saul in order to obtain free meals (Rashi).
Chapter 36
This psalm is a message to those who follow their evil inclination, that tells them, "Do not place the fear of God before you," and brings them to sin by beautifying evil deeds in their eyes. For so is his way: "He descends (to earth) and corrupts, then goes up (to the Heavenly Court) and prosecutes."
1. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
FOOTNOTES
1.In the very place they intended to persecute me (Metzudot).
Chapter 37
King David exhorts his generation not to be jealous of the prosperity of the wicked, for it may lead to falling into their ways. Rather, put your trust in God, conduct yourselves with integrity, and God will take care of everything.
1. By David. Do not compete with the wicked; do not envy doers of injustice.
2. For like grass they will be swiftly cut down; like green vegetation they will wither.
3. Trust in the Lord and do good; then will you abide in the land and be nourished by faith.
4. Delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
5. Cast your needs upon the Lord; rely on Him, and He will take care.
6. He will reveal your righteousness like the light, your justness like the high noon.
7. Depend on the Lord and hope in Him. Compete not with the prosperous, with the man who invents evil schemes.
8. Let go of anger, abandon rage; do not compete with [one who intends] only to harm.
9. For the evildoers will be cut down; but those who hope in the Lord, they will inherit the earth.
10. For soon the wicked one will not be; you will gaze at his place and he will be gone.
11. But the humble shall inherit the earth, and delight in abundant peace.
12. The wicked one plots against the righteous, and gnashes his teeth at him.
13. My Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day will come.
14. The wicked have drawn a sword and bent their bow to fell the poor and destitute, to slaughter those of upright ways.
15. But their sword shall enter their own hearts, and their bows shall break.
16. Better the little of the righteous, than the abundant wealth of the wicked.
17. For the strength of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.
18. The Lord appreciates the days of the innocent; their inheritance will last forever.
19. They will not be shamed in times of calamity, and in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20. For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord are as fattened sheep: consumed, consumed in smoke.
21. The wicked man borrows and does not repay; but the righteous man is gracious and gives.
22. For those blessed by Him will inherit the earth, and those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23. The steps of man are directed by God; He desires his way.
24. When he totters he shall not be thrown down, for the Lord supports his hand.
25. I have been a youth, I have also aged; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his offspring begging bread.
26. All day he is kind and lends; his offspring are a blessing.
27. Turn away from evil and do good, and you will dwell [in peace] forever.
28. For the Lord loves justice, he will not abandon his pious ones-they are protected forever; but the offspring of the wicked are cut off.
29. The righteous shall inherit the earth and dwell upon it forever.
30. The mouth of the righteous one utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31. The Torah of his God is in his heart; his steps shall not falter.
32. The wicked one watches for the righteous man, and seeks to kill him.
33. But the Lord will not abandon him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34. Hope in the Lord and keep His way; then He will raise you high to inherit the earth. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35. I saw a powerful wicked man, well-rooted like a vibrant, native tree.
36. Yet he vanished, behold he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found.
37. Watch the innocent, and observe the upright, for the future of such a man is peace.
38. But sinners shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked is cut off.
39. The deliverance of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of distress.
40. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they have put their trust in Him.
Chapter 38
A prayer for every individual, bewailing the length of the exile. One who is in distress should recite this psalm, hence its introduction, "A psalm... to remind" (to remind us to recite it in times of distress). One can also derive many lessons from it.
1. A psalm by David, to remind.
2. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chastise me in Your wrath.
3. For Your arrows have landed in me, Your hand descended upon me.
4. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your rage, no peace in my bones because of my sin.
5. For my iniquities have flooded over my head; like a heavy load, they are too heavy for me.
6. My wounds are rotted; they reek because of my foolishness.
7. I am bent and extremely bowed; all day I go about in gloom.
8. My sides are inflamed; there is no soundness in my flesh.
9. I am weakened and extremely depressed; I howl from the moaning of my heart.
10. My Lord, all that I desire is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You.
11. My heart is engulfed, my strength has left me; the light of my eyes they, too, are not with me.
12. My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction; my intimates stand afar.
13. The seekers of my life have laid traps; those who seek my harm speak destructiveness; they utter deceits all day long.
14. But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear; like a mute that does not open his mouth.
15. I was like a man that does not perceive, and in whose mouth there are no rebuttals.
16. Because for You, O Lord, I wait; You will answer, my Lord, my God.
17. For I said, "Lest they rejoice over me; when my foot falters they will gloat over me.”
18. For I am accustomed to limping, and my pain is constantly before me.
19. For I admit my iniquity; I worry because of my sin.
20. But my enemies abound with life; those who hate me without cause flourish.
21. Those who repay evil for good resent me for my pursuit of good.
22. Do not forsake me, O Lord; do not be distant from me, my God.
23. Hurry to my aid, O my Lord, my Salvation.
Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4• English Text (Lessons in Tanya)
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Friday, Kislev 6, 5778 · November 24, 2017
Today's Tanya Lesson
Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
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מה שאין כן בסדר ההשתלשלות
It does not apply to [the study of] the order of Hishtalshelut, the chainlike stages of progressive self-screening whereby the Divine light descends from level to level until ultimately this corporeal world is created:
אף אם משיג המציאות
Even if one does comprehend the external aspect of the existence of the Sefirot and spiritual levels involved,
לא עדיף מצד עצמו כלימוד המצות, שמשיג ותופס המהות
this is not intrinsically as worthy as the study of the laws of the mitzvot, where one comprehends and grasps their essence.
Knowledge of the various spiritual levels may indeed be superior for an unrelated reason, namely, that it leads to a “complete heart” (lev shalem), a wholehearted awe of G‑d — and this, as the Alter Rebbe will later say, is the purpose of all the mitzvot. Intrinsically, however, gaining this knowledge is not superior to studying the laws governing the performance of the mitzvot, whose essence he can understand.
ומעלה עליו כאילו קיים בפועל ממש
Moreover, this [study] is considered [in certain cases] the equivalent of actual performance,
כמו שכתוב: זאת התורה כו׳
as it is written,1 “This is the law [of the burnt offering and the meal offering...].”
The Gemara comments on this,2 “He who occupies himself with these laws is considered as if he had actually offered a burnt offering and a meal offering.”
Mastering the revealed laws of the commandments is thus in one sense superior to delving into the innermost dimension (the pnimiyut) of the Torah, on esoteric subjects such as the order of Hishtalshelut. For the study of the laws relates to the essence of the subject at hand, such as the physical objects with which the commandments are performed.
G‑d’s wisdom, moreover, which is inherent in these laws, descends and permeates the physical objects around which the laws revolve. It is thus the essence of G‑d’s wisdom that the student comprehends, and thereby he becomes involved in the “wondrous union” described in ch. 5 of Tanya, whereby his mortal intellect simultaneously “encompasses and is encompassed by” the Divine wisdom embodied in the Torah which he is studying. This intellectual union in turn unites his soul (which transcends his intellect) with the infinite light that is vested in the wisdom of the Torah.
The above is true only when he understands the essence of his subject. This is the case when he studies (for example) the laws regulating the observance of the commandments. If, by contrast, his subject is the hierarchies of angels in the Worlds of Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah, or, yet higher, the configurations of Sefirot within the World of Atzilut, then his grasp is no more than external: he may indeed be aware of his subject’s existence, but he will be unable to know its essence.
* * *
And now, all the above notwithstanding, the Alter Rebbe is about to point out the superior aspect of the study of Hishtalshelut.
אלא שידיעת המציאות מההשתלשלות היא גם כן מצוה רמה ונשאה, ואדרבה, עולה על כולנה
However, the knowledge of the existence of the Hishtalshelut is also a lofty and exalted mitzvah.3 Indeed, it outweighs them all, all of the mitzvot and the study of the laws of the Torah.
כמו שכתוב: וידעת היום כו׳
Thus it is written,4 “Know this day [...that the L‑rd is G‑d],”
דע את אלקי אביך כו׳
and5 “Know the G‑d of your father...”; i.e., there is an obligation to attain a knowledge or apprehension of Divinity.
ומביאה ללב שלם כו׳
Moreover, this leads to a “whole heart,” for the latter verse concludes, “and serve Him with a whole heart”; i.e., a knowledge of G‑d leads one to serve Him with one’s entire being.
As explained in Likkutei Torah, in the discourse beginning VeLo Tashbit, this refers to serving G‑d with awe — and this is the ultimate intent of all the mitzvot, as the Torah states,6 “G‑d has commanded us to perform all these statutes so that we may fear the L‑rd our G‑d.” And it is the study of the innermost dimensions of the Torah and a knowledge of the various spiritual levels which comprise the order of Hishtalshelut that enable one to fulfill the mitzvah of “knowing G‑d,” which leads in turn to the “whole heart” of “fearing Him.” Thus the Alter Rebbe concludes:
שהוא העיקר
And this is the essential thing: the wholehearted awe of G‑d is the ultimate purpose of all the commandments.
As mentioned above, one can attain this state only through a knowledge of the order of Hishtalshelut, even though this knowledge is merely an awareness of its existence and not a grasp of its essence.
והשגת המציאות הוא להפשיט מגשמיות כו׳
The comprehension of existence entails divesting [this subject] of any physicality....
In other words, one should endeavor to picture its spirituality. Hence, as the Rebbe has often stressed, one should study the innermost and mystical dimension of the Torah in such a way that one7 “derives sustenance from it” (יתפרנסון מיניה) — viz., the “sustenance” derived from comprehension. And soundly-based comprehension can be secured only when this dimension of the Torah is studied with the intellectual elucidation afforded by the teachings of Chabad.
רק שזו היא מצוה אחת מתרי״ג
However, this mitzvah (of knowing G‑d and apprehending Divinity) is but one mitzvah of the 613,
והאדם צריך לקיים כל תרי״ג
and a man must fulfill all 613,
לפי שהן השתלשלות המהות דחיצוניות דכלים דאצילות
for they descend from the essence of the external aspect of the vessels of Atzilut, a source whose standing was explained above.
לכך צריך להרבות בלימוד כל התרי״ג, וקיומן בפועל ממש, במחשבה דבור ומעשה, שהן בריאה, יצירה, עשיה
Hence, one must extensively study all 613 mitzvot, and [hence] fulfill them in actual practice in thought, speech and deed — which parallel Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah respectively —
לברר בירורין אשר שם
in order to purify whatever needs purification (beirur) there.
As previously explained, the extraction and elevation of the sparks exiled in the various worlds is the ultimate purpose of creation.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Vayikra 7:37. |
| 2. | Menachot 110a. |
| 3. | Current Hebrew editions of Tanya read, “a great (רבה) and exalted mitzvah,” which the Rebbe amends to read (as above) “a lofty (רמה) and exalted mitzvah.” This is how the phrase is quoted (and explained) in Likkutei Torah on Vayikra, in the discourse entitled VeLo Tashbit. |
| 4. | Devarim 4:39. |
| 5. | I Divrei HaYamim 28:9. |
| 6. | Devarim 6:24. |
| 7. | Tikkunei Zohar, end of Tikkun 6; discussed in Likkutei Sichot, Vol. XV, p. 42ff. et al. |
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Positive Commandment 171
Giving a Half Shekel
"Then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul to G‑d"—Exodus 30:12.
Every Jewish man is obligated to contribute annually a half a shekel [to the Temple coffers].
