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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Wednesday, 19 Cheshvan, 5778 · November 8, 2017Torah Reading:
Chayei Sarah: Genesis 23:1-16Chayei Sarah: Genesis 23:1 Sarah lived to be 127 years old; these were the years of Sarah’s life. 2 Sarah died in Kiryat-Arba, also known as Hevron, in the land of Kena‘an; and Avraham came to mourn Sarah and weep for her. 3 Then he got up from his dead one and said to the sons of Het, 4 “I am a foreigner living as an alien with you; let me have a burial site with you, so that I can bury my dead wife.” 5 The sons of Het answered Avraham, 6 “Listen to us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us, so choose any of our tombs to bury your dead — not one of us would refuse you his tomb for burying your dead.”
7 Avraham got up, bowed before the people of the land, the sons of Het, 8 and spoke with them. “If it is your desire to help me bury my dead, then listen to me: ask ‘Efron the son of Tzochar 9 to give me the cave of Makhpelah, which he owns, the one at the end of his field. He should sell it to me in your presence at its full value; then I will have a burial site of my own.”
10 ‘Efron the Hitti was sitting among the sons of Het, and he gave Avraham his answer in the presence of the sons of Het who belonged to the ruling council of the city: 11 “No, my lord, listen to me: I’m giving you the field, with its cave — I’m giving it to you. In the presence of my people I give it to you.” 12 Avraham bowed before the people of the land 13 and spoke to ‘Efron in their hearing: “Please be good enough to listen to me. I will pay the price of the field; accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there.” 14 But ‘Efron answered Avraham, 15 “My lord, listen to me. A plot of land worth 400 silver shekels — what is that between me and you? Just bury your dead.” 16 Avraham got the point of what ‘Efron had said, so he weighed out for ‘Efron the amount of money he had specified in the presence of the sons of Het, 400 silver shekels of the weight accepted among merchants [ten pounds].
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Daily Quote: Are you as careful with what comes out of your mouth as you are with what enters into it? (Chassidic saying)
Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Chayei Sarah, 4th Portion Genesis 24:27-24:52 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Genesis Chapter 24
27And he said, "Blessed is the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, Who has not forsaken His loving kindness and His truth from my master. As for me, the Lord led me on the road to the house of my master's kinsmen." כזוַיֹּ֗אמֶר בָּר֤וּךְ יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲ֠שֶׁ֠ר לֹֽא־עָזַ֥ב חַסְדּ֛וֹ וַֽאֲמִתּ֖וֹ מֵעִ֣ם אֲדֹנִ֑י אָֽנֹכִ֗י בַּדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ נָחַ֣נִי יְהֹוָ֔ה בֵּ֖ית אֲחֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי:
on the road: on the designated road, the straight road, on the very road that I needed. Likewise, every “beth,” “lammed,” and “hey,” that serve as a prefix and are vowelized with a “pattach” refer to something specific, already mentioned elsewhere, or of [some object] where it is clear and obvious about what one is speaking. [i.e., The“pattach” under the prefix denotes the הֵא הַיְדִיעָה, the definite article.]
בדרך: דרך המיומן, דרך הישר, באותו דרך שהייתי צריך. וכן כל בי"ת ולמ"ד וה"א המשמשים בראש התיבה ונקודים בפת"ח מדברים בדבר הפשוט שנזכר כבר במקום אחר או שהוא מבורר וניכר באיזו הוא מדבר:
28And the maiden ran, and she told her mother's house what had happened. כחוַתָּ֨רָץ֙ הַנַּֽעֲרָ֔ה (כתיב הנער) וַתַּגֵּ֖ד לְבֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑הּ כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה:
her mother’s house: It was customary for women to have a house in which to stay to do their work, and a daughter confides only in her mother. — [Gen. Rabbah 60:7]
לבית אמה: דרך הנשים היתה להיות להן בית לישב בו למלאכתן, ואין הבת מגדת אלא לאמה:
29Now Rebecca had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran to the man outside, to the fountain. כטוּלְרִבְקָ֥ה אָ֖ח וּשְׁמ֣וֹ לָבָ֑ן וַיָּ֨רָץ לָבָ֧ן אֶל־הָאִ֛ישׁ הַח֖וּצָה אֶל־הָעָֽיִן:
and Laban ran: Why did he run and for what did he run? “Now it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring,” he said, “This person is rich,” and he set his eyes on the money. — [Gen. Rabbah 60:7]
וירץ: למה וירץ ועל מה רץ, ויהי כראות את הנזם, אמר עשיר הוא זה, ונתן עיניו בממון:
30And it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring and the bracelets on his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebecca, saying, "So did the man speak to me, " that he came to the man, and behold, he was standing over the camels at the fountain. לוַיְהִ֣י | כִּרְאֹ֣ת אֶת־הַנֶּ֗זֶם וְאֶת־הַצְּמִדִים֘ עַל־יְדֵ֣י אֲחֹתוֹ֒ וּכְשָׁמְע֗וֹ אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֞י רִבְקָ֤ה אֲחֹתוֹ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כֹּֽה־דִבֶּ֥ר אֵלַ֖י הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיָּבֹא֙ אֶל־הָאִ֔ישׁ וְהִנֵּ֛ה עֹמֵ֥ד עַל־הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים עַל־הָעָֽיִן:
over the camels: to guard them, as (above 18:8):“And he was standing over them,” in order to serve them.
על הגמלים: לשמרן, כמו (לעיל יח ח) והוא עומד עליהם, לשמשם:
31And he said, "Come, you who are blessed of the Lord. Why should you stand outside, when I have cleared the house, and a place for the camels?" לאוַיֹּ֕אמֶר בּ֖וֹא בְּר֣וּךְ יְהֹוָ֑ה לָ֤מָּה תַֽעֲמֹד֙ בַּח֔וּץ וְאָֽנֹכִי֙ פִּנִּ֣יתִי הַבַּ֔יִת וּמָק֖וֹם לַגְּמַלִּֽים:
when I have cleared the house: of idolatry. — [Gen. Rabbah 60:7]
פניתי הבית: מעבודה זרה:
32So the man came to the house and unmuzzled the camels, and he gave straw and fodder to the camels and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. לבוַיָּבֹ֤א הָאִישׁ֙ הַבַּ֔יְתָה וַיְפַתַּ֖ח הַגְּמַלִּ֑ים וַיִּתֵּ֨ן תֶּ֤בֶן וּמִסְפּוֹא֙ לַגְּמַלִּ֔ים וּמַ֨יִם֙ לִרְחֹ֣ץ רַגְלָ֔יו וְרַגְלֵ֥י הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ:
and unmuzzled the camels: He loosened their muzzles, for he would shut their mouths so that they would not graze along the way in fields belonging to others. — [Gen. Rabbah 60:8, Targum Jonathan]
ויפתח: התיר זמם שלהם, שהיה סותם את פיהם שלא ירעו בדרך בשדות אחרים:
33And [food] was set before him to eat, but he said, "I will not eat until I have spoken my words." And he said, "Speak." לגוַיּוּשָׂ֤ם (כתיב ויישם) לְפָנָיו֙ לֶֽאֱכֹ֔ל וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אֹכַ֔ל עַ֥ד אִם־דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי דְּבָרָ֑י וַיֹּ֖אמֶר דַּבֵּֽר:
until I have spoken: Here אִם serves as an expression of אִשֶׁר, [that] and as an expression of כּי, as in (below 49: 10):“Until (עַד כִּי) Shiloh will come.” This is what our Sages of blessed memory said (Rosh Hashanah 3a): The word כִּי serves for four meanings. One of these is [the Aramaic] אִי, which is equivalent to [the Hebrew] אִם.
עד אם דברתי: הרי אם משמש בלשון אשר ובלשון כי, כמו (לקמן מט י) עד כי יבא שילה, וזה שאמרו חכמינו ז"ל כי משמש בארבע לשונות, והאחת אי, והוא אם:
34And he said, "I am Abraham's servant. לדוַיֹּאמַ֑ר עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם אָנֹֽכִי:
35And the Lord blessed my master exceedingly, and he became great, and He gave him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, man servants and maid servants, camels and donkeys. להוַֽיהֹוָ֞ה בֵּרַ֧ךְ אֶת־אֲדֹנִ֛י מְאֹ֖ד וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל וַיִּתֶּן־ל֞וֹ צֹ֤אן וּבָקָר֙ וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב וַֽעֲבָדִם֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַֽחֲמֹרִֽים:
36And Sarah, my master's wife, bore a son to my master after she had become old, and he gave him all that he possesses. לווַתֵּ֡לֶד שָׂרָה֩ אֵ֨שֶׁת אֲדֹנִ֥י בֵן֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י אַֽחֲרֵ֖י זִקְנָתָ֑הּ וַיִּתֶּן־ל֖וֹ אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לֽוֹ:
and he gave him all that he possesses: He showed them a gift deed.
ויתן לו את כל אשר לו: שטר מתנה הראה להם:
37And my master adjured me, saying, 'You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell. לזוַיַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥נִי אֲדֹנִ֖י לֵאמֹ֑ר לֹֽא־תִקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִבְּנוֹת֙ הַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָֽנֹכִ֖י ישֵׁ֥ב בְּאַרְצֽוֹ:
You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites: unless you first go to my father’s house, and she will not wish to follow you.
לא תקח אשה לבני מבנות הכנעני: אם לא תלך תחלה אל בית אבי ולא תאבה ללכת אחריך:
38Instead, you must go to my father's house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.' לחאִם־לֹ֧א אֶל־בֵּֽית־אָבִ֛י תֵּלֵ֖ךְ וְאֶל־מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑י וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֥ אִשָּׁ֖ה לִבְנִֽי:
39And I said to my master, 'Perhaps the woman will not follow me?' לטוָֽאֹמַ֖ר אֶל־אֲדֹנִ֑י אֻלַ֛י לֹֽא־תֵלֵ֥ךְ הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה אַֽחֲרָֽי:
Perhaps the woman will not follow me: It [the word אֻלַי (perhaps)] is written [without a“vav” and may be read] אֵלַי (to me). Eliezer had a daughter, and he was looking for a pretext so that Abraham would tell him, to turn to him, to marry off his daughter to him (Isaac). Abraham said to him,“My son is blessed, and you are cursed [Eliezer was a descendant of Canaan who had been cursed by Noah], and an accursed one cannot unite with a blessed one.”
אלי לא תלך האשה: אלי כתיב, בת היתה לו לאליעזר והיה מחזר למצוא עילה שיאמר לו אברהם לפנות אליו להשיאו בתו, אמר לו אברהם בני ברוך ואתה ארור, ואין ארור מדבק בברוך:
40And he said to me, 'The Lord, before Whom I walked, will send His angel with you and make your way prosper, and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father's house. מוַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑י יְהֹוָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר־הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי לְפָנָ֗יו יִשְׁלַ֨ח מַלְאָכ֤וֹ אִתָּךְ֙ וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכֶּ֔ךָ וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤ אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתִּ֖י וּמִבֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי:
41You will then be absolved from my oath, when you come to my family, and if they do not give [her] to you, you will be absolved from my oath.' מאאָ֤ז תִּנָּקֶה֙ מֵאָ֣לָתִ֔י כִּ֥י תָב֖וֹא אֶל־מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑י וְאִם־לֹ֤א יִתְּנוּ֙ לָ֔ךְ וְהָיִ֥יתָ נָקִ֖י מֵאָֽלָתִֽי:
42So I came today to the fountain, and I said, 'O Lord, God of my master Abraham, if You desire to prosper my way upon which I am going מבוָֽאָבֹ֥א הַיּ֖וֹם אֶל־הָעָ֑יִן וָֽאֹמַ֗ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אִם־יֶשְׁךָ־נָּא֙ מַצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכִּ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָֽנֹכִ֖י הֹלֵ֥ךְ עָלֶֽיהָ:
So I came today: Today I left, and today I arrived. From here we learn that the earth shrank for him [i.e., his journey was miraculously shortened]. Rabbi Acha said: The ordinary conversation of the servants of the Patriarchs is more beloved before the Omnipresent than the Torah of their sons, for the section dealing with Eliezer is repeated in the Torah, whereas many fundamentals of the Torah were given only through allusions. — [Gen. Rabbah 60:8]
ואבא היום: היום יצאתי והיום באתי, מכאן שקפצה לו הארץ. אמר רבי אחא יפה שיחתן של עבדי אבות לפני המקום מתורתן של בנים, שהרי פרשה של אליעזר כפולה בתורה, והרבה גופי תורה לא נתנו אלא ברמיזה:
43Behold, I am standing by the water fountain. When a maiden comes out to draw [water], I will say to her, 'Please, give me a little water to drink from your pitcher.' מגהִנֵּ֛ה אָֽנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל־עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם וְהָיָ֤ה הָֽעַלְמָה֙ הַיֹּצֵ֣את לִשְׁאֹ֔ב וְאָֽמַרְתִּ֣י אֵלֶ֔יהָ הַשְׁקִֽינִי־נָ֥א מְעַט־מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ:
44And [if] she will say to me, 'You too may drink, and I will also draw water for your camels,' she is the woman whom the Lord has designated for my master's son.' מדוְאָֽמְרָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ גַּם־אַתָּ֣ה שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַ֥ם לִגְמַלֶּ֖יךָ אֶשְׁאָ֑ב הִ֣וא הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־הֹכִ֥יחַ יְהֹוָ֖ה לְבֶן־אֲדֹנִֽי:
You too: [The word] גַּם (also), includes the people who were with him.
גם אתה: גם לרבות אנשים שעמו:
designated: [Meaning]: He clarified and made known, and likewise, every expression of הוֹכָחָה in Scripture denotes clarification of a matter.
הוכיח: בירר והודיע, וכן כל הוכחה שבמקרא ברור דבר:
45I had not yet finished speaking thus in my heart, and behold, Rebecca came out with her pitcher on her shoulder, and she went down to the fountain and drew water, and I said to her, 'Please give me to drink.' מהאֲנִי֩ טֶ֨רֶם אֲכַלֶּ֜ה לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל־לִבִּ֗י וְהִנֵּ֨ה רִבְקָ֤ה יֹצֵאת֙ וְכַדָּ֣הּ עַל־שִׁכְמָ֔הּ וַתֵּ֥רֶד הָעַ֖יְנָה וַתִּשְׁאָ֑ב וָֽאֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יהָ הַשְׁקִ֥ינִי נָֽא:
I had not yet finished: [Meaning]:“I was not yet finishing.” And similarly, wherever the present tense is called for, sometimes the past tense is used, and it could have been written טֶרֶם כִּלִתִי (past tense), “I had not yet finished;” and sometimes the future tense is used. An example [that a verb denoting continuous action is sometimes expressed in the past and sometimes in the future] is (Job 1: 5):“for Job would say” (אָמַר) : this is in the past tense.“So would Job do” (יַעִשֶׂה) : this is in the future tense. But the meaning of both is in the present tense, [namely] “for so would Job say: Perhaps my sons have sinned? and so he would do this” [in a continuous fashion].
טרם אכלה: טרם שאני מכלה, וכן כל לשון הווה פעמים שהוא מדבר בלשון עבר ויכול לכתוב כמו טרם כליתי, ופעמים שמדבר בלשון עתיד, כמו (איוב א ה) כי אמר איוב, הרי לשון עבר, (שם) ככה יעשה איוב הרי לשון עתיד. ופירוש שניהם לשון הווה, כי אומר היה איוב (שם) אולי חטאו בני וגו' והיה עושה כך:
46And she hastened and lowered her pitcher from upon her, and she said, 'Drink, and I will also water your camels.' So I drank, and she also watered the camels. מווַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתּ֤וֹרֶד כַּדָּהּ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַם־גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ אַשְׁקֶ֑ה וָאֵ֕שְׁתְּ וְגַ֥ם הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים הִשְׁקָֽתָה:
47And I asked her, and I said, 'Whose daughter are you?' And she replied, 'The daughter of Bethuel the son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.' And I placed the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets on her hands. מזוָֽאֶשְׁאַ֣ל אֹתָ֗הּ וָֽאֹמַר֘ בַּת־מִ֣י אַתְּ֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר בַּת־בְּתוּאֵל֙ בֶּן־נָח֔וֹר אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָֽלְדָה־לּ֖וֹ מִלְכָּ֑ה וָֽאָשִׂ֤ם הַנֶּ֨זֶם֙ עַל־אַפָּ֔הּ וְהַצְּמִידִ֖ים עַל־יָדֶֽיהָ:
And I asked…and I placed: He reversed the sequence of events, because, in fact, he had first given [her the jewelry] and then asked [about her family]. But [he changed the order] lest they catch him in his words and say,“How did you give her [the jewelry] when you did not yet know who she was?”
ואשאל ואשים: שנה הסדר, שהרי הוא תחלה נתן ואחר כך שאל, אלא שלא יתפשוהו בדבריו ויאמרו היאך נתת לה, ועדיין אינך יודע מי היא:
48And I kneeled and prostrated myself to the Lord, and I blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, Who led me on the true path, to take the daughter of my master's brother for his son. מחוָֽאֶקֹּ֥ד וָֽאֶשְׁתַּֽחֲוֶ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה וָֽאֲבָרֵ֗ךְ אֶת־יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִנְחַ֨נִי֙ בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ אֱמֶ֔ת לָקַ֛חַת אֶת־בַּת־אֲחִ֥י אֲדֹנִ֖י לִבְנֽוֹ:
49And now, if you will do loving kindness and truth with my master, tell me, and if not, tell me, and I will turn to the right or to the left." מטוְ֠עַתָּ֠ה אִם־יֶשְׁכֶ֨ם עֹשִׂ֜ים חֶ֧סֶד וֶֽאֱמֶ֛ת אֶת־אֲדֹנִ֖י הַגִּ֣ידוּ לִ֑י וְאִם־לֹ֕א הַגִּ֣ידוּ לִ֔י וְאֶפְנֶ֥ה עַל־יָמִ֖ין א֥וֹ עַל־שְׂמֹֽאל:
to the right: [This refers to a wife] from the daughters of Ishmael.
על ימין: מבנות ישמעאל:
to the left: [This refers to a wife] from the daughters of Lot, who dwelt to the left of Abraham (Gen. Rabbah 60:9).
על שמאל: מבנות לוט שהיה יושב לשמאלו של אברהם:
50And Laban and Bethuel answered and said, "The matter has emanated from the Lord. We cannot speak to you either bad or good. נוַיַּ֨עַן לָבָ֤ן וּבְתוּאֵל֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵֽיהֹוָ֖ה יָצָ֣א הַדָּבָ֑ר לֹ֥א נוּכַ֛ל דַּבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ רַ֥ע אוֹ־טֽוֹב:
And Laban and Bethuel answered: He [Laban] was wicked and jumped to reply before his father.
ויען לבן ובתואל: רשע היה וקפץ להשיב לפני אביו:
We cannot speak to you: to refuse in this matter, either with an unfavorable reply, or with an appropriate reply, because it is obvious that the matter has emanated from the Lord, according to your words, that He designated her for you.
לא נוכל דבר אליך: למאן בדבר הזה, לא על ידי תשובת דבר רע ולא על ידי תשובת דבר הגון לפי שניכר שמה' יצא הדבר, לפי דבריך שזימנה לך:
51Behold Rebecca is before you, take [her] and go, and let her be a wife for your master's son, as the Lord has spoken." נאהִנֵּֽה־רִבְקָ֥ה לְפָנֶ֖יךָ קַ֣ח וָלֵ֑ךְ וּתְהִ֤י אִשָּׁה֙ לְבֶן־אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָֽה:
52Now it came to pass when Abraham's servant heard their words, that he prostrated himself on the ground to the Lord. נבוַיְהִ֕י כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֛ע עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַ֖רְצָה לַֽיהֹוָֽה:
that he prostrated himself on the ground: From here [we learn] that we must give thanks for good tidings.
וישתחו ארצה: מכאן שמודים על בשורה טובה:
Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 90 - 96
• Hebrew text
• English text
Chapter 90
David found this prayer in its present form-receiving a tradition attributing it to MosesThe Midrash attributes the next eleven psalms to Moses (Rashi).-and incorporated it into the Tehillim. It speaks of the brevity of human life, and inspires man to repent and avoid pride in this world.
1. A prayer by Moses, the man of God. My Lord, You have been a shelter for us in every generation.
2. Before the mountains came into being, before You created the earth and the world-for ever and ever You are Almighty God.
3. You diminish man until he is crushed, and You say, "Return, you children of man.”
4. Indeed, a thousand years are in Your eyes like yesterday that has passed, like a watch of the night.
5. The stream of their life is as but a slumber; in the morning they are like grass that sprouts anew.
6. In the morning it thrives and sprouts anew; in the evening it withers and dries.
7. For we are consumed by Your anger, and destroyed by Your wrath.
8. You have set our wrongdoings before You, our hidden sins before the light of Your countenance.
9. For all our days have vanished in Your wrath; we cause our years to pass like a fleeting sound.
10. The days of our lives number seventy years, and if in great vigor, eighty years; most of them are but travail and futility, passing quickly and flying away.
11. Who can know the intensity of Your anger? Your wrath is commensurate with one's fear of You.
12. Teach us, then, to reckon our days, that we may acquire a wise heart.
13. Relent, O Lord; how long [will Your anger last]? Have compassion upon Your servants.
14. Satiate us in the morning with Your kindness, then we shall sing and rejoice throughout our days.
15. Give us joy corresponding to the days You afflicted us, the years we have seen adversity.
16. Let Your work be revealed to Your servants, and Your splendor be upon their children.
17. May the pleasantness of the Lord our God be upon us; establish for us the work of our hands; establish the work of our hands.
Chapter 91
This psalm inspires the hearts of the people to seek shelter under the wings of the Divine Presence. It also speaks of the four seasons of the year, and their respective ministering powers, instructing those who safeguard their souls to avoid them.
1. You who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Omnipotent:
2. I say of the Lord who is my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust,
3. that He will save you from the ensnaring trap, from the destructive pestilence.
4. He will cover you with His pinions and you will find refuge under His wings; His truth is a shield and an armor.
5. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day;
6. the pestilence that prowls in the darkness, nor the destruction that ravages at noon.
7. A thousand may fall at your [left] side, and ten thousand at your right, but it shall not reach you.
8. You need only look with your eyes, and you will see the retribution of the wicked.
9. Because you [have said,] "The Lord is my shelter," and you have made the Most High your haven,
10. no evil will befall you, no plague will come near your tent.
11. For He will instruct His angels in your behalf, to guard you in all your ways.
12. They will carry you in their hands, lest you injure your foot upon a rock.
13. You will tread upon the lion and the viper; you will trample upon the young lion and the serpent.
14. Because he desires Me, I will deliver him; I will fortify him, for he knows My Name.
15. When he calls on Me, I will answer him; I am with him in distress. I will deliver him and honor him.
16. I will satiate him with long life, and show him My deliverance.
Chapter 92
Sung every Shabbat by the Levites in the Holy Temple, this psalm speaks of the World to Come, and comforts the hearts of those crushed by suffering.
1. A psalm, a song for the Shabbat day.
2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your Name, O Most High;
3. to proclaim Your kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness in the nights,
4. with a ten-stringed instrument and lyre, to the melody of a harp.
5. For You, Lord, have gladdened me with Your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of Your hand.
6. How great are Your works, O Lord; how very profound Your thoughts!
7. A brutish man cannot know, a fool cannot comprehend this:
8. When the wicked thrive like grass, and all evildoers flourish-it is in order that they may be destroyed forever.
9. But You, Lord, are exalted forever.
10. Indeed, Your enemies, O Lord, indeed Your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.
11. But You have increased my might like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil.
12. My eyes have seen [the downfall of] my watchful enemies; my ears have heard [the doom of] the wicked who rise against me.
13. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, grow tall like a cedar in Lebanon.
14. Planted in the House of the Lord, they shall blossom in the courtyards of our God.
15. They shall be fruitful even in old age; they shall be full of sap and freshness-
16. to declare that the Lord is just; He is my Strength, and there is no injustice in Him.
Chapter 93
This psalm speaks of the Messianic era, when God will don grandeur-allowing no room for man to boast before Him as did Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, and Sennacherib.
1. The Lord is King; He has garbed Himself with grandeur; the Lord has robed Himself, He has girded Himself with strength; He has also established the world firmly that it shall not falter.
2. Your throne stands firm from of old; You have existed forever.
3. The rivers have raised, O Lord, the rivers have raised their voice; the rivers raise their raging waves.
4. More than the sound of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, is the Lord mighty on High.
5. Your testimonies are most trustworthy; Your House will be resplendent in holiness, O Lord, forever.
Chapter 94
An awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer with which every individual can pray for the redemption. It is also an important moral teaching.
1. The Lord is a God of retribution; O God of retribution, reveal Yourself!
2. Judge of the earth, arise; render to the arrogant their recompense.
3. How long shall the wicked, O Lord, how long shall the wicked exult?
4. They continuously speak insolently; all the evildoers act arrogantly.
5. They crush Your people, O Lord, and oppress Your heritage.
6. They kill the widow and the stranger, and murder the orphans.
7. And they say, "The Lord does not see, the God of Jacob does not perceive.”
8. Understand, you senseless among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?
9. Shall He who implants the ear not hear? Shall He who forms the eye not see?
10. Shall He who chastises nations not punish? Shall He who imparts knowledge to man [not know]?
11. The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are naught.
12. Fortunate is the man whom You chastise, O Lord, and instruct him in Your Torah,
13. bestowing upon him tranquillity in times of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14. For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor forsake His heritage.
15. For judgment shall again be consonant with justice, and all the upright in heart will pursue it.
16. Who would rise up for me against the wicked ones; who would stand up for me against the evildoers?
17. Had the Lord not been a help to me, my soul would have soon dwelt in the silence [of the grave].
18. When I thought that my foot was slipping, Your kindness, O Lord, supported me.
19. When my [worrisome] thoughts multiply within me, Your consolation delights my soul.
20. Can one in the seat of evil, one who makes iniquity into law, consort with You?
21. They band together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood.
22. The Lord has been my stronghold; my God, the strength of my refuge.
23. He will turn their violence against them and destroy them through their own wickedness; the Lord, our God, will destroy them.
Chapter 95
This psalm speaks of the future, when man will say to his fellow, "Come, let us sing and offer praise to God for the miracles He has performed for us!"
1. Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us raise our voices in jubilation to the Rock of our deliverance.
2. Let us approach Him with thanksgiving; let us raise our voices to Him in song.
3. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King over all supernal beings;
4. in His hands are the depths of the earth, and the heights of the mountains are His.
5. Indeed, the sea is His, for He made it; His hands formed the dry land.
6. Come, let us prostrate ourselves and bow down; let us bend the knee before the Lord, our Maker.
7. For He is our God, and we are the people that He tends, the flock under His [guiding] hand-even this very day, if you would but hearken to His voice!
8. Do not harden your heart as at Merivah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9. where your fathers tested Me; they tried Me, though they had seen My deeds.
10. For forty years I quarreled with that generation; and I said, "They are a people of erring hearts, they do not know My ways.”
11. So I vowed in My anger that they would not enter My resting place.
Chapter 96
The time will yet come when man will say to his fellow: "Come, let us sing to God!"
1. Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2. Sing to the Lord, bless His Name; proclaim His deliverance from day to day.
