Today is Shabbat, Cheshvan 11, 5779 · October 20, 2018
Today in Jewish History
• Passing of Methuselah (2105 BCE)
Methuselah, the longest-lived human being of all time, died at the age of 969 years on the 11th of Cheshvan of the year 1656 from creation (2105 BCE) -- exactly seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood. Methuselah was Adam's great-great-great-great-great-grandson and Noah's grandfather.
• Passing of Rachel (1553 BCE)
The matriarch Rachel died in childbirth on the 11th of Cheshvan of the year 2208 from creation (1553 BCE) while giving birth to her second son, Benjamin.
Rachel was born in Aram (Mesopotamia) approximately 1585 BCE. Her father was Laban, the brother of Jacob's mother, Rebecca. Jacob came to Laban's home in 1576 BCE, fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau. He fell in love with Rachel and worked for seven years tending Laban's sheep in return for her hand in marriage. But Laban deceived his nephew, and on the morning after the wedding Jacob discovered that he had married Rachel's elder sister, Leah. Laban agreed to give him Rachel as a wife as well in return for another seven years' labor.
Rachel was childless for many years, while her elder sister and rival gave birth to six sons and a daughter in succession. Finally, in 1562 BCE, she gave birth to Joseph. Nine years later, while Jacob and his family were on the road to Jacob's ancestral home in Hebron (after a 22-year absence), she gave birth to a second son, but died in childbirth. Jacob buried her by the roadside, in Bethlehem; there, "Rachel weeps over her children, for they are gone [in exile]" (Jeremiah 31:14). Her tomb has served as a place of prayer for Jews for more than 35 centuries.
• Passing of R. Nachum of Chernobyl (1797)
Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl was a disciple of the second leader of the Chassidic movement, Rabbi DovBer of Mezeritch, and the founder of the Chernobyl dynasty of Chassidic Rebbes.
The ties between two people--and certainly those between a husband and wife, or between parents and children--are chiefly of a spiritual, not of a material, nature. That means that a bullet, a grenade, or a disease can affect the body, but not the spirit or the soul. The physical bond between two persons can be broken by a bullet, but not their spiritual relationship... (The Rebbe)
Daily Torah Study
Chumash: Lech-Lecha, 7th Portion Genesis 17:7-17:27 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Chumash with Rashi
Parshat Lech-Lecha
Genesis Chapter 17
| 7And I will establish My covenant between Me and between you and between your seed after you throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant, to be to you for a God and to your seed after you. | | זוַֽהֲקִֽמֹתִ֨י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֜י בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ וּבֵ֨ין זַרְעֲךָ֧ אַֽחֲרֶ֛יךָ לְדֹֽרֹתָ֖ם לִבְרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֑ם לִֽהְי֤וֹת לְךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֖ אַֽחֲרֶֽיךָ: |
| And I will establish My covenant: And what is that covenant? To be to you for a God. | | והקמותי את בריתי: ומה הוא הברית, להיות לך לא-להים: |
| 8And I will give you and your seed after you the land of your sojournings, the entire land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and I will be to them for a God." | | חוְנָֽתַתִּ֣י לְ֠ךָ֠ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֨ אַֽחֲרֶ֜יךָ אֵ֣ת | אֶ֣רֶץ מְגֻרֶ֗יךָ אֵ֚ת כָּל־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן לַֽאֲחֻזַּ֖ת עוֹלָ֑ם וְהָיִ֥יתִי לָהֶ֖ם לֵֽאלֹהִֽים: |
| for an everlasting possession: And there I will be to you for a God (Gen. Rabbah 46:9), but if one dwells outside the Holy Land, it is as though he has no God (Keth. 110b). | | לאחוזת עולם: ושם אהיה להם לא-להים, אבל הדר בחוצה לארץ דומה כמי שאין לו אלוה: |
| 9And God said to Abraham, "And you shall keep My covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations. | | טוַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם וְאַתָּ֖ה אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֑ר אַתָּ֛ה וְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם: |
| And you: Heb. וְאַתָּה. This “vav” connects [this verse] to the preceding matter. “As for Me, behold My covenant is with you,” and you must be careful to observe it. Now what does its observance entail?“This is My covenant, which you shall observe…that every male among you be circumcised.” | | ואתה: וא"ו זו מוסיף על ענין ראשון אני הנה בריתי אתך, ואתה הוי זהיר לשמרו, ומה היא שמירתו, (פסוק י) זאת בריתי אשר תשמרו המול לכם וגו': |
| 10This is My covenant, which you shall observe between Me and between you and between your seed after you, that every male among you be circumcised. | | יזֹ֣את בְּרִיתִ֞י אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֗וּ בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֥ין זַרְעֲךָ֖ אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ הִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֖ם כָּל־זָכָֽר: |
| between Me and you: those living now. | | ביני וביניכם וגו': אותם של עכשיו: |
| and between your seed: who are destined to be born. | | ובין זרעך אחריך: העתידין להוולד: |
| be circumcised: Heb. הִמּוֹל, is like לְהִמּוֹל, to circumcise [the infinitive], as you might say עֲשוֹת in place of לַעֲשוֹת, to do. | | המול: כמו להמול כמו שאתה אומר עשות, כמו לעשות: |
| 11And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be as the sign of a covenant between Me and between you. | | יאוּנְמַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלַתְכֶ֑ם וְהָיָה֙ לְא֣וֹת בְּרִ֔ית בֵּינִ֖י וּבֵֽינֵיכֶֽם: |
| And you shall circumcise: וּנְמַלְתֶּם is like וּמַלְתֶּם, and the “nun” is superfluous, a radical that sometimes appears in it, like the“nun” of נוֹשֵׁךְ and the “nun” of נוֹשֵׂא. וּנְמַלְתֶּם has the same form as וּנְשָׂאתֶם, (i.e., the Kal form). But יִמּוֹל is in the passive form (the Nifal), like יֵעָשֶׂה (it will be done), יֵאָכֵל (it will be eaten). | | ונמלתם: כמו ומלתם והנו"ן בו יתירה ליסוד הנופל בו לפרקים, כגון נ' של נושך ונ' של נושא. ונמלתם, כמו ונשאתם, אבל ימול לשון יפעל כמו יעשה, יאכל: |
| 12And at the age of eight days, every male shall be circumcised to you throughout your generations, one that is born in the house, or one that is purchased with money, from any foreigner, who is not of your seed. | | יבוּבֶן־שְׁמֹנַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֛ם כָּל־זָכָ֖ר לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֨סֶף֙ מִכֹּ֣ל בֶּן־נֵכָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹ֥א מִזַּרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא: |
| one that is born in the house: whom the maidservant bore in the house. | | יליד בית: שילדתו השפחה בבית: |
| one that is purchased with money: whom he bought after he was born. | | ומקנת כסף: שקנאו משנולד: |
| 13Those born in the house and those purchased for money shall be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant. | | יגהִמּ֧וֹל | יִמּ֛וֹל יְלִ֥יד בֵּֽיתְךָ֖ וּמִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפֶּ֑ךָ וְהָֽיְתָ֧ה בְרִיתִ֛י בִּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖ם לִבְרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם: |
| Those born in the house… shall be circumcised: Here Scripture repeated it [the commandment to circumcise a slave born in the house;] but did not state [that it is to be] on the eighth day, to teach you that there is a slave born in the house who is circumcised after eight days [other editions: at the age of one day], as is delineated in Tractate Shabbath (135b). | | המול ימול יליד ביתך: כאן כפל עליו ולא אמר לשמונה ימים, ללמדך שיש יליד בית נמול לאחר שמנה ימים, כמו שמפורש במסכת שבת (דף קלה ב): |
| 14And an uncircumcised male, who will not circumcise the flesh of his foreskin-that soul will be cut off from its people; he has broken My covenant." | | ידוְעָרֵ֣ל | זָכָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יִמּוֹל֙ אֶת־בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָת֔וֹ וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵֽעַמֶּ֑יהָ אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י הֵפַֽר: |
| And an uncircumcised male: Here Scripture teaches that circumcision is in that place that distinguishes between male and female. | | וערל זכר: כאן למד שהמילה באותו מקום שהוא ניכר בין זכר לנקבה: |
| who will not circumcise: When he reaches the age when he becomes liable for punishment, then [his soul] will be cut off (Shab. 133b), but his father [who does not circumcise him] is not punishable by “kareth” (spiritual excision), but is guilty of transgressing a positive commandment (Yeb. 70b). | | אשר לא ימול: משיגיע לכלל עונשין ונכרתה, אבל אביו אין ענוש עליו כרת אבל עובר בעשה: |
| that soul will be cut off: He goes childless (Yeb. 55a) and dies prematurely (Moed Katan 28a). | | ונכרתה הנפש: הולך ערירי ומת קודם זמנו: |
| 15And God said to Abraham, "Your wife Sarai-you shall not call her name Sarai, for Sarah is her name. | | טווַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם שָׂרַ֣י אִשְׁתְּךָ֔ לֹֽא־תִקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמָ֖הּ שָׂרָ֑י כִּ֥י שָׂרָ֖ה שְׁמָֽהּ: |
| you shall not call her name Sarai: which means “my princess,” for me, but not for others. But Sarah, in an unqualified sense, shall be her name, that she will be a princess over all. — [from Ber. 13a] | | לא תקרא את שמה שרי: דמשמע שרי לי ולא לאחרים כי שרה סתם שמה, שתהא שרה על כל: |
| 16And I will bless her, and I will give you a son from her, and I will bless her, and she will become [a mother of] nations; kings of nations will be from her. " | | טזוּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֣י אֹתָ֔הּ וְגַ֨ם נָתַ֧תִּי מִמֶּ֛נָּה לְךָ֖ בֵּ֑ן וּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֨יהָ֙ וְהָֽיְתָ֣ה לְגוֹיִ֔ם מַלְכֵ֥י עַמִּ֖ים מִמֶּ֥נָּה יִֽהְיֽוּ: |
| And I will bless her: And what is the blessing? That she returned to her youth, as it is said (below 18:12): “My skin has become smooth.” - [from B.M. 87a] | | וברכתי אותה: ומה הוא הברכה, שחזרה לנערותה, שנאמר (לקמן יח יב) אחרי בלותי היתה לי עדנה: |
| and I will bless her: with breast feeding, when she required it, on the day of Isaac’s feast, for people were murmuring against them, that they had brought a foundling from the street and were saying, “He is our son.” So each one brought her child with her, but not her wet nurse, and she (Sarah) nursed them all. That is what is said (below 21:7): “Sarah has nursed children.” Gen. Rabbah (53:9) alludes slightly to this. — [from B.M. 87a] | | וברכתיה: בהנקת שדים, כשנצרכה לכך ביום משתה של יצחק, שהיו מרננים עליהם שהביאו אסופי מן השוק ואומרים בננו הוא, והביאה כל אחת בנה עמה ומניקתה לא הביאה, והיא היניקה את כולם, הוא שנאמר (כא ז) היניקה בנים שרה. בראשית רבה (נג ט) רמזו במקצת: |