This biblical mitzvah only applies during the Temple Era.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Giving a Half Shekel
Positive Commandment 171
Translated by Berel Bell
The 171st mitzvah is that we are commanded to give a half shekel1 every year.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement2 (exalted be He), "Each man shall give an atonement offering for his life," and, "[Everyone included in the census] shall give [a half shekel.]"
It is clear that women are not obligated in this mitzvah, since the verse says, "Everyone included in the census" [and only men were in the census].
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the tractate devoted to this subject, i.e. tractate Shekalim.
There it is explained that this mitzvah applies only when the Holy Temple is standing.
FOOTNOTES
1.Or one half of whatever coin is in use at a particular time (Hilchos Shekalim 1:5). This money was used to purchase the communal sacrifices, as well as other necessities (ibid. 4:1).
2.Ex. 30:12-13.
Rambam:• 1 Chapter A Day: Kri'at Shema Kri'at Shema - Chapter One
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Kri'at Shema - Chapter One
"Oh, how I love Your Torah. It is what I discuss the entire day." (Psalms 119:97)
Introduction to Hilchos Kri'as Shema
This section contains one positive Torah commandment: to recite the Shema twice daily.
The elucidation of this commandment appears in the following chapters.
הלכות קריאת שמע - הקדמה
הלכות קריאת שמע מצות עשה אחת והיא לקרות קריאת שמע פעמים ביום: וביאור מצוה זו בפרקים אלו:
1
We [are obligated to] recite the Shema twice daily - in the evening and in the morning - as [Deuteronomy 6:7] states: "...when you lie down and when you rise" - i.e., when people are accustomed to sleep - this being the night - and when people are accustomed to rise, this being daytime.
א
פעמים בכל יום קוראין ק"ש בערב ובבקר שנאמר ובשכבך ובקומך בשעה שדרך בני אדם שוכבין וזה הוא לילה ובשעה שדרך בני אדם עומדין וזה הוא יום:
Commentary on Halachah 1
2
And what is it that one recites? These three sections:
"Hear O Israel..." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9),
"And if you will listen..." (Deuteronomy 11:13-21),and
"And God said..." (Numbers 15:37-41).
We begin with the section of "Hear O Israel" since it contains [the concept of] the unity of God, [the commandment of] loving Him and the study of Torah, it being a fundamental principle upon which everything is based.
After it, [we read] "And if you will listen...," since it contains the imperative to fulfill the rest of the commandments, and finally the portion of tzitzit, since it also contains the imperative of remembering all the commandments.
ב
ומה הוא קורא שלשה פרשיות אלו הן:
שמע והיה אם שמוע ויאמר ומקדימין לקרות פרשת שמע מפני שיש בה יחוד השם ואהבתו ותלמודו שהוא העיקר הגדול שהכל תלוי בו ואחריה והיה אם שמוע שיש בה צווי על (זכירת) שאר כל המצות ואחר כך פרשת ציצית שגם היא יש בה צווי זכירת כל המצות:
Commentary on Halachah 2
3
The commandment of tzitzit is not obligatory at night. Nevertheless, we recite [the section describing] it at night because it contains mention of the exodus from Egypt.
We are commanded to mention the exodus both during the day and at night as [Deuteronomy 16:3] states: "In order that you shall remember the day of your leaving the land of Egypt all the days of your life."
Reading these three sections in this order constitutes the recitation of the Shema.
ג
אע"פ שאין מצות ציצית נוהגת בלילה קוראין אותה בלילה מפני שיש בה זכרון יציאת מצרים ומצוה להזכיר יציאת מצרים ביום ובלילה שנאמר למען תזכור את יום צאתך מארץ מצרים כל ימי חייך וקריאת שלש פרשיות אלו על סדר זה היא הנקראת קריאת שמע:
Commentary on Halachah 3
4
When reciting the Shema, after completing the first verse, one says quietly "Blessed be the name of the glory of His Kingdom forever." He then continues to read the first section in its normal fashion: "And you shall love God, your Lord..."
Why do we read it in this fashion? It is our tradition that when the patriarch, Jacob, gathered all his sons together in Egypt close to his death, he commanded and urged them regarding the Unity of God and the path of God upon which Abraham and Isaac, his father, had tread.
He asked them: "My sons, perhaps there are dregs among you, one who does not stand with me in the Unity of God?" This is comparable to the manner in which Moses, our teacher, said to us: "Lest there be among you a man or woman [whose heart turns this day from God...]" (Deuteronomy 29:17).
They all answered and said: "Listen, Israel, God is our Lord, God is One," i.e., listen to us, Israel, our father, God is our Lord, God is One.
The wise elder responded: "Blessed be the Name of the Glory of His Kingdom forever." Therefore, the Jews are accustomed to utter the praise that Israel, the wise elder, uttered after this verse.
ד
הקורא קריאת שמע כשהוא גומר פסוק ראשון אומר בלחש ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד וחוזר וקורא כדרכו ואהבת את יי' אלהיך עד סופה ולמה קורין כן מסורת היא בידינו שבשעה שקבץ יעקב אבינו את בניו במצרים בשעת מיתתו ציום וזרזם על יחוד השם ועל דרך ה' שהלך בה אברהם ויצחק אביו ושאל אותם ואמר להם בני שמא יש בכם פסלות מי שאינו עומד עמי ביחוד השם כענין שאמר לנו משה רבינו פן יש בכם איש או אשה וגו' ענו כולם ואמרו שמע ישראל יי' אלהינו יי' אחד כלומר שמע ממנו אבינו ישראל יי' אלהינו יי' אחד פתח הזקן ואמר ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד לפיכך נהגו כל ישראל לומר שבח ששבח בו ישראל הזקן אחר פסוק זה:
Commentary on Halachah 4
5
Blessings are recited before and after Kri'at Shema. In the day, one recites two blessings before it and one after it. At night, one recites two blessings before and two blessings after it.
ה
הקורא קריאת שמע מברך לפניה ולאחריה ביום מברך שתים לפניה ואחת לאחריה ובלילה מברך שתים לפניה ושתים לאחריה:
6
The first blessing preceding [the Shema] in the day [begins: "Blessed are You, God...], the One who forms the light and creates darkness,..." The second blessing [begins with]: "With everlasting love, You have loved us..."
[The Shema] is followed by [the section beginning] "True and certain..."
The first blessing preceding [the Shema] at night [begins: "Blessed are You, God...], the One who brings the evening,..." and the second [begins] "With everlasting love, You have loved Your people Israel." The first blessing after [the Shema] is [the section begining] "True and faithful..." and the second [begins] "Lay us down..."
ו
ברכה ראשונה שלפניה ביום יוצר אור ובורא חשך וכו' וברכה שנייה אהבת עולם אהבתנו ושל אחריה אמת ויציב וברכה ראשונה שלפניה בלילה מעריב ערבים וכו' שנייה לה אהבת עולם בית ישראל עמך אהבת כו' וברכה ראשונה על אחריה אמת ואמונה שנייה לה השכיבנו:
Commentary on Halachah 6
7
The first blessing preceding [the Shema], both in the day and at night, begins "Blessed [are You, God, our Lord...]" and concludes "Blessed [are You, God]..." The rest of the blessings all conclude with "Blessed [are]...," but do not begin "Blessed [are]..."
These blessings and all the rest of the blessings familiar to the Jewish people were instituted by Ezra, the scribe, and his court. One may not detract from them or add to them.
In every instance that they decreed to conclude with "Blessed...," one may not omit this conclusion. Where they decreed not to conclude [with "Blessed..."], one may not conclude with it. Where they decreed not to begin with "Blessed," one may not begin with it. Where they decreed to begin [with "Blessed..."], one may not omit it.
The general principle is that anyone who deviates from the set form of blessings established by the Sages is mistaken and must recite the blessing again in its proper form.
Anyone who does not say [the paragraph of] "True and certain..." in the morning prayer or [the paragraph of] "True and faithful..." in the evening prayer does not fulfill his obligation.
ז
ברכה ראשונה שלפניה בין ביום בין בלילה פותח בה בברוך וחותם בה בברוך ושאר ברכותיה חותם בכל אחת מהן בברוך ואין להם פתיחה בברוך ברכות אלו עם שאר כל הברכות הערוכות בפי כל ישראל עזרא הסופר ובית דינו תקנום ואין אדם רשאי לפחות מהם ולא להוסיף עליהם מקום שהתקינו לחתום בברוך אינו רשאי שלא לחתום ומקום שהתקינו שלא לחתום אינו רשאי לחתום מקום שהתקינו שלא לפתוח בברוך אינו רשאי לפתוח מקום שהתקינו לפתוח אינו רשאי שלא לפתוח כללו של דבר כל המשנה ממטבע שטבעו חכמים בברכות הרי זה טועה וחוזר ומברך כמטבע וכל שאינו אומר אמת ויציב בשחרית ואמת ואמונה בערבית לא יצא ידי חובתו:
Commentary on Halachah 7
8
One who recites the second blessing before the first, whether in the day or at night, or whether the transposed blessings are recited before or after Kri'at Shema, fulfills his obligation, since there is no absolute order to the blessings.
A person who begins with "...the One who forms the light..." and concludes with "...the One who brings the evenings" in the morning prayer does not fulfill his obligation.
Were he to begin with "...the One who brings the evenings" and conclude with "...the One who forms the light", he would fulfill his obligation. Were he to begin with "...the One who brings the evenings" ...and conclude with "...the One who forms the light" in the evening, he would not fulfill his obligtation.
If he begins with "...the One who forms light" and concludes with "...the One who brings the evenings" - he fulfills his obligation since all blessings are defined by their conclusions.
ח
הקדים ברכה שנייה לברכה ראשונה בין ביום בין בלילה בין לפניה בין לאחריה יצא לפי שאין סדר בברכות בשחרית פתח יוצר אור וסיים מעריב ערבים לא יצא פתח במעריב ערבים וסיים ביוצר אור יצא ובערב פתח במעריב ערבים וסיים ביוצר אור לא יצא פתח ביוצר אור וסיים במעריב ערבים יצא שכל הברכות הולכות אחר חתימתן:
Commentary on Halachah 8
9
When is the [proper] time for the recitation of Shema at night? The commandment [starts] from the time of the appearance of the stars...
A person who transgresses and delays fulfills his obligation if he recites [the Shema] before dawn. [The Sages established the limit] of midnight only in order to distance us from negligent wrongdoing.
ט
אי זהו זמן קריאת שמע בלילה מצותה משעת יציאת הכוכבים עד חצי הלילה ואם עבר ואיחר וקרא עד שלא עלה עמוד השחר יצא ידי חובתו שלא אמרו עד חצות אלא כדי להרחיק אדם מן הפשיעה:
Commentary on Halachah 9
10
One who reads the Shema [of the night] after dawn, [but] before sunrise, does not fulfill his obligation unless he was unavoidably detained - e.g., drunk or sick, or in a similar situation. A person who was so detained and reads [the Shema] at this time does not recite [the blessing of] "Lay us down."
י
הקורא קריאת שמע של ערבית אחר שיעלה עמוד השחר קודם הנץ החמה לא יצא ידי חובתו אא"כ היה אנוס כגון שכור או חולה וכיוצא בהן ואנוס שקרא בעת זה אינו אומר השכיבנו:
Commentary on Halachah 10
11
When is the proper time [for the recitation of the Shema] during the day? The commandment is that one should start to read before sunrise in order to conclude and recite the last blessing with the sunrise. This measure [of time] is one-tenth of an hour before the sun rises.
