Chabad.org Calendar TODAY IN JUDAISM: Shevat 13, 5778 - Monday, January 29, 2018 - - ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Monday, Shvat 13, 5778 · January 29, 2018

Chabad.org Calendar TODAY IN JUDAISM: Shevat 13, 5778 - Monday, January 29, 2018  -  - ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Monday, Shvat 13, 5778 · January 29, 2018

Torah Reading

Yitro: Exodus 18:1-12

Yitro: Exodus 18:1 Now Yitro the priest of Midyan, Moshe’s father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for Moshe and for Isra’el his people, how Adonai had brought Isra’el out of Egypt. 2 After Moshe had sent away his wife Tzipporah and her two sons, Yitro Moshe’s father-in-law had taken them back. 3 The name of the one son was Gershom, for Moshe had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” 4 The name of the other was Eli‘ezer [my God helps], “because the God of my father helped me by rescuing me from Pharaoh’s sword.” 5 Yitro Moshe’s father-in-law brought Moshe’s sons and wife to him in the desert where he was encamped, at the mountain of God. 6 He sent word to Moshe, “I, your father-in-law Yitro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”

7 Moshe went out to meet his father-in-law, prostrated himself and kissed him. Then, after inquiring of each other’s welfare, they entered the tent. 8 Moshe told his father-in-law all that Adonai had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Isra’el’s sake, all the hardships they had suffered while traveling and how Adonai had rescued them. 9 Yitro rejoiced over all the good that Adonai had done for Isra’el by rescuing them from the Egyptians. 10 Yitro said, “Blessed be Adonai, who has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh, who has rescued the people from the harsh hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that Adonai is greater than all other gods, because he rescued those who were treated so arrogantly.” 12 Yitro Moshe’s father-in-law brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aharon came with all the leaders of Isra’el to share the meal before God with Moshe’s father-in-law.

Today in Jewish History:
• Passing of Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah Schneersohn (1942)
Wife of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneerson, and mother of the sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah (1860-1942) lived through the upheavals of the first half of the 20th century. She fled the advancing front of World War I from Lubavitch to Rostov, where her husband passed away in 1920 at age 59. In 1927, she witnessed the arrest of her son by Stalin's henchmen the night he was taken away and sentenced to death, G-d forbid, for his efforts to keep Judaism alive throughout the Soviet empire. After Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak's release, the family resettled in Latvia and later, Poland; in 1940, they survived the bombing of Warsaw, were rescued from Nazi-occupied city, and emigrated to the United States. Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah passed away in New York on the 13th of Shevat of 1942.
• Auschwitz Liberated (1945)On January 27, 1945, the Russian army arrived in Auschwitz, the most infamous of the Nazi death camps, and liberated some 7,000 survivors—those left behind as unfit to join the evacuation "Death March."
Link: Auschwitz
Daily Quote: The Brit Milah (covenant of circumcision) impresses the quality of self-sacrifice in the Jew. Because he has already sacrificed a part of himself at a most early age, the Jew is prepared to give his very life to G-d. (Keli Yakar)
Daily Torah Study:

Chumash: Yitro, 2nd Portion Exodus 18:13-18:23 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)

Exodus Chapter 18

13It came about on the next day that Moses sat down to judge the people, and the people stood before Moses from the morning until the evening. יגוַֽיְהִי֙ מִמָּ֣חֳרָ֔ת וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב משֶׁ֖ה לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט אֶת־הָעָ֑ם וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֤ד הָעָם֙ עַל־משֶׁ֔ה מִן־הַבֹּ֖קֶר עַד־הָעָֽרֶב:

It came about on the next day: This was the day after Yom Kippur. This is what we learned in Sifrei [actually in the Mechilta]. Now what is meant by "on the next day"? On the day after his [Moses’] descent from the mountain [which took place on Yom Kippur]. You must admit that it is impossible to say [that the next day means] anything but that [Moses sat down to judge the people] on the day after Yom Kippur. Before the giving of the Torah it was impossible to say (verse 15), “and I make known the statutes, etc.,” [since the statutes had not yet been given]. And from the time that the Torah was given, until Yom Kippur, Moses did not [have the chance to] sit down to judge the people, for on the seventeenth of Tammuz he descended [Mount Sinai] and broke the tablets. On the next day he ascended early in the morning and stayed for eighty days and descended on Yom Kippur. Hence, this section is not written in [chronological] order, for “It came about on the next day,” was not said until the second year. Even according to the one [Tanna] who says that Jethro arrived before the giving of the Torah, he was not sent away to his land until the second year, for it says here (verse 27), “Moses saw his father-in-law off,” and we find in the journey of the divisions [of the tribes, which took place in the second year,] that Moses said to him [Jethro], “We are journeying to the place…Please, do not leave us” (Num. 10:29-31). Now if this [incident] had taken place before the giving of the Torah, where do we find [i.e., where is it mentioned] that he returned? If you say that there [Num. 10:29] Jethro is not mentioned, but Hobab [is mentioned], and he was Jethro’s son, [that is not so since] Hobab is identical with Jethro, for so it is written: “of the children of Hobab, Moses’ father-in-law” (Jud. 4:11). -[based on Mechilta]

 

ויהי ממחרת: מוצאי יום הכיפורים היה, כך שנינו בספרי, ומהו ממחרת, למחרת רדתו מן ההר. ועל כרחך אי אפשר לומר אלא ממחרת יום הכיפורים, שהרי קודם מתן תורה אי אפשר לומר (פסוק טז) והודעתי את חקי וגו', ומשנתנה תורה עד יום הכיפורים לא ישב משה לשפוט את העם, שהרי בשבעה עשר בתמוז ירד ושבר את הלוחות, ולמחר עלה בהשכמה ושהה שמונים יום וירד ביום הכיפורים. ואין פרשה זו כתובה כסדר, שלא נאמר ויהי ממחרת עד שנה שניה, אף לדברי האומר יתרו קודם מתן תורה בא, שילוחו אל ארצו לא היה אלא עד שנה שניה, שהרי נאמר כאן (פסוק כז) וישלח משה את חותנו ומצינו במסע הדגלים שאמר לו משה (במדבר י כט) נוסעים אנחנו אל המקום וגו', (שם לא) אל נא תעזוב אותנו, ואם זו קודם מתן תורה, מששלחו והלך היכן מצינו שחזר ואם תאמר שם לא נאמר יתרו אלא חובב, ובנו של יתרו היה, הוא חובב הוא יתרו, שהרי כתיב (שופטים ד יא) מבני חובב חותן משה:

that Moses sat down…, and the people stood: He sat like a king, and they [everyone who came to be judged] all stood. The matter displeased Jethro, that he [Moses] belittled the respect due [the people of] Israel, and he reproved him about it, as it is said: “Why do you sit by yourself, and they are all standing?” [from Mechilta]

 

וישב משה וגו' ויעמד העם: יושב כמלך וכולן עומדים, והוקשה הדבר ליתרו שהיה מזלזל בכבודן של ישראל והוכיחו על כך, שנאמר (פסוק יד) מדוע אתה יושב לבדך וכלם נצבים:

from the morning until the evening: Is it possible to say this [that Moses actually sat in judgment from morning until evening]? But this [teaches us that] any judge who issues a true verdict-as truth demands it-even [if he spends only] one hour [reaching his judgment], Scripture deems it as if he had engaged in [the study of] the Torah for the entire day, and as if he were a partner with the Holy One, blessed is He, in the [act of] Creation, in which it says: “and it was evening, [and it was morning…]” (Gen. 1:5). [from Mechilta, Shab. 10a]

 

מן הבקר עד הערב: אפשר לומר כן, אלא כל דיין שדן דין אמת לאמיתו אפילו שעה אחת, מעלה עליו הכתוב כאילו עוסק בתורה כל היום, וכאלו נעשה שותף להקב"ה במעשה בראשית, שנאמר בו (בראשית א ה) ויהי ערב ויהי בקר יום אחד:

14When Moses' father in law saw what he was doing to the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you sit by yourself, while all the people stand before you from morning till evening?" ידוַיַּרְא֙ חֹתֵ֣ן משֶׁ֔ה אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא עֹשֶׂ֖ה לָעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר מָֽה־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה עֹשֶׂה֙ לָעָ֔ם מַדּ֗וּעַ אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ וְכָל־הָעָ֛ם נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖יךָ מִן־בֹּ֥קֶר עַד־עָֽרֶב:

15Moses said to his father in law, "For the people come to me to seek God. טווַיֹּ֥אמֶר משֶׁ֖ה לְחֹֽתְנ֑וֹ כִּֽי־יָבֹ֥א אֵלַ֛י הָעָ֖ם לִדְר֥שׁ אֱלֹהִֽים:

For…come: Heb. כִּי-יָבֹא, the present tense. [Although, strictly speaking, יָבֹא is the future tense, in this case it is used as the present, i.e., the people of Israel had already come to be judged.]

 

כי יבא: כמו כי בא, לשון הווה:

to seek God: [To be understood] as its Aramaic translation (Onkelos): לְמִתְבַָּע אוּלְפַן, to seek teaching from before the Lord.

 

לדרש א-להים: כתרגומו למתבע אולפן, לשאול תלמוד מפי הגבורה:

16If any of them has a case, he comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make known the statutes of God and His teachings." טזכִּי־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה לָהֶ֤ם דָּבָר֙ בָּ֣א אֵלַ֔י וְשָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י בֵּ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ וּבֵ֣ין רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְהֽוֹדַעְתִּ֛י אֶת־חֻקֵּ֥י הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים וְאֶת־תּֽוֹרֹתָֽיו:

If any of them has a case, he comes to me: The one who has the case comes to me.

 

כי יהיה להם דבר בא: מי שיהיה לו דבר בא אלי:

17Moses' father in law said to him, "The thing you are doing is not good. יזוַיֹּ֛אמֶר חֹתֵ֥ן משֶׁ֖ה אֵלָ֑יו לֹא־טוֹב֙ הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה עֹשֶֽׂה:

Moses’ father-in-law said: As a token of honor, Scripture refers to him as the king’s father-in-law [and not by his name].

 

ויאמר חתן משה: דרך כבוד קוראו הכתוב חותנו של מלך:

18You will surely wear yourself out both you and these people who are with you for the matter is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. יחנָבֹ֣ל תִּבֹּ֔ל גַּם־אַתָּ֕ה גַּם־הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמָּ֑ךְ כִּֽי־כָבֵ֤ד מִמְּךָ֙ הַדָּבָ֔ר לֹֽא־תוּכַ֥ל עֲשׂ֖הוּ לְבַדֶּֽךָ:

You will surely wear yourself out: Heb. נָבֹל ךְתִּבָֹּל. As the Targum renders: [You will surely wear yourself out,] but the expression is an expression of withering, fleistre in Old French, like [these examples:] “even the leaves will be withered (נָבֵל)” (Jer. 8:13); “as a leaf withers (כִּנְבֵל עָלֶה) from a vine, etc.” (Isa. 34:4), which withers both from the heat and from the cold, and its strength weakens, and it is worn out.

 

נבל תבל: כתרגומו. ולשונו לשון כמישה פליישטרי"ר בלעז [לכמוש]. כמו (ירמיה ח יג) והעלה נבל, (ישעיה לד ד) כנבול עלה מגפן וגו', שהוא כמוש על ידי חמה ועל ידי קרח, וכחו תש ונלאה:

both you: גַּם-אַךְתָּה lit., also you. [This comes] to include Aaron, Hur, and the 70 elders.

 

גם אתה: לרבות אהרן וחור ושבעים זקנים:

is too heavy for you: Its weight is greater than your strength.

 

כי כבד ממך: כובדו רב יותר מכחך:

19Now listen to me. I will advise you, and may the Lord be with you. [You] represent the people before God, and you shall bring the matters to God. יטעַתָּ֞ה שְׁמַ֤ע בְּקֹלִי֙ אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔ וִיהִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּ֑ךְ הֱיֵ֧ה אַתָּ֣ה לָעָ֗ם מ֚וּל הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֥ אַתָּ֛ה אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֶל־הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים:

I will advise you, and may the Lord be with you: in [this] counsel. He [Jethro] said to him [Moses], “Go, consult the Lord [as to whether my advice is sound].” -[from Mechilta]

 

איעצך ויהי א-להים עמך: בעצה, אמר לו צא המלך בגבורה:

[You] represent the people before God: [as a] messenger and an intermediary between them and the Omnipresent, and one who inquires of Him concerning the ordinances. — [from Onkelos]

 

היה אתה לעם מול הא-להים: שליח ומליץ בינותם למקום, ושואל משפטים מאתו:

the matters: The matters of their quarrels. — [from Jonathan]

 

את הדברים: דברי ריבותם:

20And you shall admonish them concerning the statutes and the teachings, and you shall make known to them the way they shall go and the deed[s] they shall do. כוְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה אֶתְהֶ֔ם אֶת־הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת וְהֽוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֗ם אֶת־הַדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔הּ וְאֶת־הַמַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַֽעֲשֽׂוּן:

21But you shall choose out of the entire nation men of substance, God fearers, men of truth, who hate monetary gain, and you shall appoint over them [Israel] leaders over thousands, leaders over hundreds, leaders over fifties, and leaders over tens. כאוְאַתָּ֣ה תֶֽחֱזֶ֣ה מִכָּל־הָ֠עָ֠ם אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֜יִל יִרְאֵ֧י אֱלֹהִ֛ים אַנְשֵׁ֥י אֱמֶ֖ת שׂ֣נְאֵי בָ֑צַע וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵהֶ֗ם שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת:

But you shall choose: with the holy spirit that is upon you. — [from Mechilta]

 

ואתה תחזה: ברוח הקודש שעליך:

men of substance: Heb. אַנְשֵׁי-חַיִל, wealthy men, who do not have to flatter or show favoritism. — [from Mechilta] [

 

אנשי חיל: עשירים, שאין צריכין להחניף ולהכיר פנים:

men of truth: These are people who keep their promises, upon whose words one may rely, and thereby, their commands will be obeyed. — [from Mechilta]

 

אנשי אמת: אלו בעלי הבטחה, שהם כדאי לסמוך על דבריהם, שעל ידי כן יהיו דבריהם נשמעין:

who hate monetary gain: Who hate [to have] their own property in litigation, like [the Talmudic adage] that we say: Any judge from whom money is exacted through litigation is not [fit to be] a judge. — [based on Mechilta and B.B. 58b]

 

שנאי בצע: ששונאין את ממונם בדין כההיא דאמרינן כל דיינא דמפקין ממונא מיניה בדינא לאו דיינא הוא:

leaders over thousands: They were six hundred officers for six hundred thousand [men]. — [from Mechilta, Sanh. 18a]

 

שרי אלפים: הם היו שש מאות שרים לשש מאות אלף:

leaders over hundreds: They were six thousand. — [from Mechilta, Sanh. 18a]

 

שרי מאות: ששת אלפים היו:

leaders over fifties: Twelve thousand. — [from Mechilta, Sanh. 18a]

 

שרי חמשים: שנים עשר אלף:

and leaders over tens: Sixty thousand. — [from Mechilta, Sanh. 18a] [Rashi lists the number of each category of judges, which appears to be superfluous, because the Torah should start with the lowest denomination and ascend to the highest instead of starting with the highest and descending to the lowest. Rashi answers that it starts with the highest officers because they are the lowest number.]

 

שרי עשרת: ששים אלף:

22And they shall judge the people at all times, and it shall be that any major matter they shall bring to you, and they themselves shall judge every minor matter, thereby making it easier for you, and they shall bear [the burden] with you. כבוְשָֽׁפְט֣וּ אֶת־הָעָם֘ בְּכָל־עֵת֒ וְהָיָ֞ה כָּל־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַגָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְכָל־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַקָּטֹ֖ן יִשְׁפְּטוּ־הֵ֑ם וְהָקֵל֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְנָֽשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽךְ:

And they shall judge: Heb. וְשָׁפְטוּ. [Onkelos renders:] וִִידוּנוּן, an imperative expression.]

 

ושפטו: וידונון, לשון צווי:

thereby making it easier for you: Heb. וְהָקֵל. This thing [i.e., this arrangement will serve] to make it easier for you. וְהָקֵל is like הַכְבֵָּד in “he hardened (וְהַכְבֵָּד) his heart” (Exod. 8: 11) [lit., making heavy his heart]; “and slew (וְהַכּוֹת) the Moabites” (II Kings 3:24) [lit., and slaying the Moabites], a present tense.

 

והקל מעליך: דבר זה להקל מעליך. והקל, כמו (שמות ח יא) והכבד את לבו, (מלכים ב ג כד) והכות את מואב, לשון הווה:

23If you do this thing, and the Lord commands you, you will be able to survive, and also, all this people will come upon their place in peace." כגאִ֣ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְצִוְּךָ֣ אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְיָֽכָלְתָּ֖ עֲמֹ֑ד וְגַם֙ כָּל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה עַל־מְקֹמ֖וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְשָׁלֽוֹם:

and the Lord commands you, you will be able to survive: Consult God; if He commands you to do this, you will be able to endure, but if He prevents you [from doing it], you will be unable to endure. — [from Mechilta]

 

וצוך א-להים ויכלת עמד: המלך בגבורה אם יצוה אותך לעשות כך תוכל עמוד, ואם יעכב על ידך לא תוכל לעמוד:

and also, all this people: Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and the 70 elders who now accompany you. — [from Mechilta]

 

וגם כל העם הזה: אהרן נדב ואביהוא ושבעים זקנים הנלוים עתה עמך:

Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 69 - 71
• Hebrew text
• English text

Chapter 69

1. For the Conductor, on the shoshanim,1 by David.

2. Deliver me, O God, for the waters have reached until my soul!

3. I have sunk in muddy depths without foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the current sweeps me away.

4. I am wearied by my crying, my throat is parched; my eyes pined while waiting for my God.

5. More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me without reason. Mighty are those who would cut me off, those who are my enemies without cause. What I have not stolen, I will then have to return.

6. O God, You know my folly, and my wrongs are not hidden from You.

7. Let not those who hope in You be shamed through me, O my Lord, God of Hosts; let not those who seek You be disgraced through me, O God of Israel,

8. because for Your sake I have borne humiliation, disgrace covers my face.

9. I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother's sons,

10. for the envy of Your House has consumed me, and the humiliations of those who scorn You have fallen upon me.

11. And I wept while my soul fasted, and it was a humiliation to me.

12. I made sackcloth my garment, and became a byword for them.

13. Those who sit by the gate speak of me, and [of me] are the songs of drunkards.

14. May my prayer to You, Lord, be at a gracious time; God, in Your abounding kindness, answer me with Your true deliverance.

15. Rescue me from the mire, so that I not sink; let me be saved from my enemies and from deep waters.

16. Let not the current of water sweep me away, nor the deep swallow me; and let not the pit close its mouth over me.

17. Answer me, Lord, for Your kindness is good; according to Your abundant mercies, turn to me.

18. Do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress-hurry to answer me.

19. Draw near to my soul and liberate it; redeem me, so that my enemies [not feel triumphant].

20. You know my humiliation, my shame, and my disgrace; all my tormentors are before You.

21. Humiliation has broken my heart, and I have become ill. I longed for comfort, but there was none; for consolers, but I did not find.

22. They put gall into my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

23. Let their table become a trap before them, and [their] serenity, a snare.

24. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and let their loins continually falter.

25. Pour Your wrath upon them, and let the fierceness of Your anger overtake them.

26. Let their palace be desolate, let there be no dweller in their tents,

27. for they persecute the one whom You struck, and tell of the pain of Your wounded ones.

28. Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not enter into Your righteousness.

29. May they be erased from the Book of Life, and let them not be inscribed with the righteous.

30. But I am poor and in pain; let Your deliverance, O God, streng-then me.

31. I will praise the Name of God with song, I will extol Him with thanksgiving!

32. And it will please the Lord more than [the sacrifice of] a mature bull with horns and hooves.

33. The humble will see it and rejoice; you seekers of God, [see] and your hearts will come alive.

34. For the Lord listens to the needy, and He does not despise His prisoners.

35. Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that moves within them,

36. for God will deliver Zion and build the cities of Judah, and they will settle there and possess it;

37. and the seed of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His Name will dwell in it.

FOOTNOTES

1.A musical instrument shaped like a shoshana, a rose (Metzudot).

Chapter 70

David prays that his enemies be shamed and humiliated for their shaming him and reveling in his troubles. Then the righteous will rejoice, and chant songs and praises always.

1. For the Conductor, by David, to remind.

2. O God, [come] to rescue me; O Lord, hurry to my aid.

3. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who wish me harm retreat and be humiliated.

4. Let those who say, "Aha! Aha!" be turned back in return for their shaming [me].

5. Let all who seek You rejoice and delight in You, and let those who love Your deliverance say always, "May God be exalted!”

6. But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God! You are my help and deliverer; O God, do not delay!

Chapter 71

In this awe-inspiring prayer, David speaks of his enemies' desire to kill him, declaring him deserving of death.

1. I have taken refuge in You, O Lord; I will never be shamed.

2. Rescue me and deliver me in Your righteousness; incline Your ear to me and save me.

3. Be for me a sheltering rock, to enter always. You have ordered my salvation, for You are my rock and my fortress.

4. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked, from the palm of the scheming and violent.

5. For You are my hope, O my Lord, God, my security since my youth.

6. I have relied on You from the womb; You drew me from my mother's innards; my praise is of You always.

7. I became an example to the masses, yet You were my mighty refuge.

8. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, all day long with Your glory.