3. Recount His glory among the nations, His wonders among all the peoples.
4. For the Lord is great and highly praised; He is awesome above all gods.
5. For all the gods of the nations are naught, but the Lord made the heavens.
6. Majesty and splendor are before Him, might and beauty in His Sanctuary.
7. Render to the Lord, O families of nations, render to the Lord honor and might.
8. Render to the Lord honor due to His Name; bring an offering and come to His courtyards.
9. Bow down to the Lord in resplendent holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.
10. Proclaim among the nations, "The Lord reigns"; indeed, the world is firmly established that it shall not falter; He will judge the peoples with righteousness.
11. The heavens will rejoice, the earth will exult; the sea and its fullness will roar.
12. The fields and everything therein will jubilate; then all the trees of the forest will sing.
13. Before the Lord [they shall rejoice], for He has come, for He has come to judge the earth; He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with His truth.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 29
• English Text (Lessons in Tanya)
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Wednesday, Cheshvan 19, 5778 · November 8, 2017
Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 29
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The focus of the present letter is the distinctive value of studying the halachot, the laws of the Torah. The Sages deem these laws to be the "crown of Torah," because the Supernal Will is most fully revealed within the laws of the Oral Torah, inasmuch as they clearly spell out G-d's will with regard to the performance of the mitzvot.
In fact, as the Alter Rebbe explains, the Supernal Will as expressed in the mitzvot derives from an even higher level of Divinity than does the Chochmah ("wisdom") of the Torah. Indeed, it is this Divine Will that furnishes the "garments" which enable the soul to absorb the Divine radiance that is manifest in the Garden of Eden.
אשת חיל עטרת בעלה כו'
"A woman of valor is the crown of her husband..."
This verse in the Book of Mishlei1 is a metaphor for the Torah. The Torah is also likened to a wife in another verse:2 "See to live your life with the woman whom you love," which our Sages, of blessed memory, explain3 to mean the Torah.
Here, too, "a woman of valor" refers to the Torah. More specifically, within the Torah itself the Oral Torah is the "wife" and the Written Torah is the "husband". The "woman of valor," which the Alter Rebbe will later explain refers to the halachot of Torah, serves as the "crown" to her husband, the Written Torah.
איתא בגמ' פ"ד דמגילה ודאשתמש בתגא חלף כו' זה המשתמש במי ששונה הלכות כתרה של תורה כו'
The Gemara, in ch. 4 of Megillah,4 [commenting on the teaching of our Sages in Avot5 that] "He who makes use of the crown, passes away [from this world]," states: "This applies to him who makes use of one who studies halachot, which are the crown of the Torah..."
Unlike the text of the Bach, which omits "the crown of the Torah," the Alter Rebbe here accepts the standard printed version as quoted above.
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות מובטח לו כו'
The Gemara in Megillah goes on to say: "It was taught in the Academy of Elijah that 'Whoever studies halachot is assured [of a share in Olam Haba - the World to Come]."'
At the conclusion of Tractate Niddah6 the text reads, "Whoever studies halachot daily ...." Rashi explains there that the term halachot refers to Mishnah, Beraita, and Halachah L'Moshe MiSinai. In Epistle XXIII (above), the Alter Rebbe (based on Rashi elsewhere7) defines halachot as "clearly adjudicated laws of practical application."
וצריך להבין למה נקראו ההלכות בשם תגא וכתרה של תורה
Now it needs to be understood why the halachot are referred to as a "crown" or "the crown of the Torah."
וגם למה השונה הלכות דוקא מובטח לו כו' ולא שאר ד"ת
Furthermore, why is it that he who studies specifically halachot is assured [of a share in the World to Come], and not other Torah subjects, such as Scriptures, Midrash and the like?
וכן להבין מארז"ל בפי"א דמנחות אפי' לא שנה אדם אלא פרק אחד שחרית כו' יצא י"ח
One also needs to understand the teaching of our Sages, of blessed memory, in ch. 11 of Menachot,8 that "even if one studied only a single chapter in the morning [and a single chapter in the evening], he has fulfilled his obligation to study Torah."
The Gemara states there that the individual has fulfilled the commandment that9 "this book of the Torah shall not depart from your mouth." According to a second opinion cited later in the Gemara, that this verse does not constitute an obligation, it is to be understood that according to this opinion it is still obligatory to study Torah at all times; however, if one is unable to do so, he can fulfill his obligation by studying a chapter in the morning and a chapter in the evening.
ולמה אינו יוצא י"ח בשאר ד"ת
Why is one's duty not fulfilled by other Torah subjects?
The expression "one chapter" indicates that the study is of Mishnah, the Oral Torah. Why can one not fulfill his obligation with the study of Scripture, Midrash and the like?
* * *
אך מודעת זאת מ"ש האריז"ל שכל אדם מישראל צריך לבא בגלגולים רבים עד שיקיים כל תרי"ג מצות התורה במחשבה דיבור ומעשה
However, it is well known that R. Isaac Luria, of blessed memory, stated10 that [the soul of] every11Jew needs to be reincarnated many times, until he will fulfill all 613 commandments of the Torah in thought, speech and action, i.e., using all three soul-garments with which one performs the commandments.
להשלים לבושי נפשו ולתקנם שלא יהא לבושא דחסרא כו'
This is in order to complete the garments of his soul and to correct them, so that no garment will be incomplete.
As explained in Tanya, ch. 4, the divine soul has three garments - the thought, speech and action of the 613 commandments of the Torah. If the performance of one of these commandments is lacking, the soul's garments are incomplete. It is thus necessary for each soul to perform all of the commandments.
לבד מצות התלויות במלך שהוא מוציא כל ישראל כי הוא כללות כולם כו'
Excepted12 are the commandments incumbent upon a king,13 because he discharges the obligation of all of Israel, as he is a corporate collective of them all.14
All Jews are incorporated within the king. When he performs those commandments that depend upon him, it is therefore considered as if all the Jewish people had performed them. As to the other commandments, however, if in one incarnation an individual did not perform them all, he must be reincarnated so that he will be able to do so.
Why must one have the garments of all 613 commandments?
והטעם הוא כדי להלביש כל תרי"ג בחי' וכחות שבנפשו
The reason is, in order to garb all the 613 aspects and powers of one's soul,
These 613 "organs" of the soul (see Tanya, ch. 4) must all be clothed in the garments of the mitzvot.
אחת מהנה לא נעדרה כו'
so that not one of them - of these 613 aspects and powers of the soul - will be lacking.
וביאור ענין הכרח וצורך לבושים אלו מבואר בזהר ומובן לכל משכיל
An explanation for the indispensability of these garments is given in the Zohar,15 and is understandable by every thinking person.
כי להיות שנפש רוח ונשמה שבאדם הן בחי' נבראים וא"א לשום נברא להשיג שום השגה בבורא ויוצר הכל א"ס ב"ה
For the Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshamah in man, are created entities, and hence inherently limited, and it is impossible for any created being to attain any apprehension of the blessed Creator and Former of all, Who is infinite.
This, of course, is true with respect to Divinity as it totally transcends all worlds.
וגם אחרי אשר האיר ה' מאורו ית' והאציל בבחי' השתלשלות מדרגות רבות מדרגה אחר מדרגה
Moreover, even after G-d has radiated [a glimmer] of His blessed light, and has caused an emanation in the form of an evolution of numerous [descending] degrees, level beyond level,
בבחי' צמצומים עצומים ולבושים רבים ועצומים
by way of intense contractions and numerous, immense garments that obscure G-dliness -
הידועים לי"ח
these are familiar to those adept in the Esoteric Wisdom,16
ונקראים באד"ר בשם שערות
and in the Idra Rabba17 these [contracted degrees of divine illumination] are referred to as "hairs".
Because the life-force present in hair is so tenuous that it does not even convey sensation, the subtle glimmers of Divine energy that filter through the above-described contractions are referred to metaphorically as "hairs".
וכדכתיב בדניאל ושער רישיה כעמר נקא כו'
And as is written in Daniel,18 "And the hair of His head is like white wool..." from which we see that certain degrees of spiritual down flow are referred to by the term "hair" –
אעפ"כ לא יכלה הנפש או הרוח ונשמה למסבל האור
nevertheless, even after the screening effected by these mighty contractions, neither the Nefesh nor the Ruach and Neshamah can endure the light.
כי טוב ומתוק האור וכו'
For the light is good and sweet... – so intensely so, in fact, that no created being can receive it without expiring, as will soon be explained.
כמ"ש לחזות בנועם ה' לשון נעימות ועריבות ומתיקות ותענוג עצום לאין קץ
As it is written,19 "to behold the pleasantness (no'am) of G-d." [The term no'am] denotes pleasantness, agreeableness, and sweetness, and an infinitely intense delight,
כמ"ש אז תתענג על ה'
as it is written,20 "Then you will delight yourself in G-d,"
והשביע בצחצחות כו'
לשון צחה צמא
[The word tzachtzachot] is related to23 tzichei tzama "parched with thirst"; it denotes a thirst that cannot be slaked, for the pleasure involved is endless,
כמ"ש בזהר
as stated in the Zohar.24
ואין בכחה לקבל הנעימות ועריבות הצחצחות שלא תצא מנרתקה ותתבטל ממציאותה כנר באבוקה
It is not in [the soul's] power to absorb the pleasantness and agreeableness of the [above] pleasurable thirst without leaving its husk, i.e., its limitation, and becoming wholly nullified, just like a candle-flame [becomes entirely nullified] in a torch.
Just as the light of a candle loses its identity as an independent luminary once it is confronted by the intense diffusion of a fiery torch, so, too, the soul would cease to exist as an independent entity if it were to absorb the radiation emanating from the intense light and sweetness of G-dliness,
אם לא שמבחי' אור זה עצמו תשתלשל ותמשך ממנו איזו הארה מועטת בדרך השתלשלות מדריגה אחר מדרגה בצמצומים רבים
were it not that from this very light there will evolve and issue forth some minute radiation, by way of an evolution of level after level, with multitudinous contractions,
עד שיברא ממנה לבוש אחד נברא מעין מהות אור זה להלביש הנפש רוח ונשמה
until a single garment is created of [this contracted light],a creation akin to the nature of this light, with which to garb the Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshamah.
ודרך לבוש זה שהוא מעין אור זה תוכל ליהנות מזיו אור זה ולהשיגו ולא תתבטל ממציאותה
By way of this garment, which is akin to this light, [the soul]can derive enjoyment from the ray of this light, and apprehend it, without becoming wholly nullified out of existence.
Since this garment derives from this light, it not only withstands its intensity itself, but also enables the soul to receive the light. Being a created entity, this garment can be "worn" by the soul. And what is this garment? - It is the garment of mitzvot.
וכמשל הרואה בשמש דרך עששית זכה ומאירה וכו'
This is analogous to someone looking at the sun through a fine and lucid speculum.
וכמ"ש ויבא משה בתוך הענן ויעל כו'
Thus it is written,25 "And Moses entered the midst of the cloud, and he ascended [the mountain]";
שנתלבש בענן ועלה וראה דרך הענן וכו'
that is, he vested himself in the cloud and ascended, and saw by way of the cloud.... i.e., the cloud served as a garment by means of which Moses was able to receive the revelations on Sinai.
כמ"ש בזח"ב דר"י ורכ"ט
Thus it is explained in the Zohar, Volume II, pp. 210 and 229.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | 12:4. |
| 2. | Kohelet 9:9. |
| 3. | Cf. Kiddushin 30b. |
| 4. | 28b. |
| 5. | 1:13. |
| 6. | 73a. |
| 7. | See Taz, Yoreh Deah 246:2. |
| 8. | 99b. |
| 9. | Yehoshua 1:8. |
| 10. | Note of the Rebbe: "Sefer HaGilgulim, ch. 4; Shaar HaGilgulim, Hakdamah 11:16. The brevity of the Hakdamah to Shaar HaMitzvot precludes any possible contradiction. See also Shelah, beginning of Torah SheBichtav, p. 264b ff." |
| 11. |
Note of the Rebbe: "Note that in the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch, Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:4, this subject is cited with a number of differences:
"(a) Here, in Iggeret HaKodesh: 'until he will fulfill'; in the Shulchan Aruch: 'until he fulfills'; preferring actual present performance to future certainty.
The difference may be significant when nonperformance is due to circumstances beyond one's control. See also Shelah, ibid.
"(b) Here, in Iggeret HaKodesh, after 'mitzvot' the Alter Rebbe adds 'of the Torah,' perhaps by way of reinforcing the necessity for reincarnation; in the Shulchan Aruch this is a less relevant consideration.
Moreover, and more importantly, the added phrase distinguishes these mitzvot from the 'seven commandments of the Sages' about to be discussed.
"(c) Here, in Iggeret HaKodesh, the order is 'thought, speech and action'; in the Shulchan Aruch the order is 'action, speech and thought.' The same principle is perhaps common to both: 'Not only this but also the next' (see Tosafot at the beginning of Yevamot).
In the Shulchan Aruch, therefore, where action is all- important, the Alter Rebbe tells us that even if a particular mitzvah was fulfilled in action, yet for the sake of its fulfillment in speech, and so on, the individual still needs to be reincarnated.
Iggeret HaKodesh, however, [embodies the Torah's innermost dimension, viz., Chassidut, and thus] is the soul of Torah. Here, therefore, following the same principle of precedence, the Alter Rebbe tells us that even if a particular mitzvahwas performed in thought, nevertheless, for the sake of its performance in speech, and so on, the individual still needs to be reincarnated.
"(d) In the Shulchan Aruch, which is unequivocal law, the Alter Rebbe adds the explanation: 'And speech and thought means the study of their laws; as our Sages taught (Menachot 110) on the verse, 'This is the law of the sin-offering ...,' that 'whoever studies the laws of the sin-offering [is considered to have actually offered the sin-offering].' This may also explain why instead of 'man' (as stated here) the Alter Rebbe there uses the term 'soul.'"
|
| 12. | Note of the Rebbe: "An explanation is required as to why in the Shulchan Aruch - which, as mentioned above, should surely have the clearest statement of the law - the Alter Rebbe does not mention this exception concerning the commandments incumbent upon a king." |
| 13. | Note of the Rebbe: "Torah Or, p. 53c, by contrast, expresses this as follows: 'For every Jew must perform all 613 commandments, except for the commandments of the king, for the king discharges all Jews. All the mitzvot must be performed by every individual, and he must be reincarnated or in a state of ibur [lit., "pregnancy", a state wherein the soul of one person attaches itself to the soul of another].' Similarly in Likkutei Torah, Yom HaKippurim, p. 69a: '...and even the mitzvot of the priests or the High Priest, through ibur or reincarnation."' |
| 14. |
Note of the Rebbe: "(So, too, in Torah Or, loc cit.:) The Alter Rebbe does not mention the High Priest (Nor does Mishnat Chassidim, Masechet Chiyuv HaNeshamot, beginning of ch. 2.) Likkutei Torah states explicitly that 'every individual is obliged to fulfill ... and even the commandments of priests and the High Priest.' Sefer HaGilgulim, ch. 4, by contrast, groups together 'the commandments ... for the priests ... levites ... kings .. judges and the like.'
"It could perhaps be suggested that the Alter Rebbe's above characterization of a Jewish king as 'a corporate collective of them all' alludes to the state of ibur spoken of in Sefer HaGilgulim, loc. cit. Such an allusion would serve well to explain why the Alter Rebbe chose to explain the function of the king by this phrase ('as he is a corporate collective of them all') rather than by the phrase used by Mishnat Chassidim ('because of his stature')."
|
| 15. | II, 210b; ibid. 229. |
| 16. | In the original, Chochma Nisteres "the Kabbalah", commonly abbreviated in Hebrew to the acronym "chein". |
| 17. | Zohar III, 128b ff. |
| 18. | 7:9. |
| 19. | Tehillim 27:4. |
| 20. | Yeshayahu 58:14. |
| 21. | Loc. cit., verse 11. |
| 22. | Note of the Rebbe: "See Torah Or, Megillat Esther, p 98b; Or HaTorah, Parshat Tetzaveh, p. 1606; Pardes, Shaar HaTzachtzachot.". |
| 23. | Yeshayahu 5:13. |
| 24. | II, 210b. |
| 25. | Shmot 24:18. |
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
English Text | Hebrew Text
Audio: Listen | Download | Video ClassWednesday, Cheshvan 19, 5778 · November 8, 2017
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Negative Commandment 321
Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
"Let no man go out of his place on the seventh day"—Exodus 16:29.
It is forbidden on Shabbat to travel more than 2,000 cubits (approximately 3000 ft.) out of a city's parameters.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
Negative Commandment 321
Translated by Berel Bell
The 321st prohibition is that we are forbidden to travel [even by foot] on Shabbos.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1, "No man may leave his place on the seventh day."
Oral Tradition defines limit of "travel" as 2000 amos2 beyond the city limit; one may not walk even a single amoh more. However, one may walk within 2000 amos from the city limit in any direction.3
The Mechilta says: " 'No man may leave his place,' — this means beyond 2000 amos."
Our Sages said in tractate Eruvin4, "For violating the prohibition of the Shabbos limit, one receives lashes by Biblical ordinance."5
The details of this commandment are discussed in that same tractate.
FOOTNOTES
1.Shmos 16:29.
2.Approximately 3000 ft. In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Shabbos 27:1), the Rambam rules that walking 2000 amos is prohibited only by Rabbinic law, while the Biblical prohibition is in effect only at 12 mil, or approximately 24,000 amos.
The Rambam himself explains, however, (in responsa 310, quoted in Mishneh Torah, Kapach ed., p. 575) that there is no contradiction between his two works. Sefer Hamitzvos is meant only to give a general description of the mitzvah, so he did not mention the two categories. Mishneh Torah, on the other hand, gives all the relevant halachic details. See also Introduction to Sefer Hamitzvos.
3.In Mishneh Torah (ibid.), the Rambam explains that this area is considered within the suburbs of the city (see Num. 35:5).
4.17b.
5.With this quote, the Rambam proves that this mitzvah in included in the count of the 613 mitzvos.
Rambam:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Avodat Kochavim Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Seven
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Audio: Listen | Download | Video ClassAvodat Kochavim - Chapter Seven
1
It is a positive commandment to destroy false deities, all their accessories, and everything that is made for their purposes, as [Deuteronomy 12:2] states: "You shall surely destroy all the places [where the gentiles... served their gods]" and, as [implied by Deuteronomy 7:5]: "Rather, what you should do to them is tear down their altars."
In Eretz Yisrael, the mitzvah requires us to hunt after idol worship until it is eradicated from our entire land. In the diaspora, however, we are not required to hunt after it. Rather, whenever we conquer a place, we must destroy all the false deities contained within.
[The source for this distinction is Deuteronomy 12:3, which] states: "And you shall destroy their name from this place," [implying that] you are obligated to hunt false deities in Eretz Yisrael, but you are not obligated to do so in the diaspora.
א
מצות עשה היא לאבד עבודת כוכבים ומשמשיה וכל הנעשה בשבילה שנאמר אבד תאבדון את כל המקומות ונאמר כי אם כה תעשו להם וגו' ובארץ ישראל מצוה לרדוף אחריה עד שנאבד אותה מכל ארצנו אבל בחוץ לארץ אין אנו מצווין לרדוף אחריה אלא כל מקום שנכבוש אותו נאבד כל עבודת כוכבים שבו שנאמר ואבדתם את שמם מן המקום ההוא בארץ ישראל אתה מצווה לרדוף אחריהן ואי אתה מצווה לרדוף אחריהן בחוץ לארץ:
Commentary on Halachah 1
2
It is forbidden to benefit from false deities, their accessories, offerings for them, and anything made for them, as [implied by Deuteronomy 7:26]: "Do not bring an abomination to your home."
Anyone who derives benefit from any of the above receives two measures of lashes: one because of the prohibition, "Do not bring an abomination...," and one because of the prohibition, "Let nothing which is condemned cling to your hand."
ב
עבודת כוכבים ומשמשיה ותקרובת שלה וכל הנעשה בשבילה אסור בהנאה שנאמר ולא תביא תועבה אל ביתך וכל הנהנה באחד מכל אלו לוקה שתים אחת משום ולא תביא ואחת משום ולא ידבק בידך מאומה מן החרם:
Commentary on Halachah 2
3
It is forbidden to benefit from an animal which was sacrificed to false deities in its entirety - even its excrement, its bones, its horns, its hooves, and its hide. It is forbidden to benefit from it at all.
To cite an example, the hide of an animal which is marked by a sign that indicates that it was offered as a sacrifice to false deities - e.g., it has a round hole in the place of the heart through which the heart is extracted, which was a common practice [of idolaters] - It is forbidden to benefit from all of these hides and others of the like.
ג
בהמה שהקריבוה כולה לעבודת כוכבים אסורה בהנאה אפילו פרשה ועצמותיה וקרניה וטלפיה ועורה הכל אסור בהנאה לפיכך אם היה בעור סימן שיודע בו שזה העור תקרובת עבודת כוכבים הוא כגון שהיו עושים שקורעים קרע עגול כנגד הלב ומוציאין הלב הרי כל אותן העורות שהן כך אסורין בהנאה וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
Commentary on Halachah 3
4
What is the difference between an idol belonging to a gentile and one belonging to a Jew? It is forbidden to benefit from an idol belonging to a gentile immediately [after it is fashioned], as [implied by Deuteronomy 7:25]: "You shall burn the sculptures of their gods with fire" - i.e., they are considered gods as soon as they have been sculpted.
[In contrast,] it is not forbidden to benefit from a Jew's [idol] until he worships it, as [implied by Deuteronomy 27:15]: "[Cursed is the person who makes an idol...] and places it in a hidden place" - i.e., it is not forbidden until he does private acts - i.e., worship - on its behalf.
The accessories of idol worship, whether belonging to a Jew or to a gentile, are not forbidden until they were actually used for the purpose of idol worship.
ד
מה בין עבודת כוכבים של עובד כוכבים לעבודת כוכבים של ישראל עבודת כוכבים של עובד כוכבים אסורה בהנאה מיד שנאמר פסילי אלהיהם תשרפון באש משפסלו נעשה לו אלוה ושל ישראל אינה אסורה בהנאה עד שתעבד שנאמר ושם בסתר עד שיעשה לה דברים שבסתר שהן עבודתה ומשמשי עבודת כוכבים בין של עובד כוכבים בין של ישראל אינן אסורין עד שישתמשו בהן לעבודת כוכבים:
Commentary on Halachah 4
5
[When] a person makes an idol for another person - although he receives lashes - his wage is permitted. [This applies] even when he made [the idol] for a gentile, and it is therefore forbidden immediately.
[What is the rationale for the latter decision? The idol] is not forbidden until it is completed and the hammer-stroke which completes it is not worth a penny.
[The following rules apply when] a person buys scrap metal from a gentile and finds idols within it: If he has already paid the money, but has not taken possession of it, he should return it to the gentile. The same [rules] apply if he took possession of it, but did not pay the money. Though taking possession represents a formal transfer of ownership in dealings with a gentile, the transaction was made in error. If he paid the money and took possession [of the scrap], he must take [the idols] to the Dead Sea.
Similarly, when a gentile and a convert [divide] the estate of their father - a gentile - the convert may tell the gentile, "Take the idols and I will take the money," "Take the forbidden wine and I will take the produce." Once [idols] come into the possession of the convert, however, they are forbidden.
ה
העושה עבודת כוכבים לאחרים אע"פ שהוא לוקה שכרו מותר ואפילו עשאה לעובד כוכבים שהיא אסורה מיד מפני שאינה נאסרת עד שתגמר ומכוש אחרון שגומרה אין בו שוה פרוטה הלוקח גרוטאות מן העובד כוכבים ומצא בהן עבודת כוכבים אם נתן מעות ולא משך יחזירם לעובד כוכבים וכן אם משך ולא נתן מעות אף על פי שמשיכה בעובד כוכבים קונה כמקח טעות הוא נתן מעות ומשך יוליכם לים המלח וכן עובד כוכבים וגר שירשו את אביהן עובד כוכבים יכול הגר לומר לעובד כוכבים טול אתה עבודת כוכבים ואני מעות טול אתה יין נסך ואני פירות ואם משבאו לרשות הגר אסור:
Commentary on Halachah 5
6
We are allowed to benefit from images which gentiles made for aesthetic purposes. It is forbidden, however, to benefit from images that are made for the purpose of idol worship.
What is implied? It is forbidden to benefit from any images found in villages, for one may assume that they were made for the sake of idol worship. When images are found in a city, they are forbidden only when they are found at the entrance to the city and hold a staff, bird, globe, sword, crown, or ring in their hands. Otherwise, we may assume that they were made for aesthetic purposes, and benefit from them is permitted.
ו
צורות שעשאום עובדי כוכבים לנוי מותרין בהנאה וצורות שעשאום לעבודת כוכבים אסורין כיצד כל הצורות הנמצאים בכפרים אסורים בהנאה מפני שחזקתן שלעבודת כוכבים הן עשויין והנמצאות במדינה אם היו עומדין על פתח המדינה והיה ביד הצורה צורת מקל או צפור או כדור או סייף או עטרה וטבעת חזקתו שהוא לעבודת כוכבים ואסור בהנאה ואם לאו הרי הוא בחזקת לנוי ומותר:
Commentary on Halachah 6
7
Statues of false deities which are found discarded in the marketplace or in a scrap metal heap are permitted. Needless to say, this applies to pieces of statues.
In contrast, should one find a hand, a foot, or another limb from the form of one of the constellations or celestial signs, it is forbidden to benefit from it. Since one knows that this limb is one of the images that is worshiped, the prohibition against [benefiting from it] remains until one knows that the gentiles who worshiped it, nullified it.
ז
צלמי עבודת כוכבים הנמצאים מושלכים בשוקים או בתוך הגרוטאות הרי אלו מותרין ואין צריך לומר שברי צלמיהן אבל המוצא יד מצורת כוכב או מזל או רגלה או אבר מאיבריה מושלך הרי זה אסור בהנאה הואיל וידע בודאי שזה האבר מן צורת עבודת כוכבים הנכבדת הרי היא באיסורה עד שיודע לו שהעובדי כוכבים עובדיה בטלוה:
Commentary on Halachah 7
8
[The following laws apply when] a person finds articles which have the form of the sun, the moon, or a d'rakon upon them: If they are golden or silver objects, or silk garments, or if these forms were engraved on a nose-ring or finger-ring, they are forbidden. If these forms are found on other articles, they are permitted, since we may assume that they were made for aesthetic purposes. Similarly, we may assume that any other form which is found on an article was intended for aesthetic purposes. Therefore, [the articles] are permitted.
ח
המוצא כלים ועליהן צורת חמה ולבנה ודרקון אם היו כלי כסף וזהב או בגדי שני או שהיו חקוקים על הנזמים ועל הטבעות הרי אלו אסורין ועל שאר הכלים מותרין מפני שחזקתן לנוי וכן שאר הצורות הנמצאות על כל הכלים חזקתן לנוי ומותרין:
Commentary on Halachah 8
9
A false deity, its accessories, and the objects offered to it are always forbidden, regardless of the proportion [of a mixture they make up].
What is implied? If an idol becomes mixed together with statues made for aesthetic purposes - even if the proportion is merely one in several thousand - the entire group must be taken to the Dead Sea. Similarly, if a goblet [used for] idol worship becomes mixed together with many other goblets, or a piece of meat [coming from a sacrifice to a false deity] becomes mixed with other meat, the entire group must be taken to the Dead Sea. Similarly, if a hide with a hole through which the heart was removed becomes mixed with other hides, it is forbidden to benefit from the entire mixture.