| 17And Abraham fell on his face and rejoiced, and he said to himself, "Will [a child] be born to one who is a hundred years old, and will Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?" | | יזוַיִּפֹּ֧ל אַבְרָהָ֛ם עַל־פָּנָ֖יו וַיִּצְחָ֑ק וַיֹּ֣אמֶר בְּלִבּ֗וֹ הַלְּבֶ֤ן מֵאָֽה־שָׁנָה֙ יִוָּלֵ֔ד וְאִ֨ם־שָׂרָ֔ה הֲבַת־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תֵּלֵֽד: |
| And Abraham fell on his face and rejoiced: Heb. וַיִּצְחָק. Onkelos renders this as an expression of joy, וַחֲדִי “and he rejoiced,” but the one [וַתִּצְחָק] in the case of Sarah (below 18:12) [he renders] as an expression of laughter. You learn that Abraham believed and rejoiced, but Sarah did not believe and ridiculed, and for this reason, the Holy One, blessed be He, was angry with Sarah, but was not angry with Abraham. | | ויפל אברהם על פניו ויצחק: זה תירגם אנקלוס וחדי, לשון שמחה, ושל שרה לשון מחוך. למדת שאברהם האמין ושמח, ושרה לא האמינה ולגלגה. וזהו שהקפיד הקב"ה על שרה ולא הקפיד על אברהם: |
| Will [a child] be born to on, etc.: There are questions which are positive assertions, like (I Sam. 2:27): הֲנִגְלֹה נִגְלֵיתִי, “Did I appear?” [meaning: “of course I appeared!”]; (II Sam. 15:27): הֲרֹאֶה אַתָּה, “Do you see?” [meaning: “of course you see!”] This too is a positive assertion, and so did he say to himself, “Was such kindness done to anyone else, that the Holy One, blessed be He, is doing for me?” | | הלבן: יש תמיהות שהן קיימות כמו (ש"א ב כז) הנגלה נגליתי, (ש"ב טו כז) הרואה אתה, אף זו היא קיימת, וכך אמר בלבו הנעשה חסד זה לאחר מה שהקב"ה עושה לי: |
| and will Sarah, who is ninety years old: Shall she be worthy of giving birth? Now although the first generations begot children at the age of five hundred, in Abraham’s time, the years were already lessened, and weakness had come to the world. Go out and learn this from the ten generations from Noah to Abraham, who hastened to beget children at the age of sixty and seventy. | | ואם שרה הבת תשעים שנה: היתה כדאי לילד. ואף על פי שדורות הראשונים היו מולידין בני חמש מאות שנה, בימי אברהם נתמעטו השנים כבר ובא תשות כח לעולם, וצא ולמד מעשרה דורות שמנח ועד אברהם שמיהרו תולדותיהן בני ששים ובני שבעים: |
| 18And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael will live before You!" | | יחוַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶל־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים ל֥וּ יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל יִֽחְיֶ֥ה לְפָנֶֽיךָ: |
| If only Ishmael will live: If only Ishmael will live! I do not deserve to receive such a reward as this. | | לו ישמעאל יחיה: הלואי שיחיה ישמעאל, איני כדאי לקבל מתן שכר כזה: |
| will live before You: [This means]: [“Let him] live in fear of You,” as in (verse 1): “Walk before Me,” [which Onkelos renders:] “Serve Me.” [following Targum Jonathan] | | יחיה לפניך: יחיה ביראתך, כמו (פסוק א) התהלך לפני, פלח קדמי: |
| 19And God said, "Indeed, your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac, and I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his seed after him. | | יטוַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים אֲבָל֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֗ יֹלֶ֤דֶת לְךָ֙ בֵּ֔ן וְקָרָ֥אתָ אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ יִצְחָ֑ק וַֽהֲקִֽמֹתִ֨י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֥י אִתּ֛וֹ לִבְרִ֥ית עוֹלָ֖ם לְזַרְע֥וֹ אַֽחֲרָֽיו: |
| Indeed: אֲבָל is an expression of a confirmation of a statement, and likewise (below 42:21): “Indeed (אֲבָל), we are guilty”; (II Kings 4:14): “Indeed (אֲבָל), she has no son.” - [from Targumim] | | אבל: לשון אמתת דברים, וכן (לקמן מב כא) אבל אשמים אנחנו, (מ"ב ד יד) אבל בן אין לה: |
| and you shall name him Isaac: Heb. יִצְחָק, because of the rejoicing (צְחוֹק) (Mid. Chaseroth v’Yetheroth). And some say: because of the ten (י) trials, and Sarah’s ninety (צ) years, and the eighth (ח) day on which he was circumcised, and Abraham’s hundred (ק) years. (Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer , ch. 32). (Other editions: “And My covenant.” Why is this written? Is it not already written (verse 9): “And you shall keep My covenant, you and your seed, etc.?” But because He said (verse 7): “And I will establish, etc.,” one might think that the sons of Ishmael and the sons of Keturah are included in the establishment [of the covenant]. Therefore, Scripture states: “And I will establish My covenant with him,” and not with others. Now, why does it say [again in verse 21]: “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac?” This teaches us that he was holy from the womb. Another explanation [for the repetition of verse 19]: Said Rabbi Abba: Scripture here derives an a fortiori conclusion regarding the son of the mistress from [what is written regarding] the son of the handmaid. It is written here: “Behold I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful, and I will multiply him.” This refers to Ishmael. How much more so, “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac!” (Gen. Rabbah 47:5). | | וקראת את שמו יצחק: על שם הצחוק. ויש אומרים על שם י' נסיונות, וצ' שנה של שרה, וח' ימים שנימול, וק' שנה של אברהם. והקימותי את בריתי למה נאמר, והרי כבר כתיב (פסוק ט) ואתה את בריתי תשמור אתה וזרעך וגו' אלא לפי שאומר (פסוק ז) והקמותי וגו', יכול בני ישמעאל ובני קטורה בכלל הקיום, תלמוד לומר והקמותי את בריתי אתו, ולא עם אחרים. ואת בריתי אקים את יצחק, למה נאמר, [אלא למד שהיה קדוש מבטן]. דבר אחר אמר ר' אבא מכאן למד קל וחומר בן הגבירה מבן האמה, כתיב (פסוק כ) כי הנה ברכתי אותו והפריתי אותו והרביתי אותו, זה ישמעאל וקל וחומר ואת בריתי אקים את יצחק: |
| My covenant: The covenant of circumcision shall be given over [only] to the seed of Isaac. See Sanh. 59. | | את בריתי: ברית המילה תהא מסורה לזרעו של יצחק: |
| 20And regarding Ishmael, I have heard you; behold I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful, and I will multiply him exceedingly; he will beget twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. | | כוּלְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֘ שְׁמַעְתִּ֒יךָ֒ הִנֵּ֣ה | בֵּרַ֣כְתִּי אֹת֗וֹ וְהִפְרֵיתִ֥י אֹת֛וֹ וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֥י אֹת֖וֹ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד שְׁנֵֽים־עָשָׂ֤ר נְשִׂיאִם֙ יוֹלִ֔יד וּנְתַתִּ֖יו לְג֥וֹי גָּדֽוֹל: |
| twelve princes: Heb. נְשִׂיאִים. They will disappear like clouds, as (Prov. 25:14): Clouds (נְשִׂיאִים) and wind. — [from Gen. Rabbah 47:5] | | שנים עשר נשיאם: כעננים יכלו, כמו (משלי כה יד) נשיאים ורוח: |
| 21But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year." | | כאוְאֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י אָקִ֣ים אֶת־יִצְחָ֑ק אֲשֶׁר֩ תֵּלֵ֨ד לְךָ֤ שָׂרָה֙ לַמּוֹעֵ֣ד הַזֶּ֔ה בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה הָֽאַחֶֽרֶת: |
| 22And He finished speaking with him, and God went up from above Abraham. | | כבוַיְכַ֖ל לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּ֑וֹ וַיַּ֣עַל אֱלֹהִ֔ים מֵעַ֖ל אַבְרָהָֽם: |
| from above Abraham: This is a euphemism used in reference to the Shechinah, and we learn that the righteous are the chariot of the Omnipresent. — [from Gen. Rabbah 47:6, 82:6] | | מעל אברהם: לשון נקיה הוא כלפי שכינה, ולמדנו שהצדיקים מרכבתו של מקום: |
| 23And Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house and all those purchased with his money, every male of the people of Abraham's household, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on that very day, as God had spoken with him. | | כגוַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת־יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֗וֹ וְאֵ֨ת כָּל־יְלִידֵ֤י בֵיתוֹ֙ וְאֵת֙ כָּל־מִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפּ֔וֹ כָּל־זָכָ֕ר בְּאַנְשֵׁ֖י בֵּ֣ית אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיָּ֜מָל אֶת־בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָתָ֗ם בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים: |
| on that very day: On the very day that he was commanded (Mid. Ps. 112:2), during the day and not at night. He was afraid neither of the heathens nor of the scorners. [He circumcised in the light of day] so that his enemies and his contemporaries would not say,“Had we seen him, we would not have allowed him to circumcise and to fulfill the commandment of the Omnipresent” (Gen. Rabbah 47:9). | | בעצם היום: בו ביום שנצטוה, ביום ולא בלילה, לא נתיירא לא מן הגוים ולא מן הלצנים, ושלא יהיו אויביו ובני דורו אומרים אילו ראינוהו לא הנחנוהו למול ולקיים מצותו של מקום: |
| and he circumcised: Heb. וַיָמָל, an expression in the וַיִפְעַל form, (the active [kal] form.) | | וימל: לשון ויפעל: |
| 24And Abraham was ninety-nine years old, when he was circumcised of the flesh of his foreskin. | | כדוְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם בֶּן־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים וָתֵ֖שַׁע שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִמֹּל֖וֹ בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ: |
| when he was circumcised: Heb. בְּהִמֹּלוֹ, when it was done to him, like (above 2:4): “when they were created (בְּהִבָּרְאָם).” | | בהמולו: בהפעלו, כמו (ב ד) בהבראם: |
| 25And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised of the flesh of his foreskin. | | כהוְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֔וֹ בֶּן־שְׁל֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִ֨מֹּל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ: |
| when he was circumcised of the flesh of his foreskin: Concerning Abraham, it does not say אֵת, because he was lacking only the severing of the flesh, because it had already been flattened out by intercourse, but Ishmael, who was a youth, required that the foreskin be severed and the corona be uncovered. Therefore, in his case, it is אֵת. Gen. Rabbah (47:8). | | בהמולו את בשר ערלתו: באברהם לא נאמר את, לפי שלא היה חסר אלא חתוך בשר, שכבר נתמעך על ידי תשמיש, אבל ישמעאל שהיה ילד הוזקק לחתוך ערלה ולפרוע המילה, לכך נאמר בו את: |
| 26On that very day, Abraham was circumcised, and [so was] Ishmael his son. | | כובְּעֶ֨צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה נִמּ֖וֹל אַבְרָהָ֑ם וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל בְּנֽוֹ: |
| On that very day: when Abraham reached the age of ninety-nine and Ishmael [reached the age of] thirteen,“Abraham was circumcised, and [so was] Ishmael his son.” | | בעצם היום הזה: שמלאו לאברהם תשעים ותשע שנה ולישמעאל שלש עשרה שנים נמול אברהם וישמעאל בנו: |
| 27And all the people of his household, those born in his house and those bought with money from foreigners, were circumcised with him. | | כזוְכָל־אַנְשֵׁ֤י בֵיתוֹ֙ יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֖סֶף מֵאֵ֣ת בֶּן־נֵכָ֑ר נִמֹּ֖לוּ אִתּֽוֹ: |
Tehillim: Chapters 60 - 65
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Daily Tehillim - Psalms
Chapters 60-65
Chapter 60
This psalm tells of when Joab, David's general, came to Aram Naharayim for war and was asked by the people: "Are you not from the children of Jacob? What of the pact he made with Laban?" Not knowing what to answer, Joab asked the Sanhedrin. The psalm includes David's prayer for success in this war.