A person who delays and reads the Shema after the sun rises fulfills his obligation, for the proper time is until the end of the third hour of the day for one who transgresses and delays.
יא
ואי זה הוא זמנה ביום מצותה שיתחיל לקרות קודם הנץ החמה כדי שיגמור לקרות ולברך ברכה אחרונה עם הנץ החמה ושיעור זה כמו [עישור] שעה קודם שתעלה השמש ואם איחר וקרא קריאת שמע אחר שתעלה השמש יצא ידי חובתו שעונתה עד סוף שלש שעות ביום למי שעבר ואיחר:
Commentary on Halachah 11
12
One who is overhasty and recites the Shema of the morning prayers after dawn, even though he finishes before sunrise, fulfills his obligation. In extraordinary circumstances - e.g., one who rises early in order to travel - one may recite it at the outset from dawn.
יב
מי שהקדים וקרא קריאת שמע של שחרית אחר שיעלה עמוד השחר אף על פי שהשלים קודם שתנץ החמה יצא ידי חובתו ובשעת הדחק כגון שהיה משכים לצאת לדרך קורא לכתחלה משעלה עמוד השחר:
Commentary on Halachah 12
13
One who recited [the Shema] after [the end of] the third hour, even if he was unavoidably detained, does not fulfill his obligation to recite the Shema at its proper time. He can be compared to one who studies Torah.
He should recite the blessings preceding it and after it all day, even if he delays and recited it after [the end of] the third hour.
יג
הקורא אחר שלש שעות ביום אפילו היה אנוס לא יצא ידי חובת קריאת שמע בעונתו אלא הרי הוא כקורא בתורה ומברך לפניה ולאחריה כל היום אפילו איחר וקרא אחר שלש שעות:
Commentary on Halachah 13
Rambam:• 3 Chapters A Day: Shekalim Shekalim - Chapter One, Shekalim Shekalim - Chapter Two, Shekalim Shekalim - Chapter Three
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Shekalim - Chapter One
Introduction to Hilchos Shekalim
It contains one positive commandment: [The obligation] that every man give a half-shekel [to the Temple treasury] every year. This mitzvah is explained in the [following] chapters.
הלכות שקלים - הקדמה
מצות עשה אחת והיא ליתן כל איש מחצית השקל בכל שנה: וביאור מצוה זו בפרקים אלו:
1
It is a positive commandment from the Torah1 that every adult Jewish male2 give a half3-shekel each and every year.4 Even a poor man who derives his livelihood from charity is obligated [to make this donation]. He should borrow from others or sell the clothes5 he is wearing so that he can give a half-shekel of silver, as [Exodus 30:15] states: "The rich shall not give more,6 nor should the poor give less."7
[The half-shekel] should not be given in several partial payments - today a portion, tomorrow a portion. Instead, it is to be given all at once.8
א
מצות עשה מן התורה ליתן כל איש מישראל מחצית השקל בכל שנה ושנה. אפילו עני המתפרנס מן הצדקה חייב. ושואל מאחרים או מוכר כסות שעל כתיפו ונותן מחצית השקל כסף שנאמר העשיר לא ירבה והדל לא ימעיט וגו'. ואינו נותנו בפעמים רבות היום מעט ולמחר מעט אלא נותנו כולו כאחת בפעם אחת:
2
The sum of money mentioned in the Torah concerning [the fines paid by] a rapist,9 a seducer,10 a slanderer,11 or a slave killed [by an ox]12 is [calculated] in shekalim, a coin [of equal value] whenever mentioned in the Torah. Its weight is 320 barley corns [of pure silver].13
The Sages increased its value and made it equivalent to the coin called a sela, [which was prevalent] during the Second Temple period. How much did a sela weigh? 384 average size barley corns [of pure silver].14
ב
מנין כסף האמור בתורה באונס ובמפתה ובמוציא שם רע והורג עבד הוא שקל הנאמר בכל מקום בתורה. ומשקלו שלש מאות ועשרים שעורה. וכבר הוסיפו חכמים עליו ועשו משקלו כמשקל המטבע הנקרא סלע בזמן בית שני. וכמה הוא משקל הסלע שלש מאות וארבע ושמונים שעורה בינונית:
3
A sela is four dinarim, a dinar is six ma'ah and a ma'ah was called a gerah in the time of Moses our teacher.15 A ma'ah equals two poondionin, and a poondion is equal to two isarin. A prutah16 is worth an eighth of an [Italian] isar.
Thus, the weight of a ma'ah - and a gerah - is sixteen barley corns [of silver]; the weight of an isar is four barley corns; and the weight of a prutah is half a barley corn.
ג
הסלע ארבעה דינרין והדינר שש מעין. ומעה היא הנקראת בימי משה רבינו גרה. ומעה היא שני פונדיונין ופונדיון שני איסרין. ופרוטה אחת משמנה באיסר. נמצא משקל המעה והיא הגרה שש עשרה שעורות. ומשקל האיסר ארבע שעורות. ומשקל הפרוטה חצי שעורה:
4
[At that time,] there was also another coin that was worth two selaim; it was called a darcon.17
These coins whose weights we have listed and explained are used universally as standard measures. We have described them so that we will not have to describe their weight at all times.
ד
ועוד מטבע אחר היה שם שהיה משקלו שתי סלעים והוא היה נקרא דרכון. ואלו המטבעות כולן שאמרנו ובארנו משקל כל אחד מהן הן שמשערין בהן בכל מקום. וכבר בארנום כדי שלא אהיה צריך לפרש משקלם בכל מקום:
5
The mitzvah of giving the half-shekel entails giving half of the coin that is [common] currency at the time in question, even if that coin is larger than the shekel used for the sanctuary. [The converse, however, does not apply.] Never should one give less than the half-shekel18 that was given in the time of Moses our teacher, which weighed 160 barley corns [of silver].
ה
מחצית השקל זו מצותה שיתן מחצית מטבע של אותו הזמן אפילו היה אותו מטבע גדול משקל הקדש. ולעולם אינו שוקל פחות מחצי השקל שהיה בימי משה רבינו שהוא משקלו מאה וששים שעורה:
6
At the time when the common currency was a darcon, everyone would give a sela as a half-shekel.19 At the time when the common currency was a sela, everyone would give half a sela, the equivalent of two dinarim, as a half-shekel. At the time when the common currency was half a sela, everyone would give that coin, half of a sela, as a half-shekel.20 At no time did the Jews ever give less than the half-shekel mentioned in the Torah for the half-shekel.
ו
בזמן שהיה מטבע של אותו זמן דרכונות היה כל אחד ואחד נותן במחצית השקל שלו סלע. ובזמן שהיה המטבע סלעים היה נותן כל אחד במחצית השקל שלו חצי סלע שהוא שני דינרין. ובזמן שהיה המטבע חצי סלע היה כל אחד ואחד נותן במחצית השקל אותו חצי הסלע. ומעולם לא שקלו ישראל במחצית השקל פחות מחצי שקל של תורה:
7
Everyone is obligated to give a half-shekel: priests,21 Levites, Israelites, converts, and freed slaves. Women,22 slaves, and children23 are not obligated. Nevertheless, if they give [a half-shekel], it may be accepted.24 By contrast, if a Samaritan25 gives a half-shekel, it should not be accepted.
A father who began giving a half-shekel on behalf of a child should not stop. Instead, he should [continue to] give a half-shekel on the child's behalf every year until he comes of age and gives [the half-shekel] by himself.26
ז
הכל חייבין ליתן מחצית השקל כהנים לויים וישראלים וגרים ועבדים משוחררים. אבל לא נשים ולא עבדים ולא קטנים. ואם נתנו מקבלין מהם. אבל הכותים שנתנו מחצית השקל אין מקבלין מהם. קטן שהתחיל אביו ליתן עליו מחצית השקל שוב אינו פוסק אלא נותן עליו בכל שנה ושנה עד שיגדיל ויתן על עצמו:
8
[The mitzvah of giving a half-]shekel is observed only during the era that the Temple is standing.27 During the era that the Temple is standing, the [half-]shekel should be given both in Eretz Yisrael and in the diaspora.28 When, however, it is destroyed, even in Eretz Yisrael it is not necessary to give.
ח
השקלים אינן נוהגין אלא בפני הבית. ובזמן שבית המקדש קיים נותנין את השקלים בין בארץ ישראל בין בחוצה לארץ. ובזמן שהוא חרב אפילו בארץ ישראל אין נוהגין:
9
On the first of Adar, the court would announce [the collection of] the [half-]shekalim, so that every single individual would prepare his half-shekel and be ready to give.
On the fifteenth [of Adar],29 the money-changers would sit in every city30 and would gently prod [the people to give]. If people gave them, they would accept it. If someone did not give, they would not compel him to give.
On the twenty-fifth [of Adar], they would sit in the Temple to collect [the half-shekalim]. From this time onward, everyone who had not given [a half-shekel] as yet would be compelled to give.31 When a person did not give [voluntarily], his property would be taken by force as a pledge. Even his clothing was taken from him.
ט
באחד באדר משמיעין על השקלים כדי שיכין כל אחד ואחד מחצית השקל שלו. ויהיה עתיד ליתן. בחמשה עשר בו ישבו השולחנים בכל מדינה ומדינה ותובעין בנחת כל מי שיתן להם יקבלו ממנו ומי שלא נתן אין כופין אותו ליתן. בחמשה ועשרים בו ישבו במקדש לגבות. ומכאן ואילך כופין את מי שלא נתן עד שיתן. וכל מי שלא יתן ממשכנין אותו ולוקחין עבוטו בעל כרחו ואפילו כסותו:
10
We do not take property as a pledge by force from those individuals who are not obligated to give a [half-]shekel, even though they are accustomed to giving,32 or they will give in the future.33 Nor do we take the property of priests as a pledge by force, as a reflection of the ways of peace.34 Instead, when they give, we accept their donations. We do, however, [continue to] demand from them until they give.
י
כל מי שאינו חייב בשקלים אע"פ שדרכו ליתן או הוא עתיד ליתן אין ממשכנין אותו. ואין ממשכנין את הכהנים לעולם מפני דרכי שלום אלא כשיתנו מקבלין מהן ותובעין אותן עד שיתנו
FOOTNOTES
1.Sefer HaMitzvot (Positive Commandment 171) and Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 105) count this as one of the Torah's 613 mitzvot.
2.Both concepts are implied by the Hebrew word ish. (See Halachah 7.)
3.One might ask: why were the Jews not commanded to give a full shekel? There is normally an emphasis that one's offerings be complete and unblemished. Why in this instance were we obligated to give only a half-shekel?
To offer a homiletic resolution to this question: Giving a half-shekel emphasizes that a person is only a half and can never reach fulfillment until he joins together with another individual. Alternatively, it is God who contributes the second half, which enables an individual to reach fulfillment (Likkutei Sichot, Vol. III, Parashat Ki Tissa).
4.Sefer HaKovetz states that this teaches that one may not give several shekalim in one year to fulfill the mitzvah for many future years.
5.See Halachah 9. (See also Hilchot Chanukah 4:12, which also mentions that one should sell one's clothes to perform the mitzvah mentioned there.)
6.The Ramban (in his commentary on the Torah, Exodus 30:15) and others raise the question: why is this not considered one of the 365 negative commandments of the Torah?