[When] a person transgresses and sells a false deity, one of its accessories, or an object that was offered to it, it is forbidden to benefit from the money received, and that prohibition [remains if these funds become mixed with others], regardless of the proportion [of the mixture] they make up. [Deuteronomy 7:26] states: "Lest you become condemned like it." [From this we infer,] that anything that comes from a false deity, from any of its accessories, or from [anything] offered to it is [governed by the same prohibitions] as it is.
ט
עבודת כוכבים ומשמשיה וכל התקרובת שלה אוסרים בכל שהן כיצד עבודת כוכבים שנתערבה בצורות של נוי אפילו אחת בכמה אלפים יוליך הכל לים המלח וכן אם נתערב כוס של עבודת כוכבים בכמה כוסות או חתיכה מן הבשר (שנתערבה) בכמה חתיכות יוליך הכל לים המלח וכן עור לבוב שנתערב בכמה עורות הכל אסור בהנאה עבר ומכר עבודת כוכבים או אחד ממשמשיה או תקרובת שלה הרי הדמים אסורין בהנאה ואוסרין בכל שהן כעבודת כוכבים שנאמר והיית חרם כמוהו כל מה שאתה מביא מעבודת כוכבים ומכל משמשיה ותקרובתה הרי היא כמוה:
Commentary on Halachah 9
10
When a false deity or an asherah is burned, it is forbidden to benefit from its ashes. A coal taken from an idol is forbidden; a flame [from an idol] is permitted, for it is not an entity with substance.
When there is a doubt whether an object is connected to idol worship or not, it is forbidden. If, however, that doubt is questionable, it is permitted.
What is implied? Should a goblet used for idol worship fall into a storage room of goblets, they are all forbidden, because a false deity and all its accessories are always forbidden, regardless of the proportion [of a mixture they make up]. If one of the cups from this mixture falls together with two other cups, the the [entire second mixture] is permitted.
Should a ring [used to adorn] an idol become mixed together with one hundred other rings, and then two of them fall into the Mediterranean Sea, it is permissible to use all of them. We presume that the [forbidden] ring was among the two [which fell].
Should [a forbidden ring] become mixed together with a hundred others and then [the group] becomes divided, forty being separated in one group and sixty in another, and then the entire [group of] forty fall into another group of rings, it is permissible to use all of them. We presume that the forbidden ring remained among the majority. If the [group of] sixty fall into another group of rings, they are all forbidden.
י
עבודת כוכבים או אשרה שנשרפה אפרה אסור בהנאה וגחלת של עבודת כוכבים אסורה והשלהבת מותרת מפני שאין בה ממש ספק עבודת כוכבים אסור ספק ספיקה מותר כיצד כוס של עבודת כוכבים שנפל באוצר מלא כוסות כולן אסורים מפני שעבודת כוכבים וכל משמשיה אוסרין בכל שהן פירש כוס אחד מן התערובת ונפל לכוסות שנים הרי אלו מותרין טבעת של עבודת כוכבים שנתערבה בכמה טבעות ונפלו שתים מהן לים הגדול הותרו כולן שאני אומר אותה הטבעת היתה בכלל השתים נתערבה במאה ונתחלקו ארבעים למקום אחד וששים למקום אחר ונפלו הארבעים כולן לטבעות אחרות כלן מותרות שאני אומר אותה הטבעת האסורה ברוב היא נפלו הששים לטבעות אחרות כולן אסורות:
Commentary on Halachah 10
11
Sitting under the shade of the trunk of an asherah - whether it is worshiped itself or whether an idol was placed under it - is forbidden. It is, however, permissible to sit under the shade of its branches and its leaves.
If a person has another route, it is forbidden for him to pass under it. If he has no other route, he may pass under it, provided he runs.
יא
האשרה בין שהיתה נעבדת בין שהיתה עבודת כוכבים ומונחת תחתיה אסור לישב בצל קומתה ומותר לישב בצל השריגים והעלים שלה ואם יש לו דרך אחרת אסור לו לעבור תחתיה ואם אין שם דרך אחרת עובר תחתיה כשהוא רץ:
Commentary on Halachah 11
12
Chicks which do not need their mother and nest in [an asherah] are permitted. In contrast, the chicks and eggs which need their mother are forbidden for the asherah is considered as if it is a base for them. The nest itself - [even though it is] in the top of the tree - is permitted, for the birds bring the wood for it from other places.
יב
אפרוחים שקננו בה ואין צריכין לאמן מותרין והאפרוחים והביצים שצריכין לאמן אסורין שהרי האשרה כמו בסיס להן והקן עצמה שבראשה מותר מפני שהעוף מביא עציו ממקום אחר:
Commentary on Halachah 12
13
It is forbidden to benefit from wood which one takes from it. Should a person have heated the oven with such wood, he must cool it off. Afterwards, he should kindle it with other, permitted, wood and then bake within.
Should he bake bread in [an oven heated in this manner] without cooling it, he is forbidden to benefit from the bread. If [such a loaf] became mixed together with others, he must bring the value of that loaf to the Dead Sea so that he will never benefit from it. The other loaves, however, are permitted.
יג
נטל ממנה עצים אסורים בהנאה הסיק בהן את התנור יוצן ואחר כך יסיק בעצים אחרים של היתר ויאפה בו אפה בו את הפת ולא צננו הפת אסורה בהנאה נתערבה באחרות יוליך דמי אותה הפת לים המלח כדי שלא יהנה בה ושאר הככרות מותרין:
Commentary on Halachah 13
14
If one took [a piece of wood from an asherah to use as] a shuttle, and wove a garment with it, it is forbidden to benefit from [the garment]. Should the garment become mixed together with other garments, he must bring the value of that garment to the Dead Sea. All the other garments, however, are permitted.
It is permissible to plant vegetables under [an asherah] - whether in the summer - when they need the shade - or in the winter. [This leniency is granted] because the vegetables' growth is produced by two factors: the shade of the asherah, which is forbidden, and the earth, which is permitted. Whenever an effect is produced by the combination of a forbidden factor and a permitted factor, it is permitted. Therefore, if a field was fertilized with fertilizer [that was forbidden because of a connection with] idol worship, one may sow it. Similarly, [the meat of] a cow that was fed with beans [that were forbidden because of a connection with] idol worship, may be eaten. The same principle applies in other similar situations.
יד
נטל ממנה כרכר וארג בו את הבגד אסור בהנאה נתערב בבגדים אחרים יוליך דמי אותו הבגד לים המלח ושאר כל הבגדים מותרין ומותר ליטע תחתיה ירקות בין בימות החמה שהן צריכין לצל בין בימות הגשמים מפני שצל האשרה שהוא אסור עם הקרקע שאינה נאסרת גורמין לירקות אלו לצמוח וכל שדבר אסור ודבר מותר גורמין לו הרי זה מותר בכל מקום לפיכך שדה שזבלה בזבל עבודת כוכבים מותר לזרוע אותה ופרה שפטמה בכרשיני עבודת כוכבים תיאכל וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
Commentary on Halachah 14
15
It is not forbidden to benefit from meat, wine, and fruits that were prepared as offerings for idols. Although they were brought into the temple of a false deity, [they are not prohibited] until they are actually brought as offerings.
Once they are brought as offerings, [their status changes] and they remain forbidden forever, even if they were later removed [from the temple].
Torah law forbids benefiting from anything that is found in a temple of a false deity, even water or salt. If a person eats even the slightest amount from such substances, he is [punished by] lashing.
טו
בשר או יין או פירות שהכינום להקריבם לעבודת כוכבים לא נאסרו בהנאה אף על פי שהכניסום לבית עבודת כוכבים עד שיקריבום לפניה הקריבום לפניה נעשו תקרובת ואע"פ שחזרו והוציאום הרי אלו אסורין לעולם וכל הנמצא בבית עבודת כוכבים אפילו מים ומלח אסור בהנאה מן התורה והאוכל ממנו כל שהוא לוקה:
Commentary on Halachah 15
16
[The following laws apply when] a person finds garments, utensils, or money [placed] on the head of an idol. If he finds them [placed] in a derisive manner, they are permitted. If he finds them [placed] in a deferential manner, they are forbidden.
What is implied? If one finds a purse hanging around its neck, folded garments placed on its head, or a utensil overturned on its head, they are permitted, because [they were placed] in a derisive manner. The same applies to other similar situations. [In contrast,] if one finds an object of a type which is used as an offering for the [Temple] altar on the head [of an idol], it is forbidden.
When does the above apply? When one finds such articles outside its [usual] place of worship. When, however, one finds such articles within the [idol's place of worship], regardless of whether it was placed in a derisive manner or in a deferential manner, or whether it is of the type of objects used as sacrifices for the [Temple] altar, any article found within [such a structure] - even water or salt - becomes forbidden.
[Different laws apply regarding] Pe'or and Marculis. It is forbidden to benefit from anything that is found together with them, whether [it is found] in their [temple] or outside of it. Similarly, with regard to the stones [found near a symbol of] Marculis: If a stone appears to be together with it, it is forbidden to benefit from it.
טז
המוצא כסות וכלים ומעות בראש עבודת כוכבים אם מצאן דרך בזיון הרי אלו מותרין ואם מצאן דרך כבוד הרי אלו אסורין כיצד מצא כיס תלוי בצוארו כסות מקופלת ומונחת על ראשו כלי כפוי על ראשו הרי זה מותר מפני שהוא דרך בזיון וכן כל כיוצא בזה מצא בראשו דבר שכיוצא בו קרב לגבי המזבח הרי זה אסור בד"א בזמן שמצאן חוץ למקום עבודתו אבל אם מצאו בפנים בין דרך כבוד בין דרך בזיון בין דבר הראוי למזבח בין דבר שאינו ראוי כל הנמצא בפנים אסור אפילו מים ומלח ופעור ומרקוליס כל הנמצא עמהן בין בפנים בין בחוץ אסור בהנאה וכן אבני מרקוליס אבן הנראית שהיא עמו אסור בהנאה:
Commentary on Halachah 16
17
When [the shrine of] a false deity possesses a bathhouse or a garden, benefit may be derived from it, provided one does not offer appreciation [in return]. [If] one must offer appreciation, it is forbidden.
[If the garden or bathhouse] is mutually owned by [the shrine] and another entity, one may derive benefit from it even if one provides its priests with appreciation. One may not, however, pay a fee.
יז
עבודת כוכבים שהיה לה מרחץ או גינה נהנים בהם שלא בטובה ואין נהנים בהם בטובה היה לה ולאחרים נהנין בהן אפי' בטובת כהניה ובלבד שלא יתן שכר:
Commentary on Halachah 17
18
It is permitted to bathe in a bathhouse even though an idol is located within, because it is placed there for aesthetic purposes and not to be served. [This leniency can be inferred from the use by Deuteronomy 12:2 of the term:] "their gods" - i.e., the prohibition applies when they treat them as gods, and not when they humiliate them, such as in an instance where [the idol] stands over the sewage pipe and they urinate before it.
Should [the idol's] worship involve such activities, it is forbidden to enter [the bathhouse].
יח
מרחץ שיש בה עבודת כוכבים מותר לרחוץ בה מפני שהיא נעשית שם לנוי ולא לעבדה שנאמר אלהיהם בזמן שנוהגים בה מנהג אלהות ולא בזמן שמבזין אותן כגון זו שהיא עומדת על הביב והכל משתינין בפניה ואם היתה דרך עבודתה בכך אסור ליכנס בו:
Commentary on Halachah 18
19
It is permitted to benefit from [an animal] slaughtered using a knife [forbidden because of its connection to] idol worship, because one is detracting from [the animal's] value. If the animal is in danger [of dying], it is forbidden, because one is enhancing its value, and this improvement involves benefit from an accessory of idol worship.
Similarly, it is forbidden to cut meat with [such a knife], because one is enhancing its value. Should one cut with a destructive intent, causing a loss, the meat is permitted.
יט
סכין של עבודת כוכבים ששחט בה הרי זה מותר מפני שהוא מקלקל ואם היתה בהמה מסוכנת הרי זו אסורה מפני שהוא מתקן והרי זה התיקון מהנאת משמשי עבודת כוכבים וכן אסור לחתוך בה בשר מפני שהוא מתקן ואם חתך דרך הפסד והשחתה מותר:
Commentary on Halachah 19
Rambam:
• 3 Chapters A Day: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Eighteen, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Nineteen, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty
English Text | Hebrew Text
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1
A person who transfers an article from a private domain into the public domain, or from the public domain into the private domain is not liable,1 unless he transfers an amount that will be beneficial [to accomplish a purpose].2 The following are the minimum amounts for which one is liable for transferring:3
Human food, the size of a dried fig.4 This quantity may include a combination of [different types of foods],5 provided the amount of food itself is the size of a dried fig. The shells, the seeds, the stems, the chaff, and the bran are not included [in this measure].6
א
המוציא דבר מרשות היחיד לרשות הרבים או מרה"ר לרה"י אינו חייב עד שיוציא ממנו שיעור שמועיל כלום. ואלו הן שיעורי ההוצאה. המוציא אוכלי אדם כגרוגרת ומצטרפין זה עם זה. והוא שיהיה כגרוגרת מן האוכל עצמו חוץ מן הקליפים והגרעינין והעוקצין והסובין והמורסן:
2
[The minimum measure for which one is liable for transferring] wine is a quarter of a revi'it;7 if it has congealed, a k'zayit. For the milk of a kosher animal, a gulp.8 For non-kosher milk, enough to apply to one eye. For a woman's milk and egg-white, enough to put in an ointment. For oil, enough to anoint the the small toe of a newborn infant.
Dew, enough to serve as a base for an eye ointment.9 An eye ointment, enough to be mixed with water [and be applied to an eye]. Water, enough for washing the surface of a mortar.10 Honey,11 enough to apply to a wound.12 Blood, all other liquids, and all sewage water,13 a revi'it.
ב
יין כדי רובע רביעית ואם היה קרוש בכזית. חלב בהמה טהורה כדי גמיעה וחלב טמאה כדי לכחול עין אחת. חלב אשה ולובן ביצה כדי ליתן במשיפה. שמן כדי לסוך אצבע קטנה של רגל קטן בן יומו. טל כדי לשוף את הקילורין. וקילור כדי לשוף במים. ומים כדי לרחוץ פני מדוכה. דבש כדי ליתן על ראש הכתית. דם ושאר כל המשקין וכל השופכין כדי רביעית:
3
[The minimum measure for which one is liable for transferring] straw from grain is a cow's mouthful.14 Straw from beans, a camel's mouthful.15 If, however, one transfers bean straw with the expressed purpose of feeding it to a cow, one is liable for transferring a cow's mouthful.16 Eating that involves difficulty is still considered to be eating. Straws from the ears of grain,17 a lamb's mouthful.18 Grass, a kid's mouthful.19
Leaves of garlic and leaves of onion20 when fresh are considered to be human food. Hence, their measure is the size of a dried fig. When they are dry, their measure is a kid's mouthful.
[Should one take out a combination of these substances,] their amounts should not be combined to hold one liable according to the more stringent measure. They should, however, be combined to hold one liable according to the more lenient measure. What is implied? When a person takes out both straw from grain and straw from beans, if the amount he takes out is enough to fill a cow's mouth, he is not liable.21 If it is enough to fill a camel's mouth, he is liable.22 The same applies regarding all similar dimensions of the Sabbath laws.
ג
תבן תבואה כמלא פי פרה. תבן קטניות כמלא פי גמל. ואם הוציא תבן קטניות להאכילו לפרה כמלא פי פרה. שהאכילה על ידי הדחק שמה אכילה. עמיר כמלא פי טלה. עשבים כמלא פי גדי. עלי שום ועלי בצלים אם היו לחים כגרוגרת מפני שהן אוכלי אדם. ויבשים כמלא פי גדי. ואין מצטרפין זה עם זה לחמור שבהן אבל מצטרפין לקל שבהן. כיצד הוציא תבן תבואה וקטנית. אם יש בשניהם כמלא פי פרה פטור. כמלא פי גמל חייב. וכן כל כיוצא בזה לענין השבת:
4
[The minimum measure for which one is liable for transferring] wood is the amount necessary to cook a portion of a chicken's egg23 the size of a dried fig, when the egg is beaten and mixed with oil24 and placed in a pot.25
A person who transfers a reed is liable when it is large enough to make a pen26 that reaches to the top of his fingers. If, however, the reed is thick or crushed, [and thus is unfit for use as a pen,] the measure [for which one is liable] is the same as for wood.27
ד
המוציא עצים כדי לבשל בגרוגרת מביצת התרנגולים טרופה בשמן ונתונה באילפס. המוציא קנה כדי לעשות קולמוס המגיע לראשי אצבעותיו. ואם היה עבה או מרוצץ שיעורו כעצים:
5
[The minimum measure for which one is liable for transferring] spices is the amount necessary to spice an egg. [Different] spices can be combined [to make up this measure].28
Pepper,29 even the slightest amount. Pine sap,30 even the slightest amount.31 A substance with a pleasant fragrance, even the slightest amount.32 A substance with an unpleasant fragrance, even the slightest amount.33 Perfumes, even the slightest amount. Fine purpled dye,34 even the slightest amount. Rosebuds, one.
Pieces from utensils made from hard metal35 - e.g., bronze or iron - even the slightest amount. [Chips] from the stones of the altar, or from the earth of the altar,36 [pieces] of decayed scrolls or their wrapping cloths,37 even the slightest amount, for [these articles] are [required to be] entombed.38
A coal, even the slightest amount.39 A person who transfers a flame is not liable.40
ה
המוציא תבלין כדי לתבל ביצה ומצטרפין זה עם זה. פלפל כל שהוא. עיטרן כל שהוא. ריח טוב כל שהוא. ריח רע כל שהוא. מיני בשמים כל שהן. ארגמן טוב כל שהוא. בתולת הורד אחת. מיני מתכות הקשים כגון נחשת וברזל כל שהן. מעפר המזבח ומאבני המזבח וממקק ספרים וממקק מטפחות שלהן כל שהן. מפני שמצניעין אותם לגניזה. גחלת כל שהוא והמוציא שלהבת פטור:
6
A person who transfers seeds of garden plants41 that are not fit for human consumption42 is liable for [transferring] a measure that is almost the size of a dried fig.43 [A person is liable for transferring] two cucumber seeds, two gourd seeds, and five Egyptian bean seeds.44
[A person who] transfers coarse bran [is liable for transferring a quantity] fit to place on the opening of the crucible of a gold refiner.45 [The measure for which a person is liable for transferring] fine bran [depends on his intent]: If [he intends to use the bran as] food [for humans], the measure is the size of a dried fig. As food for animals, a kid's mouthful. For paint, enough to paint a small cloth.
The buds of shrubs46 and carobs that have not yet become sweet, the size of a dried fig. After they become sweet, a mouthful of a kid. In contrast, luf,47 mustard, turmos,48and all other foods that are pickled, whether they have become sweet or not, [the measure for which one is liable is] the size of a dried fig.49
ו
המוציא זרעוני גינה שאינן נאכלין לאדם שיעורן פחות מכרוגרת. מזרע קשואין שנים. ומזרע הדלועין שנים. מזרע פול המצרי שנים. המוציא סובין כדי ליתן על פי כור של צורפי זהב. המוציא מורסן אם לאכילה שיעורו כגרוגרת. לבהמה שיעורו כמלא פי גדי. לצביעה כדי לצבוע בגד קטן. לולבי זרדין והחרובין עד שלא ימתיקו כגרוגרת. ומשימתיקו כמלא פי גדי. אבל הלוף והחרדל והתורמוסין ושאר כל הנכבשין בין שימתיקו בין עד שלא ימתיקו כגרוגרת:
7
[When a person] transfers seeds50 to eat, [he is liable for transferring] five. [If his intent] is to use them as fuel, they are considered to be wood.51 For counting,52 two, for sowing, two.
[Similarly, the measure for which a person is liable for transferring] hyssop [depends on his intent]. If [his intent] is for human consumption, he is liable for [an amount equal to] the size of a dried fig. For animal consumption, a kid's mouthful. For fuel, the measure of wood; for sprinkling,53 the measure acceptable for sprinkling.
ז
המוציא גרעינין. אם לאכילה חמש. ואם להסקה הרי הן כעצים. ואם לחשבון שתים. ואם לזריעה שתים. המוציא אזוב לאוכלים כגרוגרת. לבהמה כמלא פי גדי. לעצים כשיעור העצים. להזיה כשיעור הזיה:
8
[A person who] transfers nut shells, pomegranate shells, isatis,54 pu'ah,55 and other dyes [is liable for transferring a quantity] that is sufficient to dye a small garment - e.g.,56 the hairnet young girls place on their heads.
Similarly, one who transfers urine that is forty days old,57 Alexandrian niter, soap, cimonia, ashlag,58 and all other cleansing agents [is liable for transferring] the amount necessary to wash a small garment - e.g., the hairnet young girls place on their heads.
A person who transfers herbs that are soaking [is liable for transferring] an amount sufficient to dye a sample for a weaver.
ח
המוציא קליפי אגוזין וקליפי רמונים אסטיס ופואה ושאר הצבעין כדי לצבוע בהן בגד קטן כסבכה שמניחין הבנות על ראשיהן. וכן המוציא מי רגלים בן ארבעים יום או נתר אלכסנדריא או בורית קימוניא ואשלג ושאר כל המנקין כדי לכבס בהן בגד קטן כסבכה. הוציא סמנין שרויין כדי לצבוע בהן דוגמא לאירא:
9
A person who transfers ink on a quill [is liable for transferring] a measure sufficient to write two letters.59 If, however, a person removes [the dried concentrate used to make] ink or ink in an inkwell, a larger amount is necessary [for him to be liable], i.e., the amount necessary for a person to dip a pen in and write two letters.
If [a person transfers] enough [ink] to write one letter in an inkwell and enough [ink] to write one letter on a quill or enough dry ink to write one letter and enough ink to write one letter on a quill, there is a doubt whether he is liable or not.60
[When a person takes out enough ink to write] two letters and writes them as he is walking, he is liable. Writing them is considered to be placing them down.61 [When a person takes out enough ink to write] one letter and writes and then takes out [enough ink to write] a second letter and writes it, he is not liable.62 For [the ink for] the first letter is lacking.63
ט
המוציא דיו על הקולמוס שיעורו כדי לכתוב ממנו שתי אותיות. אבל אם הוציא הדיו בפני עצמו או בקסת צריך שיהיה בו יתר על זה כדי שיעלה ממנו על הקולמוס כדי לכתוב שתי אותיות. היה בקסת כדי אות אחת ובקולמוס כדי אות אחת או בדיו לבדו כדי אות אחת ובקולמוס כדי אות אחת הרי זה ספק. הוציא שתי אותיות וכתבן כשהוא מהלך חייב. כתיבתן זו היא הנחתן. הוציא אות אחת וכתבה וחזר והוציא אות שניה וכתבה פטור. שכבר חסרה האות הראשונה:
10
[A person who transfers] eye paint, whether for medicinal64 or cosmetic purposes, [is liable for transferring an amount sufficient] to paint one eye.65 In places where [a woman] would not apply eye paint to less than two eyes as a cosmetic practice,66 a person who takes out eye paint for cosmetic purposes is not liable unless he takes out a quantity sufficient to paint two eyes.
Tar or sulfur, enough to make a hole.67 Wax, enough to place on a small hole.68 Paste, enough to place on a board to catch birds.69 Fat, enough to grease [a space] the size of a sela70 under a cake [in an oven].
י
המוציא כחול בין לרפואה בין לתכשיט כדי לכחול עין אחת. ובמקום שאין דרכן להתקשט אלא בכחילת שתי עינים והוציאו להתקשט עד שיוציא כדי לכחול שתי עינים. זפת וגפרית כדי לעשות נקב. שעוה כדי ליתן על פי נקב קטן. דבק כדי ליתן בראש השפשף. רבב כדי למשוח תחת רקיק כסלע:
11
[A person who transfers] red clay71 [is liable for transferring an amount] sufficient to make a seal for a letter.72Clay, enough to make the opening of a crucible.73
Manure or fine sand, enough to fertilize a leek. Coarse sand, enough to mix with a full trowel of lime.74 Firm clay,75 enough to make the opening of a goldsmith's crucible. Hair, enough to mix with clay to make the opening of a goldsmith's crucible.76 Lime, enough to apply to a girl's smallest finger.77 Dust or ash, enough to cover the blood of a small bird.78 A pebble, enough for an animal to feel if it was thrown at it79 - i.e., the weight of ten zuzim. A shard, enough to contain a revi'it.
יא
המוציא אדמה כדי לעשות חותם האיגרת. טיט כדי לעשות פי כור. זבל או חול דק כדי לזבל כרישה. חול גם כדי לערב עם מלא כף של סיידין. חרסית כדי לעשות פי כור של צורפי זהב. שיער כדי לגבל טיט לעשות פי כור של צורפי זהב. סיד כדי לסוד אצבע קטנה שבבנות. עפר ואפר כדי לכסות דם צפור קטנה. צרור אבן כדי לזרוק בבהמה ותרגיש. והוא משקל עשרה זוזים. חרס כדי לקבל בו רביעית:
12
[A person who transfers] rope [is liable for transferring an amount] sufficient to make a handle for a container. Reeds,80 enough to make a hook to hang a sifter or a sieve.81 Palm leaves, enough to make a handle for an Egyptian basket. Palm bast, enough to use as a stopper for a small pitcher of wine.82 Unprocessed wool, enough to make a ball the size of a nut.
Bone, enough to make a spoon. Glass, to sharpen the point of a weaver's needle or to cut two threads at once.83
יב
המוציא חבל כדי לעשות אזן לקופה. נמי כדי לעשות תלאי לנפה ולכברה. הוצין כדי לעשות אזן לכפיפה מצרית. סיב כדי ליתן על פי משפך קטן של יין. מוכין כדי לעשות בו כדור כאגוז. עצם כדי לעשות תרווד. זכוכית כדי לגרוד בה ראש הכרכר או עד שיפצע שתי נימין כאחת:
13
[A person] is liable for transferring two hairs from the tail of a horse or of a cow.84 If he transfers one bristle from a pig's [back],85 he is liable. Fibers from a date palm, two. The bark of the date branches, one.86
From cotton, from silk, camel's wool, rabbit's wool, wool from an animal of the sea, or any other fibers that can be spun, enough to spin a thread four handbreadths long.87
When a person transfers cloth, sack, or leather, the same minimum measurements that apply with regard to the laws of ritual purity also apply with regard to transferring [on the Sabbath]: [The size of] a cloth for which one is liable for transferring] is three [fingerbreadths] by three [fingerbreadths];88 sackcloth,89 four [handbreadths] by four [handbreadths]; leather, five [handbreadths] by five [handbreadths].90
יג
המוציא שתי נימין מזנב הסוס ומזנב הפרה חייב. הוציא אחת מן הקשה שבחזיר חייב. נצרי דקל והן חוטי העץ שתים. חורי דקל והן קליפי החריות אחת. מצמר גפן ומצמר כלך וצמר גמלים וארנבים וחיה שבים ושאר כל הנטוין כדי לטוות חוט אורך ארבעה טפחים. המוציא מן הבגד או מן השק או מן העור. כשיעורן לטומאה כך שיעורן להוצאה. הבגד שלשה על שלשה. השק ארבעה על ארבעה. העור חמשה על חמשה:
14
When a person transfers an animal hide that was not processed at all and is thus soft, the measure [for which he is liable] is enough to wrap a small weight the size of a shekel. When [it is in the first stages of being processed - i.e.,] salt has been applied to it, but not flour and gall-nut juice, the measure [for which one is liable] is enough to make an amulet.91 If flour has been applied to it, but not gall-nut juice, the measure is enough to write a bill of divorce upon it. If it has been processed entirely, its measure is five [handbreadths] by five [handbreadths].