9. Do not cast me aside in old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails;

10. for my enemies say of me, and those who watch my soul conspire together,

11. saying, "God has forsaken him. Give chase and catch him, for there is no rescuer.”

12. O God, do not distance Yourself from me; my God, hurry to my aid.

13. Let the adversaries of my soul be shamed and consumed; let those who seek my harm be enwrapped in disgrace and humiliation.

14. But as for me, I will always hope; I will add to all Your praises.

15. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, all day long of Your deliverance, for I do not know their number.

16. I come with the strength of my Lord, God; I mention Your righteousness, Yours alone.

17. O God, You have taught me since my youth, and to this day I tell of Your wonders.

18. Even into old age and hoariness, O God, do not abandon me, until I tell of Your might to the generations, and of Your strength to all who are to come.

19. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens, for You do great things; O God, who is like You!

20. You, Who has shown me many and grievous troubles, You will revive me again; You will lift me again from the depths of the earth.

21. You will increase my greatness; You will turn and console me.

22. I too1 will thank You on the lyre for Your faithfulness, My God; I will sing to You on the harp, O Holy One of Israel.

23. My lips will rejoice when I sing to you, as well as my soul which You have redeemed.

24. My tongue will also utter Your righteousness all day, for those who seek my harm are shamed and disgraced.

FOOTNOTES

1.As you increase my greatness, so will I increase your praise (Metzudot).

Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 23
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Monday, 13 Shevat 5778 - January 29, 2018

Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 23

ובזה יובן למה גדלה מאד מעלת העסק בתורה יותר מכל המצות, ואפילו מתפלה שהיא יחוד עולמות עליונים

This discussion of the exalted unity with G‑d attained through Torah study, which is even greater than that accomplished by performing the mitzvot, explains why Torah study is so much loftier than all the other commandments, including even prayer, which effects unity within the supernal worlds.

והא דמי שאין תורתו אומנתו צריך להפסיק, היינו מאחר דמפסיק ומבטל בלאו הכי

(1Although the law requires of anyone whose Torah study is not his entire occupation that he interrupt his study for prayer, 2 which would seem to indicate that prayer surpasses Torah study, this is so only because he would in any case pause and interrupt his studies.)

Thus it is not the law which causes him to interrupt. The law merely states that the interruption which he would have made regardless, be made at the time designated for prayer; and as soon as he interrupts his studies, he is automatically obliged to pray. 3

ומזה יוכל המשכיל להמשיך עליו יראה גדולה בעסקו בתורה

From this explanation of the lofty stature of Torah study the wise man will be able to draw upon himself a sense of great awe as he engages in the study of the Torah, 4

כשיתבונן איך שנפשו ולבושיה שבמוחו ובפיו הם מיוחדים ממש בתכלית היחוד ברצון העליון ואור אין סוף ברוך הוא ממש המתגלה בהם

when he considers how his soul and its “garments” of thought and speech that are found in his brain and mouth are truly fused in perfect unity with the Divine Will and the infinite light of Ein Sof that is manifest in them i.e., in the soul and its garments when he studies Torah.

מה שכל העולמות עליונים ותחתונים כלא חשיבי קמיה וכאין ואפס ממש, עד שאינו מתלבש בתוכם ממש, אלא סובב כל עלמין בבחינת מקיף להחיותם עיקר חיותם, רק איזו הארה מתלבשת בתוכם מה שיכולים לסבול שלא יתבטלו במציאות לגמרי

This infinite light manifest in one’s Torah study is of such a lofty level that all the upper and lower worlds are truly as naught in comparison with it; are in fact as absolutely nothing at all, so much so that they can only bear to have a minute glow of it clothed in them without their reverting to nothingness altogether. Their main life-force which they receive from it, however, is not clothed within them, but animates them from the outside, so to speak, in a transcendent, encompassing manner.

When he considers that the very same Divine light that is completely beyond the capacity of all the worlds manifests itself openly in his Torah study, the thinking man will naturally experience a sense of awe when he studies Torah.

וזהו שכתוב: ויצונו ה’ את כל החוקים האלה ליראה את ה‘ וגו’

This is the meaning of the verse, 5 “And G‑d commanded us [to fulfill] all these statutes, in order to fear G‑d.”

According to this verse, observing the mitzvot would appear to be the first step, and this leads to the fear of G‑d. Logically, however, the performance of G‑d’s commandments would seem to be a result of one’s fear of Him, and not vice versa. The Alter Rebbe therefore explains that the above verse speaks of a higher level of awe than that which is a prerequisite for performing the commandments. This level can only be attained as a result of one’s observance of the commandments.

Now if the commandments lead one to a higher level in the fear of G‑d, surely the study of the Torah leads one to a still higher level. This the Alter Rebbe now discusses.

ועל יראה גדולה זו אמרו: אם אין חכמה אין יראה, והתורה נקראת אצלה תרעא לדרתא, כמו שכתוב במקום אחר

(Regarding this great fear our Sages said, 6 “If there is no wisdom there is no fear.” In this context, “wisdom” represents Torah study, and “fear” — the higher level of the awe of G‑d which can be reached only by way of the Torah. By contrast, the statement, “If there is no fear, there is no wisdom,” refers to the lower level of fear which is a prerequisite for Torah study, as stated above. In relation to this level of fear, the Torah is called7 “a gateway to the dwelling,” i.e., the sole means of entering the dwelling, viz., the higher level of fear, as is explained elsewhere.)

אלא דלאו כל מוחא סביל דא יראה כזו. אך גם מאן דלא סביל מוחו כלל יראה זו, לא מינה ולא מקצתה, מפני פחיתות ערך נפשו בשרשה ומקורה במדרגות תחתונות דעשר ספירות דעשיה, אין יראה זו מעכבת בו למעשה, כמו שיתבאר לקמן

Not every mind, however, can sustain such a fear. Yet even he whose mind cannot bear such a fear, nor even a minute part of it, because the root and source of his soul derives from an inferior level — the lower gradations of the Ten Sefirot of the World of Asiyah, — even he should not be deterred from the actual performance of the Torah and the mitzvot for want of this fear, as will be explained further. 8

FOOTNOTES

1.Parentheses are in the original text.

2.Shabbat 11a; Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 6:8; R. Shneur Zalman, Shulchan Aruch 106:4.

3.This interpretation is based on a note by the Rebbe.

4.The point of the following discussion of the awe of G-d that Torah study engenders in the student, and its relevance here, are explained by the Rebbe as follows: The Alter Rebbe has pointed out that the level of union with G-d's Will found in the study of the Torah is greater than the union attained through other mitzvot. He now goes on to say that as a result of this superior quality, the study of the Torah is superior in yet another respect, viz., it creates in the student a greater awe of G-d than that which the mitzvot create in those who perform them. In fact, this latter quality is more important than the former. Since the goal of all the mitzvot (and their attendant union with G-d's Will) is to lead us to fear Him (as the Alter Rebbe will quote shortly), the superiority of Torah over mitzvot in the attainment of this goal is more important than its intrinsic superiority - in union with G-d's Will. The relevance of this subject here lies in the fact that the entire discussion of the qualities of Torah and mitzvot is intended to show how "it is very near to you .... in your mouth and heart ......" (see our introduction to chapter 18). Clearly, the greater one's awe of G-d, the more is it "very near to you."

5.Cf. Devarim 6:24.

6.Avot 3:17.

7.Shabbat 31b; Yoma 72b.

8.Ch. 41.

Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Monday, Shevat 13, 5778 · January 29, 2018
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Positive Commandment 130
Tithes for the Poor
"At the end of three years, you shall bring forth all the tithes of your produce"—Deuteronomy 14:28.
We are commanded to separate a tenth of our harvest [in addition to the First Tithe given to the Levites] on the third and sixth year of the seven-year Shemitah cycle, and give it to the poor.
[During these two years, this tithe substitutes the Second Tithe.]
This biblical precept only applies in the Land of Israel.
Full text of this Mitzvah »

Tithes for the Poor

Positive Commandment 130

Translated by Berel Bell

The 130th mitzvah is that we are commanded to give ma'aser ani [a tenth of one's harvest to the poor] every third year — i.e. the third and the sixth — of the seven-year (shemittah) cycle.

The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,1 "At the end of each three year period, you must bring out all the tithes of your crop..."

This Biblical prohibition, too, applies only in Eretz Yisroel.

The details of this mitzvah are explained in tractate Pe'ah,2 Demai,3 and Ma'aseros. It is also mentioned in various passages of the other tractates of [Seder] Zeraim, and in Machshirin4 and in Yadayim.5

FOOTNOTES

1.Deut. 14:28.

2.Ch. 8.

3.Ch. 4.

4.End of Ch. 2.

5.Ch. 4, Mishneh 3.

Positive Commandment 195
Charity
"You shall surely open your hand "—Deuteronomy 15:8.
We are commanded to give charity to the indigent, to relieve them of their distress. We are commanded to feed the needy and provide them with whatever they lack.
Even a pauper who is sustained by charity is obligated to fulfill this mitzvah—by giving charity (even if only a pittance) to someone needier than himself, or someone in a similar predicament.
Full text of this Mitzvah »

Charity

Positive Commandment 195

Translated by Berel Bell

The 195th mitzvah is that we are commanded to give charity — to support and relieve the poor.

This command is expressed in the Torah in various ways: "Open your hand generously"1; "Help him survive, whether he is a convert or a born Jew"2; "Help your brother survive with you."3 These verses all have the same point — that we must provide for our poor and support them in accordance with their need.

The details of this mitzvah are explained in a number of places, the majority in tractates Kesubos4 and Baba Basra.5

The Oral Tradition relates that even a poor person who himself lives from charity is also obligated in this mitzvah — to give even a small amount of charity to someone less fortunate than him or on the same level as himself.

FOOTNOTES

1.Deut. 15:8.

2.Lev. 25:35.

3.Ibid. 25:36.

4.See 67a.

5.See 8a.

Negative Commandment 232
Ignoring a Needy Person
"Do not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your destitute brother"—Deuteronomy 15:7.
It is forbidden to be stingy and withhold charity and relief from our needy brethren—if we are aware of their desperate situation and have the means to assist them.
Full text of this Mitzvah »

Ignoring a Needy Person

Negative Commandment 232

Translated by Berel Bell

The 232nd prohibition is that we are forbidden from withholding charity and assistance from our needy brethren once we have become aware of their difficulty and know we have the ability to help them.

The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,1 "Do not harden your heart or shut your hand against your needy brother."

This prohibits being cruel and stingy to the extent that we do not give to those who deserve our assistance.

FOOTNOTES

1.Deut. 15:7.

Rambam:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Seventeen
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Shabbat - Chapter Seventeen

1

A lane with three walls is called a closed lane.1 In contrast, a lane that has only two walls, one opposite the other, and thus passersby enter from one end and leave from the other, is referred to as an open lane.2

א

מבוי שיש לו שלשה כתלים הוא הנקרא מבוי סתום. ומבוי שיש לו שני כתלים בלבד זה כנגד זה והעם נכנסין ברוח זו ויוצאין בשכנגדה הוא הנקרא מבוי המפולש:

2

What must be done to allow people to carry within a closed lane?3 We should erect one pole4 at the fourth side or extend a beam above it;5 this is sufficient.6 The beam or the pole is considered to have enclosed the fourth side, making it [equivalent to] a private domain.7 Thus, carrying is permitted within it.

According to Torah law, one is permitted to carry [within an area enclosed] by three partitions.8 [The requirement to enclose the] fourth side is Rabbinic [in origin]. Therefore, it is sufficient to erect a pole or a beam.

ב

היאך מתירין מבוי הסתום. עושה לו ברוח רביעית לחי אחד או עושה עליו קורה ודיו. ותחשב אותה קורה או אותו לחי כאילו סתם רוח רביעית ויעשה רה"י ויהיה מותר לטלטל בכולו. שדין תורה בשלש מחיצות בלבד מותר לטלטל ומדברי סופרים היא הרוח הרביעית ולפיכך די לה בלחי או קורה:

3

What must be done to allow people to carry within an open lane? A frame of an entrance must be erected at one side and either a pole or a beam must be erected at the other side.9

An L-shaped10 lane is governed by the same rules as an open lane.11

ג

והיאך מתירין מבוי מפולש. עושה לו צורת פתח מכאן ולחי או קורה מכאן. ומבוי עקום תורתו כמפולש:

4

When a lane is level, but descends on an incline to the public domain, or if its entrance to the public domain is level but it itself descends on an incline,12 it does not require either a pole or a beam, for it is clearly distinct from the public domain.13

ד

מבוי שהוא שוה מתוכו ומדרון לרשות הרבים או שוה לרה"ר ומדרון לתוכו אינו צריך לא לחי ולא קורה שהרי הוא מובדל מרה"ר:

5

When one side of a lane ends at the sea and the other side ends at a public garbage dump, there is no need for [further measures to enable carrying to be permitted].14

[Leniency is granted,] because a public garbage dump is unlikely to be removed,15 and we do not suspect that the sea will wash up mud and rocks [which will dry out and create a surface level with that of the lane].16

ה

מבוי שצדו אחד כלה לים וצדו אחד כלה לאשפה של רבים אינו צריך כלום. שאשפה של רבים אינה עשויה להתפנות ואין חוששין שמא יעלה הים שרטון:

6

[The following rules apply to] an open lane that ends in the middle of a yard17 belonging to many different people: If [the end of the lane] is not opposite the entrance to the yard,18it is considered to be closed and does not require any further measures at the side of the yard. If, however, it ends at the sides of the yard, it is forbidden [to carry within the lane].19

Moreover, if the yard belongs to a single individual, it is forbidden [to carry within the lane] even if the lane leads into the middle of the yard. [The rationale for this prohibition is that] at times, [the owner] may build on one of the sides of the yard. [After these improvements have been made,] it is possible that the lane will end at the side of the yard.

ו

מבוי מפולש שהוא כלה לאמצע רחבה של רבים. אם לא היה מכוון כנגד פתח הרחבה הרי זה כסתום ואינו צריך מצד הרחבה כלום. אבל אם היה כלה לצדדי הרחבה אסור. ואם היתה של יחיד אף לאמצעה אסור. פעמים בונה מצד אחד ונמצא כלה לצדה של רחבה:

7

Permission [to carry within] a lane because a pole or a beam was erected is granted only when [the following conditions are met]:20

[several] houses and courtyards open into it;21

it is four cubits long or more;22 and

its length exceeds its width.

If, however, the length23 and the width24 of a lane are equal, it is considered to be a courtyard, and permission [to carry within is granted] only [when one erects] two poles - there is no minimum requirement with regard to their width - one at each of its sides, or one erects a barrier four handbreadths [wide]25 at one side.26

ז

אין המבוי ניתר בלחי או קורה עד שיהיו בתים וחצרות פתוחות לתוכו ויהיה ארכו מארבע אמות ולמעלה ויהיה ארכו יתר על רחבו. אבל מבוי שארכו כרחבו הרי הוא כחצר ואינו ניתר אלא בשני לחיים משני רוחותיו כל לחי במשהו. או בפס רחב ארבעה מרוח אחת:

8

When the length27 of a courtyard exceeds its width, it is considered to be a lane, and [carrying within it] is permitted [only when one erects] a pole or a beam.

[When several] houses and courtyards28 do not open into a lane - e.g., only one house or one courtyard does - and similarly, [when] a lane is not four cubits long, permission [to carry within is granted] only [when one erects] two poles29 or a barrier (more than)30 four handbreadths [wide].

ח

חצר שארכה יתר על רחבה הרי היא כמבוי וניתרת בלחי או קורה. ומבוי שאין בתים וחצירות פתוחות לתוכו כגון שלא היה בו אלא בית אחד או חצר אחת וכן מבוי שאין בארכו ארבע אמות אינו ניתר אלא בשני לחיים או בפס ארבעה ומשהו:

9

When a lane is not three handbreadths wide,31 one may carry throughout it; it does not require either a pole or a beam. [This leniency is granted because] an opening less than three handbreadths wide is considered to be an extension of the existing wall.32

When a beam is erected over a lane to make it possible for people to carry within as in a private domain, [the lane is not considered to be a private domain, and] a person who throws an article from it to the public domain or from the public domain into it is not liable. The beam is [there merely] to create a distinction.33

When, by contrast, a pole is erected [to make it possible for people to carry], [the lane is a private domain, and] a person who throws an article from it to the public domain or from the public domain into it, is liable. The pole is considered to be a wall on the fourth side.34

ט

מבוי שאין ברחבו שלשה טפחים אינו צריך לא לחי ולא קורה ומותר לטלטל בכולו. שכל פחות משלשה הרי הוא כלבוד. מבוי' שהכשירו בקורה אף על פי שמותר לטלטל בכולו כרה"י הזורק מתוכו לרה"ר או מרה"ר לתוכו פטור. שהקורה משום היכר היא עשויה. אבל אם הכשירו בלחי הזורק מתוכו לרשות הרבים או מרה"ר לתוכו חייב שהלחי הרי הוא כמחיצה ברוח רביעית:

10

How is it possible to [make it permissible for people to carry] between two walls of the public domain through which people [frequently] pass? One makes gates on both sides,35 causing the space between them to be considered to be a private domain.36

[In practice,] the gates need not be locked at night, but they must be fit to lock.37 If they are sunken in the earth, [the earth must be] cleared away and [the gates] adjusted so that they can be locked. The frame of an entrance,38 a pole, or a beam are not sufficient to make it possible for people to carry within a public domain.39

י

שני כותלים ברשות הרבים והעם עוברים ביניהם כיצד מכשיר ביניהם. עושה דלתות מכאן ודלתות מכאן ואחר כך יעשה ביניהם רה"י. ואינו צריך לנעול הדלתות בלילה אבל צריך שיהיו ראויות להנעל. היו משוקעות בעפר מפנה אותן ומתקנן להנעל. אבל צורת פתח או לחי וקורה אינן מועילין בהכשר רה"ר:

11

It is permissible to carry in [the portion of] the lane that is under the beam or opposite the pole.40 When does the above apply? When these structures are constructed near a public domain.

When, by contrast, [a lane is] near a carmelit, it is forbidden to carry in [the portion of] the lane that is under the beam or opposite the pole,41 unless one erects another pole to permit carrying within the entrance.42

[The rationale for this stringency is that according to the Torah, a carmelit is a makom patur. Therefore, when] this entity, [the space opposite the pole or under the beam, which is also a makom patur, is adjacent] to an entity of this type, [the carmelit,] its presence is deemed significant [and it is considered to be an extension of the carmelit].43

יא

מותר לטלטל במבוי תחת הקורה או בין הלחיים. במה דברים אמורים בשהיה סמוך לרה"ר. אבל אם היה סמוך לכרמלית אסור לטלטל תחת הקורה או בין הלחיים עד שיעשה לחי אחר להתיר תוך הפתח שהרי מצא מין את מינו ונעור:

12

A pole may be constructed employing any substance, even a living entity,44 or even an object from which we are forbidden to benefit. [For example, if] a false deity or a tree that is worshiped45 is employed as a pole, it is acceptable.46 [The rationale for this ruling is that] there is no minimum requirement regarding the width of a pole.

The height of the pole may not be less than ten handbreadths.47 There is not, however, a minimum requirement for its width and breadth.

יב

בכל עושין לחיים אפילו בדבר שיש בו רוח חיים ואפילו באיסורי הנייה עכומ"ז עצמה או אשרה שעשה אותה לחי כשר שהלחי עוביו כל שהוא. גובה הלחי אין פחות מעשרה טפחים רחבו ועביו כל שהוא:

13

A beam may be constructed employing any substance, with the exception of a tree that has been worshiped.48 [The latter restriction is applied] because there is a minimum measure for the width of a beam, and a tree that has been worshiped is forbidden to be used whenever there is a minimum measure specified.

The width of a beam may be no less than a handbreadth;49there is, however, no minimum measure for its thickness. Nevertheless, it must be sturdy enough50 to hold a brick51that is one and a half handbreadths by three handbreadths.52 The supports53 for the beam must be sturdy enough to hold the beam and a brick of the size mentioned above.54

יג

בכל עושין קורה אבל לא באשרה לפי שיש לרוחב הקורה שיעור. וכל השיעורין אסורים מן האשרה. וכן רוחב הקורה אין פחות מטפח ועביה כל שהוא. והוא שתהיה בריאה לקבל אריח שהוא חצי לבינה של שלשה טפחים על שלשה טפחים. ומעמידי קורה צריכין שיהיו בריאין כדי לקבל קורה וחצי לבינה:

14

Of what size may the entrance of a lane be for a pole or a beam to be sufficient to allow [people to carry within]? Its height may not be less than ten handbreadths,55 nor more than twenty cubits.56 Its width may not be more than ten cubits.57

[The above applies] when [the opening] is not built with a frame of an entrance.58 If, however, [the opening] is built with the frame of an entrance, even if it is 100 cubits high, less than ten [handbreadths high],59 or more than 100 cubits wide, it is permissible [to carry within].60

יד

כמה יהיה פתח המבוי ויהיה די להכשירו בלחי או קורה. גבהו אין פחות מעשרה טפחים ולא יתר על עשרים אמה ורחבו עד עשר אמות. בד"א שלא היה לו צורת פתח. אבל אם היה לו צורת פתח אפילו היה גבוה מאה אמה או פחות מעשרה או רחב מאה אמה הרי זה מותר:

15

Similarly, if the beam over a lane is ornamented or it has designs61 so that everyone looks at it, it is acceptable even if it is more than 20 cubits high.62 A beam serves as a distinguishing factor. Therefore, [generally,] if it is higher than 20 cubits, [it is not acceptable because] it will not be noticed.63 If, however, it is ornamented or if it has designs - since it attracts attention, it serves as a distinguishing factor.