1. For the Conductor, on the shushan eidut. A michtam by David, to instruct,
2. when he battled with Aram Naharayim and Aram Tzovah, and Joab returned and smote Edom in the Valley of Salt, twelve thousand [men].
3. O God, You forsook us, You have breached us! You grew furious-restore us!
4. You made the earth quake, You split it apart-heal its fragments, for it totters!
5. You showed Your nation harshness, You gave us benumbing wine to drink.
6. [Now] give those who fear You a banner to raise themselves, for the sake of truth, Selah.
7. That Your beloved ones may be delivered, help with Your right hand and answer me.
8. God said with His Holy [Spirit] that I would exult; I would divide Shechem, and measure out the Valley of Succot.
9. Mine is Gilead, mine is Menasseh, and Ephraim is the stronghold of my head; Judah is my prince.
10. Moab is my washbasin, and upon Edom I will cast my shoe; for me, Philistia will sound a blast [of coronation].
11. Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will lead me unto Edom?
12. Is it not You, God, Who has [until now] forsaken us, and did not go forth with our legions?
13. Grant us relief from the oppressor; futile is the salvation of man.
14. With God we will do valiantly, and He will trample our oppressors.
Chapter 61
David composed this prayer while fleeing from Saul. The object of all his thoughts and his entreaty is that God grant him long life-not for the sake of pursuing the pleasures of the world, but rather to serve God in awe, all of his days.
1. For the Conductor, on the neginat, by David.
2. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer.
3. From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is faint [with trouble]: Lead me upon the rock that surpasses me!
4. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.
5. I will dwell in Your tent forever; I will take refuge in the shelter of Your wings, Selah.
6. For You, God, heard my vows; You granted the inheritance of those who fear Your Name.
7. Add days to the days of the king; may his years equal those of every generation.
8. May he sit always before God; appoint kindness and truth to preserve him.
9. Thus will I sing the praise of Your Name forever, as I fulfill my vows each day.
Chapter 62
David prays for the downfall of his enemies. He also exhorts his generation that their faith should not rest in riches, telling them that the accumulation of wealth is utter futility.
1. For the Conductor, on the yedutun, a psalm by David.
2. To God alone does my soul hope; my salvation is from Him.
3. He alone is my rock and salvation, my stronghold; I shall not falter greatly.
4. Until when will you plot disaster for man? May you all be killed-like a leaning wall, a toppled fence.
5. Out of their arrogance alone they scheme to topple me, they favor falsehood; with their mouths they bless, and in their hearts they curse, Selah.
6. To God alone does my soul hope, for my hope is from Him.
7. He alone is my rock and salvation, my stronghold; I shall not falter.
8. My salvation and honor is upon God; the rock of my strength-my refuge is in God.
9. Trust in Him at all times, O nation, pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us forever.
10. Men are but vanity; people [but] transients. Were they to be raised upon the scale, they would be lighter than vanity.
11. Put not your trust in exploitation, nor place futile hope in robbery. If [corrupt] wealth flourishes, pay it no heed.
12. God spoke one thing, from which I perceived two: That strength belongs to God;
13. and that Yours, my Lord, is kindness. For You repay each man according to his deeds.
Chapter 63
Hiding from Saul, and yearning to approach the place of the Holy Ark like one thirsting for water, David composed this prayer on his behalf and against his enemy.
1. A psalm by David, when he was in the Judean desert.
2. O God, You are my Almighty, I seek You! My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You; [like one] in a desolate and dry land, without water,
3. so [I thirst] to see You in the Sanctuary, to behold Your might and glory.
4. For Your kindness is better than life; my lips shall praise You.
5. Thus will I bless you all my life, in Your Name I will raise my hands [in prayer].
6. As with fat and abundance my soul is sated, when my mouth offers praise with expressions of joy.
7. Indeed, I remember You upon my bed; during the watches of the night I meditate upon You.
8. For You were a help for me; I sing in the shadow of Your wings.
9. My soul cleaved to You; Your right hand supported me.
10. But they seek desolation for my soul; they will enter the depths of the earth.
11. They will drag them by the sword; they will be the portion of foxes.
12. And the king will rejoice in God, and all who swear by Him will take pride, when the mouths of liars are blocked up.
Chapter 64
The masters of homiletics interpret this psalm as alluding to Daniel, who was thrown into the lion's den. With divine inspiration, David foresaw the event and prayed for him. Daniel was a descendant of David, as can be inferred from God's statement to Hezekiah (himself of Davidic lineage), "And from your children, who will issue forth from you, they will take, and they (referring to, amongst others, Daniel) will be ministers in the palace of the king of Babylon."
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David.
2. Hear my voice, O God, as I recount [my woes]; preserve my life from the terror of the enemy.
3. Shelter me from the schemes of the wicked, from the conspiracy of evildoers,
4. who have sharpened their tongue like the sword, aimed their arrow-a bitter word-
5. to shoot at the innocent from hidden places; suddenly they shoot at him, they are not afraid.
6. They encourage themselves in an evil thing, they speak of laying traps; they say: "Who will see them?”
7. They sought pretexts; [and when] they completed a diligent search, each man [kept the plot] inside, deep in the heart.
8. But God shot at them; [like] a sudden arrow were their blows.
9. Their own tongues caused them to stumble; all who see them shake their heads [derisively].
10. Then all men feared, and recounted the work of God; they perceived His deed.
11. Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him, and let them take pride-all upright of heart.
Chapter 65
This psalm contains awe-inspiring and glorious praises to God, as well as entreaties and prayers concerning our sins. It declares it impossible to recount God's greatness, for who can recount His mighty acts? Hence, silence is His praise.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David, a song.
2. Silence is praise for You, O God [Who dwells in] Zion; and to You vows will be paid.
3. O Heeder of prayer, to You does all flesh come.
4. Matters of sin overwhelm me; You will pardon our transgressions.
5. Fortunate is [the nation] whom You choose and draw near, to dwell in Your courtyards; may we be sated with the goodness of Your House, with the holiness of Your Sanctuary.
6. Answer us with awesome deeds as befits Your righteousness, O God of our salvation, the security of all [who inhabit] the ends of the earth and distant seas.
7. With His strength He prepares [rain for] the mountains; He is girded with might.
8. He quiets the roar of the seas, the roar of their waves and the tumult of nations.
9. Those who inhabit the ends [of the earth] fear [You] because of Your signs; the emergences of morning and evening cause [man] to sing praise.
10. You remember the earth and water it, you enrich it abundantly [from] God's stream filled with water. You prepare their grain, for so do You prepare it.
11. You saturate its furrows, gratifying its legions; with showers You soften it and bless its growth.
12. You crown the year of Your goodness [with rain], and Your clouds drip abundance.
13. They drip on pastures of wilderness, and the hills gird themselves with joy.
14. The meadows don sheep, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; they sound blasts, indeed they sing.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, end of Epistle 26
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LESSONS IN TANYA: Shabbat, October 20, 2018
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Cheshvan 11, 5779 · October 20, 2018
Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, end of Epistle 26
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The above applies nowadays, when the Shechinah is exiled in kelipat nogah; hence the main function of Torah study is to seek out and elevate the sparks of holiness from the kelipot. Hence, too, the current concentration on the laws of issur and hetter, kasher and passul, and the like.
אבל בצאת השכינה מקליפת נוגה [מהקליפות]
But when the Shechinah will emerge from kelipat nogah [1or: from the kelipot],
אחר שיושלם בירור הניצוצות, ויופרד הרע מהטוב, ויתפרדו כל פועלי און
after the extraction of the sparks will be completed, and the evil of the kelipot will be separated from the good of holiness,2 “and all the workers of evil will be dispersed,”
ולא שלטא אילנא דטוב ורע, בצאת הטוב ממנה
and the Tree of [Knowledge of] Good and Evil (which is of kelipat nogah and which prevails during the time of exile)will no longer be dominant, because the good will have departed from it,
Kelipat nogah is influential only by virtue of its minimal component of good; as soon as this is extracted, kelipat nogahwill have no dominion whatever.