יד
המוציא עור שלא נתעבד כלל אלא עדיין הוא רך שיעורו כדי לצור משקולת קטנה שמשקלה שקל. היה מלוח ועדיין לא נעשה בקמח ולא בעפצה שיעורו כדי לעשות קמיע. היה עשוי בקמח ועדיין לא נתעבד בעפצה שיעורו כדי לכתוב עליו את הגט. נגמר עיבודו שיעורו חמשה על חמשה:
15
[A person who transfers] processed parchment92 [is liable for transferring a piece] sufficient for the passage from Shema to uvish'arecha.93 Duchsustos, enough to write a mezuzah on it.
Paper, enough to write on it two letters for a customs officer's receipt. These two letters are larger than the letters we [usually write]. A person who transfers a customs officer's receipt is liable even though he has already shown it to the customs officer and has been exempted because of it,94 for it will serve forever as proof [of his having paid].
A person who transfers a promissory note that has been paid95 or a paper that has been erased [is liable for transferring] enough to wrap around a small flask of perfume.96 If it has a portion of clean paper large enough to write two letters for a custom officer's receipt, he is liable.
טו
המוציא קלף מעובד כדי לכתוב עליו פרשת שמע עד ובשעריך. דוכסוסטוס כדי לכתוב עליו מזוזה. נייר כדי לכתוב עליו שתי אותיות של קשר מוכסין שהן גדולות מאותיות שלנו. המוציא קשר מוכסין חייב אף על פי שכבר הראהו למוכס ונפטר בו שהרי ראיה היא לעולם. המוציא שטר פרוע ונייר מחוק כדי לכרוך על פי צלוחית קטנה של פלייטון. ואם יש בלובן שלו כדי לכתוב שתי אותיות של קשר מוכסין חייב:
16
A person who transfers an animal, a wild beast, or a fowl is liable even if it is alive. A living person, by contrast, is not considered to be a burden.97 Nevertheless, if he is bound or sick, a person who transfers him is liable.98
A woman may walk her son if he can pick up one foot and place down the other.99
טז
המוציא בהמה חיה ועוף אע"פ שהן חיים חייב. אבל אדם חי אינו משאוי. ואם היה כפות או חולה המוציא אותו חייב. והאשה מדדה את בנה בזמן שנוטל אחת ומניח אחת:
17
A person who transfers a living child with a purse hanging around his neck is liable, because of the purse, for the purse is not considered to be subsidiary to the child.100 If, however, one transfers an adult who is wearing clothes and rings on his hands, one is not liable, for everything is considered to be subsidiary to him. If, by contrast, his garments were folded [and held] on his shoulder,101 a person who carries him is liable.
יז
המוציא תינוק חי וכיס תלוי בצוארו חייב משום הכיס שאין הכיס טפילה לתינוק. אבל אם הוציא את הגדול אע"פ שהוא מלובש בכליו וטבעותיו בידו פטור. שהכל טפילה לו. היו כליו מקופלין על כתיפו הנושא אותו חייב:
18
[A person who transfers] a live locust of the smallest size [is liable].102 If it is dead, [he is liable for transferring an amount] the size of a dried fig.103 [For transferring] "a bird of the vineyards,"104 [one is liable for transferring] even the smallest amount, regardless of whether it is alive or dead, since it is preserved for medicinal105 purposes.106 The same applies in all similar cases.
The minimum measure for which one is liable for transferring [flesh from] a human corpse, [flesh from] the carcass of an animal, or [flesh from] a dead crawling animal107 is the same as the minimum amount of these substances capable of imparting ritual impurity: From a human corpse108 and from an animal carcass,109 the size of an olive. From a crawling animal,110 the size of a lentil.
יח
המוציא חגב חי כל שהוא. ומת כגרוגרת. צפורת כרמים בין חיה בין מתה כל שהוא מפני שמצניעין אותה לרפואה וכן כל כיוצא בה. המת והנבלה והשרץ כשיעור טומאתן כך שיעור הוצאתן. מת ונבלה כזית ושרץ כעדשה:
19
If there is exactly an olive-sized portion [of an animal carcass in one place] and a person removes a portion half the size of an olive111 from it, he is liable. [This decision is rendered,] because his actions are effective in reducing [the amount of impure substance to the extent] that the minimum amount that can convey impurity is no longer present.
If, however, he removes a quantity aproximately half the size of an olive from a quantity that is one and a half times the size of an olive, he is not liable.112 The same principles apply with regard to other sources of impurity.
יט
היה שם כזית מצומצם והוציא ממנו כחצי זית חייב שהרי הועיל במעשיו שנתמעט השיעור מלטמא. אבל אם הוציא כחצי זית מכזית ומחצה פטור. וכן כל כיוצא בזה בשאר הטומאות:
20
When does [the abovementioned rule,] that a person is liable only when he transfers the minimum of a standard measure of a substance, apply? When the person transfers the substance without any specific intent.113 If, however, a person transfers a [seed] to sow,114 or a substance for medicinal purposes, to show as an example, or the like,115 he is liable for the slightest amount.
כ
במה דברים אמורים שאינו חייב אלא על ההוצאה כשיעור כשהוציא סתם. אבל המוציא לזרע או לרפואה או להראות ממנו דוגמא ולכל כיוצא בזה חייב בכל שהוא:
21
Should a person who stores a substance to use as seed, or to use for medicinal purposes, or a substance to be shown as a sample, [afterwards,] forget the reason for which he stored the substance,116 and remove it117 without any specific intent,118 he is liable regardless of its size.119 Another person, by contrast, is not liable [if he transfers this article] unless it is of the prescribed measure.120
If after transferring the article [for the intent he originally had], the person throws it into a storeroom, even if it is [set aside] in a distinct place,121 his original intent is considered to have been nullified. Therefore, if he brings in the article afterwards, he is not liable unless it is of the prescribed measure.
כא
המצניע דבר לזריעה או לרפואה או לדוגמא ושכח למה הצניעו והוציאו סתם חייב עליו בכל שהוא שעל דעת מחשבה ראשונה הוציא. ושאר האדם אין חייבין עליו אלא כשיעורו. זרק זה שהוציא כבר לתוך האוצר אע"פ שמקומו ניכר כבר בטלה מחשבתו הראשונה. לפיכך אם חזר והכניסו אינו חייב עד שיכניס כשיעור:
22
When an entity is not usually stored away,122 nor is it fit to be stored away123 - e.g., a woman's menstrual discharge - a person who stores it and then transfers it is liable.124 Other people, by contrast, are exempt for [transferring] such an article, for [in general] one is not liable unless one transfers an article that is fit to be stored and that people generally store.
כב
דבר שאין דרך בני אדם להצניעו ואינו ראוי להצניע כגון דם הנדה אם הצניעו אחד והוציאו חייב ושאר האדם פטורין עליו. שאין חייבין אלא על הוצאת דבר הכשר להצניע ומצניעין כמוהו:
23
A person who transfers half125 of the prescribed measure [of a substance] is not liable.126 Similarly, a person who performs half the measure of any of the other [forbidden] labors is not liable.
If a person transfers half of the prescribed measure [of a substance], places it down, and then returns and transfers the second half, he is liable.127 If, however, he picks up the first half before he places down the second half, it is as if [the first half] were burned,128 and he is not liable.
When a person transfers half of the prescribed measure [of a substance], places it down, and then returns and transfers the second half, passing it over the first [half without placing it on the ground], he is liable [if the second half] is [held] within three handbreadths of the first half.129 [The rationale is] that transferring is considered equivalent to placing the object down on a substance.
If, by contrast, he throws the second half,130 he is not liable unless it comes to rest on a substance [within the domain where the first half was placed].131
כג
המוציא חצי שיעור פטור. וכן כל העושה מלאכה מן המלאכות חצי שיעור פטור. הוציא חצי שיעור והניחו וחזר והוציא החצי האחר חייב. ואם קדם והגביה החצי הראשון קודם הנחת החצי השני נעשה כמי שנשרף ופטור. הוציא חצי שיעור והניחו וחזר והוציא חצי אחר והעבירו על הראשון בתוך שלשה חייב. שהמעביר כמי שהניח על גבי משהו. אבל אם זרקו אינו חייב עד שינוח שם על גבי משהו:
24
[When a person] transfers half the prescribed measure [of a substance], and afterwards transfers another half of the prescribed measure [of that substance] to the same domain in a single period of unawareness, he is liable.132
[Different rules apply if] he transfers [the two half-measures] to two different domains. If there is a domain into which one would be liable [for transferring an article interposed] between [the two domains], one is not liable [for transferring these two halves].133 If there is a carmelit between them, they are considered to be a single domain,134 and [the person who transfers the two half-measures] is liable to bring a sin offering.135
כד
הוציא חצי שיעור וחזר והוציא חצי שיעור בהעלם אחת לרשות אחת חייב. לשתי רשויות אם יש ביניהן רשות שחייבין עליה פטור. היתה ביניהן כרמלית הרי הן כרשות אחת וחייב חטאת:
25
When a person transfers less than the prescribed measure [of a substance], but before he places it down, [the substance] swells in size and reaches the prescribed measure [he is not liable].136 Similarly, one is not liable if one transfers more than the prescribed measure [of a substance], but before he places it down [the substance] diminishes in size and becomes less than the prescribed measure.
כה
המוציא פחות מכשיעור וקודם שיניחו נתפח וחזר כשיעור. וכן המוציא כשיעור וקודם שיניח צמק וחזר פחות מכשיעור פטור:
26
[The following rule applies when] a person transfers a portion [of a food] the size of a dried fig with the intent of eating it,137 but before he places it down it diminishes in size: If he [reconsiders and] decides to use it to sow, or for medicinal purposes,138 he is liable, because of the intent he had at the time he placed it down.139
If a person transfers [a quantity of seeds] smaller than the size of a dried fig with the intent of sowing them, but before he places them down, changes his mind and decides to eat them, he is not liable.140 If [the seeds] swell in size before they are placed down and reach the size of a dried fig before141 he changes his mind [and decides to] eat them, he is liable.142 Even if he had not change his mind, he would still have been liable because of his original intent.
כו
המוציא כגרוגרת לאכילה וצמקה קודם הנחה וחשב עליה לזריעה או לרפואה שאינו צריך שיעור הרי זה חייב כמחשבתו של עת הנחה. הוציא פחות מכגרוגרת לזריעה וקודם הנחה חזר וחשב עליה לאכילה פטור. ואם תפחה קודם הנחה ונעשת כגרוגרת קודם שימלך עליה לאכילה חייב. שאפילו לא חישב היה מתחייב על מחשבת ההוצאה:
27
When a person transfers a portion [of a food] the size of a dried fig with the intent of eating it, it diminishes in size, and then it swells [to the size of a dried fig] again before it is placed down, there is a question [whether he is liable or not]: [Does the fact that in the interim, it was not of sufficient size for its transfer to incur liability cause that liability] to be deferred [forever] or not?143
When a person throws a portion of the food the size of an olive into a house that is impure144 and by doing so, complements the quantity of food145 that was already in the house, causing there to be an amount [of food] the size of an egg [in the impure house], there is a question [whether he is liable or not]: Is he liable for transferring [the portion of] food that is equivalent to the size of an olive, because he completed the measure of food that is significant with regard to the laws of ritual impurity, or is he not liable?146
כז
הוציא כגרוגרת לאכילה וצמקה וחזרה ותפחה קודם הנחה הרי זה ספק אם נדחה או לא נדחה. זרק כזית אוכלין לבית טמא והשלים כזית זה לאוכלים שהיו שם ונעשה הכל כביצה הרי זה ספק אם נתחייב על כזית מפני שהשלים השיעור לענין טומאה או לא נתחייב:
28
A person who transfers less than the standard measure [of a substance] is not liable even though he transfers it in a container. [The rationale is that] the container is subsidiary [to its contents]; [when the person transfers it,] he is concerned not with the container, but with its contents.147
Accordingly, if a person transfers a man who is alive and who is not bound on a bed, he is not liable,148 for the bed is considered to be subsidiary to the man. These principles apply in all similar situations.
A person who transfers a perfumer's box is liable for only a single [sin offering], although it contains many different types [of scents].149 [Similarly,] even if he transfers [several items] in his hand,150 he is liable for only a single sin offering, for [he has performed] a single act of transfer.
כח
המוציא פחות מכשיעור אע"פ שהוציאו בכלי פטור. שהכלי טפילה לו ואין כוונתו להוצאת הכלי אלא להוצאת מה שבתוכו והרי אין בו כשיעור. לפיכך אם הוציא אדם חי שאינו כפות במטה פטור אף על המטה שהמטה טפילה לו וכן כל כיוצא בזה. המוציא קופת הרוכלים אע"פ שיש בה מינין הרבה ואפילו הוציאן בתוך כפו אינו חייב אלא אחת. שם הוצאה אחת היא
FOOTNOTES
1.All the authorities agree that a person is not liable until he transfers an amount of a substance large enough to be of benefit to a person, and that it is forbidden to transfer any article regardless of its size. The commentaries question, however, whether transferring less than a beneficial amount is forbidden according to Torah law or whether the prohibition is merely Rabbinic in origin.
Liability for most of the prohibitions of the Torah is associated with a specific measure (שיעור). For example, with regard to the majority of the prohibitions against eating forbidden foods, one is liable only if one eats a k'zayit (a measure of food the size of an olive). Should one eat less than that amount (חצי שיעור), one is considered to have transgressed the Torah's commandment. Nevertheless, one is not liable for punishment. (See Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 3:6, 7:15.)
The Mishneh LaMelech states that this same principle applies with regard to transferring objects on the Sabbath. Although one is liable only for transferring a beneficial amount, transferring any amount is forbidden by the Torah itself.
Note, however, Totza'ot Chayim (8) and others, who explain that according to the Rambam, there is no concept of חצי שיע ור with regard to the prohibition against work on the Sabbath. On the Sabbath, a person is liable only for performing מלאכת מחשבת, "purposeful work." If an activity is not in itself beneficial, it does not serve a purpose. Therefore, it is not forbidden by the Torah on the Sabbath.
Kinat Eliyahu notes that in Halachah 23, the Rambam states that "A person who transfers half of the prescribed measure [of a substance] is not liable." According to the principles the Rambam states in Chapter 1, Halachah 3, the use of the term "is not liable" (פטור) indicates that the prohibition was instituted by our Sages. Significantly, in Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot, loc. cit., and in other places where the Rambam discusses this issue, he uses the term אסור, "forbidden." Thus the use of the term פטור in regard to the Sabbath laws clearly indicates a difference. See also S'dei Chemed, Klallim, Ma'areches Chatzi Shiur.
2.See Chapter 12, Halachah 9, and notes.
3.In this and in the following halachot, the Rambam proceeds to list the minimum amounts for which one is liable for transferring particular substances. As explained in Halachot 20-21, this applies when one transfers an object without any specific intent. If, however, one intends to use the article one transfers for a specific purpose, one is liable for transferring even a smaller amount.
4.As the Rambam mentions in Chapter 8, Halachah 5, he considers a dried fig to be one-third the size of an egg. (As mentioned in the notes on that halachah, there are differing opinions regarding this measure.) Eating a smaller amount of food would not be significant at all. Therefore, one is not liable.
5.I.e., it is not that one must transfer an amount equal to the size of a dried fig from one particular type of food. Even if one transfers this amount from a combination of different foods, one is liable.
6.For they are not food.
7.Shabbat 8:1 states "wine, enough to mix a cup." In his Commentary on the Mishnah, the Rambam explains that a cup refers to the cup over which the grace after meals was recited, which must contain a revi'it. The wines of the Talmudic period were stronger, and it was customary to mix three portions of water to every portion of wine.
8.Tosafot 76b defines this as מלא לוגמיו, "a cheekful." The Maggid Mishneh, however, explains that a smaller measure is intended.
9.The popular translation of the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.) mentions "river water" instead of "dew." Rav Kapach explains, however, that this is an erroneous translation of the Arabic, and there, too, the Rambam's intent is "dew."
10.Rav Moshe Cohen objects to the fact that the Rambam mentioned a measure that is not spoken of in the Babylonian Talmud. The Maggid Mishneh notes that the Rambam's source is in the Jerusalem Talmud (Shabbat 8:1), which he favors in this instance, because there is a difference of opinion on this matter in the Babylonian Talmud.
11.This represents somewhat of a new concept, because generally the Sages followed the principle (Shabbat 78a) that whenever an object has both an uncommon use and a common use, we follow the more lenient measure. For this reason, kosher milk, although just as beneficial as an eyewash as non-kosher milk, is considered to be a food. Accordingly, it is given a more lenient measure.
If so, the fact that honey is considered to be a salve instead of food raises questions. The Talmud, however, explains that since honey is also very commonly used as a salve, there is no difficulty.
12.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:8), the Rambam interprets this is as sores that come from improper amputations. (Note Rav Kapach's translation, which differs slightly from the standard text.)
13.This is useful for mixing clay for building (Shabbat 78a).
14.This is the most common use for this substance.
15.A larger measure than stated previously. Bean straw is harder than grain straw and is therefore given to camels, who have stronger jaws and larger mouths.
16.This reflects a general principle applicable with regard to the minimum measures for which one is liable for transferring: When a person has an individual desire for an object that makes it beneficial for him, he is liable even though most people would not use that object for that purpose. (See Halachah 20.)
17.This refers to softer straw that need not be chewed as forcefully as the straw from grain mentioned at the beginning of the halachah ( Tiferet Yisrael, Shabbat 7:4). Hence, it is suitable for smaller animals with smaller and less-powerful mouths.
18.A lamb's mouthful is equal to the size of a dried fig. Nevertheless, our Sages speak in terms of a lamb so that we will understand the motivating principle for this measure (Tosafot, Shabbat 76a).
19.This is the smallest measure in this halachah.
20.I.e., the leaves that sprout above ground (Tosefot Yom Tov, Shabbat 7:4).
21.Since the cow will not normally eat the bean straw, the amount of straw the person has taken out is not beneficial. Hence, he is not l iable.
22.For the camel will eat the grain straw. Thus, the person has taken out an amount of fodder that will be beneficial.
23.This is the food that requires the least heat to cook (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 8:5).
24.The egg will then cook faster. Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.).
25.In the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), he mentions that the pot is already preheated, so that the wood must produce sufficient heat to cook the egg alone, and not to warm the pot as well.
26.In the Talmudic era, it was common for the point of a reed to be sharpened to serve as a pen in a manner similar to a quill.
27.I.e., the amount to cook a portion of an egg, as mentioned in the beginning of the halachah.
28.The rationale is that all spices serve a similar purpose (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 9:5).
29.Rashi (Shabbat 90a) explains that this does not refer to the species of pepper used as a spice (for if so, there is no reason to differentiate between it and other spices), but rather to a different species, which is used as a breath freshener.
30.See the notes on Chapter 5, Halachah 10, regarding our translation of the name of this substance.
31.Rashi (Shabbat 90a) states that this was used as a remedy for headaches. Even the slightest amount was beneficial.
32.For people will appreciate its fragrance.
33.For people will appreciate the removal of an unpleasant odor. Rashi (Shabbat 90a) offers a different interpretation.
34.This also has a pleasant fragrance (Rashi).
35.Our translation follows the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 9:6), which notes that these metals are mentioned in connection with spices and explains that this refers to parts of a utensil used for crushing spices. Even a small portion of metal is beneficial, because it can be fashioned into a needle or pin.
36.See Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:15.
37.See Hilchot Sefer Torah 10:3-4.
38.As mentioned in the sources cited in the previous two notes, we are obligated to show respect for even the slightest piece of any of these articles and entomb them, rather than allow them to be discarded as trash. Accordingly, even the smallest amount is considered significant. Hence, one is liable for transferring it on the Sabbath.
39.For it may be used for cooking, or kindling a fire.
40.Beitzah 39a explains that a flame has no substance. Hence, one is not liable. This applies, however, only when the person carries only a flame and not the coal, or the piece of wood that is burning.
41.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 9:7), the Rambam interprets this as referring to carrot seeds, turnip seeds, or onion seeds. (We have used Rav Kapach's translation which differs slightly from the standard text.)
42.Were the seeds fit for human consumption, the minimum measure for which one would be liable would be the size of a dried fig. We assume that the primary reason for which a person would transfer seeds is to serve as food. Since these seeds, by contrast, are not fit for human consumption, they are given a smaller measure.
Rashi (Shabbat 90a) differs and explains that this law applies even to seeds that are fit for human consumption. Although these seeds are also fit to be eaten, a person usually takes them out with the intent of sowing them.
43.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), where he interprets the Mishnaic phrase, פחות מכגרוגרת in this fashion. Note the Mayim Chayim, which interprets this as referring to a k'zayit.
44.Since these seeds were more valuable than those of most garden vegetables, they were assigned a smaller measure.
45.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:4), the Rambam explains that bran is placed on the opening of the crucible during the smelting process. Rav Kapach explains (based on his experience as a jeweler) that the bran is intended to burn, and in that process to clear away impurities that cloud the smelter's vision.
46.Which grow in vineyards. Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shvi'it 7:5).
47.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Pe'ah 6:10), the Rambam defines luf as a sub-species of onion.
48.A species of beans.
49.The commentaries note that although the Rambam's statements are based on the Tosefta, Shabbat 9:8, they are problematic, for there is another Tosefta (Ma'aser Sheni 1:13) that appears to be a direct contradiction. The difficulty is intensified by the fact that the Rambam also quotes the latter Tosefta in Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 7:8. It is possible, however, to explain the contradiction based on the possibility that in our halachah, the word ימתיקו, translated as "become sweet," is a euphemism and means "become bitter." See also Hilchot Tum'at Ochalin 1:14 and Hilchot Sh'vitat Asor 2:6, where the Rambam mentions similar subjects, and the Responsa of the Radbaz (Vol. V, Responsum 1425) and the Merkevet HaMishneh, who offer possible resolutions.
50.Shabbat 90b quotes a similar, but slightly different passage from the Tosefta. We can assume that the Rambam's text of that passage differed from the one in our text of the Talmud.
51.The amount necessary to cook an egg, as mentioned in Halachah 4.
52.The seeds were used as a primitive calculator. Rashi (Shabbat 90b) explains that when transactions were made, a seed was used as a symbol for a gold coin.
53.I.e., to use in the purification process of a metzora or a person who came into contact with a human corpse. (See Leviticus 14:6 and Numbers 19:18.)
54.Isatis is a substance which produces an indigo dye. Similarly, nut shells and pomegranate shells are used to produce dyes.
55.A root that produces a red dye.
56.This represents a difference between the Rambam's interpretation of Shabbat 9:5 and that of other commentaries, including Rashi and Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro. Instead of stating בגד קטן כסבכה, as in the Rambam's version of the Mishnah, the text quoted by the latter authorities states בגד קטן בסבכה, "a small cloth in the hairnet," referring not to the entire hairnet, but to one cloth within it.
57.Note Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 9:37, which states that aged urine is one of the cleansing agents used to determine whether a stain is blood or not.
58.These are also cleansing agents and are mentioned in Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah (loc. cit.).
59.The Mishnah (Shabbat 8:3) states that one is liable for transferring an amount of ink sufficient to write two letters. The Jerusalem Talmud (loc. cit.) states that one is not liable unless one transfers this amount of ink while it is on the pen. Otherwise, there is a doubt (as reflected in the following clause), for it is difficult for all the ink that is in an inkwell to be picked up by a pen.
60.The person is not liable for transferring the quill or the inkwell, for they are considered secondary to the ink. As the Rambam states in Halachah 28, when a person transfers a measure for which he is not liable in a utensil, he is not liable for transferring the utensil, since it is considered secondary to its contents.
61.The hanachah without which one is not liable for transferring.
62.He is not liable for transferring. He is, however, liable for writing.
63.At no one time did he transfer the minimum measure for which he would be held liable, for by the time he transfers the second portion of ink, part of the first portion will have dried. Therefore, he remains exempt (Rashi, Shabbat 80a).
64.כחול, rendered by some translators as "stibium," was reputed to have medicinal properties in addition to its cosmetic qualities. Even if only one of a person's eyes was affected, it would be common for him to apply כחול to that eye alone. Hence, one is liable for transferring the amount necessary to paint one eye.
65.Rashi, Shabbat 80a, relates that modest women would veil their faces entirely, exposing only one eye to enable them to see. They would, however, paint this eye.
66.Rashi (loc. cit.) interprets this as referring to small villages, where frivolity was not commonplace. Therefore, women would walk outside with their faces uncovered. Hence, if a woman painted her eyes for cosmetic purposes, she would paint both eyes. Note the Ra'avad, who offers a different interpretation of that Talmudic passage.
67.Rashi (Shabbat 78a) interprets this as referring to a phial of mercury that is sealed closed with these substances. Afterwards, a hole is made in the sulfur or tar with a pin through which the mercury can be poured, but through which it will not spill excessively if the b ottle falls on its side. The Meiri interprets the Talmud as referring to making a seal for a jug of wine.
68.The Maggid Mishneh interprets this as referring to stopping a hole in a wine barrel.
69.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:4), the Rambam interprets this as referring to a board with paste taken into a dovecote on which the fledglings perch and are thus captured. Rashi (Shabbat 80a) interprets this as a board with paste used to catch wild fowl.
70.A coin of the Talmudic period with a width of a handbreadth, approximately 8 cm. according to Shiurei Torah.
71.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:5), where he emphasizes that the Hebrew אדמה means both "earth" and "red."
72.In the Talmudic period, letters were sealed with clay. This refers to a seal like that of a notary placed on a letter to testify to its authenticity.
73.Rav Kapach notes that in this instance the Rambam does not state "a goldsmith's crucible," for crucibles used for smelting other metals need not be as heat-resistant as those used for gold.
74.Shabbat 80b relates that plaster is mixed with sand in order to strengthen the structure.
75.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:4). Rashi (Shabbat 78b) interprets חרסית as "crushed brick."
76.Shabbat 80b states that hair was mixed with clay when a crucible was fashioned for smelting gold.
77.Shabbat 80b states that lime would be applied to the bodies of young girls, one limb at a time. Rashi states it would make their skin red. Tosafot maintains that it would whiten their skin.
78.As Leviticus 17:13 states that after a bird or a wild animal is slaughtered, its blood must be covered with earth or ashes. (See Hilchot Shechitah, Chapter 14.)
79.For in this way, the pebble will be beneficial in shooing the animal (Shabbat 81a).
80.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:2), the Rambam gives a more specific definition, mentioning an Arabic term that Rav Kapach identifies as cypress.
81.This is a smaller measure than the amount sufficient to make a handle. Nevertheless, rope would not be used for this purpose, because it is coarse and might damage the utensil (Shabbat 78b).
82.To use as a filter (ibid.).
83.The Mishnah (Shabbat 8:6) mentions sharpening a needle. The Talmud (Shabbat 81a) mentions cutting threads. Apparently, the Rambam considers the two measures to be identical.