טו

וכן אם היה בקורה של מבוי כיור וציור עד שיהיו הכל מסתכלין בה אע"פ שהיא למעלה מכ' אמה כשרה. שהקורה משום היכר עשויה ואם היתה למעלה מכ' אינה ניכרת ואם יש בה ציור וכיור מסתכלים בה ונמצא שם היכר:

16

When the height of a lane, from the earth until the bottom of the beam is 20 cubits, it is acceptable even though the width of the beam extends higher than 20 [cubits above the ground.]

If the lane is more than 20 cubits high and one desires to reduce its height by placing a beam lower than it,64 the beam must be a handbreadth wide. If the lane is less than ten handbreadths high, one should dig out a portion that is four cubits by four cubits65 in area, deep enough so that [the walls of the lane will be] a full ten handbreadths [in height].

טז

מבוי שהיה גובהו מן הארץ עד קרקעית קורה עשרים אמה ועובי הקורה למעלה מעשרים כשר. היה גובהו יתר מעשרים ובא למעטו בקורה שמניח אותה למטה צריך להיות ברוחבה טפח כקורה. היה גובהו פחות מעשרה חוקק בו משך ארבע על ארבע אמות ומעמיק כדי להשלימו לעשרה:

17

[The following rules apply when] an opening is made in the side of a lane,66 near its front:67If a portion of the wall four handbreadths wide touching the front [wall] remains standing, it is permissible [to carry within the lane],68provided the opening is not more than ten cubits wide.69

If, however, a portion of the wall four handbreadths wide does not remain, it is forbidden [to carry within the lane]70unless the opening is less than three handbreadths. [Any opening] less than three handbreadths [is considered to be closed,] based on the principle of l'vud.

יז

נפרץ בו פרצה מצדו כלפי ראשו אם נשאר עומד בראשו פס רוחב ארבעה טפחים מותר והוא שלא תהיה הפרצה יתר על עשר. ואם לא נשאר פס ארבעה אסור אלא א"כ היתה הפרצה פחות משלשה שכל פחות משלשה כלבוד:

18

[The following rules apply when] a lane opens up entirely71 to a courtyard and the courtyard opens up on the opposite side72 to the public domain: it is forbidden [to carry within], because it is like an open lane. It is [however] permissible to carry within the courtyard, for although many people pass through a courtyard - entering from this side and departing from the other - it is still considered a private domain.73

יח

נפרץ המבוי במלואו לחצר ונפרצה חצר כנגדו לרה"ר הרי זה אסור מפני שהוא מבוי מפולש. והחצר מותרת שהחצר שרבים בוקעין בה ונכנסין בזו ויוצאין בזו הרי היא רה"י גמורה:

19

[The following rules apply when] there are several paths leading [from the public domain] to a lane, [merging with it] at different points.74 Although the entrances are not opposite one another, since they all lead to the public domain, every one is considered to be an open lane.75

What must be done [to make it possible to carry within this lane]? A frame of an entrance should be constructed for each of the paths at one end.76 Similarly, [a frame of an entrance should be constructed] at the main entrance [of the lane to the public domain]. At the other side of all the paths, one should construct a pole or a beam.

יט

מבוי שהיו לו שבילים מצד זה ושבילים מצד אחר שנמצאו מפולשין לרה"ר אע"פ שאינן מכוונין זה כנגד זה הרי כל אחד מהן מבוי מפולש. כיצד מכשירין אותו עושה צורת פתח לכל אחד ואחד מן השבילים שבצד האחד. וכן לפתח הגדול ועושה לכל השבילים שבצד השני לחי או קורה:

20

When one of the walls of a lane [that leads to the public domain] is long and the other is short,77 one should place the beam near the shorter wall.78

When a pole79 is constructed in the midst of a lane, it is permissible to carry within the inner portion of the lane80that is behind the pole.81 It is, however, forbidden [to carry] in the outer portion of the lane that is beyond the pole.

כ

מבוי שצדו אחד ארוך וצדו השני קצר מניח את הקורה כנגד הקצר. העמיד לחי בחצי המבוי הפנימי שהוא לפנים מן הלחי מותר לטלטל בו והחצי החיצון שהוא חוץ מן הלחי אסור:

21

When a lane is twenty cubits wide, [it is possible to enable people to carry within by erecting a pole or a board in the following manner]:82One may build a wall ten handbreadths high and four cubits long - the latter being the minimum length of a lane - and place [the wall perpendicularly] in the middle [of the entrance]. [As such,] it is as if there are two lanes, each with an entrance of ten cubits.83

Alternatively, one may leave a space of two cubits from [one side of the lane] and set up a wall three cubits long, and [similarly,] leave a space of two cubits [from the other side of the lane] and set up a wall three cubits long. Thus, the opening of the lane will be ten cubits wide,84 and the sides will be considered to be closed, because the enclosed portions exceed the open portions.85

כא

מבוי שהוא רחב עשרים אמה עושה פס גבוה עשרה טפחים במשך ארבע אמות שהוא שיעור משך המבוי ומעמידו באמצע ונמצא בשני מבואות שיש בפתח כל אחד מהן עשר אמות. או מרחיק שתי אמות מכאן ומעמיד פס שלש אמות ומרחיק שתי אמות מכאן ומעמיד פס שלש אמות מכאן ונמצא פתח המבוי עשר אמות והצדדין הרי הן כסתומין שהרי עומד מרובה על הפרוץ:

22

A pole that projects outward from the wall of the lane is acceptable.86 [Similarly,] a pole that is standing [at the side of the entrance to a lane] without having been placed there [intentionally]87 is acceptable, provided one has the intent of relying on it before [the commencement of] the Sabbath.88

When a pole can be seen from the inside of a lane but cannot be seen from the outside,89 or conversely, when it can be seen from the outside, but from within the lane appears flush with the wall, it is acceptable as a pole.90

A pole that is lifted three handbreadths above the ground91or that is more than three handbreadths away from the wall,92 is not at all significant. Anything less than three handbreadths is, however, acceptable, based on the principle of l'vud.

When a pole is very wide - whether its width is less than or equal to half the width of the lane, it is acceptable and is considered to be a pole. If, however, [its width] exceeds half the width of the lane, [it is considered to be a wall and this side is considered to be enclosed], because the enclosed portion exceeds the open portion.93

כב

לחי הבולט מדפנו של מבוי כשר. ולחי העומד מאליו אם סמכו עליו מקודם השבת כשר. ולחי שהוא נראה מבפנים לחי ומבחוץ אינו נראה לחי. או שהיה נראה מבחוץ לחי ומבפנים נראה שהוא שוה וכאילו אין שם לחי. הרי זה נידון משום לחי. לחי שהגביהו מן הקרקע שלשה טפחים או שהפליגו מן הכותל שלשה לא עשה כלום. אבל פחות מג' טפחים כשר שכל פחות משלשה כלבוד. לחי שהיה רחב הרבה. בין שהיה רחבו פחות מחצי רוחב המבוי בין שהיה רחבו כחצי רוחב המבוי כשר ונידון משום לחי. אבל אם היה יתר על חצי רוחב המבוי נידון משום עומד מרובה על הפרוץ:

23

When a mat is spread over a beam, the beam's [function in making it possible to carry within the lane] is nullified, for it is no longer conspicuous.94 [It is possible, however, for it still to be possible to carry within the lane, provided the mat reaches within three handbreadths of the ground.95] If the mat is three handbreadths or more from the ground, it is not considered to be a wall [and carrying is forbidden within the lane].

If one implants two spikes into the front of the wall96 of a lane and places a beam upon them, one's actions are of no significance [and it is forbidden to carry within the lane]. For a beam [to be significant, it] must be positioned over a lane and not next to it.97

כג

קורה שפירס עליה מחצלת הרי ביטלה שהרי אינה ניכרת. לפיכך אם היתה המחצלת מסולקת מן הארץ שלשה טפחים או יתר אינה מחיצה. נעץ שתי יתדות בשני כותלי מבוי מבחוץ והניח עליהן הקורה לא עשה כלום. שצריך להיות הקורה על גבי המבוי לא סמוך לו:

24

[The following rules apply when] a beam extends outward from one wall of a lane,98 but does not reach the second wall, or if one beam extends outward from one wall and another beam extends outward from the second wall: If they reach within three [handbreadths] of each other, there is no need to bring another beam.99 If there is more than three handbreadths between them, one must bring another beam.

כד

קורה היוצאה מכותל זה ואינה נוגעת בכותל השני וכן שתי קורות אחת יוצאה מכותל זה ואחת יוצאה מכותל זה ואינן מגיעות זו לזו פחות משלשה אינו צריך להביא קורה אחרת. היה ביניהן שלשה צריך להביא קורה אחרת:

25

Similarly, when two beams are positioned parallel to each other and neither of them is able to support a brick [of the required size],100 there is no need to bring another beam if the two beams can support the brick together.101

If one is on a higher plane and the other is on a lower plane, we see the upper one as if it were lower and the lower one as if it were raised [and thus the two are regarded as though they were on the same plane].102 [This applies] provided the upper board is not higher than 20 cubits high,103 the lower board is not less than ten handbreadths high104 and there would be less than three handbreadths between the two if the upper one were lowered and the lower one were raised until they were parallel to each other on the same plane.105

כה

וכן שתי קורות המתאימות לא בזו כדי לקבל אריח ולא בזו כדי לקבל אריח אם יש בשתיהן כדי לקבל אריח אינו צריך להביא קורה אחרת. היתה אחת למטה ואחת למעלה רואין את העליונה כאילו היא למטה והתחתונה כאילו היא למעלה. ובלבד שלא תהיה עליונה למעלה מעשרים ולא תחתונה למטה מעשרה. ולא יהיה ביניהן שלשה טפחים. כשרואין אותה שירדה זו ועלתה זו בכונה עד שיעשו זו בצד זו:

26

If the beam is crooked, we consider it as if it were straight. If it is rounded,106we consider it as if it were linear. Thus, if its circumference is three handbreadths, it is a handbreadth in diameter.107

[The following rules apply when] a beam is located in the midst of a lane, but because it is crooked, a portion projects outside the lane, or because it is crooked, a portion projects above twenty [cubits] or below ten [handbreadths] high: We consider the distance that would remain between the two ends of the beam were the crooked portion [which projects outside the desired area] to be removed:108 If less than three handbreadths remain, there is no need to bring another beam. If [more remain], another beam is required.

כו

היתה הקורה עקומה רואין אותה כאילו היא פשוטה. עגולה רואין אותה כאילו היא מרובעת. ואם היה בהיקפה שלשה טפחים יש בה רוחב טפח. היתה הקורה בתוך המבוי ועקומה חוץ למבוי. או שהיתה עקומה למעלה מעשרים או למטה מעשרה. רואין כל שאילו ינטל העיקום וישארו שני ראשיה אין בין זה לזה שלשה אינו צריך להביא קורה אחרת. ואם לאו צריך להביא קורה אחרת:

27

When eight walls are positioned at the corners [of a square around] a well,109 two attached [perpendicularly] at each corner, they are considered to be an enclosure. Even though [the length of the] open portion exceeds that of the walls on each of the sides, since [there are walls] standing at all of the corners, it is permitted to draw water from the well and permit an animal to drink.110

How high must each of these walls be? Ten handbreadths. The walls must each be six handbreadths wide,111 and there must be space between each wall for two teams - each consisting of four cattle - one entering and one departing. This measure is not more than thirteen and one third cubits.112

כז

באר שעשה לה שמונה פסין מארבע זויות שני פסין דבוקין בכל זוית הרי אלו כמחיצה. ואע"פ שהפרוץ מרובה על העומד בכל רוח ורוח. הואיל וארבע הזויות עומדות הרי זה מותר למלאות מן הבאר ולהשקות לבהמה. וכמה יהיה גובה כל פס מהן עשרה טפחים ורחבו ששה טפחים ובין כל פס לפס כמלוא שתי רבקות של ארבעה ארבעה בקר אחת נכנסת ואחת יוצאה. שיעור רוחב זה אין יתר על שלש עשרה אמה ושליש:

28

[It is not always necessary for this space to have actual walls positioned at its corners]. If at one of the corners, or at all four of the corners, there is positioned a large stone, a tree, a mound whose incline is more than ten handbreadths within four cubits, or a bundle of reeds, [the following rules apply]: We see whether the article in question has a section one cubit long on either side that is ten handbreadths high when divided [at the corner].113 [If this is true,] it is considered to be two walls positioned at a corner.

When five reeds are erected [around the corner of such a square] with less than three [handbreadths] between each pair of them,114 [the space between them is considered to be closed].115If there are six handbreadths on one side and six handbreadths on the other side, they are considered to be two walls positioned at a corner.

כח

היה במקום אחד מן הזויות או בכל זוית מארבעתן אבן גדולה או אילן או תל המתלקט עשרה מתוך ארבע אמות או חבילה של קנים. רואין כל שאילו יחלק ויש בו אמה לכאן ואמה לכאן בגובה עשרה נדון משום זוית שיש בה שני פסין. חמשה קנים ואין בין זה לזה שלשה ויש ביניהן ששה טפחים לכאן וששה טפחים לכאן נדונים משום זוית שיש בה שני פסין:

29

It is permissible to bring these four corners closer to the well, provided there is still enough space for the majority of a cow's body to be within these walls when it is drinking.116 Although one does not hold the head of the animal together with the vessel from which it is drinking, since there is space for the head [of a cow] and the majority [of its body] within [the square], it is permitted.

[If the square is this size,] it is permissible even for a camel117 [to use] it. If [the square] is smaller, it is forbidden to draw water within [the square], even for a kid whose entire body can enter within.

It is permissible to separate [the walls] from the well as far as one desires, provided that one adds straight walls on every side,118 so that there will never be more than thirteen and one third cubits between each of the two walls.

כט

מותר להקריב ארבע הזויות האלו לבאר. והוא שתהיה פרה ראשה ורובה לפנים מן הפסין ושותה. אע"פ שלא יאחז ראש הבהמה עם הכלי שבו המים הואיל וראשה ורובה בפנים מותר אפילו לגמל. היו קרובים יתר מזה אסור להשקות מהן אפילו לגדי שהוא כולו נכנס לפנים. ומותר להרחיק כל שהוא ובלבד שירבה בפסים פשוטים שמניחין אותן בכל רוח ורוח כדי שלא יהא בין פס לחבירו יותר על שלש עשרה אמה ושליש:

30

[The use of] such walls was permitted only in Eretz Yisrael, and for the sake of the herds119 of the festive pilgrims. Similarly, [this leniency] was granted only with regard to a fresh-water well120 that belongs to the public.121.

In contrast, should a person desire to drink, he should descend to the well and drink, or should make a barrier ten handbreadths high around the wall,122 stand within it, draw water, and drink. If the well is very wide and a man is unable to climb down it, he may draw water and drink within [a structure of] corner walls [as described above].

ל

לא התירו הפסים האלו אלא בארץ ישראל ולבהמת עולי רגלים בלבד והוא שיהיה באר מים חיים של רבים. אבל בשאר ארצות אדם ירד לבאר וישתה או יעשה לו מחיצה מקפת לבאר גבוהה עשרה טפחים ויעמוד בתוכה וידלה וישתה. ואם היה הבאר רחב הרבה שאין אדם יכול לירד בו הרי זה ידלה וישתה בין הפסין:

31

Similarly, it is forbidden to draw water from a cistern that belongs to the public or from a well that belongs to a private individual - even in Eretz Yisrael - unless one constructs a barrier123 ten handbreadths high around them.

לא

וכן בור הרבים ובאר היחיד אפילו בארץ ישראל אין ממלאין מהן אלא אם כן עשו להן מחיצה גבוהה עשרה טפחים:

32

When a person was drawing [water] for his animal that is standing between the walls [of the abovementioned enclosure], he may draw water and place it before [the animal] in the vessel [with which it was drawn].

If the [animal was in] a stall ten handbreadths high and four handbreadths [by four handbreadths] wide, whose front portion projected within such walls, the person should not draw water and place [the vessel] before [the animal].124[This restriction was instituted] lest the stall be broken and the person carry the bucket into the stall, and from the stall [bring it] to the ground of the public domain.125 Instead, he should draw water, pour it before [his animal], who will drink it itself.

לב

הממלא לבהמתו בין הפסים ממלא ונותן בכלי לפניה. ואם היה אבוס ראשו נכנס לבין הפסים והיה גבוה עשרה ורחב ארבעה לא ימלא ויתן לפניה שמא יתקלקל האבוס ויוציא הדלי לאבוס ומן האבוס לקרקע רה"ר אלא ממלא ושופך והיא שותה מאליה:

33

When a person throws [an article] from the public domain into [a space surrounded by] walls of this nature, he is liable. Since there is an actual wall that is ten [handbreadths] high and more than four [handbreadths] by four [handbreadths] in area in every corner, the square is a definitive and distinct entity.126 Hence, the entire [enclosure] is considered to be a private domain.127

[The above applies] even [were such a structure to be built] in a valley where there is no well, for there is a wall on each side of each corner [of the enclosure]. Even if many people pass through the enclosure, the walls are not considered to have been nullified.128[Instead, the enclosure] is considered to be like a courtyard through which many people pass. [All agree that] a person who throws [an object] into [such a courtyard] is liable.129If there is a well located within such an enclosure, [our Sages relaxed some of their restrictions and] permitted drawing water for an animal.

לג

הזורק מרה"ר לבין הפסין חייב הואיל ויש בכל זוית וזוית מחיצה גמורה שיש בה גובה עשרה ויותר מארבעה על ארבעה והרי הרבוע ניכר ונראה ונעשה כל שביניהם רה"י. ואפילו היה בבקעה ואין שם ביניהם באר שהרי בכל רוח ורוח פס מכאן ופס מכאן. ואפילו היו רבים בוקעין ועוברין בין הפסין לא בטלו המחיצות והרי הן כחצרות שהרבים בוקעין בהן והזורק לתוכן חייב. ומותר להשקות הבהמה ביניהן אם היה ביניהן באר.

34

When one end of a courtyard enters between the walls of the abovementioned enclosure, it is permitted to carry from [the courtyard] into the enclosure and from the enclosure into [the courtyard].130 When [portions of] two courtyards enter between the walls of the abovementioned enclosure, it is forbidden to carry [from the enclosure to the courtyards and from the courtyard to the enclosure] unless an eruv is made.131

If the well dries up on the Sabbath, it is forbidden to carry between the walls [of the enclosure].132 [Our Sages133] considered these walls to be an acceptable enclosure to allow [people] to carry within, only because of the water. If the well begins to flow with water on the Sabbath,134 it is permitted to carry within [the enclosure], for an enclosure that is established on the Sabbath is an [acceptable] enclosure.135

When the beam or pole [used to permit people to carry within] a lane is removed on the Sabbath, it is forbidden to carry within,136 even if it opens up to a carmelit.137

לד

חצר שראשה אחד נכנס לבין הפסין מותר לטלטל מתוכה לבין הפסין ומבין הפסין לתוכה. היו שתי חצירות אסורין עד שיערבו. יבשו המים בשבת אסור לטלטל בין הפסין שלא נחשבו מחיצה לטלטל בתוכן אלא משום המים. באו לו מים בשבת מותר לטלטל ביניהן. שכל מחיצה שנעשית בשבת שמה מחיצה. מבוי שניטלה קורתו או לחיו בשבת אסור לטלטל בו אע"פ שנפרץ לכרמלית:

35

When an excedra138is constructed in an open area, it is permitted to carry within its entire space although it has only three walls and a roof.139 We consider it to be as though the edge of the roof descends and closes off the fourth side.140 A person who throws an article into it from the public domain is not liable.141 It is as if one throws an article into a closed lane that possesses a roof.

When the corner of a house or a courtyard is broken and an opening of ten cubits is created, it is forbidden to carry within it at all. Although [generally] whenever an opening is ten cubits or less we consider it to be an entrance,142 [no leniency is granted in this instance, because] an entrance is not made in a corner.143

Should there be a board extending across the length of the opening, it is considered as if it descends and closes the opening.144 Thus, it is permitted to carry within the entire area. [This leniency applies] provided [the beams] are not [constructed at] an angle.145

לה

אכסדרה בבקעה מותר לטלטל בכולה ואע"פ שהיא בת שלש מחיצות ותקרה. שאנו רואין כאילו פי תקרה יורד וסותם רוח רביעית. והזורק מרה"ר לתוכה פטור כזורק למבוי סתום שיש לו קורה. בית או חצר שנפרץ קרן זוית שלה בעשר אמות הרי זה אסור לטלטל בכולו אע"פ שכל פרצה שהיא עד עשר אמות כפתח. אין עושין פתח בקרן זוית. ואם היתה שם קורה מלמעלה על אורך הפרצה רואין אותה שירדה וסתמה ומותר לטלטל בכולו והוא שלא תהיה באלכסון:

36

The term "fingerbreadth" when used as a measurement, universally refers to the width of a thumb.146 A handbreadth is the size of four fingerbreadths.147 Whenever the term "cubit" is used whether with regard to the laws of the Sabbath, a sukkah, or the prohibition of growing mixed species, it refers to a cubit of six handbreadths.148

There are times when we measure a cubit as six handbreadths pressed one to the other, and other occasions when we consider the handbreadths as amply spaced one from the other.149 In both instances, the intent is that this lead to a more stringent ruling.