In resolution, the commentaries point to the Rambam's introduction to Sefer HaMitzvot (General Principle 8), where the Rambam explains that the use of negative terminology by the Torah - e.g., לא, "Do not..." - does not always imply that the subject should be considered a separate negative commandment. For example, concerning a Hebrew maidservant, Exodus 21:7 states, "She shall not go out [to freedom] as the slaves go out."
The Rambam explains that this is not a negative commandment, but a narrative verse introducing the concept. Similarly, the commentaries explain that the verse under discussion is not a negative commandment, but rather a description of how the half-shekel is given (Nimukei Mahari).
7.There is also a homiletic dimension to this requirement: The half-shekel relates to a level of soul shared equally by all.
8.Rav Kapach emphasizes that there are two dimensions implied by this law: a) that the half-shekel should be given on a single day, not in several payments;
b) that a single coin should be given, not several coins equal in value to a half-shekel.
9.One who rapes a maiden, whom Deuteronomy 22:29 obligates to pay 50 silver pieces.
10.One who seduces a maiden, whom Exodus 22:16 obligates to pay 50 silver pieces.
11.One who slanders his wife, claiming that she was not a virgin at the time of marriage. Deuteronomy 22:19 requires such a person to pay 100 silver pieces.
12.Thirty silver pieces (Exodus 21:32).
13.See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Bechorot 8:8), where the Rambam describes the traditional measures for this figure in detail. According to the figures he gives, in modern measure, a shekel of the Torah is 16 grams of pure silver.
14.Today, it is common custom to give 96 grams of silver for the five shekalim required for the pidyon habeyn ceremony. Thus a shekel is 19.2 grams. According to the Piskei Siddur of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi a shekel is 20.4 grams.
15.Exodus 30:13 describes a shekel as being twenty ma'ah. Thus, in Talmudic times, the Sages increased the shekel's worth by one fifth, making the old value five sixths of the new total.
16.The coin of minimum value. Less than a prutah's worth is not considered as a significant financial amount.
17.This is the Talmudic term for the god Neptune. In his Commentary on the Mishnah, Shekalim 2:1, the Rambam mentions darconim of gold, which, though smaller, were equal in value to the silver coins mentioned here.
18.The Mishnah (Shekalim 2:4) relates that, at one time, the dinar was the common currency in Eretz Yisrael, and the people proposed giving half a dinar instead of a half-shekel. The Sages, however, did not accept this proposal, since it entailed giving less than the half-shekel given at the time of Moses.
19.This halachah provides examples of the principles mentioned in the previous halachah, quoting from Shekalim, loc. cit. The Mishnah refers to the initial years of the Second Temple period.
The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam's interpretation of that Mishnah and offers another explanation why the people gave a larger coin at that time: Only a small portion of the Jewish people returned to Zion with Ezra. Had the people been required to give only the minimum amount, there would not have been enough funds to purchase communal sacrifices. In his Commentary on the Torah, the Ramban (Exodus 30:12) also follows the Ra'avad's interpretation.
20.Because it was the equivalent of the half-shekel given in the time of Moses.
21.The Mishnah (Shekalim 1:4) mentions an opinion that maintains that priests are not obligated to give a half-shekel because they are entitled to partake of certain communal offerings.
The Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 1:3) mentions another rationale why some maintain that priests are not obligated: The Torah (Exodus 30:13) states that the half-shekel should be given by: כל העובר על הפקודים, "all those included in the census." Since the priests were not included in the census, they are not obligated to fulfill this mitzvah.
Significantly, in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim, loc. cit. Avot 4:7), the Rambam appears to accept the view that the priests are not required to give a half-shekel. Similarly, in his Sefer HaMitzvot, the Rambam cites the above verse as a proof-text explaining why women are not obligated in this mitzvah. Thus, his ruling in this halachah appears to reflect a change of position.
22.Although giving a half-shekel is a positive mitzvah that is not limited to a specific time, in Sefer HaMitzvot (loc. cit.) the Rambam states that women are explicitly excluded from the obligation to perform this mitzvah, as implied by the verse cited above, "all those included in the census." As mentioned in the previous note, although the Rambam appears to have changed his mind in relation to this phrase, it nevertheless appears that there is a specific exclusion concerning women, for the previous verse states, "A man shall give...." (See the glosses of Rabbenu Asher and Rabbenu Ovadiah of Bertinoro, Shekalim 1:3.)
23.Although the Torah obligates only those included in the census - and that meant men of the age of twenty and above - for posterity, the mitzvah must be fulfilled by any child who reaches the age of thirteen.
This ruling is not accepted by many authorities. The Sefer HaChinuch (loc. cit.) and Rabbenu Ovadiah of Bertinoro (Shekalim 1:3) maintain that the requirements of the original census were observed for posterity.
24.Several commentaries have offered explanations why the Temple treasury was allowed to accept the gift of a child, when (as reflected in Hilchot Lulav 8:10) according to Torah law, a child is not able to transfer ownership of his property to others.
[K'tzot HaShulchan (Section 235) uses this law as the basis for a thesis of a larger scope: That once a transaction sanctioned only by Rabbinic law is completed, it is acceptable according to the Torah. For if the child's gift of the half-shekel (a transaction sanctioned by Rabbinic law only) were not acceptable according to the Torah, the money could not be used to purchase sacrifices. Netivot HaMishpat and others do not accept this thesis and offer other explanations why a child's gift is acceptable.]
25.This restriction would appear to refer to all gentiles. Indeed, Rav Kapach's Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah state גוי, "a gentile," rather than כותי, "a Samaritan."
Without discounting the possibility of a change having been made because of censorship, it would appear that the reference to Samaritans is historical in nature. The reason why donations were not accepted from gentiles is that, as stated in Chapter 4, Halachah 8, funds from these donations were also used to maintain the city of Jerusalem. No monies from gentiles may be used for that purpose, as reflected by Nechemiah 2:20: "You have no portion, or right, or memorial in Jerusalem." And that narrative (ibid. 3:34) relates that the Samaritans were among the foes of Israel at that time. (See also Hilchot Matnot Ani'im 8:8.)
26.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 1:3), the Rambam mentions that by giving a half-shekel once, a father "obligates his son in this mitzvah." Hence, it is inappropriate for him to cease giving on his son's behalf.
27.It is customary to give a half-shekel to charity on the Fast of Esther in the present age. Nevertheless, this practice is merely a custom and is not considered as fulfillment of the mitzvah of giving a half-shekel.
28.In explanation, the B'nei Binyamin cites the Mishnah at the conclusion of the first chapter of Kiddushin, which states that the half-shekel is an obligation incumbent on a person's body, like tefillin. Therefore, it must be performed in all places. The Kessef Mishneh draws attention to Shekalim 3:4, which states that the third time during the year that funds were taken from the Temple treasury, they were taken on behalf of the Jews living in the diaspora.
29.The Mishnah (Shekalim 1:1) and the Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 8:1) mention other communal responsibilities that were also discharged on that day.
30.Our translation of the Hebrew מדינה is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 1:3). Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro and others differ in the interpretation of the Mishnah and maintain that the money-changers would sit only in Jerusalem.
31.For the court is obliged to compel the people to perform all the positive commandments.
32.I.e., women or slaves.
33.I.e., a minor.
34.The Tosefot Yom Tov explains that the priests have a reputation for being short-tempered. (See Hoshea 4:4; Shabbat 149b.) If they were compelled to give, strife might arise. The Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 1:3) offers a different explanation. The priests were not compelled to give as a token of respect for their office.
Shekalim - Chapter Two
1
How would the moneychangers collect the shekalim? In each and every city, they positioned two chests before them. The bottoms of the chests were wide, and the tops narrow like a shofar,1 so that the money could be deposited in them, but could not be removed from them easily.
Why did they have two chests? One to deposit the [half-]shekalim of the present year, and one to deposit the [half-]shekalim of the previous year,2 for [the collectors] would demand payment from the people who did not give in the previous year.
א
כיצד כונסין השולחנים את השקלים. בכל מדינה ומדינה מניחין לפניהם שתי תיבות שולי התיבה רחבין מלמטה ופיה צר מלמעלה כמין שופר כדי שישליכו לתוכן ולא יהיה אפשר ליקח מהן בנחת. ולמה עושין שתי תיבות. אחת שמשליכין בה שקלים של שנה זו. והשנייה מניחין בה שקלי שנה שעברה. שגובין ממי שלא שקל בשנה שעברה:
2
In the Temple, there were always thirteen chests, each chest [shaped] like a shofar. The first chest was for the shekalim of the present year; the second for the shekalim of the previous year; the third was for all those who where obligated to bring an offering of two turtle doves or two common doves,3 one as a burnt offering and one as a sin offering. The funds [for these offerings] were deposited in this chest.
The fourth was for those who were obligated to bring [doves] as a burnt offering only. They would deposit the funds [for these offerings] in this chest. The fifth was for those who volunteered to buy wood for the altar; the sixth, for those who donated money [to purchase] frankincense;4 the seventh, for those who donated gold for the covering [of the ark].5
The eighth6 was for the [money that] remains after [purchasing] a sin-offering - i.e., a person set aside funds [to use to purchase] a sin-offering, and money remained after purchasing it. Those funds were deposited in this [chest].
The ninth was for the [money that] remains after [purchasing] a guilt-offering; the tenth, for the [money that] remains after [purchasing] the pairs [of doves necessary] for [the offerings of] zavim, zavot,7 and women after childbirth; the eleventh, for the [money that] remains after [purchasing] the offerings of a nazirite; the twelfth, for the [money that] remains after [purchasing] the guilt offering of a leper; the thirteenth, for a person who pledged money for an animal [to be brought] as a burnt offering.8
ב
ובמקדש היה לפניהם תמיד שלש עשרה תיבות. כל תיבה כמין שופר. ראשונה לשקלי שנה זו. שניה לשקלי שנה שעברה. שלישית לכל מי שיש עליו קרבן שתי תורים או שני בני יונה אחד עולה ואחד חטאת משליך דמיהן לתיבה זו. רביעית לכל מי שיש עליו עולת העוף בלבד משליך דמיה לתיבה זו. חמישית למי שהתנדב מעות לקנות עצים למערכה בהן. ששית למי שהתנדב מעות ללבונה. שביעית למי שהתנדב זהב לכפורת. שמינית למותר חטאת כגון שהפריש מעות לחטאתו ולקח חטאת והותיר מן המעות ישליך השאר לתוכה. תשיעית למותר אשם. עשירית למותר קיני זבים וזבות ויולדות. אחת עשרה למותר קרבנות נזיר. שתים עשרה למותר אשם מצורע. שלש עשרה למי שהתנדב מעות לעולת בהמה:
3
The [purpose] for each category for which the funds in the chest were used was written on the outside of the chest. The court stipulated that all the monies that remained after the purchase of sacrifices for which they were designated should be used to offer animals as burnt offerings.9
It thus follows that all the funds in the latter six chests were used [to purchase] animals for burnt offerings. Their hides belonged to the priests, as did the hides [of other burnt offerings].10 All the funds in the third chest were to be used to purchase doves: half of them burnt offerings, and half of them sin offerings. All [the funds in] the fourth [chest] were to be used to purchase doves to be sacrificed as burnt offerings.
ג
ושם כל דבר שיהיו מעותיו בתוך התיבה כתוב על התיבה מבחוץ. ותנאי בית דין הוא על כל המותרות שיקרבו עולת בהמה. נמצאת למד שכל המעות הנמצאות בשש התיבות האחרונות לעולת בהמה ועורותיה לכהנים כשאר כל העורות. וכל המעות שבתיבה שלישית ליקח בהן עופות חציין עולות וחציין חטאות. ושברביעית כולן עולת העוף:
4
When the shekalim were collected from each and every city, they were sent to the Temple with emissaries.11 They might be exchanged for golden dinarim, so that [they would not become a] burden on the journey.12 [All the funds] were amassed in the Temple.