84.Rashi, Shabbat 90b, states that these hairs were used by bird hunters.
85.Rashi (ibid.) states these hairs are used in sewing leather.
86.From the Rambam's statements, it appears that his interpretation - and perhaps even the wording in his text - of Shabbat 90b was different from Rashi's interpretation of our version of that passage. (See the commentaries of the Meiri and Rabbenu Chanan'el on that passage.)
87.The Rambam's source appears to be the Tosefta, Shabbat 9:3 which states m'lo hasit kaful which, as mentioned in Chapter 9, Halachah 10, is equivalent to four handbreadths.
88.See Hilchot Keilim 22:1.)
89.Fabric made from camel's hair and other fibers that are rough and are therefore generally not used to make garments for humans.
90.See Hilchot Keilim 23:3.
91.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:3), the Rambam interprets this as referring to the wrapping in which the amulet was held, and not to the amulet itself.
92.Although at present, the word k'laf is commonly translated as "parchment," the Rambam is referring to a more specific meaning. In Hilchot Tefillin 1:6-8, he differentiates between three types of parchment, stating:
There are three types of parchment: g'vil, k'laf, and duchsustos.
What is implied? The hide of a domesticated or wild animal is taken. First, the hair is removed from it. Afterwards, it is salted and then prepared with flour. Then resin and other substances that cause the skin to contract and become harder are applied to it. In this state, it is called g'vil.
After the hair is removed, the hide may be taken and divided in half in the manner known to the parchment processors. Thus, there are two pieces of parchment: a thin one, which is on the side where the hair grew, and a thicker one, on the side of the flesh.
After it has been processed using salt, then flour, and then resin and the like, the portion on the side where the hair grew is called k'laf and the portion on the side of the flesh is called duchsustos.
It is a halachah transmitted to Moses on Mount Sinai that a Torah scroll should be written on g'vil on the side on which the hair had grown. When tefillin are written on k'laf, they should be written on the side of the flesh. When a mezuzah is written on duchsustos, it should be written on the side of the hair.
93.This is the shortest passage of the four passages included in the tefillin. In the head-tefillin, each of these passages is written on a separate piece of parchment.
94.This appears to be the Rambam's interpretation of the statement of the Mishnah (Shabbat 8:2), "One who transfers a customs officer's receipt is liable." Since the Mishnah already stated that a person who transfers a piece of paper large enough to write such a receipt is liable, it goes without saying that a person who transfers an unused receipt is liable. When explicitly telling us that a person is liable for transferring such a receipt, the Mishnah is obviously referring to a receipt that has already been used. See Shabbat 78b.
95.Note Shabbat 78b, 79a which discusses the propriety of maintaining possession of such a promissory note.
96.Since the paper has already been erased, it is no longer fit for writing. Therefore, it is considered to be suitable for other purposes and requires a larger measurement.
97.Shabbat 94a quotes Rabbi Natan as stating, "A living creature carries itself." Although the Sages differ with him, their objections concern animals only, for the latter resist being carried and struggle to free themselves. In contrast, a human being assists in being carried. This is obvious from the fact that it is far easier to carry a living person than the same amount of "dead weight."
It must be emphasized that although there is no prohibition from the Torah against carrying a living person, our Sages forbade this. (See Mishnah Berurah 308:153,154.)
98.For in this instance, the person being carried is unable to assist the one carrying him.
99.I.e., the child must propel himself forward. His mother may not, however, drag him (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 308:41). Note the Mishnah Berurah 308:154, which states that the principle, "A living being carries itself," does not apply to a child unless he is old enough to take steps by himself.
100.As reflected in Halachah 28, when a person transfers two articles, one of primary importance and one of secondary importance, whether or not he is liable depends on the article of primary importance. If he would be liable for transferring this article by itself, he is liable. If not, he is not liable. The article of secondary importance is of no significance whatsoever.
When does this apply? When the article of secondary importance is subsidiary to the article of primary importance. If they are, as in the example cited in this halachah, two unrelated objects, the person is liable for transferring the article of secondary importance.
101.They are considered to be separate objects, unrelated to the person who is holding them.
102.Shabbat 90b states that locusts are often used as playthings for children. Hence, regardless of the locust's size, one is liable.
The Rambam's ruling is quoted from the Mishnah (Shabbat 9:7), which also mentions two opinions: One that maintains that this applies only to a kosher locust, and that of Rabbi Yehudah, which states that it applies to all locusts, whether kosher or nonkosher. In his Commentary on the Mishnah, the Rambam states that the halachah does not follow Rabbi Yehudah's opinion.
From the fact that the Rambam does not mention whether the locust must be kosher or not in this halachah, the Merkevet HaMishneh concludes that he has reversed his opinion and accepts Rav Yehudah's view. Others differ and maintain that this is clarified by the second clause, which mentions "[an amount] the size of a dried fig" - i.e., the measure applying to food. Just as the second clause applies only to kosher locusts, so too, does the first clause.
103.As mentioned in the previous note, this is the minimum measurement for food.
104.In Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 1:21 the Rambam (as does Rabbenu Chanan'el and the Aruch) defines this as a species of kosher locusts. Others define it as a bird.
105.Shabbat 10:1 states that one is liable for transferring even the slightest amount of any substance that is retained for its medicinal purposes.
106.According to Shabbat 90b, partaking of such a creature enhances one's intellectual capacities.
107.Shabbat 93b-94a states that Rabbi Shimon exempts a person from liability in this instance, for in contrast to other situations, the person is not removing the impure object because he desires it itself, but because he desires the place to be free of impurity. Hence, this is a מלאכה שאינה צריכה לגופה, a labor that is not performed for the same purpose for which the labor was performed in the construction of the Sanctuary. In the construction of the Sanctuary, articles were transfered because they were, themselves, desired. In contrast, in this instance, the person's intent is to remove impurity. Nevertheless, as the Rambam rules in Chapter 1, Halachah 7, one is liable for performing a מלאכה שאינה צריכה לגופה.
108.See Hilchot Tum'at Meit 2:1-2.
109.See Hilchot Sha'ar Avot HaTum'ah 1:1.
110.More specifically, this refers to the eight species mentioned in Leviticus 11:29- 30. (See Hilchot Sha'ar Avot HaTum'ah 4:2.)
111.In this instance, the phrase "half the size of an olive" is not intended to serve as an exact measure. The intent is any measure that will reduce the size of the portion of the animal carcass to less than the size of an olive. The same principles apply to flesh from a human corpse.
112.For an amount large enough to convey ritual impurity still remains intact.
113.Since even the small amount of the substance the person transfers is valuable to him, he has a reason for transferring it. Accordingly, his act is considered to be "purposeful." See the notes to Halachah 1.
114.The commentaries note that Halachah 6 mentions taking seeds for sowing and mentions specific measures. Among the possible resolutions is that there is ordinarily a measure for seeds as well. This halachah, however, specifically focuses on the exceptions to the general rule, and there are indeed individuals who will sow a single seed in a flower pot (Rav Kapach, Kinat Eliyahu).
115.Note the Mishneh LaMelech, who states that with this statement the Rambam does not intend to negate totally the measures he mentioned previously. For example, if a person transfers food, he is not liable unless it is the size of a dried fig. Even if a particular person desires to eat a smaller amount, that intent is not considered significant, since most people would not appreciate such an amount. In this halachah, the Rambam is stating that in certain instances, as in the examples he mentions, there is a particular intent which requires merely a tiny amount of a substance to be accomplished. In such an instance, the person is liable for transferring an object of this small size.
116.Before the commencement of the Sabbath (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 10:1).
117.On the Sabbath (ibid.).
118.I.e., even if he forgot the intent for which he originally stored away the article.
119.By setting the article aside for a specific purpose, the person shows that it is important to him, regardless of its size. Therefore, if he later transfers the article, he is liable (Shabbat 90b, 91a).
120.I.e., the intent a particular individual has for an article is important regarding the measure for which he is liable for transferring that article. It does not affect the status of that article vis-a-vis others.
121.As opposed to being mixed together with the other objects in the storeroom. This might be considered to be a sign that it is being saved for a specific purpose.
122.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 7:3), the Rambam interprets this phrase as excluding an article that is commonplace and easily obtainable. Therefore, it is not stored away. [Note Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro and Rashi (Shabbat 75b), who interpret this as excluding an amount of a substance smaller than the prescribed measure.]
123.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (ibid.), the Rambam explains that this excludes objects that will spoil if stored.
124.By storing the article in question, the person indicates that he considers it important. Therefore, he is liable for transferring it.
125.The intent is any amount less than the full measure.
126.See the notes on the first halachah of this chapter which discuss whether the prohibition against this activity stems from the Torah itself or is Rabbinic in origin. As mentioned there, according to the principles the Rambam states in Chapter 1, Halachah 3, the use of the word פטור indicates that the prohibition was instituted by our Sages.
127.For he has transferred a full measure of the article in question. As the Maggid Mishneh mentions, it is clear from the following halachah that this refers to actions performed in a single period of unawareness.
128.Since a full measure of the entity in question was never transferred into the second domain and placed down there at a single time, the person is not liable.
129.Based on the principle of l'vud, an article held within three handbreadths of a second article is considered as having been placed down on that article, as implied by Chapter 13, Halachah 6. Therefore, the two half-measures of the substance in question are considered to have been placed down in the same place. Hence, the person who placed them down is liable. See the commentary of Rabbenu Chananel to Shabbat 80a.
130.Even if it passes within three handbreadths of the ground, as long as it does not come to rest even momentarily (see Chapter 13, Halachah 16, and notes).
131.As mentioned in the notes on the halachah cited above, it would appear that the object would have to come to rest on a substance four handbreadths by four handbreadths, or come to rest within three handbreadths of the ground.
132.One is liable to bring a sin offering for performing a forbidden labor only if one performed the labor without intent to violate the Torah's commandments. Furthermore, if in the midst of one's performance of a forbidden activity, one becomes conscious of the prohibition involved, even if one loses awareness immediately afterwards and completes the measure of forbidden activity without the desire to violate the law, one is not liable. (See Hilchot Shegagot 6:8.)
133.As long as the two half-measures were taken from the same original domain and placed down together in the same domain, they can be combined. If, however, a totally separate domain interposes between them, the two actions cannot be considered to be complementary.
134.For according to the Torah, a carmelit is considered to be a makom patur. (See the notes on Chapter 14, Halachah 1). Hence, it is not considered to be an interruption between the two domains.
135.The commentaries note the apparent contradiction between the Rambam's ruling here and his ruling in Hilchot Zechiyah UMatanah 1:11. (See the gloss of the Lechem Mishneh on that halachah.)
136.As explained in Chapter 13, Halachah 5, the forbidden labor of transferring involves removing an article from one domain and placing it down in another domain. A sin offering is not required unless both activities are performed in a forbidden manner.
137.Thus the akirah (removal) of the article is performed when the article is of sufficient size to incur liability (Halachah 1).
138.In which case, he is liable, regardless of the size of the article (Halachah 20).
139.Since at the time of both the removal and the placing down (hanachah) of the substance, its size was sufficient to incur liability according to the intent which the person had in mind, he is liable. The fact that he experienced a change of mind in the interim is not of consequence.
140.For at the time he placed the object down, it was not of sufficient size to incur liability.
141.Based on the following halachah, it is clear that the increase in the seed's size must take place before the person's change of mind.
142.For at the time the article was removed from its original place and it the time it was placed down, it was of sufficient size to incur liability.
143.The question of the Rambam (based on Shabbat 91b) is whether the fact that the object was too small for its transfer to incur liability in the time between its akirah and its hanachah causes these actions to be considered as unconnected or not.
Note the gloss of the Kessef Mishneh on Hilchot Sh'ar Avot HaTum'ah 4:13, which quotes the distinction made by Rav Yitzchak Korcus between that halachah and the present one.
144.Because of the presence of a corpse or the presence of tzara'at.
145.The Maggid Mishneh questions why the Rambam changes the wording used in the source for this teaching (Shabbat, loc. cit.), which mentions food that is terumah and applies this concept to all foods. The Mishneh LaMelech, however, resolves this difficulty, explaining that according to the Rambam's conception of the laws of ritual impurity (see Hilchot Tum'at Ochalin 4:1), there is no difference between terumah and other foods.
146.The commentaries cite this passage as a source, teaching that a dried fig is larger than an olive. Ordinarily, a person who transfers an amount of food the size of an olive is not liable. Nevertheless, this instance is different, because of the laws of ritual impurity.
Food cannot impart ritual impurity to other substances unless a portion equivalent to the size of an egg is present. Thus, before the person threw the food into the house, there was not sufficient food there to impart impurity, and the food he threw in completed that measure. Hence, the Rambam (based on Shabbat, loc. cit.) asks whether the fact that the transfer of the food is significant with regard to the laws of ritual impurity is of consequence with regard to the Sabbath laws.
147.Since the container is desired only because of its function as an accessory for its contents, it is not considered to be an entity in its own right. Unless the person has a desire for it itself, he is not liable for transferring it, regardless of its size. (See Shabbat 93b.)
Likkutei Sichot (Vol. XVII, p. 48, Vol. XIX, p. 193) focuses on the homiletic dimensions of this halachah, interpreting it as an indication of how an object's spiritual qualities are of such primacy that they eclipse totally its material dimensions.
148.This ruling depends on the principle stated in Halachah 16: "A living creature carries itself." As mentioned in that halachah, this principle does not apply if the person is bound. Since the person would not be liable for carrying the man, he is also not liable for carrying the bed on which he is lying.
149.Although the box contains several distinct entities, the person is considered to have performed a single forbidden activity. Therefore, he is not liable for a separate sin offering for every article he transfers.
150.With this clause, the Rambam indicates that this ruling is not dependent on the principle (see Chapter 12, Halachah 11) that the contents of a box are considered to be a single entity, but on a different rationale.
Shabbat - Chapter Nineteen
1
We may not go out [wearing] any weaponry on the Sabbath.1 [The following rules apply should one] go out [wearing weaponry]: If they are objects that are worn as garments - e.g., a coat of mail, a helmet, or iron boots2 - one is not liable. If, however, one goes out [carrying]3 articles that are not worn as garments - e.g., a spear, a sword, a bow, a round shield4 or a triangular shield - he is liable.5
א
כל כלי המלחמה אין יוצאין בהן בשבת. ואם יצא אם היו כלים שהן דרך מלבוש כגון שריון וכובע ומגפיים שעל הרגלים הרי זה פטור. ואם יצא בכלים שאינן דרך מלבוש כגון רומח וסייף וקשת ואלה ותריס הרי זה חייב:
2
We may not go out wearing a sandal studded with nails to fasten it.6 Even on festivals, the Sages decreed that we should not go out wearing [such sandals].7
It is permitted to go out wearing a belt with pieces of gold and silver imbedded into it as kings wear, for this is a piece of jewelry, and it is permitted [to wear] all jewelry. [This license is granted] provided [the belt] does not hang loosely, lest it fall in the public domain and one go and bring it.8
ב
אין יוצאין בסנדל מסומר שסמרו לחזקו. ואפילו ביום טוב גזרו עליו שלא יצא בו. ומותר לצאת באבנט שיש עליו חתיכות קבועות של כסף ושל זהב כמו שהמלכים עושין. מפני שהוא תכשיט וכל שהוא תכשיט מותר. והוא שלא יהא רפוי שמא יפול ברה"ר ויבוא להביאו:
3
A ring that has a seal9 is considered to be a piece of jewelry for a man, but not for a woman. A ring without a seal, by contrast, is considered to be a piece of jewelry for a woman,10 but not for a man. Accordingly, a woman who goes out wearing a ring that has a seal and a man who goes out wearing a ring without a seal are liable.11
Why are they liable? They did not transfer them in an ordinary manner12 - i.e., it is not an ordinary practice for a man to wear a ring on his finger that is not appropriate for him, nor for a woman to wear a ring on her finger that is not appropriate for her. [Nevertheless,] there are times when a man gives his ring to his wife to hide at home and she places it on her finger while she is walking. Similarly, there are times when a woman gives her ring to her husband to take to a jeweler to fix, and he places it on his finger while he is walking to the jeweler's store. Therefore, [although the rings are not appropriate for the individuals mentioned above, because they do occasionally wear such rings,] they are considered to have transferred them in an ordinary manner. Accordingly, they are liable.
ג
טבעת שיש עליה חותם מתכשיטי האיש היא ואינה מתכשיטי האשה. ושאין עליה חותם מתכשיטי אשה ואינה מתכשיטי האיש. לפיכך אשה שיצאת בטבעת שיש עליה חותם. ואיש שיצא בטבעת שאין עליה חותם חייבין. ומפני מה הן חייבין והרי הוציאו אותן שלא כדרך המוציאין שאין דרך האיש להוציא באצבעו אלא טבעת הראויה לו וכן האשה אין דרכה להוציא באצבעה אלא טבעת הראויה לה. מפני שפעמים נותן האיש טבעתו לאשתו להצניעה בבית ומנחת אותה באצבעה בעת הולכה. וכן האשה נותנת טבעתה לבעלה לתקנה אצל האומן ומניח אותה באצבעו בעת הולכה עד חנות האומן ונמצאו שהוציאו אותן כדרך שדרכן להוציאן ולפיכך חייבין:
4
Although a ring that does not have a seal is considered to be a piece of jewelry for a woman, a woman should not go out wearing such a ring, lest she take it off in the public domain and show it to her friends, as women often do.13 If, however, she went out wearing such a ring, she is not liable.14
A man, by contrast, may go out wearing a ring that has a seal, for it is considered to be a piece of jewelry for him and it is not usual practice for a man to show off [his jewelry to others].15 It has, [nevertheless,] become accepted practice for people to go out without wearing any rings at all.
ד
לא תצא אשה בטבעת שאין עליה חותם אף על פי שהוא מתכשיטיה גזרה שמא תוציאה ברה"ר להראות לחברותיה כדרך שהנשים עושות תמיד. ואם יצאת בה פטורה. אבל האיש מותר לצאת בטבעת שיש עליה חותם מפני שהוא תכשיט ואין דרכו להראות. ונהגו כל העם שלא יצאו בטבעת כלל:
5
A woman who goes out [wearing] a pin with an eye is liable,16 while a man is not liable.17 A man who goes out [wearing] a pin without an eye is liable,18 while a woman is not liable, for this is considered to be a piece of jewelry for her.19 She is prohibited against wearing it only because of a decree lest she [take it off and] show it to her friends.
The [following] general principles apply: Whenever a person goes out wearing an item that is not considered to be jewelry for him, and it is not [worn as] a garment, he is liable if he transfers it in an ordinary manner.
Whenever a man goes out wearing a piece of jewelry that hangs loosely and could easily fall and thus cause him to bring it through the public domain, and similarly, whenever a woman goes out wearing a piece of jewelry that she is likely to take off and show [to her friends], they are not liable.
Whenever an adornment that is not likely to fall, nor is it likely to be shown to others, [a woman] is permitted to go out [wearing] it. Therefore, she may go out [wearing] a bracelet that is placed on the forearm or [a garter that is placed on] the thigh if it clings tightly to the flesh and will not slip off.20 These rules apply in other similar situations.
ה
אשה שיצאה במחט נקובה חייבת והאיש פטור. ואיש שיצא במחט שאינה נקובה חייב והאשה פטורה מפני שהיא מתכשיטיה ואינה אסורה אלא גזרה שמא תראה לחברותיה. זה הכלל כל היוצא בדבר שאינו מתכשיטיו ואינו דרך מלבוש והוציאו כדרך שמוציאין אותו דבר חייב. וכל היוצא בדבר שהוא מתכשיטיו והיה רפוי ואפשר שיפול במהרה ויבא להביאו ברשות הרבים. וכן אשה שיצאת בתכשיטין שדרכן לשלוף אותן ולהראותן הרי אלו פטורין. וכל דבר שהוא תכשיט ואינו נופל ואין דרכה להראותו הרי זה מותר לצאת בו. לפיכך אצעדה שמניחין אותה בזרוע או בשוק יוצאין בה בשבת והוא שתהיה דבוקה לבשר ולא תשמט וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
6
A woman should not go out with woolen strands, linen strands, or straps attached to her head lest she remove them when she immerses herself21 and carry them in the public domain.
She should not go out [wearing] a frontlet on her forehead,22 nor with bangles of gold that hang from the frontlet on her cheeks if they are not sewn together.23 Nor may [she go out wearing] a crown of gold on her head,24 nor with the ankle chains worn by maidens so that they will not take long strides and thus destroy [the signs of] their virginity.
It is forbidden to go out [wearing] any of these articles lest they fall and one carry them by hand.
ו
לא תצא אשה בחוטי צמר או בחוטי פשתן או ברצועות הקשורות לה על ראשה שמא תחלוץ אותה בשעת טבילה ותעבירה ברשות הרבים. ולא בציץ שמנחת בין עיניה ולא בלחיים של זהב שיורדין מן הציץ על לחייה בזמן שאינן תפורין זה בזה. ולא בעטרה של זהב שמונחת בראשה. ולא בכבלים שיוצאין בהן הבנות ברגליהן כדי שלא יפסיעו פסיעה גסה שלא יפסידו בתוליהן. כל אלו אסורין לצאת בהן בשבת שמא יפלו ותביאן בידה:
7
A woman should not go out [wearing] a necklace,25 a nose ring,26 a flask of perfume27 attached to her forearm, a small round pouch28 in which balsam oil29 is placed, referred to as a cochellet.30
Nor should she wear a wig that will give the appearance that she has a full head of hair,31 nor a woolen pad that goes around her face,32 nor a false tooth, nor a golden crown that she places over a black tooth or a red blemish that she has on her teeth. She may go out with a silver tooth, because this is not obvious.
All these prohibitions were instituted lest {the article fall and [the woman] carry it in her hand or}33 lest she remove it and show it to a friend.
ז
לא תצא אשה בקטלא שבצוארה ולא בנזמי האף ולא בצלוחית של פלייטון הקבועה על זרועה. ולא בכיס הקטן העגול שמניחין בו שמן הטוב והוא הנקרא כובלת. ולא בפאה של שיער שמנחת על ראשה כדי שתראה בעלת שיער הרבה. ולא בכבול של צמר שמקפת אותו סביב לפניה. ולא בשן שמנחת בפיה במקום שן שנפל. ולא בשן של זהב שמנחת על שן שחור או אדום שיש בשיניה. אבל שן של כסף מותר מפני שאינו ניכר. כל אלו אסורין לצאת בהן שמא יפלו ותביאם בידה או תחלוץ ותראה לחברותיה:
8
Whenever the Sages forbade wearing an item in the public domain, it is forbidden to go out [wearing] that item even in a courtyard for which there is no eruv.34 An exception is made with regard to a face pad and a wig; permission is granted to go out [wearing] them to a courtyard where there is no eruv so that [the woman] would not appear unattractive to her husband.
A woman who goes out [carrying] an empty flask with no perfume is liable.
ח
כל שאסרו חכמים לצאת בו לרה"ר אסור לו לצאת בו אפילו בחצר שאינה מעורבת. חוץ מכבול ופאה של שיער שמותר לצאת בהן לחצר שאינה מעורבת כדי שלא תתגנה על בעלה. והיוצאת בצלוחית של פלייטון שאין בה בושם כלל חייבת:
9
A woman may go out [wearing] strands of hair that are attached to her head.35 Water passes through them and they are therefore not considered to be an interposing substance were she to immerse herself. [Consequently,] she will not remove them. Hence, there is no necessity to prohibit [wearing them lest she remove them] and carry them into the public domain.
This applies regardless of whether [the strands of hair were taken from] the woman's own tresses, those of another woman, or from an animal.36 An elderly woman should not, however, go out [wearing strands of hair from] a young woman, for they are becoming to her, [and we fear that] she might remove them and show them to a friend. A young woman, by contrast, may go out [wearing] strands of hair from an elderly woman.37
Any woven hair-covering may be worn.
ט
יוצאה אשה בחוטי שיער הקשורים לה על ראשה מפני שהמים באין בהן ואינן חוצצין ואינה חולצתן אם אירע לה טבילה עד שנגזור שמא תביאם לרה"ר. בין שהיו החוטין שלה בין של חברתה בין של בהמה. ולא תצא הזקנה בשל ילדה ששבח הן לה ושמא תחלוץ ותראם לחברותיה. אבל ילדה יוצאת בחוטי זקנה. וכל שהוא ארוג יוצאת בו על ראשה:
10
A woman may go out [wearing] strands38 [tied around] her neck, because she does not tie them tightly,39 and they are therefore not considered to be an interposing substance [with regard to ritual immersion]. If, however, they are colored, she may not go out wearing them, lest she show them to a friend.
A woman may go out wearing a golden diadem, since these are worn only by dignified woman who are not accustomed to removing [their jewelry] and showing them to their friends.40 A woman may also go out [wearing] a frontlet on her forehead with bangles of gold [that hang from the frontlet], provided they are sewn into her head-covering so that they do not fall.41 The same applies in all similar situations.
י
יוצאה אשה בחוטין שבצוארה מפני שאינה חונקת עצמה בהן ואינן חוצצין. ואם היו צבועין אסורים שמא תראה אותן לחברותיה. ויוצאה אשה בכליל של זהב בראשה שאין יוצאה בו אלא אשה חשובה שאין דרכה לחלוץ ולהראות. ויוצאה בציץ ובלחיים של זהב בזמן שהן תפורין בשבכה שעל ראשה כדי שלא יפולו וכן כל כיוצא בהם:
11
A women may go out with wadding in her ear42 provided it is attached to her ear, with wadding in her sandal43 provided it is attached to her sandal, and with wadding for her menstrual discharge44 even though it is not attached. [The latter rule applies] even if it has a handle. Since it is repulsive, even if it falls, she would not carry it.
יא
יוצאה אשה במוך שבאזנה והוא שיהיה קשור באזנה. ובמוך שבסנדלה והוא שיהיה קשור בסנדלה. ובמוך שהתקינה לנדתה ואע"פ שאינו קשור ואפילו עשתה לו בית יד שאם נפל אינה מביאה אותו מפני מאיסותו:
12
She may go out with pepper, a grain of salt, or any other substance that is placed in the mouth [to prevent] bad breath. She should not, however, place these substances in her mouth on the Sabbath itself.45
Women may go out [wearing] slivers of wood in their ears,46 or with bells47 on their necks or garments, and with a cloak fastened with a make-shift button.48
Indeed, a woman may fasten her cloak in this manner using a stone or a nut49 on the Sabbath and go out, provided she does not [use this leniency as] a ruse and use a nut for this purpose in order to bring it to her young son. Similarly, she should not fasten her cloak in this manner using a coin,50 for it is forbidden to carry it. If her cloak was fastened [using a coin],51 she may go out wearing it.