For example, the length of a lane [is required to be a minimum of] four cubits. These are measured in amply spaced cubits. The height [of a lane may not exceed] twenty cubits. These are measured in constricted cubits. Similarly, the length of an opening [may not exceed] ten cubits. These are measured in constricted cubits. Similar principles apply regarding the laws of a sukkah and the prohibition of growing mixed species.

לו

האצבע שמשערין בה בכל מקום היא רוחב הגודל של יד. והטפח ארבע אצבעות. וכל אמה האמורה בכל מקום בין בשבת בין בסוכה וכלאים היא אמה בת ששה טפחים. ופעמים משערין באמה בת ששה טפחים דחוקות זו לזו. ופעמים משערין באמה בת ששה שוחקות ורווחות וזה וזה להחמיר. כיצד משך מבוי בארבע אמות שוחקות וגובהו עשרים אמה עציבות. רוחב הפרצה עשר אמות עציבות וכיוצא בהן לענין סוכה וכלאים

FOOTNOTES

1.

In Talmudic times, it was not customary that homes open to streets, as is the practice today. Instead, several homes would open up to a single courtyard. These courtyards would open up to paths or lanes that led to the public marketplaces and the thoroughfares of the towns. Sometimes, these paths or lanes would end in a cul-de- sac, and on other occasions they would lead from one thoroughfare to another.

2.

This refers to a lane leading from one marketplace or thoroughfare to another. Needless to say, the lane must be less than sixteen cubits wide. If it is sixteen cubits wide, it would be deemed as a public domain according to the Rambam, as mentioned in Chapter 14, Halachah 1.

3.

This question applies within a city that is not surrounded by an eruv. As the Rambam explains in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 1:2), a lane with three walls is considered to be a carmelit. Thus according to the Torah itself, such an area is regarded as a makom patur, and one is permitted to carry within it. The Rabbis nevertheless forbade carrying within such an area, unless a person constructed either of the following structures: a lechi - a pole constructed at one of the corners of the fourth side - or a korah - a beam constructed across the entrance. (See also the gloss of the Maggid Mishneh.)

4.

The dimensions required for a pole and a beam are mentioned in Halachot 12 and 13. When a pole is constructed at the corner of the fourth side of the lane, the lane is considered to be enclosed and thus is viewed as a private domain. (See Halachah 9 of this chapter and Chapter 14, Halachah 1.)

5.

As explained in Halachah 9, extending a beam over the lane is a Rabbinic measure that makes a distinction between such a lane and a lane that is not enclosed at all. Because of this distinction, the Rabbinic prohibition against carrying in such a lane is lifted.

6.

This refers merely to the process of enclosing the area in question. In addition, as mentioned in Hilchot Eruvin1:1-2, it is necessary for the people who share the lane to join together in an eruv, each contributing a certain measure of food.

7.

The Rambam's definition of a lane follows the conception of Rabbenu Chanan'el in his commentary on Eruvin12a. Most other Rishonim [including Rashi (Eruvin, loc. cit.), Tosafot, the Rashba, and the Ra'avad] differ, and maintain that as long as a lane has three walls (or two walls and a pole on the third side), it is considered a private domain according to the Torah. (See Be'ur Halachah 363:1.)

The difference between the Rambam's view and that of these other authorities does not concern the license to carry, for all agree that it is forbidden to carry within the lane until a pole or a beam is constructed at the fourth side. Instead, the difference involves transferring an article into such a lane with three walls from the public domain. According to the Rambam, one is not liable from such a transfer, while according to the other authorities, one is.

8.

As mentioned above, according to the Rambam, one may carry in this lane, because any enclosure with three walls or less is deemed as a carmelit. According to the Torah, there is no restriction against carrying in such a domain.

9.

This ruling follows that of Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi in his Halachot. Nevertheless, there are many authorities who differ and maintain that this ruling applies only when the lane opens to a carmelit on at least one side. If it opens up to a public domain on both sides, it is not sufficient to erect a frame of an entrance, and a proper gate must be erected (Maggid Mishneh). The Rambam's ruling is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 364:1).

10.

Our translation is based on the gloss and drawings of the Maggid Mishneh.

11.

The Rambam rules that all that is necessary is a frame of an entrance at one opening of the lane, and a pole or a beam at the other end. Nothing is necessary at the bend of the lane. This follows the opinion of Rav (Eruvin 6a, 8b).

Rashi and Rabbenu Asher, however, interpret Rav's ruling differently and require that a frame of an entrance be constructed at the lane's bend, and a pole or a beam be constructed at both the lane's openings. They explain that this is necessary because, unless the frame of an entrance is constructed at the bend, a person who does not walk through the entire lane will not be aware of the pole or the beam at the other entrance to the lane. This is the view accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:3).

12.

Based on Shabbat 100a and the Tosefta, Shabbat 11:4, the Ra'avad and the Rashba define this as referring to an incline of ten handbreadths within four cubits. If the incline is gentler than that, this leniency does not apply. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 363:36) accepts this definition.

13.

According to the Torah, one is allowed to carry within the lane, and the prohibition is merely Rabbinic in origin. Thus, since the steep incline makes the lane distinct from the public domain (and distinct from other lanes), there is no need for any further measures to permit carrying.

From the wording chosen by the Rambam, however, it appears that he does not consider the incline as a wall enclosing the lane (see the Ramah, Orach Chayim, loc. cit.), but rather as a distinguishing factor similar to a beam. Accordingly, a person who transfers an article into this lane from the public domain would not be held liable.

14.

This refers to a lane that has walls on either side. Thus, it is considered as if the lane had barriers on all four sides. For the garbage dump can be assumed to be ten handbreadths high and four handbreadths wide. Thus, it is considered to be an added wall, and the sea itself can be assumed to be ten handbreadths deep. Therefore, it is also considered to be a wall (Mishnah Berurah 363:118).

15.

This law does not apply regarding a private garbage dump, because the possibility exists that such a dump will be removed at any time.

16.

Our translation follows the commentary of Rabbenu Chanan'el and Rashi on Eruvin 8a. Although both these authorities agree on the definition of the word שרטון, they quote different versions of that Talmudic passage. Rabbenu Chanan'el follows the version quoted here by the Rambam, which states that "we do not suspect that the sea will wash up a שרטון." The version of the passage quoted by Rashi (and printed in our texts of the Talmud today) states, "we suspect that the sea will wash up a שרטון."

Significantly, this difference in approach to this passage has been preserved. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim363:29) follows the ruling of the Rambam, while subsequent Ashkenazic authorities and the Ramah follow that of Rashi which forbids carrying in such a lane. According to this view, it is impossible to enclose it with an eruv.

17.

See the definition of the term רחבה in Chapter 16, Halachah 10.

18.

Were the lane to end directly opposite the entrance from the yard to the public domain, a more stringent ruling would be applied and it would be necessary to construct a frame of an entrance. See Halachot 3 and 18.

19.

The Maggid Mishneh explains that were the lane to end at the side of the yard, it would resemble an L-shaped lane. Hence, the laws mentioned in Halachah 3 would apply. When, however, the lane does not end at the side of the yard, it has no resemblance to an L-shaped lane. Therefore, the entrance to the yard is itself considered a distinguishing factor. (Note, however, Rabbenu Asher and the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim365:3, which require that the people whose homes open up to the lane and the yard join together in an eruv.)

Significantly, according to the Maggid Mishneh, the word "forbidden" used by the Rambam, appears to mean "requires an eruv." This would concur with the Ra'avad's interpretation of Eruvin 7b which states that if the people whose homes open to the yard join in an eruv together with the people whose homes open to the lane, it is permitted to carry in the lane even if it ends in the side of the yard.

Note, however, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) which mentions that an eruv can never be effective for such a lane. See the explanation of this ruling in the Mishnah Berurah 365:23.

20.

The fundamental principle behind these conditions is that an enclosure that is used by a private person will afford greater privacy than an enclosure used by many people. Therefore, it is necessary that the enclosure be more substantial (the Rashba as quoted by the Kessef Mishneh).

21.

When only a single house or courtyard opens to a lane, it bears a far closer resemblance to private property.

22.

If a lane is not more than four cubits or if it is square shaped, it appears like a courtyard.

23.

I.e., the distance from one entrance to the other.

24.

The distance between the two walls on either side.

25.

A barrier of this length is considered to be a wall, and thus a portion of this side of the lane is also considered to be enclosed.

26.

Although the requirement to construct two poles or a barrier is more stringent than the norm for a lane, it still represents a leniency. There is no need to construct the frame of an entrance as in a courtyard.

The Rambam's ruling (with several additions) is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 363:26). In his gloss, the Ramah adds that it has become customary to enclose all lanes with the frame of an entrance - i.e., two poles, and a cord above them.

27.

The length of a courtyard refers to the space from its entrance to the opposite wall (Maggid Mishneh). Although there are other interpretations, this is the definition accepted as halachah (Mishnah Berurah 363:116).

28.

Our translation is based on the second interpretation of the Rambam's words offered by the Maggid Mishneh, which is supported by the Rambam's statements in Hilchot Eruvin 5:15. From that source, it appears that the Rambam conceives of a lane as having several courtyards and several houses open up to it. If, however, there is only one house opening up to it, although it contains several courtyards, or one courtyard although it contains several houses, it is not sufficient.

Rashi (Eruvin 12b), however, offers a different interpretation, explaining that to be considered a lane, an enclosure must have two courtyards open up to it, and each of the courtyards must have two houses open up to it. This view is accepted by the Rashba and by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim363:26).

29.

Note the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.), which states that when a lane is less than four cubits long, the frame of an entrance is required to enclose it. Significantly, however, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:27 quotes the Rambam's ruling and not that of the Shulchan Aruch. (See also Mishnah Berurah363:93.)

30.

In the standard published text of the Mishneh Torah, the word, ומשהו (lit. "and something") is added in parentheses. Rav David Arameah and the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) interpret this to mean that the four handbreadths must be "ample." B'nei Binyamin explains that there is a printing error and the word משהו refers to the poles as in the previous halachah. Rav Kapach maintains that the word is a printer's addition and does not exist in the authoritative manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah.

31.

The Kessef Mishneh (and his view is quoted by the Magen Avraham 363:29) explains that even if the majority of the lane is wider than three handbreadths, since its entrance is less than three handbreadths it is considered to be closed, and no further measures are necessary.

32.

I.e., based on the principle of l'vud, the lane is considered to be a closed space and not open (Kessef Mishneh). Although there are more lenient opinions, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 363:28) accepts the Rambam's ruling.

33.

As mentioned in the notes on the first halachah of this chapter, the Rambam differs with many of the other Rishonimand maintains that, according to Torah law, an area enclosed by three partitions is a makom patur and not a private domain. Therefore, a person who transfers an article to it from the public domain or vice versa is not liable.

As mentioned in several places throughout the first chapter of the tractate of Eruvin, there is a difference of opinion among the Sages regarding why one is permitted to carry within a lane when a beam is erected over its fourth side. The opinion quoted by the Rambam maintains that although the Sages forbade carrying in such a domain, their prohibition is lifted because the beam serves as a distinction, setting this lane apart, physically and conceptually, from the public domain.

The other opinion maintains that the beam is considered to be a wall (i.e., it is considered as if there were a wall descending from the beam downward enclosing the lane). Hence, the lane is considered to be enclosed on all four sides and therefore, as a private domain.

34.

In the first chapter of the tractate of Eruvin, our Sages also differ regarding why permission is granted to carry in a lane when a pole is erected at its fourth side. According to the opinion quoted by the Rambam, it is considered as if a wall emerges from the pole, and thus the lane is considered to be enclosed by a wall on all of its sides.

There is, however, another opinion, which states that the pole is erected merely to create a distinction and it is not considered to be a wall.

35.

Some of the authorities who maintain that an enclosure with three walls is considered to be a private domain according to Torah law, permit carrying within a public domain if gates are erected on one side and a frame of an entrance, pole, or beam is erected on the other. (See the Mishnah Berurah364:6.)

36.

The definition of a public domain is taken from the encampment of the Jewish people in the desert, and there the public domain did not have gates (Mishnah Berurah 364:7). The gates enclose the domain on all four sides. Hence, even though many people walk through it, it is still considered as "private."

37.

Based on Eruvin 6a-b, many Rishonimdiffer with the Rambam on this point and maintain that not only must the gates be fit to be closed at night, they must actually be closed, in order for carrying to be permitted in a public domain. Gates that can be closed, but are not actually closed, are effective only in an open lane. Although the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 364:2) mentions the Rambam's view, the more stringent opinion is favored.

It must be emphasized that from Chapter 14, Halachah 1, and Hilchot Eruvin 1:1, it appears that the Rambam also requires doors that are actually closed. Several explanations are offered by the commentaries in resolution of this difficulty.

38.

Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 364:4, which states that a frame of an entrance is considered to be a wall. Therefore, if one erected poles on each corner of a square and connected them with a string above, one creates a private domain. Nevertheless, the Rabbis forbade carrying within an area fit to be considered a public domain unless it has a proper gate at its entrance. The Rambam, however, could not accept this ruling, because as stated in Chapter 16, Halachah 16, if the open portions of a barrier exceed the enclosed portions, it is not acceptable.

39.

Herein lies one of the points of controversy regarding the eruvim that are constructed around communities today. For few modern cities or villages are enclosed by actual walls with gates, and in practice, most of these eruvimemploy a frame of an entrance, using telephone wires and the like.

As mentioned in Chapter 14, Halachah 1, and its notes, the Rambam does not subscribe to the opinion that a public domain must contain 600,000 people passing through it. Although the later Ashkenazic authorities accept this more lenient view, they also suggest that those who are careful in their observance accept the Rambam's ruling.

Whether this principle is to be applied with regard to great metropolises like Manhattan, Brooklyn, London, and the like which have more than 600,000 passersby or with regard to smaller communities which are considered a public domain only according to the more stringent view, the public domain must be enclosed by proper walls. The use of a frame of an entrance employing telephone or electric wires and the like is not sufficient.

40.

Although the inner portion of the beam or the pole is of most importance, it is, nevertheless, permitted to carry under the beam or opposite the pole, because that area is considered to be a makom patur (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 365:6).

41.

The Rambam's ruling is based on Rabbenu Chanan'el's interpretation of Eruvin 8b,9a. The Ra'avad and most Ashkenazic authorities (among them Tosafot and Rabbenu Asher) interpret that passage differently and maintain that we are permitted to carry beneath a beam when it opens up to a carmelit.

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim365:4) follows the Rambam's ruling. The Mishnah Berurah 365:27, however, mentions the more lenient views. Furthermore, many authorities (e.g., Maggid Mishnah, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 365:6) agree that if a beam is four handbreadths wide and is strong enough to support a roof, it is permitted to carry beneath it. In that instance, the outer end of the beam is considered to descend and serve as a fourth wall.

42.

In that instance, the area between the poles is considered to be a distinct entity, with walls on either side.

43.

Generally, one is allowed to carry within a makom patur. Nevertheless, our Sages forbade carrying in a carmelit, a makom patur which resembles a public domain. In the situation at hand, since one makom patur (the carmelit) is adjacent to another makom patur (the area opposite the pole or beneath the beam), the two are combined and form a single entity. Therefore, carrying is forbidden, not only in the carmelit, but also between the poles.

44.

The Maggid Mishneh states that an animal used as a pole must be bound and may not be free to move. This concept can be derived from Chapter 16, Halachah 21, which states that an animal used for a partition may be bound. As mentioned in Halachah 9, a pole is considered to be a partition.

45.

See Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:10-15 and 8:3 with regard to the different laws pertaining to an asherah, a tree that is worshiped.

46.

The leniency mentioned represents a novel concept, for seemingly it applies even when the pole is associated with the idol worship of a Jew. (A pole worshiped by gentiles can be used if the gentiles nullfiy its connection with idol worship before it comes into the possession of a Jew. If, however, it is owned by a Jew, the connection with idol worship can never be nullified.)

Generally, since we are obligated to destroy objects that are associated with idol worship, from a halachic perspective, they are considered as if they have already been burnt to ashes. For example, Hilchot Shofar 1:3 states that it is forbidden to use a shofar belonging to an עיר הנדחת ("an apostate city") and Hilchot Lulav 8:1 states that a palm branch used for idol worship is unacceptable for use as a lulav. Since both a shofar and lulav have a minimum requirement for their length, an object that must be destroyed because of its connection with idol worship is unacceptable.

In the case at hand, however, since there is no minimum requirement for the width or breadth of a pole, there is no difficulty in using a tree that has been worshiped.

The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's explanation, for although there is no minimum width or breadth required for a pole, there is a minimum requirement for its height. Since the wood of the tree that has been worshiped is considered as though it had been burned to ash already, it lacks this minimum height.

(The Ra'avad, therefore, differs with the Rambam and maintains that a pole, like a beam, is merely a distinction. Therefore, no minimum height is required.)

Many of the other Rishonim differ with the Ra'avad and accept the Rambam's decision. The Maggid Mishnehdifferentiates between a shofar and a lulav - which must have three coordinates: width, breadth, and height - and a beam, which requires only one: height. The fundamental point of his explanation is that although such a beam is considered to lack dimensions, it exists and in this instance all that is necessary is its existence. See the notes of Rav Chayim Soloveichik to this halachah.

Tosafot (Eruvin 80b) offers a different explanation, stating that even if the tree was burned, one could stick its ashes together and obtain a pole ten handbreadths high.

47.

In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 1:6), the Rambam explains that this height is required for a pole, because the minimum height of a lane is ten handbreadths. Thus, the pole would extend for the entire height of the lane. Even if the lane is higher, the pole is not required to be more than ten handbreadths high.

48.

Based on Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 8:9, it can be inferred that this refers to a tree that was worshiped by a Jew or a tree that was worshiped by a gentile, but which was cut down before the gentile nullified its connection with idol worship.

49.

Even though the beam must be sturdy enough to support a brick that is one and a half handbreadths wide, it is possible for there to be a portion of the brick extending on either side of the beam (Eruvin 14a, Kessef Mishneh).

50.

When a beam is built in such a sturdy fashion, it is obviously placed there as a permanent part of the lane, and thus will serve as a distinction for the people inside of it.

51.

Based on the Jerusalem Talmud, the Maggid Mishneh states that it is not enough for the beam to support a single brick. It must be sturdy enough to support an entire row of bricks of this size. Although the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 363:17) quotes the Rambam's wording, the later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:19, Mishnah Berurah 363:59) quote the Maggid Mishneh's view.

Significantly, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:18) also quotes the opinion of Rabbenu Asher that if the beam is more than four handbreadths wide, it does not have to be sturdy enough to hold a brick.

52.

Literally "half of three handbreadths by three handbreadths."

53.

I.e., the supports that are attached to the walls on which the beam is placed.

54.

Rabbenu Asher differs and maintains that the supports need not be that sturdy. The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:18) quotes both opinions without coming to a final decision. Similarly, there is a difference of opinion among the later authorities concerning this issue.

55.

If the walls of the lane are not ten handbreadths high, they are not significant and it is considered as if the lane lacks enclosures on either side.

56.

The Maggid Mishneh states that this restriction applies only when a beam is being used, for the passersby will not notice a beam that is more than twenty cubits high. If, however, a pole is used, there is no limitation on the height of the lane. This interpretation is also quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim363:26).

57.

As mentioned in Chapter 16, Halachah 16, an opening that is larger than ten cubits is too large to be considered to be an entrance.

58.

I.e., the entrance to the lane is an open space without a doorway or gate.

59.

The Ra'avad and others object to this ruling, stating that if the walls of a lane are not ten handbreadths high, the fact that the opening is constructed in the form of a frame of an entrance is of no significance. Since the walls of the lane are not high enough to be considered significant entities, of what value is the fact that the opening is constructed in the form of a frame of an entrance?

The Meiri explains that since the frame of the entrance is at least ten handbreadths high, the fact that the walls of the lane themselves are lower is insignificant. The Shulchan Aruch(loc. cit.) quotes the Rambam's opinion. Note the explanation of Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:27, which explains that this applies in a situation when the walls of the lane are not ten handbreadths high. Nevertheless, the lane is considered a private domain because of the walls of houses and courtyards that adjoin it.

See also the Mishnah Berurah 363:93, which mentions that many later authorities accept the Ra'avad's objection and allow people to carry in such a lane only when the walls are ten handbreadths high. These authorities, however, explain that if the walls of the lane are ten handbreadths throughout the lane, with the exception of its opening, the construction of a frame of an entrance at the opening makes it permissible for people to carry within.

60.

When the frame of an entrance is constructed, there is no need for a post or a beam. For the construction of a frame of an entrance causes an entrance to be considered as if it were enclosed, as stated in Chapter 16, Halachah 16.

61.

From the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 1:1), it is clear that he is speaking about designs and ornaments on the beam itself. The Ramah (Orach Chayim 363:26, based on Rabbenu Asher's interpretation of Eruvin 3a), states that it is sufficient for there to be designs on the wall next to the beam. For when people look at the designs, their attention will also be drawn to the beam.

62.

Note the Kessef Mishneh's statements that permission is not granted to carry in a lane that is more than ten handbreadths wide, despite the fact that the beam placed above it has designs.

63.

The principle that objects above 20 cubits high will not be noticed easily by the human eye is also applied with reference to a sukkah (the s'chach may not be more than 20 cubits high) and with regard to a Chanukah candelabra (which may not be placed 20 cubits above the ground).

