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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Wednesday, 17 Tevet, 5778 · January 4, 2018Torah Reading:
Shemot: Exodus 1:1-17
Shemot: Exodus 1:1 These are the names of the sons of Isra’el who came into Egypt with Ya‘akov; each man came with his household: 2 Re’uven, Shim‘on, Levi, Y’hudah, 3 Yissakhar, Z’vulun, Binyamin, 4 Dan, Naftali, Gad and Asher. 5 All told, there were seventy descendants of Ya‘akov; Yosef was already in Egypt.
6 Yosef died, as did all his brothers and all that generation. 7 The descendants of Isra’el were fruitful, increased abundantly, multiplied and grew very powerful; the land became filled with them.
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt. He knew nothing about Yosef 9 but said to his people, “Look, the descendants of Isra’el have become a people too numerous and powerful for us. 10 Come, let’s use wisdom in dealing with them. Otherwise, they’ll continue to multiply; and in the event of war they might ally themselves with our enemies, fight against us and leave the land altogether.”
11 So they put slavemasters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built for Pharaoh the storage cities of Pitom and Ra‘amses. 12 But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, until the Egyptians came to dread the people of Isra’el 13 and worked them relentlessly, 14 making their lives bitter with hard labor — digging clay, making bricks, all kinds of field work; and in all this toil they were shown no mercy.
15 Moreover, the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was called Shifrah and the other Pu‘ah. 16 “When you attend the Hebrew women and see them giving birth,” he said, “if it’s a boy, kill him; but if it’s a girl, let her live.” 17 However, the midwives were God-fearing women, so they didn’t do as the king of Egypt ordered but let the boys live.
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Today in Jewish History:
• First New York Synagogue (1728)
In 1684, a group of Spanish and Portuguese Jews who fled the Inquisition (see "Today in Jewish History" for Tevet 22) held a Rosh Hashanah service in New Amsterdam, thereby founding congregation Shearith Israel ("Remnant of Israel"). On this 17th of Tevet in 1728, the congregation purchased a lot in Lower Manhattan to erect the first synagogue in New York.
• Passing of Toldot Aaron (1754)Rabbi Aaron Zelig ben Joel Feivush of Ostrog, Russia, author of Toldot Aaron, passed away on Tevet 17 of the year in 5515 from creation (1754).
• Passing of Maggid of Dubna (1841)Tevet 17 is also the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yaakov Wolf Krantz (1740-1804), the Maggid (itinerant preacher) of Dubna, particularly known for the parables (meshalim) he employed in his sermons and writings.
Daily Quote: Our father Jacob did not die. Just as his seed lives, so does he live (Talmud, Taanit 5a)
Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Shemot, 5th Portion Exodus 3:16-4:17 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Exodus Chapter 3
16Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and say to them, 'The Lord God of your forefathers has appeared to me, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, "I have surely remembered you and what is being done to you in Egypt." ' טזלֵ֣ךְ וְאָֽסַפְתָּ֞ אֶת־זִקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֤ אֲלֵהֶם֙ יְהֹוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ נִרְאָ֣ה אֵלַ֔י אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם יִצְחָ֥ק וְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב לֵאמֹ֑ר פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְאֶת־הֶֽעָשׂ֥וּי לָכֶ֖ם בְּמִצְרָֽיִם:
the elders of Israel: Those devoted to study, for if you say [that it means] ordinary elderly men, how was it possible for him to gather [all] the elderly men of [a nation of] six hundred thousand? [from Yoma 28b]
את זקני ישראל: מיוחדים לישיבה. ואם תאמר זקנים סתם, היאך אפשר לו לאסוף זקנים של ששים רבוא:
17And I said, 'I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt, to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivvites, and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.' יזוָֽאֹמַ֗ר אַֽעֲלֶ֣ה אֶתְכֶם֘ מֵֽעֳנִ֣י מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ הַכְּנַֽעֲנִי֙ וְהַ֣חִתִּ֔י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י וְהַֽחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ:
18And they will hearken to your voice, and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall say to him, 'The Lord God of the Hebrews has happened upon us, and now, let us go for a three days' journey in the desert and offer up sacrifices to the Lord, our God.' יחוְשָֽׁמְע֖וּ לְקֹלֶ֑ךָ וּבָאתָ֡ אַתָּה֩ וְזִקְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶל־מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֗יִם וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם אֵלָיו֙ יְהֹוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י הָֽעִבְרִיִּים֙ נִקְרָ֣ה עָלֵ֔ינוּ וְעַתָּ֗ה נֵֽלֲכָה־נָּ֞א דֶּ֣רֶךְ שְׁל֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר וְנִזְבְּחָ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ:
And they will hearken to your voice: As soon as you say this expression [“I have surely remembered you…," פָּקֹד פָּקַדְךְתִּי אֶתְכֶם] to them, they will hearken to your voice, for this password was transmitted to them from Jacob and from Joseph, that with this expression they will be redeemed. Jacob said to them, “and God will surely remember יִפְקֹד) (פָּקֹד you (Gen. 50:24). Joseph said to them, “God will surely remember (פָּקֹד יִפְקֹד) you” (Gen. 50:25). — [from Exod. Rabbah 3:11]
ושמעו לקלך: מאליהם, מכיון שתאמר להם לשון זה ישמעו לקולך, שכבר סימן זה מסור בידם מיעקב ומיוסף שבלשון זה הם נגאלים. יעקב אמר (בראשית נ כב) וא-להים פקוד יפקוד אתכם, יוסף אמר להם (בראשית נ כה) פקוד יפקוד א-להים אתכם:
(God of the Hebrews: Heb. הָעִבְרִיִים The “yud” is superfluous. It alludes to the ten plagues. — [From an old Rashi])
העבריים אלהי: (יו"ד יתירה רמז למכות (ברשי ישן
has happened upon us: Heb. נִקְרָה, an expression of an occurrence (מִקְרֶה), and similarly, “God happened (וַיִקָר)” (Num. 23:4), “and I will be met by Him there (וְאָנֹכִי אִקָרֵה כֹּה)” (Num. 23:15).
נקרה עלינו: לשון מקרה וכן (במדבר כג ד) ויקר א-להים, (שם טו) ואנכי אקרה כה, אהא נקרה מאתו הלום:
19However, I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except through a mighty hand. יטוַֽאֲנִ֣י יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֠י לֹֽא־יִתֵּ֥ן אֶתְכֶ֛ם מֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרַ֖יִם לַֽהֲלֹ֑ךְ וְלֹ֖א בְּיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה:
the king of Egypt will not permit you to go: if I do not show him My mighty hand; i.e., as long as I do not show him My mighty hand, he will not let you go.
לא יתן אתכם מלך מצרים להלך: אם אין אני מראה לו ידי החזקה, כלומר כל עוד שאין אני מודיעו ידי החזקה לא יתן אתכם להלוך:
will not permit: Heb. לֹא-יִךְתֵּן, [lit., will not give. In this case, however, Onkelos renders:] לֹא יִֹשְבּוֹק, will not permit, similar to “Therefore, I did not let you (לֹא-נְתַתִּי)” (Gen. 20:6); but God did not let him (וְלֹא-נְתָנוֹ) harm me” (Gen. 31:7), but they all are expressions of giving. [They are basically expressions of giving, in these cases, giving permission.] Others explain וְלֹא בְּיָד חִזָקָה - and not because his hand is mighty, for as soon as I stretch forth My hand and smite the Egyptians, etc.” The Targum renders it: “and not because his strength is mighty.” This was told to me in the name of Rabbi Jacob the son of Rabbi Menachem.
לא יתן: לא ישבוק, כמו (בראשית כ ו) על כן לא נתתיך, (שם לא ז) ולא נתנו א-להים להרע עמדי, וכולן לשון נתינה הם. ויש מפרשים ולא ביד חזקה ולא בשביל שידו חזקה, כי מאז אשלח את ידי והכיתי את מצרים וגו', ומתרגמין אותו ולא מן קדם דחיליה תקיף, משמו של רבי יעקב ברבי מנחם נאמר לי:
20And I will stretch forth My hand and smite the Egyptians with all My miracles that I will wreak in their midst, and afterwards he will send you out. כוְשָֽׁלַחְתִּ֤י אֶת־יָדִי֙ וְהִכֵּיתִ֣י אֶת־מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּכֹל֙ נִפְלְאתָ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶעשֶׂ֖ה בְּקִרְבּ֑וֹ וְאַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן יְשַׁלַּ֥ח אֶתְכֶֽם:
21And I will put this people's favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, and it will come to pass that when you go, you will not go empty handed. כאוְנָֽתַתִּ֛י אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָֽעָם־הַזֶּ֖ה בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם וְהָיָה֙ כִּ֣י תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן לֹ֥א תֵֽלְכ֖וּ רֵיקָֽם:
22Each woman shall borrow from her neighbor and from the dweller in her house silver and gold objects and garments, and you shall put [them] on your sons and on your daughters, and you shall empty out Egypt." כבוְשָֽׁאֲלָ֨ה אִשָּׁ֤ה מִשְּׁכֶנְתָּהּ֙ וּמִגָּרַ֣ת בֵּיתָ֔הּ כְּלֵי־כֶ֛סֶף וּכְלֵ֥י זָהָ֖ב וּשְׂמָלֹ֑ת וְשַׂמְתֶּ֗ם עַל־בְּנֵיכֶם֙ וְעַל־בְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְנִצַּלְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־מִצְרָֽיִם:
and from the dweller in her house: From the one who lives with her in the same house.
ומגרת ביתה: מאותה שהיא גרה אתה בבית:
and you shall empty out: Heb. וְנִצַּלְתֶּם, as the Targum renders: וּתְרוּקְנוּן, and you shall empty out. And likewise, and they emptied out (וַיְנצלוּ) Egypt (Exod. 12:36); “and the children of Israel stripped themselves (וַיִתְנַצְלוּ) of their ornaments” (Exod. 33:6). Hence, the nun is a root letter. Menachem, however, classified it in the classification of the “tzaddi” (Machbereth Menachem p. 149) with “Thus, God separated (וַיַצֵל) your father’s livestock” (Gen. 31:9); “that God separated (הִצִיל) from our father” (Gen. 31:16). His words are, however, incorrect, because if the “nun” were not part of the root, since it is vowelized with a “chirik”, the word would not be used in the active sense for the second person masculine plural, but in the passive form for the second person masculine plural, similar to: “and you shall be uprooted (וְנִסַּחְתֶּם) from the land” (Deut. 28:63); “and you shall be delivered (וְנִתַתֶּם) into the hand of the enemy” (Lev. 26:25); “and you will be beaten (וְנִגַּפְתֶּם) before your enemies” (Lev. 26:17); “and you will be melted (וְנִתַּכְתֶּם) in its midst” (Ezek. 22:21); and say, ‘We are saved (נִצַלְנוּ)’ ” (Jer. 7:10), a passive expression in the first person plural. Every “nun” that is sometimes in the root and [sometimes] is missing, like the “nun” of נוֹגֵף (beats), נוֹשֵׂא (carries), נוֹתֵן (gives), נוֹשֵׁ (bites), when it is used in the active second person plural, is vowelized with a vocalized “schwa,” e.g., “and you shall carry (וּנְשָׂאתֶם) your father” (Gen. 45:19); “and you shall give (וּנְתַתֶּם) them” (Num. 32:29); “And you shall circumcise (וּנְמַלְתֶּם) the flesh of your foreskin” (Gen. 17:11). Therefore, I say that this [nun], which is vowelized with a “chirik”, is part of the root, and the noun is נִצּוּל, which is a heavy expression [with a “dagesh” in the second letter], like דִבּוּר (speech), כִּפּוּר (atonement), לִמוּד (teaching), and when one speaks in the second person plural, it (the first root letter of the verb) is vowelized with a “chirik”, like: “And you shall speak (וְדִבַּרְתֶּם) to the rock” (Num. 20:8); “and expiate (וְכִפַּרְתֶּם) the House” (Ezek. 45:20); “And you shall teach (וְלִמַּדְתֶּם) them to your sons” (Deut. 11:19).
ונצלתם: כתרגומו ותרוקנון. וכן (שמות יב לו) וינצלו את מצרים, (שמות לג ו) ויתנצלו בני ישראל את עדים, והנו"ן בו יסוד. ומנחם חברו במחברת צד"י עם (בראשית לא ט) ויצל א-להים את מקנה אביכם, (שם טז) אשר הציל א-להים מאבינו. ולא יאמנו דבריו, כי אם לא היתה הנו"ן יסוד והיא נקודה בחיר"ק, לא תהא משמשת בלשון ופעלתם אלא בלשון ונפעלתם, כמו (דברים כח סג) ונסחתם מן האדמה, (ויקרא כו כה) ונתתם ביד אויב, (שם יז) ונגפתם לפני אויביכם, (יחזקאל כב כא) ונתכתם בתוכה, (ירמיהו ז י) ואמרתם נצלנו, לשון נפעלנו. וכל נו"ן שהיא באה בתיבה לפרקים ונופלת ממנה, כנו"ן של נוגף, נושא, נותן, נושך, כשהיא מדברת לשון ופעלתם תנקד בשו"א בחטף, כגון (בראשית מה יט) ונשאתם את אביכם, (במדבר לב כט) ונתתם להם את ארץ הגלעד, (בראשית יז יא) ונמלתם את בשר ערלתכם. לכן אני אומר שזאת הנקודה בחיר"ק מן היסוד היא, ויסוד שם דבר נצול, והוא מן הלשונות הכבדים, כמו דבור, כפור, למוד, כשידבר בלשון ופעלתם ינקד בחיר"ק, כמו (במדבר כ ח) ודברתם אל הסלע, (יחזקאל מה כ) וכפרתם את הבית, (דברים יא יט) ולמדתם אותם את בניכם:
Exodus Chapter 4
1Moses answered and said, "Behold they will not believe me, and they will not heed my voice, but they will say, 'The Lord has not appeared to you.' " אוַיַּ֤עַן משֶׁה֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר וְהֵן֙ לֹא־יַֽאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔י וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּקֹלִ֑י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖יךָ יְהֹוָֽה:
2And the Lord said to him, "What is this in your hand?" And he said, "A staff." בוַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלָ֛יו יְהֹוָ֖ה מַה־זֶּ֣ה (כתיב מזה) בְיָדֶ֑ךָ וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מַטֶּֽה:
“What is this in your hand?”: Heb. מַזֶּה, [an unusual spelling. Its usual spelling is מַה זֶה in two words.] It is written as one word to imply the meaning: From this (מִזֶה) in your hand you are liable to be stricken because you have suspected innocent people (Exod. Rabbah 3:12). Its simple meaning is [that God is talking to Moses] as a person who says to his friend, “Do you admit that this before you is a stone?” He answers him, “Yes.” “Well, I will make it into a tree.”
מזה בידך: לכך נכתב תיבה אחת, לדרוש מזה שבידך אתה חייב ללקות, שחשדת בכשרים. ופשוטו כאדם שאומר לחברו מודה אתה שזו שלפניך אבן היא. אומר לו הן. אמר לו הריני עושה אותה עץ:
3And He said, "Cast it to the ground," and he cast it to the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses fled from before it. גוַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַשְׁלִיכֵ֣הוּ אַ֔רְצָה וַיַּשְׁלִכֵ֥הוּ אַ֖רְצָה וַיְהִ֣י לְנָחָ֑שׁ וַיָּ֥נָס משֶׁ֖ה מִפָּנָֽיו:
and it became a serpent-: [This was how] He hinted to him [Moses] that he had spoken ill of Israel (by saying, “They will not believe me,” ) and he had adopted the art of the serpent. — [from Exod. Rabbah 3:12]
ויהי לנחש: רמז לו שסיפר לשון הרע על ישראל ותפש אומנותו של נחש:
4And the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch forth your hand and take hold of its tail." So Moses stretched forth his hand and grasped it, and it became a staff in his hand. דוַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־משֶׁ֔ה שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְךָ֔ וֶֽאֱחֹ֖ז בִּזְנָב֑וֹ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ וַיַּ֣חֲזֶק בּ֔וֹ וַיְהִ֥י לְמַטֶּ֖ה בְּכַפּֽוֹ:
and grasped it-: Heb. וַיַּחֲזִיק בּוֹ. This is an expression of taking hold, and there are many such words in Scripture, e.g., “and the men took hold (וַיַּחִזִיקוּ) of his hand” (Gen. 19:16); “and she grabbed (וְהֶחֱזִיקָה) his private parts” (Deut. 25:11); “and I took hold (וְהֶחֱזַקְךְתִּי) of his jaw” (I Sam. 17:35). Every expression of חִזוּק attached to a “beth” denotes taking hold.
ויחזק בו: לשון אחיזה הוא, והרבה יש במקרא (בראשית יט טז) ויחזיקו האנשים בידו, (דברים כה יא) והחזיקה במבושיו, (שמואל א יז לה) והחזקתי בזקנו. כל לשון חזוק הדבוק לבי"ת, לשון אחיזה הוא:
5"In order that they believe that the Lord, the God of their forefathers, has appeared to you, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." הלְמַ֣עַן יַֽאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛יךָ יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥י יַֽעֲקֹֽב:
6And the Lord said further to him, "Now put your hand into your bosom," and he put his hand into his bosom, and he took it out, and behold, his hand was leprous like snow. ווַיֹּ֩אמֶר֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה ל֜וֹ ע֗וֹד הָֽבֵא־נָ֤א יָֽדְךָ֙ בְּחֵיקֶ֔ךָ וַיָּבֵ֥א יָד֖וֹ בְּחֵיק֑וֹ וַיּ֣וֹצִאָ֔הּ וְהִנֵּ֥ה יָד֖וֹ מְצֹרַ֥עַת כַּשָּֽׁלֶג:
his hand was leprous like snow: It is usual for tzora'as (leprousy) to be white [as we find:] "If it be a white blemish." (Vayikra 13:4) With this sign, too, He hinted to him that he spoke slanderously when he said, "They will not believe me." It is for this reason that He struck him with tzora'as, just as Miriam was struck for speaking slanderously.
מצרעת כשלג: דרך צרעת להיות לבנה (ויקרא יג ד) אם בהרת לבנה היא. אף באות זה רמז שלשון הרע סיפר באומרו (פסוק א) לא יאמינו לי, לפיכך הלקהו בצרעת, כמו שלקתה מרים על לשון הרע:
7And He said, "Put your hand back into your bosom," and he put his hand back into his bosom, and [when] he took it out of his bosom, it had become again like [the rest of] his flesh. זוַיֹּ֗אמֶר הָשֵׁ֤ב יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל־חֵיקֶ֔ךָ וַיָּ֥שֶׁב יָד֖וֹ אֶל־חֵיק֑וֹ וַיּֽוֹצִאָהּ֙ מֵֽחֵיק֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה־שָׁ֖בָה כִּבְשָׂרֽוֹ:
and [when] he took it out of his bosom: From here, [we learn] that the Divine measure of good comes quicker than the measure of retribution, for in the first instance [verse 6] it does not say, from his bosom. — [from Shab. 97a, Exod. Rabbah 3:13]
ויוצאה מחיקו והנה שבה כבשרו: מכאן שמדה טובה ממהרת לבא ממדת פורענות, שהרי בראשונה לא נאמר מחיקו:
8"And it will come to pass, that if they do not believe you, and they do not heed the voice of the first sign, they will believe the voice of the last sign. חוְהָיָה֙ אִם־לֹ֣א יַֽאֲמִ֣ינוּ לָ֔ךְ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֣ת הָֽרִאשׁ֑וֹן וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֥ת הָאַֽחֲרֽוֹן:
they will believe the voice of the last sign: When you tell them, “Because of you I was stricken, because I spoke ill of you,” they will believe you, for they have already learned that those who trespass against them are stricken with plagues, such as Pharaoh and Abimelech, [who were punished] because of Sarah.
והאמינו לקל האת האחרון: משתאמר להם בשבילכם לקיתי על שספרתי עליכם לשון הרע יאמינו לך, שכבר למדו בכך שהמזדווגין להרע להם לוקים בנגעים, כגון פרעה ואבימלך בשביל שרה:
9And it will come to pass, if they do not believe either of these two signs, and they do not heed your voice, you shall take of the water of the Nile and spill it upon the dry land, and the water that you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry land." טוְהָיָ֡ה אִם־לֹ֣א יַֽאֲמִ֡ינוּ גַּם֩ לִשְׁנֵ֨י הָֽאֹת֜וֹת הָאֵ֗לֶּה וְלֹ֤א יִשְׁמְעוּן֙ לְקֹלֶ֔ךָ וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙ מִמֵּימֵ֣י הַיְאֹ֔ר וְשָֽׁפַכְתָּ֖ הַיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה וְהָי֤וּ הַמַּ֨יִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּקַּ֣ח מִן־הַיְאֹ֔ר וְהָי֥וּ לְדָ֖ם בַּיַּבָּֽשֶׁת:
you shall take of the water of the Nile: He hinted to them that with the first plague He exacts retribution upon their deities. (This means that when the Holy One, blessed be He, exacts retribution upon the nations, He first exacts retribution upon their deities, for they [the Egyptians] worshipped the Nile, which afforded them sustenance, and He turned them [the deities, i.e., the Nile] into blood. [From an old Rashi])
ולקחת ממימי היאור: רמז להם שבמכה ראשונה נפרע מאלהותם:
and the water…will become: The word וְהָיוּ, will become, appears twice. [The verse means literally: And will be (וְהָיוּ), meaning that the water that you will take from the Nile will become (וְהָיוּ) blood on dry land.] It seems to me that if it said: “And will be (וְהָיוּ) the water that you will take from the Nile will become (וְהָיוּ) blood on dry land,” I understand [that it means] that in his hand it would turn into blood, and also when it descended to earth, it would remain as it is. But now it [the text] teaches us that it would not become blood until on dry land.