יב
ויוצאה בפלפל ובגרגיר מלח ובכל דבר שתתן לתוך פיה מפני ריח הפה. ולא תתן לכתחלה בשבת. יוצאות הנשים בקיסמין שבאזניהן וברעלות שבצוארן או שבכסותן וברדיד הפרוף ופורפת בתחלה בשבת על האבן ועל האגוז ויוצאה. ולא תערים ותפרוף על האגוז כדי להוציאו לבנה הקטן. וכן לא תפרוף על המטבע לכתחילה מפני שאסור לטלטלו ואם פרפה יוצאה בו:
13
A man may go out to the public domain with a sliver of wood in his teeth52 or in his sandal. If, however, it falls, he should not put it back. [He may go out with] wadding or a sponge over a wound,53 provided he does not wind a cord or a string over them. [The latter restriction applies] because he considers the cord or the string as important and they do not assist [the healing of] the wound.54
[He may go out with] a garlic peel or an onion peel on a wound, and with a bandage on a wound. He may open and close [the bandage] on the Sabbath. [He may go out with] a compress, a plaster, or a dressing on a wound. [Similarly, one may go out with] a sela55 on a footsore, a locust's egg,56 a fox's tooth,57 a nail from a gallows,58 and any other entity that is hung on a person's body to [bring] a cure, provided that physicians say that it is effective.59
יג
יוצא אדם בקיסם שבשיניו ושבסנדלו לרה"ר ואם נפל לא יחזיר. ובמוך ובספוג שעל גבי המכה ובלבד שלא יכרוך עליהן חוט או משיחה שהרי החוט והמשיחה חשובין אצלו ואינם מועילין למכה. ויוצא בקליפת השום ובקליפת הבצל שעל המכה ובאגד שעל גבי מכה וקושרו ומתירו בשבת. ובאספלנית ומלוגמא ורטייה שעל גבי המכה ובסלע שעל הצינית ובביצת החרגול ובשן השועל ובמסמר הצלוב. ובכל דבר שתולין אותו משום רפואה והוא שיאמרו הרופאים שהוא מועיל:
14
[A woman] may go out with a tekumah60 stone or with the weight of a tekumah stone61, which was weighed [and carried] with the intent that it serve as a remedy. This applies not only to a pregnant woman, but to all women, [as a safeguard] lest they become pregnant and miscarry.
One may go out [wearing] an amulet that has proven its efficacy. What is an amulet that has proven its efficacy? [An amulet] that has cured three individuals62 or that was prepared by an individual who cured three people with other amulets. If a person goes out wearing an amulet that has not proved its efficacy, he is not liable.63 [The rationale:] he carried it out as a garment.64Similarly, a person who goes out [wearing] tefillin is not liable.65
יד
יוצאת האשה באבן תקומה ובמשקל אבן תקומה שנתכוין ושקלו לרפואה. ולא אשה עוברה בלבד אלא אפילו שאר הנשים שמא תתעבר ותפיל. ויוצאין בקמיע מומחה. ואי זה הוא קמיע מומחה זה שריפא לשלשה בני אדם או שעשהו אדם שריפא שלשה בני אדם בקמיעין אחרים. ואם יצא בקמיע שאינו מומחה פטור. מפני שהוציאו דרך מלבוש. וכן היוצא בתפילין פטור:
15
A person who has a wound on his foot may go out [wearing] one sandal on his healthy foot. If, however, a person does not have a wound on his foot, he may not go out [wearing] a single sandal.66
A child67 should not go out [wearing] the sandals of an adult.68 He may, however, go out [wearing] the cloak of an adult. A woman should not go out [on the Sabbath], [wearing] a loose-fitting sandal,69 nor [wearing] a new sandal that she did not wear for even a short period of time before [the commencement of the Sabbath].70
A one-legged man may not go out [wearing] his wooden leg. We may not go out [wearing] wooden shoes,71 because it is not the ordinary practice to wear them. If, however, one goes out [wearing] them, he is not liable.72
טו
מי שיש ברגלו מכה יוצא בסנדל יחידי ברגלו הבריאה. ואם אין ברגלו מכה לא יצא בסנדל יחיד. ולא יצא הקטן במנעל גדול אבל יוצא הוא בחלוק גדול. ולא תצא אשה במנעל רפוי ולא במנעל חדש שלא יצאה בו שעה אחת מבעוד יום. ואין הקיטע יוצא בקב שלו. אנקטמין של עץ אין יוצאין בהן בשבת מפני שאינן מדרכי המלבוש ואם יצאו פטורין:
16
[A man] may go out [wearing] tufts of flax or a woolen wig worn by men with sores on their heads.73 When does this apply? When he colored them with oil and wound them,74 or he went out [wearing] them [at least] momentarily75 before the commencement of the Sabbath. If, however, he did not perform a deed [that indicated his desire to use these articles], nor did he go out [wearing] them before the Sabbath, it is forbidden for him to go out [wearing] them.
טז
יוצאין בפקריון ובציפה שבראשי בעלי חטטין. אימתי בזמן שצבען בשמן וכרכן או שיצא בהן שעה אחת מבעוד יום. אבל אם לא עשה בהן מעשה ולא יצא בהן קודם השבת אסור לצאת בהן:
17
We may go out [wearing] coarse sackcloth, tent-cloth,76a thick woolen blanket,77 or a coarse wrap78 [as protection] against rain.79 We may not, however, go out [wearing] a chest, a container, or a mat, [as protection] against the rain.80
When a pillow and a blanket are soft and thin as garments are, one may go out [wearing] them as a wrap on one's head on the Sabbath. When they are firm, they are considered to be burdens and it is forbidden.
יז
יוצאין בשק עבה וביריעה ובסגוס עבה ובחמילה מפני הגשמים. אבל לא בתיבה ולא בקופה ולא במחצלת מפני הגשמים. הכר והכסת אם היו רכין ודקין כמו הבגדים מותר להוציאן מונחין על ראשו בשבת דרך מלבוש. ואם היו קשין הרי הן כמשאוי ואסורין:
18
We may go out with bells woven81 into our clothes.82 A servant83 may go out [wearing] a clay seal84 around his neck,85 but not with a metal seal, lest it fall and he carry it.
[The following rules apply when] a person wraps himself in a tallit86 and folds it, either [holding the folds] in his hand, or [placing them] on his shoulder: If his intent is that [the ends of the garment] should not tear or become soiled, it is forbidden.87 If his intent is for the sake of fashion, since this is the style in which people of his locale wear their clothes, it is permitted.
יח
יוצאין בזוגין הארוגין בבגדים. ויוצא העבד בחותם של טיט שבצוארו אבל לא בחותם של מתכת שמא יפול ויביאנו. המתעטף בטליתו וקיפלה מכאן ומכאן בידו או על כתיפו אם נתכון לקבץ כנפיו כדי שלא יקרעו או שלא יתלכלכו אסור. ואם קבצן להתנאות בהן כמנהג אנשי המקום במלבושן מותר:
19
A person who goes out [to the public domain] with a garment that is folded and placed on his shoulders is liable. He may, however, go out with a wrap [folded] around his shoulders even though a thread is not tied to his fingers.88
Whenever a wrap does not cover [a person's] head and the majority of his body,89 he is forbidden to go out [wearing it]. A cloth that is worn as a head covering90 that is short and not wide should be tied below one's shoulders. Thus, it will serve as a belt and one will be permitted to go out [wearing] it.
יט
היוצא בטלית מקופלת ומונחת על כתיפו חייב. אבל יוצא הוא בסודר שעל כתיפו אע"פ שאין נימא קשורה לו באצבעו. וכל סודר שאינו חופה ראשו ורובו אסור לצאת בו. היתה סכנית קצרה שאינה רחבה קושר שני ראשיה למטה מכתפים ונמצאת כמו אבנט ומותר לצאת בה:
20
It is permitted to wrap oneself in a tallit91 that has unwoven strands92 at its edges, even though they are long and do not enhance the appearance of the tallit, because they are considered to be subsidiary to it. The person [wearing the tallit] does not care whether they exist or not.93
Based on the above, a person who goes out [wearing] a tallit whose tzitzit are not halachically acceptable is liable. For these strands are important to him and he is concerned with completing what they are lacking, so that they can be considered to be tzitzit.94
When, however, the tzitzit are halachically acceptable, it is permitted to go out [wearing this garment] during the day and during the night.95 Tzitzit that are halachically acceptable are not considered to be a burden, but rather to be an article that enhances the garment and beautifies it. Were the strands of tzitzit that are halachically acceptable to be considered a burden, one would be liable [for wearing such a garment] even on the Sabbath day, since a positive commandment [whose negation] is not [punishable by] karet does not supersede the Sabbath [prohibitions].96
כ
מותר להתעטף בטלית שיש בשפתותיה מלל אע"פ שהן חוטין ארוכין ואע"פ שאינן נוי הטלית מפני שהן בטלים לגבי הטלית ואינו מקפיד עליהן בין היו בין לא היו. לפיכך היוצא בטלית שאינה מצוייצת כהלכתה חייב מפני שאותן החוטין חשובין הן אצלו ודעתו עליהן עד שישלים חסרונן ויעשו ציצית. אבל טלית המצוייצת כהלכתה מותר לצאת בה בין ביום בין בלילה. שאין הציצית הגמורה משאוי אלא הרי היא מנוי הבגד ומתכסיסיו כמו האימרא וכיוצא בה. ואילו היו חוטי הציצית שהיא מצוייצת כהלכתה משאוי היה חייב היוצא בה אפילו ביום השבת שאין מצות עשה שאין בה כרת דוחה שבת:
21
A tailor should not go out on the Sabbath with a needle stuck into his clothes, nor a carpenter with a sliver of wood behind his ear,97 nor a weaver with wool in his ear, nor a carder of flax with a string around his neck, nor a money-changer with a dinar in his ear, nor a dyer with a sample in his ear.
If one [of these individuals] goes out [wearing such an article], he is not liable. Although this is the usual practice for artisans of this craft, [he is not liable,] because he is not considered to have transferred the article in an ordinary manner.98
כא
לא יצא החייט בשבת במחט התחובה לו בבגדו. ולא נגר בקיסם שבאזנו. ולא גרדי באירא שבאזנו. ולא סורק במשיכה שבאזנו ולא שולחני בדינר שבצוארו. ולא צבע בדוגמא שבאזנו ואם יצא פטור ואע"פ שיצא דרך אומנתו מפני שלא הוציא כדרך המוציאין:
22
A zav99 who goes out with his receptacle is liable, for this is the only way this receptacle is transferred. [He is liable] although he has no need to take out [the receptacle] itself; [he needs it] only to prevent his clothes from being soiled.100 For a person who performs a labor is liable even when he has no need for the actual labor he performed.101
כב
הזב שיצא בכיס שלו חייב מפני שאין דרך כיס זה להוציאו אלא כדרך הזאת ואף על פי שאינו צריך לגוף ההוצאה אלא כדי שלא יתלכלכו בגדיו שהמלאכה שאינה צריכה לגופה חייב עליה:
23
What should a man102 do when he finds tefillin in the public domain on the Sabbath?103 He should wear them in the ordinary fashion, placing the head tefillin on his head and the arm tefillin on his arm, enter a home and remove them there. Afterwards, he should go out, return, put on a second pair, [return to the home,] remove them, and [continue this pattern] until he brings in all [the tefillin].
If there were many pairs of tefillin and there was not enough time to bring them in during the time by wearing them as garments, he should remain [watching] them until [after] nightfall, and bring them in on Saturday night.104 In a time of oppressive decrees,105 when one might fear to linger and watch them until the evening because of the gentiles, he should cover them where they are located, leave them, and proceed [on his way].
כג
המוצא תפילין בשבת ברשות הרבים כיצד הוא עושה לובשן כדרכן מניח של יד בידו של ראש בראשו ונכנס וחולצן בבית וחוזר ויוצא ולובש זוג שני וחולצן עד שיכניס את כולן. ואם היו הרבה ולא נשאר מן היום כדי להכניסן דרך מלבוש הרי זה מחשיך עליהם ומכניסן במוצאי שבת. ואם היה בימי הגזרה שמתירא לישב ולשומרן עד הערב מפני הכותים מכסן במקומן ומניחן והולך:
24
Should he be afraid to wait until after nightfall because of thieves, he should take the entire group at once and carry them less than four cubits at a time, or he should give them to a colleague [standing within four cubits], who in turn will give them to another colleague106 until they reach the courtyard at the extremity of the city.107
When does the above apply? When they are found together with their straps that are tied with the knots with which tefillin are tied, since then they are surely tefillin. If, however, their straps are not tied, one should not pay attention to them.108
כד
היה מתיירא להחשיך עליהן מפני הליסטים נוטל את כולן כאחת ומוליכן פחות פחות מארבע אמות או נותנן לחבירו בתוך ארבע אמות וחבירו לחבירו עד שמגיע לחצר החיצונה. במה דברים אמורים בשהיו בהן רצועותיהן והן מקושרין קשר של תפילין שודאי תפילין הן אבל אם לא היו רצועותיהן מקושרות אינו נזקק להן:
25
A person who finds a Torah scroll should linger and watch it until after nightfall.109 In a time of danger, he may leave it110 and go on his way. If rain is descending, one should wrap himself in the parchment,111 cover it [with one's outer garments], and enter [a home] with it.
כה
המוצא ספר תורה יושב ומשמרו ומחשיך עליו. ובסכנה מניחו והולך לו. ואם היו גשמים יורדין מתעטף בעור וחוזר ומכסה אותו ונכנס בו:
26
On Friday, shortly before nightfall, a tailor should not go carrying a needle in his hand,112 nor should a scribe [go out carrying] his pen, lest he forget and transfer it on the Sabbath.
A person is obligated to check his clothes on Friday before nightfall, lest he forget something in them and [inadvertently] transfer it on the Sabbath.
It is permissible to go out wearing tefillin on Friday shortly before sunset. Since a person is obligated to touch his tefillin at all times,113 there is no possibility that he will forget them. If a person forgets and goes out to the public domain [wearing] tefillin,114 [when] he remembers the tefillin on his head, he should cover his head115 until he reaches his home or the house of study.
כו
לא יצא החייט במחטו בידו ולא הלבלר בקולמוסו ערב שבת סמוך לחשיכה שמא ישכח ויוציא. וחייב אדם למשמש בבגדו ערב שבת עם חשיכה שמא יהיה שם דבר שכוח ויצא בו בשבת. מותר לצאת בתפילין ערב שבת עם חשיכה הואיל וחייב אדם למשמש בתפיליו בכל עת אינו שוכחן. שכח ויצא בהן לרשות הרבים ונזכר שיש לו תפילין בראשו מכסה את ראשו עד שמגיע לביתו או לבית המדרש
FOOTNOTES
1.I.e., this prohibition applies to all weaponry. As the Rambam continues, there are instances where carrying such weaponry violates a Torah prohibition, and other instances where the prohibition is Rabbinic in origin.
This chapter represents a turning point in the structure of this text. From the middle of Chapter 12 onward, the Rambam has delineated the various factors involved in the forbidden labor of transferring articles from one domain to another. In this halachah, he begins speaking of the Rabbinic safeguards associated with this forbidden labor.
2.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:2).
3.Even when hanging from one's garments - e.g., a sword in a scabbard attached to one's belt.
4.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:4). Rashi (Shabbat 63a) renders this term as "a mace."
5.The Rambam's ruling is based on Shabbat 63a, which mentions a difference of opinion between the Sages and Rabbi Eliezer. Our Sages rule that one is liable, while Rabbi Eliezer differs and states that one is not liable for carrying weapons, for they are ornaments, like jewelry.
Our Sages support their position by quoting Isaiah's (2:4) prophecy of the Era of the Redemption, "And they shall beat their swords into plowshares.... Nation shall not lift up sword against nation...." Since weaponry will be nullified in that era of ultimate fulfillment, it is a sign that it is not a true and genuine ornament.
The Lechem Mishneh (in his gloss on Hilchot Teshuvah 8:7) notes that there is a slight difficulty with the Rambam's ruling. The Talmud associates the opinion of the Sages (which the Rambam accepts) with the conception that Mashiach's coming will initiate a miraculous world order, and Rabbi Eliezer's ruling with the opinion of Shemuel that "there is no difference between the present era and the Messianic era except [for the emancipation from] the dominion of [gentile] powers." In Hilchot Teshuvah 9:2, and more explicitly in Hilchot Melachim 12:1-2, the Rambam explains Shmuel's position, stating:
One should not entertain the thought that in the Messianic era any element of the natural order will be nullified, or that there will be an innovation in the order of creation. On the contrary, the world will continue according to its pattern.
Nevertheless, this approach does not necessarily contradict the Rambam's rulings here. The Rambam also maintains that war will be nullified in the Messianic era, as he writes (loc. cit. 12:5): "In that era, there will be neither famine nor war, neither envy nor competition." Nevertheless, its nullification will not come because of miracles that defy the natural order, but because of the reasons he continues to mention in that halachah - that "good will flow in abundance" and "'the world will be filled with the knowledge of God' (Isaiah 11:9)."
6.The Ritba (in his gloss on Shabbat 60a) states that these nails were used to fasten the soles of the sandals to the upper portion.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah [Shabbat 6:2 (based on Shabbat, loc. cit., and Beitzah 14b)], the Rambam explains that in an era of religious oppression, many Jews gathered together for prayer and study in a hidden place. When they heard a noise outside, they suspected that they had been discovered by their enemies and panicked. In the confusion, hundreds were crushed by these nailed sandals.
7.Since these are days of public assembly, our Sages felt that wearing these sandals would arouse disturbing memories of the abovementioned incident.
There is a question whether the prohibitions against wearing such sandals apply at present despite the fact that our nailed sandals are made differently from those of Talmudic times. Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi quotes this prohibition in his Halachot. Since he mentions only those laws that are relevant in the post-Talmudic era, this inclusion would seem to imply that the prohibition should be followed now as well. Rabbenu Asher differs. Significantly, Rav Yosef Karo does not mention this prohibition in his Shulchan Aruch, nor does the Ramah refer to it in his gloss on that text.
8.This reason, that perhaps an article will fall and be carried in the public domain, is mentioned several times throughout this chapter and is relevant to both men and women.
9.As reflected by Esther 3:10 and other sources, in Biblical and Talmudic times men wore signet rings, using the seal to authorize their approval of documents.
10.The commentaries draw attention to a problematic statement in the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:1), where he states that a ring without a seal is somewhat like, but not exactly, a piece of jewelry for women.
11.Since these rings are not considered to be jewelry for these individuals, they are considered to be carrying them in the public domain.
12.As mentioned in Chapter 12, Halachot 12-14, a person is liable for transferring an article only when he does so in an ordinary fashion.
13.This point is mentioned several times in this chapter as a rationale for restrictions governing women's wearing jewelry in the public domain.
14.Although all Talmudic authorities prohibit women from wearing jewelry in public on the Sabbath, from the era of the Geonim onward, and particularly in the Ashkenazic community, it has become customary for women to do so. Among the rationales offered by the Rabbis (Tosafot, Shabbat 64b; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 303:18) for this leniency are:
a) Today, there is no concept of a true public domain, for there are no places through which 600,000 people pass at one time. Since the restrictions against carrying in a carmelit are only safeguards against carrying in a public domain, it would be improper to impose a safeguard against carrying in a carmelit, for a safeguard is not instituted to protect a safeguard.
[There are several difficulties with this rationale: Firstly, many Rishonim (including the Rambam) do not accept this principle. Furthermore, today many large metropolises are a public domain according to all views.]
b) The socio-economic climate of the age has changed. In the Talmudic period, most women did not have jewelry, nor did they see their friends that often, nor did they have private places in which to socialize. Therefore, there was reason for the concern that jewelry would be taken off and displayed in the public domain. When the above mentioned conditions changed, this suspicion no longer applied, and there was no reason for this stringency.
15.Indeed, our Sages never imposed any restrictions on men's carrying in the public domain for this reason.
16.Since it has an eye, it is used as a needle for sewing, and therefore is not considered an ornament. Women are liable for transferring them on the Sabbath, because they frequently sew, and often carry needles by sticking them in their clothes. Hence, they are considered to have carried the needle in an ordinary manner.
17.With the exception of a tailor, a man is not liable for carrying a needle stuck in his clothes on the Sabbath, since this is not the ordinary way in which these items are carried.
Our explanation in this and the previous note follows the interpretation of Rabbenu Avraham, the Rambam's son (Birkat Avraham 16). It must be emphasized that the Rambam's rulings in Halachah 21 present a difficulty to this explanation. Rav Kapach offers a resolution to this difficulty by explaining that Halachah 20 refers to a needle which is a symbol of the tailor's trade. Wearing it is not considered to be transferring an article in the ordinary manner. In contrast, the present halachah refers to a functional needle that is carried in a craftsman's garment from time to time.
Significantly, Rashi and other Rishonim interpret Shabbat 62a, the source for this halachah, differently. Their views are given greater emphasis by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:8).
18.Since it is not a piece of jewelry for him.
19.Shabbat 60a relates that ordinarily these pins would have a gold plate attached to them. The pointed end of the pin would be stuck into her head-covering, and the plate would hang down over her forehead.
20.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:4). As mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 303:15), there are authorities who forbid the wearing of forearm bracelets.
21.These threads are tied to the woman's hair. Accordingly, they would be considered to be a חציצה, "intervening substance," and would have to be removed before immersion (see Hilchot Mikvaot 1:12, 2:5). The suspicion is that afterwards, they would be carried in the public domain.
22.In his Commentary on the Mishnah [Shabbat 6:1 (based on Shabbat 57b), the Rambam describes this as a gold plate extending on the forehead from ear to ear.
23.In his Commentary on the Mishnah [loc. cit. (according to Rav Kapach's translation), which is based on Shabbat 57b], the Rambam adds "and are sewn into her head-covering." Since a woman is not likely to remove her head-covering entirely when her jewelry is sewn into it, we do not suspect that she will take it off and show it to her friends in the public domain. (See Halachah 10.)
This interpretation (which resolves the question the Ra'avad raises in his gloss on this halachah and which reflects the interpretation of our Sages, Shabbat 57b) presents difficulties, because of the Rambam's final clause, "It is forbidden to go out [wearing] any of these articles, lest they fall and one carry them by hand." Note the commentaries of the Merkevet HaMishneh and the Seder HaMishneh, who address themselves to this difficulty.
24.A golden crown engraved with an impression of the city of Jerusalem.
25.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:1), the Rambam interprets this as a necklace with golden beads. Rashi (Shabbat 57b, 59b) interprets this as referring to a golden choker necklace. (See the notes on Halachah 4 regarding the Rabbinic opinions regarding wearing jewelry at present.)
26.Significantly, even in Talmudic times earrings were permitted. Rashi explains that this leniency was granted because earrings are difficult to remove. The Ramah (Orach Chayim 303:8) offers a different rationale: that a woman's head covering would cover her ears as well. Hence, there is no need to worry about her showing the earrings to her friends.
27.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:3), the Rambam mentions that musk would usually be carried.
28.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat, loc. cit.), the Rambam mentions that this pouch was also attractive, being made of gold or silver.
29.Balsam oil is renowned for its pleasant fragrance.
30.Significantly, our text of the Mishnah states kovellet, replacing the כ with a ב. The meaning of the term, however, does not change.
31.This refers to attractive hair glued to a thin surface and placed on a woman's head (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 6:5).
Needless to say, in addition to the more inclusive leniencies involving jewelry in general, the nature of wigs and false teeth are different today. Therefore, there is no difficulty in wearing these items in the public domain.
32.This pad was placed on a woman's forehead beneath the frontlet of gold (Shabbat 57b) in a manner similar to the woolen pad that the High Priest would wear under his forehead plate (Chulin 138a). Apparently this pad was also attractive and could serve as an ornament in its own right.
33.This clause is set off by braces, because based on manuscript copies of the Mishneh Torah and early printings, it appears to be a printer's addition and not part of the Rambam's original text. According to the Rambam, this suspicion is not relevant with regard to these particular articles.
34.Although the prohibition against carrying in such a courtyard is Rabbinic in origin and there is no possibility of transgressing a Torah prohibition, our Sages imposed the restrictions against carrying there as well. The Maggid Mishneh explains that this is not considered as instituting "a safeguard for a safeguard." Were women allowed to wear these adornments in a courtyard, they would most likely inadvertently proceed into the public domain while wearing them.
The Maggid Mishneh also explains that according to the Rambam, there appears to be no prohibition against women wearing such articles at home. We do not suspect that they will inadvertently go outside while wearing them. Other Rishonim (the Ramban and the Rashba) differ and prohibit wearing ornaments even in one's home. As mentioned above, however, at present it is customary to adopt a more lenient approach regarding the entire issue of wearing jewelry.
35.In contrast to the strands of wool or linen mentioned in Halachah 6. As the Rambam continues to explain, the reasons the Sages forbade wearing strands from other fabrics do not apply in this instance.
36.See Shabbat 64b for an explanation why it is necessary to mention all three instances.
37.Based on an alternate interpretation [or perhaps an alternate version] of Shabbat 64b, Rabbenu Asher and others differ and also forbid a young woman from wearing strands of hair from an elderly woman.
38.Even of wool and linen. As the Rambam continues to explain, the reasons why it was forbidden to wear strands of these fabrics tied to one's hair do not apply in this instance.
39.It is, however, forbidden for a woman to wear a choker necklace (Maggid Mishneh).
40.This ruling serves as the basis for some of the lenient opinions mentioned in the notes on Halachah 4, which allow women to wear jewelry in the public domain at present. All our women are dignified and are not accustomed to removing their jewelry and showing it to their friends.
41.See Halachah 6 and notes.
42.To absorb the fluids it produces (Rashi, Shabbat 64b).
43.To make walking more comfortable (ibid.).
44.As reflected by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:13), this applies only when the woman's intent is that the blood from the discharge will not cause her discomfort when it dries. If her intent is to prevent the discharge from soiling her clothes, it is forbidden. See Halachah 22.
45.I.e., if a woman had such a substance in her mouth before the Sabbath, she may continue holding it in her mouth on the Sabbath. She may not, however, place these substances in her mouth on the Sabbath itself, nor may she return such a substance to her mouth if it falls out.
Based on Chapter 21, Halachah 24, it appears that the restrictions on placing a substance in one's mouth on the Sabbath to prevent bad breath apply only when one will continue carrying those substances in one's mouth outside.
46.So that the holes in their pierced ears will not close (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 6:6).
47.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, ibid. Rashi (Shabbat 65a) and others translate רעולות as "veiled." See the notes on Halachah 18, which discuss the laws regarding wearing bells on the Sabbath.
48.Jewish women living in Media would wear a coat with a strap in one of its upper corners. They would place a stone, nut, coin, or the like under the cloak to serve as a makeshift button. The strap would be looped around this button to fasten the cloak closed (Rashi, loc. cit.).
49.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 303:22) emphasizes that a stone must be set aside for this purpose before the commencement of the Sabbath. Otherwise, it is muktzeh and is forbidden to be moved.
50.Even if a coin was set aside for this purpose before the Sabbath, it is still considered to be muktzeh (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
51.Before the commencement of the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
52.A toothpick.
53.We are permitted to wear any entity that heals the body on the Sabbath. Such articles are not considered to be a burden, but a garment or jewelry. In Chapter 21, Halachot 26-27, the Rambam discusses whether it is permissible to place wadding or bandages on a wound on the Sabbath.
54.These restrictions do not apply to a rag, because it is inconsequential. Since a cord or a string is considered somewhat important, it is not considered to be subsidiary to the bandage. Hence, the person is considered to be carrying them in the public domain.
55.A coin from the Talmudic period.
56.A cure for weak thighs (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 6:10).
57.A cure for both insomnia and hyperactivity (ibid.).
58.A cure for continuous high fever (ibid.).
59.This halachah is very problematic for the Rambam. As explained at length in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim, Chapter 11, the Rambam maintains that all occult arts and superstitious practices are not only prohibited, but are absolute nonsense. It would appear that the latter cures mentioned are surely not practical medical advice, but rather a charm stemming from folklore (and perhaps pagan folklore). Indeed, for the latter reason, Rabbi Meir (according to the Rambam's text of Shabbat 6:10, our version states "the Sages") forbids the use of these practices even during the week.