64.

We have translated the Rambam's words in the most simple fashion, following Rav Kapach's interpretation. The Maggid Mishneh (based on Eruvin4b) offers a much more complicated interpretation, explaining that if originally a beam was erected more than 20 cubits above the ground and then a second beam was erected above the floor to reduce its height, there may not be more than 20 cubits between the first beam and the second. This approach is also followed by the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 363:26).

65.

Rashi (Eruvin 5a) explains that a smaller area is not sufficient. A lane is not considered significant unless it is more than four cubits by four cubits, as explained in Halachah 7. Thus, there must be a portion of the lane with walls that are ten handbreadths high, with at least this area.

66.

Leading to a public domain or a carmelit(Shulchan Aruch HaRav 365:1).

67.

I.e., the opening is made in the side wall of the lane. Nevertheless, it is very close to the opening of the lane where the pole or the beam erected to permit carrying was placed.

68.

Although generally the walls of a lane must be four cubits long, as mentioned in Halachah 7, leniency is allowed in this instance, since the lane existed previously (Shulchan Aruch HaRav, loc. cit.; Mishnah Berurah 365:2).

69.

As mentioned in Chapter 16, Halachah 16, an opening that is larger than ten cubits causes the entire side to be considered to be unenclosed, unless a frame of an entrance is constructed above it.

70.

Although the opening is not too large to nullify the enclosure, since the people will be going in and out through the new opening, they will not notice the beam or the pole erected at the original entrance (Shulchan Aruch HaRav, loc. cit.).

71.

When the walls of the lane open to the courtyard and there is an opening to the public domain on the opposite side, it appears as if the lane leads directly into the public domain. If, however, there are projections remaining at the side of the entrance from the lane to the courtyard, they are considered to be equivalent to a pole, and it is permitted to carry within the lane. (See Mishnah Berurah 365:12- 13.)

72.

See the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim365:3), which states that the question of whether the opening to the public domain must be directly opposite the opening to the lane for the restriction to apply depends on whether or not an eruv has been made between the inhabitants of the lane and the inhabitants of the courtyard. See the notes to Halachah 1.

73.

This clarifies the definition of "private domain" given at the beginning of Chapter 14 - i.e., private property belonging to a single individual, a group, or a collective.

74.

Eruvin 8b describes this situation as "a lane structured like a centipede" - i.e., that has different paths leading into it like the legs of a centipede. The Maggid Mishneh depicts this as follows.

There is, however, some difficulty with his interpretation, because the Rambam specifically states, "Although the openings are not opposite one another." Accordingly, Rav Kapach has drawn the following diagram.

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim364:5) mentions both possibilities, stating that they are both governed by the same laws. As will be mentioned, its rulings are based on a different perspective than that of the Rambam.

75.

See Halachah 3 with regard to an L-shaped lane.

76.

The Maggid Mishneh interprets the Rambam's words as requiring the frame of an entrance to be constructed at the entrance from the path to the public domain on one side. On the other side of the path, at the entrances that lead to the public domain, a pole or a beam is sufficient.

The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) differs and maintains that the frame of an entrance should be made at the entrance of the path to the main lane. At the entrance to the public domain, a pole or a beam is sufficient. The difference between these rulings depends on their rulings regarding an L-shaped lane, as mentioned in the notes on Halachah 3.

77.

At one side of the lane the wall protrudes further than the other, so that the opening to the lane is a diagonal.

78.

Placing the beam at a diagonal is not acceptable, because a beam is intended to create a distinction between the lane and the public domain. When the beam is positioned at a diagonal, a person carrying in the extension of the lane will not differentiate between it and the public domain.

The Rashba (quoted in the Maggid Mishneh) states that one may carry in the extended portion of the lane only by erecting the frame of an entrance across the diagonal. This ruling is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 363:30). If, however, one erects a pole at both sides of the entrance to the lane, it is not acceptable. One may, however, carry in the area behind the inner pole (Shulchan Aruch HaRav363:36; Mishnah Berurah 363:125).

79.

The Maggid Mishneh quotes the Rashba as saying that the same laws apply if one erected a beam over the midst of a lane. This ruling is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim363:32).

80.

Eruvin 14b explains that this law is seemingly self-evident. Nevertheless, it was necessary to mention it, for one might think that carrying would be forbidden within the inner half lest one carry in the outer half.

81.

The Maggid Mishneh and the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) emphasize that the inner portion must meet all the criteria for a lane mentioned in Halachah 7.

82.

As mentioned in Halachah 14, it is possible to enable people to carry within a lane by erecting a beam or a pole only when the opening to a lane is ten cubits or less wide. If the opening is wider, a frame of an entrance is necessary.

83.

The fact that the two lanes merge is not significant, for it is the width at the entrance that is the determining factor. In this instance as well, the Maggid Mishneh and the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 363:33) follow the rationale mentioned in the notes to the previous halachah and emphasize that both the new lanes created by the erection of the wall must meet all the conditions for a lane mentioned in Halachah 7.

84.

The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:34) states that the measures cited by the Rambam are not arbitrary figures. As long as the walls erected exceed the size of the empty space between them and the wall, and the opening is ten cubits wide or less, it is possible to allow people to carry within the lane by erecting a pole or a beam.

Eruvin 10a mentions that generally as long as the enclosed portion of a side is equal to the open portion, it is acceptable. (See Chapter 16, Halachah 16.) In this instance, however, since a majority of the side is left open for the entrance, the enclosed portion of the remainder must exceed the open portion.

85.

The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) underscores that the leniency mentioned in this halachah applies only when people do not enter and leave through the spaces on the sides. It is, nevertheless, unlikely that they would do so unless there is a clear indication that this is the common practice (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:40; Mishnah Berurah 363:148). See Halachah 17.

86.

Based on Eruvin 5 a-b, the Maggid Mishneh interprets this as referring to a portion of the wall that projects into the lane, but which was not constructed for the purpose of serving as a pole. It is, nevertheless, acceptable.

The Maggid Mishneh also mentions other opinions that interpret the above Talmudic portion as referring to a projection that is less than four cubits wide. If the width of the projection exceeds four cubits, the projection is considered to be a wall. If the width of the entire side exceeds eight cubits, another pole is required. This opinion is also quoted by the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 363:12).

87.

E.g., a tree that is growing at the side of the lane.

88.

The Maggid Mishneh interprets Eruvin15a, the source for this halachah, as referring to a situation where a tree was growing near a pole at the side of the lane, and the pole was removed. If it was removed before the Sabbath, we can assume that the people relied on the tree to use as a pole. Hence, it is acceptable. If, however, the pole was removed on the Sabbath itself, the tree is not acceptable, for there was no intent to use it for this purpose before the commencement of the Sabbath. This conception is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:11).

89.

This diagram, taken from the Maggid Mishneh, is also repeated in Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:11 and the Mishneh Berurah 363:31. See the accompanying diagram. In this way, the projection is seen only by those standing within the lane and not by those standing outside.

90.

This is a matter of controversy among the commentaries. Rashi, Eruvin 9b, interprets this as a direct opposite of the above diagram. Tosafot objects, and reverses the interpretation of the terms.

91.

The Mishnah Berurah 363:35 explains that even when the pole is ten handbreadths high, it is not acceptable if it is more than three handbreadths above the ground. The rationale for this ruling is that a pole is considered like a wall, and a wall must reach within three handbreadths of the ground.

92.

Note the Mishnah Berurah 363:22, which states that this restriction applies regardless of the size of the pole.

93.

As mentioned in the notes on the beginning of the halachah, the Rambam's ruling is not accepted by all the authorities.

94.

As mentioned in Halachah 9, a beam that is placed over the entrance of a lane differentiates between the lane and the public domain. When, however, this beam is covered by a mat, it appears that it was placed there to hang objects on it and thus no longer serves its original function.

95.

Although the beam is no longer considered significant for its original purpose. If the mat reaches the ground - or because of the principle of l'vud, within three handbreadths of the ground - it is considered to be a wall, provided it is tied so that it will not be moved by the wind. (See Chapter 16, Halachah 24.)

96.

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim363:25) mentions that these spikes are implanted at an angle, inclined toward the inside of the lane. Thus, there are two difficulties with the beam:

a) It is placed on the spikes and not on the walls of the lane itself,

b) Its span is shorter than the width of the lane itself.

From the diagram drawn by the Maggid Mishneh to depict the Rambam's conception, it would appear that there is a difference of opinion and the difficulty is that the spikes and the beam are outside the lane.

97.

The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) mentions that if the pole is within three handbreadths of the wall of the lane, it is acceptable, based on the principle of l'vud.

98.

The Maggid Mishneh, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:23, and the Mishnah Berurah 363:67 explain that even if the beam does not reach either wall (e.g., it is placed atop a pillar, in the midst of the lane), it is acceptable as long as it is within three handbreadths of both walls.

99.

For they are considered as though they are connected, based on the principle of l'vud.

100.

See Halachah 13.

101.

Based on Eruvin 14a, the Ra'avad explains that the beams must be close enough to each other actually to support the brick if placed there. The Rambam (see the gloss of the Maggid Mishneh) explains that as long as the beams are within three handbreadths of each other, and their combined width is a handbreadth, theoretically, they would be strong enough to support a brick placed upon them. Hence, it is sufficient even though in their present position, the beams are unable to support a brick.

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim363:22) mentions both interpretations, but appears to favor that of the Rambam. Note, however, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 363:24, which states that one should be stringent and follow the Ra'avad's view.

102.

This is based on the principle of chavot rami, literally, "cast it down." We find this principle also applied in Hilchot Sukkah 5:21 and Hilchot Tum'at Meit16:6.

The Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh, however, both note the apparent differences between the Rambam's citation of this principle here and in Hilchot Sukkah, where the Rambam states:

If the s'chach was uneven - i.e., some of it high and some of it low, it is kosher, provided there is less than three handbreadths between the [height of the] upper and lower [portions of the s'chach].

If the upper portion [of the s'chach] is a handbreadth or more wide, even though it is more than three handbreadths above [the lower portion], we consider it to be descending and touching the edge of the lower portion.

Since as mentioned in the previous notes, it is only the combined width of the beams which is a handbreadth, and each beam is smaller, the Maggid Mishneh asks why the principle of chavut rami applies. Seemingly, it would be necessary for the upper beam to be a handbreadth wide as well.

103.

The maximum acceptable height for a beam (Halachah 14).

104.

The minimum acceptable height for a beam (ibid.).

105.

As explained in the opening clause of this halachah. With regard to this clause as well, the objection raised by the Ra'avad with regard to the first clause is also relevant. Indeed, it is far more applicable in this instance, for when the boards are not on the same plane, it is impossible for them to hold a brick.

As in the first clause, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:23) quotes both opinions, but appears to favor the Rambam's view. In this instance, however, most of the later authorities suggest accepting the stringency suggested by the Ra'avad.

106.

The Mishnah Berurah 363:63 explains that this law involves a further leniency: Since the beam is rounded, it will not be able to support a brick. Nevertheless, since it would be strong enough to accept a brick if it were straight, it is acceptable.

107.

The Rambam's words are a direct quote from the Mishnah (Eruvin 1:5). In his Commentary on the Mishnah, the Rambam notes that the relation mentioned here is merely an approximation, and the ratio of the diameter of a circle to its circumference is pi.

108.

I.e., the portion of the beam that extends beyond its place is considered as if it did not exist, and we calculate the distance - on a straight line - between the two points of the beam on the extremity of the permitted area. If that distance is less than three handbreadths, it is acceptable, because of the principle of l'vud. If not, a new beam is required.

109.

Wells are generally ten handbreadths deep and four handbreadths by four handbreadths wide, thus constituting a private domain. Accordingly, if the area around them is not enclosed, it is forbidden to draw water and drink, since by doing so one will be removing an article from a private domain to a carmelit or to a public domain.

As mentioned in Halachah 30, our Sages granted the leniency mentioned in this halachah as a specific dispensation to the pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the festivals. Rather than require the well to be surrounded by a proper wall, they allowed the use of such a structure.

110.

See Figure A. Note the Mishnah, Eruvin2:1, which uses the term d'yomdin, which literally means "two pillars" to describe the structure positioned at each of the corners of the square.

111.

This is the minimum length of the walls placed at each side of the corner. Although a wall of four handbreadths is considered significant in many instances, in the case at hand a larger measure is required, because the majority of the enclosure remains open.

112.

This is the maximum size of the space allowed between walls. As obvious from Halachah 29, it may be smaller.

113.

See Figure B.

114.

See Figure C.

115.

Based on the principle of l'vud.

116.

If the enclosure was any smaller, it is likely that an animal may turn and its owner would carry the bucket out of the enclosure. Eruvin 19a states that this distance is two cubits in length on each side.

117.

A camel is much larger than a cow and its head and the majority of its body cannot fit into the space for the head and the majority of the body of a cow.

118.

I.e., the further the distance from the well, the larger the distance between the corners becomes. Rather than make the corner walls larger, it is proper to add a third (or more) wall to each side, to maintain the distance between each wall at thirteen and one third cubits or less (Eruvin 18a). See the accompanying diagram.

119.

As the halachah mentions below, this leniency was generally allowed for animals; only when the well was very wide were men also allowed to benefit from it.

120.

I.e., a well - which is itself a source of water - but not a reservoir or cistern in which water was stored. See the following halachah.

121.

I.e., in contrast to one belonging to a private individual. See the following halachah.

122.

This distinguishes the area as a private domain. In regard to descending to drink from the well see Chapter 24, Halachah 4.

123.

This interpretation of the Hebrew חגורה follows the commentary of Tosafot, rather than Rashi (Eruvin 22b).

124.

Although there is no transgression in performing such an activity, since the stall projects within the enclosure, our Sages forbade this for the reasons stated by the Rambam.

125.

The Rambam's ststements are based on Eruvin 20b, which explains that while attempting to fix the broken stall, the person may carry the bucket to the public domain. Nevertheless, as the Merkevet HaMishneh notes, the Rambam slightly changes the description of the situation mentioned in the Talmud to allow for a shorter, more concise text.

126.

Note the Avnei Nezer (Orach Chayim, Responsum 265), who question how large an area may be included with such walls for the area to be considered a private domain according to the Torah. From the Rambam's statements, it appears that even if there are more than thirteen and one third handbreadths between the walls, it is still considered a private domain.

127.

Thus, the restrictions against drawing water from such a well mentioned in Halachah 30 and 31 are Rabbinic in origin. When our Sages instituted these restrictions, they considered the difficulties that might be caused to the festive pilgrims and did not impose them in regard to their animals.

128.

Eruvin 22a explains that even if a public thoroughfare passes through such a structure, it is still considered to be a private domain, because it has the abovementioned walls. Note the statements of the Baal HaHashlamah,who differs with the Rambam's ruling.

129.

See Halachah 18.

130.

For it is permitted to carry from one private domain to another. Since there are no people dwelling in the enclosure, an eruv is not required (Rashi, Eruvin 20a).

131.

Since people from two different courtyards are using the area, an eruvis required. Nevertheless, once an eruvis made, there is no difficulty in carrying from the courtyards to the enclosure. Although there is an opinion (Eruvin20a) that forbids carrying in such a situation even when an eruv has been made, it is not accepted as halachah.

Rashi (loc. cit.) explains that the two courtyards must enter between the same walls of the enclosure and share a common divider. The eruv must be placed in an opening in this divider. If, however, the courtyards are on opposite sides of the enclosure, the eruv is not effective. Rabbi Akiva Eiger states that there is no indication of such a restriction in the Rambam's words.

132.

We do not say that since it was permitted to carry in the enclosure for a portion of the Sabbath, we are able to continue carrying within (Rashi, loc. cit.).

133.

According to the Torah itself, however, the enclosure is a private domain, as reflected in the previous halachah.

134.

From the Rambam's wording, it would appear that this leniency applies regardless of whether the well had dried up on the Sabbath or was dry even before the Sabbath commenced. If it begins to flow with water, one may carry within the enclosure. Note, however, Rashi (loc. cit.) and the Baal HaHashlamah, who maintain that the leniency applies only when originally there was water in the well at the commencement of the Sabbath. Since the walls of the enclosure were not considered to be an acceptable partition at the commencement of the Sabbath, they cannot become acceptable on that Sabbath.

135.

See Chapter 16, Halachah 22.

136.

In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 9:3), the Rambam differentiates between this instance and others (e.g., Chapter 16, Halachah 13), where, since permission is granted to carry within an area at the commencement of the Sabbath, that permission is continued throughout the Sabbath. These leniencies are granted when the difficulties arise because of the restrictions involved in making an eruv.

A more stringent ruling is applied in this situation, because if the pole or beam is removed, it is as if the area is open entirely. The difficulty is not in the status of the people within the enclosure, but in the enclosure itself. It no longer fits the standards required by the Sages.

137.

And there is thus no possibility of one of the Torah's prohibitions being violated. Nevertheless, carrying in such a lane is forbidden because of Rabbinic decree.

138.

A Greek architectural structure with three (and sometimes two) walls and a roof with an aperture for sunlight in the center. Often translated as "a porch."

139.

Generally, as reflected by his statements in Halachah 2, the Rambam prohibits carrying in a structure with only three walls unless an additional measure is taken - e.g., the construction of a pole or a beam. In this instance, as he explains, that function is served by the edge of the roof, which is considered to descend and form the fourth wall. (See Chapter 16, Halachah 7.)

140.

Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 361:2), which states that this applies even when the opening is more than ten cubits wide. See also the Maggid Mishneh, who mentions that there are opinions that require a portion of the wall to remain at either corner for this principle to apply.

Note also the Ramah (Orach Chayim361:2), who applies the principle, "the edge of the roof is considered to descend," even with regard to a structure of two walls, provided the walls are built as an L.

141.

The Ra'avad and others object to this ruling, for as mentioned in the notes on Halachot 2 and 9, they maintain that a structure with three walls is considered to be a private domain according to the Torah.

142.

See Chapter 16, Halachah 16.

143.

See Chapter 16, Halachah 20.

144.

I.e., were there to be a beam of the roof of the house extending over the portion that was open, we can apply the principle stated in the above portion of the halachah, "the edge of the roof is considered to descend," and on this basis allow one to carry within.

145.

This clause - which significantly is lacking in some authoritative manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah - has created discussion among the commentaries. In his commentary on Eruvin 94a, Rashi explains that the word "angle" mentioned in the Talmud refers to roofs which, like most of the roofs in Europe, descend at a slant. When a roof is flat, the principle "the edge of the roof is considered to descend" applies. If the roof descends at an angle, the principle does not. This interpretation is quoted by Rav Yosef Karo, both in his Kessef Mishneh and in his Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) as a different interpretation than that of the Rambam.

The Rambam's conception is clearly expressed in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 9:3), where he interprets the term "angle" to mean that the beams of the roof were built on a slant, as in the accompanying diagram. Since the beams do not end in the place where the opening was made - but were rather broken off abruptly - the principle "the edge of the roof is considered to descend" does not apply.

146.

This measure is not particularly relevant with regard to the laws of the Sabbath. Nevertheless, it is mentioned here, because the measures of a handbreadth and a cubit, which are extremely relevant, are dependent on it. See Hilchot Sefer Torah 9:9, which defines a fingerbreadth as the length of two barley corns. In modern measure, it is 2 centimeters according to Shiurei Torah and 2.4 centimeters according to the Chazon Ish.

147.

Thus, 8 centimeters according to Shiurei Torah and 9.6 centimeters according to the Chazon Ish.

148.

Note Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:6, which explains that some of the cubits used for the altar's dimensions contained only five handbreadths.

149.

I.e., when a more stringent approach would call for a larger measure, it is the larger measure that is required. When a more stringent approach would call for a smaller measure, it is the smaller measure that is required.

The Maggid Mishneh quotes the Rashba as stating that the difference between these two measurements is half a fingerbreadth.

Rambam:
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Matnot Aniyim - Chapter 8

1

Charity is considered as a vow. Therefore one who says: "I pledge to give a sela to charity"1 or "[I will give] this sela to charity,"2he is obligated to give it [to charity] immediately.3 If he delays, he transgresses the commandment against delaying [the observance of one's vow],4for he has the capacity to make the gift immediately and [generally,] there are poor people at hand.

If there are no poor people at hand, he should set aside [the donation] and put it away until he finds poor people.5 If he made a stipulation that he is not obligated to make the donation until he finds poor people, he does not have to separate it [until the poor are at hand]. Similarly, if he made a stipulation at the time he made his vow to charity or pledged his donation that the trustees of the charitable fund could exchange it for gold, they are permitted to do so.6

א

הצדקה הרי היא בכלל הנדרים לפיכך האומר הרי עלי סלע לצדקה או הרי סלע זו צדקה חייב ליתנה לעניים מיד ואם איחר עבר בבל תאחר שהרי בידו ליתן מיד ועניים מצויין הן אין שם עניים מפריש ומניח עד שימצא עניים ואם התנה שלא יתן עד שימצא עני אינו צריך להפריש וכן אם התנה בשעה שנדר בצדקה או התנדב אותו שיהיו הגבאין רשאין לשנותה ולצורפה בזהב הרי אלו מותרין:

2

When a person extends a vow made to charity, he is obligated as is the case with regard to other vows.7

What is implied? If he said: "This sela is like this one [given to charity], it is also charity. When a person sets aside a sela and says: "This is charity" and then takes another selaand says: "And this," the second is also charity even though he did not say so explicitly.8

ב

המתפיס בצדקה חייב כשאר הנדרים כיצד אמר הרי סלע זו כזו הרי זו צדקה המפריש סלע ואמר הרי זו צדקה ולקח סלע שנייה ואמר וזו הרי שנייה צדקה ואע"פ שלא פירש:

3

When a person takes a vow [to give charity], but does not remember how much he vowed to give, he should give until he says: "I did not intend [to give] this [much]."9

ג

הנודר צדקה ולא ידע כמה נדר יתן עד שיאמר לא לכך נתכוונתי:

4

[The following rules apply] both to a person who says: "This sela is charity" and one who says: "I pledge a sela for charity" and sets it aside. If he desires to exchange it with another [coin], he is permitted to do so.10 Once it reaches the hand of the treasurer of the charity, it is forbidden to be exchanged. If the treasurer of the charity desires to exchange the common currency for dinarim,11they are not permitted to do so.12 If there are no poor among whom to distribute the funds, they should have others exchange the coins,13but they should not do so themselves.