אזי לא יהיה עסק התורה והמצות לברר בירורין
then people will engage in the study of Torah and in the observance of the commandments not in order to extract the sparks, as in the present,
כי אם ליחד יחודים עליונים יותר, להמשיך אורות עליונים יותר, שלמעלה מאצילות
but in order to bring about the consummation of yichudim (“unions” or “marriages” of Sefirot) more sublime than those which are effected through our present Torah study — in order to call forth more sublime lights, transcending3 Atzilut.
כמו שכתב האריז״ל
This is explained in the writings of R. Isaac Luria, of blessed memory.
והכל על ידי פנימיות התורה, לקיים המצות בכוונות עליונות, שמכונות לאורות עליונים
Everything [will be accomplished] by means of the pnimiyut of the Torah, the esoteric dimension of the Torah,by the performance of the commandments with lofty mystical devotions directed to [drawing down] sublime “lights” [from the Divine Luminary].
כי שרש המצות הוא למעלה מעלה, באין סוף ברוך הוא
For the root of the commandments is exceedingly high, in the blessed Ein Sof, at a level loftier than Atzilut.
(ומה שאמרו רז״ל, דמצות בטילות לעתיד לבא
(4As for the statement of our Sages, of blessed memory, that5 “the commandments will be abrogated in the future,”
היינו בתחיית המתים
this refers to the era of the Resurrection of the Dead.
אבל לימות המשיח, קודם תחיית המתים, אין בטלים)
In the days of the Messiah, however, before the Resurrection of the Dead, they will not be abrogated.)6
At that time, the observance of mitzvot will draw down to this world even higher levels of G‑dliness than those drawn down by the current observance of mitzvot.
ולכן יהיה גם עיקר עסק התורה גם כן בפנימיות המצות, וטעמיהם הנסתרים
This is why Torah study will then be mainly directed to the pnimiyut (the innermost, mystical depths) of the commandments, and their hidden reasons.
Specifically: Gaining insights into the dynamics of the above-mentioned yichudim, and thereby understanding why the scrupulous performance of the commandments brings about these Supernal “unions” which give birth to renewed diffusions of the Divine light that animates this world.
אבל הנגלות יהיו גלוים וידועים לכל איש ישראל, בידיעה בתחלה, בלי שכחה
The revealed aspects of the Torah, however, will be manifest and known to every Jew, by an innate and unforgotten knowledge.
Review will thus be unnecessary.
ואין צריך לעסוק בהם, אלא לערב רב
Only the mixed multitude (and not the Jews) will have to toil in these [aspects of the Torah],
שלא יזכו למטעם מאילנא דחיי, שהוא פנימיות התורה והמצוה
because they will not have merited to taste from the Tree of Life, i.e., the pnimiyut of the Torah and of the commandments.
וצריכים לעסוק [בתורה] במשנה, להתיש כח הסטרא אחרא הדבוק בהם (על ידי עסק התורה)
They will [therefore] need to engage [7in Torah] in Mishnah, in order to weaken (8by their occupation with Torah) the power of the sitra achra that cleaves to them,
שלא תשלוט בהם, להחטיאם
so that it will not dominate them and cause them to sin.
כדכתיב: והחוטא בן מאה שנה יקולל, שיהיו חוטאים מערב רב
Thus it is written,9 “And the sinner at the age of a hundred will be cursed.” This refers to the sinners of the mixed multitude.
Thus, even with the arrival of the Messiah there will be sinners among the mixed multitude, since the sitra achracleaves to them. They will therefore require means by which to weaken it, so that they will not sin.
Nor will they need only the revealed aspects of the Torah in order to repel the sitra achra.
למעשה יהיו צריכים לפרטי הלכות אסור וטומאה יותר מישראל
In addition, on the practical level, they will need the detailed rulings of prohibition and impurity more than the Jews.
שלא יארע להם פסול וטומאה ואסור
For the latter, nothing will occur that is ritually unfit, impure, or forbidden,
כי לא יאונה כו׳
since10 “there shall not befall [any sin to the righteous]”11 — and in the era of Mashiach, all Jews will be at the level of the “righteous”.
וגם אפשר, וקרוב הדבר, שידעו מפנימיות התורה, כל גופי התורה הנגלית
It is also possible, and indeed probable, that [the Jewish people] will know all the fundamentals of the revealed plane of the Torah from the pnimiyut of the Torah,
כמו אברהם אבינו, עליו השלום
as was the case with our father Abraham, peace be to him.
The Gemara relates12 that Abraham fulfilled the entire Torah even before it was given at Sinai. Now there are passages and commandments to which he could not possibly have related on a physical level.
Inscribed on the tiny parchment scrolls within tefillin, for example, are Biblical passages which record the Exodus from Egypt — a land to which his descendants had not yet been exiled. The mode of Abraham’s performance of the commandments was thus spiritual and esoteric, as the Alter Rebbe explains in Torah Or13 and Likkutei Torah.14
Abraham thus knew all the revealed aspects of Torah from its esoteric core. In Time to Come all Jews will know the Torah in a similar manner.
ולכן אין צריך לעסוק בהם כלל
They will therefore not need to occupy themselves with them — with the laws defining what is permitted or prohibited, pure or impure — at all.
מה שאין כן בזמן בית שני, היו צריכים לעסוק
At the time of the Second Temple, by contrast, although the scholars did not derive their sustenance from the illiterate, for they had their own fields and vineyards, they needed to be involved in these [laws],
גם כי לא בשביל הלכה למעשה בלבד, אלא שזהו עיקר העבודה
and not only for their practical application, but because this is the main purpose of divine service —
להתיש כח הסטרא אחרא, ולהעלות ניצוצי הקדושה, על ידי התורה והעבודה, כמו שכתוב במקום אחר
to weaken the power of the sitra achra and to elevate the sparks of holiness by means of Torah study and worship, as is explained elsewhere.15
* * *
ואחר הדברים והאמת האלו, יובן היטב בתוספת ביאור הרעיא מהימנא דלעיל
After the above words of truth it will be possible to clearly understand the earlier-quoted passage from Ra’aya Mehemna,
במה שאמר: אילנא דטוב ורע כו׳
which spoke of “the Tree of Good and Evil, [i.e., prohibition and permission],”
רצונו לומר: קליפת נוגה, שהוא עיקר עולם הזה
meaning kelipat nogah, which is the mainstay of this world,16
כמו שכתוב בעץ חיים
as is written in Etz Chayim.
At the moment, until Mashiach arrives, the dominant influence in this material world is kelipat nogah, the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.” After his arrival, however, this dominion will cease, and man’s divine service will be directed not to extracting the sparks of holiness hidden in the material world, but to bringing about ever higher Supernal unions, as explained above.
ודי למבין
This will suffice for the discerning.
Addendum
In the middle of the above Epistle, the Alter Rebbe stated that if “one ate [forbidden food] in order to save an endangered life,... [the food] becomes [entirely] permissible.”
The Rebbe notes17 that this concept is problematic; indeed, many editions of the Tanya omit the word “entirely”, which is evidently why it found its way into current editions as a bracketed text.
The Rebbe goes on to distinguish between prohibition (issur)and impurity (tumah). When something is prohibited, one can sense its inherent evil; for example, forbidden foods clog the mind and heart with spiritual congestion. Thus, even if a pregnant woman scented forbidden food on Yom Kippur and the Torah permitted her to eat it (if her life would otherwise be in danger),18 eating that food would still becloud her soul.
Moreover, even when the prohibition was not intrinsic to the food, but a thought or a statement invalidated it, as for example when an animal was slaughtered with idolatrous intent,19eating this food leaves its imprint. Thus, for example, the Midrash20 traces the wayward path of Elisha ben Avuyah (known as “Acher”) to very early beginnings — before his birth his mother had tasted food that was prepared for idolatrous worship.
In light of the above, the Rebbe goes on to note, we can understand why a nursing mother who has eaten forbidden food, even when permitted to do so because her life was endangered, should refrain from nursing her child.21 For although eating this food was in fact halachically permitted, the nature of the food and the spiritual blemish which it imparts to her infant remain unchanged.
This is especially so, according to the halachic determination (with regard to one who is ill as well), that a life-threatening situation merely sets aside a prohibition; it does not make the prohibited object permissible.22
As the Rebbe concludes, the above considerations evidently explain why in current editions of Iggeret HaKodesh — regarding the food eaten in a life-threatening situation that becomes “[entirely] permissible” — the word “entirely” is bracket-ed, and in many editions never appeared.
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Cheshvan 11, 5779 · October 20, 2018
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
"[Yom Kippur] shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for you"—Leviticus 16:31.
We are commanded to rest, by abstaining from creative work, on the tenth day of Tishrei—Yom Kippur.
Resting on Yom Kippur
Positive Commandment 165
The 165th mitzvah is that we are commanded to refrain from the various categories of melachah and prohibited activities on this day [of Yom Kippur]
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement, "It is a Sabbath of Sabbaths to you."
We have already explained many times that the term Shabbasonindicates a positive commandment.
"And you shall do no work on that very day [of Yom Kippur]"—Leviticus 23:28.
We are forbidden to engage in any creative work on the tenth of Tishrei, Yom Kippur.
Working on Yom Kippur
Negative Commandment 329
The 329th prohibition is that we are forbidden from performing melachah on Yom Kippur.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement, "Do not do any melachah [on this day, because it is a day of atonement]."
If one intentionally transgresses this commandment, the punishment is kores as explained in Scripture. If the act was unintentional, he must bring a sin-offering.
The details of this commandment are explained in tractate Beitzaand Megillah.
"You shall afflict your souls"—Leviticus 16:29.
We are commanded to fast on the tenth of Tishrei, Yom Kippur. We afflict ourselves by abstaining from food and drink, the nourishment of the soul.
We are also commanded to refrain on Yom Kippur from bathing, applying creams or ointments, wearing [leather] shoes and engaging in marital relations.