The Radbaz (Vol. V, Responsum 1436) compounds our difficulty in understanding the Rambam's view, citing the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Yoma 8:4), which states:
We do not transgress a commandment except for the purpose of healing, [using] an entity that both logic and experience say is necessary, but not to heal through charms, for these are weak matters that have no logical support, nor has experience proven them.
The Radbaz, therefore, maintains that the Rambam is describing a situation where these articles are worn as pendants. Hence, they can be considered equivalent to pieces of jewelry. (See the following halachah with regard to an amulet that has not proved its efficacy.) If, however, they are carried by hand, it is forbidden to go out to the public domain with them on the Sabbath. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:27) does not make such a stipulation and quotes the Rambam's words in this halachah without emendation.
60.A stone worn by a woman to prevent a miscarriage (Rashi, Shabbat 66b).
61.A weight equivalent to that of the tekumah stone, which is purported to have a similar positive effect (ibid.).
62.The Maggid Mishneh states that, in contrast to Rashi's view, according to the Rambam, an amulet that healed one person three times is not considered to have proved its efficacy.
63.At the outset, however, one is forbidden to go out wearing such an amulet.
64.I.e., the amulet is considered to be an ornament, like a piece of jewelry.
65.There is no obligation to wear tefillin on the Sabbath, and we are therefore forbidden to wear them in most circumstances. (See Halachah 23 with regard to the exceptions.) Nevertheless, since they are worn as a garment, a person is not liable for wearing them.
66.Rashi (Shabbat 60a) gives two rationales for this ruling:
a) The Jerusalem Talmud states that a person who wears only one shoe will be suspected of carrying the other in his cloak.
b) Wearing one shoe may arouse the attention of others and cause them to mock him. We fear that in such a situation the person will remove the sandal that he is wearing and carry it.
It is questionable whether the Rambam accepts the latter rationale. Although Rashi suggests that it applies with regard to several of the items mentioned in the previous halachot, the Rambam does not mention it - neither in this chapter nor in his Commentary on the Mishnah.
67.This is the simple interpretation of the word קטן. Note, however, the commentary of Rashi on Shabbat 141b, where he interprets the term as referring to a small adult. Since the obligation of a child is Rabbinic in origin, the Sages would not enforce any further safeguards on his conduct.
68.The rationale is that the sandal may fall off and the child might carry it in the public domain.
69.Rashi interprets the Talmud (loc. cit.) as referring to a torn sandal.
70.Lest the sandal prove uncomfortable and the woman carry it.
71.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 6:8). Shabbat 66b offers three different Aramaic interpretations of this term. These interpretations, in turn, are understood differently by the later commentaries.
In the above source, the Rambam states that since it is uncomfortable to walk in wooden shoes, they are not considered to be garments.
72.For he did not transfer them in an ordinary manner (Merkevet HaMishneh).
73.This reflects a fusion of the interpretation by Rav Hai Gaon (and Tosafot) of Shabbat 50a, which understands these substances to be makeshift wigs to cover baldness, and that of Rashi, who explains that these terms refer to wool that is placed on wounds.
74.I.e., he performed a deed that indicates that he desires to use the wool as a wig.
75.If he wore the wool as a wig once before the Sabbath, this indicates that he is willing to use it for this purpose. Otherwise, since most people would not wear a wig of this nature, it is forbidden to wear it on the Sabbath because it is muktzeh (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:62).
76.The source for this halachah is Nedarim 55b. In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Nedarim 7:3), the Rambam defines this term as "coarsely woven material that is not sown."
77.Our translation is taken from Rav Kapach's translation of the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Oholot 11:3).
78.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Nedarim 7:3), the Rambam defines this term as "a wrap made from an extremely coarse and thick fabric... used for protection from rain."
79.Although these are not proper garments, since they resemble clothing and are useful in protecting one against the rain, they may be worn.
80.In this instance, although the person is seeking protection from the rain, since these are not garments, he is considered to be carrying a burden (Rashi Nedarim, loc. cit.).
81.If, however, the bells are not woven into the garment, there are restrictions against wearing them, lest they become severed and the person carry them in the public domain. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:21, Mishnah Berurah 301:80.)
82.Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 301:23), who states that this leniency applies only to bells whose clappers have been removed. Otherwise, it is forbidden to wear them, for jingling a bell is forbidden on the Sabbath.
83.This refers to an eved Cana'ani - i.e., a servant who has been circumcised and has been immersed in the mikveh, and who has accepted the observance of the Torah's laws. Such a servant is obligated to fulfill all the mitzvot incumbent on a woman (Chaggigah 4a). (See Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 12:11, 13:18.)
84.A seal of identification, indicating to whom he belongs. The seal is permitted because it resembles a piece of jewelry. In contrast to a metal seal, the servant is allowed to go out wearing a clay seal, since were it to fall, it would break and would be worthless.
85.But not hanging from his clothes (Maggid Mishneh).
86.The intent here is not necessarily a prayer shawl, but also a garment worn for mundane purposes as well. We have, nevertheless, merely transliterated the Hebrew term rather than translate it as "garment," to indicate the type of clothing that is under discussion. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:31) specifically states that this restriction does not apply to contemporary garments, because they are of a different type.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:36 and the Mishnah Berurah 301:117 emphasize that even the garments worn at present should not be lifted up extremely high.
87.The Kessef Mishneh notes that the Rambam does not state that the person is liable, for the prohibition is Rabbinic in origin.
88.Rashi (Shabbat 147a) explains that tying the string around one's finger will prevent the wrap from falling. We do not fear that the wrap will fall and the person will carry it in the public domain.
The commentaries explain that in contrast to the garment mentioned in the first clause, since it is customary to wear a wrap folded, there is no difficulty in wearing it in this manner on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, in light of the final clause, they require that the wrap be large enough to cover one's head and the majority of one's body.
Although there are more stringent opinions, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:37 and the Mishnah Berurah 301:115 permit the wearing of scarfs that are not this large if it is accepted practice in a community to wear such garments.
89.The Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh explain that this clause refers to a passage from Shabbat 147b which describes a wrap worn by women after a bath.
90.Our translation is based on Rashi, Shabbat 147b. Rav Kapach suggests a different version of that text. Since this cloth is not large enough to cover the person's head and the majority of his body, the only way it may be worn is when one ties it as a belt.
91.This does not refer to a tallit used for prayer, but rather to an ordinary shawl that resembles such a garment.
92.See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Keilim 29:1).
93.Since they are of no consequence to the person whatsoever, they have no halachic importance either. It is as if they did not exist at all. If, however, the person was disturbed by their presence, it would be forbidden.
94.Since the tzitzit are important to the person, they are not considered to be subsidiary to the garment. Hence, wearing a garment to which they are attached is considered to be carrying a burden.
95.The Rambam elaborates slightly in this instance to negate the opinion of Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi, who maintains that it is forbidden to wear tzitzit on Friday night. He explains that since one does not fulfill a mitzvah by wearing tzitzit at night, and yet the tzitzit are important, wearing a garment to which they are attached is equivalent to carrying a burden on the Sabbath.
The Rambam does not accept this rationale, explaining that since the tzitzit are halachically acceptable, they are considered to be an adornment of the garment even when a mitzvah is not fulfilled by wearing them. In one of his responsa, the Rambam deals with this issue at length.
In this context, note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:45, which states that this applies to a man, but not to a woman. For a woman, tzitzit are always considered a burden on the Sabbath. Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah, which cites differing views.
96.The commentaries note a slight difficulty with the Rambam's statements. Although there are only two positive commandments whose observance supersedes the Sabbath prohibitions - circumcision and the offering of the Paschal sacrifice - it is because of a specific divine decree and not because of the fact that they are punishable by karet that these mitzvot supersede the Sabbath laws.
97.Used by a carpenter to see if the different pieces of wood are level (Rashi, Shabbat 11b). This and all the other items mentioned are symbols that the various artisans would wear so that people could identify their professions.
98.I.e., since it is not the ordinary practice for most people to carry an article in this fashion, the fact that certain people do carry in this manner is not significant.
It must be noted that this ruling (which follows the opinion of Rabbi Meir, Shabbat 11b) appears to contradict the explanation given by Rabbenu Avraham, the Rambam's son, to Halachah 5. (See the notes on that halachah.)
99.A man with a discharge from his sexual organ resembling that resulting from venereal disease. (See Leviticus, chapter 15; Hilchot Mechusarei Kapparah, chapter 2.)
100.As mentioned in the notes on Halachah 11, it is forbidden to wear an article merely to prevent one's clothes from being soiled.
101.See Chapter 1, Halachah 7.
102.We have used the word "man" in consideration of the ruling of the Magen Avraham 301:53, who states that for a woman, tefillin are always considered to be a burden. (See the Mishnah Berurah 301:158, which cites a differing opinion.
103.Halachah 14 states that a person who wears tefillin is not liable - i.e., since tefillin are worn as a garment, he is exempt. Nevertheless, the Rabbis forbade wearing tefillin, because there is no mitzvah to do so on the Sabbath. They did not, however, apply this prohibition in this instance out of reverence for the sacred articles. Were the tefillin to be left there, they might be treated with disrespect.
The Sha'agat Aryeh (Responsum 41) questions the Rambam's ruling, because - as reflected by Hilchot Tefillin 4:11 - the Rambam maintains that there is a prohibition from the Torah against putting on tefillin when there is no obligation to do so. He resolves that difficulty by stating that the prohibition applies only when one puts them on at an improper time, with the intent of fulfilling a mitzvah. If that is not one's intent, there is no prohibition.
104.Since he will not have time to bring them in until after nightfall, it is preferable to stay there and protect them all rather than bring them in one pair at a time. When, by contrast, there is a possibility of bringing them in before nightfall, the Sages were willing to allow him to leave the remainder of the tefillin unattended briefly, so that he could complete the task earlier.
105.Shabbat 130a relates that the Romans made the wearing of tefillin punishable by death.
106.See Chapter 12, Halachah 17, which explains this leniency applies even with regard to one's personal concerns. Surely, it applies with regard to matters associated with a mitzvah.
107.There, a person in the courtyard should remove the tefillin from the body of the person who was carrying them while he is still walking outside the courtyard. Thus, one person will have performed the akirah (the removal of the article from its original place) and another the hanachah [the placement of the article (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:52)].
108.For the possibility exists that they are merely an amulet (Eruvin 97a).
The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's conception of that Talmudic passage and maintains that there is no question concerning the identity of the tefillin, for we do not suspect that a person would make an amulet that resembles tefillin. The difficulty is that if the knots of the tefillin are not tied, it is forbidden to tie them on the Sabbath. Thus, it will be impossible to wear the tefillin on the Sabbath.
The difference between these two views is that, according to the Ra'avad, if one finds tefillin without straps, one is obligated to remain watching them until after nightfall. The Rambam, by contrast, would allow a person to leave them.
The Maggid Mishneh cites a responsum purported to be written by the Rambam to the scholars of Lunil concerning tzitzit, which indicates that he accepted the Ra'avad's position. When citing the law regarding tefillin, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:42) quotes the Rambam's view. The Magen Avraham 301:53 states that even if the Rambam's view would have applied in previous generations, it is not relevant at present, for amulets are not commonly made in the form of tefillin. Therefore, he suggests following the Ra'avad's ruling.
109.Since a Torah scroll is not usually worn as a covering, the person is not allowed to cover himself with it under ordinary circumstances. Rather, he must linger and protect the scroll until after nightfall.
110.Shulchan Aruch HaRav 301:54 states that one should cover the scroll to protect it. It is questionable why the Rambam makes such a statement with regard to tefillin (Halachah 23), but does not do so in this instance.
111.Although a Torah scroll is not usually worn, and indeed, doing so is not respectful to the scroll, this leniency is granted lest the scroll become ruined.
The Or Sameach questions why the person cannot carry the scroll less than four cubits at a time, as mentioned in the previous halachah. He explains that the problem is transferring the scroll from the public domain to the home. In Chapter 13, Halachah 9, the Rambam states that one should throw an article that one is carrying from the public domain into a courtyard in an abnormal manner. This would be disrespectful to the Torah scroll. Therefore, it is preferable to wear the scroll. With regard to the propriety of wearing parchment as a garment, the Or Sameach cites the use of similar substances, as mentioned in Halachah 17. See also the suggestion of Shulchan Aruch HaRav mentioned in Note 107.
112.The Maggid Mishneh cites Shabbat 11b, which, as the Rambam states in Halachah 21, rules that a tailor is not liable for carrying his needle stuck into his clothes. Therefore, forbidding a tailor from wearing his needle on Friday afternoon would be a "safeguard to a safeguard," a Rabbinic decree enforced to insure the observance of another Rabbinic decree. Therefore, the prohibition is directed only at carrying a needle in one's hand.
113.See Hilchot Tefillin 4:14, which states that the holiness of tefillin surpasses that of the tzitz, the frontlet worn by the High Priest. Hence, they are worthy of such constant attention.
114.Compare to Hilchot Tefillin 4:12, which mentions similar concepts.
115.The commentaries state that this is necessary lest others receive the impression that it is permissible to wear tefillin on the Sabbath.
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty
1
It is forbidden to transfer a burden on an animal on the Sabbath, as [Exodus 23:12] states, "[On the seventh day, you shall cease activity,] and thus your ox and your donkey may rest."1 This includes [not only] an ox and a donkey, but all animals, beasts, and fowl.2
Although a person is commanded to have [his animals] rest, he is not liable [for causing them to work], for the prohibition is derived from a positive commandment.3 Therefore, a person who directs his animal [while] it is carrying a burden on the Sabbath is not liable.4
א
אסור להוציא משא על הבהמה בשבת שנאמר למען ינוח שורך וחמורך וכל בהמתך. אחד שור וחמור ואחד כל בהמה חיה ועוף. ואם הוציא על הבהמה אף על פי שהוא מצווה על שביתתה אינו לוקח לפי שאיסורו בא מכלל עשה. לפיכך המחמר אחר בהמתו בשבת והיה עליה משאוי פטור:
2
Behold, there is [also] an explicit prohibition in the Torah [against working with an animal] as [Exodus 20:10] states: "Do not do any work on the Sabbath. [This includes] you, your son, your daughter, your servant, your maidservant and your beast."5
[This means that one should not perform forbidden labors such as] plowing and the like [together with an animal]. Since this is a prohibition which is punishable by death, [its violation does not incur] lashes.6
ב
והלא לאו מפורש בתורה שנאמר לא תעשה כל מלאכה אתה ובנך ובתך ועבדך ואמתך ובהמתך. שלא יחרוש בה וכיוצא בחרישה ונמצא לאו שנתן לאזהרת מיתת בית דין ואין לוקין עליו:
3
It is forbidden for a Jew to lend or hire a large animal to a gentile so that the latter may perform work with it on the Sabbath, since [the Jew] is commanded to have his animal rest.7
Our Sages forbade selling a large animal to a gentile,8 lest one come to lend or hire [an animal to work on the Sabbath].9 A person who makes such a sale is penalized and is required to repurchase the animal, even if this requires paying ten times its worth.10
Even an animal that is injured11 should not be sold [to a gentile]. It is, however, permitted to sell [an animal to a gentile] through a broker,12 since a broker neither lends nor hires [beasts].
ג
אסור לישראל להשאיל או להשכיר בהמה גסה לנכרי שלא יעשה בה מלאכה בשבת והרי הוא מצווה על שביתת בהמתו. אסרו חכמים למכור בהמה גסה לנכרי שמא ישאיל או ישכיר. ואם מכר קונסין אותו עד עשרה בדמיה ומחזירה ואפילו שבורה אין מוכרין ומותר למכור להם ע"י סרסור שהסרסור אינו משכיר ואינו משאיל:
4
It is permitted to sell a gentile a horse, since a horse is used only for human transportation13 and not for transporting burdens.14 [Hence, there is no forbidden labor involved, because] "a living entity carries itself."15
Just as it is forbidden to sell [such an animal] to a gentile, so too is it forbidden to sell it to a Jew who, we suspect, might sell it to a gentile.16
One may, however, sell [a gentile] a cow for the purpose of slaughter, [provided] he slaughters it in the seller's presence. One should not, however, sell [any animal], even an ox fattened for slaughter, without an explicit condition, lest the purchaser delay and work with it [on the Sabbath in the interim].17
ד
ומותר למכור להם סוס שאין הסוס עומד אלא לרכיבת אדם לא למשאוי והחי נושא את עצמו. וכדרך שאסרו למכור לנכרי כך אסרו למכור לישראל החשוד למכור לנכרי. ומותר למכור להם פרה לשחיטה ושוחט אותו בפניו. ולא ימכור סתם אפילו שור של פטם שמא ישהא אותו ויעבוד בו:
5
In a place where the accepted custom is to sell a small animal18 to gentiles, one may make such a sale. In a place where the accepted custom is not to make such sales, one should not.19
In all places, however, a large non-domesticated animal should not be sold [to a gentile], just as a large domesticated animal should not be sold unless one does so via a broker.
ה
מקום שנהגו למכור להן בהמה דקה מוכרין. מקום שנהגו שלא למכור אין מוכרין. ובכל מקום אין מוכרין להם חיה גסה כמו שאין מוכרין להם בהמה גסה אלא על ידי סרסור:
6
[The following rules apply when] a person is on a journey and night falls on Friday, [but] he is not accompanied by a gentile to whom he could give his purse:20 If he has an animal with him,21 he should place his purse on [the animal] while it is walking, and when [the animal] desires to stand, he should remove [the purse] from it, so that it will not stand still while carrying [the purse]. [In this manner,] neither the removal of an article from its place, nor placing it down in a new position will have been performed [by the animal].22
It is forbidden for him to direct the animal, even with his voice alone, as long as the purse is on it, so that he will not be considered to be directing his animal on the Sabbath.23 Our Sages decreed24 that one should not place a purse on an animal on the Sabbath unless one is not accompanied by a gentile.25
ו
מי שהחשיך בדרך ולא היה עמו נכרי שיתן לו כיסו והיתה עמו בהמה. מניח כיסו עליה כשהיא מהלכת וכשתרצה לעמוד נוטלו מעליה כדי שלא תעמוד והוא עליה וכדי שלא תהיה שם לא עקירה ולא הנחה. ואסור לו להנהיגה ואפילו בקול כל זמן שהכיס עליה כדי שלא יהיה מחמר בשבת. וגזרת חכמים היא שלא יניח כיסו על גבי בהמה אלא אם אין עמו נכרי:
7
Although the person is also accompanied by a deaf mute, a mentally incompetent individual, and a minor26, he should place his purse on the donkey rather than give to one of these individuals, for they are humans and are members of the Jewish people.27
If he is accompanied by a deaf-mute and a mentally incompetent individual, and does not have an animal with him, he should give it to the mentally incompetent individual.28 If [he is accompanied by] a mentally incompetent individual and a minor, he should give it29 to the mentally incompetent individual.30 If [he is accompanied by] a deaf-mute and a minor, he may give it to whomever he desires.31
If he does not have an animal with him, nor is he accompanied by one of these individuals, he should walk [carrying his purse] less than four cubits [at a time].32 Even if he has acquired a lost article,33 he may [move it] by walking less than four cubits [at a time].
[Different rules, however, apply to a lost article that] he has not acquired: If he can linger and wait until nightfall, he should. If not,34 he may [carry it] by walking less than four cubits [at a time].35
ז
היה עמו חרש שוטה וקטן מניח כיסו על החמור ואינו נותנו לאחד מהן מפני שהן אדם מישראל. היה עמו חרש ושוטה ואין עמו בהמה נותנו לשוטה. שוטה וקטן נותנו לשוטה. חרש וקטן נותנו לאי זה מהן שירצה. לא היתה עמו בהמה ולא נכרי ולא אחד מכל אלו מהלך בו פחות פחות מארבע אמות. ואפילו מציאה שבאה לידו מהלך בה פחות פחות מארבע אמות. אבל קודם שתבא לידו אם יכול להחשיך עליה מחשיך ואם לאו מוליכה פחות פחות מארבע אמות:
8
It is permitted to lead an animal in the public domain with its reins and its bridle,36 provided the bridle and reins are appropriate for it37 - for example, a horse with a neck-ring, a camel with a rope tied to its mouth, a female camel with an iron bit,38 and a dog with a muzzle.
If, however, one took out an animal with a bridle that is insufficient - e.g., one tied a rope in the mouth of a horse - or with a bridle that is excessive, for it would be controlled with a lesser one, - for example one took out a donkey with a horse's neck-ring, or a cat with a muzzle, it is considered to be a burden.39 For any excessive or insufficient restraint is considered to be a burden.40
ח
מותר למשוך את הבהמה במתג ורסן שלה לרשות הרבים והוא שתהיה ראויה לאותו הרסן. כגון שיר לסוס ואפסר לגמל וחטם לנאקה וסוגר לכלב. אבל אם הוציא בהמה במתג שאין משתמרת כגון שקשר חבל בפי הסוס או במתג שאינה צריכה לו אלא משתמרת בפחות ממנו. כגון שהוציא חמור בשיר של סוס או חתול בסוגר הרי זה משאוי. שכל שמירה מעולה או שמירה פחותה משאוי הוא לה:
9
A person should not tie camels together and lead them. [Moreover,] even when they were tied together on Friday, he should not lead them on the Sabbath. One may, however, gather the ropes [of many camels] in one's hand,41 provided none of the ropes extends more than a handbreadth outside one's hand42 and the rope leading from [each] camel's mouth to one's hand is at least a handbreadth above the earth.43
Why is one prohibited from leading camels that are tied to each other? Because it appears as if he is leading them to the marketplace where animals are sold or used for sport.44 For this reason, a person should not go out [leading] an animal wearing a bell around its neck, even if its clapper is plugged [so that] it does not produce a sound.45
ט
לא יקשור גמלים זה בזה וימשוך אפילו היו קשורין מערב שבת אינן נמשכין בשבת. אבל מכניס הוא חבלים לתוך ידו והוא שלא יצא חבל מתוך ידו טפח. וצריך שיהיה החבל שמפי הבהמה עד ידו גבוה מן הארץ טפח או יותר. ומפני מה לא ימשוך הגמלים הקשורים זה בזה מפני שהוא נראה כמי שמוליכן לשוק שמוכרין בו הבהמות או שמשחקין בהן שם. ומפני זה לא תצא בהמה בזוג שבצוארה ואפילו היה פקוק שאין לו קול:
10
An animal should not go out with a bell [attached to] its coverings,46 a seal47 [attached to] its neck, a seal [attached to] its coverings,48 a strap on its foot,49 or a ladder on its neck.50
A donkey may not go out with a saddle-cloth unless it is tied to it on Friday.51 A camel should not go out with a patch attached to its hump or its tail52 unless it is tied to both its hump and its tail.53
A camel should not go out with its foreleg tied to its hind leg54or its foreleg bound.55 The same applies to all other animals.
י
לא תצא בהמה בזוג שבכסותה ולא בחותם שבצוארה ולא בחותם שבכסותה ולא ברצועה שברגלה ולא בסולם שבצוארה. ואין חמור יוצא במרדעת אלא אם כן היתה קשורה לו מערב שבת. ולא יצא גמל במטוטלת התלויה לו בכרבשתו או בזנבו אלא אם כן היתה קשורה בזנבו וחוטרתו. ולא יצא הגמל עקוד יד ולא עקוד רגל וכן שאר כל הבהמות:
11
Chickens56 may not go out with cords,57 nor with straps on their feet.58 Rams may not go out with a small wagon under their fat tail.59 Ewes may not go out with [chips of] wood that are placed in their nostrils so that they sneeze and dislodge the worms in their brains.60
A calf may not go out with a small yoke [that is placed] on its neck to break [its nature] and accustom it [to bearing a yoke so that later it will wear a larger yoke for] plowing. An animal may not go out with a muzzle placed in its mouth so that it will neither bite nor eat. A cow may not go out with a hedgehog skin on its teats so that crawling animals61 will not suck from it when it sleeps,62 nor may it go out with a strap between its horns, regardless of whether it is placed there as an ornament or as a restraint.63
When a goat's horns are pierced, it may go out with a rope tied to its horns on the Sabbath. If the rope is tied to [the goat's] beard, it is forbidden, lest it tear off and the person carry it in his hands in the public domain. The same applies in all similar situations.
יא
אין התרנגולים יוצאין בחוטין ולא ברצועות שברגליהם. ואין הכבשין יוצאין בעגלה שתחת אליה שלהן. ואין הכבשות יוצאות בעצים שמניחים להן בחוטמן כדי שיתעטשו ויפלו התולעין שבמוחן. ואין העגל יוצא בעול קטן שמניחין לו על צוארו כדי שיכנע ויהיה נוח לחרישה. ולא תצא בהמה בשבכה שמניחין לה בפיה כדי שלא תשוך או שלא תאכל. לא תצא הפרה בעור הקופר שמניחין לה על דדיה כדי שלא יינק ממנה השרץ כשהיא ישינה. ולא תצא ברצועה שבין קרניה בין לנוי בין לשמר. עז שחקק לה בקרניה יוצאה באפסר הקשור בחקק בשבת. ואם תחבו בזקנה אסור שמא תנתחנו ויביאנו בידו ברשות הרבים וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
12
Rams may go out with a wide strap tied against their genitals so that they will not copulate with females, with a hard piece of leather strapped over their hearts so that they will not be attacked by wolves,64 and with an embroidered cloth that is placed on them to make them more attractive.65
Ewes may go out with their fat tail tied to their backs, [exposing them] so that rams will copulate with them, or tied downward so that rams will not copulate with them. They may go out covered with a cloth so that their wool will remain clean.66
Goats may go out with their teats tied so that their milk will dry up.67 They should not go out, however, [with their teats tied] so that no milk will flow out until they are milked in the evening.68
יב
הזכרים יוצאים בעור הקשור להן על זכרותן כדי שלא יעלו על הנקבות. ובעור הקשור להם על לביהם כדי שלא יפלו עליהם זאבים. ובמטלניות המרוקמות שמיפין אותן בהן. והרחלות יוצאות ואליה שלהן קשורה למעלה על גבן כדי שיעלו עליהן הזכרים. או קשורה למטה כדי שלא יעלו עליהם הזכרים. ויוצאות מלופפות במטלניות כדי שיהיה הצמר שלהן נקי. העזים יוצאות ודדיהן קשורות כדי שייבש מהן החלב. אבל אם קשרן כדי שלא יצא החלב עד שיחלוב אותו לערב הרי אלו לא יצאו:
13
A donkey should not go out [wearing] a saddle even when it is tied upon it on Friday.69 A horse may not go out wearing a foxtail70 or with a scarlet thread between its eyes.71
An animal should not go out with a feeding bag [attached] to its mouth, nor with metal shoes,72 nor with an amulet that has not proven its efficacy for an animal.73 An animal may, however, go out with a bandage placed on a wound,74 with plates placed on a broken bone,75 or with a placenta that is hanging from it.