ד

אחד האומר סלע זו צדקה או האומר הרי עלי סלע לצדקה והפרישו אם רצה לשנותו באחר מותר ואם משהגיע ליד הגבאי אסור לשנותו ואם רצו הגבאים לצרף המעות ולעשותן דינרין אינן רשאין אלא אם אין שם עניים לחלק מצרפין לאחרים אבל לא לעצמן:

5

If the poor would benefit from the delay of the money in the possession of the charity collector so that he could motivate others to give,14 that charity collector may borrow the money and pay [when the funds are required]. For charity does not resemble funds dedicated to the Temple treasury from which it is forbidden to benefit.

ה

היה לעניים הנאה בעיכוב המעות ביד הגבאי כדי לעשות לאחרים ליתן הרי אותו הגבאי מותר ללוות אותם המעות של עניים ופורע שהצדקה אינה כהקדש שאסור ליהנות בו:

6

When a person donates a candelabra or a lamp to a synagogue, it is forbidden to exchange it.15 If it is for a sacramental purpose, it is permitted to exchange it, even though the name of the donor is still associated with it, e.g., it is said: "This is so-and-so's candelabra" or "...so-and-so's lamp."16 If the name of the donor is no longer associated with it, it may be exchanged17 even for matters that are not sacramental in nature.

ו

מי שהתנדב מנורה או נר לבית הכנסת אסור לשנותה ואם לדבר מצוה מותר לשנותה אף על פי שלא נשתקע שם בעליה מעליה אלא אומרים זו המנורה או נר של פלוני ואם נשתקע שם הבעלים מעליה מותר לשנותה אפילו לדבר הרשות:

7

When does the above apply? When the donor was Jewish. If, however, he was a gentile, it is forbidden to exchange it even for matters that are sacramental in nature as long as the name of the donor is still associated with it.18[We fear that] the gentile might say: "I consecrated an article to the Jews' synagogue and they sold it for their own purposes."19

ז

במה דברים אמורים בשהיה המתנדב ישראל אבל אם היה עכו"ם אסור לשנותה אפילו לדבר מצוה עד שישתקע שם בעליה מעליה שמא יאמר העכו"ם הקדשתי דבר לבית הכנסת של יהודים ומכרוהו לעצמן:

8

When a gentile seeks to make a donation to the Temple treasury, initially, we do not accept it. If, however, it was taken from him, we do not return it to him. If it was a specific article, e.g., a beam or a stone, we return it to him so that there will not be a specific entity in the Temple associated with [a gentile], as [Ezra 4:3] states: "It is not for you,20 together with us to build a Temple for our God."21 For a synagogue, by contrast, we may accept their [donations, even] initially, provided they say: "I am donating it according to the intent of the Jewish people." If he does not say so, it must be entombed, for perhaps his intent was to consecrate it unto God.22 We do not receive donations23from them for the walls of Jerusalem or an aqueduct in [that city], as [Nechemiah 2:20] states: "And you do not have a portion or a remembrance in Jerusalem."24

ח

עכו"ם שהתנדב לבדק הבית אין מקבלין ממנו לכתחלה ואם לקחו ממנו אין מחזירין לו היה הדבר מסויים כגון קורה או אבן מחזירין לו כדי שלא יהא להן דבר מסויים במקדש שנאמר לא לכם ולנו וגו' אבל לבית הכנסת מקבלין מהן לכתחלה והוא שיאמר כדעת ישראל הפרשתי ואם לא אמר טעון גניזה שמא לבו לשמים ואין מקבלים מהם לחומת ירושלים ולא לאמת המים שבה שנאמר ולכם אין חלק וזכרון בירושלים:

9

It is forbidden for a Jew to receive charity from a gentile25 in public.26 If he is unable to subsist on the charity given by the Jews and it is impossible to receive charity from the gentiles in private, it is permitted.

When a gentile king or official sends money to the Jews for charity, we do not return it to him so as [not to jeopardize] peaceful relations with the king.27 Instead, we take [the charity] from him and give it to the gentile poor in secret28so that the king will not hear.29

ט

אסור לישראל ליטול צדקה מן העכו"ם בפרהסיא ואם אינו יכול לחיות בצדקה של ישראל ואינו יכול ליטלה מן העכו"ם בצנעה הרי זה מותר ומלך או שר מן העכו"ם ששלח ממון לישראל לצדקה אין מחזירין אותו לו משום שלום מלכות אלא נוטלין ממנו וינתן לעניי עכו"ם בסתר כדי שלא ישמע המלך:

10

The redemption of captives receives priority over sustaining the poor and providing them with clothing. [Indeed,] there is no greater mitzvah than the redemption of captives.30 For a captive is among those who are hungry, thirsty, and unclothed and he is in mortal peril.31If someone pays no attention to his redemption, he violates the negative commandments: "Do not harden your heart or close your hand" (Deuteronomy 15:7), "Do not stand by when the blood of your neighbor is in danger" (Leviticus 19:16), and "He shall not oppress him with exhausting work in your presence" (ibid. 25:53). And he has negated the observance of the positive commandments: "You shall certainly open up your hand to him" (Deuteronomy 15:8), "And your brother shall live with you" (ibid. 19:18), "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18), "Save those who are taken for death" (Proverbs 24:11), and many other decrees of this nature. There is no mitzvah as great as the redemption of captives.

י

פדיון שבויים קודם לפרנסת עניים ולכסותן ואין לך מצוה גדולה כפדיון שבויים שהשבוי הרי הוא בכלל הרעבים והצמאים והערומים ועומד בסכנת נפשות והמעלים עיניו מפדיונו הרי זה עובר על לא תאמץ את לבבך ולא תקפוץ את ידך ועל לא תעמוד על דם רעך ועל לא ירדנו בפרך לעיניך ובטל מצות פתח תפתח את ידך לו ומצות וחי אחיך עמך ואהבת לרעך כמוך והצל לקוחים למות והרבה דברים כאלו ואין לך מצוה רבה כפדיון שבויים:

11

When the inhabitants of a city collected money for building a synagogue and a purpose associated with a mitzvah arose, they may use the money for that purpose. If they purchased stones and beams, they should not sell them [and use the proceeds] for a purpose associated with a mitzvah other than the redemption of captives.32 Even though they brought the stones [to the building site], cut the beams and shaped them to size, and prepared everything for building, it should all be sold, [but] only for the sake of redeeming captives. If the built [the synagogue] and completed it,33 it should not be sold. Instead, the funds necessary to redeem the captives should be raised from the community.34

יא

אנשי העיר שגבו מעות לבנין בית הכנסת ובא להן דבר מצוה מוציאין בו המעות קנו אבנים וקורות לא ימכרום לדבר מצוה אלא לפדיון שבויים אע"פ שהביאו את האבנים וגדרום ואת הקורות ופסלום והתקינו הכל לבנין מוכרין הכל לפדיון שבויים בלבד אבל אם בנו וגמרו לא ימכרו את בית הכנסת אלא יגבו לפדיונן מן הצבור:

12

We do not redeem captives for more than their worth35 for the benefit of the world at large, i.e., so that enemies will not pursue people to hold them captive.36We do not assist captives in escaping, for the benefit of the world at large, i.e., so that enemies will not oppress captives seriously and be very strict when guarding them.37

יב

אין פודין את השבויים ביתר על דמיהן מפני תקון העולם שלא יהיו האויבים רודפין אחריהם לשבותם ואין מבריחין את השבויים מפני תקון העולם שלא יהיו האויבים מכבידין עליהן את העול ומרבים בשמירתן:

13

When a person sold himself and his children [as servants] to gentiles or borrowed money from them and they held him captive or imprisoned him [because of his failure to pay] the loan, it is a mitzvah to redeem him the first or second time [he is held]. [If this happens] a third time, we do not redeem him.38 We do, however, redeem the sons after their father's passing.39 If they sought to kill him, we redeem him from their hands even if he [has been held captive] several times.40

יג

מי שמכר עצמו ובניו לעכו"ם או שלוה מהן ושבו אותן או אסרוהו בהלואתן פעם ראשונה ושנייה מצוה לפדותן שלישית אין פודין אותן אבל פודין את הבנים לאחר מיתת אביהן ואם בקשוהו להורגו פודין אותו מידם אפילו אחר כמה פעמים:

14

When a servant is held captive, since he immersed himself [in the mikveh] and accepted the mitzvot,41he should be redeemed like a Jew who has been taken captive. When a captive abandons his faith even with regard to only one mitzvah, e.g., he eats meat from animals that were not ritually slaughtered with the intent of angering God42 or the like, it is forbidden to redeem him.

יד

עבד שנשבה הואיל וטבל לשם עבדות וקבל עליו מצות פודין אותו כישראל שנשבה ושבוי שהמיר לעכו"ם ואפילו למצוה אחת כגון שהיה אוכל נבלה להכעיס וכיוצא בו אסור לפדותו:

15

A woman receives precedence over a man with regard to being given sustenance, clothing, and to be redeemed from captivity.43 [The rationale is that] it is common for a man to beg, but not for a woman and this is extremely embarrassing for her. If they were both held in captivity and they were both solicited for a transgression,44the man should be redeemed first, because this is not ordinary for him.45

טו

האשה קודמת לאיש להאכיל ולכסות ולהוציא מבית השבי מפני שהאיש דרכו לחזר לא האשה ובושתה מרובה ואם היו שניהם בשביה ונתבעו שניהן לדבר עבירה האיש קודם לפדות לפי שאין דרכו לכך:

16

When a male and female orphan come seeking assistance in marriage, we assist the woman before the man, because the woman's shame is greater. She should not be given less than the weight of six and a quarter dinarim of pure silver.46 If the treasury of the charitable fund has the means, we give the money according to her honor.

טז

יתום ויתומה שבאו להשיא אותן משיאין האשה קודם לאיש מפני שבושתה של אשה מרובה ולא יפחתו לה ממשקל ששה דינרים ורביע דינר של כסף טהור ואם יש בכיס של צדקה נותנין לה לפי כבודה:

17

If there were many poor people or many captives and one does not have the means to provide sustenance or clothing for all of them or to redeem all of them, a priest is given precedence over a Levite.47 A Levite is given precedence over an Israelite. An Israelite is given precedence over a challal,48 a challal over a shituki,49 a shituki over an asufi,50 an asufi over a mamzer,51 a mamzerover a netin,52and a netin over a convert. [The rationale for the latter is that] a netin grew up with us in holiness.53 A convert is granted precedence over a freed servant, for [the latter] was originally among those who were "cursed."54

יז

היו לפנינו עניים הרבה או שבויים הרבה ואין בכיס כדי לפרנס או כדי לכסות או כדי לפדות את כולן מקדימין את הכהן ללוי ולוי לישראל וישראל לחלל וחלל לשתוקי ושתוקי לאסופי ואסופי לממזר וממזר לנתין ונתין לגר שהנתין גדל עמנו בקדושה וגר קודם לעבד משוחרר לפי שהיה בכלל ארור:

18

When does the above apply? When the two [captives] were equal in knowledge. If, however, a High Priest55 was unlearned and a mamzer was a Torah scholar, the Torah scholar receives precedence.56 Whoever surpasses his colleague in knowledge receives precedence over his colleague.

If, however, one [of the poor or the captives] is one's teacher or father,57 His father or teacher who is a Torah scholar58 receives precedence over another who surpasses him in wisdom.

יח

בד"א בשהיו שניהן שוין בחכמה אבל אם היה כהן גדול עם הארץ וממזר תלמיד חכם תלמיד חכם קודם וכל הגדול בחכמה קודם את חבירו ואם היה אחד מהן רבו או אביו אף על פי שיש שם גדול מהן בחכמה רבו או אביו שהוא תלמיד חכם קודם לזה שהוא גדול מהם בחכמה:

FOOTNOTES

1.

I.e., he accepts the obligation upon himself. This is referred to as a vow (Hilchot Nedarim 1:2).

2.

Designating the coin for that purpose. This is referred to as a donation (ibid.).

3.

For one is obligated to fulfill his pledges at the earliest possible date.

4.

Deuteronomy 23:22 commands: "Do not delay in paying it" and Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 14:13 considers the prohibition against delaying payment of one's vows as one of the 613 commandments.

5.

He does not, however, have to seek out poor people to give it to them (Siftei Cohen 257:5).

6.

Compare to Halachah 4.

7.

See Hilchot Nedarim 3:3-4.

8.

Although Nedarim 7a leaves this matter unresolved, the Rambam and other authorities rule stringently.

9.

I.e., we obligate him to give until he is certain that he gave an amount that surpassed his vow.

10.

Unlike a coin consecrated to the Temple treasury, there is no necessity for a formal process of exchange. The Turand the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah259:1) mention a further leniency, stating that a person may lend out this money - either to himself or to others. See Halachah 5.

11.

I.e., taking petty change and exchanging it for larger coins.

12.

Lest they be suspected of profiting on the exchange.

13.

And thus that suspicion will not apply.

14.

I.e., as long as they hold the money in their possession, they will continue trying to influence others to give. Once they give the money to the poor, we fear that they will cease their efforts.

15.

I.e., to sell it and use the money for another charitable purpose.

16.

The Radbaz states that, for that same purpose, if the name of the donor is engraved upon it, it may not be sold for a non-sacramental purpose. This ruling is quoted by the Rama (Yoreh De'ah259:3).

17.

From the wording of the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 259:3), the Turei Zahav infers that the decision to exchange the article must be made by the community. It is not sufficient for the trustee of the synagogue to make it alone.

18.

If, however, the donor's name is no longer associated with it, it may be sold (Siftei Cohen 259:13).

19.

This would lead to the desecration of God's name (Turei Zahav 259:6).

20.

These words were originally addressed to the heads of the gentile nations who offered to help the Jews who returned to Zion rebuild the Temple. Nevertheless, they apply with regard to all gentiles in every age.

21.

The verse continues: "Instead, we ourselves will build it."

22.

And thus it would be forbidden to benefit from it.

23.

I.e., specific entities like beams or stones. An entity that is not specific may be accepted, for there is no reason to be more stringent for the walls of Jerusalem than for the Temple itself (Radbaz).

24.

These words, spoken by Nechemiah to the gentile enemies of the Jews who returned to Zion, are taken beyond their literal context and applied to building the city at all times.

25.

Based on Hilchot Melachim 10:10, we can assume that this is speaking about an idolater. If, however, a gentile accepts upon himself the observance of the Seven Universal Laws commanded to Noah and his descendants, we are permitted to accept charity from him.

26.

The impression that the Jews cannot take care of their own and must rely on the gentiles for charity degrades the honor of God's name (Turei Zahav254:1). If, however, the gentiles' charity is given in private, there is no difficulty in accepting it. Indeed, a person who accepts charity from the gentiles in public is not acceptable as a witness (Hilchot Edut 11:5).

27.

For it is highly likely that the king would take offense were he to hear that his charity was spurned.

28.

We do not give it to the Jews, less this generate merit for the gentile king and allow his kingship to prosper (Bava Batra 10b).

29.

For diverting the charity from its intended purpose is also likely to arouse the king's rage.

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah254:2) quotes the Rambam's ruling. The Rama states that the king's wishes should be heeded.

30.

For as the Rambam continues to explain, all of the different aspects of charitable gifts are included in the redemption of captives (Bava Batra 8b).

31.

For at any time, his captors may take his life.

32.

An exception is made in this instance, because the captives' lives are at risk.

33.

From the Rambam's wording, the Turei Zahav 252:21 infers that if the building is not complete, it may be sold.

34.

The Siftei Cohen 252:1 states that if the community has no way of raising the funds through other means, it may sell the synagogue.

35.

I.e., they are evaluated like servants sold at a slave market (Meiri, Gittin45a).

36.

Gittin, loc. cit. gives two reasons:

a) Were lawless men to know that they could receive exorbitant prices for the redemption of captives, they would be encouraged to kidnap them frequently.

b) this would be very taxing for the community.

The Rambam follows the latter view. Hence, even family members who would be willing to pay the extra expense are forbidden to do so (Radbaz). When quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 252:4) states that if the captive is a Torah scholar, an exception can be made and he may be redeemed for more than his worth.

37.

I.e., if captives were wont to be helped to escape, kidnappers would become very strict and harsh when guarding other captives in the future.

38.

For it appears that the father has no compunctions against selling himself or his children and thus the situation will merely repeat itself.

39.

Lest they become assimilated among the nations. During their fathers' lifetime, by contrast, we presume that he will educate them concerning their Jewish heritage even when they are held by the gentiles (Rashi, Gittin 47a).

40.

For we do not place any financial concerns above Jewish life.

41.

See Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 13:11, 14:9, which explain that these steps are necessary for a servant to attain the status of a servant of the Jewish people.

42.

If, however, he transgresses because it is to his benefit to do so, he may be redeemed, but there is no obligation to redeem him [Rama (Yoreh De'ah251:2)].

43.

There is another reason to give a woman precedence with regard to the redemption from captivity: We fear that the woman may be raped.

44.

The Rambam is using a euphemism for sexual relations.

45.

I.e., sodomic rape is against a man's nature. Hence it is more shameful than ordinary rape.

46.

Ketubot 67b says the woman should be given 50 dinarim, but those are not pure silver. Instead, they were seven eights base metals and one eighth pure silver.

47.

I.e. we give respect to the holiness of the priest's lineage.

48.

The term challal refers to the offspring of a priest who was born from intimate relations forbidden to a priest or is the descendant of the offspring of such relations. See Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah, ch. 19. Such a person - and similarly, those that are mentioned afterwards - is considered to be of blemished lineage. The extent of the blemish determines the person's place on the ladder of precedence. See the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Horiot 3:8) which mentions further details concerning this order of succession.

49.

The term shituki means "one who is silenced" and refers to a child who knows the identity of his mother, but does not definitely know the identity of his father. He is silenced when he inquires about that matter (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 15:12).

50.

The term asufi means "one who was gathered in" and refers to a child who knows neither the identity of his mother, nor of his father, but instead was "gathered in" from the market place (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 15:13). Both a shituki and an asufi are mamzerim of questionable status, i.e., it is possible that they are mamzerim and it is possible that they are not. Hence, they are given precedence over a person who is definitely a mamzer [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.)].

51.

The term mamzer refers to a child who was born from an incestuous or adulterous relationship. See Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah, ch. 15.

52.

The term netin, means "the designated ones" and refers to the descendants of the Gibeonites, one of the seven Canaanite nations who converted en masse. Joshua decreed that they be forbidden to marry among the Jewish people. David reinforced that decree, causing it to apply even at a time when the Sanctuary is no longer standing (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 12:22-23).

53.

I.e., as a Jew, and was educated in an environment of holiness 13 [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (ibid.)].

54.

With regard to servants, it is written (Genesis 9:25): "Cursed is Canaan. He shall be a servant of servants" (Rashi, Ketubot, loc. cit.).

55.

Who is given the highest degree of respect in terms of position [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.)].

56.

Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:2 interprets Proverbs 3:15 which states that the Torah is "Dearer than pearls" (mip'ninim) as meaning that the Torah receives precedence over the High Priest who enters the inner most chamber (lifnei ulifni'im).

57.

The Rambam mentions the teacher before the father, because that is the order of precedence. The rationale is that one's father brought one into this world, but his teacher brings him into the world to come. If, however, his father is a Torah scholar, even if he is a lesser scholar than the teacher, the father receives precedence (ibid. 5:1; Hilchot Gezeilah 12:2).

58.

The Radbaz questions why a person's father is not given precedence over a Torah scholar even if the father is unlearned. Although the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 251:9) quotes the Rambam's ruling, the Siftei Cohen251:17 states that one's father receives precedence even when he is unlearned.