Fasting on Yom Kippur
Positive Commandment 164
The 164th mitzvah is that we are commanded to fast on the tenth of Tishrei [i.e. Yom Kippur].
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He), "You must afflict your lives."
The Sifra explains: "The expression 'You must afflict your lives' refers to 'affliction' that affects one's actual life. What is that? Eating and drinking."
The Oral Tradition explains that one must also refrain from bathing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in marital relations.
The source that one must refrain from all these activities is the verse, "It is a Sabbath of Sabbaths to you, and you must afflict your lives." The verse says, "Sabbath of Sabbaths," to indicate that one must refrain [observe a "Sabbath"] from the various categories of melachah and prohibited activities, and that one must refrain [observe a "Sabbath"] from those things which nourish and sustain the body. The Sifra says, "What is the source that bathing, anointing, and marital relations are forbidden on Yom Kippur? From the verse, 'Sabbath of Sabbaths.' " This means that one must refrain [observe a "Sabbath"] from these activities in order to reach the state of affliction.
FOOTNOTES
"For any soul that shall not be afflicted... shall be cut off..."—Leviticus 23:29.
It is forbidden to eat on the tenth of Tishrei, Yom Kippur.
Eating on Yom Kippur
Negative Commandment 196
The 196th prohibition is that we are forbidden from eating on Yom Kippur.
There is no verse in the Torah that explicitly prohibits this act.However, since the punishment – that one who eats is punished by kores – is mentioned, we know that eating is counted as a prohibition.
The source which describes the punishment is G‑d's statement, "If anyone does not fast on this day, he shall be punished by kores."
In the beginning of Tractate Kerisus, all those who are punished by kores are listed, and one who eats on Yom Kippur is listed among them. It also explains that all mitzvos which are punishable by koresare prohibitions, except for the Pesach sacrifice and circumcision. Therefore, clearly eating on Yom Kippur counts as a prohibition.
Therefore, if one intentionally transgresses this commandment, the punishment is kores, and if the act was unintentional, he must bring a sin-offering, as explained in the beginning of Tractate Kerisus.
This [i.e. that eating on Yom Kippur counts also as a prohibition] is also explained in the Tractate Horiyos, which rules that one is required to bring a sin-offering only if one violates a prohibition. The proof for this is G‑d's statement (may He be exalted and elevated) regarding those who are required to bring a sin-offering, "[And they violate] one of the prohibitory commandments of G‑d."
The Sifra says: "The verse, 'If anyone does not fast on this day, he shall be punished by kores", describes the punishment for not fasting. However, we do not have a verse to serve as the actual prohibition.
But [there is an "extra" verse that serves as the actual prohibition;] we do not really need a verse to tell you the punishment for doing melachah on Yom Kippur, because we could derive it from the following kal vechomer: if for the prohibition of fasting, which [applies only on Yom Kippur, and] not on Shabbos and holidays, one receives punishment, then certainly for the prohibition of melachah,which applies on holidays and Shabbos [and is therefore more strict] one should receive punishment. If so, why is there a verse stating the punishment for doing melachah? From it we learn the actual prohibition of eating on Yom Kippur: just as the punishment for melachah follows its prohibition, so too the punishment for eating follows its prohibition."
The details of this mitzvah are explained in Tractate Yoma.
• 1 Chapter A Day: Terumot Terumot - Chapter 14
Rambam - 1 Chapter a Day
Terumot - Chapter 14
Terumot - Chapter 14
1 the light figs are considered miduma. If it was dark, the dark figs are miduma and the light figs are permitted. If it is not known whether it was light or dark, it can be nullified when the mixture is 101 times [the weight of] the original fig. If he knew what type of fig it was but forgot, they are all considered miduma.א
חמשים תאנות שחורות וחמשים לבנות שנפלה לתוכן תאנה אחת של תרומה היתה לבנה השחורות מותרות והלבנות מדומעות היתה שחורה השחורות מדומעות והלבנות מותרות ואם אין ידוע אם שחורה היתה ואם לבנה עולה באחד ומאה מן הכל ידע מה היתה אחר שנפלה ושכח הרי כולן מדומעות:
2
Similar laws apply when there are cakes of pressed figs or blocks of pressed figs and a cake or block of [figs that are] terumah falls among them. If it is not known whether the one which fell in was a block or a cake, the cakes and the blocks are combined and the terumah can be nullified if their [combined weight] is 101 times that of the terumah. [Similarly,] when there are large cakes of figs and small ones and a cake of figs [that is terumah] falls among them, but it is not known whether the cake which fell in was large or small, [the existing cakes] can nullify the one which fell in whether by weight or by number.
What is implied? A cake [of figs] fell into a mixture of 100 other cakes, both large and small. We assume that a small cake fell in and one may remove one of the small cakes. If a cake fell into 40 cakes, 20 of them weighing four litra each and 20 of them, weighing one litra each, since the combined weight is 101 litra, we assume a small one fell in and remove one of the small ones.
ב
וכן עיגולי דבילה ומלבנים של דבילה שנפל עיגול או מלבן של תרומה לתוכן ואין ידוע אם מלבן היה או עיגול הרי העיגולין מצטרפין למלבנים ותעלה התרומה באחד ומאה מן הכל עיגולי דבילה גדולים וקטנים שנפל עיגול דבילה לתוכן ואין ידוע אם גדול היה אם קטן הרי הן מעלין בין במנין בין במשקל כיצד נפל עיגול למאה עיגולין גדולים וקטנים הריני אומר קטן נפל ומגביה אחד מן הקטנים נפל עיגול לתוך מ' עיגולים מהן עשרים עיגול משקל כל אחד ארבע ליטרין ומהן עשרים עיגול משקל כל אחד ליטרא הואיל ומשקל הכל מאה ליטרין ואחד הריני אומר קטן נפל ומגביה אחד מן הקטנים:
3
Flour and finely sifted flour cannot be combined together to nullify terumah.
ג
והקמח והסולת אינן מצטרפין להעלות את התרומה:
4
When a se'ah of wheat which is terumah falls on the mouth of the storage vat of wheat, we do not measure it against the 101 times [its weight or ordinary grain found] in the storage vat. For we do not make such an assessment unless the terumah has been mixed with the ordinary produce or we do not know where the terumah fell.
What should be done? We consider the terumah as if it is wheat placed above barley and separate the terumah itself which fell unto the storage vat with some of the ordinary produce upon which they fell as one would be collecting wheat from barley.
ד
סאה של חטים שנפלה על פי מגורה של חטים אין משערין אותה באחד ומאה שאין משערין אלא אם נבללה תרומה עם החולין או אם אין ידוע באיזה מקום נפלה התרומה וכיצד יעשה רואין את התרומה כאילו היא חטים על גבי שעורים ומפריש התרומה עצמה שנפלה על גבי המגורה עם מעט מן החולין שנפלה עליהן כמי שמאסף חטים מע"ג שעורין:
5
[The following laws apply when] there are two containers or two storage vats and terumah fell into one of them. It became mixed with [the contents of the container or storage vat] and it is not known which one it fell into. If the two storage vats were in the same building, they are considered as if they were combined and the terumah is nullified if the entire quantity is 101 times its weight. It is as if they were both contained in a single storage vat. Moreover, the containers are considered as combined together even if they are in two separate buildings, for it is possible to gather the two in one building. If, however, the two containers were in two cities, they are not combined.
ה
שתי קופית או שתי מגורות שנפלה תרומה לתוך אחת מהן ונבללה ואין ידוע לאי זו מהן נפלה אם היו שתי מגורות בבית אחד הרי אלו מצטרפות ותעלה באחד ומאה מן הכל כאילו היו שתיהן מגורה אחת והקופות מצטרפות ואפילו היתה קופה בבית זה וקופה בבית אחר לפי שקרוב הדבר לקבץ שתיהן בבית אחד אבל אם היו שתי הקופות בשתי עיירות אינן מצטרפות:
6
How should he remove the se'ahwhich fell in? If he desires to remove it from one of them, he may. If he desires to remove half from one and half from the other, he may.
[The following laws apply when] there are jugs filled with dried figs that are ordinary produce and [the owner] pressed a litra of figs that are terumah into the opening of one of them, but he does not remember which one. If there are 101 jugs, the terumah is considered nullified. He should take one jug and sell it to a priest except for the worth of the litra [of terumah] and the remainder [of the jugs] are permitted. If there are less than 100 jugs, [the figs at] the openings [of the jugs] are considered miduma and those at the bottom are permitted.
ו
וכיצד מעלה סאה שנפלה אם רצה להעלות מאחד משתיהן מעלה ואם רצה להעלות חציה מזו וחציה מזו מעלה כדים מלאים תאנים של חולין שדרס ליטרא תאנים של תרומה בפי כד אחד מהם ואין ידוע אי זו היא אם היו שם מאה כד וכד הרי זו תעלה ולוקח כד אחד מהם ומוכרה לכהן חוץ מדמי אותה ליטרא והשאר מותרין ואם היו פחות ממאה הפומין כולן מדומעות והשולים מותרין:
7
Similar laws apply if one pressed [a litra of] figs into the opening of a kaveretor into the top of a cake. If he pressed them onto the top of a cake, but does not know whether he pressed them onto the northern portion [of the cake] or its southern portion, nor does he know which cake he pressed them onto, we look at all the figs as if they were separate entities and [the figs that are terumah] should be nullified based on weight. If all the cakes weigh 100 litra, the terumah is nullified proved each of the cakes weighs more than two litra so that in each cake, the terumah is nullified because there is a majority of ordinary produce. The rationale is that when there is a doubt concerning the presence of terumah, it is nullified when there is a majority of ordinary produce.
ז
וכן אם דרסה על פי כוורת או ע"פ עיגול ואין ידוע אי זה הוא דרסה על פי העיגול ואין ידוע אם בצפונו או בדרומו ולא אי זו עיגול הוא רואין אותם כאילו הם פרודות ותעלה לפי המשקל אם יש בכל העיגולין מאה ליטרין תעלה והוא שיש בכל עיגול מהן יתר על שני ליטרין כדי שתבטל התרומה ברוב שספק התרומה בטל ברוב החולין:
8
When terumah is definitely [present in a mixture], it is forbidden if the mixture is 100 [or less times its weight]. If there is merely a doubt concerning the presence of terumah, it is forbidden if there are only fifty. It is permitted only if one adds a majority [of the new mixture]. If there are more than fifty, one need not add such a majority.