והיו המים וגו': והיו והיו שתי פעמים. נראה בעיני, אלו נאמר והיו המים אשר תקח מן היאור לדם ביבשת, שומע אני שבידו הם נהפכים לדם ואף כשירדו לארץ יהיו בהוייתן, אבל עכשיו מלמדנו שלא יהיו דם עד שיהיו ביבשת:
10Moses said to the Lord, "I beseech You, O Lord. I am not a man of words, neither from yesterday nor from the day before yesterday, nor from the time You have spoken to Your servant, for I am heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue." יוַיֹּ֨אמֶר משֶׁ֣ה אֶל־יְהֹוָה֘ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָי֒ לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִתְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּ֛ם מֵאָ֥ז דַּבֶּרְךָ֖ אֶל־עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֧י כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּכְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן אָנֹֽכִי:
neither from yesterday, etc.: We learn [from this] that for a full seven days the Holy One, blessed be He, was enticing Moses in the thorn bush to go on His mission: “from yesterday,” “from the day before yesterday,” “from the time You have spoken” ; thus there are three [days], and the three times גַּם [is mentioned] are inclusive words, adding up to six, and he was presently in the seventh day when he further said to Him, “Send now with whom You would send” (verse 13), until He became angry (verse 14) and complained about him. All this [reluctance] was because he [Moses] did not want to accept a position higher than his brother Aaron, who was his senior and was a prophet, as it is said: “Did I appear to the house of your father when they were in Egypt?” (I Sam. 2:27); [“your father” means Aaron. Similarly,] “and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt” (Ezek. 20:5); “And I said to them, ‘Every man cast away the despicable idols from before his eyes’” (Ezek. 20:7), and that prophecy was said to Aaron. — [from Exod. Rabbah 3:16]
גם מתמול וגו': למדנו שכל שבעה ימים היה הקב"ה מפתה את משה בסנה לילך בשליחותו מתמול שלשום מאז דברך הרי שלשה, ושלשה גמין רבויין הם, הרי ששה, והוא היה עומד ביום השביעי כשאמר לו זאת עוד (להלן פסוק יג) שלח נא ביד תשלח, עד שחרה בו וקבל עליו. וכל זה, שלא היה רוצה ליטול גדולה על אהרן אחיו שהיה גדול הימנו ונביא היה, שנאמר (שמואל א ב כז) הנגלה נגליתי אל בית אביך בהיותם במצרים, הוא אהרן. וכן ביחזקאל (כ ה) ואודע להם בארץ מצרים וגו', (שם ז) ואומר אליהם איש שקוצי עיניו השליכו, ואותה נבואה לאהרן נאמרה:
heavy of mouth: I speak with difficulty, and in old French, it is balbu, stammerer.
כבד פה: בכבידות אני מדבר, ובלשון לעז בלב"א [גמגמן]:
11But the Lord said to him, "Who gave man a mouth, or who makes [one] dumb or deaf or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? יאוַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֵלָ֗יו מִ֣י שָׂ֣ם פֶּה֘ לָֽאָדָם֒ א֚וֹ מִֽי־יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם א֣וֹ חֵרֵ֔שׁ א֥וֹ פִקֵּ֖חַ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֑ר הֲלֹ֥א אָֽנֹכִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה:
Who gave man a mouth: Who taught you to speak when you were being judged before Pharaoh concerning the Egyptian [you killed]?
מי שם פה וגו': מי למדך לדבר כשהיית נדון לפני פרעה על המצרי:
or who makes [one] dumb: Who made Pharaoh dumb, that he did not exert any effort [to issue his] command to kill you? And [who made] his servants deaf, so that they did not hear his commandment concerning you? And who made the executioners blind, that they did not see when you fled from the [executioner’s] platform and escaped?-[from Tanchuma, Shemoth 10]
או מי ישום אלם: מי עשה פרעה אלם שלא נתאמץ במצות הריגתך, ואת משרתיו חרשים, שלא שמעו בצוותו עליך, ולאספקלטורין ההורגים מי עשאם עורים, שלא ראו כשברחת מן הבימה ונמלטת:
Is it not I: Whose name is the Lord (י-ה-ו-ה), [Who] has done all this.
הלא אנכי: ששמי ה' עשיתי כל זאת:
12So now, go! I will be with your mouth, and I will instruct you what you shall speak. " יבוְעַתָּ֖ה לֵ֑ךְ וְאָֽנֹכִי֙ אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִם־פִּ֔יךָ וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֖יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּדַבֵּֽר:
13But he said, "I beseech You, O Lord, send now [Your message] with whom You would send." יגוַיֹּ֖אמֶר בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָ֑י שְׁלַח־נָ֖א בְּיַד־תִּשְׁלָֽח:
with whom You would send: With whom You are accustomed to sending, and this is Aaron. Another explanation: With someone else, with whom You wish to send, for I am not destined to bring them into the land [of Israel] and to be their redeemer in the future. You have many messengers.
ביד תשלח: ביד מי שאתה רגיל לשלוח, והוא אהרן. דבר אחר ביד אחר שתרצה לשלוח, שאין סופי להכניסם לארץ ולהיות גואלם לעתיד, יש לך שלוחים הרבה:
14And the Lord's wrath was kindled against Moses, and He said, "Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know that he will surely speak, and behold, he is coming forth toward you, and when he sees you, he will rejoice in his heart. ידוַיִּֽחַר־אַ֨ף יְהֹוָ֜ה בְּמשֶׁ֗ה וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הֲלֹ֨א אַֽהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֨יךָ֙ הַלֵּוִ֔י יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי־דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר ה֑וּא וְגַ֤ם הִנֵּה־הוּא֙ יֹצֵ֣א לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָ וְרָֽאֲךָ֖ וְשָׂמַ֥ח בְּלִבּֽוֹ:
wrath was kindled: Rabbi Joshua ben Korchah says: In every [instance that God’s] kindling anger [is mentioned, i.e., that God’s anger was sparked] in the Torah, it is stated [that there was] a consequence [i.e., it was followed by a punishment]. In this [instance, however,] no consequence is stated, and we do not find that a punishment came [to Moses] after this kindling of anger. Rabbi Jose said to him, “Here too you can see a consequence is stated: [namely in the question] ‘Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite,’ who was destined to be a Levite and not a priest [kohen]. I had said that the priesthood would emanate from you, henceforth it will not be so, but he [Aaron] will be a priest and you the Levite, as it is said: ‘But as for Moses, the man of God-his sons were to be called in the tribe of Levi’ (I Chron. 23:14).” -[from Zev. 102a]
ויחר אף: ר' יהושע בן קרחה אומר כל חרון אף שבתורה נאמר בו רושם, וזה לא נאמר בו רושם, ולא מצינו שבא עונש על ידי אותו חרון. אמר לו רבי יוסי אף בזו נאמר בו רושם, הלא אהרן אחיך הלוי, שהיה עתיד להיות לוי ולא כהן, והכהונה הייתי אומר לצאת ממך, מעתה לא יהיה כן, אלא הוא יהיה כהן ואתה הלוי, שנאמר (דברי הימים א' כג כד) ומשה איש הא-להים בניו יקראו על שבט הלוי:
and behold, he is coming forth toward you: when you go to Egypt.
הנה הוא יצא לקראתך: כשתלך למצרים:
and when he sees you, he will rejoice in his heart: Not as you think, that he will resent your attaining a high position. Because of this [Aaron’s goodness and humility], Aaron merited the ornament of the breastplate, which is placed over the heart (Exod. 28:29). — [from Exod. Rabbah 3:17]
וראך ושמח בלבו: לא כשאתה סבור שיהא מקפיד עליך שאתה עולה לגדולה. ומשם זכה אהרן לעדי החשן הנתון על הלב:
15You shall speak to him, and you shall put the words into his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will instruct you [both] what you shall do. טווְדִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו וְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים בְּפִ֑יו וְאָֽנֹכִ֗י אֶֽהְיֶ֤ה עִם־פִּ֨יךָ֙ וְעִם־פִּ֔יהוּ וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֣י אֶתְכֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן:
16And he will speak for you to the people, and it will be that he will be your speaker, and you will be his leader. טזוְדִבֶּר־ה֥וּא לְךָ֖ אֶל־הָעָ֑ם וְהָ֤יָה הוּא֙ יִֽהְיֶה־לְּךָ֣ לְפֶ֔ה וְאַתָּ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶה־לּ֥וֹ לֵֽאלֹהִֽים:
And he will speak for you: Heb לְ On your behalf he will speak to the people. This proves that every instance of לָכֶם, לְ, לִי, לוֹ and לָהֶם used in conjunction with דִבּוּר, speech, all denote “on behalf of.”
ודבר הוא לך: בשבילך ידבר אל העם וזה יוכיח על כל לך ולי ולו ולכם ולהם הסמוכים לדבור, שכולם לשון על הם:
will be your speaker: lit., your mouth. [He will be] your interpreter, because you have a speech impediment. — [from targumim]
יהיה לך לפה: למליץ, לפי שאתה כבד פה:
leader: Heb. לֵאלֹהִים, as a master and as a prince.
לא-להים: לרב ולשר:
17And you shall take this staff in your hand, with which you shall perform the signs." יזוְאֶת־הַמַּטֶּ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה תִּקַּ֣ח בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּֽעֲשֶׂה־בּ֖וֹ
Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 83 - 87
• Hebrew text
• English text
Chapter 83
A prayer regarding the wars against Israel in the days of Jehoshaphat, when the nations plotted against Israel.
1. A song, a psalm by Asaph.
2. O God, do not be silent; do not be quiet and do not be still, O God.
3. For behold, Your enemies are in uproar, and those who hate You have raised their head.
4. They plot deviously against Your nation, and conspire against those sheltered by You.
5. They say, "Come, let us sever them from nationhood, and the name of Israel will be remembered no more.”
6. For they conspire with a unanimous heart, they made a covenant against You-
7. the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
8. Geval and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre.
9. Assyria, too, joined with them, and became the strength of the sons of Lot, Selah.
10. Do to them as to Midian; as to Sisera and Yavin at the brook of Kishon,
11. who were destroyed at Ein Dor, and were as dung for the earth.
12. Make their nobles like Orev and Ze'ev, all their princes like Zevach and Tzalmuna,1
13. who said, "Let us inherit the dwellings of God for ourselves.”
14. My God, make them like whirling chaff, like straw before the wind.
15. As a fire consumes the forest, and a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
16. so pursue them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm.
17. Fill their faces with shame, and they will seek Your Name, O Lord.
18. Let them be shamed and terrified forever; let them be disgraced and perish.
19. And they will know that You, Whose Name is the Lord, are alone, Most High over all the earth.
FOOTNOTES
1.These were the Midianite leaders who were captured (see Judges 7:25)
Chapter 84
In this psalm of prayers and entreaties, the psalmist mourns bitterly over the destruction of Temple from the depths of his heart, and speaks of the many blessings that will be realized upon its restoration. Fortunate is the one who trusts it will be rebuilt, and does not despair in the face of this long exile.
1. For the Conductor, on the gittit,1 a psalm by the sons of Korach.
2. How beloved are Your dwellings, O Lord of Hosts!
3. My soul yearns, indeed it pines, for the courtyards of the Lord; my heart and my flesh [long to] sing to the living God.
4. Even the bird has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she lays her young on the [ruins of] Your altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God.
5. Fortunate are those who dwell in Your House; they will yet praise You forever.
6. Fortunate is the man whose strength is in You; the paths [to the Temple] are in his heart.
7. For those who pass through the Valley of Thorns, He places wellsprings; their guide will be cloaked in blessings.2
8. They go from strength to strength; they will appear before God in Zion.
9. O Lord, God of Hosts, hear my prayer; listen, O God of Jacob, forever.
10. See our shield,3 O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed one.
11. For better one day in Your courtyards than a thousand [elsewhere]. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell [in comfort] in the tents of wickedness.
12. For the Lord, God, is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and glory; He does not withhold goodness from those who walk in innocence.
13. O Lord of Hosts! Fortunate is the man who trusts in You.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument crafted in Gath (Metzudot).
2.God provides water for the pilgrims to Jerusalem, leading them to bless their guides for choosing a water-laden route (Metzudot)
3.Remember the Temple [and rebuild it](Metzudot).
Chapter 85
In this prayer, lamenting the long and bitter exile, the psalmist asks why this exile is longer than the previous ones, and implores God to quickly fulfill His promise to redeem us. Every individual should offer this psalm when in distress.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by the sons of Korach.
2. O Lord, You favored Your land; You returned the captives of Jacob.
3. You forgave the iniquity of Your people, and covered all their sin forever.
4. You withdrew all Your fury, and retreated from Your fierce anger.
5. Return us, O God of our salvation, and annul Your anger toward us.
6. Will You forever be angry with us? Will You draw out Your anger over all generations?
7. Is it not true that You will revive us again, and Your people will rejoice in You?
8. Show us Your kindness, O Lord, and grant us Your deliverance.
9. I hear what the Almighty Lord will say; for He speaks peace to His nation and to His pious ones, and they will not return to folly.
10. Indeed, His deliverance is near those who fear Him, that [His] glory may dwell in the land.
11. Kindness and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.
12. Truth will sprout from the earth, and righteousness will peer from heaven.
13. The Lord, too, will bestow goodness, and our land will yield its produce.
14. Righteousness shall walk before him, and he shall set his footsteps in [its] path.
Chapter 86
This psalm contains many prayers regarding David's troubles, and his enemies Doeg and Achitophel. It also includes many descriptions of God's praise. Every individual can offer this psalm when in distress.
1. A prayer by David. Lord, turn Your ear, answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2. Guard my soul, for I am pious; You, my God, deliver Your servant who trusts in You.
3. Be gracious to me, my Lord, for to You I call all day.
4. Bring joy to the soul of Your servant, for to You, my Lord, I lift my soul.
5. For You, my Lord, are good and forgiving, and exceedingly kind to all who call upon You.
6. Lord, hear my prayer and listen to the voice of my supplications.
7. On the day of my distress I call upon You, for You will answer me.
8. There is none like You among the supernal beings, my Lord, and there are no deeds like Yours.
9. All the nations that You have made will come and bow down before You, my Lord, and give honor to Your Name,
10. for You are great and perform wonders, You alone, O God.
11. Lord, teach me Your way that I may walk in Your truth; unify my heart to fear Your Name.
12. I will praise You, my Lord, my God, with all my heart, and give honor to Your Name forever.
13. For Your kindness to me has been great; You have saved my soul from the depth of the grave.
14. O God, malicious men have risen against me; a band of ruthless men has sought my soul; they are not mindful of You.
15. But You, my Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in kindness and truth.
16. Turn to me and be gracious to me; grant Your strength to Your servant, and deliver the son of Your maidservant.
17. Show me a sign of favor, that my foes may see and be shamed, because You, Lord, have given me aid and consoled me.
Chapter 87
Composed to be sung in the Holy Temple, this psalm praises the glory of Jerusalem, a city that produces many great scholars, eminent personalities, and persons of good deeds. It also speaks of the good that will occur in the Messianic era.
1. By the sons of Korach, a psalm, a song devoted to the holy mountains [of Zion and Jerusalem].
2. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3. Glorious things are spoken of you, eternal city of God.
4. I will remind Rahav Egypt and Babylon concerning My beloved; Philistia and Tyre as well as Ethiopia, "This one was born there.”
5. And to Zion will be said, "This person and that was born there"; and He, the Most High, will establish it.
6. The Lord will count in the register of people, "This one was born there," Selah.
7. Singers as well as dancers [will sing your praise and say], "All my inner thoughts are of you."
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 12
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Today's Tanya Lesson
Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 12
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רק שלזה מועיל הרשימו במוחין, ויראת ה׳ ואהבתו המסותרת בחלל הימני
However, the impression retained in his mind from his meditation, during prayer, on G‑d’s greatness,and the [natural] love and fear of G‑d hidden in the right part of his heart, enable him
להתגבר ולשלוט על הרע הזה המתאוה תאוה
to prevail over and dominate the evil [animal soul’s] craving,
שלא להיות לו שליטה וממשלה בעיר, להוציא תאותו מכח אל הפועל, להתלבש באברי הגוף
preventing the evil from gaining the supremacy and dominion over the “city” (the body), and carrying out its craving from the potential to the actual by clothing itself in the organs of the body in actual speech or deed.
ואפילו במוח לבדו, להרהר ברע, אין לו שליטה וממשלה להרהר חס ושלום ברצונו שבמוחו
Furthermore: even in the mind alone, with respect to sinful thought, the evil has not the dominion and power to cause him (G‑d forbid) to think such thoughts consciously;
שיקבל ברצון חס ושלום הרהור זה הרע העולה מאליו מהלב למוח כנ״ל
i.e., [to cause the mind] to accept willingly, G‑d forbid, the evil thought that rises of its own accord — unbidden — from the heart to the mind, as explained above.1
Evil thoughts will occur to him involuntarily, because the evil in his heart craves evil; however, the evil does not have the final say on what he will let his mind accept willingly; the Beinoni’s conscious mind is dominated by the divine soul.
אלא מיד בעלייתו לשם, דוחהו בשתי ידים ומסיח דעתו
Instead, immediately upon [the thought’s] rising to [the mind], he — the Beinoni — thrusts it aside as it were with both hands, and averts his mind from it,
מיד שנזכר שהוא הרהור רע
the instant he realizes that it is an evil thought.
ואינו מקבלו ברצון, אפילו להרהר בו ברצון, וכל שכן להעלותו על הדעת לעשותו, חס ושלום, או אפילו לדבר בו
He will refuse to accept it even as a subject for mere conscious thought, and will certainly not entertain the notion of acting on it, G‑d forbid, or even speaking of it.
כי המהרהר ברצון נקרא רשע באותה שעה
For he who willingly indulges in such thoughts is deemed a rasha at that moment,
והבינוני אינו רשע אפילו שעה אחת לעולם
while the Beinoni is never wicked even for a single moment. Obviously, then, the Beinoni would not willingly entertain evil thoughts.
The discussion of his mastery over his animal soul has thus far centered on matters pertaining to man’s relationship with G‑d. It now moves to another area:
וכן בדברים שבין אדם לחבירו
So, too, in matters “between man and his fellow-man.”
The Beinoni will not grant expression in thought, speech or action to any evil feelings toward his fellow.
מיד שעולה לו מהלב למוח איזו טינא ושנאה, חס ושלום
As soon as there rises from his heart to his mind any animosity or hatred, G‑d forbid,
או איזו קנאה או כעס או קפידא ודומיהן
or jealousy, anger or a grudge, and their like,
אינו מקבלן כלל במוחו וברצונו
he will bar them from his mind and will, refusing even to think of them.
ואדרבה המוח שליט ומושל ברוח שבלבו לעשות ההפך ממש
On the contrary, his mind will prevail over and dominate the feelings of his heart, to do the exact opposite of that which the heart desires,
להתנהג עם חבירו במדת חסד
namely, to conduct himself toward his fellow with the quality of kindness (as opposed to the quality of “severity”, where hatred and anger originate),
וחיבה יתרה מודעת לו, לסבול ממנו עד קצה האחרון
and to display towards his fellow a disproportionate love, in suffering from him to the furthest extreme,
ולא לכעוס חס ושלום וגם שלא לשלם לו כפעלו, חס ושלום
without being provoked into anger, G‑d forbid, or to take revenge in kind, G‑d forbid, even without anger;
אלא אדרבה לגמול לחייבים טובות
but, on the contrary, to repay offenders with favors,
כמו שכתוב בזהר ללמוד מיוסף עם אחיו
as taught in the Zohar,2 that we should learn from the example of Joseph’s conduct with his brothers, when he repaid them for the suffering they brought upon him, with kindness and favors.
Thus, in his relations with his fellow-man as well, the Beinoni does not permit the evil in his heart to express itself in thought, word or deed.
It is thus understood from this chapter, that with regard to practice the divine soul is the Beinoni’s only master. He neither thinks, speaks nor does anything forbidden, but acts only in acordance with Torah and mitzvot. As regards his essence, however, i.e., his intellect and emotions, he has another master as well; his animal soul is still powerful, and it can and does arouse evil desires in his heart.
In connection with the statement made earlier in this chapter, that the time of prayer is propitious for spiritual elevation, an aphorism of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi J.I. Schneersohn, comes to mind:
When a Jew studies Torah he feels like a student before G‑d, his teacher, Whose wisdom he is studying. When he prays, he feels like a child before his father.
——— ● ———
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Ch. 9. |
| 2. | Zohar I, p. 201a. |
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Negative Commandment 193
Vegetables or Grains Grown in a Vineyard
"Lest the seed that increase become forbidden"—Deuteronomy 22:9.
If vegetables or grains grew in a vineyard, it is forbidden to consume both the grapes as well as the vegetables or grain.
This biblical prohibition only applies in the land of Israel.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Vegetables or Grains Grown in a Vineyard
Negative Commandment 193
Translated by Berel Bell
The 193rd prohibition is that we are forbidden from eating a mixture of species only1 when planted in a vineyard.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement2 (exalted be He), "[Do not plant mixed species in your vineyard] lest the additional growth [of the vine] and the seeds become prohibited [tikdosh]."
The Oral Tradition3 explains that the phrase pen tikdosh ["lest it become prohibited"] also implies, pen tukad aish ["lest you cause it to be burnt in fire"], i.e. that it is forbidden to derive any benefit from them.
You have already learned the principle,4 "Every case where the Torah writes hishomer (be careful), pen (lest) or al (do not) indicates a prohibition."5
In the second chapter of Pesachim,6our Sages discuss the law that, "one is not punished by lashes for any prohibition in the Torah unless one derives benefit in the normal way," i.e. that anything that one is prohibited from eating, one is not punished from eating it unless one derives benefit.7 The Talmud then says, "Abaye says, 'Everyone agrees that for [eating] mixed species that grew in a vineyard, one is punished by lashes even if one does not benefit in the normal way. What is the reason? Because the verse does not mention 'eating'; rather it is written, pen tikdosh, which also implies, pen tukad aish."8
The details of this mitzvah are explained in tractate Kilayim.
The Biblical prohibition of mixed species in a vineyard only applies in Israel.
FOOTNOTES
1.There are two prohibitions regarding planting a mixture of species: N215 prohibits planting any two species together; N216 prohibits planting either vegetables or grain in a vineyard. The prohibition regarding a vineyard is stricter in a number of ways; in this prohibition we see that the produce that grows in the vineyard may not be eaten. When not in a vineyard, however, only the act of planting is prohibited; the food that grows may be eaten.