Matnot Aniyim - Chapter 9

1

In every city where Jews live, they are obligated to appoint faithful,1 men of renown as trustees of a charitable fund. They should circulate among the people from Friday to Friday and take from each person what is appropriate for him to give and the assessment made upon him. They then allocate the money from Friday to Friday, giving each poor person sufficient food for seven days. This is called the kupah.2

א

כל עיר שיש בה ישראל חייבין להעמיד מהם גבאי צדקה אנשים ידועים ונאמנים שיהיו מחזירין על העם מערב שבת לערב שבת ולוקחין מכל אחד ואחד מה שהוא ראוי ליתן ודבר הקצוב עליו והן מחלקין המעות מערב שבת לערב שבת ונותנין לכל עני ועני מזונות המספיקין לשבעה ימים וזו היא הנקרא קופה:

2

Similarly, we appoint trustees who take bread, different types of food, fruit, or money from every courtyard from those who make a spontaneous donation and divide what was collected among the poor in the evening, giving each poor person sustenance for that day. This is called the tamchui.3

ב

וכן מעמידין גבאין שלוקחין בכל יום ויום מכל חצר וחצר פת ומיני מאכל או פירות או מעות ממי שמתנדב לפי שעה ומחלקין את הגבוי לערב בין העניים ונותנין לכל עני ממנו פרנסת יומו וזהו הנקרא תמחוי:

3

We have never seen nor heard of a Jewish community that does not have a kupah for charity. A tamchui, by contrast, exists in some communities, but not in others. The common practice at present is that the trustees of the kupah circulate [among the community and collect] every day and divide [the proceeds] every Friday.4

ג

מעולם לא ראינו ולא שמענו בקהל מישראל שאין להן קופה של צדקה אבל תמחוי יש מקומות שנהגו בו ויש מקומות שלא נהגו בו והמנהג הפשוט היום שיהיו גבאי הקופה מחזירין בכל יום ומחלקין מערב שבת לערב שבת:

4

On fast days, we distribute food to the poor. Whenever there is a fast day on which the people eat and went to bed without distributing charity to the poor, they are considered as murderers.5 Concerning them, the Oral Tradition says [Isaiah 1:21]:6 "Charity is held overnight and now [you are] murderers."

When does this apply? When they did not give them bread and fruit which is [usually] eaten together with bread, e.g., dates and grapes. If, however, they delayed the delivery of money or wheat, they are not considered as murderers.7

ד

בתעניות מחלקים מזונות לעניים וכל תענית שאכלו העם ולנו ולא חלקו צדקה לעניים הרי אלו כשופכי דמים ועליהם נאמר בקבלה צדק ילין בה ועתה מרצחים במה דברים אמורים בשלא נתנו להן הפת והפירות שאוכלים בהם הפת כגון תמרים וענבים אבל אם אחרו המעות או החטים אינן כשופכי דמים:

5

[Money for] the kupah should be collected only by two people together,8 for no less than two communal trustees should ever be appointed over the financial interests of the community. It is permitted to entrust the money of the kupah to one person, but [the funds] should not be distributed by less than three trustees, because [the allocation] is comparable to a judgment concerning financial matters, since each person is given his needs for that week. [Donations for] the tamchui should be collected by three - because it does not involve a fixed amount9 - and it is distributed by three.

ה

הקופה אינה נגבית אלא בשנים שאין עושים שררה על הצבור בממון פחות משנים ומותר להאמין לאחד המעות של קופה ואינה נחלקת אלא בשלשה מפני שהיא כדיני ממונות שנותנים לכל אחד די מחסורו לשבת והתמחוי נגבה בשלשה שאינו דבר קצוב ומתחלק בשלשה:

6

[Donations for] the tamchui are collected every day. [Those for] the kupah are collected from Friday until Friday. [The gifts from] the tamchui are given [also]10 to poor people at large.11 [Those from] the kupah are given only to the poor of that city.

ו

התמחוי נגבה בכל יום והקופה מערב שבת לערב שבת והתמחוי לעניי עולם והקופה לעניי אותה העיר בלבד:

7

The inhabitants of a city have permission to give [the donations given to] the kupah to the tamchui and [those given for] the tamchui to the kupah. Similarly, they may exchange [these donations] for any communal purpose that they desire even though a stipulation to that effect was not made when they were collected.12 If there is a great sage in that city dependent on whose judgment all collections are made13 and he is the one who allocates the funds to the poor according to his assessment, he is permitted to use [these funds] for any communal purpose he sees fit.

ז

רשאין בני העיר לעשות קופה תמחוי ותמחוי קופה ולשנותן לכל מה שירצו מצרכי צבור ואע"פ שלא התנו כן בשעה שגבו ואם היה במדינה חכם גדול שהכל גובין על דעתו והוא יחלק לעניים כפי מה שיראה הרי זה רשאי לשנותן לכל מה שיראה לו מצרכי צבור:

8

Trustees of a charitable fund are not permitted to depart from each other in the marketplace14 [except for a brief time], e.g., one goes to the gate to collect and the other to a shop.15

ח

גבאי צדקה אין רשאין לפרוש זה מזה בשוק אלא כדי שיהיה זה פורש לשער וזה פורש לחנות וגובין:

9

If a charity trustee finds money in the marketplace,16 he should not put it into his own pocket,17 but instead into the wallet of the charitable fund. When he comes home, he should take it [for himself].

ט

מצא הגבאי מעות בשוק לא יתנם לתוך כיסו אלא לתוך ארנקי של צדקה וכשיגיע לביתו יטלם:

10

If a charity trustee is owed money by a colleague and [the latter] pays him in the marketplace, he should not put [this money] in his pocket, but instead into the wallet of the charitable fund.18 When he comes home, he should take it [for himself].

He should not count out the money of the charitable fund in pairs, but rather one coin at a time, lest suspicions be aroused,19 as [implied by Numbers 32:22]: "And you shall be guiltless in the eyes of God and Israel."20

י

היה הגבאי נושה בחבירו מנה ופרעו בשוק לא יתנם לתוך כיסו אלא לתוך ארנקי של צדקה וכשיגיע לביתו יטלם ולא ימנה מעות הקופה שנים שנים אלא אחד אחד מפני החשד שנאמר והייתם נקיים מה' ומישראל:

11

When the trustee of a charitable fund does not have poor people to whom to distribute the money, he may exchange the coins for dinarim.21 Another person, however, [should carry out the transaction], not he himself.22

When the trustee of a tamchui does not have poor people to whom to distribute [the food he collected], he should sell it to others,23 but not to himself.24

We do not enter into a reckoning with the trustee of a charitable fund concerning the charity he collected25 or with the treasures of the Temple regarding funds consecrated to them, as stated [in II Kings 22:7]: "No reckoning shall be made with them for the money entrusted to them because they are acting in good faith."26

יא

גבאי צדקה שאין להם עניים לחלק מצרפין המעות דינרין לאחרים אבל לא לעצמן גבאי תמחוי שאין להם עניים לחלק מוכרים לאחרים ואין מוכרים לעצמם ואין מחשבים בצדקה עם גבאי צדקה ולא בהקדש עם הגזברין שנאמר אך לא יחשב אתם הכסף הנתן על ידם כי באמונה הם עושים:

12

When a person has lived in a city for 30 days, we compel him to give charity to the kupah together with the inhabitants of the city.27 If he dwelled there for three months, we compel him to contribute to the tamchui.28 If he dwelled there for six months, we compel him to contribute to the fund used to clothe the poor of the city. If he dwelled there for nine months, we compel him to contribute to the fund used for the burial of the poor of the city and the provision of all their burial needs.29

יב

מי שישב במדינה שלשים יום כופין אותו ליתן צדקה לקופה עם בני המדינה ישב שם שלשה חדשים כופין אותו ליתן התמחוי ישב שם ששה חדשים כופין אותו ליתן צדקה בכסות שמכסים בה עניי העיר ישב שם תשעה חדשים כופין אותו ליתן צדקה לקבורה שקוברין בה את העניים ועושין להם כל צרכי קבורה:

13

When a person has enough food for two meals, it is forbidden for him to take from the tamchui.30 When he has enough food for fourteen meals, he should not take from the kupah.31 If he has 200 zuz, even if he does not invest or do business with them - or 50 zuz that he invests32 - he should not take shichachah, peah, or the tithe for the poor. If he has 200 zuz less a dinar, even though 1000 people give him at one time,33 he is permitted to take [the above]. If he has money in hand, but he owes a debt or it is under lien to his wife for her ketubah, he is permitted to take.34

יג

מי שיש לו מזון שתי סעודות אסור לו ליטול מן התמחוי היו לו מזון ארבע עשרה סעודות לא יטול מן הקופה היו לו מאתים זוז אף על פי שאינו נושא ונותן בהם [או שיש לו חמשים זוז ונושא ונותן בהם] הרי זה לא יטול לקט שכחה ופאה ומעשר עני היו לו מאתים חסר דינר אפילו אלף נותנין לו כאחד הרי זה מותר ליקח היו בידו מעות והרי הן עליו חוב או שהיו ממושכנים לכתובת אשתו הרי זה מותר ליקח:

14

When a poor person is in need, but owns a courtyard and household utensils - even silver and golden utensils - we do not obligate him to sell his house and his personal possessions. Instead, he is permitted to accept [charity] and it is a mitzvah to give him.

When does the above apply? With regard to eating utensils, drinking utensils, clothing, bedding, and the like.35If, however, he owns a golden comb or pestle or the like, he should sell them and buy less valuable ones.36

When does the above37 apply? Before he has descended to the level where he takes charity from people at large.38Once he collects charity [from the community], we obligate him to sell his utensils and purchase lesser ones and then accept charity.39

יד

עני שצריך ויש לו חצר וכלי בית אפילו היו לו כלי כסף וכלי זהב אין מחייבין אותו למכור את ביתו ואת כלי תשמישו אלא מותר ליקח ומצוה ליתן לו במה דברים אמורים בכלי אכילה ושתיה ומלבוש ומצעות וכיוצא בהן אבל אם היו כלי כסף וכלי זהב כגון מגרדת או עלי וכיוצא בהן מוכרן ולוקח פחות מהן בד"א קודם שיגיע לגבות מן העם אבל אחר שגבה הצדקה מחייבים אותו למכור כליו וליקח אחרים פחותין מהם ואח"כ יטול:

15

When a man of means is in the midst of a journey from city to city, he used up all his money on the journey, and he does not have anything to eat, it is permitted for him to take leket, shichachah, pe'ah, and the tithe for the poor and he may benefit from charity. When he returns to his home,40 he is not obligated to pay, because he was poor at that time.41 To what can this be compared? To a poor person who became wealthy who is not obligated to pay back [the charity he received while poor].

טו

בעל הבית שהיה מהלך לעיר ותמו לו המעות בדרך ואין לו עתה מה יאכל הרי זה מותר ליקח לקט שכחה ופאה ומעשר עני וליהנות מן הצדקה ולכשיגיע לביתו אינו חייב לשלם שהרי עני היה באותה שעה הא למה זה דומה לעני שהעשיר שאינו חייב לשלם:

16

When a person possesses homes, fields, and vineyards42 which were he to sell them in the winter, he would be forced to sell them cheaply,43 but were he to leave them until the summer, he would be able to sell them at their worth, we do not obligate him to sell them [in the winter]. Instead, we enable him to partake of the tithe of the poor [until he partakes of] half the worth of his property44[so that] he will not be pressed to sell outside the [appropriate] time to sell.

טז

מי שהיו לו בתים שדות וכרמים ואם מוכרן בימי הגשמים מוכרן בזול ואם הניחן עד ימות החמה מוכרן בשויהן אין מחייבין אותו למכור אלא מאכילין אותו מעשר עני עד חצי דמיהן ולא ידחוק עצמו וימכור שלא בזמן מכירה:

17

If people at large were purchasing property at high prices,45 but he could only find people to purchase from him cheaply, because he is pressed for funds and preoccupied,46 we do not require him to sell [at a low price]. Instead, he is allowed to continue to partake of the tithe for the poor47 until he can sell his property at its worth and everyone will know that he is not under pressure to sell.

יז

היו שאר האדם לוקחין ביוקר והוא אינו מוצא שיקח ממנו אלא בזול מפני שהוא דחוק וטרוד אין מחייבין אותו למכור אלא אוכל מעשר עני והולך עד שימכור בשוה וידעו הכל שאינו דחוק למכור:

18

When funds were collected for a poor person to satisfy his lack and [the collection] exceeded his needs, the additional funds belong to him. Extra funds [donated for] the poor should be given to the poor. Extra funds [donated for the redemption of] captives should be used for that purpose.48 Extra funds [donated for the redemption of] one individual captive should be given to that captive.49 Extra funds [donated for the burial of] the deceased should be used for that purpose.50 Extra funds [donated for the burial of] an individual deceased person should be given to his heirs.51

יח

עני שגבו לו כדי להשלים מחסורו והותירו על מה שהוא צריך הרי המותר שלו ומותר עניים לעניים ומותר שבויים לשבויים מותר שבוי לאותו שבוי מותר מתים למתים מותר המת ליורשיו:

19

When a poor person gives a p'rutah to the tamchuior to the kupah, we accept it from him. If he does not give, we do not require him to give.52 If he was given new clothes and he gave them back his worn clothes, we accept them from him. If he does not give them, we do not require him to.

יט

עני שנתן פרוטה לתמחוי או פרוטה לקופה מקבלים ממנו ואם לא נתן אין מחייבין אותו ליתן נתנו לו בגדים חדשים והחזיר להן את השחקין מקבלין ממנו ואם לא נתן אין מחייבין אותו ליתן:

FOOTNOTES

1.

See Chapter 10, the conclusion of Halachah 8.

2.

The term literally means "container" and refers to the charity box in which donations were placed and by extension, to the fund financed by those collections.

3.

In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Keilim 13:3), the Rambam defines this term as a pot with compartments.

4.

So that the poor will have their Sabbath needs provided for.

5.

On fast days, it was customary to distribute food to the poor after the evening service at the conclusion of the fast. Since the poor would look forward to this meal and rely on it to break their fast. If it was not provided to them, they would go to bed without food (Rashi, Sanhedrin 35a).

6.

We have translated the verse according to the meaning with which it is employed by the Rambam. In its literal context, it would be translated differently.

7.

Because regardless, this does not provide the poor with readily available food and they were not depending on it for their meal (Rashi, loc. cit.).

8.

Three individuals are not necessary for we are speaking about a specific sum levied upon each person and there is no aspect of judgment involved (Tosafot, Sanhedrin 35a).

9.

Since it does not involve a fixed amount, it is comparable to a judgment and hence, requires three individuals (the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah, as quoted by the Radbaz).

10.

This bracketed addition is based on the gloss of the Radbaz who emphasizes that the kupah was intended to provide the local poor people with their essential needs, while the tamchui was intended as a supplement for them from which others were also allowed to take. From other authorities, however, it appears that the intent is that only poor people from other places are allowed to benefit from the tamchui.

11.

I.e., including poor people from other places.

12.

If, however, a stipulation was made that the funds donated be used for a specific charitable purpose, they may be used only for that purpose.

13.

The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 256:4) states that this same law applies with regard to a charity collector appointed by the community.

14.

In this way, no one will have the impression that the trustee misappropriated the money (Rashi, Bava Batra 9b).

15.

I.e., in a manner in which each remains in the other's sight (Bava Batra, loc. cit.).

16.

Which as the discoverer he is entitled to keep for himself.

17.

Lest people say that he is taking money from the charitable fund (Rashi, loc. cit.).

18.

Lest people say that he is taking money from the charitable fund (Rashi, loc. cit.).

19.

I.e., people might say that he is counting pairs and then taking one of each pair for himself (ibid.).

20.

Implied is that not only should one not transgress, but that there would not be the slightest suspicion of transgression.

21.

Coins of greater worth.

22.

Lest people think that he is profiting by the transaction.

23.

And use the proceeds for the tamchui at a later date.

24.

Lest people think that he is profiting by the transaction.

25.

I.e., we do not ask them to make a precise reckoning of the income and expenses of the charitable fund.

26.

This verse describes the practice conducted by King Josiah with regard to the money collected from the people for the renovation of the Temple. It, however, is understood as applying beyond immediate context and applying with regard to all those who oversee charitable funds.

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah257:2) quotes the Rambam's ruling. The Rama adds that, in the spirit of the verse from Numbers cited above, it is desirable for a trustee to give an account. Moreover, he continues, the above applies only with regard to those trustees who have an honorable reputation and who were appointed to their position by the community. If a trustee does not have such a reputation or he seized his position by force, he is required to make an accounting.

27.

I.e., the kupah represents the most urgent needs of a community. Hence, as soon as a person has been there for a significant time, he is required to pay the levy for that fund. The longer he stays in the community, the more communal responsibility he is required to take.

28.

The commentaries note that the standard version of Bava Batra 8b, the source for the Rambam's ruling, reverses the text and makes one responsible for the tamchui before the kupah. They explain, however, that there are versions of the text that support the Rambam's ruling. It is quoted by Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah256:5).

29.

The Radbaz and the Shulchan Aruch(loc. cit.) emphasizes that these guidelines apply when a person has not expressed his intentions to become part of the city he is visiting. If, however, a visitor decides to become a permanent resident in a city, he immediately becomes responsible for all charitable levies.

30.

I.e., since he has enough food for the day, he should not take from the fund whose purpose is to provide people with their food for the day [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Pe'ah8:7)].

31.

I.e., since he has enough food for the week, he should not take from the fund whose purpose is to provide people with their food for the week (ibid.).

32.

For 50 zuz which one invests and uses to earn income is more desirable than 200 that do not provide one with income.

33.

From charity, i.e., since he is deemed poor, he is allowed to take charity, even if doing so will lift him far above the poverty level.

34.

For in these instances, it is as if the money he possesses is not his own.

35.

I.e., functional utensils, used in his day-to-day life. Since he has become used to valuable utensils, he will not feel comfortable using lesser ones (Ketubot68a).

36.

Since these utensils are used for simple purposes, there is no difficulty in using less valuable ones.

37.

The leniency of the first clause which allows the person to maintain possession of his property.

38.

I.e., he is given charity by individuals, but not by the community at large [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 253:1)].

39.

Because it is improper that a person of some means should receive communal funds and, in this way, reduce the amount given to poor people who have no resources whatsoever (the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah, Pe'ah 8:8).

After quoting the Rambam's ruling, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:2) states: "There are opinions that maintain that the above measures applied only in their era. In the present time, by contrast, a person may accept [charity] until he has sufficient principle [to invest] so that he and his family can sustain themselves from the profits. These are words of reason."

40.

And has money at hand again.

41.

In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Pe'ah 5:4), the Rambam writes that it is pious behavior to repay the money one received from charity.

42.

This refers to a home that he does not dwell in since, as stated in Halachah 14, we do not obligate him to sell his home.

43.

For market conditions would dictate lower prices at that time, since the purchaser will not begin to benefit from the fields and vineyards until the spring (Rashi, Bava Kama 7a).

44.

We do not give him more than that amount, for a person will never lose more than half the value of his property by selling it at an unsuitable time (Radbaz).

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah253:3) quotes the Rambam's ruling. The Tur and the Rama interpret the passage from Bava Kama differently. According to their perspective, we enable him to receive charity until he finds someone who is willing to purchase his property at half price.

45.

If, however, property prices at large are depressed, we do not allow one to gain time by benefiting from charity (Siftei Cohen 253:7).

46.

I.e., since people at large are aware of his plight, they would only offer him low prices in an attempt to pressure him to sell.

47.

And thus he will not be in immediate need of funds.

48.

I.e., to redeem other captives in the future.

49.

To use for the rehabilitation of his personal situation.

50.

I.e., to bury other deceased individuals in the future.

51.

The intent is not that the deceased acquired the money and his heirs inherited it from him, for he never formally acquired it. Instead, since there was a certain measure of embarrassment involved for the deceased in having the money raised, he is willing to grant the financial benefit for that embarrassment to his heirs (Sanhedrin 48a).

After quoting these laws, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 253:6) states: "If the communal officers see that there is an immediate need and they wish to change [the objective to which charity is given], they have that authority."

52.

Even though, as stated in Chapter 7, Halachah 5, even a poor person who derives his livelihood from charity is obligated to give charity, that obligation is his own responsibility. The community does not compel him to give (Radbaz). Alternatively, that obligation applies only when he has enough for his livelihood. If he does not have enough, he is not required to give (Siftei Cohen 253:11).

Matnot Aniyim - Chapter 10

1

We are obligated to be careful with regard to the mitzvah of charity to a greater extent than all [other] positive commandments,1 because charity is an identifying mark for a righteous person, a descendant of Abraham,2our patriarch, as [Genesis 18:19] states: "I have known him, because he commands his children... to perform charity." The throne of Israel will not be established, nor will the true faith stand except through charity, as [Isaiah 54:14] states: "You shall be established through righteousness." And Israel will be redeemed solely through charity, as [ibid.1:27] states: "Zion will be redeemed through judgment and those who return to her through charity."

א

חייבין אנו להזהר במצות צדקה יותר מכל מצות עשה שהצדקה סימן לצדיק זרע אברהם אבינו שנאמר כי ידעתיו למען אשר יצוה את בניו לעשות צדקה ואין כסא ישראל מתכונן ודת האמת עומדת אלא בצדקה שנאמר בצדקה תכונני ואין ישראל נגאלין אלא בצדקה שנאמר ציון במשפט תפדה ושביה בצדקה:

2

A person will never become impoverished from giving charity. No harm nor damage will ever be caused because of charity,3 as [ibid. 32:17] states: "And the deed of charity is peace." Everyone who is merciful evokes mercy from others, as [Deuteronomy 13:18] states: "And He shall grant you mercy and shower mercy upon you and multiply you." Whenever a person is cruel and does not show mercy, his lineage is suspect,4 for cruelty is found only among the gentiles, as [Jeremiah] 3:42] states: "They are cruel and will not show mercy."5

The entire Jewish people and all those who attach themselves to them are as brothers, as [Deuteronomy 14:1] states: "You are children unto God your Lord." And if a brother will not show mercy to a brother, who will show mercy to them? To whom do the poor of Israel lift up their eyes? To the gentiles who hate them and pursue them? Behold their eyes are pointed to their brethren alone.