They were placed in one of the chambers of the Temple. All the doors to the chamber were closed [under lock and] key, and then they were covered with seals. All the shekalim that were collected there [were stored] in three large baskets. Each of the baskets was large enough to contain nine seah.13 The remainder [of the money] was left in the chamber.
The money in the baskets was referred to as terumat halishcah ("[the funds of] the chamber that were set aside").14 [The funds that] remained besides [the funds] stored in the baskets were referred to as sheyarei halishcah ("the remainder within the chamber").15
ד
בכל מדינה ומדינה כשגובין השקלים משלחין אותן ביד שלוחים למקדש. ויש להם לצרף אותן בדינרי זהב מפני משאוי הדרך. והכל מתקבצין למקדש ומניחין אותן בלשכה אחת מן הלשכות במקדש וסוגרין כל דלתותיה במפתחות וחותמין עליה חותמות וממלאין מכל השקלים שיקבצו שם שלש קופות גדולות שיעור כל קופה כדי שתכיל תשע סאין והשאר מניחין אותו בלשכה. וזה שבתוך הקופות הוא הנקרא תרומת הלשכה וזה שישאר שם יתר על מה שיש בקופות הוא הנקרא שירי הלשכה:
5
On three occasions during the year16 funds were taken from this chamber: On Rosh Chodesh Nisan, on either the day before or the day after the festival of Rosh Chodesh Tishrei17, and fifteen days before Shavuot.18
How is the money set aside? One person enters the chamber, while the guards stand outside. He asks them: "Should I set aside the funds?" They answer him: "Set them aside; set them aside; set them aside," [repeating the answer] three times.19
The person then filled three smaller baskets, each containing three seah, from [the funds in] the three large baskets. He then took the money outside to use it until it was depleted. Afterwards, he returned and refilled the three small baskets from the three large baskets a second time before Shavuot. The money was then used until it was depleted.
ה
בשלשה פרקים בשנה תורמין את הלשכה. בראש חדש ניסן. ובראש חדש תשרי קודם יום טוב או אחריו. וקודם עצרת בחמשה עשר יום. וכיצד תורמין אותה אחד נכנס לפנים מן הלשכה והשומרין עומדים בחוץ והוא אומר להם אתרום והן אומרים לו תרום תרום תרום שלש פעמים. ואחר כך ממלא שלש קופות קטנות כל קופה מהן מכילה שלש סאין מאותן שלש קופות הגדולות ומוציאן לחוץ כדי להסתפק מהן עד שיכלו. וחוזר וממלא אותן השלש קופות הקטנות מן שלש גדולות פעם שנייה קודם עצרת ומסתפקין מהן עד שיכלו:
6
In Tishrei, he returned a third time, filled [the three small baskets] from the three large baskets, and used the funds until they were exhausted [or] until Rosh Chodesh Nisan.20 On Rosh Chodesh Nisan, [funds] were set aside from the new collection.21
If the funds in the three large containers were insufficient and were exhausted before the month of Nisan, they would set aside other funds from the remainder within the chamber.22
ו
וחוזר וממלא אותן פעם שלישית מן השלש קופות הגדולות בתשרי ומסתפקין מהן עד שיכלו עד ראש חדש ניסן. ובראש חדש ניסן תורמין מתרומה חדשה. לא הספיקו להן השקלים שבשלש קופות הגדולות וכלו עד שלא הגיע ניסן חוזרין ותורמין משירי הלשכה:
7
The three smaller baskets into which the funds were set aside and taken outside were labeled alef, bet, gimmel.23 [In this manner,] he would know to take [the funds] from the first until they were exhausted, and then to take from the second, and then to take from the third.
He should fill the first basket from the first large basket, and then cover the large basket with a handkerchief. Afterwards, he should fill the second basket from the second large basket and then cover the large basket with a handkerchief, and then the third basket from the third large basket.
He does not cover this large basket with a handkerchief, thus making it apparent that he concluded with it. And he would begin with it when he entered a second time before Shavuot. At that time, he would first set aside [the funds] from the large basket that was uncovered, and then he covered it. He then set aside from the large basket from which he had taken [the funds] first on the previous occasion, and covered it. He would then take funds from the large basket that is next to it.
He would not cover this basket, so that [he would know] to start from it in Tishrei, the third time he entered.24 Thus, he would have placed [funds] into the first, second, and third of the small baskets from each of the large baskets.
ז
שלש קופות הקטנות שהוא תורם בהם ומוציאן לחוץ כתוב עליהן אל"ף בי"ת גימ"ל כדי שיסתפקו מן הראשונה עד שתכלה. ואחר כך מסתפקין מן השניה. ואחר כך מסתפקין מן השלישית. ותורם ראשונה מן הקופה האחת הגדולה ומחפה אותה הגדולה במטפחת. ותורם השניה מהקופה הגדולה השניה ומחפה אותה הגדולה במטפחת. ותורם השלישית מן הקופה הגדולה השלישית ואינו מחפה אותה במטפחת כדי שתהיה ניכרת שבה סיים. ויתחיל ממנה בתחלה בפעם שניה כשיכנס קודם עצרת. ותורם הראשונה מן הגדולה שהיתה מגולה ומחפה אותה. ותורם השניה מן הגדולה שתרם ממנה בראשונה תחלה ומחפה אותה. ותורם השלישית מן הגדולה הסמוכה לה ואינו מחפה אותה כדי שיתחיל ממנה בתחלה בפעם שלישית כשיכנס בתשרי. עד שנמצא תורם ראשונה ושניה ושלישית הקטנות מכל אחת ואחת מן הגדולות:
8
When he placed the funds in these three [small] baskets, he placed the funds in the first basket on behalf of [the inhabitants of] Eretz Yisrael; in the second basket, on behalf of [the inhabitants of] the walled cities surrounding Eretz Yisrael,25and on behalf of [the inhabitants of] the totality of Eretz Yisrael; and in the third basket, on behalf of [the inhabitants of] Babylonia, on behalf of [the inhabitants of] Media, on behalf of [the inhabitants of] other distant countries, and on behalf of the remainder of the Jewish people.26
ח
כשהוא תורם שלש קופות אלו תורם את הראשונה לשם ארץ ישראל. והשניה לשם כרכין המוקפין לה ולשם כל (ארץ) ישראל. והשלישית לשם בבל ולשם מדי ולשם המדינות הרחוקות ולשם שאר כל ישראל:
9
When he set aside the funds, he had the intention of including [all those whose shekalim] had been collected and were present in the chamber, [all those whose shekalim] had been collected and had not reached the chamber, and [all those whose shekalim] would be collected in the future.27
[In this manner,] the shekalim that he set aside to use [to purchase the sacrifices] would serve as atonement for the entire Jewish people. It is as if their shekalim had already reached the chamber, and were included in the money that was set aside.
ט
כשהוא תורם מתכוין לתרום על הגבוי שיש בלשכה. ועל הגבוי שעדיין לא הגיע ללשכה. ועל העתיד לגבות כדי שיהיו אלו השקלים שהוציאן להסתפק מהן כפרה על ישראל וכאילו הגיעו כל שקליהן ללשכה ונתרמה מהן תרומה זו:
10
When the person entered to set aside the funds, he should not enter wearing a garment in which he could hide money, nor wearing shoes or sandals,28 nor wearing tefillin or an amulet, lest the people suspect that he hid funds from the chamber underneath them when he set aside the funds. And they would talk to him [continuously] from the time he entered until the time he departed, so that he could not place [a coin] in his mouth.
Even though all these safeguards were taken, a poor person or someone who craved money should not [be appointed to] set aside these funds.29 [In this way,] the matter will not arouse suspicion, thus [fulfilling the advice of Numbers 32:22]: "You shall be blameless before God and before Israel."
י
כשיכנס התורם לתרום לא יכנס בבגד שאפשר להחבות בו כסף ולא במנעל ולא בסנדל ולא בתפלה ולא בקמיע שמא יחשדו אותו העם ויאמרו החביא ממעות הלשכה תחתיו כשתרמה. ומדברים היו עמו משעה שיכנס עד שעה שיצא כדי שלא יתן לתוך פיו. ואע"פ שנזהרים כל כך עני או מי שהוא נבהל להון לא יתרום מפני החשד שנאמר והייתם נקיים מה' ומישראל
FOOTNOTES
1.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 6:1), the Rambam refers to the Jerusalem Talmud, which explains that the chests had curved necks to prevent people from removing the coins from them.
2.There is a reference in the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 2:1) that differs and maintains that in the outlying cities collections would be made only for the present year. It was in Jerusalem alone that they would collect for the previous year.
The Or Sameach explains that this reference follows a minority opinion, while the Rambam's decision is accepted as halachah. Other authorities maintain that there were variant versions of the passage in the Jerusalem Talmud.
3.These offerings were brought by zavim, zavot, and women after childbirth. Since the money was placed in the chest without distinction, half was used to purchase doves for burnt offerings, and half for sin-offerings.
4.This was used for the meal offerings as well as the incense offerings.
5.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 6:5), the Rambam states that these funds were to repair the Holy of Holies. Rav Kapach notes that, on occasion, the Holy of Holies is referred to as "the chamber of the kaporet." This appears to be the Rambam's intent. Rabbenu Ovadiah of Bertinoro, by contrast, interprets this term as referring to the Temple vessels made from gold.
6.Concerning the purpose of the latter six chests, the Mishnah (loc. cit.) states "six were for voluntary donations." The Tosefta and the Jerusalem Talmud each offer a different interpretation of the purposes for which these six chests were used. The Rambam chooses the interpretation of the Tosefta.
7.Zavot is a venereal condition resembling gonorrhea that renders men (zavim) ritually impure. For women (zavot), the term refers to a woman who experiences vaginal bleeding at times other than those of her menstrual period. She also becomes impure.
8.The commentaries note that by choosing this interpretation, the Rambam defines a purpose for this chest that is different in nature from that of the previous five. Since these six chests were mentioned in one group by the Mishnah, this represents somewhat of a difficulty.
9.Had the court not made such a stipulation, it would not have been permissible to change the purpose of these funds from the intent for which they were originally donated. (See also Chapter 4, Halachah 9.)
10.Shekalim 6:6 relates that from Leviticus 5:19, "a guilt offering unto God," one might think that the offering should be consecrated entirely. Since II Kings 12:17 states, "The money from the guilt offerings and the money from the sin offerings shall... be for the priests," the following resolution was offered. The remaining funds were used to purchase burnt offerings that were dedicated entirely to God; the priests did not partake of them at all. The hides, however, were given to the priests.
11.More particulars concerning these emissaries are discussed in Chapter 3, Halachot 8-9.
12.I.e., a golden coin is far lighter than several silver coins of equivalent value.
13.Thus, the basket would contain 74.6 cubic liters according to Shiurei Torah and 130 cubic liters according to Chazon Ish.
14.These funds were used to purchase the communal sacrifices and for other purposes, as related in Chapter 4, Halachot 1-7.