The mitzvos are written separately because here, corresponding to the order in Mishneh Torah, we are dealing with prohibited foods. There, we deal with the agricultural laws.
2.Deut. 22:9.
3.Chullin 115a.
4.Makkos 13b. See N90. Eighth Introductory Principle.
5.From this expression we see that this verse prohibiting benefit counts as a separate prohibition from the verse prohibiting the planting (Lev. 19:19. N216).
6.24b.
7.For example, one who eats raw fat would not be punished (Pesachim ibid.).
8.Our versions of the Talmud omit this last phrase. The handwritten manuscripts quoted in Dikdukei Sofrim, however, do contain it. See Kapach, 5731, footnote 63.
Negative Commandment 153
Untithed Produce
"And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that which they offer to G‑d"—Leviticus 22:15.
It is forbidden to partake of produce before all the requisite tithes – those that belong to the kohen, Levite, the poor, and the tithe that is separated and eaten in Jerusalem – are separated.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Untithed Produce
Negative Commandment 153
Translated by Berel Bell
The 153rd prohibition is that we are forbidden from eating tevel, i.e. produce from which the terumos1 and ma'asros have not yet been separated.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement2 (exalted be He), "And they shall not desecrate the holy things of the children of Israel that they will separate to G‑d."
One who transgresses this prohibition by eating tevel is punished by a heavenly death penalty. This is alluded to from [the similarity between] this verse, "And they shall not desecrate the holy things," and the verse regarding terumos,3 "And the holy things of the children of Israel they shall not desecrate and [thereby] not die." From the identical expression, "they shall not desecrate," we can derive [the punishment for tevel] from terumah, which is a transgression punishable by death, as we have explained.4
The quote from tractate Sanhedrin5is, "What is the source that teaches us that the punishment for eating tevel is death? From the verse, 'And they shall not desecrate the holy things of the children of Israel that they will separate to G‑d.' This verse speaks about something that 'they will separate' in the future [i.e. tevel].6 And you derive [the punishment for violating] 'they will not desecrate' [regarding tevel] from 'they will not desecrate' written regarding terumah."
Their intention in saying, "in the future," is to say that it is as if the verse reads, "And they shall not desecrate the holy things that they will separate to G‑d in the future." This is the meaning of G‑d's statement (exalted be He), "that they will separate," in future tense, followed by7 the verse, "and they shall bear the guilt of their sin of eating their holy things."
Our Sages said in tractate Makkos,8 "You might think that the only time a person is punished for eating tevel is when nothing at all has been separated. How do we know [that the prohibition applies] when terumah gedolah has been separated, but not terumas ma'aser; when ma'aser rishon has been separated, but not ma'aser sheini, or even9 ma'aser oni? From the verse,10 'You are not allowed to eat in your gates [the ma'aser of your grain, wine or oil].' And later11 it says, '[When you finish taking all the ma'aser from your grain in the third year...] and they will eat in your gates and be satisfied.' Just as later on it refers [even12] to ma'aser oni,13 so too here it refers to ma'aser oni — and the verse says, 'you are not allowed.'"
However, these prohibitions only are punishable by lashes; the heavenly death penalty is only [when the tevel still contains] terumah gedolah or terumas ma'aser, since one who eats ma'aser rishon before the terumas ma'aser has been separated is punishable by death, in G‑d's statement14 (exalted be He) to the Levites, when He commanded them to separate a tithe from their tithe,15 "And the holy things of the children of Israel you shall not desecrate and [thereby] not die.," This is the prohibition not to eat ma'aser rishon when it is still tevel. Therefore, one is punishable by death [for eating it], as explained in tractate Demai.
The summary of all the above: one who eats tevel before the terumah gedolah and terumas ma'aser have been separated is punishable by death, based on the verse, "And they shall not desecrate the holy things of the children of Israel," as we have explained in this mitzvah. One who eats tevel after the terumos have been separated, but before [all] the ma'asros have been separated is punishable by lashes, based on the verse, "You are not allowed to eat in your gates the ma'aser of your grain." You should remember this and not err in it.
The details regarding tevel are explained in many passage of tractate Demai and Terumos, and tractate Ma'asros.
FOOTNOTES
1.Food that grows in Israel may not be eaten until the agricultural gifts have been separated. Terumah is given to the kohen; ma'aser is given to the Levite; the Levite himself must take part of the ma'aser as terumas ma'aser and give it to the kohen. Then, depending on which year of the seven year cycle it is, either ma'aser sheini or ma'aser oni is separated. Terumos refers to terumah and terumas ma'aser ; ma'asros refers to ma'aser , ma'aser sheini and ma'aser oni
2.Lev. 22:15.
3.Num. 18:32.
4.N133, which is written earlier in the order of the original Sefer HaMitzvos.
5.83a.
6.The Talmud first proves which type of "holy things" are referred to in the verse. Since the future tense is used ("they will separate"), it must refer to tevel, since the relevant portions have not yet been separated.
7.Lev. 22:16.
8.16b.
9.Ma'aser oni is the least strict of all the agricultural gifts mentioned, since there are no restrictions on who may eat it and where it may be eaten.
10.Deut. 12:17.
11.Ibid. 26:12.
12.We therefore can derive that if even ma'aser oni, which is the least strict, is prohibited, certainly the stricter ones are prohibited.
13.The verse refers to ma'aser oni, since it is the only agricultural gift unique to the third year.
14.Num. 18:32.
15.The Levites receive one-tenth of the produce. They must separate one-tenth of that and give it to the kohen as terumas ma'aser.
Negative Commandment 194
Idolatrous Libations
"Who eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drink the wine of their libations"—Deuteronomy 32:38.
It is forbidden to drink wine that was used as a libation for an idol.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Idolatrous Libations
Negative Commandment 194
Translated by Berel Bell
The 194th prohibition is that we are forbidden from drinking yayin nesech [wine used for idolatry].
There is no verse that states this prohibition explicitly. However, [the prohibition is derived from a verse by] the Sages in Avodah Zorah,1 "The verse2 says, 'They eat the fat of their sacrifices; they drink the wine of their libations' — just as the sacrifice is prohibited, so too the wine is prohibited."
You are aware that one is prohibited from deriving benefit from it, and the punishment [for drinking it] is lashes, as is well known throughout the Talmud.
The proof that yayin nesech is a Biblical prohibition and that it counts as one of the [365] prohibitions is the statement of the Sages in Gemara Avodah Zorah,3 "Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish both say that all prohibitions of the Torah — regardless whether they were mixed into the same type or a different type — [are prohibited only] when the taste is perceptible; with the exception of tevel and yayin nesech, which, when mixed into the same type are prohibited even in the smallest amount, but when mixed into a different type, are prohibited only when the taste is perceptible."4 This is a clear proof that yayin nesech is one of the prohibitions of the Torah.5
The Sifri6 also, when mentioning the decline of the Jewish people in Shittim in acting immorally with the daughters of Moav,7 says, "He entered [her tent], and she had a bottle full of Ammonite wine with her, and non-Jewish wine had not yet been prohibited to the Jewish people. She said to him, 'Would you like to drink?' etc." This that they said, "and non-Jewish wine had not yet been prohibited to the Jewish people," undoubtedly implies that later on8 it was indeed prohibited.
However, this that the Sages included wine among the 18 Rabbinic decrees9; and so too their statement,10 "Yayin nesech is different, because the Sages were especially strict in its regard" [implying that the prohibition is only Rabbinic in nature] — they are referring to stam yaynom11, not to actual yayin nesech. But actual yayin nesech is a Biblical prohibition, as you already know their saying,12 "There are three categories of [prohibited] wine."13
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the final chapters of tractate Avodah Zorah.
FOOTNOTES
1.29b.
2.Deut. 32:38.
3.73b.
4.Taste is normally perceptible at the point of one-sixtieth of the mixture. Therefore, according to this passage, if yayin nesech fell into a bowl of orange juice, the mixture will be permitted if there is less than one-sixtieth yayin nesech. If it fell into a bowl of kosher wine, however, the mixture would be forbidden.
5.Since the phrase, "all prohibitions of the Torah," is used.
6.Num. 21:1.
7.Num. 25.
8.I.e. in Deut. 32.
9.Shabbos 17b.
10.Avodah Zorah 62b.
11.The Sages decreed that all wine of non-Jews is prohibited by Rabbinic law, even if it was not used for idolatry.
12.Avodah Zorah 30b.
13.I.e. yayin nesech, stam yaynom and wine deposited in the house of a non-Jew.
Positive Commandment 146
Slaughtering
"And you shall slaughter of your cattle and of your sheep...as I have commanded you"—Deuteronomy 12:21.
We are commanded to ritually slaughter [animals and fowl] if wishing to eat from their flesh. Only through slaughter is flesh rendered fit for consumption.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Slaughtering
Positive Commandment 146
Translated by Berel Bell
The 146th mitzvah is that we are commanded to slaughter an animal [we wish to eat] and only after that to eat it; and the only acceptable preparation is through shechitah.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "And you shall slaughter your cattle and sheep ... as I have commanded you."
In the words of the Sifri, "'And you shall slaughter' teaches that just as sacrifices need shechitah, so too non-sanctified animals need shechitah. 'As I have commanded you' teaches that Moshe was commanded regarding the trachea, and the esophagus, and cutting the majority of one for a bird, and cutting the majority of both for an animal."
The details of this mitzvah and all its laws are explained in the tractate devoted to this subject, i.e. tractate Chullin.
FOOTNOTES
1.Deut. 12:21.
Rambam:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Berachot Berachot - Chapter Ten
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Audio: Listen | Download | Video ClassBerachot - Chapter Ten
1
The Sages instituted other blessings and many other statements that lack a p'tichah and a chatimah, as an expression of praise and acknowledgement of the Holy One, blessed be He - for example, the blessings of prayer that we have already mentioned. Among these [blessings are the following]:
A person who builds a new house or buys new articles should recite the blessing: "Blessed are You, God, our Lord, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion." [This blessing is recited] regardless of whether he possesses similar articles or not.
א
ברכות אחרות ודברים אחרים הרבה שאין בהן פתיחה ולא חתימה תיקנו חכמים דרך שבח והודיה להקב"ה כמו ברכות התפלה שכבר כתבנום ואלו הן הבונה בית חדש והקונה כלים חדשים בין יש לו כיוצא בהן בין אין לו מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה:
Commentary on Halachah 1
2
Similarly, a person who sees a friend after [not seeing him for] thirty days [or more] should recite the blessing shehecheyanu . If he sees him after a hiatus of twelve months [or more], he should recite the blessing "Blessed are You, God... who resurrects the dead."
A person who sees a fruit that grows only in a specific season each year should recite the blessing shehecheyanu when he sees it for the first time.
ב
וכן הרואה את חבירו לאחר שלשים יום מברך שהחיינו ואם ראהו לאחר שנים עשר חדש מברך ברוך אתה יי' מחיה המתים הרואה פרי המתחדש משנה לשנה בתחלת ראייתו מברך שהחיינו:
Commentary on Halachah 2
3
When a person hears favorable tidings, he should recite the blessing: "Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who is good and does good." If he hears bad tidings, he should recite the blessing: "Blessed [are You...] the true Judge."
A person is obligated to recite a blessing over undesirable occurrences with a positive spirit, in the same manner as he joyfully recites a blessing over desirable occurrences. [This is implied by Deuteronomy 6:5]: "And you shall love God, your Lord... with all your might." Included in this extra dimension of love that we were commanded [to express] is to acknowledge and praise [God] with happiness even at one's time of difficulty.
ג
שמע שמועה טובה מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם הטוב והמטיב שמע שמועה רעה מברך ברוך דיין האמת וחייב אדם לברך על הרעה בטוב נפש כדרך שמברך על הטובה בשמחה שנאמר ואהבת את יי' אלהיך וגו' ובכל מאדך ובכלל אהבה היתירה שנצטוינו בה שאפילו בעת שייצר לו יודה וישבח בשמחה:
Commentary on Halachah 3
4
When a desirable event occurred to a person or he heard favorable tidings, although it appears that this good will ultimately cause one difficulty, he should recite the blessing hatov v’hameitiv. Conversely, if a person suffered a difficulty or heard unfavorable tidings, although it appears that this difficulty will ultimately bring him good, he should recite the blessing Dayan ha'emet. Blessings are not recited in consideration of future possibilities, but rather on what happens at present.
ד
הגיעה אליו טובה או ששמע שמועה טובה אף על פי שהדברים מראין שטובה זו תגרום לו רעה מברך הטוב והמטיב וכן אם נגעה אליו רעה או שמע שמועה רעה אע"פ שהדברים מראים שרעה זו גורמת לו טובה מברך דיין האמת שאין מברכין על העתיד להיות אלא על מה שאירע עתה:
5
[The following rules govern the recitation of blessings for] abundant rainfall: If one owns a field [individually], he should recite the blessing shehecheyanu. If one owns it in partnership with others, he should recite the blessing hatov v’hameitiv. If one does not own a field, he should recite the following blessing:
We thankfully acknowledge You, God, our Lord, for each and every drop that you have caused to descend for us. If our mouths were filled.... They shall all give thanks, praise, and bless Your name, our King. Blessed are You, God, the Almighty, who is worthy of manifold thanksgiving and praise.
ה
ירדו גשמים רבים אם יש לו שדה מברך שהחיינו ואם היתה שלו ושל אחרים מברך הטוב והמטיב ואם אין לו שדה מברך מודים אנחנו לך יי' אלהינו על כל טפה וטפה שהורדת לנו ואילו פינו מלא כו' עד הן הם יודו וישבחו ויברכו את שמך מלכנו ברוך אתה יי' אל רוב ההודאות והתשבחות:
5
When should the blessing be recited? When much water collects on the face of the earth, the raindrops cause bubbles to form in the rain that has already collected, and the bubbles begin to flow one into another.
ו
מאימתי מברכין על הגשמים משירבה המים על הארץ ויעלו אבעבועות מן המטר על פני המים וילכו האבעבועות זה לקראת זה:
7
[The following blessings should be recited] when a person was told that his father died and that he is his heir: If he has brothers [who will share the inheritance] with him, he should first recite, Dayan ha'emet, and afterwards, hatov v’hameitiv. If he has no brothers [who will share] with him, he should recite the blessing shehecheyanu.
To summarize the matter: Whenever a circumstance is of benefit to one together with others, he should recite the blessing hatov v’hameitiv. Should it be of benefit to him alone, he should recite the blessing shehecheyanu.
ז
אמרו לו מת אביו וירשהו אם יש עמו אחין מברך בתחלה דיין האמת ואח"כ הטוב והמטיב ואם אין עמו אחים מברך שהחיינו קצרו של דבר כל דבר טובה שהיא לו ולאחרים מברך הטוב והמטיב וטובה שהיא לו לבדו מברך שהחיינו:
8
Four individuals are required to render thanks: a person who had been sick and recuperated, a person who had been imprisoned and was released, people who alight [at their destination] after a journey at sea, and travelers who reach a settlement.
These thanks must be rendered in the presence of ten people, of whom two are sages, as [implied by Psalms 107:32]: "They will exalt Him in the congregation of the people and they will praise Him in the seat of the elders."
How does one give thanks and what blessing should he recite? He should stand in the midst of the [abovementioned] company and say:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who bestows benefits upon the culpable, who has bestowed all goodness upon me.
Those who hear should respond: May He who granted you beneficence continue to bestow good upon you forever.
ח
ארבעה צריכין להודות חולה שנתרפא וחבוש שיצא מבית האסורים ויורדי הים כשעלו והולכי דרכים כשיגיעו לישוב וצריכין להודות בפני עשרה ושנים מהם חכמים שנאמר וירוממוהו בקהל עם ובמושב זקנים יהללוהו וכיצד מודה וכיצד מברך עומד ביניהן ומברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם הגומל לחייבים טובות שגמלני כל טוב וכל השומעין אומרים שגמלך טוב הוא יגמלך סלה:
9
A person who sees a place where miracles were wrought for the Jewish people - for example, the Red Sea or the crossings of the Jordan - should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our ancestors in this place.
This blessing is recited wherever miracles were performed for many people. In contrast, in a place where a miracle was performed for an individual, that individual, his son, and his grandson should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who wrought a miracle for me in this place.
or "...who wrought a miracle for my ancestors in this place."
A person who sees the den of lions [into which Daniel was thrown] or the fiery furnace into which Chananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were thrown should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for the righteous in this place.
A person who sees a place in which false gods are worshiped should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who grants patience to those who transgress His will.
[When a person sees] a place from which the worship of false gods has been uprooted in Eretz Yisrael, he should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] who uproots foreign worship from our land.
In the Diaspora, he should recite the blessing:
...who uproots foreign worship from this place.
In both instances, he should say:
As You have uprooted [foreign worship] from this place, so may it be uprooted from all places. And may You turn the hearts of its worshipers to serve You.
ט
הרואה מקום שנעשו נסים לישראל כגון ים סוף ומעברות הירדן אומר ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה נסים לאבותינו במקום הזה וכן כל מקום שנעשו בו נסים לרבים אבל מקום שנעשה בו נס ליחיד אותו היחיד ובנו ובן בנו מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה לי נס במקום הזה או שעשה נס לאבותי במקום הזה הרואה גוב אריות וכבשן האש שהושלך בו חנניה מישאל ועזריה מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה נס לצדיקים במקום הזה הרואה מקום שעובדין בו עכו"ם מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שנתן ארך אפים לעוברי רצונו מקום שנעקרה ממנו עכו"ם אם בארץ ישראל הוא מברך שעקר עכו"ם מארצנו ואם בחוץ לארץ הוא מברך שעקר עכו"ם ממקום הזה ואומר בשתיהן כשם שעקרת ממקום זה כך תעקר מכל מקומות ותשיב לב עובדיהם לעבדך:
10
A person who sees a settlement of Jewish homes should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who establishes the border of the widow.
[One who sees Jewish homes that are] destroyed should recite the blessing, "the true Judge." A person who sees Jewish graves should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who created you with justice, judged you with justice, sustained you with justice, took your lives with justice, and ultimately, will lift you up with justice to the life of the world to come. Blessed are You, God, who resurrects the dead.
י
הרואה בתי ישראל ביישובן מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם מציב גבול אלמנה בחרבנן אומר ברוך דיין האמת הרואה קברי ישראל מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם אשר יצר אתכם בדין ודן אתכם בדין וכלכל אתכם בדין והמית אתכם בדין והוא עתיד להקים אתכם בדין לחיי העולם הבא ברוך אתה יי' מחיה המתים:
11
The following should be recited when one sees 600,000 people at one time. If they are gentiles, he should recite the verse (Jeremiah 50:12): "Your mother shall be greatly ashamed; she that bore you will be disgraced. Behold, the ultimate fate of the gentiles will be an arid wilderness and a desolate land."
If they are Jews and in Eretz Yisrael, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, the Wise [who knows] secrets.
One who sees a gentile wise man should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His wisdom to flesh and blood.
[When one sees] Jewish wise men, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His wisdom to those who fear Him.
[When one sees] a Jewish king, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His glory and might to those who fear Him.
[When one sees] a gentile king, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His glory to flesh and blood.
יא
הרואה ת"ר אלף אדם כאחד אם עכו"ם הם אומר בושה אמכם מאד חפרה יולדתכם הנה אחרית גוים מדבר ציה וערבה ואם ישראל הם ובארץ ישראל אומר ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם חכם הרזים הרואה מחכמי אומות העולם אומר ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שנתן מחכמתו לבשר ודם חכמי ישראל מברך שנתן מחכמתו ליראיו מלכי ישראל אומר שנתן מכבודו ומגבורתו ליראיו מלכי אומות העולם מברך שנתן מכבודו לבשר ודם:
12
A person who sees a Kushit or a person who has a strange-looking face or an abnormal limb should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has altered His creations.
When one sees a blind man, a one-legged person, a person with skin boils or white blotches, or the like, he should recite the blessing "the true Judge." If they were born with these afflictions, he should recite the blessing "who has altered His creations."
When one sees an elephant, monkey, or owl, he should recite the blessing: "Blessed... who has altered His creations."
יב
הרואה את הכושי ואת המשונין בצורת פניהן או באיבריהם מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם משנה את הבריות הרואה סומא או קיטע ומוכה שחין ובוהקנין וכיוצא בהן מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם דיין האמת ואם נולדו כן ממעי אמן מברך משנה את הבריות הרואה את הפיל ואת הקוף ואת הקיפוף אומר ברוך משנה את הבריות:
13
A person who sees beautiful and well-formed creations or pleasant-looking trees should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] whose world is like this.
A person who goes out to the fields or gardens in the month of Nisan and sees flowering trees sprouting branches should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who did not leave anything lacking in His world and created within it fine creations and beautiful and fine trees so that they would give pleasure to men.
יג
הרואה בריות נאות ומתוקנות ביותר ואילנות טובות מברך שככה לו בעולמו היוצא לשדות או לגנות ביומי ניסן וראה אילנות פורחות וניצנים עולים מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ונאות כדי ליהנות בהן בני אדם:
14
[When one perceives] any of the following: winds that blow extremely powerfully, lightning, thunder, loud rumblings that sound like large mills when they are heard on the earth, shooting stars, or comets, he should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] whose power and might fill up the world.
If one desires, he may recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] who performs the work of creation.
יד
על הרוחות שנשבו בזעף ועל הברקים ועל הרעמים ועל קול ההברה שתשמע בארץ כמו ריחיים גדולים ועל האור שבאויר שיראו כאלו הם כוכבים נופלים ורצים ממקום למקום או כמו כוכבים שיש להם זנב על כל אחד מאלו מברך ברוך שכחו וגבורתו מלא עולם ואם רצה מברך עושה בראשית:
15
Whenever one sees mountains, hills, seas, deserts, or rivers after a thirty day interval, he should recite the blessing "who performs the work of creation."
A person who sees the ocean after an interval of thirty days or more should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] who created the ocean.
טו
על ההרים ועל הגבעות על הימים ועל המדברות ועל הנהרות אם ראה אחת מהן משלשים יום לשלשים יום מברך עושה בראשית הרואה את הים הגדול משלשים יום לשלשים יום או יותר מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה את הים הגדול:
16
A person who sees a rainbow should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who remembers the covenant, is faithful to His covenant, and maintains His word.