ב

לעולם אין אדם מעני מן הצדקה ואין דבר רע ולא היזק נגלל בשביל הצדקה שנאמר והיה מעשה הצדקה שלום כל המרחם מרחמין עליו שנאמר ונתן לך רחמים ורחמך והרבך וכל מי שהוא אכזרי ואינו מרחם יש לחוש ליחסו שאין האכזריות מצויה אלא בעכו"ם שנאמר אכזרי המה ולא ירחמו וכל ישראל והנלוה עליהם כאחים הם שנאמר בנים אתם לה' אלהיכם ואם לא ירחם האח על האח מי ירחם עליו ולמי עניי ישראל נושאין עיניהן הלעכו"ם ששונאין אותו ורודפים אחריהן הא אין עיניהן תלויות אלא לאחיהן:

3

Anyone who turns his eyes away from [giving] charity is described as being "rebellious" like someone who worships false divinities is described as "rebellious, as [Deuteronomy 13:14] states with regard to the worship of false divinities: "Rebellious men went out." And with regard to a person who turns his eyes away from [giving] charity, [ibid. 15:9] states: "Be careful, lest a rebellious thought arise in your heart." Such a person is also called "wicked," as [Proverbs 12:10] states: "The mercies of the wicked are cruel." And he is called a sinner, as [Deuteronomy, loc. cit.,] states: "And he shall cry out against you to God and you will be deemed as sinning." The Holy One, blessed be He, is close to the outcry of the poor, as it is written:6 "You hear the outcry of the poor." Therefore one must be careful with regard to their outcry, for a covenant has been established with them, as [Exodus 22:26] states: "When he will cry out to Me, I will listen, for I am compassionate."

ג

כל המעלים עיניו מן הצדקה הרי זה נקרא בליעל כמו שנקרא עובד עכו"ם בליעל ובעכו"ם הוא אומר יצאו אנשים בני בליעל ובמעלים עיניו מן הצדקה הוא אומר השמר לך פן יהיה דבר עם לבבך בליעל ונקרא רשע שנאמר ורחמי רשעים אכזרי ונקרא חוטא שנאמר וקרא עליך אל ה' והיה בך חטא והקב"ה קרוב לשועת עניים שנאמר שועת עניים אתה תשמע לפיכך צריך להזהר בצעקתם שהרי ברית כרותה להם שנאמר והיה כי יצעק אלי ושמעתי כי חנון אני:

4

Whenever a person gives charity to a poor person with an unpleasant countenance and with his face buried in the earth, he loses and destroys his merit7even if he gives him 1000 gold pieces. Instead, he should give him with a pleasant countenance and with happiness, commiserating with him about his troubles, as [Job 30:25] states: "Did I not weep for those who face difficult times; did not my soul feel sorrow for the destitute?" And he should speak to him words of sympathy and comfort, as [ibid. 29:13] states: "I would bring joy to a widow's heart."

ד

כל הנותן צדקה לעני בסבר פנים רעות ופניו כבושות בקרקע אפילו נתן לו אלף זהובים אבד זכותו והפסידה אלא נותן לו בסבר פנים יפות ובשמחה ומתאונן עמו על צרתו שנאמר אם לא בכיתי לקשה יום עגמה נפשי לאביון ומדבר לו דברי תחנונים ונחומים שנאמר ולב אלמנה ארנין:

5

If a poor person asks one for a donation and he has nothing to give him, he should conciliate him with words.8 It is forbidden to scold a poor person or to raise one's voice against him while shouting, because his heart is broken and crushed, and [Psalms 51:19] states: "God will not scorn a broken and crushed heart." And [Isaiah 57:15 describes as Divine the attribute of] "reviv[ing] the spirit of the lowly and revitalize[ing] the heart of the crushed." Woe unto he who shames the poor, woe be he! Instead, one should be like a father to him, both in mercies and in words, as [Job 29:16] states: "I am a father to the destitute."

ה

שאל העני ממך ואין בידך כלום ליתן לו פייסהו בדברים ואסור לגעור בעני או להגביה קולו עליו בצעקה מפני שלבו נשבר ונדכא והרי הוא אומר לב נשבר ונדכה אלהים לא תבזה ואומר להחיות רוח שפלים ולהחיות לב נדכאים ואוי למי שהכלים את העני אוי לו אלא יהיה לו כאב בין ברחמים בין בדברים שנאמר אב אנכי לאביונים:

6

A person who compels others to give charity and motivates them to do so receives a greater reward than the person who actually gives, as [alluded to by Isaiah 32:17]: "And the deed9 of charity is peace." With regard to the collectors of charity and the like can be applied [the words of praise, Daniel 12:3]: "Those who bring merit to the many are like the stars."

ו

הכופה אחרים ליתן צדקה ומעשה אותן שכרו גדול משכר הנותן שנאמר והיה מעשה הצדקה שלום ועל גבאי צדקה וכיוצא בהם אומר ומצדיקי הרבים ככוכבים:

7

There are eight levels in charity, each level surpassing the other. The highest level beyond which there is none is a person who supports a Jew who has fallen into poverty [by] giving him a present or a loan, entering into partnership with him,10 or finding him work so that his hand will be fortified so that he will not have to ask others [for alms].11 Concerning this [Leviticus 25:35] states: "You shall support him, the stranger, the resident, and he shall live among you." Implied is that you should support him before he falls and becomes needy.

ז

שמנה מעלות יש בצדקה זו למעלה מזו מעלה גדולה שאין למעלה ממנה זה המחזיק ביד ישראל שמך ונותן לו מתנה או הלואה או עושה עמו שותפות או ממציא לו מלאכה כדי לחזק את ידו עד שלא יצטרך לבריות לשאול ועל זה נאמר והחזקת בו גר ותושב וחי עמך כלומר החזק בו עד שלא יפול ויצטרך:

8

A lower [level] than this is one who gives charity to the poor without knowing to whom he gave and without the poor person knowing from whom he received. For this is an observance of the mitzvah for its sake alone.12 This [type of giving was] exemplified by the secret chamber that existed in the Temple. The righteous would make donations there in secret and poor people of distinguished lineage would derive their livelihood from it in secret.

A level close to this is giving to a charity fund.13 A person should not give to a charity fund unless he knows that the person managing it is faithful, wise, and capable of administering it in a proper manner as Rebbe Chananya ben Tradyon was.14

ח

פחות מזה הנותן צדקה לעניים ולא ידע למי נתן ולא ידע העני ממי לקח שהרי זו מצוה לשמה כגון לשכת חשאים שהיתה במקדש שהיו הצדיקים נותנין בה בחשאי והעניים בני טובים מתפרנסין ממנה בחשאי וקרוב לזה הנותן לתוך קופה של צדקה ולא יתן אדם לתוך קופה של צדקה אא"כ יודע שהממונה נאמן וחכם ויודע להנהיג כשורה כר' חנניה בן תרדיון:

9

A lower level than that is an instance when the giver knows to whom he is giving, but the poor person does not know from whom he received. An example of this were the great Sages who would go in secret and throw money into the doorways of the poor.15 This is a worthy way of giving charity and it is a good quality [to express] if the trustees of the charitable fund are not conducting themselves appropriately. 16

ט

פחות מזה שידע הנותן למי יתן ולא ידע העני ממי לקח כגון גדולי החכמים שהיו הולכין בסתר ומשליכין המעות בפתחי העניים וכזה ראוי לעשות ומעלה טובה היא אם אין הממונין בצדקה נוהגין כשורה:

10

A lower level than that is an instance when the poor person knows from whom he took, but the donor does not know to whom he gave. An example of this were the great Sages who would bundle coins in a sheet and hang them over their shoulders and the poor would come and take them so that they would not be embarrassed.17

י

פחות מזה שידע העני ממי נטל ולא ידע הנותן כגון גדולי החכמים שהיו צוררים המעות בסדיניהן ומפשילין לאחוריהן ובאין העניים ונוטלין כדי שלא יהיה להן בושה:

11

A lower level than that is giving [the poor person] in his hand before he asks.18

יא

פחות מזה שיתן לו בידו קודם שישאל:

12

A lower level than that is giving him after he asks.

יב

פחות מזה שיתן לו אחר שישאל:

13

A lower level than this is giving him less than what is appropriate, but with a pleasant countenance.

יג

פחות מזה שיתן לו פחות מן הראוי בסבר פנים יפות:

14

A lower level than that is giving him with sadness.

יד

פחות מזה שיתן לו בעצב:

15

Great sages would give a p'rutah to a poor person19before every prayer service20 and then they would pray,21 as [implied by Psalms 17:15]: "I will see Your countenance in righteousness."22

טו

גדולי החכמים היו נותנין פרוטה לעני קודם כל תפלה ואחר כך מתפללין שנאמר אני בצדק אחזה פניך:

16

A person who gives money to his sons and daughters who are past the age of majority23 and whom he is not obligated to support in order to teach the males Torah and to direct the females in a course of upright path so that they will not become objects of derision and similarly one who gives food to his father and his mother24is included among [those who give] charity.25 Indeed, it is a very important charity, for precedence is established on one's degree of closeness.26

Anyone who gives food and drink to the poor and orphans at his table,27he will call out to God and [God] will answer him and he will derive pleasure from Him, as [Isaiah 58:9] states: "Then you will call out and God will answer."28

טז

הנותן מזונות לבניו ולבנותיו הגדולים שאינו חייב במזונותיהן כדי ללמד הזכרים תורה ולהנהיג הבנות בדרך ישרה ולא יהיו מבוזות וכן הנותן מזונות לאביו ולאמו הרי זה בכלל הצדקה וצדקה גדולה היא שהקרוב קודם וכל המאכיל ומשקה עניים ויתומים על שלחנו הרי זה קורא אל ה' ויענהו ומתענג שנאמר אז תקרא וה' יענה:

17

Our Sages commanded29 that the poor and orphans should be members of a person's household rather than servants.30 This is preferable for him to employ these people and thus enable the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob benefit from his possessions rather than the descendants of Cham. Whoever increases [the number of] servants in his possession adds sin and transgression to the world every day.31 [Conversely,] if the poor are members of one's household, at every hour he adds merits and mitzvot.

יז

צוו חכמים שיהיו בני ביתו של אדם עניים ויתומים במקום העבדים מוטב לו להשתמש באלו ויהנו בני אברהם יצחק ויעקב מנכסיו ולא יהנו בהם זרע חם שכל המרבה עבדים בכל יום ויום מוסיף חטא ועון בעולם ואם יהיו עניים בני ביתו בכל שעה ושעה מוסיף זכיות ומצות:

18

A person should always construct himself and bear hardship rather than appeal to people at large and make himself a burden on the community. Our Sages commanded, saying:32 "Make your Sabbaths as weekdays,33 and do not appeal to people at large." Even a distinguished sage who becomes poor should involve himself in a profession - even a degrading one - rather than appeal to people at large. It is preferable for a person to skin the hide of animal carcasses,34 rather than tell people: "I am a great sage..." or "I am a priest, grant me sustenance." Our Sages commanded conducting oneself in such a manner.35

There were great sages who were woodchoppers,36 porters of beams,37water-carriers for gardens,38 and iron-smelters and makers of charcoal,39but they did not ask anything from the community, nor did they accept gifts that were given to them.

יח

לעולם ידחוק אדם עצמו ויתגלגל בצער ואל יצטרך לבריות ואל ישליך עצמו על הצבור וכן צוו חכמים ואמרו עשה שבתך חול ואל תצטרך לבריות ואפילו היה חכם ומכובד והעני יעסוק באומנות ואפילו באומנות מנוולת ולא יצטרך לבריות מוטב לפשוט עור בהמות נבלות ולא יאמר לעם חכם גדול אני כהן אני פרנסוני ובכך צוו חכמים גדולי החכמים היו מהם חוטבי עצים ונושאי הקורות ושואבי מים לגנות ועושי הברזל והפחמים ולא שאלו מן הצבור ולא קיבלו מהם כשנתנו להם:

19

Any person who does not need to take [charity] and deceives the people and takes will not reach old age and die until he requires assistance from people at large. He is among those of whom it is said [Jeremiah 17:5]: "Cursed be a person who trusts in mortals."

[Conversely,] anyone who needs to take [charity] and cannot exist unless he takes, e.g., an elderly man, sick, or beset by afflictions, but is proud and does not take is considered as a murder. He is liable for his soul and all that he has earned through his hardship40 is sin and guilt.41 But anyone who needs to take [charity], but causes himself affliction and temporarily constrains himself and lives a life of difficulty so that he will not overburden the community will not reach old age and die before he provides sustenance for others from his own means. Concerning such a person and those like him, it is stated [ibid.:7]: Blessed be a person who trusts in God."

יט

כל מי שאינו צריך ליטול ומרמה את העם ונוטל אינו מת מן הזקנה עד שיצטרך לבריות והרי הוא בכלל ארור הגבר אשר יבטח באדם וכל מי שצריך ליטול ואינו יכול לחיות אלא אם כן נוטל כגון זקן או חולה או בעל יסורין ומגיס דעתו ואינו נוטל הרי זה שופך דמים ומתחייב בנפשו ואין לו בצערו אלא חטאות ואשמות וכל מי שצריך ליטול וציער ודחק את השעה וחיה חיי צער כדי שלא יטריח על הצבור אינו מת מן הזקנה עד שיפרנס אחרים משלו ועליו ועל כל כיוצא בזה נאמר ברוך הגבר אשר יבטח בה':

Blessed be the Merciful One who grants assistance.

סליקו להו הלכות מתנות עניים בס"ד:

FOOTNOTES

1.

Similarly, Bava Batra 9a states that charity is equivalent to all the mitzvot.

2.

Similarly, Yevamot 79a mentions deeds of kindness as one of the three distinguishing signs of the Jewish people.

3.

On the contrary, it leads to blessing, as Proverbs 28:27 states: "He who gives to the poor will not lack."

4.

Beitzah 32b states: "Whenever one does not show mercy to the created beings, it can be recognized that he is not from the seed of Abraham our patriarch."

5.

See also the conclusion of Hilchot Avadim.

6.

There is no verse that fits the wording the Rambam quotes. Commentaries have notes that Job 34:28 reads: "He hears the cry of the poor" and Psalms 22:25 states: "And when he cries out to Him, He will listen."

7.

Chagigah 5a states that it is preferable for one not to give charity at all than for him to give in an undesirable manner."

8.

Bava Batra 9b states: "A person who gives a p'rutah to a poor person is granted six blessings, while one who conciliates with him is granted eleven."

The simple meaning of this instruction is to share words of comfort with the poor person, for this can be worth more than money to him. The Shulchan Aruch(Yoreh De'ah 249:4), however, interprets it as meaning that one should excuse himself saying that he desires to give, but does not have the means.

9.

The word ma'aseh translated as "work" can also be interpreted as meaning "compel." In that context, the verse can be interpreted as praise for a person who compels a colleague to give charity.

10.

The Siftei Cohen 249:7 states that this is the most preferable way of helping a person.

11.

Before the person has fallen into poverty, his financial position is still viable. Hopefully, with a little bit of assistance, he can rectify his situation and return to prosperity. In that vein, the Sifra (Behar, sec. v) compares it to a person supporting a colleague who is stumbling. Before he falls, one person can hold him up. Once he falls, even five people cannot raise him. Moreover, if a person is given gifts in this way, his self-esteem is not impaired and he does not develop a negative self-image.

12.

I.e., since neither the donor nor the recipient knows the other's identity, there can be no ulterior motive involved.

13.

For in this instance, as well, the person does not know to whom his donation is being given and the recipient does not know who made the donation.

14.

Avodah Zarah 17b gives an example of Rabbi Chananya's faithfulness. He was collecting both for the ordinary charity fund and for the special charity fund for Purim and the money from the two collections became mixed together. To make sure that the poor were not short-changed, he compensated for any possible discrepancy from his own funds.

Tosafot, Bava Batra 10b, states that we do not expect every charity collector to be as righteous as Rabbi Chananya ben Tradyon, but we do expect that he approximate his faithfulness.

15.

Ketubot 67b relates that Mar Ukva would throw a certain amount of money under a poor neighbor's doorstep every day. One day, the poor man desired to see who his benefactor was and when he saw the money, he ran out to the street. Mar Ukva saw him coming and fled, to avoid detection, he entered an oven which though still hot, no longer had fire. When asked to explain his behavior, he said: "It is preferable for a person to cast himself into an oven than to embarrass a colleague in public."

16.

In such an instance, it would not be desirable for a person to distribute his charity himself rather than give it to the charitable fund.

17.

Ketubot, loc. cit., relates that Rabbi Abba would conduct himself in this manner.

18.

In this way, at least the poor person is not humbled by having to ask for the alms.

19.

Giving to a charity box is also sufficient to fulfill this purpose.

20.

According to Kabbalah, charity should not be given before the evening service unless a poor person actually asks for a donation.

21.

Bava Batra 10a relates that Rabbi Eliezer would conduct himself in this manner.

22.

Tzedek, "righteousness," and tzedakah, "charity," share the same root.

23.

Strictly speaking, this refers to children above the age of six (Hilchot Ishut12:14), for in the Talmudic period, children were able to fend for themselves from that age onward and the parents were no longer obligated to support them. (Today, there are many authorities who require parents to support their children until much more advanced ages.) Ketubot 50a applies the verse (Psalms 106:3): "Happy is he... who performs charity at all times" to a person who supports children of this age.

24.

The mitzvah of honoring one's parents does not require a person to tap his own resources to support them. Instead, he must feed them and clothe them from their resources (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3). The Tur and the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 251:3) qualifies that this proviso applies only when the parents are in need.

25.

Hence a person may use money that he tithes (ma'aser) for this purpose.

26.

See Chapter 7, Halachah 13, above.

27.

I.e., not only does he provide them with food, he makes them feel part of his household.

28.

The passage from Isaiah concludes: "Then you will delight in God."

29.

Avot 1:5. In his Commentary to the Mishnah, the Rambam mentions the concepts stated here.

30.

The Tur (Yoreh De'ah 251) states that this is considered as giving charity.

31.

In that vein, Avot 2:7 states: "One who increases servants increases theft; one who increases maidservants increases lewdness."

32.

Pesachim 112a.

33.

I.e., restrict your spending even in areas in which the Torah advises that men of means should be lavish. See Hilchot Shabbat 30:7.

34.

An unpleasant and demeaning task.

35.

In general, the Rambam appreciated the positive dimension of earning one's livelihood through one's own efforts and not relying on others. In particular, he felt that this was important for Torah scholars, because a) it is forbidden to derive material benefit from Torah study, and b) by doing so, he disgraces the Torah in the eyes of people at large. Thus he writes (Hilchot Talmud Torah3:10):

Anyone who comes to the conclusion that he should involve himself in Torah study without doing work and derive his livelihood from charity, desecrates [God's] name, dishonors the Torah, extinguishes the light of faith, brings evil upon himself, and forfeits the life of the world to come, for it is forbidden to derive benefit from the words of Torah in this world.

Our Sages declared: 'Whoever benefits from the words of Torah forfeits his life in the world.' Also, they commanded and declared: 'Do not make them a crown to magnify oneself, nor an axe to chop with.' Also, they commanded: "Love work and despise Rabbinic positions" and "All Torah that is not accompanied by work will eventually be nullified and will lead to sin." Ultimately, such a person will steal from others.

See also Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:7 and the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Avot 4:7).

36.

In his Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.), the Rambam mentions that Hillel earned his livelihood in this manner. It must be noted that although Yoma 35b describes Hillel as having earned a meager livelihood through physical work, neither it, nor any other known source, explicitly states that Hillel would chop wood.

37.

Gittin 67b states that Rav Sheshet would haul beams. See the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.), where he elaborates on the labor performed by the sages. He apparently had a slightly different version of the Talmud, for he refers to different sages than those mentioned in the standard published text.

38.

Ketubot 105a mentions that Rav Huna was a water-carrier.

39.

Berachot 28b states that Rabbi Yehoshua would work in this capacity.

40.

I.e., the hardship he endured by not accepting charity.

41.

For he should have accepted the charity so that he could live his life in an ordinary manner. If it is a person's lot to receive his livelihood from charity, he should not show false pride and refrain from doing so.

Hayom Yom:
• English Text | Video Class
Monday, Shevat 13, 5778 · 29 January 2018
"Today's Day"
Tuesday, Sh'vat 13, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: B'shalach, Shlishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 69-71.
Tanya: But the ten (p. 85)...in the world. (p. 87).
Yahrzeit is observed on the anniversary of the day of death even the first year, and even if the day of burial was much later than the day of death.1
When my grandfather (R. Shmuel) was seven, his father (the Tzemach Tzedek) once answered him: The kindness and special quality in G-d's making man upright,2 to walk erectly, is that though he walks on the earth he sees the Heavens; not so with beasts that go on all fours; they see only the earth.
FOOTNOTES
1. Note: This day (Sh'vat 13) marks the Yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Shterna Sara in 5702 (1942). She was the mother of the Rebbe, R. Yosef Yitzchak.
2. Kohelet 7:29.
RELATED VIDEO: Reflections on Today's Hayom Yom

Daily Thought:

Post-Sinai

Before Sinai, there was earth and there was heaven. If you wanted one, you abandoned the other.

At Sinai, the boundaries of heaven and earth were breached and the human being was empowered to fuse the two: To raise the earthly into the realm of the spirit, and to bring heaven down to earth.

Before Mount Sinai, the coarse material of which the world is made could not be elevated. It could be used as a medium, an aid in achieving enlightenment, but it itself could not be enlightened. The spirit was raised, but the earth remained dark.

At Sinai we were empowered to take physical objects and transform them into spiritual artifacts.

Our forefathers’ task was to enlighten the souls. Ours is to transform the darkness of a material world into light.

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