15.These funds were used for various communal projects, as mentioned in Chapter 4, Halachah 8. There is a substantial difference in status between these two groups of funds. The funds in the three baskets were considered sanctified, and a person who used them for mundane purposes would be liable for the misuse of a sacred article (me'ilah). The other funds, by contrast, were used for mundane purposes, albeit those of the community, and not those of an individual. (See Hilchot Me'ilah 6:13.)
16.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 3:1), the Rambam explains that the funds were set aside on these three occasions so that the matter would be publicized.
17.Although the wording of the Mishnah (Shekalim 3:1) implies that the money was set aside on Rosh HaShanah, since Rosh HaShanah is a holiday, the money was set aside either beforehand or afterwards.
18.Note also the parallel to (and slight difference from) Hilchot Bechorot 7:8, which describes the setting aside of the tithes of the herds on three occasions during the year.
19.Responses were frequently repeated in the Temple service for the purpose of emphasis. (See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 7:11 and Hilchot Parah Adumah 3:2.)
20.There is an apparent difficulty with the Rambam's wording here, which appears to imply that the measures of funds set aside on each occasion were equal. This is inaccurate, for there are far more days between the middle of Iyar - the time of the second separation - and Tishrei - the time of the third - than between Tishrei and Nisan - the time of the first separation. And both of these periods are far greater than the period from Rosh Chodesh Nisan until the middle of Iyar. In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 3:1), the Rambam resolves this difficulty, explaining that on each occasion they would set aside an amount of money appropriate for the period, implying that the amounts were not equal.
21.Rosh HaShanah 7b emphasizes that Rosh Chodesh Nisan was considered to be Rosh HaShanah concerning the Temple sacrifices, and from that time onward the funds to purchase the sacrifices were taken from the new collection.
22.I.e., the funds that were not within the three large baskets and were ordinarily used for other communal purposes.
In explanation of this halachah, the Kessef Mishneh points to a difference of opinion in the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 3:3) between Rabbi Meir and the Sages. The Sages maintain that if the funds were exhausted, a new collection should be made. Rabbi Meir, by contrast, maintains that the funds should be taken from those remaining in the chamber.
There is, however, a difficulty with the reference to this source, because Rabbi Meir maintains that the funds remaining in the chamber were consecrated, and therefore one who uses them for his individual purposes transgresses the prohibition against me'ilah. As mentioned above, the Rambam (Hilchot Me'ilah 6:13) does not accept that ruling.
23.The first three letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The Hebrew letters also serve as numerals. In this instance, it is as though the baskets were labeled 1, 2, and 3.
24.The Rambam's ruling is dependent on his interpretation of the Mishnah (Shekalim 3:4). (See his Commentary on the Mishnah.) The Ra'avad, Rabbenu Asher, and others offer a different interpretation, which appears to fit more closely the plain meaning of the Jerusalem Talmud's explanation of the Mishnah.
25.Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro (Shekalim 3:4) gives as examples, the inhabitants of the lands of Ammon and Moab.
26.Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro (who interprets the abovementioned Mishnah differently from the Rambam) explains that the reason for the mention of these three locales is chronological. First, the shekalim would be collected from Eretz Yisrael, then from the surrounding areas, and lastly from the outlying diaspora. Nevertheless, whenever they set aside the money for the communal sacrifices, they had the intent that the money was to be given for the entire Jewish people.
It is unlikely that the Rambam would follow this view. It appears that he considers these divisions as merely geographic indicators.
27.I.e., even if for some reason a person had not given his half-shekel as yet, retroactively he received a share in these sacrifices. In this manner, everyone who ultimately contributes toward the sacrifices will have a portion in all the communal sacrifices, even those offered before his contribution was made.
Ketubot 108a, cited by many as the source for this halachah, also mentions that the person setting aside the funds had in mind those people whose half-shekalim were lost and never reached the Temple treasury. Nevertheless, since the lost shekalim were not mentioned in the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 2:1), nor in the Tosefta (Shekalim 2:5), the Rambam also omits mention of them. (See also Chapter 3, Halachot 8-9.)
28.See Yevamot 102b, which mentions in this context that it is forbidden to enter the Temple courtyard wearing shoes or sandals. The Rambam quotes this law in Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 7:2.
29.The source for this law is the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 3:2), which states "A קווץ should not set aside funds." The Rambam interprets this term as referring to either a poor or a greedy individual. The Ra'avad maintains that the term refers to a person with long hair, lest he be suspected of hiding a coin among his locks.
Shekalim - Chapter Three
1
Coins of a half-shekel were required by everyone so that each individual could give the half-shekel he was obligated to give. Therefore, when a person went to a money-changer to exchange a shekel for two half-shekalim, he would give the money changer an extra amount in addition to the shekel.1 This extra amount is referred to as a kolbon. Therefore, when two individuals give a shekel [to discharge the obligation incumbent] upon both of them, they are obligated to give a kolbon.2
א
חציי השקלים הכל צריכין להן כדי שיתן כל אחד ואחד חצי שקל שהוא חייב. לפיכך כשהיה אדם הולך אצל השולחני ומצרף שקל בשני חצאין יתן לו תוספת על השקל. ואותה התוספת נקראת קלבון. לפיכך שנים שנתנו שקל על שניהם חייבין בקלבון:
2
Any [two individuals] who are not obligated to give shekalim - e.g., two women or two slaves - and who gave a shekel are not obligated to give a kolbon.3 Similarly, if one person was obligated and another was not obligated, and the one who was obligated gave [a half-shekel] on behalf of the one who was not obligated - e.g., a man gave a [full] shekel on his own behalf, and on behalf of a woman, or on behalf of a slave - he is not obligated to give a kolbon.
Priests are also not obligated to give a kolbon,4 nor is a person who gives on behalf of a priest.
ב
כל מי שאינו חייב בשקלים כגון שתי נשים או שני עבדים שנתנו שקל פטורים מן הקלבון. וכן אם היה אחד חייב ואחד פטור ונתן החייב על ידי הפטור כגון איש שנתן שקל עליו ועל אשה או עבד פטור מן הקלבון. וכן הכהנים פטורין מן הקלבון והשוקל על יד הכהן פטור מן הקלבון:
3
A person who gives a shekel on behalf of himself and a poor person, or his neighbor, or an inhabitant of his city, is not obligated to give a kolbon, if he gave [the half-shekel on behalf of his colleague] as a gift.5 [The rationale is] that he gave an [extra] half-shekel to increase the number of shekalim. If, however, he gave the half-shekel on behalf of his colleagues as a loan to be repaid when they have the means, he is obligated to give a kolbon.
ג
הנותן שקל עליו ועל העני או על שכינו או על בן עירו. אם נתנו להם מתנה פטור מן הקלבון. שהרי נתן חצי שקל מתנה כדי להרבות בשקלים. ואם נתן להם החצי ששקל על ידם דרך הלואה עד שיחזירו לו כשתמצא ידם חייב בקלבון:
4
Brothers who have not divided the estate left to them by their father - and similarly, partners6 who give one shekel on behalf of the two individuals - are not obligated to give a kolbon.7
When does the above apply? When the partners have conducted business with the funds of the partnership, and [the initial funds are no longer present]. If, however, one individual brought funds and the other brought funds and they joined them together, but did not exchange or spend the funds, they are obligated to give a kolbon.8
If they conducted business with the funds of the partnership, afterwards divided the assets, and then entered into a new partnership, they are obligated to give a kolbon until they conduct business under the new partnership agreement, and exchange the money [in the partnership's account].
ד
האחין שעדיין לא חלקו מה שהניח להם אביהם. וכן השותפים שנתנו שקל על ידי שניהם פטורין מן הקלבון. במה דברים אמורים בשותפין שנשאו ונתנו במעות השותפות ונשתנה עין המעות. אבל אם הביא זה מעותיו וזה מעותיו וערבום ועדיין לא נשתנו המעות ולא הוציאום הרי אלו חייבין בקלבון. נשאו ונתנו ואחר זמן חלקו וחזרו ונשתתפו חייבין בקלבון עד שישאו ויתנו בשותפות זו האחרונה וישתנו המעות:
5
When [by contrast] brothers or partners jointly own an animal and funds, and then they subsequently divide the funds, they are obligated to give a kolbon although they have not divided the animal.9 Conversely, however, if they divided the animal, but did not divide the funds, they are not obligated to give a kolbon until they divide the funds. We do not say that the funds are about to be divided.10
ה
האחין והשותפין שהיה להן בהמה וכספים וחלקו בכספים חייבים בקלבון. אף על פי שעדיין לא חלקו הבהמה. ואם חלקו הבהמה ולא חלקו הכספים פטורין מן הקלבון עד שיחלקו הכספים ואין אומרין הרי הם עומדין לחלוקה:
6
When a person gives a shekel to the Temple treasury so that it will be considered as if he gave the half-shekel he is obligated to give, and so that he should receive a half-shekel that was collected from others, he is obligated [to give] two kolbonot.11 In contrast, if his shekel were given entirely to [the Temple treasury], he would be obligated to give one kolbon [only].12
ו
הנותן שקל להקדש כדי שיחשבו לו מחצית השקל שהוא חייב בה ויטול חצי שקל ממה שנגבה מן האחרים חייב שני קלבונות. שאילו היה השקל כולו לשקלים היה חייב קלבון אחד:
7
What is the value of a kolbon? When two dinarim were given as a half-shekel, the value of a kolbon was half a ma'ah - i.e., one twelfth of a dinar. A kolbon of a lesser value was never given.13
The kolbonot do not have the same status as the shekalim. The money-changers would gather them in a separate collection until they were required by the Temple treasury.14
ז
כמה הוא שיעור הקלבון. בזמן שהיו נותנין במחצית השקל שני דינרין היה הקלבון חצי מעה שהיא אחד משנים עשר בדינר ומעולם לא נתן הקלבון פחות מזה. והקלבונות אינן כשקלים אלא מניחין אותן השולחנים בפני עצמן עד שיסתפק מהן ההקדש:
8
A person whose shekel is lost is responsible for it until it is given to the Temple treasury.15
[The following rules apply when] the inhabitants of a city send their shekalim by means of an emissary and they are stolen or lost: If [the emissary] was an unpaid watchman, he should take an oath to them,16 and then he is freed of liability, as is any other unpaid watchman. [The people] then must give their half-shekalim a second time.17
If the inhabitants of the city say, "Since we are giving our shekalim a second time [regardless], we do not desire for the emissary to be required to take an oath, for he is trusted by us," their request is denied. It is an edict of the Sages that [nothing] consecrated should be released without an oath having been taken.18
If the first19 shekalim were discovered after the emissary took the oath, both sets of shekalim are consecrated, but [the later shekalim] are not considered [as payment] for the following year. The first [shekalim] should be included among the shekalim of the present year, and the later [shekalim] should be included together with [the collection of shekalim] from the previous year.20
ח
מי שאבד שקלו חייב באחריותו עד שימסרנו לגזבר. בני העיר ששלחו את שקליהן ביד שליח ונגנבו או אבדו. אם שומר חנם הוא הרי זה נשבע להם ונפטר כדין כל שומרי חנם והן חוזרין ונותנין שקליהן פעם שניה. ואם אמרו אנשי העיר הואיל ואנו משלמין שקלינו אין רצוננו שישבע השליח שהוא נאמן לנו אין שומעין להן. לפי שתקנת חכמים היא שאין הקדש יוצא בלא שבועה. נמצאו השקלים הראשונים אחר שנשבע השליח אלו ואלו שקלים הם ואין עולין להן לשנה אחרת. והראשונים יפלו לשקלי השנה והאחרונים יפלו לשקלי שנה שעברה:
9
[The following rules apply when] they sent their shekalim with a paid watchman, who is liable in the event of theft and loss, and [the shekalim] were lost because of forces beyond their control - e.g., they were taken by armed thieves. [The emissary] is not held liable.21
[Whether or not the inhabitants of the city are required to pay a second time depends on whether or not the funds in the Temple treasury have been set aside22.] If [the inhabitants' funds] were lost because of forces beyond [the emissary's] control after the funds [in the Temple treasury] were set aside, the emissary is required to take an oath23 to the Temple treasurer,24 and the inhabitants of the city are no longer liable. For the person who set aside the funds in the Temple treasury, did so on behalf of [those whose funds] have been collected, and on behalf of [those whose funds] have not yet been collected. Thus, the funds were already in the custody of the Temple treasury.25
The inhabitants of the city [are freed of liability], because there was nothing more that they could have done. They gave [the funds] to a paid watchman, who is liable in the event of theft and loss, and [the loss of property] due to forces beyond a person's control is an uncommon phenomenon.