When a person sees the moon after it is renewed, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who created the heavens with His word and all their hosts with the breath of His mouth. He granted them a fixed law and schedule so that they should not alter their tasks. They rejoice and are glad to carry out the will of their Creator. They are faithful servants whose work is righteous. And He instructed the moon to renew itself as a crown of glory to those who are borne [by Him] from the womb, who are destined to be similarly renewed and to glorify their Creator for the name of the glory of His kingdom and for all He has created. Blessed are You, God, who renews the months.
טז
הרואה קשת בענן מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם זוכר הברית ונאמן בבריתו וקיים במאמרו הרואה לבנה בחדושה מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם אשר במאמרו ברא שחקים וברוח פיו כל צבאם חק וזמן נתן להם שלא ישנו את תפקידם ששים ושמחים לעשות רצון קוניהם פועלי אמת ופעולתם צדק וללבנה אמר שתתחדש עטרה תפארת לעמוסי בטן שהם עתידין להתחדש כמותה ולפאר ליוצאם על כבוד מלכותו ועל כל מה שברא ברוך אתה יי' מחדש החדשים:
17
This blessing should be recited while standing, for whoever recites the blessing on the new moon at its appropriate time is considered as if he greeted the Divine Presence.
If a person did not recite the blessing on the first night, he may recite the blessing until the sixteenth of the month, until the moon becomes full.
יז
וצריך לברך ברכה זו מעומד שכל המברך על החדש בזמנו כאילו הקביל פני השכינה אם לא בירך עליה בליל הראשון מברך עליה עד ששה עשר יום בחדש עד שתמלא פגימתה:
18
A person who sees the sun on the day of the spring equinox at the beginning of the twenty-eight year cycle that begins on Wednesday night [must recite a blessing]. When he sees the sun on Wednesday morning, he should recite the blessing "who performs the work of creation."
Similarly, the blessing "who performs the work of creation" should be recited when the moon reaches the beginning of the zodiac constellation taleh at the beginning of the month when it is not pointing to the north or the south, when any of the other five stars [that revolve in separate spheres] arrive at the beginning of the constellation taleh and do not point to the north or the south, and when one sees the constellation taleh ascend to the eastern corner [of the sky].
יז
הרואה את החמה ביום תקופת ניסן של תחלת המחזור של שמונה ועשרים שנה שהתקופה בתחלת ליל רביעי כשרואה אותה ביום רביעי בבקר מברך ברוך עושה בראשית וכן כשתחזור הלבנה לתחלת מזל טלה בתחלת החדש ולא תהיה נוטה לא לצפון ולא לדרום וכן כשיחזור כל כוכב וכוכב מחמשת הכוכבים הנשארים לתחלת מזל טלה ולא יהיה נוטה לא לצפון ולא לדרום וכן בכל עת שיראה מזל טלה עולה מקצה המזרח על כל אחד מאלו מברך עושה בראשית:
19
When a person sees a settlement of gentile homes, he should recite the verse (Proverbs 15:25): "God will pluck up the house of the proud." Should he see a desolate settlement of gentile homes, he should recite the verse (Psalms 94:1): "The Lord is a God of retribution. O God of retribution, reveal Yourself." When one sees gentile graves, he should recite the verse (Jeremiah 50:12): "Your mother shall be greatly ashamed...."
יט
הרואה בתי עכו"ם בישובן אומר בית גאים יסח יי' בחורבנן אומר אל נקמות יי' אל נקמות הופיע ראה קברי עכו"ם אומר בושה אמכם מאד וגו':
20
A person who enters a bathhouse should say "May it be Your will, God, our Lord, to allow me to enter in peace and leave in peace, and may You save me from this and the like in the future."
When one leaves the bath, he should say, "I give thanks to You, God, our Lord, for saving me from fire."
כ
הנכנס למרחץ אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתכניסני לשלום ותוציאני לשלום ותצילני מזה ומכיוצא בזה לעתיד לבא וכשיצא מן המרחץ אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי שהצלתני מן האור וכו':
21
A person who goes to let blood should say, "May it be Your will, God, our Lord, that this activity bring me a recovery, for You are a generous healer." Afterward, he should recite the blessing, "Blessed are You, God... Healer of the sick."
כא
הנכנס להקיז דם אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שיהא עסק זה לי לרפואה כי רופא חנם אתה וכשיצא אומר ברוך אתה יי' רופא חולים:
22
A person who goes to measure his silo should say, "May it be Your will, God, our Lord, that You send blessing to the work of my hands." When he begins to measure, he should say, "Blessed be He who sends blessings to this heap of grain."
If he asks for mercy after measuring [his grain], his prayer is considered to be in vain. [Similarly,] whoever calls out [to God] over events that have already happened is considered to have uttered a prayer in vain.
כב
ההולך למוד גורנו אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתשלח ברכה במעשה ידי התחיל למוד אומר ברוך השולח ברכה בכרי זה מדד ואחר כך ביקש רחמים הרי זו תפלת שוא וכל הצועק לשעבר הרי זו תפלת שוא:
23
When a person enters a house of study, he should say:
May it be Your will, God, our Lord, that I not stumble regarding a point of law, that I not call something that is pure impure, nor something that is impure pure, nor call something that is permitted forbidden, nor something that is forbidden permitted, and that I not err regarding a point of Scriptural Law and cause my colleagues to laugh at me, nor my colleagues err and I laugh at them.
כג
הנכנס לבית המדרש אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שלא אכשל בדבר הלכה שלא אומר על טהור טמא ועל טמא טהור ולא על מותר אסור ולא על אסור מותר ולא אכשל בדבר הלכה וישמחו בי חבירי ואל יכשלו חבירי ואשמח בהם:
24
When one leaves the house of study, he should say:
I thank You, God, our Lord, that You have granted me a portion among those who sit in the House of Study and have not granted me a portion among those who sit on the street-corners.
I rise early and they rise early: I rise early to the words of Torah, and they rise early to fruitless matters. I labor and they labor: I labor for the words of Torah and receive a reward; they labor and do not receive a reward. I run and they run: I run to the life of the world to come, and they run to the pit of destruction.
כד
וביציאתו מבית המדרש אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי ששמת חלקי מיושבי בית המדרש ולא שמת חלקי מיושבי קרנות שאני משכים והם משכימים אני משכים לדברי תורה והם משכימים לדברים בטלים אני עמל והם עמלין אני עמל לדברי תורה ומקבל שכר והם עמלין ואין מקבלין שכר אני רץ והם רצים אני רץ לחיי העולם הבא והם רצים לבאר שחת:
25
A person who enters a metropolis should say, "May it be Your will, God, my Lord, to allow me to enter this metropolis in peace." If one enters in peace, he should say, "I thank You, God, my Lord, for allowing me to enter in peace."
When one desires to leave, he should say, "May it be Your will, God, my Lord, to allow me to depart from this metropolis in peace." If one departs in peace, he should say:
I thank You, God, my Lord, for allowing me to depart in peace. As You have allowed me to depart in peace, lead me [on my way] in peace, direct my steps in peace, support me in peace, and save me from the hands of the enemies and lurking foes on the way.
כה
הנכנס לכרך אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתכניסני לכרך זה לשלום ואם נכנס בשלום אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי שהכנסתני לשלום וכשיבקש לצאת אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתוציאני מכרך זה לשלום ואם יצא בשלום אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי שהוצאתני מכרך זה לשלום וכשם שהוצאתני לשלום כך תוליכני לשלום ותצעידני לשלום ותסמכני לשלום ותצילני מכף אויב ואורב בדרך:
26
The general rule is: A person should always cry out [to God] over future possibilities, asking for mercy. He should thank [God] for what has transpired in the past, thanking Him and praising Him according to his capacity. Whoever praises and thanks God abundantly and continuously is worthy to be praised.
כו
כללו של דבר לעולם יצעק אדם על העתיד לבא ויבקש רחמים ויתן הודיה על מה שעבר ויודה וישבח כפי כחו וכל המרבה להודות את יי' ולשבחו תמיד הרי זה משובח:
Rambam:
• 3 Chapters A Day: Ma'achalot Assurot Ma'achalot Assurot - Chapter 17, Shechitah Shechitah - Chapter 1, Shechitah Shechitah - Chapter 2
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1
When the meat of a nevelah or a crawling animal or teeming animal was cooked in an earthenware pot,1 one should not cook the meat of a ritually slaughtered animal in that pot on that same day. If he cooked a type of meat [in the pot that day], the dish is forbidden.2 If he cooked another substance in it, [it is forbidden if] its flavor can be detected.3
א
קדרה של חרס שנתבשל בה בשר נבלה או בשר שקצים ורמשים לא יבשל בה בשר שחוטה באותו היום ואם בישל בה מין בשר התבשיל אסור בישל בה מין אחר בנותן טעם:
2
The Torah forbade only [the use of] a pot that was [cooked with the forbidden substance] on that day.4 For [in that time,] the flavor of the fat absorbed in the pot had not been impaired.5
According to Rabbinic Law, one should never cook in it again.6 For this reason, one should never purchase used earthenware utensils from gentiles to use them for hot foods, e.g., pots and plates. This applies even when they are coated with leaded. If one purchased such a utensil and cooked in it from the second day onward, the food is permitted.7
ב
ולא אסרה תורה אלא קדרה בת יומה בלבד הואיל ועדיין לא נפגם השומן שנבלע בקדרה ומדברי סופרים לא יבשל בה לעולם לפיכך אין לוקחין כלי חרס ישנים מן העכו"ם שנשתמשו בהן בחמין כגון קדרות וקערות לעולם ואפילו היו שועין באבר ואם לקח ובישל בהן מיום שני והלאה התבשיל מותר:
3
[The following rules apply when] a person purchases metal or glass dinnerware from a gentile. Utensils that [the gentile] did not use at all should be immersed in the waters of a mikveh. Afterwards, it is permitted to eat and drink with them.8
Utensils that he used for cold [food and drink], e.g., cups, flasks, and pitchers, he should wash them thoroughly9 and immerse them. [Afterwards,] they are permitted. Utensils that he used for hot food: large pots, kettles, and pots used to heat foot, should be purged through hagaalah,10 and immersed in the mikveh.11 Afterwards, they are permitted. Utensils that he used by exposing them to fire, e.g., spits and grills, should be exposed to fire12 until they become white-hot and their outer surface falls off.13 They may then be immersed and become permitted for use.
ג
הלוקח כלי תשמיש סעודה מן העכו"ם מכלי מתכות וכלי זכוכית דברים שלא נשתמש בהן כל עיקר מטבילן במי מקוה ואחר כך יהיו מותרין לאכול בהן ולשתות ודברים שנשתמש בהן ע"י צונן כגון כוסות וצלוחיות וקיתוניות מדיחן ומטבילן והן מותרות ודברים שנשתמש בהן על ידי חמין כגון יורות וקומקמוסין ומחממי חמין מגעילן ומטבילן והן מותרין ודברים שנשתמש בהן ע"י האור כגון שפודין ואסכלאות מלבנן באור עד שתנשר קליפתן ומטבילן והן מותרין:
4
How is [the purging process of] hagaalah achieved? A small pot is placed into a large pot and they are filled with water until the smaller one is submerged.14 Then one must boil it very thoroughly.15
If a large pot was [forbidden],16 one should place dough or mud along its edge [so that] he could fill it with water so that it will flow over its edge.17He [then] boils it.
In all instances, if he used them before boiling [water in them for hagaalah], washing them thoroughly, making them white hot, or immersing them, [the food] is kosher. For any fat [absorbed] in them imparts an unpleasant flavor, as explained.18
ד
כיצד מגעילן נותן יורה קטנה לתוך יורה גדולה וממלא עליה מים עד שיצופו על הקטנה ומרתיחה יפה יפה ואם היתה יורה גדולה מקיף על שפתה בצק או טיט וממלא מים עד שיצופו המים על שפתה ומרתיח וכולן שנשתמש בהן עד שלא הרתיח או עד שלא הדיח ועד שלא הלבין ועד שלא הטביל מותר שכל השומן שבהן נותן טעם לפגם הוא כמו שביארנו:
5
The immersion of the dinnerware that is purchased from gentiles to allow it to be used for eating and drinking is not associated with ritual purity and impurity. Instead, it is a Rabbinic decree.19
There is an allusion20 to this [in Numbers 31:23 that describes Moses' instructions with regard to the spoils taken from Midian:] "Everything that can be passed through fire, you shall pass through fire and it will become pure." According to the Oral Tradition, we learned that the verse is speaking only about purifying [the utensils] from gentile cooking, not from ritual impurity. For there is no ritually impurity that is dispelled by fire. All those who are impure ascend from their impurity through immersion and the impurity stemming from [contact with] a human corpse is [dispelled] through the sprinkling [of water and the ashes of the red heifer]. There is no concept of fire [employed in this context], rather [it is employed] with regard to purification from gentile cooking. Since the verse states "and it will become pure," our Sages said: "Add to it another dimension of purity after passing it through fire to cause it to be permitted because [of its contact] with gentile cooking."21
ה
טבילה זו שמטבילין כלי הסעודה הנלקחים מן העכו"ם ואח"כ יותרו לאכילה ושתיה אינן לענין טומאה וטהרה אלא מדברי סופרים ורמז לה כל דבר אשר יבא באש תעבירו באש וטהר ומפי השמועה למדו שאינו מדבר אלא בטהרתן מידי גיעולי עכו"ם לא מידי טומאה שאין לך טומאה עולה על ידי האש וכל הטמאים בטבילה עולין מטומאתן וטומאת מת בהזאה וטבילה ואין שם אש כלל אלא לענין גיעולי עכו"ם וכיון שכתוב וטהר אמרו חכמים הוסיף לו טהרה אחר עבירתו באש להתירו מגיעולי עכו"ם:
6
[Our Sages] obligate this immersion only for metal22 dinnerware utensils23 that were purchased from a gentile. When, however, a person borrows [such utensils] from a gentile or a gentile left him such utensils as security, it is only necessary to wash them thoroughly, boil them, or expose them to fire. He does not have to immerse [them].24 Similarly, if one purchased wooden or stone utensils, it is only necessary to wash them thoroughly, boil them, or expose them to fire. Similarly, earthenware utensils need not be immersed.25 If, however, they are coated with lead, they are considered as metal utensils and require immersion.26
ו
לא חייבו בטבילה זו אלא כלי מתכות של סעודה הנלקחין מן העכו"ם אבל השואל מן העכו"ם או שמשכן העכו"ם אצלו כלי מתכות מדיח או מרתיח או מלבן ואינו צריך להטביל וכן אם לקח כלי עץ או כלי אבנים מדיח או מרתיח ואינו צריך להטביל וכן כלי חרשים אינו צריך להטביל אבל השועין באבר הרי הן ככלי מתכות וצריכין טבילה:
7
When a person purchases a knife from a gentile, he must expose it to fire until it become white hot or have it honed in its sharpener.27 If it was a perfectly [smooth] knife without any blemishes, it is sufficient to insert it in hard earth ten times.28 [Afterwards,] one may eat cold food with it.29 If it had blemishes or it was perfectly [smooth], but one desired to use it to eat hot food or to slaughter with it, he should expose it to fire until it becomes white hot or hone it in its entirety.30 If he slaughtered [an animal] with such a knife before purifying it, he should wash thoroughly the place of slaughter.31 If he removes the surface [of the meat around the place of slaughter], it is praiseworthy.32
ז
הלוקח סכין מן העכו"ם מלבנה באש או משחיזה בריחים שלה ואם היתה סכין יפה שאין בה פגימות די לו אם נעצה בקרקע קשה עשר פעמים ואוכל בה צונן ואם היו בה פגימות או שהיתה יפה ורצה לאכול בה חמין או לשחוט בה מלבנה או משחיזה כולה שחט בה קודם שיטהרנה מדיח מקום השחיטה ואם קלף הרי זה משובח:
8
When a knife was used to slaughter an animal that was trefe, one should not slaughter with it [again] until it is washed thoroughly, even with cold water or wiped clean with worn-out clothes.33
ח
סכין ששחט בה טרפה לא ישחוט בה עד שידיחה אפילו בצונן או מקנחה בבליות של בגדים:
9
There are other substances which are forbidden by the Sages. Even though there is not a basis for their prohibition in Scriptural Law, they decreed against their use34 to separate from the gentiles so that Jews will not intermingle with them and intermarry. They are: It is forbidden to drink [alcoholic beverages] with them35even in a place where there was no suspicion that the wine was poured as a libation. And they forbade eating from their bread or cooked dishes36even in a place where there is no suspicion that the food was forbidden.37
ט
ויש שם דברים אחרים אסרו אותן חכמים ואף על פי שאין לאיסורן עיקר מן התורה גזרו עליהן כדי להתרחק מן העכו"ם עד שלא יתערבו בהן ישראל ויבאו לידי חתנות ואלו הן:
אסרו לשתות עמהן ואפילו במקום שאין לחוש ליין נסך ואסרו לאכול פיתן או בישוליהן ואפילו במקום שאין לחוש לגיעוליהן:
10
A person should not drink at a party of gentiles even though boiled wine which is not forbidden38 [is being served] or he is drinking from his own utensils. If the majority of the attendants of the party are Jewish, it is permitted.39We may not drink the beer that they make from dates, figs, or the like. [This is forbidden] only in the place where they are sold.40 If, however, one brought the beer home and drank it there, it is permitted. For the fundamental point of the decree is that one should not feast with [a gentile].
י
כיצד לא ישתה אדם במסיבה של עכו"ם ואע"פ שהוא יין מבושל שאינו נאסר או שהיה שותה מכליו לבדו ואם היה רוב המסיבה ישראל מותר ואין שותין שכר שלהן שעושין מן התמרים והתאנים וכיוצא בהן ואינו אסור אלא במקום מכירתו אבל אם הביא השכר לביתו ושתהו שם מותר שעיקר הגזירה שמא יסעוד אצלו:
11
It is permitted to drink wine from apples, pomegranates, and the like in every place. [Our Sages] did not institute a decree in an uncommon situation. Raisen wine is like ordinary wine and is used for libations.41
יא
יין תפוחים ויין רמונים וכיוצא בהן מותר לשתותן בכל מקום דבר שאינו מצוי לא גזרו עליו יין צמוקים הרי הוא כיין ומתנסך:
12
Although [our Sages] forbade bread [baked] by gentiles, there are places were leniency is shown regarding this matter and bread baked by a gentile baker is purchased in a place where there is no Jewish baker and it is in a field, because this is a pressing situation.42 There is, by contrast, no one who will rule that leniency may be shown with regard to bread baked by a homeowner.43 For the primary reason for [our Sages'] decree was [to prevent] intermarriage. If one will eat the bread of a [gentile] homeowner, [it is likely that] he will feast with him.
יב
אף על פי שאסרו פת עכו"ם יש מקומות שמקילין בדבר ולוקחין פת הנחתום העכו"ם במקום שאין שם נחתום ישראל ובשדה מפני שהוא שעת הדחק אבל פת בעלי בתים אין שם מי שמורה בה להקל שעיקר הגזירה משום חתנות ואם יאכל פת בעלי בתים יבוא לסעוד אצלן:
13
[The bread] is permitted [in the following situations]: A gentile lit the oven and a Jew baked within it, a Jew lit the oven and the gentile baked within it, the gentile both lit the oven and baked, but the Jew stirred the fire or reduced it, since he was involved in the baking tasks, [we rule leniently]. Even though he did not do more than throw one piece of wood into the oven, he caused all the bread in it to be permitted. [The rationale is that this requirement] is only to make a distinction that [a gentile's] bread is forbidden.44
יג
הדליק העכו"ם את התנור ואפה בו ישראל או שהדליק ישראל ואפה עכו"ם או שהדליק העכו"ם ואפה העכו"ם ובא ישראל וניער האש מעט או כבשו לאש הואיל ונשתתף במלאכת הפת הרי זו מותרת ואפילו לא זרק אלא עץ לתוך התנור התיר כל הפת שבו שאין הדבר אלא להיות היכר שהפת שלהן אסורה:
14
When a gentile cooks wine, milk, honey, quince,45 or the like, i.e., any entity that is usually eaten raw, it is permitted. [Our Sages] issued their decree only with regard to entities that are not eaten at all raw, e.g., meat, unsalted fish, an egg, and vegetables. If a gentile were to cook them from the beginning to the end without the Jew participated in the cooking at all, they are forbidden because they were cooked by gentiles.
יד
עכו"ם שבישל לנו יין או חלב או דבש או פרישין וכיוצא באלו (מכל) דבר הנאכל כמות שהוא חי הרי אלו מותרין ולא גזרו אלא על דבר שאינו נאכל כמות שהוא חי כגון בשר ודג תפל וביצה וירקות אם בישלן העכו"ם מתחלה ועד סוף ולא נשתתף ישראל עמו בבשולן הרי אלו אסורין משום בשולי עכו"ם:
15
When does the above apply? To [food] that would be served on the table of kings46 to be eaten together with bread,47 e.g., meat, eggs, fish, and the like. When, by contrast, [food] would not be served on the table of kings to be eaten together with bread, e.g., vetch48 cooked by gentiles, it is permitted despite the fact that it is not eaten uncooked. Similar laws apply in all analogous situations. For the fundamental purpose of the decree was to prevent intermarriage, by [hindering] a gentile from inviting [the Jew] to a feast. And when [food] would not be served on the table of kings to be eaten together with bread, a person would not invite a friend [to share a meal] of it.