What is implied? One fig that is terumah fell into 99 figs and they are all present. They are all forbidden to non-priests, as explained.
ח
התרומה ודאה אוסר במאה וספיקה אוסר בחמשים ואין לה היתר אלא ברוב ואם היה ביותר מחמשים אינה צריכה רוב כיצד תאנה אחת תרומה שנפלה לתשעים ותשע והרי המאה קיימין הכל אסור לזרים כמו שביארנו:
9
If, [after a fig that is terumah fell into 50 other figs, and then] one of the mixture becomes lost, it is possible that one of the ordinary figs was the one that was lost, but it is possible that it was the fig that fell in. Hence, the mixture is forbidden until one adds ordinary produce to it from another source, adding 51 figs to the entire quantity. If one fig fell into 51 figs and one of the mixture was lost, the remainder is permitted to non-priests.
ט
נפלה אחת מחמשים ואבדה אחת מן הכל שמא אחת מן החולין היא שאבדה או האחת שנפלה היא שאבדה הרי אלו אסורות עד שירבה עליהן חולין ממקום אחר ויוסיף עליהן חמשים תאנים ואחת יותר על הכל ואם נפלה אחת של תרומה לתוך חמשים ואחת ואבדה אחת מן הכל הותר השאר לזרים:
10
[The following rules apply when] a se'ah of terumah fell into less than 100 se'ah of the first tithe from which terumat ma'aser was not separated or into [produce from] the second tithe or consecrated property that was not redeemed and the entire mixture became miduma. If [the terumah] fell into the first tithe, the terumat ma'aser should be designated, and the entire mixture sold to the priests with the exception of the worth of the terumah that fell into it and the worth of the terumat ma'aser. If it fell into [produce from] the second tithe or consecrated property that was not redeemed, they should be redeemedand then sold to a priest with the exception of the worth of the terumah.
י
סאה תרומה שנפלה לפחות ממאה מע"ר שלא ניטלה תרומתו או למ"ש והקד' שלא נפדו ונדמע הכל אם למע"ר נפלה יקרא שם לתרומ' מעשר וימכר הכל לכהנים חוץ מדמי תרומה שנפלה ומדמי תרומת מעשר שבו ואם למעשר שני והקדש נפלה הרי אלו יפדו וימכרו לכהן חוץ מדמי תרומה:
11
When a se'ah of impure terumahfalls into less than 100 se'ah of ordinary produce or into produce that is from the first tithe, or from the second tithe, or from consecrated property - whether [the latter three] are ritually pure or ritually impure - [the mixture] is miduma.Hence, the entire mixture is like impure terumah which is forbidden to everyone. Thus it is all forbidden and must be left until it rots.
When does the above apply? With regard to an entity that is not eaten raw. When, by contrast, it is normal practice to partake of a type of produce uncooked, one should not set them aside lest someone encounter them and partake of it.Instead, the entire mixture should be used as fuel, like impure terumah is used as fuel.
יא
סאה תרומה טמאה שנפלה לפחות ממאה חולין או ממע"ר או מעשר שני או הקדש בין טמאין בין טהורים הואיל ונדמע הכל הרי הכל כתרומה טמאה שאסורה באכילה לכל והרי הכל אסור לעולם ומניחים אותן עד שירקבו במה דברים אמורים בדבר שאין דרכו להאכל חי אבל בדבר שדרכו להאכל חי לא יניחן שמא יתקל בהם ויאכל מהן אלא ידליק הכל כדרך שמדליקין תרומה טמאה:
12
When a se'ah of pure terumah falls into less than 100 se'ah of ordinary produce that is impure, the entire mixture should be sold to a priest with the exception of the worth of the terumah. The priest should eat this mixture which is miduma as roasted kernels or he should make them into a dough using fruit juice which does not render produce fit to contract impurity, so that [contact with] the impure ordinary produce will not render the terumah as impure.
Alternatively, he should make this mixture that is miduma into a dough that is less than the size of an egg. [This is beneficial], because impure food does not cause other food to become impure until [the impure food] is the size of an egg. Or he may divide the mixture that is miduma and place a portion of it that is less than the size of an egg in each dough so that the terumah in it will not become impure.
יב
סאה תרומה טהורה שנפלה לפחות ממאה חולין טמאין ימכר הכל לכהנים חוץ מדמי תרומה והכהן אוכל מדומע זה קליות או ילוש אותו במי פירות שאינן מכשירין כדי שלא תטמא התרומה שבו מן החולין הטמאין או ילוש מדומע זה פחות מכביצה שאין אוכל טמא מטמא אוכל אחר עד שיהיה כביצה או יתחלק מדומע זה פחות מכביצה בכל עיסה כדי שלא תטמא התרומה שבו:
13
When a se'ah of impure terumahfalls into 100 se'ah of ordinary produce that is pure or a se'ah of pure terumah falls into 100 se'ah of ordinary produce that is impure, it should be removed and the terumah is nullified, because the new mixture is 101 times [the size of the terumah that fell in. That se'ah] should be eaten as roasted kernels, or it should be made into dough with fruit juice, or into dough that is less than the size of an egg. [The rationale is that] the se'ahwhich fell in is not [necessarily] the se'ahthat was removed.
יג
סאה תרומה טמאה שנפלה למאה חולין טהורין וכן סאה תרומה טהורה שנפלה למאה חולין טמאין תעלה באחד ומאה ותאכל קליות או תלוש במי פירות או פחות מכביצה שאין הסאה שנפלה היא הסאה עצמה שעלתה:
14
When a se'ah of impure terumahfalls into 100 se'ah of pure terumah, it is nullified because of the insignificant amount and the entire mixture should be eaten in a state of ritual purity. If it fell into less than 100, he should leave the entire mixture until it rots.
יד
סאה תרומה טמאה שנפלה למאה סאה של תרומה טהורה בטלה במיעוט ואוכלין הכל בטהרה ואם נפלה לפחות ממאה יניח הכל עד שירקב:
15
There were two containers [of grain, each containing less than 100 se'ah]. A se'ah of terumah fell into one of them and it was known into which one it fell. Afterwards, a second se'ah of terumah, but it was not known into which it fell. [The rationale is that] we assume that the second se'ah fell into the same place as the first se'ah, for we associate the problematic issue with the [previous] problem.
If, however, the first se'ah fell into one of the containers, but it was not known into which it fell and afterwards, a second se'ahfell into one and it was known into which one it fell, we do not say that the first one fell into the same place as the second. Instead, both are considered to be problematic.
טו
שתי קופות שנפלה סאה של תרומה לתוך אחת מהן ונודע לאי זו מהן נפלה ואחר כך נפלה סאה שנייה ואין ידוע לאי זו מהן נפלה אומרים למקום שנפלה ראשונה נפלה שנייה לפי שתולין את הקלקלה במקולקל נפלה סאה ראשונה לתוך אחת מהם ואין ידוע לאי זו מהן נפלה ואח"כ נפלה סאה שנייה ונודע לאי זו מהן נפלה אין אומרים למקום שנפלה שנייה נפלה ראשונה אלא שתיהן מקולקלות:
16
If there were two containers [of grain], one ritually pure and one ritually impure, and a se'ah of terumah fell into one and it was not known into which, we assume that it fell into the impure one.
טז
היו שתי קופות אחת טמאה ואחת טהורה ונפלה סאה של תרומה לאחת מהן ואין ידוע אי זו היא אומרין לתוך הטמאה נפלה:
17
When there are two containers, one containing pure terumah and one containing impure ordinary produce,should a se'ah of pure terumah fall into one of them, we assume that it fell into the one containing terumah. The ordinary produce should, however, be eaten in a state of ritual purity like terumah.
יז
שתי קופות אחת תרומה טהורה ואחת של חולין טמאין נפלה סאה תרומה טהורה לתוך אחת מהן אומרין לתוך של תרומה נפלה והחולין יאכלו בטהרה כתרומה:
18-19
When a se'ah of impure terumah falls into one of the above mentioned containers, we say that it fell into the terumah. The ordinary produce should, however, be eaten as roasted kernels or made into dough with fruit juice.
יח
נפלה סאה תרומה טמאה לתוך אחת מהן אומרין לתוך של תרומה נפלה והחולין יאכלו קליות בטהרה כתרומה גדולה:
יט
סאה תרומה טמאה שנפלה לתוך אחת מהן אומרין לתוך של תרומה נפלה והחולין יאכלו קליות או ילושו במי פירות:
20
When there are two containers, one containing impure terumah and the other ordinary produce that is pure, and a se'ah of pure terumah falls into one of them, we assume that it fell into the terumah, but the ordinary produce should be eaten as roasted kernels.
כ
שתי קופות אחת של תרומה טמאה ואחת של חולין טהורין ונפלה סאה של תרומה טהורה לתוך אחת מהן אומרין לתוך של תרומה נפלה והחולין יאכלו קליות:
21
If a se'ah of impure terumah fell into one of these containers, both of them are forbidden. [The rationale is that when] there is a doubt [whether produce is] impure terumah, it is forbidden to be eaten, while when there is a doubt whether it is miduma, it is permitted. For the prohibition against partaking of impure terumah is Scriptural in origin, while the prohibition against partaking of a mixture that is miduma is Rabbinic in origin based on the principles explained in Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot.
כא
נפלה סאה של תרומה טמאה לתוך אחת מהן שתיהן אסורות שספק תרומה טמאת אסור וספק המדומע מותר מפני שאיסור תרומה טמאה מן התורה ואיסור המדומע מדבריהן על העיקרים שביארנו בהלכות איסורי מאכלות:
• 3 Chapters A Day: Shevitat Asor Shevitat Asor - Chapter One, Shevitat Asor Shevitat Asor - Chapter Two, Shevitat Asor Shevitat Asor - Chapter Three
Rambam - 3 Chapters a Day
Shevitat Asor - Chapter One, Shevitat Asor - Chapter Two, Shevitat Asor - Chapter Three
Shevitat Asor - Chapter One
Introduction to Hilchos Shevitat Asor
They contain four mitzvot: two positive commandments and two negative commandments. They are:
1) To rest on this day;
2) Not to perform work on it;
3) To fast on this day;
4) Not to eat or drink on it.
These mitzvot are explained in the chapters [that follow].