If [the inhabitants' funds] were lost before the funds [in the Temple treasury] were set aside, they are considered as still being in the possession of the inhabitants of the city. The emissary is required to take an oath to the inhabitants of the city, and they are required to pay [their half-shekalim a second time].
If [the emissary] took [the required] oath, and they collected shekalim a second time, and then the thieves returned [the stolen funds], both sets of shekalim are consecrated, but [the later shekalim] are not considered [as payment] for the following year. Instead, [the later shekalim] should be included together with [the collection of shekalim] from the previous year.
There is an opinion26 that states that the first shekalim, which will be included among the shekalim of the present year, are the shekalim that were originally stolen, lost, or taken by forces beyond the emissary's control and returned. Another opinion states that the first shekalim are the shekalim that come to the hands of the Temple treasurer first.
ט
שלחו את שקליהם ביד שומר שכר שהרי הוא חייב בגניבה ואבידה ואבדו ממנו באונס. כגון שלקחום לסטים מזויינים שהוא פטור. רואין אם אחר שנתרמה התרומה נאנס נשבע השליח לגזברים ובני העיר פטורין. שהתורם תורם על הגבוי ועל העתיד לגבות וברשות הקדש הן ובני העיר מה היה להן לעשות הרי לא מסרו אלא לשומר שכר שהוא חייב בגניבה ואבידה. אבל האונס אינו מצוי. ואם אבדו קודם שנתרמה התרומה עדיין ברשות בני העיר הם והשליח נשבע לפני אנשי העיר והן משלמין. נשבע וגבו שקלים שנית ואחר כך החזירום הליסטים אלו ואלו שקלים ואין עולין להן לשנה אחרת והשניים יפלו לשקלי שנה שעברה. יש מי שאומר שהשקלים הראשונים שיפלו לשקלי השנה הם השקלים שנגנבו בתחלה ואבדו או נאנסו וחזרו. ויש מי שאומר שהשקלים הראשונים הן שהגיעו ליד הגזבר תחלה:
10
[The following rules apply when] a person gives a half-shekel to a colleague to give to the money-changer on behalf of the donor, and instead the agent gives it to him on his own behalf, so that he will not be compelled [to give his own half-shekel at this time]: If the funds [in the Temple treasury] were already set aside,27 the agent is considered to have misappropriated consecrated property.28 For the [half-]shekel was already considered to be the property of the Temple treasury, since [the funds] were set aside on behalf of all those who would give in the future. Thus, [the agent] extricated himself29 [by using] consecrated funds and hence derived benefit from this [half-]shekel.
If the funds [in the Temple treasury] have not yet been set aside, the agent is not considered to have misappropriated consecrated property. He is, however, obligated to return the half-shekel to the colleague who gave it to him. Similarly, a person who robs [one of the money-changers of the Temple treasury] of a half-shekel, or steals30 it from him, and uses it for his half-shekel, is considered to have fulfilled his obligation [to give a half-shekel]. He must [reimburse] the [money-changer], [and] pay twice its value31 or add a fifth of its value32 [depending on the situation].
י
הנותן חצי שקל לחבירו להוליכו לשולחני לשקול אותו על ידו. הלך ושקלו על ידי עצמו כדי שלא ימשכנו אותו. אם נתרמה התרומה מעל השוקל שזה השקל ברשות הקדש הוא שכבר תרמו על העתיד לגבות ונמצא זה הציל עצמו בממון ההקדש ונהנה בשקל הזה. ואם לא נתרמה התרומה לא מעל והוא חייב ליתן לחבירו חצי שקל שנתן לו. וכן הגוזל או הגונב חצי שקל ושקלו יצא והוא חייב לשלם לבעלים שנים או להוסיף חומש:
11
[The following rules apply when] a person give his half-shekel from consecrated funds:33 After the funds from the Temple treasury are set aside, when the funds [from the Temple treasury] are used [to purchase a sacrifice], the person becomes obligated for the misappropriation of consecrated property.34 He has, however, fulfilled his obligation to give a half-shekel.
Should one give [a half-shekel] from funds that were designated as the second tithe,35 he should partake of a quantity of food that is of equivalent value in Jerusalem.36 Should one give [a half-shekel] from funds that were given in exchange for the produce of the Sabbatical year,37 he should partake of a quantity of food that is of equivalent value, and treat it with the sanctity of the produce of the Sabbatical year.38 Should one give [a half-shekel] from an apostate city,39 his act is of no consequence whatsoever.40
יא
הנותן מחצית השקל מן ההקדש ונתרמה התרומה ממנו. כשיסתפקו ממנה יתחייב במעילה ויצא ידי מחצית השקל. נתנו ממעות מעשר שני יאכל כנגדו בירושלים. מדמי שביעית יאכל כנגדו בקדושת שביעית. היה של עיר הנדחת לא עשה כלום:
12
When a person has set aside a [half-]shekel under the impression that he was obligated to give it, and then discovers that he was not obligated, his [half-]shekel is not consecrated.41
When a person gave two [half-]shekalim, and later discovered that he was obligated to give only one, [the following rules apply:] If he gave them one after another, the second [half-]shekel is not consecrated.42 If he gave them both at one time, one is a [half-]shekel, and one is considered as overpayment for a [half-]shekel.43 If a person set aside a [half-]shekel and died, the [half-shekel] should be designated as funds donated [for the purpose of purchasing burnt offerings].44
יב
המפריש שקלו וסבור שהוא חייב בו ונמצא שאינו חייב לא קדש. המפריש שנים ונמצא שאינו חייב אלא אחד. אם בזה אחר זה האחרון לא קדש. ואם בבת אחת האחד שקלים והשני מותר שקלים. הפריש שקלו ומת יפול לנדבה.
13
[The following rules apply when a person] takes coins in his hands and says, "These are for my [half-]shekel,"45 or when he collects ma'ah46 after ma'ah or prutah47 after prutah, and says, "I am collecting money for my [half-]shekel": Even if he collects an entire purse-full, [all that he is required] to give is the half-shekel that he is obligated to give, and the rest of the funds remain unconsecrated. For [any] overpayment given for the [half-]shekel remains unconsecrated.
יג
הלוקח מעות בידו ואמר אלו לשקלי. או שהיה מלקט מעה מעה או פרוטה פרוטה וכשהתחיל ללקט אמר הריני מלקט מעות לשקלי. אפילו לקט מלא כיס נותן מהן חצי שקל שהוא חייב בו והשאר חולין שמותר השקלים חולין:
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[The following rules apply when] money is discovered [in the collection area in the Temple] between the chest of the [half-]shekalim and the chest designated for donations [for burnt offerings]:48 [If the funds are] closer to [the chest of] the shekalim, they should be considered as shekalim. If they are closer to [the chest designated for] donations [for burnt offerings], they should be used for that purpose.49 If the funds are equidistant between the two chests, they are designated as donations for burnt offerings. [The rationale is that] these donations [involve a more severe type of offering,50 for they] are used entirely for burnt offerings. The shekalim, by contrast, are used for burnt offerings and for other purposes.51
יד
מעות שנמצאו בין תיבה של שקלים לתיבה של נדבה. קרוב לשקלים יפלו לשקלים. קרוב לנדבה יפלו לנדבה. מחצה על מחצה יפלו לנדבה מפני שהנדבה כולה עולה לאישים והשקלים מסתפקין מהן לעולות ולדברים אחרים:
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Similarly, all the funds that are found between chests should be designated for the purpose of the chest to which they are closest. If [funds] are [discovered] equidistant between chests - for example, if they are between the chest [whose contents are used to purchase] wood and the chest [whose contents are used to purchase] frankincense - they should be designated [for purchasing] frankincense.52 [If they are discovered] between the chest [whose contents are used to purchase] pairs of doves53 and the chest [whose contents are used to purchase] doves for burnt offerings, they should be designated [for purchasing] doves for burnt offerings.54
This is the general principle: In all cases, we designate [the funds for the purposes of the chest] to which they are closest;55if [the funds] are equidistant [from two chests], [we designate them] for the purposes that are governed by] more stringent requirements.
All the coins found on the Temple Mount are [considered] unconsecrated funds,56 because the Temple treasurer does not take money out of the Temple treasury until he transfers their consecrated dimension to the animals that he purchases for sacrifices.
טו
וכן כל המעות הנמצאים בין כל תיבה ותיבה יפלו לקרוב. נמצאו מחצה למחצה. אם בין עצים ללבונה נמצאו יפלו ללבונה. בין קנים לגוזלי עולה יפלו לגוזלי עולה. זה הכלל הולכין אחר הקרוב בכולן. מחצה למחצה להחמיר. וכל המעות הנמצאות בהר הבית חולין שאין הגזבר מוציא מעות מתרומת הלשכה עד שהוא מחללן על הבהמות שלוקח לקרבנות
FOOTNOTES
1.Rashi (Chulin 25b) explains that this additional amount was given to tip the scales in favor of the money changer. The Meiri explains that since half-shekel coins were in demand, the value of two such coins was slightly more than a shekel. Rav Kapach [based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 1:6)] explains that this additional amount was a fee paid to the Temple treasury for providing the services of a money-changer. Based on the latter two explanations, if a person gives a half-shekel coin, he is not obligated to add a kolbon.
2.A single kolbon. (See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah [loc. cit.].)
3.Since their gift is voluntary in nature, they are not obligated to add more to it.
4.Since priests are not compelled to give a half-shekel for the reasons mentioned above (see the notes on Chapter 1, Halachah 10), they are also not obligated to give a kolbon (Kessef Mishneh).
5.Although these individuals are obligated to give a half-shekel, since they did not give on their own behalf, the individual who gave on their behalf is doing a service for the Temple treasury. Hence, he is freed of the obligation of the kolbon.
6.The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's ruling, because of a disagreement regarding the version of the text in the Mishnah (Shekalim 1:7), which serves as the Rambam's source. The Rambam's version of the text appears to have read האחים והשותפים, "The brothers and the partners." The Ra'avad's version of the text read האחים השותפים, "The brothers who are partners." According to the Ra'avad, ordinary partners are obligated to give a kolbon.
7.Since their business interests are combined, they are considered as a single individual. In the above-mentioned Mishnah, and in Bechorot 9:3 and other sources, our Sages contrast the obligation to give a kolbon with the obligation to tithe one's herds. Whenever these individuals are not obligated to give a kolbon, their herds are considered as a single entity, and they are obligated to tithe them together. Whenever they are obligated to give a kolbon, their herds are not considered as a single entity, and they are not obligated to tithe them together.