טו
במה דברים אמורים בדבר שהוא עולה על שולחן מלכים לאכול בו את הפת כגון בשר וביצים ודגים וכיוצא בהם אבל דבר שאינו עולה על שלחן מלכים לאכול בו את הפת כגון תורמוסין ששלקו אותן עכו"ם אע"פ שאינן נאכלין חיין הרי אלו מותרין וכן כל כיוצא בהן שעיקר הגזרה משום חתנות שלא יזמנו העכו"ם אצלו בסעודה ודבר שאינו עולה על שולחן מלכים לאכול בו את הפת אין אדם מזמן את חבירו עליו:
16
When small fish were salted by a Jew or a gentile,49 it is as if they have undergone part of their cooking process. [Therefore] if a gentile roasted them afterwards, they are permitted.50 [Similarly,] whenever a Jew performs a small part of the cooking process, whether at the beginning or at the end, [the food] is permitted. Accordingly, if a gentile placed meat or a pot on the fire and the Jew turned over the meat or stirred the pot or, conversely, the Jew placed [the food on the fire] and the gentile completed [the cooking process], [the food] is permitted.51
טז
ודגים קטנים שמלחן ישראל או עכו"ם הרי הן כמו שנתבשלו מקצת בשול ואם צלאן עכו"ם אחר כן מותרין וכל שבשלו ישראל מעט בשולו בין בתחלה בין בסוף מותר לפיכך אם הניח העכו"ם בשר או קדרה על גבי האש והפך ישראל בבשר והגיס בקדרה או שהניח ישראל וגמר העכו"ם הרי זה מותר:
17
When a gentile salts fish or smokes fruit and in this way prepares them to be eaten, they are permitted. With regard to this decree,52 salted food is not considered as if it were boiling hot, nor is smoking considered as cooking. Similarly, kernels of grain roasted by a gentile are permitted. They were not included in the decree, for a person will not invite a colleague53 to [come and eat] roasted kernels of grain.
יז
דג שמלחו עכו"ם ופירות שעישנן עד שהכשירן לאכילה הרי אלו מותרין מליח אינו כרותח בגזירה זו והמעושן אינו כמבושל וכן קליות של עכו"ם מותרין ולא גזרו עליהם שאין אדם מזמן חבירו על הקליות:
18
Beans, peas, lentils, and the like that have been cooked by gentiles and are sold are forbidden because of [the decree against] gentile cooking in places where they are served on the tables of kings54 as a relish. [They are also forbidden,] because of prohibited foods in all places for perhaps they were cooked together with meat55 or in a pot in which meat had been cooked.56 Similarly, doughnuts that are fried by gentiles in oil are forbidden because of prohibited foods.57
יח
פולין ואפונין ועדשים וכיוצא בהן ששולקין אותן העכו"ם ומוכרין אותן אסורין משום בישולי עכו"ם במקום שעולין על שלחן מלכים משום פרפרת ומשום גיעולי עכו"ם בכ"מ שמא יבשלו אותן עם הבשר או בקדרה שבישלו בה בשר וכן הסופגנין שקולין אותן העכו"ם בשמן אסורין אף משום גיעולי עכו"ם:
19
When a gentile cooked without intending to cook, [the product] is permitted.58 What is implied? A gentile lit a fire in a swamp to clean away the overgrowth and grasshoppers were roasted, it is permitted to eat them. [This applies] even in places where they are served on the tables of kings as a relish. Similarly, if he scorches a [kosher animal's] head to remove its hair, it is permitted to partake of the strings of meat and the tips of the ears that were roasted at the time of the scorching.
יט
עכו"ם שבישל ולא נתכוון לבשול הרי זה מותר כיצד עכו"ם שהצית אור באגם כדי להעביר החציר ונתבשלו בה חגבים הרי אלו מותרין ואפילו במקום שהן עולין על שלחן מלכים משום פרפרת וכן אם חרך הראש להעביר השער מותר לאכול מן הדלדולין ומן ראש אזנים שנצלו בשעת חריכה:
20
[The following rules apply to] dates that were cooked by gentiles. If, initially, they were sweet, they are permitted.59 If they were bitter and the cooking sweetened them, they are forbidden. If they were of intermediate sweetness, they are forbidden.
כ
תמרים ששלקו אותן עכו"ם אם היו מתוקין מתחלתן הרי אלו מותרין ואם היו מרין ומתקנין הבשול הרי אלו אסורין היו בינוניים הרי אלו אסורין:
21
Roasted lentils that were kneaded with water or with vinegar are forbidden.60 When, however, roasted kernels of wheat or barley are kneaded with water, they are permitted.
כא
קלי של עדשים שלשו בין במים בין בחומץ הרי זה אסור אבל קלי של חטים ושעורים שלשין אותן במים הרי זה מותר:
22
The oil of gentiles is permitted. One who forbids it commits a great sin, for he rebels61 against [the teachings] of the [High] Court who permitted it.62 Even if the oil was cooked, it is permitted. It is not forbidden because of gentile cooking, because we partake of oil uncooked. Nor is it forbidden, because of prohibited foods,63 because meat impairs [the flavor of] oil and spoils it.
כב
שמן של עכו"ם מותר ומי שאוסרו הרי זה עומד בחטא גדול מפני שממרה על פי בית דין שהתירוהו ואפילו נתבשל השמן הרי זה מותר ואינו נאסר לא מפני בישולי עכו"ם מפני שנאכל כמות שהוא חי ולא מפני גיעולי עכו"ם מפני שהבשר פוגם את השמן ומסריחו:
23
Similarly, when gentile honey was cooked and sweets were made from it, it is permitted for the same reason.64
כג
וכן דבש של עכו"ם שנתבשל ועשו ממנו מיני מתיקה מותר מטעם זה:
24
Date dregs65 of gentiles that were heated in hot water, whether in a large pot or a small pot, are permitted.66 For the [flavor of forbidden meat absorbed in the pot] impairs its flavor. Similarly, pickled foods to which it is not customary to add vinegar or wine or pickled olives or pickled grasshoppers that are brought from the storehouse are permitted.67 Nevertheless, grasshoppers and pickled foods over which wine is sprinkled are forbidden.68 Similarly, they are forbidden if vinegar - even vinegar made from beer - is sprinkled over them.69
כד
כוספן של עכו"ם שהוחמו חמין בין ביורה גדולה בין ביורה קטנה מותר מפני שנותן טעם לפגם הוא וכן כבשין שאין דרכן לתת לתוכן חומץ או יין או זיתים הכבושין וחגבים הכבושין שבאין מן האוצר מותרין אבל חגבים וכבשים שמזלפין עליהן יין אסורין וכן אם היו מזלפין עליהן חומץ ואפילו חומץ שכר אסורין:
25
Why is gentile vinegar made from beer forbidden? Because they cast the dregs of wine into it. Therefore [vinegar] taken from a storage room is permitted.70
כה
ומפני מה אסרו חומץ שכר של עכו"ם מפני שמשליכין לתוכו שמרי יין לפיכך הנלקח מן האוצר מותר:
26
[Gentile] fish brine, in places where it is customary to mix wine into it, is forbidden. If the wine is more expensive than the fish brine, it is permitted. We rule this way in all instances where we suspect that the gentiles mixed a forbidden substance [into a permitted substance]. For a person will not mix something expensive into something that is low-priced, for he will lose. He will, however, mix the low-priced into the expensive, for then he profits.
כו
המורייס במקום שדרכן לתת לתוכו יין אסור ואם היה היין יקר מן המורייס מותר וכזה מורין בכל דבר שחוששין לו שמא עירבו בו העכו"ם דבר אסור שאין אדם מערב דבר היקר בזול שהרי מפסיד אבל מערב הזול ביקר כדי להשתכר:
27
When a child eats forbidden foods or performs a forbidden labor on the Sabbath,71 the Jewish court is not commanded to make him cease, because he is not intellectually capable.72
When does the above apply? When he acts on his own initiative.73 It is, however, forbidden [for an adult] to give him [non-kosher food] by hand. [This applies even] to foods forbidden by Rabbinic decree. Similarly, it is forbidden to make him accustomed to desecrating the Sabbath and the festivals.74 [This applies even] to even [performing] activities forbidden as a shvut.75
כז
קטן שאכל אחד ממאכלות אסורות או שעשה מלאכה בשבת אין בית דין מצווין עליו להפרישו לפי שאינו בן דעת בד"א בשעשה מעצמו אבל להאכילו בידים אסור ואפילו דברים שאיסורן מדברי סופרים וכן אסור להרגילו בחילול שבת ומועד ואפילו בדברים שהן משום שבות:
28
Although the Jewish court is not commanded to separate a child from transgressions, his father is commanded to rebuke him so that he withdraws in order to train him in holy conduct, as [Proverbs 22:6] states: "Educate a child according to his way."76
כח
אף על פי שאין בית דין מצווין להפריש את הקטן מצוה על אביו לגעור בו ולהפרישו כדי לחנכו בקדושה שנאמר חנוך לנער על פי דרכו וגו':
29
Our Sages77 forbade [a person from partaking of] food and drink from which the souls of most people are revolted, e.g., food and drink that were mixed with vomit, feces, foul discharges, or the like.78 Similarly, our Sages forbade eating and drinking from filthy utensils from which a person's soul languishes, e.g., the utensils of a lavatory, the glass79 utensils of medical attendants that are used to let blood, and the like.
כט
אסרו חכמים מאכלות ומשקין שנפש רוב בני אדם קיהה מהן כגון מאכלות ומשקין שנתערב בהן קיא או צואה ולחה סרוחה וכיוצא בהן וכן אסרו חכמים לאכול ולשתות בכלים הצואים שנפשו של אדם מתאוננת מהם כגון כלי בית הכסא וכלי זכוכית של ספרין שגורעין בהם את הדם וכיוצא בהן:
30
Similarly, they forbade eating with unclean and soiled hands and with dirty utensils. All of these matters are included in the general [prohibition]: "Do not make your souls detestable." A person who partakes of these foods is given stripes for rebellious conduct.80
ל
וכן אסרו לאכול בידים מסואבות מזוהמות ועל גבי כלים מלוכלכים שכל דברים אלו בכלל אל תשקצו את נפשותיכם והאוכל מאכלות אלו מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
31
Similarly, it is forbidden for a person to delay relieving himself at all, whether through defecation or urination.81 Anyone who delays relieving himself is considered among those who make their souls detestable in addition to the severe illnesses he brings upon himself and becoming liable for his life. Instead, it is appropriate for a person to train himself [to eliminate] at specific times so that he will not have to separate himself in the presence of others and not have to make his soul detestable.
לא
וכן אסור לאדם שישהה את נקביו כלל בין גדולים בין קטנים וכל המשהה נקביו הרי זה בכלל משקץ נפשו יתר על חלאים רעים שיביא על עצמו ויתחייב בנפשו אלא ראוי לו להרגיל עצמו בעתים מזומנים כדי שלא יתרחק בפני בני אדם ולא ישקץ נפשו:
32
Whoever is careful concerning these matters82 brings an additional measure of holiness and purity to his soul and purges his soul for the sake of the Holy One, blessed be He, as [Leviticus 11:44] states: "And you shall sanctify yourselves and you will be holy, for I am holy."
לב
וכל הנזהר בדברים אלו מביא קדושה וטהרה יתירה לנפשו וממרק נפשו לשם הקדוש ברוך הוא שנאמר והתקדשתם והייתם קדושים כי קדוש אני:
Blessed be God who grants assistance.
בריך רחמנא דסייען מריש ועד כען:
FOOTNOTES
1.
If the pot was made out of metal, it is possible to purge the flavor of the non-kosher food the pot absorbed through hagaalah. This process is not effective with regard to an earthenware pot.
2.
Since the dish contains meat and the flavor of the forbidden meat was absorbed in the pot, the laws applying to a forbidden substance mixed with its own type apply. Since we do not know how much of the forbidden substance is absorbed in the pot, we assume that the entire pot is forbidden. For this reason, the Rambam does not mention that if there is 60 times the amount of the forbidden food in the kosher food, the kosher food is permitted. For it is very rare that a pot be able to contain sixty times its own volume (Radbaz).
3.
According to the Rambam, it should be tasted by a gentile to determine whether the forbidden flavor is detectable or not, as stated in Chapter 15, Halachah 30. As mentioned, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 98:1) accepts the Rambam's premise, but the Rama states that in the present age, we do not rely on the statements of a non-Jew who tasted food to determine whether it is kosher or not.
4.
The meaning of the Rambam's words is not clear. Rashi (Avodah Zarah 75b) interprets the term as meaning "which has not been left overnight." Tosafot, by contrast, states that it means "that has not been left for 24 hours." The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 103:5) follows the latter view.
5.
After that time, however, the flavor is impaired and thus will not cause a substance cooked in the pot to become forbidden.
6.
This is a safeguard less cooking in a pot that had not been used for non-kosher food for a day lead to cooking in one that had been used for non-kosher food that day (Avodah Zarah, loc. cit.).
7.
Our Sages did not enforce their decree after the fact. Nevertheless, at the outset, an earthenware pot that was used for non-kosher food may never be used.
8.
See Halachah 5 regarding the obligation for this immersion.
9.
Lest any forbidden food be stuck to them.
10.
This will purge any forbidden food that was absorbed in them. There should be at least one day between the last time a pot was used for non-kosher food and the time when hagaalah is performed.
11.
See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 121:2 which discusses what must be done if they were immersed in the mikveh before hagaalah was performed.
12.
That the forbidden article and the utensil were in direct contact with fire without a medium of water or any other liquid.
13.
Only then will the forbidden flavor that was absorbed be purged.
14.
In that way, there will not be any portion of it that is not exposed to the water.
15.
I.e., we follow the principle: "As it absorbed a forbidden flavor, so it purges it." Hence boiling it thoroughly will cause any forbidden taste that is absorbed to be purged.
16.
And thus it would be difficult to submerge it a larger pot.
17.
And thus the boiling water will also cover the edge.
18.
In Halachah 2.
19.
As the Jerusalem Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5:15) states, this immersion was instituted to mark the article's transition from the impurity of the gentiles.
20.
Most commentaries understand the Rambam as explaining that the requirement for immersion is an asmachta, i.e., an obligation that is essentially Rabbinic in origin. Although our Sages cited a verse that can be seen to allude to it, the intent is not that the obligation is derived from the verse. Instead, the verse is merely a hint which the Rabbis found to allude to their teaching (Rabbenu Nissim).
There are, however, others who note that the Rambam occasionally employs the term he employs here - midvrei sofrim - to refer to obligations and laws that are of Scriptural origin. They are not explicitly stated in the verse, but instead derived through the principles of Biblical exegesis. According to this view, the obligation is of Scriptural origin (the Rashba, Vol. III, Responsum 255, 259).
21.
I.e., after you have purged it from the taste absorbed because of gentile cooking, add another dimension of purity through immersion.
22.
This requirement also applies to glass dinnerware, as stated in Halachah 3.
Avodah Zarah 75b explains the association with metal utensils as follows. Our Sages associated this obligation with the purification of the spoil taken in the war against Midian and the verse which mentions those spoils (Numbers 31:22) refers to metal utensils. Glass utensils are also included, because, halachically, they share similarities to metal utensils.
23.
I.e., utensils used to prepare, serve, or partake of food. Even utensils that are used in the preliminary phases of preparation of food, e.g., a knife used to slaughter or skin an animal, are required to be immersed according to certain authorities [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 120:5)].
24.
For even though he has permission to use them, he has not become their owner. The Kessef Mishneh quotes certain opinions that maintain that utensils taken as security must be immersed, because if the debt is not repaid, they are considered as payment [see Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 120:5).
In this context, there are many authorities who question why the utensils that are "purchased" by a gentile before Pesach are not required to be immersed.
25.
Needless to say, plastic utensils need not be immersed.
26.
The Rama ((Yoreh De'ah 120:1) states that they should be immersed without a blessing.
27.
By exposing the knife to fire, the person will burn away any non-kosher substances. By honing it, he will grind away its surface and together with it, the taste of the forbidden substance it absorbed.
28.
One must insert it in ten different places in the earth. It is not sufficient to insert it in the same place ten times [Tur and Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 121:7)].
29.
For sticking it into the earth will remove any traces of forbidden fat on its surface and the taste of forbidden food that is absorbed will not be released when it is used for cold food.
30.
These activities may cause any forbidden taste absorbed by the knife to be released. Hence before the knife is used, the traces of the forbidden flavor must be removed as above.
The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 121:7) quotes opinions that maintain that honing the knife is not sufficient to allow it to be used for hot foods. He states that this is accustomed practice. Even so, after the fact, if a person slaughtered an animal with a knife that was honed in a grinder, thre is no prohibition involved (Siftei Cohen 121:20).
31.
To remove any traces of forbidden fat that might be present.
This is permitted only after the fact. At the outset, it is forbidden to slaughter with such a knife unless measures are taken to remove the absorbed fat (Siftei Cohen 10:8).
32.
For according to some opinions, through the slaughter of the animal, the forbidden fat on the knife can become absorbed in the surface of the meat where the animal was slaughtered. Hence it is necessary that it be removed. The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 10:1) rules that it is necessary to take this measure and remove the surface of the meat.
33.
To remove any trace of forbidden blood or fat. Nothing more is necessary, we do not say that the blood or fat became absorbed in the knife.
The Turei Zahav 10:15 states that unlike a knife used by gentiles mentioned in the previous halachah, it was not used frequently with a non-kosher substance. Hence washing it thoroughly is sufficient.
34.
These decrees were about the eighteen decrees passed when the students of the School of Shammai outnumbered the students of the School of Hillel, as related in Shabbat 1:3 (the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah, Avodah Zarah 2:6).
35.
See the following halachah.
36.
See Halachot 12-24.
37.
E.g., the food was cooked by gentiles on Jewish premises (the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah, loc. cit.).
38.
See Chapter 11, Halachah 9.
39.
The Tur and the Shulchan Aruch do not mention this restriction or the accompanying leniency. The Beit Yosef (Yoreh De'ah 112) explains the Rambam's logic as follows: Avodah Zarah 30a relates that one of the Sages, Shmuel was sitting with Abalat, a gentile. They were served boiled wine. Abalat withdrew, lest he touch the wine and cause it to become forbidden. Shmuel called him back, telling him there was no prohibition against boiled wine.
Rabbenu Asher asks: Since the prohibition against gentile wine was instituted as a protection against intermarriage, what difference does it make whether the wine is boiled or not? He answers that boiled wine is not common. Hence our Sages did not include it in their decree.
Rambam maintains that boiled wine is common and hence included in our Sages' decree. For this reason, it is forbidden to drink it together with gentiles. How then could Shmuel drink with Abalat? Because there were a majority of Jews at the gathering and such a situation is not included in our Sages' decree.
40.
Thus according to the Rambam [and the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 114:1) who quotes his ruling, it is forbidden to drink at a bar frequented primarily by gentiles. The Rama mentions that it is customary in the Ashkenazic community to rule leniently with regard to alcoholic beverages made from honey and grain.
41.
Hence a gentile's touch renders it forbidden.
42.
Because bread is a staple of life and there is no Jewish bread available, our Sages allowed for leniency when purchasing bread from a commercial baker. For buying from him will not lead to close personal relationships. Nevertheless, according to the Rambam, this leniency is granted only: where there is no Jewish bakers and in the fields, not in the cities. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 112:2) rules more leniently and does not forbid this in a city. The Rama rules even more leniently and allows the purchase of bread from a gentile baker even in places where bread from a Jewish baker is available.
43.
There are opinions which maintain when there is no bread from a commercial baker available, one may even use bread baked by a gentile homeowner [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 112)]. The Rama states that one may accept this leniency.
44.
The Radbaz states that this leniency applies only with regard to baking bread. With regard to cooking, a Jew must take a more active role in the cooking process. This ruling is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 113:7). The Rama, however, differs and maintains that kindling the oven is sufficient for cooking as well.
45.
There is a slight difficulty with the Rambam's statements, because quince are only edible when cooked.
46.
Today, when monarchy is a point of history, the phrase "fit to be served on the table of kings" refers to food served at a dinner for the President or dignitaries of similar status.
47.
Avodah Zarah 38a gives this and the leniency mentioned in the previous halachah as alternate explanations when food cooked by gentiles is permitted. Since the matter is left unresolved by the Talmud, the Rambam and the subsequent authorities rule leniently in both situations.
48.
A legume used as cattle fodder, but also served to humans on occasion.
49.
The Radbaz that this is speaking about fish that are frequently served salted even without being cooked (e.g., sardines or herring served in brine). It is permitted to eat such fish for, as the Rambam states in the following halachah, in this context, salting is not considered as cooking. This leniency does not apply to large fish, for they are unfit to be eaten unless they are cooked or roasted. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 103:12) mentions this ruling, but also a dissenting view that allows leniency even with regard to large fish.
50.
Since they were fit to be eaten before they were roasted, the fact that they were roasted by a gentile afterwards does not cause them to be forbidden. This applies even when a gentile performed the salting. For that salting did not cause the fish to become forbidden and yet, it made it fit to be eaten (ibid.).
51.
In his Kessef Mishneh, R. Yosef Caro rules that this applies only when the cooking process would have been completed without the gentile's activity; the gentile merely hastened it. He does not, however, quote this ruling in his Shulchan Aruch. The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 113:6) rules that even if the food would not have cooked without the gentile's activity, it is permitted. The Turei Zahav 113:6 and the Siftei Cohen 113:8, however, raise questions concerning that leniency.
52.
In contrast to certain other halachic contexts.
53.
See the conclusion of Halachah 15.
54.
Implied is that the designation of a food as important enough to be served on the tables of kings is a relative matter, determined by each locale in accordance with its own practice (Makor Mayim Chayim).
55.
For this is frequently done in order to flavor beans.
56.
I.e., cooked that day. The Kessef Mishneh states that, according to the Rambam, we assume that a pot owned by a gentile had been used to cook non-kosher food that day. This is not the view of the majority of Halachic authorities.
57.
For we fear that the gentile used non-kosher fat or that the fryer in which they are prepared was used that day for non-kosher meat.
58.
When quoting this law, Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 113:5) emphasizes that if the gentile intends to cook, even if he did not intend to cook a particular substance, that substance is forbidden. For example, when a gentile lit an oven with the intent of cooking food without realizing that there was meat in the oven, the meat is forbidden.
59.
Since they can be eaten fresh, they are not forbidden when cooked (Halachah 14).
60.
Avodah Zarah 38b relates that it was customary to eat a dish made from roasted lentils mixed with vinegar. This was considered like cooking. As a safeguard against partaking of such a mixture, they also forbade roasted lentils mixed with water. It was not, however, customary to partake of grain mixed with vinegar. Hence, there was no reason to forbid grain mixed with water.
61.
The wording the Rambam uses alludes to the Biblical prohibition of the rebellious elder (see Deuteronomy, ch. 17, and Hilchot Mamrim, ch. 3). The Jerusalem Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2:8) relates that Rav once refused to partake of gentile oil. Shmuel ordered him to do so. "If not," he threatened, "I will have you labeled a rebellious elder."