הלכות שביתת עשור - הקדמה
יש בכללן ארבע מצות. שתי מצות עשה. ושתי מצות לא תעשה. וזהו פרטן:
א) לשבות בו ממלאכה.
ב) שלא לעשות בו מלאכה.
ג) להתענות בו.
ד) שלא לאכול ולשתות בו:
וביאור כל המצות האלו בפרקים אלו:
1
It is a positive commandment to refrain from all work on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, as [Leviticus 16:31] states: "It shall be a Sabbath of Sabbathsfor you." Anyone who performs a [forbidden] labor negates the observance of [this] positive commandment and violates a negative commandment, as [Numbers 29:7] states, "You shall not perform any labor."
What liability does a person incur for performing a [forbidden] labor on this day? If he performs [the forbidden labor] willfully, as a conscious act of defiance, he is liable for karet.If he performs [the forbidden labor] inadvertently, he is liable to bring a sin offering whose nature is fixed.
א
מצות עשה לשבות ממלאכה בעשור לחדש השביעי שנאמר שבת שבתון הוא לכם. וכל העושה בו מלאכה בטל מצות עשה ועבר על לא תעשה שנאמר ובעשור וגו' כל מלאכה לא תעשו. ומה הוא חייב על עשיית מלאכה ביום זה. אם עשה ברצונו בזדון חייב כרת. ואם עשה בשגגה חייב קרבן חטאת קבועה:
2
All the [forbidden] labors for which one is liable to be executed by stoning for performing on the Sabbath cause one to be liable for karet if performed on the tenth [of Tishrei]. Any activity that incurs the obligation of a sin offering on the Sabbath incurs the obligation of a sin offering on Yom Kippur.
Any activity that is forbidden to be performed on the Sabbath- although it is not a forbidden labor - is forbidden to be performed on Yom Kippur. If one performs such an act, one is punished by stripes for rebellion, as one is punished [for performing the same act] on the Sabbath.
Whatever is forbidden to be carried on the Sabbath is forbidden to be carried on Yom Kippur. Whatever is forbidden to be said or done at the outset on the Sabbath is likewise forbidden on Yom Kippur. The general principle is that there is no difference between the Sabbath and Yom Kippur in this regard, except that a person who willfully performs a forbidden labor on the Sabbath is liable for execution by being stoned to death, and on Yom Kippur [such an act warrants merely] karet.
ב
כל מלאכה שחייבין על זדונה בשבת סקילה חייבין על זדונה בעשור כרת. וכל שחייבין עליו קרבן חטאת בשבת חייבין עליו קרבן חטאת ביום הכפורים. וכל דבר שאסור לעשותו בשבת אע"פ שאינה מלאכה אסור לעשותו ביום הכפורים. ואם עשה מכין אותו מכת מרדות כדרך שמכין אותו על השבת. וכל שאסור לטלטלו בשבת אסור לטלטלו ביום הכפורים. וכל שאסור לאמרו או לעשותו לכתחלה בשבת כך אסור ביום הכפורים. כללו של דבר אין בין שבת ליום הכפורים בענינים אלו אלא שזדון מלאכה בשבת בסקילה וביום הכפורים בכרת.
3
It is permitted to trim a vegetable on the day of Yom Kippur from mid-afternoon onward. What is meant by trimming a vegetable? To remove the wilted leaves, and to cut the others to prepare them for consumption. Similarly, it is permitted to crack open nuts and to open pomegranates on Yom Kippur from mid-afternoon onward. [These leniencies were granted] so that one will not endure hardship.
When Yom Kippur falls on the Sabbath, it is forbidden to trim vegetables and open nuts and pomegranates the entire day. It has already become the universally accepted custom in Babylon and in North Africa not to perform these activities during the fast.Instead, [Yom Kippur is observed] as the Sabbath is with regard to all its particulars.
ג
ומותר לקנב את הירק ביום הכפורים מן המנחה ולמעלה. ומהו הקינוב שיסיר את העלים המעופשות ויקצץ השאר ויתקן אותו לאכילה. וכן מפצעין באגוזין ומפרכין ברמונים מן המנחה ולמעלה מפני עגמת נפש. ויום הכפורים שחל להיות בשבת אסור בקניבת ירק ובפציעת אגוזים ובפריכת רמונים כל היום. וכבר נהגו העם בשנער ובמערב שלא יעשו אחת מכל אלו ביום הצום אלא הרי הוא כשבת לכל דבריו:
4
There is another positive commandment on Yom Kippur, to refrain from eating and drinking, as [Leviticus 16:29] states: "You shall afflict your souls." According to the Oral Tradition, it has been taught: What is meant by afflicting one's soul? Fasting.
Whoever fasts on this day fulfills a positive commandment. Whoever eats or drinks on this day negates the observance of [this] positive commandment and violates a negative commandment, as [ibid. 23:29] states, "Any soul that does not afflict itself will be cut off." Since the Torah punishes a person who does not fast with karet, we can derive from this that we are forbidden to eat and drink on this day.
A person who eats or drinks inadvertently on this day is liable to bring a sin offering of a fixed nature.
ד
מצות עשה אחרת יש ביום הכפורים והיא לשבות בו מאכילה ושתיה שנאמר תענו את נפשותיכם. מפי השמועה למדו אי זה הוא ענוי שהוא לנפש זה הצום. וכל הצם בו קיים מצות עשה. וכל האוכל ושותה בו בטל מצות עשה ועבר על לא תעשה שנאמר כי כל הנפש אשר לא תעונה בעצם היום הזה ונכרתה. מאחר שענש הכתוב כרת למי שלא נתענה למדנו שמוזהרין אנו בו על אכילה ושתייה. וכל האוכל או השותה בו בשוגג חייב קרבן חטאת קבועה:
5
Similarly, according to the Oral Tradition, it has been taught that it is forbidden to wash, anoint oneself, wear shoes, or engage in sexual relations on this day. It is a mitzvah to refrain from these activities in the same way one refrains from eating and drinking.
This is derived from [the exegesis of the expression,] "A Sabbath of Sabbaths." "A Sabbath" implies refraining from eating; "of Sabbaths," refraining from these activities.
One is liable, however, for karet or a sin offering only for eating and drinking. If one washes, anoints oneself, wears shoes, or engages in sexual relations, one receives stripes for rebelliousness.
ה
וכן למדנו מפי השמועה שאסור לרחוץ בו או לסוך בו או לנעול את הסנדל או לבעול. ומצוה לשבות מכל אלו כדרך ששובת מאכילה ושתייה שנאמר שבת שבתון שבת לענין(אכילה) ושבתון לענינים אלו. ואין חייבין כרת או קרבן אלא על אכילה ושתייה. אבל אם רחץ או סך או נעל או בעל מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
6
Just as [the obligation to] refrain from work applies both during the day and at night, so too, [the obligation to] refrain from [these activities and thus to] afflict oneself applies both during the day and at night.
It is obligatory to add [time] from the mundane to the sacred at both the entrance and departure of the holiday, as [implied by ibid. 23:32]: "And you shall afflict your souls on the ninth of the month in the evening." [Since the date of the fast is the tenth,] the intent is [obviously] that one begin fasting and afflicting oneself in the afternoon of the ninth, which directly precedes the tenth.
Similarly, at the departure [of the holiday], one should prolong the affliction slightly, [entering] the night of the eleventh, which follows the tenth, as [implied by ibid.]: "From evening to evening, you shall keep this day of refraining."
ו
כשם ששבות מלאכה בו בין ביום ובין בלילה כך שבות לעינוי בין ביום בין בלילה. וצריך להוסיף מחול על הקדש בכניסתו וביציאתו שנאמר ועניתם את נפשותיכם בתשעה לחדש בערב. כלומר התחיל לצום ולהתענות מערב תשעה הסמוך לעשירי. וכן ביציאה שוהה בעינויו מעט מליל אחד עשר סמוך לעשירי שנאמר מערב ועד ערב תשבתו שבתכם:
7
When women eat and drink until nightfall, without knowing that we are obligated to add [time] from the weekday to the holiday, they should not be rebuked, lest they perform [the transgression] willfully. It is impossible for there to be a policeman in every person's house to warn his wives. Thus, it is preferable to let [the situation] remain [as it is], so that they will transgress unintentionally, instead of intentionally. The same [principle] applies in other similar instances.
ז
נשים שאוכלות ושותות עד שחשכה והן אינן יודעות שמצוה להוסיף מחול על הקדש אין ממחין בידן שלא יבואו לעשות בזדון. שהרי אי אפשר שיהיה שוטר בבית כל אחד ואחד להזהיר נשיו. והנח להן שיהו שוגגין ואל יהיו מזידין. וכן כל הדומה לזה
Shevitat Asor - Chapter Two
1
On Yom Kippur, a person is liable for eating [an amount of] food that is fit for humans to eat and is equivalent to the size of a large ripe date - i.e., slightly less than the size of an egg. All foods [that one eats] are combined to produce this measure.
Similarly, one who drinks a cheekful of liquid fit to be drunk by humans is liable. The size of a cheekful is [not a standard measure,] but rather dependent on the size of the cheek of every individual.
What is meant by a cheekful? Enough [liquid] for a person to swish to one side of his mouth and for his cheek to appear full. For an ordinary person, this measure is less than a revi'it.
All liquids [that one drinks] are combined to produce this measure. Foods and liquids are not combined in a single measure.
א
האוכל ביום הכפורים מאכלין הראויין לאכול לאדם ככותבת הגסה שהיא פחות מכביצה כמעט הרי זה חייב. וכל האוכלים מצטרפין לשיעור זה. וכן השותה משקין הראויין לשתיית אדם כמלוא לוגמיו של שותה כל אחד ואחד לפי לוגמיו חייב. וכמה מלוא לוגמיו כדי שיסלקם לצד אחד ויראה מלא לוגמיו. ושיעור זה באדם בינוני פחות מרביעית וכל המשקין מצטרפין לשיעור זה והאכילה ושתייה אין מצטרפין לשיעור אחד:
2
One is liable for karet for eating on Yom Kippur if one eats food that is fit for human consumption, regardless of whether it is permitted or forbidden. [This includes] piggul, notar, tevel, the flesh of an animal that died without ritual slaughter, the flesh of an animal that is trefah, fat, or blood.