We may plug up a bell hanging around its neck76 and allow [an animal] to stroll with it in a courtyard.77 Similarly, one may place78 a saddlecloth on a donkey79 and allow it to stroll in a courtyard. One may not, however, attach a feeding bag to [an animal] on the Sabbath [even when it will not go beyond a courtyard].80
יג
אין חמור יוצא באוכף אע"פ שקשור לו מערב שבת. ולא יצא הסוס בזנב שועל ולא בזהורית שבין עיניו. ולא תצא בהמה בקרסטל שבפיה ולא בסנדל שברגלה ולא בקמיע שאינו מומחה לבהמה. אבל יוצאה היא באגד שע"ג המכה ובקשקשים שעל גבי השבר. ובשליה המדולדלת בה. ופוקק לה זוג שבצוארה ומטיילת בו בחצר. ונותן מרדעת על החמור בשבת ומטייל בחצר. אבל אין תולין לה קרסטל בפיה בשבת:
14
Just as a person is commanded that his animals rest on the Sabbath, so too, he is commanded that his servants and maidservants rest. Although they have the power of thought, and act according to their own volition, [their master] is obligated to watch over them and prevent them from performing [forbidden] labor on the Sabbath, as [Exodus 23:12] states: "Thus your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the foreigner may find repose."81
The servants and maidservants whom we are commanded to have rest [on the Sabbath] are servants that have been circumcised and have immersed themselves [in the mikveh], so that they be granted the status of servants who have accepted the mitzvot that servants are obligated to observe.82 By contrast, servants who have not been circumcised and have not immersed themselves, but have merely accepted [the observance of] the seven [universal] laws commanded to the descendants of Noach,83 are considered equivalent to "resident aliens" and are permitted to perform [forbidden] labors for their own sake84 in public as the Jews may during the week. [The status of] a resident alien is granted only in the era when the Jubilee year is observed.85
[One might ask:] Since a resident alien may perform [forbidden] labors on his own behalf on the Sabbath, and a convert is considered equivalent to a native-born Jew in all matters, who is referred to with [the term הגר] in the phrase, "and the son of your maidservant and the foreigner [הגר] may find repose"?86
This refers to a resident alien who is an employee of a Jew, like "the son of [his] maidservant." Such a resident alien may not perform [forbidden] labors on behalf of his Jewish master on the Sabbath.87He may, however, perform [such labors] on his own behalf. Moreover, even if this foreigner is a servant [belonging to a Jewish master], [this foreigner] may perform [labors] for his own sake [on the Sabbath].88
יד
כשם שאדם מצווה על שביתת בהמתו בשבת כך הוא מצווה על שביתת עבדו ואמתו ואע"פ שהן בני דעת ולדעת עצמן עושין מצוה עלינו לשמרן ולמנען מעשיית מלאכה בשבת שנאמר למען ינוח שורך וחמורך וינפש בן אמתך והגר. עבד ואמה שאנו מצווין על שביתתן הם עבדים שמלו וטבלו לשם עבדות וקיבלו מצות שהעבדים חייבין בהן. אבל עבדים שלא מלו ולא טבלו אלא קיבלו עליהן שבע מצות שנצטוו בני נח בלבד הרי הן כגר תושב ומותרין לעשות מלאכה בשבת לעצמן בפרהסיא כישראל בחול. ואין מקבלין גר תושב אלא בזמן שהיובל נוהג. הואיל וגר תושב עושה מלאכה לעצמו בשבת וגר צדק הרי הוא כישראל לכל דבר. במי נאמר וינפש בן אמתך והגר. זה גר תושב שהוא לקיטו ושכירו של ישראל כמו בן אמתו. שלא יעשה מלאכה לישראל רבו בשבת אבל לעצמו עושה. ואפילו היה הגר זה עבדו הרי זה עושה לעצמו
FOOTNOTES
1.We have translated the verse as it appears in the Torah. The standard printed texts of the Mishneh Torah include several words that are not included in the original verse.
2.Bava Kama 54b explains that although the verse mentions only an ox and a donkey, the obligation to rest refers to all animals. "The Torah referred to common circumstances" - i.e., since these animals are generally those used for work, they were the ones mentioned specifically.
3.I.e., the positive commandment of resting on the Sabbath also implies not having one's beasts perform labor.
4.See Halachah 6 and notes.
5.This is the prohibition against working on the Sabbath mentioned in the Ten Commandments.
6.This principle (which has its source in Makkot 13b and which the Rambam quotes in Hilchot Sanhedrin 18:2) generally means that if a person transgresses a prohibition punishable by death, but for certain reasons that punishment cannot be administered, he should not be lashed instead. The rationale is that the only punishment which the Torah prescribed for this transgression is execution. There is no source in the Torah which prescribes a lesser punishment.
Nevertheless, within the context of this principle is also the concept that if a certain dimension of a prohibition involves capital punishment, the punishment of lashes is not given to a person who violates another act that is included in this prohibition, but is not punishable by death.
To apply these concepts to the case at hand: Working with an animal is the subject of a Torah prohibition. When a person works with an animal, however, he is not punished by lashes as are others who violate Torah prohibitions. Why? Because there are certain instances when working with an animal is punishable by death - i.e., when the activity is performed by a man and the animal together - for example, plowing. Therefore, even when the labor a person has the animal perform does not cause that person to incur the death sentence - for example, leading it while it is carrying a burden - he is not punished by lashes.
This is the interpretation of the Maggid Mishneh. The Ramban (in his gloss on Sefer HaMitzvot, General Principle 14), however, interprets the Rambam's words to mean that the Torah's prohibition against working with an animal applies only to activities like plowing when the activity is performed by the man and the beast together. The only prohibition stemming from the Torah against having an animal carry a burden is the prohibition derived from the positive commandment mentioned in Halachah 1. Both these interpretations and their implications are discussed at length by the later commentaries.
7.Although the Jew is not making the animal work himself, he is not fulfilling the Torah's command that his animal rest.
8.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Pesachim 4:3), the Rambam emphasizes that there is no difference in this instance whether the gentile is an idolater or not.
Based on the rulings of the Tur, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 151:4) states that it is customary not to enforce this prohibition in the present age. The Siftei Cohen 151:12 states that the socio-economic conditions under which our people live have changed, and substantial losses would be sustained if the prohibition were observed. Furthermore, the reason for the prohibition is no longer applicable, for it is uncommon for a Jew to lend or hire his animals to a gentile.
9.The Kessef Mishneh and others note that Avodah Zarah 15a mentions another reason for this prohibition: A Jew who sells an animal to a gentile on Friday afternoon may be required to assist him in training it to follow its new master. This activity may be prolonged past the commencement of the Sabbath. Nevertheless, since this is an infrequent possibility, and the Jew is not performing this task entirely by himself, the Rambam does not mention this matter here. (Significantly, however, he does mention it in his Commentary to the Mishnah, Pesachim, loc. cit.)
10.Note the parallel in Hilchot Avadim 8:1. Significantly, in that halachah, the Rambam states that if the gentile demands a price greater than this figure, the Jew has no further obligation.
11.And is unfit for most labor. Since, however, there are tasks that it can perform, the prohibition is not nullified (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit.).
12.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), the Rambam emphasizes that the Jewish owner must not be present while the broker is making the sale.
13.Note the differences between this ruling and the Rambam's statements in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Pesachim 4:3). The Rambam interprets that Mishnah to be referring to a specific type of horse that is used for transporting birds and not humans. Nevertheless, even according to the Commentary on the Mishnah, ordinary horses are primarily used for human transport.
14.Note the Beit Yosef (Yoreh De'ah 151), which states that even though it is now customary to perform other tasks with horses, since our Sages did not apply the prohibition to them originally, the scope of their decree need not be extended in the present age. See the notes on the previous halachah.
15.See the explanation of this principle in Chapter 18, Halachah 16.
16.Note the parallel in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 9:8.
17.The Lechem Mishneh and others question if this prohibition applies when one sells an animal to a gentile butcher as well. Even if the butcher does not slaughter the animal in one's presence, it is clear that he did not purchase it for the sake of labor.
18.E.g., a sheep or a goat.
19.The Siftei Cohen (based on Rashi, Avodah Zarah 14b) explains that the reason for the prohibition is our suspicion that the gentile may sodomize the animal, and there is no relation to the Sabbath prohibitions at all.
Work is generally not performed with a small animal, nor would it be proper to forbid the sale of a small animal lest one sell a large animal. The sale of a large animal is only a Rabbinic prohibition. Accordingly, instituting another prohibition because of it would be improper, since the Rabbis did not "institute a safeguard for a safeguard."
Note, however, the Sefer HaKovetz, which differs and maintains that the prohibition against selling a small animal is a safeguard for the prohibition against selling a larger one. Were this not so, the Rambam would not have mentioned the prohibition against selling a small animal in these halachot.
20.Although we are forbidden to ask a gentile to perform a forbidden labor on our behalf on the Sabbath, as explained in Chapter 6, leniency is granted in this case. We suspect that if the person was required to abandon his money on the Sabbath, he would disobey the law and carry it himself instead. (See Chapter 6, Halachah 22, and the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 24:1.)
21.Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 266:4, which states that this ruling applies only when the animal belongs to him, for the verse mentioned at the beginning of the chapter states "and thus your ox and your donkey may rest." When the animal belongs to another individual, it is preferable to have the animal carry the purse. Although we are forbidden to perform a forbidden labor with an animal (Halachah 2), that prohibition can be avoided by making sure the animal does not perform the akirah or the hanachah. There is also a Rabbinic prohibition against working with an animal that belongs to another person. That prohibition is, however, less severe than the prohibition against asking a gentile to perform labor on one's behalf.
22.The Mishnah Berurah 266:7 explains that the prohibition against working with an animal also mentions the term melachah. Accordingly, it is the same activities that a man is prohibited from performing on the Sabbath that are forbidden to be done with an animal.
As mentioned previously, the forbidden labor of transferring involves akirah, removing the article from its previous position, and hanachah, placing the article down in a new position. When a person - or an animal - who is carrying an article begins walking, he is considered to have performed an akirah, and when he stops he is considered to have performed a hanachah. (See Chapter 13, Halachah 8.)
Accordingly, were a person to place a burden on an animal while it is at rest and remove it from him after the animal has come to rest again, he would be considered as having performed labor with the animal, for the animal will have performed both the akirah and the hanachah.
If, however, one follows the course of action suggested by the Rambam, the animal will have performed neither of these acts. Since the article was placed upon the animal after it began to walk, it is not considered to have performed the akirah. Similarly, if the article was removed from the animal before it halted, it is not considered to have performed the hanachah.
23.The Rashba and others question the Rambam's ruling in this instance, arguing that since the animal does not perform the akirah and the hanachah (as explained above), what difference does it make whether one leads the animal or not? There is no possibility of the animal's performing a forbidden labor.
The Rambam, however, maintains that leading an animal carrying a burden is also forbidden. Otherwise, the license granted a person would be too extensive (Maggid Mishneh).
24.Shabbat 17b.
25.As the Rambam states in Chapter 6, Halachah 16, we are not commanded to see that a gentile rests on the Sabbath, while we do have such an obligation with regard to our animals.
(See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav 266:3 and the Mishnah Berurah 266:6, which state that the above rules also apply when a person is accompanied by a gentile whom he does not trust.)
26.These three types of individuals are often mentioned together in the Talmudic literature. They are all considered to be lacking the intellectual capacity to control their conduct. Hence, they are not obligated to observe the mitzvot.
27.Rashi (Shabbat 153a) adds that if one of these individuals were allowed to carry the purse, one might err and think that an ordinary Jew is also allowed to carry.
28.The deaf-mute has a minimal amount of understanding, and thus, were he to carry an article on the Sabbath, the potential for making an error and thinking that all are allowed to carry is greater (ibid.).
29.The Rashba, the Ramban, Rav Moshe Cohen, and others differ with the Rambam and maintain that one should should give the individual the purse while he is walking, and should remove the purse from him before he stands (as explained in the previous halachah), so that the individual carrying the purse will perform neither the akirah nor the hanachah. They maintain that although a mentally incompetent individual (and similarly, the others mentioned) are not obligated to observe the mitzvot, it is forbidden to "feed him non-kosher food with one's hands." (See Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 17:27.) Similarly, in this instance it is forbidden to give these individuals an article and tell them to carry it. See also Chapter 24, Halachah 11, and notes.
This opinion is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 266:6) and accepted by the later authorities. There is a difference of opinion among the Rabbis whether the above law applies if one gives the article to one of these individuals before the commencement of the Sabbath. On the one hand, it is obvious that one's intent is to have the individual carry the article on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, since one gives the article to him before the commencement of the Sabbath, one is not considered to be "feeding him non-kosher food with one's hands." (See the glosses of the Ramah and the Magen Avraham on that law.)
30.Since the child will ultimately become obligated to perform mitzvot, it is preferable that he not violate them in his childhood.
31.Shabbat 153b explains that on the one hand, it is preferable to give it to the child, because when the deaf-mute carries, the impression will be created that an adult may carry on the Sabbath. Conversely, however, there is a disadvantage in giving it to the child, for he will ultimately mature and become obligated to observe the mitzvot.
The Be'ur Halachah 266 emphasizes that when the minor is one's own son, it is definitely preferable to give the purse to the deaf-mute, for a person is obligated to train his children in the observance of the mitzvot.
32.As mentioned in Chapter 12, Halachot 15 and 19, a person is permitted to carry within a space of four cubits. Thus, each time he stops, the four cubits in which he is allowed to carry become redefined, and in this manner he can carry the article several miles on the Sabbath. (See also Chapter 13, Halachah 10, and Chapter 6, Halachah 22.)
It must be emphasized that transferring the article less than four cubits at a time is permitted only when carrying the article in the public domain, but not with regard to transferring the article into the private domain. This must be accomplished by throwing the article in an irregular manner (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 266:12; Mishnah Berurah 266:17).
Significantly, in contrast to Chapter 13, Halachah 9, the Rambam does not say that the person should run without stopping until he arrives home. It is possible to differentiate between the two instances by explaining that the present halachah refers to an instance when the person had stopped after the commencement of the Sabbath, while the halachah cited refers to an instance when the person had continued walking.
33.The leniencies granted to allow a person to maintain possession of his own property do not apply to a lost object that he discovered, since he will not suffer a loss by leaving it. Nevertheless, once a person has already taken possession of the lost object, it is considered to be his own property.
34.I.e., if there is a danger, because of thieves or the like.
35.According to the Rambam, as stated in Chapter 6, Halachah 22, there is no prohibition against carrying an article less than four cubits at a time. Most authorities, however, differ with him on this issue and maintain that this is a leniency that is permitted only in rare instances. Hence, in the case of a lost article when a person will not suffer a loss, the leniency is not granted. It is the opinion of these authorities that is quoted in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 266:7).
36.The bridle and reins are not considered muktzeh, because the person had the intent of using them before the Sabbath. One must, however, be careful not to lean on the animal when putting the bridle and the reins on it, for it is forbidden to make use of a live animal (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 305:1 and commentaries).
37.This halachah revolves around the following principle: A restraint that is necessary to control an animal is not considered to be a burden and may be borne by the animal on the Sabbath.
38.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 5:1), the Rambam writes that female camels are more powerful than males and need stronger restraints. The rope used to tie a male camel is, however, apparently different from that mentioned later in the halachah in regard to a horse.
39.A person who leads an animal into the public domain with such a restraint is thus considered as having violated the prohibition against having an animal work on the Sabbath.
40.When quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) mentions "a very excessive restraint" - i.e., we are not expected to measure exactly the strength of the animal and the restraint. As long as the restraint is more or less appropriate for the animal, it is not considered to be a burden.
41.The Tur (Orach Chayim 305) appears to differ and to allow one to lead merely one camel at a time.
42.If the rope extends longer, it might appear that one is carrying the rope and not using it as a restraint for the animal (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 5:3).
43.If the rope hangs lower, it does not appear to be a restraint for the animal, but rather an unnecessary burden (Rashi, Shabbat 54b).
44.Shabbat 54a states that a person leading a group of camels appears as if he is going to a חנגא. The Rambam, based on the commentary of Rabbenu Chanan'el, interprets that term as having both the meanings mentioned above. It appears to refer to a country-fair that was an occasion for both commerce and celebration for the populace at large.
45.A bell will make the animal look more attractive (Rashi, Shabbat 54b). Alternatively, a bell's sound will invite the attention of prospective customers. An onlooker may not realize that the bell has been plugged (Tiferet Yisrael, Shabbat 5:4).
46.Rashi and Tosafot (Shabbat 58a) states that the reason stated in the previous halachah - that one appears to be taking them to a fair - applies in this instance as well.
47.Identifying it as belonging to its master.
48.This prohibition applies even if the seal is woven into the animal's covering (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:15; Mishnah Berurah 305:45).
From the context here, it would appear that the reason for the prohibition is that the seal is considered to be an unnecessary burden. Note, however, Shulchan Aruch HaRav (loc. cit.), which states that the prohibition was instituted lest the seal fall and the owner pick it up and carry it.
49.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 5:4, based on Shabbat 54b), the Rambam interprets this as referring to a leather strap tied around the hoof of an animal that has been wounded.
50.This refers to wooden restraint placed on the animal's neck to prevent it from being able to turn its head backwards. Such a restraint would be placed on an animal to deter it from chewing on a wound on its back (ibid.).
51.Shabbat 53a states that a donkey is always cold, and hence, a saddle-cloth is necessary, even in the summer, to keep it warm. Accordingly, the saddle-cloth is considered to be a garment and not a burden.
The saddlecloth must be tied to the animal, lest it fall and its owner carry it on the Sabbath. It must be tied before the Sabbath, because there is no way that it can be tied on the Sabbath itself without leaning on the animal, which is a forbidden act. Our Sages prohibited a person who violated their decree and tied the saddle-cloth on the Sabbath from taking out his donkey on that day (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 5:2).
Other commentaries explain that if the saddle-cloth was not tied to the animal on Friday, we can assume that it does not suffer from cold so seriously. Hence, it is forbidden for it to wear the saddle-cloth on the Sabbath.
52.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.:3), the Rambam states that the patch is used as a sign of identification or for superstitious reasons. Note Rashi (Shabbat 54a), who translates מטוטלת as a "small cushion" rather than as a patch.
53.Our translation is based on Rav Kapach's commentary.
54.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.).
55.I.e., one of its back feet to one of its front legs, so that it can walk on only three legs (ibid.). In both these instances, the animal is able to walk, but cannot walk fast.
56.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 5:4), the Rambam emphasizes that this applies to both male and female chickens.
57.Attached to their feet for the purpose of identification (ibid., based on Shabbat 54b).
58.The Rambam (loc. cit.) interprets this as referring to straps that hang loosely from a chicken's feet. He does not explain their purpose. Others (based on Shabbat 54b) explain that these straps served as a restraint.
59.The Rambam (loc. cit.) explains that this refers to a unique species of rams. When they are fattened, all the fat collects in the fat tail, which swells in size. Because of its size, the ram is unable to lift it easily. Therefore, a small wagon is constructed and attached to them to support their tails and prevent them from dragging on the ground and becoming bruised and cut. The Rambam states that he was familiar with such a species of rams.
60.The Rambam (ibid.) states that this refers to chips from the yachnun tree. Based on Shabbat 54b, he explains that these chips were not necessary for rams. Since they butt each other frequently, this would dislodge the worms from their heads.
61.Significantly, Shabbat 54b singles out the species yalei, which Tosafot (based on Bava Batra 4a) identifies as the hedgehog itself. The Biblical name for this species anaka (Leviticus 11:30) resembles the word yenikah, "sucking," and refers to this species' tendency to suck milk.
62.The sharp prickles of the hedgehog skin will annoy the crawling animals and prevent them from sucking the cow's milk (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit., based on Shabbat 54b).
63.In his Commentary on the Mishnah [loc. cit. (based on Shabbat, loc. cit.), the Rambam relates that Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah had a neighbor who let his cow go out with a strap between its horns. Rabbi Elazar did not rebuke him for this act, and hence the responsibility for this transgression was considered his. The Jerusalem Talmud (Shabbat 5:4) relates that as penance, Rabbi Elazar fasted until his teeth became black.
64.Shabbat 53b offers both these interpretations for the word לבובין in the Mishnah, Shabbat 5:2. The Rambam interprets them as not being mutually exclusive and hence cites both of them as halachah. See also the following note.
65.Shabbat (loc. cit.) also offers this as an interpretation of the term לבובין. The Ra'avad, however, objects to this particular interpretation, explaining that, as obvious from the ruling in the previous halachah regarding a strap tied between a cow's horns, any article placed on an animal for the purpose of ornamentation is considered to be a burden and forbidden.
The Maggid Mishneh (in his notes on the following halachah) offers an explanation that can resolve this difficulty. An ornament that an animal wears during the week is also permitted on the Sabbath. The ornaments that are forbidden are those that are placed on the animal for the Sabbath day alone.
Note also an original interpretation offered by the Or Sameach, which explains that ornamentation that makes an animal attractive in the eyes of humans is forbidden. The cloth mentioned in this halachah is, by contrast, intended to make the animal attractive in the eyes of the other animals. Some support for this thesis can be derived from comparison to the other articles mentioned in this halachah.
66.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 5:2), the Rambam states that these coverings are placed over ewes and not over rams, because ewes' wool is softer than that of rams.
67.This may be done to change the goats' hormonal balance so that they will conceive faster.
68.Rabbenu Yonah explains that the goats' teats were tied for this purpose on the Sabbath and not during the week. During the week, they would be milked in the morning and in the evening, and there was little chance of sufficient pressure building up to cause the milk to ooze out. On the Sabbath, by contrast, they could not be milked from sunset until after nightfall on the next day, and the possibility existed that extra milk would ooze out.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 305:6) follows the interpretation of Rashi, who explains that these ties are not bound tightly and the possibility exists that they will fall and that the owner will carry them in the public domain.
69.Although a donkey may go out wearing a saddlecloth, as stated in Halachah 10, a saddle itself is considered a burden.
70.Rashi (Shabbat 53a) explains that this was used as a talisman to ward off the evil eye.
71.Because it is an unnecessary ornament and therefore considered a burden. See the notes on the previous halachah.
72.Note the Mishnah Berurah 305:41, which states that this restriction does not apply to iron horseshoes that are permanently affixed to the animal's feet.
73.Even if an amulet has proven its efficacy for a human, as long as it has not proven its efficacy for an animal, we are in doubt of its usefulness. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:21 states that a human being has angels and spiritual forces that will assist his recovery, and an animal lacks these. Therefore, the amulet used by a human need not be as powerful.
74.Chapter 19, Halachah 13 grants a person license to go out with a bandage on a wound. The same concept applies regarding an animal.
75.So that it will set in place and heal (Maggid Mishneh).
76.The bell must be plugged, since it is forbidden to ring bells on the Sabbath as stated in Chapter 23, Halachah 4.
77.In this and the following instance, the leniency is granted in a courtyard, but not in the public domain.
78.The saddle cloth may not be tied, since by doing so one would be making use of an animal. (See the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 305:8 and the notes on Halachah 10.)
79.This leniency applies only to a donkey that chronically suffers from cold, as explained in the notes on Halachah 10, and not to a horse or other similar species (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
80.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:10) mentions that, in a courtyard, a feeding bag may be attached to calves and ponies which do not have long necks and find it uncomfortable to eat by themselves.
81.The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's decision, explaining that since the servants are themselves obligated to observe the prohibition against working on the Sabbath, of what purpose is the prohibition imposed on their master? The Maggid Mishneh and Radbaz (Vol. V, Responsum 1525) explain that the servants may be lax in their observance. Therefore, an additional command is given to their master.
82.In Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 14;9, the Rambam explains that a Cana'anite servant goes through a process similar to that of conversion when purchased by a Jewish master. This process includes circumcision, immersion in the mikveh, and the acceptance of mitzvot. Once this process is completed, the servant is bound to observe all the mitzvot that are incumbent upon Jewish women.
83.These seven universal laws include the prohibitions against the worship of false gods, cursing God, killing, stealing, incest and adultery, eating a limb torn from a living animal and the obligation to set up courts of law to judge civil matters. The Rambam explains these laws in Hilchot Melachim, Chapter 9 and 10.
A servant may temporarily refuse to accept the mitzvot incumbent upon Jewish servants. In this instance, he does not undergo the process of circumcision and immersion and is given twelve months to decide whether to accept Jewish observance or not. If he refuses, he must be sold (Hilchot Avadim 8:12).
In the interim, this servant must accept the observance of these seven universal laws. If not, he should be killed immediately (see Hilchot Avadim 1:6 and commentaries).
84.But not for the sake of a Jew. In Chapter 6, it was explained that there is a Rabbinic prohibition preventing a Jew from instructing a gentile to perform a forbidden labor on his behalf. This halachah emphasizes that when a gentile is the Jew's servant, the Jew is violating a positive commandment of the Torah itself by having the gentile work for him on the Sabbath. See notes 87 and 88 below.
85.As explained in Hilchot Shemitah V'Yovel 10:9, there are many mitzvot whose observance is dependent on the observance of the yovel, the Jubilee year. The observance of the Jubilee year itself is dependent on the proportion of the Jewish people living in Eretz Yisrael. Only when the majority of our people live in the holy land is this mitzvah observed.
86.The intent of this question is not directly obvious in a translated text. The Hebrew word גר has two meanings in Halachic terminology: a convert - גר צדק - and a resident alien - גר תושב. Since, as the Rambam indicates, the verse does not appear to refer to either of these individuals, what is the intent of the word גר in that verse?
87.The Maggid Mishneh states that this positive mitzvah prohibits not only one's servant or one's hired hand, but any gentile who has accepted the observance of these seven universal laws, from working on one's behalf on the Sabbath. For as soon as the gentile agrees to perform the forbidden labor on behalf of a Jew, he is considered as the Jew's hired hand.
The question may arise: Concerning whom is the Rambam speaking in Chapter 6 when he states that asking a gentile to work on our behalf is prohibited merely by virtue of Rabbinic decree? A gentile who has not accepted the observance of any mitzvot at all.
88.Thus, according to the Rambam, the verse quoted above contains two prohibitions: one requiring one to watch that any servants who have accepted the mitzvot observe the Sabbath laws, and another, prohibiting us from benefiting from any work done on our behalf by a gentile who has not accepted these mitzvot.
Hayom Yom:
• English Text | Video Class
Wednesday, Cheshvan 19, 5778 · 08 November 2017
"Today's Day"
Wednesday, Cheshvan 19, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Chayei Sara, Revi'i with Rashi.
Tehillim: 90-96.
Tanya: Now this light (p. 577) ...are entirely one. (p. 579).
A response of the Alter Rebbe in a yechidus: Chassidus is Sh'ma Yisrael.1 The word sh'ma is an acronym of s'u marom eineichem, "Raise your eyes on high."2 The verse says "on high" (marom), and not "to the heavens" (shamayim). "On high" means higher and still higher, to attain a level beyond intellect, and grasp this itself intellectually - as the verse concludes, "and see Who created these."
FOOTNOTES
1.Hear O Israel.
2.Yeshayahu 40:26.
Daily Thought:
Two Minds
The mind of a woman and the mind of a man are two distinct minds at their very core. And only with both can there be a world.
It began when G‑d decided to create a world. In doing so, He took two perspectives. He saw the world from beyond, as its Creator. And He saw the world from within, as the energy of life.
From that first perspective originates the mind of man; from the second, the mind of woman.
That is why the man has the power to conquer and subdue, but he does not have the woman’s sense of the other.
That is why the woman feels the other. She does not conquer, she nurtures. But her light is tightly constrained.
As they bond together, the man unleashes the woman’s light, and the woman teaches the man to feel the other. In that union shines the very essence of all that is holy and divine. (Sefer ha-Likkutim (Ari), Shemot; Sefer ha-Maamarim 5652, p. 118.)
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