62.
Avodah Zarah 35b states that Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi and his court permitted gentile oil to be used.
63.
I.e., the flavor of forbidden meat absorbed in the pot.
64.
I.e., because it is ordinarily eaten raw and because meat spoils its flavor.
65.
Which would be boiled to make beer.
66.
Avodah Zarah 38b originally postulates that only date dregs cooked in small pots with openings to narrow to put in non-kosher meat are forbidden. The conclusion of the passage, however, permits even date dregs cooked in large pots for the reason mentioned by the Rambam.
67.
In some halachic contexts, pickling is considered as cooking. Nevertheless, with regard to this prohibition, our Sages ruled leniently. We do not forbid them because of the suspicion that wine or vinegar will be sprinkled over them, because wine or vinegar would not be sprinkled over them in the storeroom, only in a retail outlet [Rashi (Avodah Zarah 39b)].
68.
Because of the gentile wine.
69.
As stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 13, vinegar made from gentile wine is forbidden. And as indicated in the next halachah, other types of vinegar are also forbidden.
70.
For if wine dregs were cast into the vinegar in the storage room, it would spoil (Avodah Zarah 32b). In a store, however, we assume that it will be sold quickly and in that brief time, it will not spoil (Turei Zahav 114:5).
71.
Although the Rambam's wording in Hilchot Shabbat 24:11 might lead one to think that one must rebuke a child for performing a task forbidden by Scriptural Law, both the Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh explain that his statements there should be interpreted within the context of his statements here.
72.
Hence, he is not responsible for his actions.
73.
Note, however, the Rama (Orach Chayim 243:1) which quotes opinions that maintain that once a child has reached the age where he is fit to be educated in the observance of the mitzvot, the court - and every individual person - is obligated to rebuke for transgressing.
74.
To give a contemporary example, a parent cannot have a child turn lights on and off on the Sabbath.
75.
As the Rambam explains in Hilchot Shabbat 21:1, the term shvut refers to activities forbidden by Rabbinic Law, because they resemble forbidden labors or because they might lead one to commit a forbidden labor.
Note, however, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 243:1 which rules that when there is a necessity, not even a severe necessity, Rabbinic prohibitions can be overstepped with regard to a child.
76.
This is a general charge, applying to the Torah and its mitzvot in their totality.
77.
See the notes to the following halachah with regard to whether these restrictions are of Scriptural or Rabbinic origin.
78.
The Radbaz states that one partake of such foods for curative purposes if necessary.
79.
The Bayit Chadash (Yoreh De'ah 116) states that this also applies to metal utensils. The Rambam mentions glass only because that was the ordinary practice at that time.
80.
See the Beit Yosef (Yoreh De'ah 116) who debates whether the prohibition mentioned in this and the previous halachah are of Rabbinic or Scriptural origin. It is possible to explain that the restrictions were instituted by the Rabbis and they employed the Biblical verse merely as an asmachta, an allusion and a hint, but not a source per se.
The wording of the Rambam here and his statements in Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 179) imply that the prohibition itself is Scriptural in origin. The only reason a person is not given lashes is because the simple meaning of the verse refers to the prohibition against teeming animals.
81.
See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Mahadura Basra 3:11 which mentions several points concerning this restriction:
a) Our Sages did not, however, require their ordinance to override considerations of public embarrassment. For example, [a person is allowed to wait] until he finds a private place to relieve himself or until he will not be causing an interruption in prayer.
b) The Rashba maintains that the prohibition "not [to] make your souls detestable" does not apply to deferring urination. c) Whenever one can contain himself, whether from urinating or from eliminating, for the length of time it takes to walk a parsah (a Persian measure equal to approximately four kilometers), all opinions agree that the prohibition "not [to] make yourselves loathsome" does not apply.
82.
It would appear that the Rambam's intent is not only the subjects spoken about in the last halachot, but also the totality of the laws of kashrut.
Shechitah - Chapter 1
Introduction to Hilchos Shechitah
They contain 5 mitzvot: three positive commandments and two negative commandments. They are:
1. To slaughter an animal and then to partake of it;
2. Not to slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day;
3. To cover the blood of [slaughtered] beasts and fowl;
4. Not to take a mother bird together with her young;
5. To send away the mother when taking her together with her young.
These mitzvot are explained in the ensuing chapters.
רמב"ם הלכות שחיטה - הקדמה
הלכות שחיטה. יש בכללן חמש מצות, שלש מצות עשה, ושתים מצות לא תעשה. וזה הוא פרטן:
)א) לשחוט ואחר כך יאכל.
(ב) שלא לשחוט אותו ואת בנו ביום אחד.
(ג) לכסות דם חיה ועוף.
(ד) שלא ליקח האם על הבנים.
(ה) לשלח האם אם לקחה על הבנים.
וביאור מצות אלו בפרקים אלו.
1
It is a positive commandment1 for one who desires to partake of the meat of a domesticated animal, wild beast, or fowl to slaughter [it] and then partake of it,2 as [Deuteronomy 12:21] states: "And you shall slaughter from your cattle and from your sheep." And with regard to a firstborn animal with a blemish,3 [ibid.:22] states: "As one would partake of a deer and a gazelle." From this, we learn that a wild beast is [governed by] the same [laws] as a domesticated animal with regard to ritual slaughter.
And with regard to a fowl, [Leviticus 17:13] states: "that will snare a beast or a fowl as prey... and shed its blood." This teaches that shedding the blood of a fowl is analogous to shedding the blood of a wild beast.4
א
מצות עשה שישחוט מי שירצה לאכול בשר בהמה חיה ועוף ואחר כך יאכל שנאמר וזבחת מבקרך ומצאנך, ונאמר בבכור בעל מום אך כאשר יאכל את הצבי ואת האיל, הא למדת שחיה כבהמה לענין שחיטה, ובעוף הוא אומר אשר יצוד ציד חיה או עוף וגו' ושפך את דמו מלמד ששפיכת דם העוף כשפיכת דם החיה.
2
The laws governing ritual slaughter are the same in all instances.5Therefore one who slaughters a domesticated animal, beast, or fowl should first6 recite the blessing: "[Blessed...] who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning7 ritual slaughter." If he did not recite a blessing, either consciously or inadvertently, the meat is permitted.8
It is forbidden to partake of a slaughtered animal throughout the time it is in its death throes.9 When a person partakes of it before it dies, he transgresses a negative commandment. [This act] is included in the prohibition [Leviticus 19:26]: "Do not eat upon the blood." He does not, however, receive lashes.10
It is permitted to cut meat from it after it has been ritually slaughtered, but before it dies. That meat should be salted thoroughly, washed thoroughly,11 and left until the animal dies. Afterwards, it may be eaten.
ב
והלכות שחיטה בכולן אחת הן, לפיכך השוחט בהמה או חיה או עוף מברך תחלה אקב"ו על השחיטה ואם לא בירך בין בשוגג בין במזיד הבשר מותר, ואסור לאכול מן השחוטה כל זמן שהיא מפרכסת, והאוכל ממנה קודם שתצא נפשה עובר בלא תעשה, והרי הוא בכלל לא תאכלו על הדם ואינו לוקה ומותר לחתוך ממנה אחר שחיטה קודם שתצא נפשה ומולחו יפה יפה ומדיחו יפה יפה ומניחו עד שתמות ואח"כ יאכלנו.
3
Fish and locusts need not be slaughtered. Instead, gathering them causes them to be permitted to be eaten. [This is indicated by Numbers 11:22]: "Can sheep and cattle be slaughtered for them that will suffice them? If all the fish of the sea would be gathered for them...." This indicates that gathering fish is like slaughtering cattle and sheep. And with regard to locusts, [Isaiah 33:4] states: "the gathering of the locusts," i.e., gathering alone [is sufficient]. Therefore if fish die naturally in the water, they are permitted.12 And it is permitted to eat them while they are alive.13
ג
דגים וחגבים אינן צריכים שחיטה אלא אסיפתן היא המתרת אותן, הרי הוא אומר הצאן ובקר ישחט להם ומצא להם אם את כל דגי הים יאסף להם אסיפת דגים כשחיטת בקר וצאן, ובחגבים נאמר אוסף החסיל באסיפה לבדה, לפיכך אם מתו מאיליהן בתוך המים מותרין, ומותר לאכלן חיים.
4
The slaughter which the Torah mentions without elaboration must be explained so that we know: a) which place in the animal is [appropriate] for ritual slaughter?, b) what is the measure of the slaughtering process?, c) with what do we slaughter?, d) when do we slaughter?, e) in which place [on the animal's neck] do we slaughter? f) how do we slaughter, g) what factors disqualify the slaughter? h) who can slaughter?14
We were commanded concerning all of these factors in the Torah with the verse [Deuteronomy 12:21]: "And you shall slaughter from your cattle... as I commanded you." All of these factors were commanded to us orally as is true with regard to the remainder of the Oral Law which is called "the mitzvah," as we explained in the beginning of this text.15
ד
זביחה זו האמורה בתורה סתם צריך לפרש אותה ולידע באי זה מקום מן הבהמה שוחטין, וכמה שיעור השחיטה, ובאי זה דבר שוחטין, ומתי שוחטין, והיכן שוחטין, וכיצד שוחטין, ומה הן הדברים המפסידין את השחיטה, ומי הוא השוחט, ועל כל הדברים האלו צונו בתורה ואמר וזבחת מבקרך וגו' כאשר צויתיך ואכלת בשעריך וגו' שכל הדברים האלו על פה צוה בהן כשאר תורה שבעל פה שהיא הנקראת מצוה כמו שביארנו בתחלת חבור זה.
5
The place where an animal should be slaughtered is the neck. The entire neck is acceptable for slaughtering.
What is implied? With regard to the gullet,16 from the beginning of the place where when it is cut, it contracts until the place where hair grows17 and it begins appearing fissured like the stomach, this is the place of slaughter with regard to the gullet.
ה
מקום השחיטה מן החי הוא הצואר וכל הצואר כשר לשחיטה, כיצד בושט מתחלת המקום שכשחותכין אותו מתכווץ עד מקום שישעיר ויתחיל להיות פרצין פרצין ככרס, זה הוא מקום השחיטה בושט.
6
If one slaughters above this place - in the area called the entrance to the gullet18 - or below this place - i.e., the beginning of the digestive system, the slaughter is unacceptable.19
The measure of the entrance to the gullet above which is unfit for slaughter in an animal or a beast is so one can grab it with two fingers.20 With regard to a fowl, it depends on its size. The lower limit extends until the crop.21
ו
שחט למעלה ממקום זה והוא הנקרא תרבץ הושט או למטה ממקום זה והוא מתחלת בני מעים שחיטתו פסולה, ושיעור תרבץ הושט שאינו ראוי לשחיטה למעלה בבהמה וחיה כדי שיאחז בשתי אצבעותיו ובעוף הכל לפי גדלו וקטנו, ולמטה עד הזפק.
7
Where is the place of slaughter with regard to the windpipe? From the slant of its cap22 downward until the beginning of the flank of the lung when the animal extends its neck to pasture,23 this is the place of slaughter with regard to the windpipe. The area opposite this place on the outside is called the neck.
ז
ואי זה הוא מקום שחיטה בקנה משיפוי כובע ולמטה עד ראש כנף הריאה כשתמשוך הבהמה צוארה לרעות, זה הוא מקום השחיטה בקנה, וכל שכנגד המקום הזה מבחוץ נקרא צואר.
8
When the animal strained itself and extended its neck exceedingly or the slaughterer applied exertion to the signs and extended them upward, but slaughtered in the neck at the place of slaughter, there is an unresolved doubt24 whether [the animal] is a nevelah. For the place where the gullet and windpipe were cut is not the place where [the animal] is [usually] slaughtered.25
ח
אנסה הבהמה עצמה ומשכה צוארה הרבה או שאינס השוחט את הסימנין ומשכן למעלה ושחט במקום שחיטה בצואר ונמצאת השחיטה בקנה או בושט שלא במקום שחיטה הרי זה ספק נבלה.
9
The slaughterer must slaughter in the center of the neck. If he slaughters to the side, it is acceptable.26
What is the measure of slaughter? That one [cut] the two identifying marks, the windpipe and the gullet.27 Superior slaughter involves cutting both of them, whether for an animal or a fowl and a slaughterer should have this intent. [After the fact,] if one cut the majority of one of them for a fowl and the majority of both of them for an animal or a beast, the slaughter is acceptable.
ט
וצריך השוחט שישחוט באמצע הצואר, ואם שחט מן הצדדין שחיטתו כשרה, וכמה הוא שיעור השחיטה שני הסימנין שהן הקנה והושט השחיטה המעולה שיחתכו שניהן בין בבהמה בין בעוף, ולזה יתכוין השוחט, ואם שחט רוב אחד מהן בעוף ורוב השנים בבהמה ובחיה שחיטתו כשרה.
10
When one cut one sign entirely and half28 of the other sign when slaughtering an animal, his slaughter is unacceptable. If he cut the majority of both signs, even though in each instance he cuts only a hair's breadth more than half, it is acceptable. Since he cut even the slightest amount more than half,29 he has cut the majority.
י
שחט האחד כולו וחציה השני בבהמה שחיטתו פסולה, רובו של זה ורובו של זה אע"פ שלא שחט מכל אחד מהן אלא יתר על חציו כחוט השערה הרי זו כשרה, כיון ששחט יתר על חציו כל שהוא רובו הוא.
11
If he cut half30 of one and half of the other - even in a fowl - the slaughter is unacceptable. When a windpipe is half slit31 and one cut a little more on the place of the slit, making the cut a majority, the slaughter is acceptable. [This applies] whether one begins [on a portion of the windpipe] that is intact and reaches the slit or one inserts the knife into the slit and [increases its size until it] reaches the majority.
יא
שחט חציו של זה וחציו של זה אפילו בעוף שחיטתו פסולה, קנה שהיה חציו פסוק ושחט על מקום החתוך מעט והשלימו לרוב בין שהתחיל לשחוט במקום השלם ופגע בחתך בין שהכניס את הסכין בחתך והשלימו לרוב שחיטתו כשרה.
12
Every slaughterer must check the signs after he slaughters.32 If he did not check and the animal's head was cut off before he could check,33 [the animal] is [considered] a nevelah.34 [This applies even] if the slaughterer was adroit and expert.
יב
כל השוחט צריך לבדוק הסימנין לאחר שחיטה, ואם לא בדק ונחתך הראש קודם שיבדק הרי זו נבלה ואפילו היה השוחט זריז ומהיר.
13
During its lifetime, every animal is considered to be forbidden until it is definitely known that it was slaughtered in an acceptable manner.35
יג
כל בהמה בחייה בחזקת איסור עומדת עד שיודע בודאי שנשחטה שחיטה כשרה.
14
With what can we slaughter? With any entity, with a metal knife, a flint, glass, the edge of a bulrush,36 or the like among the entities that cut. [This applies] provided its edge is sharp and does not have a barb. If, however, there was a spike at the edge of the entity with which one slaughters, even if the spike is very small,37 the slaughter is unacceptable.38
יד
ובאי זה דבר שוחטין, בכל דבר בין בסכין של מתכת בין בצור או בזכוכית או בקרומית של קנה האגם וכיוצא בהן מדברים החותכין, והוא שיהיה פיה חד ולא יהיה בה פגם, אבל אם היה כמו תלם בחודו של דבר ששוחטין בו ואפילו היה התלם קטן ביותר שחיטתו פסולה.
15
If the spike was on only one side of the knife, one should not slaughter with it [at the outset]. [After the fact,] if one slaughtered with it using the side on which the blemish was not detectable, the slaughter is acceptable.
טו
היה התלם הזה מרוח אחת לא ישחוט בה, ואם שחט דרך הרוח שאין הפגימה ניכרת בה שחיטתו כשרה.
16
What is implied? There was a knife that was checked by passing it [over one's finger] and no blemish was felt on it, but when one drew it back, one felt that it had a blemish. If one slaughtered with it by passing it forwards and did not draw it back, the slaughter is acceptable. If one drew it back, the slaughter is unacceptable.39
טז
כיצד סכין שתבדק בהולכה ולא תרגיש שיש בה פגם וכשתחזיר אותה בהבאה תרגיש שיש בה פגם, אם שחט בה דרך הולכה ולא הביא שחיטתו כשרה, ואם הביא שחיטתו פסולה.
17
When a knife ascends and descends [in a curve] like a snake40 but does not have a blemish, one may slaughter with it as an initial and preferred option. When the edge of a knife is smooth, but is not sharp, one may slaughter with it, since it does not have a blemish.41 Even though one passes it back and forth the entire day until the slaughter [is completed], the slaughter is acceptable.42
יז
סכין שהיא עולה ויורדת כנחש ואין בה פגם שוחטין בה לכתחלה, וסכין שפיה חלק ואינה חדה הואיל ואין בה פגם שוחטין בה ואע"פ שהוליך והביא בה כל היום עד ששחטה שחיטתו כשרה.
18
When a sharp knife has been whetted, but its [blade] is not smooth, instead, touching it is like touching the tip of an ear of grain which becomes snarled on one's finger, [nevertheless,] since it does not have a blemish, one may slaughter with it.43
יח
סכין חדה שהושחזה והרי אינה חלקה אלא מגעתה כמגע ראש השיבולת שהוא מסתבך באצבע, הואיל ואין בה פגם שוחטין בה.
19
When a person uproots a reed or a tooth or cuts off a flint or a nail, if they are sharp and do not have a blemish, one may slaughter with them.44 If one stuck them into the ground, one should not slaughter with them while they are stuck into the ground. [After the fact,] if one slaughtered [in such a situation],45 one's slaughter is acceptable.46
יט
התולש קנה או שן או שקצץ צור או צפורן והרי הן חדין ואין בהן פגם שוחטין בהן, ואם נעצן בקרקע לא ישחוט בהן כשהן נעוצין, ואם שחט שחיטתו כשרה.
20
When one slaughtered with these entities when they were connected from the beginning of their existence, before they were uprooted, the slaughter is unacceptable47 even if they do not have a blemish.
כ
שחט בהן כשהן מחוברין מתחלת ברייתן קודם שיעקור אותן שחיטתו פסולה, ואע"פ שאין בהם פגם.
21
If one took the jawbone of an animal that had sharp teeth and slaughtered with it, it is unacceptable, for they are like a sickle.48 When, however, only one tooth is fixed in a jaw, one may slaughter with it as an initial and preferred option, even though it is set in the jaw.49
כא
לקח לחי בהמה שיש בו שינים חדות ושחט בהן שחיטתו פסולה, מפני שהן כמגל, אבל בשן אחת הקבועה בלחי שוחט בה לכתחלה ואע"פ שהיא קבועה בו.
22
When one made a knife white-hot in fire and slaughtered with it, the slaughter is acceptable.50 If one side of a knife is [jagged-edge like] a sickle and the other side is desirable, [i.e., smooth,] one should not slaughter with the desirable side as an initial and preferred measure. [This is] a decree lest one slaughter with the other side. If one slaughtered [with it], since one slaughtered with the desirable side, the slaughter is acceptable.
כב
ליבן הסכין באור ושחט בה שחיטתו כשרה, סכין שצדה אחד מגל וצדה השני יפה לא ישחוט בצד היפה לכתחלה גזרה שמא ישחוט בצד האחר, ואם שחט הואיל ובצד היפה שחט שחיטתו כשרה.
23
A slaughterer must check the knife at its tip and at both of its sides [before slaughtering]. How must he check it? He must pass it over and draw it back over the flesh of his finger and pass it over and draw it back51 over his fingernail on three edges, i.e., its tip and both of its sides so that it will not have a blemish at all. [Only] afterwards, should he slaughter with it.
כג
השוחט צריך שיבדוק הסכין בחודה ומצד זה ומצד זה, וכיצד בודקה מוליכה ומביאה על בשר אצבעו ומוליכה ומביאה על צפורנו משלש רוחותיה שהן פיה ושני צדדיו כדי שלא יהיה בה פגם כלל ואח"כ ישחוט בה.
24
It must [also] be inspected in this manner after slaughter.52 For if a blemish is discovered on it afterwards, there is an unresolved doubt whether the animal is a nevelah.53 For perhaps [the knife] became blemished [when cutting] the skin and when he cut the signs, he cut them with a blemished knife.54
For this reason, when a person slaughters many animals or many fowl,55 he must inspect [the knife] between each [slaughter]. For if he did not check, and then checked [after slaughtering] the last one and discovered [the knife] to be blemished, there is an unresolved doubt whether all of them - even the first - are nevelot56 or not.57
כד
וצריך לבדוק כן אחר השחיטה שאם מצא בה פגם אחר השחיטה הרי זו ספק נבלה שמא בעור נפגמה וכששחט הסימנים בסכין פגומה שחט, לפיכך השוחט בהמות רבות או עופות רבים צריך לבדוק בין כל אחת ואחת שאם לא בדק ובדק באחרונה ונמצאת סכין פגומה הרי הכל ספק נבלות ואפילו הראשונה. 72
25
When one inspected a knife, slaughtered with it, but did not inspect it after slaughtering, and then used it to break a bone, a piece of wood, or the like, and afterwards, inspected it and discovered it to be unacceptable, his slaughter is acceptable. [The rationale is that] the prevailing assumption is that the knife became blemished on the hard entity which it was used to break.58 Similarly, if one was negligent and did not check his knife [after slaughtering] or the knife was lost before it could be checked, the slaughter is acceptable.59
כה
בדק הסכין ושחט בה ולא בדקה אחר שחיטה, ושבר בה עצם או עץ וכיוצא בהן ואחר כך בדק ומצאה פגומה שחיטתו כשרה, שחזקת הסכין שנפגמה בדבר הקשה ששבר בה, וכן אם פשע ולא בדק הסכין או שאבדה הסכין עד שלא יבדוק שחיטתו כשרה.