8.Although joining the funds together establishes a partnership (Hilchot Shluchin V'Shutafin 4:1), as long as the initial funds are still in the hands of the partnership, there is still an individual dimension to each person's investment (loc. cit.:3). When the initial funds have been spent and the partnership begins generating its own income, then the two people are considered to have a joint income.
9.The intent appears to be that since the brothers or the partners divided the funds available to them, it is clear that they no longer desire to conduct business as a single entity. We assume that the reason they did not divide the animal was merely one of convenience, and ultimately the partnership will be divided entirely.
The Ra'avad quotes the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 1:7), which states that this applies only when the livestock do not comprise the majority of the assets of the estate or the partnership. If they did comprise the majority of the assets, a different ruling would apply. The Kessef Mishneh and the Migdal Oz offer different explanations for the Rambam's position.
10.Although there is no difficulty in dividing funds, the very fact that the funds have not been divided is an indication that the brothers and the partners still intend to do business as a single enterprise.
11.He is requiring that two different exchanges be made on his behalf: a) the division of his shekel so that he will have fulfilled his obligation of giving a half-shekel; and
b) that he receive a half-shekel in return.
He is obligated to pay a kolbon for each of these transactions (Rav Kapach, based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shekalim 1:6).
12.As stated in Halachah 3.
13.For as explained in Chapter 1, Halachot 5-6, this was the value of the half-shekel given in the desert. A lesser amount was never given.
14.The Tosefta and the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 1:4) quote different Sages who offer varying opinions regarding the purpose for which the kolbonot were used. The Kessef Mishneh maintains that the Rambam used an indefinite choice of words because no final decision is reached in these texts.
15.Even if the initial setting aside of funds had already been performed in the Temple, the half-shekalim given afterwards are required actually to reach the Temple treasurers.
16.The emissaries must take three oaths: that the funds were lost or stolen, that they did not use them for their own purposes prior to their being lost, and that they were not negligent (Hilchot She'ilah UFikadon 4:1).
17.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 2:1), the Rambam emphasizes that the people are required to pay a second time because entrusting the funds to an unpaid watchman is considered a careless and irresponsible approach.
Note the contrast to the laws regarding a paid watchman in the following halachah, which differentiates between whether or not the loss took place before funds were set aside from the Temple treasury.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that it is possible to interpret Bava Metzia 58a as implying that the inhabitants should be freed of the obligation of paying a second time if the money was lost after the funds were set aside in the Temple treasury. The Rambam, however, does not choose this interpretation, for the reasons mentioned above.
18.According to the Torah itself, an oath is never required concerning consecrated articles. Bava Metzia (loc. cit.) explains, however, that our Sages instituted this oath so that the people would not treat consecrated articles in a disrespectful manner.
19.We have translated the terms "first" and "later" without adding any clarification at this point, because, as mentioned in the conclusion of the following halachah, there is a difference of opinion regarding their meaning.
20.As mentioned in Chapter 2, Halachot 1-2, every year, it was possible for a person to give a half-shekel to compensate for his failure to do so in the previous year. The extra shekalim were added to this collection.
21.A paid emissary is never liable for losses due to forces beyond his control, as explained in Hilchot Sechirut, Chapter 3.
22.As described in Chapter 2, Halachot 4 and 9.
23.This oath, like the one mentioned in the previous halachah, and like the one mentioned in the following clause, is Rabbinic in origin.
24.The Kessef Mishneh notes that the Rambam is quoting the text of the Mishnah (Shekalim 2:1) despite the fact that the meaning of that phrase is changed by an interpretation offered in the preliminary discussion of the issue in Bava Metzia 58a: that the emissary takes the oath to the inhabitants of the city in the presence of the Temple treasurer in order to collect his wage, or in order to clear their reputation.
The Kessef Mishneh maintains, however, that once the Talmud mentions the reason for the oath stated in the previous halachah, "that [nothing] consecrated should be released without an oath having been taken," this interpretation is no longer necessary.
25.As explained in Chapter 2, Halachah 9, when the person setting aside the funds in the Temple treasury makes the separation, he has the intention that the money set aside should be used to purchase sacrifices on behalf of all the Jews who donated or who will donate money for that purpose. Therefore, after the inhabitants of the city fulfill their obligation by sending the funds with a paid watchman, it is considered as if the funds were already given to the Temple treasury.
26.The source for the difference of opinion mentioned by the Rambam is the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekalim 2:1).
27.This ruling is also based on the principles mentioned in the previous halachah: that the person who set aside the funds has in mind all the funds that will be donated in the future. Accordingly, once the person gives his half-shekel to his colleague, it becomes the property of the Temple treasury.
28.If his act was intentional, he receives lashes as punishment and must reimburse the Temple treasury. If his transgression was unintentional, he is obligated to bring a sacrifice for atonement and to reimburse the Temple treasury, adding a fifth of the shekel's value. (See Hilchot Me'ilah 1:3.)
29.A person is liable for misappropriating consecrated property when benefit is derived from it. In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 2:2), the Rambam emphasizes that the benefit the person derives is that he extricates himself from a situation where his property would be taken to compel him to pay the half-shekel. The actual fulfillment of the mitzvah is not taken into account, because "the mitzvot were not given for our personal satisfaction."
30.In halachic terminology, robbery refers to the seizure of a person's property by force, while stealing refers to the theft of an object without his knowledge.
31.This ruling applies to a thief, but not to a robber. If, at the time of the theft the funds had not been set aside in the Temple treasury, the half-shekel the person steals has not been consecrated. Hence, the thief is required to make double restitution, as stated in Exodus 22:3.
32.The Kessef Mishneh explains that this refers to a person who steals from a money-changer after the funds have been set aside in the Temple treasury. He is thus making personal use of consecrated property and must add a fifth of its value when making restitution, as explained above.
The Or Sameach differs and states that this refers also to a person who steals before the funds have been set aside in the Temple treasury. A person who is charged with theft, clears himself by taking an oath in court, and later admits the theft, is required to add a fifth of its value when making restitution, as explained in Hilchot Gezeilah 7:1.
33.I.e., money that was designated for the improvement of the Temple complex. The Rambam is speaking about an instance where the person is unaware that the funds that he used had been consecrated. If he had been aware, different rules would apply.
34.For a portion of his half-shekel is considered to have been used towards this purchase. The commentaries question why the Rambam does not mention the need for an animal to be purchased with the funds from the Temple treasury in the previous halachah as well. (See Or Sameach.)
35.I.e., money used to redeem the second tithe, which must be used to purchase food that will be eaten in Jerusalem. (See Deuteronomy 14:24-26.)
36.I.e., after the fact, it is as if he transferred the designated nature of the half-shekel to the funds he later used.
37.When produce that grew in the Sabbatical year is purchased, the seller may use the funds he receives for only one purpose: to purchase produce (that was not grown in the Sabbatical year). Moreover, the produce he purchases must be eaten according to all the laws that pertain to produce of the Sabbatical year. (See Hilchot Shemitah V'Yovel 6:6-10.)
38.In this instance, as well, after the fact it is as if he transferred the designated nature of the half-shekel to the funds he later used.
39.Which must be destroyed entirely, together with all the property contained within it. (See Deuteronomy 13:17.)
40.For the property from such a city is considered as having no value whatsoever. It is as if he gave ashes. The Kessef Mishneh questions the Rambam's statements, noting that this concept is so well known that it would seem unnecessary for the Rambam to mention it.
Several of the later commentaries offer possible resolutions to this difficulty. For example, the Merkevet HaMishneh states that this refers to money from the second tithe found in an apostate city. (See Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 4:15.) Aruch HaShulchan states that this refers to money set aside for the half-shekel, but not given to the money-changers for that purpose. If it has already been given, it should be brought to the Temple treasury.
41.This follows a general principle that when a person consecrates property because of a misconception, the property is not consecrated.
42.For this is identical to the situation described in the first clause.
43.Which, as stated in the following halachah, remains unconsecrated.
44.The Minchat Chinuch (Mitzvah 105) explains the reason for this law. Exodus 30:15 states that the half-shekalim are given for the purpose of atonement, and the dead are not in need of atonement.
45.The decision rendered in this clause represents a reversal of the Rambam's opinion from that of his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shekalim 2:3), where he writes that if a person brings money and says that it is for his half-shekel, the remainder is considered a donation and is used to purchase burnt offerings. This change of view is based on the discussion of the subject in the Jerusalem Talmud.
46.A ma'ah was worth one sixth of a half-shekel in Talmudic times (Chapter 1, Halachah 6).
47.A coin of little value.
48.Kin'at Eliyahu notes that there is a slight difficulty with the Rambam's statements, which are based on those of the Mishnah (Shekalim 7:1). According to the description of the order of the chests in Chapter 2, Halachah 2, there are several other chests between the chests of the half-shekalim and the chests for the donations for burnt offerings.
49.Actual closeness is considered the determinant of primary importance in this and other halachic questions.
50.And this becomes the determining factor, as stated in the following halachah.
51.As explained in the following chapter.
52.For the frankincense was itself considered a sacrifice, in contrast to the wood, which was considered merely a medium to make possible a sacrifice (Kessef Mishneh).
53.Which were sacrificed, one as a burnt offering and one as a sin offering.
54.For the pairs of doves are offered, one as a sin offering and one as a burnt offering. Since the priests also partook of the sin offerings, the burnt offerings are considered more stringent.
The Kessef Mishneh cites the commentary of Rabbi Ovadiah of Bertinoro on Shekalim 7:1, where he states that a pair of doves were also donated from communal funds to be sacrificed, one as a burnt offering and one as a sin offering. In this manner, if the funds came from those donated for this purpose, the person would receive atonement.
55.Regardless of whether the contents of the chest are used for purposes that are governed by more lenient or more stringent requirements.
56.As indicated by Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 7:2, a person was not allowed to enter the Temple Mount holding money in a visible manner. Thus, we can assume that most of the money lost there came from the Temple treasury, and that as the Rambam continues to explain, that money had already been redeemed through the purchase of the sacrifices.
Hayom Yom:• English Text | Video Class Friday, Kislev 6, 5778 · 24 November 2017
"Today's Day"
Friday, Kislev 6, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayeitsei, Shishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 35-38.
Tanya: In addition: (p. 607)...cannot be seen." (p. 609).
My father said that the reciting of sh'ma before retiring at night (p. 118-124) is, in miniature form, like the Confession before death. But then one leaves the marketplace permanently, and the commerce of "Today to perform them"1 is finished. With the Bedside Sh'ma every night, however, one is still in the middle of the "market" and can still accomplish and achieve.
FOOTNOTES
1.I.e. the mitzvot. See Devarim 7:11, Eiruvin 22a.
Daily Thought:
Open for Me
As much as the human soul yearns to rise up and merge within the light of its Creator, so much more so does the Infinite Creator yearn to be found within the human soul.
If so, what force could stand between them? What could hold back the Creator’s infinite light?
Only His desire that this union occur with our consent, that we be the ones to crack open the door.
Even when the soul’s yearning has faded, forsaking its Beloved, wrestling itself from His love and even openly rebelling…even then, He cries out to us and knocks on our door.
“Open for me just an infinitesimal pinhole,” G‑d pleads, “and I will open for you a vast, infinite portal to all My love, from My very core of being.” (Maamar Balayla Hahu 5720, s’if 3.)
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