26
Whenever a slaughterer60 does not have the knife with which he slaughters inspected by a wise man61 and uses it to slaughter for himself, we inspect it. If it is discovered to be desirable [and passes] the examination, we, nevertheless, place him under a ban of ostracism [lest] he rely on himself on another occasion and then the knife will be blemished, but he will still slaughter with it. If [upon examination] the knife is discovered to be blemished, he is removed from his position and placed under a ban of ostracism. We pronounce all the meat that he slaughtered to be unacceptable.62
כו
כל טבח שלא בדק הסכין שלו ששוחט בה לפני חכם ושחט בה לעצמו בודקין אותה, אם נמצאת יפה ובדוקה מנדין אותו לפי שיסמוך על עצמו פעם אחרת ותהיה פגומה וישחוט בה, ואם נמצאת פגומה מעבירין אותו ומנדין אותו ומכריזין על כל בשר ששחט שהוא טרפה.
27
How long must the knife with which one slaughters be? Even the slightest length, provided it is not [overly] thin to the extent that it pierces and does not slit63 like the head of a blade or the like.64
כז
כמה הוא אורך הסכין ששוחט כל שהוא, והוא שלא יהיה דבר דק שנוקב ואינו שוחט כמו ראש האיזמל הקטן וכיוצא בו.
28
When can one slaughter? Any time, whether during the day or during the night, provided that [at night] he has a torch65 with him so that he sees what he is doing.66 If a person slaughters in darkness, his slaughter is acceptable.67
כח
ומתי שוחטין, בכל זמן בין ביום בין בלילה והוא שתהיה אבוקה עמו כדי שיראה מה יעשה, ואם שחט באפילה שחיטתו כשרה.
29
When a person inadvertently slaughters on Yom Kippur or the Sabbath,68 his slaughter is acceptable,69 even though were he to have been acting willfully he would be liable for his life70 or for lashes [for slaughtering] on Yom Kippur.71
כט
השוחט ביום הכפורים או בשבת בשוגג אע"פ שאילו היה מזיד היה מתחייב בנפשו או מתחייב מלקות על יום הכפורים שחיטתו כשרה.
FOOTNOTES
1.
Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 146) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 451) include this among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. As mentioned at the beginning of the Mishneh Torah, the Ra'avad differs and does not consider this a mitzvah.
2.
The Rambam's wording echo his statements in Hilchot Berachot 11:2: "There are other mitzvot that are not obligations, but resemble voluntary activities, for example, the mitzvah of mezuzah.... A person is not obligated to dwell in a house that requires a mezuzah in order to fulfill this mitzvah." Similarly, in the instance at hand, a person is not obligated to slaughter. If, however, he desires to eat meat, he must fulfill this mitzvah.
3.
Note the Kessef Mishneh who elaborates, explaining that although Rashi does not interpret the verse in the same manner the Rambam does, there is support for the Rambam's interpretation.
4.
I.e., in both instances, ritual slaughter is required. The Kessef Mishneh notes that Chulin 27b derives this equivalence from another source and explains why the Rambam cites this verse instead.
5.
See the gloss of the Kessef Mishneh who explains that there are some differences between the laws governing the slaughter of each of these types of animals.
6.
For the blessings for all mitzvot must be recited before their observance (Pesachim 7b).
7.
We do not, however, say "to slaughter," for, as above, the mitzvah to slaughter is not obligatory. It is dependent on the person's desire (Hilchot Berachot 11:15).
8.
For after the fact, the recitation of the blessings is not essential (Kessef Mishneh).
9.
Partaking of the meat at this time does not, however, represent a transgression of the prohibitions against eating a limb or flesh from a living animal (see Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot, ch. 5). For once the animal has been slaughtered, these prohibitions no longer apply.
10.
This prohibition is considered as a prohibition of a general nature (Hilchot Sanhedrin 18:2-3), i.e., prohibitions that include several diverse and unrelated acts, and lashes are not given for the violation of such prohibitions.
11.
The Rambam's words provoke a question: Of course, this meat must be salted thoroughly as must all meat so that its blood will be removed (Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 6:10). Why would one think that this meat is different?
It would appear that the explanation is that other meat may be eaten if it is roasted or its blood sealed by being cast into vinegar (ibid.:12) and these options do not apply with regard to the meat in question.
12.
One might think that man would have to gather them alive for them to be permitted. Hence the Rambam emphasizes that this is not so (Kessef Mishneh). The general principle is: Whenever the mitzvah of ritual slaughter does not apply, the prohibitions against eating flesh from a living animal and eating a dead animal do not apply.
13.
The commentaries note that Shabbat 90b states that one who eats a live locust violates the prohibition: "Do not make your souls detestable." [See also Rama (Yoreh De'ah 13:1) who issues a similar warning with regard to partaking of live fish.) How the can the Rambam say that it is permitted?
Among the resolutions of this question are:
a) The passage in Shabbat refers only to a non-kosher locust, not a kosher one.
b) The Rambam, here, is saying that one may cut off part of a living locust and eat it, but not that one may eat an entire locust alive.
c) Here the Rambam is speaking with regard to the laws regarding ritual slaughter. He is not focusing on those involving other prohibitions.
14.
In the following chapters, the Rambam proceeds to answer all of these questions.
15.
I.e., in the Introduction that precedes Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah. There the Rambam explains that the Oral Law is called "the mitzvah," because it gives us instruction concerning the observance of the mitzvot. Without it, we would not know how to fulfill them.
16.
As will be explained in Halachah 9, ritual slaughter involves cutting the gullet and the windpipe. In this halachah, the Rambam defines where the gullet may be cut.
17.
In contrast to the surface of the gullet which is smooth.
18.
I.e., the end of the throat, where it is attached to the jaw..
19.
The animal is considered a nevelah and it is forbidden to partake of it. See Chapter 3, Halachah 18 (Kessef Mishneh, note Siftei Cohen 20:5).
20.
This is the Rambam's interpretation of Chulin 44a. Rashi interprets that passage as referring to a space the size of four fingers. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 20:2) follows the Rambam's understanding, while the Rama cites that of Rashi.
21.
The first of the fowl's stomachs. The crop is not considered part of the gller and it is forbidden to slaughter there.
22.
The windpipe is made up of a series of rings. Above the top ring, there is a slanted covering that is called the cap.
23.
When the animal extends its neck, the flanks of its lungs rise upward.
24.
See Chulin 45a which discusses these questions but leaves them unresolved.
25.
I.e., the place of slaughter on the neck should be aligned with the place of slaughter on the windpipe and the gullet in their natural position. In this instance, the external place of slaughter - the position on the neck - was correct, but the signs were not cut in the usual place.
26.
This applies only after the fact. At the outset, one must slaughter in the center of the neck.
27.
Since the acceptability of the slaughter is dependent on them, they are referred to as the simanim, "signs," i.e., indications that the slaughter is acceptable.
28.
But not the majority.
29.
See the Turei Zahav 21:2 who emphasizes that the difference in size need not be significant. As long as more than half is cut, the slaughter is acceptable.
30.
But no more than half.
31.
This is speaking about a situation where the animal is alive. The fact that an animal's windpipe is slit slightly does not cause it to be considered as a trefe. The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 21:5) adds that we must be careful that the gullet has not been punctured, for that would render the animal trefe. See the Turei Zahav 21:4 and the Siftei Cohen 21:5 who debate whether it is possible to rely on this leniency at present. See also Chapter 3, Halchot 6-7.
32.
To make sure that the minimal measure for slaughter was slit.
33.
Obviously, once the head is cut off, it is no longer possible to check.
34.
Because of the doubt involved. See the following halachah.
35.
This is the rationale for the stringency stated in the previous halachah (Kessef Mishneh).
36.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that many marsh plants splinter easily and they are unacceptable for they will perforate the gullet.
37.
Generally, it is accepted that a spike that can be detected by a fingernail disqualifies an animal. Nevertheless, the Rambam appears to be referring to an even smaller measure. His approach is followed by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 18:2) which speaks of a spike that is even the size of a hairsbreadth being sufficient to disqualify a knife.
Alternatively, it can be understood that the two are synanomous. This understanding is reflected by Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:14 which speaks about "a stone being blemished so that a fingernail would become caught in it like a knife used for ritual slaughter."
38.
For the spike will perforate the gullet, rendering the animal trefe before the slaughter was completed (Maggid Mishneh).
39.
The commentaries offer two explanations for this ruling. The Rambam's position is that when the spike is felt only on one side of the knife, one may slaughter with that side. Others add that the blemish must be positioned to the very far end of the knife, either near its point or near its handle. In such an instance, it is possible that the blemish never actually touched the signs and thus did not disqualify the ritual slaughter. See Shulchan Aruch [Yoreh De'ah and Rama (18:4)].
40.
Who raises his head and tail, creating a curve for its body (Kessef Mishneh).
41.
Since it does not have a blemish, it will not disqualify the signs.
42.
Provided one does not interrupt the slaughter in the middle as stated in Chapter 3, Halachah 2.
43.
The Rama (Yoreh De'ah18:6) writes that since it is difficult to understand what exactly is meant by such a knife, we do not permit this leniency.
44.
As apparent from Halachah 14.
45.
For example, by passing the animal's neck back and forth below the knife [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 6:4)].
46.
As indicated by the following halachah, an entity may not be used for ritual slaughter if it is connected to its source. When an entity is stuck into the ground, it is not connected to its source and hence, after the fact, the slaughter is acceptable. Nevertheless, because of the similarity to the forbidden situation, initially, one should not use such an entity for slaughter.
47.
Chulin 16a states that it is a Scriptural decree that the cutting edge used for slaughter must be a separate entity, something that one could take in his hand.
48.
I.e., a blade with a jagged edge which is unacceptable as stated above.
49.
Since the jaw as a whole is moveable, we are not concerned with the fact that the tooth is in a fixed position (Kessef Mishneh).
50.
We do not say that rather than cut the signs, the knife burnt them. The latter would disqualify the slaughter.
It must be noted that the Tur (see also the gloss of the Radbaz) quotes the Rambam as ruling that the slaughter is unacceptable for the above reason. This approach is also followed by many other Rishonim. In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro states that the Rambam rules that the slaughter is acceptable. In his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 9:1), however, he quotes both views without stating which should be followed. All authorities agree that such a knife should not be used as an initial and preferred option.
51.
Using the same motions as he would use to slaughter an animal.
52.
The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam, maintaining that after ritual slaughter, no inspection is necessary unless the person desires to use the knife to slaughter another animal immeidately. In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro justifies the Rambam's ruling and he cites it in his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 18:3).
53.
This ruling also depends on the principle stated in Halachah 13, that during its lifetime, an animal is forbidden. Hence it is not permitted unless we are certain that it was slaughtered in a proper manner (Radbaz; Siftei Cohen 18:2).
54.
And this would cause the slaughter to be unacceptable as mentioned above.
55.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that since the skin of a fowl is soft, it is not very probable that this caused the blemish on the knife. Nevertheless, our Sages adopted this stringency.
56.
See Chapter 3, Halachah 18, for the ramifications of this ruling.
57.
I.e., it is possible that the knife could have become blemished when cutting the skin of the first animal. Hence, that animal - and all the subsequent ones - were slaughtered with an unacceptable knife.
58.
Since he checked the knife at the outset and it was acceptable, we rely on probability. As long as we have a way of explaining how the knife was blemished, we do not say it was blemished on the animal's skin, for the likelihood of that happening is very low.
59.
Here also, since the knife was inspected initially, there is no reason to suspect that the slaughter was unacceptable, we do not disqualify it [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 18:12)] .
60.
This is referring to a slaughterer who slaughters on behalf of people at large, not only for his own private purposes.
61.
The Radbaz notes that the Rambam's words appear to differ slightly from the simple meaning of Chullin 18a, his source. From Chullin, it appears that the necessity to show the knife to the wise man is a mere token of respect, while from the Rambam it appears that it is a necessary safeguard to check that the slaughter is kosher.
The difference between these approaches can lead to a variance in practice. If we say that this inspection is merely for the sake of respect, then the sages may forgo the respect due them and allow an expert to slaughter even though he does not present his knife. If, however, it is a necessary precaution to insure that the slaughter is performed correctly, an inspection is always necessary.
Both of these perspectives have continued to be given emphasis throughout the Rabbinic literature, although the halachah as prescribed by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 18:17) is that a sage may forgo the honor due him. The present custom in many slaughtering houses today is for the slaughterers to work in pairs and for one to check the knife of the other. At times, a visiting Rabbinic authority comes and he inspects the knives of all of the slaughterers.
62.
I.e., we assume that not only on this occasion, but on others, he slaughtered using an unacceptable knife, thus disqualifying the meat.
63.
As will be explained, ritual slaughter is accomplished by drawing the knife back and forth across the neck. If a knife is two small to enable this, it should not be used [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 8:1)].
64.
See the Ramah (Yoreh De'ah 24:2) who quotes opinions that require a knife used to slaughter a animal to be twice the length of the animal's neck. The custom is also to use a knife of such measure for a fowl.
65.
Two candles are considered a torch [Rama (Yoreh De'ah 11:1)].
66.
Otherwise, it is possible that the animal will be slaughtered incorrectly without him realizing.
67.
Nevertheless, it is forbidden to do so as an initial and preferred option [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 11:1)].
68.
I.e., he was not aware that the day was either the Sabbath or Yom Kippur; alternatively, he did not know that it was forbidden to slaughter on these holy days.
69.
The Turei Zahav 11:2 states that one must, nevertheless, wait until the conclusion of the Sabbath or Yom Kippur before partaking of the meat, as is the law when one cooks on the Sabbath.
70.
For slaughtering on the Sabbath.
71.
If he does so intentionally, he is considered as an apostate who desecrates the Sabbath and his slaughter is disqualified (the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah, Chullin 1:1; see Chapter 4, Halachah 14). The Siftei Cohen 11:23 states that in certain instances the leniency would also apply if he slaughters intentionally.
72. וצריך לבדוק כן אחר השחיטה וכו'. א"א כבר הסכימו חכמינו שאינו צריך אא"כ רוצה לשחוט אחריה שלא אמרו בגמרא צריך לבדוק אלא השוחט ונמצאת פגומה ואילו היה צריך היו אומרים כן כמו שאמרו השוחט צריך שיבדוק בסימנין אחר ששחט.
Shechitah - Chapter 2
1
It is permitted to slaughter an animal in any place except the Temple courtyard. For only animals consecrated for [sacrifice on the altar] may be sacrificed in the Temple courtyard. Ordinary animals, by contrast, whether domesticated animals, beasts, or fowl, are forbidden to be sacrificed in the Temple courtyard. Similarly, [Deuteronomy 12:21] states with regard to meat [which man] desires [to eat]:1 "When the place that God will choose will be distant from you... and you shall slaughter from your cattle and your sheep... and you shall eat in your gates." One may infer that meat [which man] desires [to eat] may be slaughtered only outside "the place that God will choose."
א
בכל מקום מותר לשחוט חוץ מן העזרה, שאין שוחטין בעזרה אלא קדשי מזבח בלבד, אבל החולין אסור לשוחטן בעזרה בין בהמה בין חיה בין עוף וכן הוא אומר בבשר תאוה כי ירחק ממך המקום אשר יבחר ה' וגו' וזבחת מבקרך ומצאנך וגו' ואכלת בשעריך, הא למדת שאין שוחטין בשר תאוה אלא חוץ למקום אשר בחר ה'.
2
[Meat from animals] slaughtered outside this [holy] place is permitted to be eaten everywhere. If, however, one slaughters an ordinary animal in the Temple courtyard, that meat is ritually pure,2 but it is forbidden to benefit from it like meat mixed with milk and the like. It must be buried; [if it is burnt,] its ashes are forbidden [to be used].3
[The above applies] even if one slaughters for healing purposes,4 to feed a gentile, or to feed dogs. If, however, one cuts off an animal's head in the Temple courtyard, one rips the signs from their place, a gentile slaughters, [a Jew] slaughters, but the animal was discovered to be trefe, or one slaughters a non-kosher domesticated animal, beast, or fowl in the Temple courtyard, it is permitted to benefit from all of the above.5
ב
וזה שנשחט חוץ למקום הוא שמותר לאכלו בכל השערים, אבל השוחט חולין בעזרה אותו הבשר טהור ואסור בהנייה כבשר בחלב וכיוצא בו, וקוברים אותו ואפרו אסור אפילו שחט לרפואה או לאכילת עכו"ם או להאכיל לכלבים, אבל הנוחר בעזרה, והמעקר, ועכו"ם ששחט, והשוחט ונמצא טרפה, והשוחט בהמה חיה ועוף הטמאים בעזרה הרי אלו כולן מותרין בהנייה.
3
This does not apply only to domesticated animals or beasts. Instead, it is forbidden to bring all ordinary food into the Temple courtyard. [This includes] even meat from a slaughtered [animal], fruit, or bread.6 If one transgresses and brings in such food, it is permitted to partake of this food as it was beforehand.
All of the above concepts are part of the Oral Tradition. Whenever anyone slaughters in the Temple courtyard or eats an olive-sized portion of the meat of ordinary [animals that were] slaughtered in the Temple courtyard, he is liable for stripes for rebellious conduct.7
ג
ולא בהמה וחיה בלבד, אלא כל החולין אסור להכניסן לעזרה אפילו בשר שחוטה או פירות ופת אם עבר והכניסן מותרין באכילה כשהיו, ודברים אלו כולן דברי קבלה הן, וכל השוחט חולין בעזרה או האוכל כזית מבשר חולין שנשחטו בעזרה מכין אותו מכת מרדות.
4
[The following rule applies when] a person says: "This animal is [consecrated as] a peace offering, but [the fetus it is carrying] remains of ordinary status." If it is slaughtered in the Temple courtyard, it is permitted to partake of its offspring, because it is forbidden to slaughter [the mother] outside [the Temple courtyard].8
ד
האומר בהמה זו שלמים וולדה חולין, אם נשחטה בעזרה ולדה מותר באכילה לפי שאינו יכול לשחוט אותו בריחוק מקום.
5
One should not slaughter into9 seas or rivers, lest [an onlooker] say: "He is worshipping the water,"10 and it would appear as if he is offering a sacrifice to the water. Nor should one slaughter into a utensil filled with water, lest one say: "He is slaughtering into the form that appears in the water."11 Nor should he slaughter into utensils12 or into a pit for this is the way of idolaters. If one slaughters in the above manner, his slaughter is acceptable.
ה
אין שוחטין לתוך ימים ונהרות שמא יאמרו עובד מים הוא זה ונראה כמקריב למים, ולא ישחוט לכלי מלא מים שמא יאמרו לצורה שתראה במים שחט, ולא ישחוט בתוך כלים ולא לתוך הגומא שכן דרך עובדי עכו"ם, ואם שחט שחיטתו כשרה.
6
One may slaughter into murky water in which an image may not be seen. Similarly, one may slaughter outside a pit and allow the blood to flow and descend into a pit. One should not do this in the marketplace so as not to mimic the gentiles. [Indeed,] if one slaughters into a pit in the marketplace, it is forbidden to eat from his slaughter until his [character] is examined, lest he be a heretic.13
It is permitted to slaughter on the wall of a ship, [although] the blood will flow down the wall and descend into the water.14 [Similarly,] it is permitted to slaughter above [the outer surface of] utensils.
ו
שוחטין לכלי מים עכורין שאין הצורה נראית בהן, וכן שוחט חוץ לגומא והדם שותת ויורד לגומא, ובשוק לא יעשה כן שמא יחקה את המינים, ואם שחט לגומא בשוק אסור לאכול משחיטתו עד שיבדקו אחריו שמא מין הוא, ומותר לשחוט על דופן הספינה והדם שותת על הדופן ויורד למים ומותר לשחוט על גבי הכלים.
7
How does one slaughter? One extends the neck and passes the knife back and forth until [the animal] is slaughtered. Whether the animal was lying down15or it was standing and one held the back of its neck, held the knife in his hand below, and slaughtered, the slaughter is acceptable.
ז
כיצד שוחטין מותח את הצואר ומוליך הסכין ומביאה עד ששוחט, בין שהיתה הבהמה רבוצה בין שהיתה עומדת ואחז בערפה והסכין בידו מלמטה ושחט הרי זו כשירה.
8
If one implanted a knife in the wall and brought the neck [of an animal back and forth] over it until it was slaughtered, the slaughter is acceptable, provided the neck of the animal is below and the knife is above.16 For if the neck of the animal will be above the knife, it is possible that the animal will descend with the weight of its body [on the knife] and cut [its throat] without [it being brought back and forth].17 This is not ritual slaughter, as will be explained.18 Therefore, if we are speaking about a fowl, whether its neck is above the knife that is implanted or below it, the slaughter is acceptable.19
ח
נעץ את הסכין בכותל והעביר הצואר עליה עד שנשחט שחיטתו כשרה, והוא שיהיה צואר הבהמה למטה וסכין למעלה, שאם היה צואר בהמה למעלה מן הסכין שמא תרד הבהמה בכובד גופה ותחתך בלא הולכה והבאה ואין זו שחיטה כמו שיתבאר, לפיכך אם היה עוף בין שהיה צוארו למעלה מן הסכין הנעוצה או למטה ממנו שחיטתו כשרה.
9
When a person slaughters and draws the knife forward, but does not draw it back, draws it back, but does not draw it forward, his slaughter is acceptable.20
If he drew the knife back and forth until he cut off the head entirely, his slaughter is acceptable. [The following rules apply if] he drew the knife forward, but did not draw it back, drew it back, but did not draw it forward, and cut off the head while drawing it forward alone or drawing it back alone. If the knife is twice as long21 as the width of the neck of the animal being slaughtered, his slaughter is acceptable. If not, his slaughter is not acceptable.22
If one slaughters the heads [of two animals] together, his slaughter is acceptable.
ט
השוחט והוליך את הסכין ולא הביאה או הביאה ולא הוליכה ושחט שחיטתו כשרה, הוליך והביא עד שחתך הראש והתיזו שחיטתו כשרה, הוליך ולא הביא או הביא ולא הוליך והתיז את הראש בהולכה בלבד או בהבאה בלבד, אם יש בסכין כמלא שני צוארים מצוארי הנשחט שחיטתו כשרה ואם לאו שחיטתו פסולה, שחט שני ראשים כאחד שחיטתו כשרה.
10
When two people hold unto a knife together - even when one is holding from one side and the other from the other side - and they slaughter together, the slaughter is acceptable. Similarly, if two people hold two knives and both slaughter simultaneously in two places in the neck, their slaughter is acceptable. This applies even if one slit the gullet alone or its majority and the other cut the windpipe or its majority in another place, this slaughter is acceptable even though the slaughter was not entirely in the same place.
Similarly, slaughter in the form of a reed23 and slaughter in the form of a comb24 are acceptable.
י
שנים שאחזו בסכין אפילו אחד מצד זה ושני מצד אחר כנגדו ושחטו שחיטתן כשרה, וכן שנים שאחזו שני סכינין ושחטו כאחד בשני מקומות בצואר שחיטתן כשרה, ואפילו שחט זה הושט בלבד או רובו והשני שחט במקום אחר הקנה או רובו הרי שחיטה זו כשרה ואע"פ שאין השחיטה כולה במקום אחד, וכן שחיטה העשויה כקולמוס ושחיטה העשויה כמסרק כשרה.
11
The slaughter of ordinary animals25 does not require focused attention.26 Even if one slaughtered when [wielding a knife] aimlessly, in jest, or [even] if he threw a knife to implant it in the wall and it slaughtered an animal as it was passing, since it slaughtered properly in the appropriate place and with the appropriate measure, it is acceptable.
יא
אין שחיטת החולין צריכה כוונה אלא אפילו שחט כמתעסק או דרך שחוק או שזרק סכין לנועצה בכותל ושחטה בהליכתה הואיל והשחיטה כראוי במקומה ושיעורה הרי זו כשירה.
12
Accordingly,27 when a deafmute, an emotional or an intellectual unstable individual, a minor, a drunk whose mind is befuddled,28 a person who became overtaken by an evil spirit slaughters and others observe that he slaughters in the correct manner,29 [the slaughter] is acceptable.30
If, by contrast, a knife falls31 and slaughters [an animal] on its way, it is not acceptable even if it slaughtered it in [the appropriate] manner. For [Deuteronomy, loc. cit.] states: "You shall slaughter," implying that a man must slaughter. [His actions are acceptable,] even if he does not intend to slaughter.
יב
לפיכך חרש או שוטה או קטן או שכור שנתבלבלה דעתו ומי שאחזתו רוח רעה ששחטו ואחרים רואין אותם שהשחיטה כתיקנה הרי זו כשרה, אבל סכין שנפלה ושחטה אע"פ ששחטה כדרכה הרי זו פסולה שנאמר וזבחת עד שיהיה הזובח אדם ואע"פ שאינו מתכוון לשחיטה.
13
[The following laws apply if there is] a stone or wooden wheel with a knife affixed to it. If a person turned the wheel and placed the neck of a fowl or an animal opposite it and slaughtered by turning the wheel, [the slaughter] is acceptable. If water is turning the wheel and he placed the neck of [the animal] opposite it while it was turning causing it to be slaughtered, it is unacceptable.32 If a person caused the water to flow until they turned the wheel and caused it to slaughter by turning it, [the slaughter] is acceptable.33 For [the activity] came as a result of man's actions.
When does the above apply? With regard to the first turn, for that comes from man's power. The second and subsequent turns, however, do not come from man's power, but from the power of the flowing water.
יג
גלגל של אבן או של עץ שהיתה הסכין קבועה בו וסבב אדם את הגלגל ושם צואר העוף או הבהמה כנגדו עד שנשחט בסביבת הגלגל הרי זו כשירה, ואם המים הן המסבבין את הגלגל ושם את הצואר כנגדו בשעה שסבב ונשחט הרי זו פסולה, ואם פטר אדם את המים עד שבאו וסבבו את הגלגל ושחט בסביבתו הרי זו כשרה שהרי מכח אדם בא, במה דברים אמורים בסביבה ראשונה שהיא מכח האדם אבל מסביבה שנייה ולאחריה אינה מכח האדם אלא מכח המים בהילוכן.
14
When a person slaughters for the sake of mountains, hills, seas, rivers, or deserts, his slaughter is unacceptable even when he does not intend to worship these entities, but merely for curative purposes or the like according to the empty words related by the gentiles, the slaughter is unacceptable.34 If, however, one slaughtered for the sake of the spiritual source35 of the sea, the mountain, the stars, the constellations, or the like, it is forbidden to benefit from the animal36 like all offerings brought to false deities.37
יד
השוחט לשם הרים לשם גבעות לשם ימים לשם נהרות לשם מדברות אע"פ שלא נתכוון לעבדן אלא לרפואה וכיוצא בה מדברי הבאי שאומרין העכו"ם הרי שחיטתו פסולה, אבל אם שחט לשם מזל הים או מזל ההר או לכוכבים ומזלות וכיוצא בהן הרי זו אסורה בהנייה ככל תקרובת עכו"ם.
15
When a person slaughters an animal [with the intent of] sprinkling its blood for the sake of false deities or burning its fats for the sake of false deities,38 it is forbidden. For we derive [the laws governing] one's intent outside [the Temple] with regard to [slaughtering] ordinary animals from those pertaining to the intent with regard to [slaughtering] consecrated animals within [the Temple]. For such an intent disqualifies them, as will be explained in Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim.39
טו
השוחט את הבהמה לזרוק דמה לעכו"ם או להקטיר חלבה לעכו"ם הרי זו אסורה, שלמדין מחשבה בחוץ בחולין ממחשבת הקדשים בפנים, שמחשבה כזו פוסלת בהן כמו שיתבאר בהלכות פסולי המוקדשין.
16
When a person slaughtered [an animal] and afterwards, thought to sprinkle its blood for the sake of false deities or to burn its fats for the sake of false deities, it is forbidden because of the doubt involved.40 Perhaps the ultimate result showed what his initial intent was and it was with this intent that he slaughtered.
טז
שחטה ואחר כך חשב לזרוק דמה לעכו"ם או להקטיר חלבה לעכו"ם הרי זו אסורה מספק, שמא סופו הוכיח על תחלתו ובמחשבה כזו שחט.
17
When a person slaughters [an animal] for the sake of [a type of] sacrifice for which one could consecrate an animal through a vow or through a pledge,41the slaughter is unacceptable.42 For this is comparable to slaughtering consecrated animals outside [the Temple courtyard]. If he slaughters [an animal] for the sake of [a type of] sacrifice for which one could not designate an animal through a vow or through a pledge,43 the slaughter is acceptable.44
יז
השוחט לשם קדשים שמתנדבין ונידרים כמותן שחיטתו פסולה שזה כשוחט קדשים בחוץ, שחט לשם קדשים שאינן באין בנדר ונדבה שחיטתו כשרה.
18
What is implied? When one slaughters [an animal] for the sake of a burnt offering, for the sake of a peace offering, for the sake of a thanksgiving offering, or for the sake of a Paschal offering, the slaughter is unacceptable.45 Since a Paschal offering may be designated every year at any time one desires, it resembles a sacrifice that can be consecrated through a vow or through a pledge.46
If one slaughters [an animal] for the sake of a sin offering, for the sake of a certain guilt offering, for the sake of a doubtful guilt offering,47 for the sake of a firstborn offering,48 for the sake of a tithe offering,49 or for the sake of a substitute [for any offering],50 the slaughter is acceptable.51
יח
כיצד השוחט לשם עולה לשם שלמים לשם תודה לשם פסח שחיטתו פסולה, הואיל והפסח מפריש אותו בכל השנה בכל עת שירצה הרי הוא דומה לדבר הנידר והנידב, שחט לשם חטאת לשם אשם ודאי לשם אשם תלוי לשם בכור לשם מעשר לשם תמורה שחיטתו כשרה.
19
When a person is liable for a sin offering and he slaughters, saying: "For the sake of my sin offering," his slaughter is unacceptable.52 If he had a sacrificial animal in his home and he slaughters, saying: "For the sake of a substitution for my sacrifice," his slaughter is unacceptable, for he substituted the animal [for the consecrated one].53
יט
היה מחוייב חטאת ושחט ואמר לחטאתי שחיטתו פסולה, היה לו קרבן בתוך ביתו ושחט ואמר לשם תמורת זבחי שחיטתו פסולה שהרי המיר בו.
20
When a woman slaughters54 for the sake of the burnt offering brought by a woman who gave birth, saying: "This is for the sake of my burnt offering," her slaughter is acceptable.55 [The rationale is that the obligation to bring] the burnt offering of a woman who gave birth cannot be initiated through a vow or through a pledge and this woman has not given birth and thus is not obligated to bring a burnt offering. We do not suspect that she had a miscarriage.56 For it will become public knowledge if a woman miscarries.57
When, by contrast, a person slaughters for the sake of a burnt offering brought by a Nazarite, his slaughter is unacceptable even if he is not a Nazarite. [The rationale is that] the fundamental dimension of being a Nazarite is a vow like other vows.58
כ
האשה ששחטה לשם עולת יולדת ואמרה זו לעולתי שחיטתה כשרה, שאין עולת יולדת באה בנדר ונדבה והרי אינה יולדת שנתחייבה בעולה, ואין חוששין לה שמא הפילה, שכל המפלת קול יש לה, אבל השוחט לשם עולת נזיר אע"פ שאינו נזיר שחיטתו פסולה שעיקר הנזירות נדר מן הנדרים.
21
When two people hold a knife and slaughter, one has in mind an intent that would disqualify the slaughter and the other has nothing at all in mind - or even if he had in mind an intent that is permitted - the slaughter is unacceptable.59Similarly, if they slaughtered one after the other60 and one had an intent that disqualifies the slaughter, it is disqualified.
When does the above apply? When [the person with the undesirable intent] has a share in the animal. If, however, he does not have a share in the animal, it does not become forbidden. For a Jewish person does not cause something that does not belong to him to become forbidden. He is acting only to cause his colleague anguish.61
כא
שנים אוחזין בסכין ושוחטין, אחד מתכוין לשם דבר שהשוחט לו שחיטתו אסורה, והשני לא היתה לו כוונה כלל ואפילו נתכוון לשם דבר המותר להתכוין לו הרי זו פסולה, וכן אם שחט זה אחר זה והתכוון האחד מהן לשם דבר הפסול פוסל, במה דברים אמורים כשהיה לו בה שותפות אבל אם אין לו בה שותפות אינה אסורה, שאין אדם מישראל אוסר דבר שאינו שלו שאין כונתו אלא לצערו.
22
When a Jew slaughters for a gentile, the slaughter is acceptable regardless of the thoughts the gentile has in mind.62 For we are concerned only with the thoughts of the person slaughtering and not the thoughts of the owner of the animal.63 Therefore when a gentile - even a minor64 - slaughters for the sake of a Jew, the animal he slaughters is a nevelah, as will be explained.65
כב
ישראל ששחט לעכו"ם אע"פ שהעכו"ם מתכוין לכל מה שירצה שחיטתו כשרה, שאין חוששין אלא למחשבת הזובח לא למחשבת בעל הבהמה, לפיכך עכו"ם ששחט לישראל אפילו היה קטן שחיטתו נבלה כמו שיתבאר..
FOOTNOTES
1.
This is the term the Sifri to the above verse and other Rabbinic texts use to describe ordinary meat in contrast to animals offered as sacrifices.
2.
Since the slaughter was acceptable, the animal is not considered as a nevelah. Hence it does not impart ritual impurity.
3.
See Hilchot Pesulei HaMekudashim 19:13-14.
4.
Without intending to partake of the meat. I.e., using the meat for this or the following purposes is forbidden.
5.
For the prohibition is only against slaughtering ordinary animals in the Temple courtyard, for this resembles the slaughter of the sacrifices (Kessef Mishneh). Since none of the above actions are considered as ritual slaughter, they do not cause the animal to become forbidden.
6.
The Rashba (as quoted by the Kessef Mishneh) questions the Rambam's ruling, stating that the prohibition applies only to fruit that resemble the first fruits and bread that resembles the loaves of the Thanksgiving offering.
7.
Since the prohibition is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, he is not liable for lashes - as appropriate for the violation of an explicit Scriptural prohibition (Kessef Mishneh). Nevertheless, since the source for the prohibition is a Scriptural verse, it has the weight of a Scriptural commandment. Others, however, interpret the Rambam as implying that the prohibition is entirely Rabbinic. The verse cited previously is merely an asmachta.
The above applies to the prohibition against slaughetring in the Temple Courtyard. With regard to partaking of the meat, all authorities agree that the prohibition is Rabbinic in origin. See Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 16:6.
8.
As stated in Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 5:13-14, when a pregnant animal is slaughtered, the fetus it is carrying is considered as one of its limbs. Even if it lives, it does not have to be slaughtered again; the slaughter of its mother causes it to be permitted.
In this instance, the mother may not be slaughtered outside the Temple courtyard. Since there is no other way for the fetus to be permitted, the slaughter of the mother inside the Temple courtyard does not cause it to be forbidden.
9.
I.e., pour the blood directly into.
10.
In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Chullin 2:9), the Rambam writes that we suspect that the person worships "the element of water," water in its pure elemental state and not the water before us.
11.
In this context also, the Rambam (ibid.) explains that we fear he is worshipping the power that controls the image seen in the water.
12.
Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 11:3) writes that we fear that onlookers will say that he is collecting blood to offer it to false deities.
13.
Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 12:2) mentions this ruling, but also the ruling of the Rashba that, after the fact, the slaughter is permitted. The Rama rules that, in the present age, when pagan rites are uncommonly practiced, one may rely on the more lenient view.
14.
As long as he is not slaughtering directly into the water, it does not appear that he is worshipping it.
15.
And thus the knife was above its neck.
16.
See Chapter 1, Halachah 19.
17.
The Turand the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 6:4) rule that slaughtering an animal in such a manner is unacceptable even if the slaughterer states that he is certain the animal's throat was not pierced in this manner. The rationale is that an animal's head is heavy and its weight will most likely cause its throat to be pierced.
18.
Chapter 3, Halachah 11. Even though the throat of the animal is cut, it is not considered ritual slaughter. Ritual slaughter involves bringing the knife back and forth across the neck or bringing the neck back and forth across the knife. Any other act that cuts its throat is not acceptable.
19.
Since a fowl is light, the slaughterer can hold it securely and maneuver it back and forth over the knife without difficulty. See Chullin 16b.
20.
Provided the slaughter of the animal is accomplished in that one action. If the slaughterer lifts the knife, that disqualifies the slaughter.
21.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 24:2) requires that a knife be of this length even if one does not cut off the animal's head.
22.
For it is not feasible that passing a knife the length of the animal's neck alone will be sufficient to slice off its head in one motion [Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.)]. Hence, we must assume that the animal's head was severed by pressing the knife against the neck. This disqualifies the slaughter as stated in Chapter 3, Halachah 11.
23.
He cut in a slant, cutting the windpipe at an angle and continuing to descend at that angle and cutting the gullet.
24.
The Kessef Mishneh interprets this as meaning that the person cut in several places on the signs. Others interpret it as meaning a cut that slants back and forth (Turei Zahav 21:3).
25.
In contrast to the slaughter of sacrificial animals (see Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim 1:3).
26.
Here, we are not speaking about refined spiritual intentions; the Rambam is stating that even if the person slaughters the animal without paying attention to what he is doing or even if he had no intent to slaughter it, the slaughter is acceptable.
27.
Since the deed is significant and not the intent.
28.
While he is intoxicated, he may reach the point where he is no longer able to control his conduct. See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 1:8).
29.
The others must watch. Otherwise, there is no way that we can insure that the slaughter is acceptable. Indeed, if such a person slaughters in private, the slaughter is disqualified [Rama (Yoreh De'ah 1:5)].
30.
This applies only after the fact [Radbaz; see Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 1:5)]. At the outset, only a person fully in control of his intellect and emotions should be entrusted with ritual slaughter.
31.
On its own accord or because of the wind. If, however, a person pushed the knife, since it was set in motion by human action, the slaughter is acceptable (Chullin 31a).
32.
For the animal was slaughtered by the power of the water and not by human power.
33.
Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 7:1) rules that the slaughter is acceptable only after the fact. At the outset, one should not slaughter in this manner. The Siftei Cohen 7:1 states that this is the Rambam's opinion with regard to the first clause of the halachah as well.
34.
It is forbidden to partake of the animal, because this resembles bringing a sacrifice to a false deity. Nevertheless, since one is bringing the offering for a particular purpose and not in actual worship of the false deity, it is not forbidden to benefit from the animal (Kessef Mishneh).
35.
This is the translation of the Hebrew term mazal; i.e., the person is not worshipping the material entity but the spiritual source from which its existence emanates.
36.
For this is considered as worshipping a false deity.
37.
See Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 11:1; Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:2.
38.
He is not slaughtering the animal itself for the sake of the false deity - in which instance, there would be no question that it is forbidden - but, nevertheless, at the time of slaughter, he does intend to offer its blood or fats to the false deity.
39.
In Chapter 15, Halachah 10, of those halachot, the Rambam writes that one who slaughters a sacrificial animal with the proper intent for the sake of sprinkling its blood or burning its fats for an improper intent, the slaughter is unacceptable.
40.
The Turei Zahav 4:2 writes that according to the Rambam, because of the doubt, it is forbidden to benefit from the animal. Others (see also Siftei Cohen 4:2) rule that it is forbidden to partake of the animal's meat, but one may benefit from it.
41.
As indicated in the following halachah, there are certain sacrifices that a person may offer on his own initiative. Since he has not actually consecrated the animal, the prohibition against sacrificing consecrated animals outside the Temple does not apply according to Scriptural Law. Nevertheless, because of the impression created, our Sages forbade the slaughter of an animal for that intent (Maggid Mishneh). The Tur (Yoreh De'ah 5), however, states that we fear that he might have consecrated it, implying that there is a question of a Scriptural prohibition involved.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 5:1) rules that this law applies even when the slaughtered animal has a blemish which would disqualify it as a sacrifice, for there are times when a person will conceal the blemish.
42.
From the fact that the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah, sec. 7) quotes this and the following halachot, we see that these laws also apply in the present age although the Temple is destroyed. See the conclusion of the gloss of the Maggid Mishneh to Halachah 20 which mentions a difference of opinion concerning this matter.
43.
As indicated in the following halachah, there are other sacrifices for which a person may consecrate an animal only when he is required to bring that offering. He may not pledge such a sacrifice on his own initiative.
44.
Since he cannot consecrate animals for such offerings, we do not worry about the impression that may be created. On the contrary, an onlooker will consider the person's statements facetious (Siftei Cohen 5:4)
45.
For these are sacrifices that a person can consecrate on his own initiative. Hence slaughtering an animal for this purpose is forbidden as stated in the previous halachah.
46.
Seemingly, the Paschal offering does not resemble the others for it is an obligation incumbent on a person and can be brought only on the fourteenth of Nisan (Chullin 41b). Nevertheless, it is placed in this category for the reason explained by the Rambam.
47.
The instance of a doubtful guilt offering is debated in Chullin, loc. cit., without the Talmud reaching a definite conclusion concerning the matter. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah, loc. cit.) quotes the Rambam's view. The Tur and the Rama, however, follow the view that a person can consecrate a doubtful guilt offering on his own initiative and hence, forbid ritual slaughter for this intent.
48.
For a firstborn animal is consecrated by birth; a person cannot consecrate it through his statements.
49.
For the tithe offerings are consecrated through the tithing rite; a person cannot consecrate it through his statements.
50.
For unless a person has a consecrated animal at home, there is no reason that an onlooker might think that the substitution is of consequence (Chullin, loc. cit.).
51.
For these are sacrifices that a person cannot consecrate unless he is required to.
52.
Rashi (Chullin, loc. cit.) explains that when a person is liable to bring a sin offering, he makes the matter known so that he will be embarrassed and thus further his atonement. Therefore the onlookers will know of his obligation and will not regard his statements as facetious.
53.
From the Rambam's words, it would appear that this is not merely a Rabbinical safeguard, but that his statements bring about a substitution (temurah) of the animal and he is liable for slaughtering it outside the Temple courtyard.
54.
As stated in Chapter 4, Halachah 4, a woman may slaughter animals. And since she may slaughter ordinary animals, her slaughter of sacrificial animals would be acceptable. Note, however, the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Chullin 2:10) which speaks about a man slaughtering an animal on behalf of a woman.
55.
Since this offering cannot be brought on a person's own initiative, her statements are considered facetious.
56.
A woman who miscarries is also obligated to bring such a burnt offering.
57.
The word here matches the Rambam's statements in the revised text of his Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.) as published by Rav Kappach. The Rambam's original text - and the version of his Commentary to the Mishnah commonly circulated - present an entirely different conception of this halachah.
58.
Hence we suspect that perhaps he took a Nazarite vow in private and the matter has not become known (Kessef Mishneh, Lechem Mishneh).
59.
Since his activity in slaughtering the animal was significant, his intent is also of consequence.
60.
I.e., without waiting; thus the slaughter is not disqualified.
61.
He makes such statements to make it appear that the slaughter is unacceptable so that his colleague will suffer anguish. Nevertheless, his statements have no effect. The Rambam's view is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 5:3). The Tur and the Rama states that there are opinions which forbid the slaughter regardless of whether the other person has a share in the animal or not because of the impression that is created.
62.
I.e., even if the gentile considers it as a sacrifice to a false deity.
63.
See Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim 14:1.
64.
Who is to young to be involved in the worship of false deities.
65.
As stated in Chapter 4, Halachot 11-12, the gentile's slaughter is not considered halachicly significant and it is as if the animal died without being slaughtered.
Hayom Yom:
• English Text | Video Class
Thursday, Tevet 17, 5778 · 04 January 2018
"Today's Day"
Friday, Tevet 17, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Vay'chi, Shishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 83-87.
Tanya: A further explanation (p. 43)...as explained elsewhere). (p. 43).
The reason for not studying Torah on nittel-night,1 I heard from my father, is to avoid adding vitality.
My father once said: Those diligent students who begrudge those eight hours and cannot tear themselves away from study - I am not fond of them. This (abstaining from study) applies only until midnight.
FOOTNOTES
1.The non-Jewish festival commonly celebrated on December 25th.
Daily Thought:
Discarding the Void
Life is true; every step of it is divine.
There are paths we wish we never traveled; decisions we wish we never took; actions that we wrestle to tear out of our memory, rip out of our hearts with agony and remorse.
But it is never life that we reject. Life has meaning; life is good—not a moment of it can exist without a spark of truth throbbing somewhere within. Including that moment you so much regret.
---
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