ב
אחד האוכל אוכלים המותרים או שאכל דברים האסורין כגון פיגול ונותר וטבל ונבלות וטריפות וחלב או דם הואיל ואכל אוכלים הראויין לאדם הרי זה חייב כרת משום אוכל ביום הכפורים:
3
If a person eats or drinks less than the above-mentioned measures, he is not liable for karet. Although the Torah forbids partaking of less than the measure [for which punishment is given], one is not liable for karet unless [one partakes of] that measure.
A person who eats or drinks less than the minimal measure is given "stripes for rebellion."
ג
אכל או שתה פחות משיעור זה אינו חייב כרת אע"פ שהוא אסור מן התורה בחצי שיעור אין חייבין כרת אלא על כשיעור. והאוכל או השותה חצי שיעור מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
4
[The following rules apply when] a person eats a small amount, [pauses,] and eats again: If the time from when he begins eating until he concludes eating is less than the time it takes to eat an amount of bread and relish equal in size to three eggs, [the food that he eats] is included in the same measure. If not, it is not included in the same measure.
[Similar rules apply when] a person drinks, [pauses,] and drinks again: If the time from when he begins drinking until he concludes drinking is less than the time it takes to drink a revi'it, [the liquid that he drinks] is included in the same measure. If not, it is not included in the same measure.
ד
אכל מעט וחזר ואכל אם יש מתחלת אכילה ראשונה עד סוף אכילה אחרונה כדי אכילת שלש ביצים הרי אלו מצטרפות לכשיעור ואם לאו אין מצטרפות לכשיעור. שתה מעט וחזר ושתה אם יש מתחלת שתייה ראשונה עד סוף שתייה אחרונה כדי שתיית רביעית מצטרפין לשיעור ואם לאו אין מצטרפין:
5
When a person eats foods that are not fit for human consumption - e.g., bitter herbs or foul-tasting syrups - or drinks liquids that are not fit to to be drunk - e.g., fish brine, pickle brine or undiluted vinegar - he is not liable for karet even if he eats or drinks a substantial amount. He should, however, be given "stripes for rebellion."
ה
אכל אוכלים שאין ראויין למאכל אדם כגון עשבים המרים או שרפים הבאושין או ששתה משקין שאינן ראויין לשתייה כגון ציר או מורייס וחומץ חי אפילו אכל ושתה מהן הרבה הרי זה פטור מן הכרת אבל מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
6
A person who drinks vinegar mixed with water is liable. One who chews dried pepper, dried ginger, or the like is not liable. [If, however, one chews] fresh ginger, one is liable.
A person who eats the leaves of the vine is not liable, but one who eats the buds of the vine is liable. What is meant by the buds of the vine? The buds that have sprouted in Eretz Yisrael from Rosh HaShanah until Yom Kippur. If they sprouted earlier, they are considered as wood, and the person is not liable. The same rules apply in all analogous situations.
ו
שתה חומץ מזוג במים חייב. הכוסס פלפלין וזנגביל יבש וכיוצא בהן פטור. אבל זנגביל רטוב חייב. אכל עלי גפנים פטור. לולבי גפנים חייב. ואלו הן לולבי גפנים כל שלבלבו בארץ ישראל מראש השנה ועד יום הכפורים. יתר על זה הרי הן כעצים ופטור וכן כל כיוצא באלו:
7
When a person eats roast meat that has been salted, the salt is included in the mass of the meat. Similarly, brine on a vegetable is included, because condiments that make food fit to be eaten and are mixed together with the food are considered to be part of the food.
If a person was already sated [because he] had overeaten to the extent that he was jaded by food, and then ate more, he is not liable. It is comparable to a person who eats food that is not fit for consumption. Although this additional amount is fit to be eaten by a person who is hungry, it is not fit for a person who is sated to this extent.
ז
אכל צלי במלח מצטרף המלח לבשר. ציר שעל גבי ירק מצטרף. מפני שמכשירי האוכל המעורבים עם האוכל כאוכל הן חשובים. היה שבע מאכילה גסה שאכל עד שקץ במזונו ואכל יתר על שובעו פטור כמי שאכל אוכלין שאינם ראויין לאכילה. שאף על פי שזה המאכל היתר ראוי לרעב אינו ראוי לכל מי ששבע כזה:
8
When a person who is dangerously ill asks to eat on Yom Kippur, he should be fed because of his request until he says, "It is enough," even though expert physicians say that it is unnecessary.
When the sick person says that it is unnecessary for him to eat, and a physician says that it is necessary, he should be fed according to [the physician's] instructions, provided the physician is an expert.
When one physician says that it is necessary [for a sick person to eat], and another physician says that it is unnecessary, the person should be fed. If several physicians say that it is necessary [for a sick person to eat], and other physicians say that it is unnecessary, [the ruling] follows the majority, or those with the most expertise. [This applies] provided the sick person does not himself say that it is necessary [for him to eat]. If, however, he makes such a statement, he should be fed.
If the sick person does not say that he must [eat], the physicians were divided on the issue, they were all experts, and an equal number took each side, he should be fed.
ח
חולה שיש בו סכנה ששאל לאכול ביום הכפורים אע"פ שהרופאים הבקיאין אומרין אינו צריך מאכילין אותו על פי עצמו עד שיאמר דיי. אמר החולה איני צריך והרופא אומר צריך מאכילין אותו על פיו. והוא שיהיה רופא בקי. רופא אחד אומר צריך ואחד אומר אינו צריך מאכילין אותו. מקצת הרופאין אומרין צריך ומקצתן אומרין אינו צריך הולכין אחר הרוב או אחר הבקיאין. ובלבד שלא יאמר החולה צריך אני. אבל אם אמר צריך אני מאכילין אותו. לא אמר החולה שהוא צריך ונחלקו הרופאים והיו כלם בקיאין ואלו שאמרו אינו צריך כמנין שאמרו צריך מאכילין אותו:
9
When a pregnant woman smells food, [and is overcome by desire for it,] we should whisper in her ear that today is Yom Kippur.If this reminder is sufficient to calm her senses, it is desirable; if not, she should be fed until her desire ceases.
Similarly, if a person is overcome by ravenous hunger, he should be fed until he sees clearly. He should be fed immediately, even if it necessitates giving him non-kosher meat or [meat from a] loathsome species. We do not require that he wait until permitted food becomes available.
ט
עוברה שהריחה לוחשין לה באזנה שיום הכפורים הוא. אם נתקררה דעתה בזכרון זה מוטב ואם לאו מאכילין אותה עד שתתישב נפשה. וכן מי שאחזו בולמוס מאכילין אותו עד שיאורו עיניו. ואפילו נבלות ושקצים מאכילין אותו מיד ואין משהין אותו עד שימצאו דברים המותרין:
10
[From the time] a child is nine or ten years old [onward], he should be trained [to fast] for several hours. What is implied? If he is used to eating two hours after daybreak, he should be fed in the third hour. If he is used [to eating] after three hours, he should be fed in the fourth. According to the child's stamina, we should add hours to his anguish.
When a child is eleven years old, whether male or female, it is a Rabbinic ordinance that he complete his fast so that he be trained in [the observance of] the mitzvot.
י
קטן בן תשע שנים ובן עשר שנים מחנכין אותו לשעות. כיצד היה רגיל לאכול בשתי שעות ביום מאכילין אותו בשלש. היה רגיל בשלש מאכילין אותו בארבע. לפי כח הבן מוסיפין לענות אותו בשעות. בן אחת עשרה שנה בין זכר בין נקבה מתענה ומשלים מדברי סופרים כדי לחנכו במצות:
11
A female who is twelve years old and one day and a male who is thirteen years old and one day, who manifest [signs of physical maturity - i.e.,] two [pubic] hairs, are considered to be adults with regard to [the observance of] all the mitzvot, and are obligated to complete their fast according to the Torah. If, however, they did not manifest [signs of physical maturity], they are still considered to be minors, and are obligated to complete their fast only by virtue of Rabbinic decree.
A child who is less than nine years old should not be afflicted at all on Yom Kippur, lest this lead to danger.
יא
בת שתים עשרה שנה ויום אחד ובן שלש עשרה שנה ויום אחד שהביאו שתי שערות הרי הן כגדולים לכל המצות ומשלימין מן התורה. אבל אם לא הביאו שתי שערות עדיין קטנים הן ואינם משלימין אלא מדברי סופרים. קטן שהוא פחות מבן תשע אין מענין אותו ביום הכפורים כדי שלא יבא לידי סכנה
Shevitat Asor - Chapter Three
1
It is forbidden to wash on Yom Kippur,whether using hot or cold water. One may not wash one's entire body [at one time], nor any individual limb. It is even forbidden to immerse one's small finger in water.
A king and a bride may wash their faces: a bride so that she will not appear unattractive to her husband, and a king so that he will appear splendorous, as [Isaiah 33:17] states: "Your eyes shall behold the king in his splendor." Until when is a wife considered to be a "bride"? For thirty days.
א
אסור לרחוץ ביום הכפורים בין בחמין בין בצונן. בין כל גופו בין אבר אחד אפילו אצבע קטנה אסור להושיטה במים. והמלך והכלה רוחצין את פניהן, כלה כדי שלא תתגנה על בעלה. והמלך כדי שיראה ביופיו שנאמר מלך ביפיו תחזינה עיניך. ועד כמה נקראת כלה עד שלשים יום:
2
When a person is soiled with filth or mud, he may wash off the dirt in an ordinary manner without reservation.[Similarly,] a woman may wash one hand in water and give a piece of bread to a child.
A person who is ill may wash in an ordinary manner even though he is not dangerously ill. Similarly, all those who are obligated to immerse themselves [for the sake of ritual purity] should immerse themselves in an ordinary manner. This applies both on Tish'ah B'Av and on Yom Kippur.
ב
מי שהיה מלוכלך בצואה או טיט רוחץ מקום הטנופת כדרכו ואינו חושש. ומדיחה אשה ידה אחת במים ונותנת פת לתינוק. והחולה רוחץ כדרכו אע"פ שאינו מסוכן. וכל חייבי טבילות טובלין כדרכן בין בתשעה באב בין ביוה"כ:
3
[The following rules apply] in the present age when a man has a seminal emission on Yom Kippur: If it is still moist, he should wipe it off with a cloth; this is sufficient. If it is dry, or he has become soiled, he may wash the soiled portions of his body and pray. It is, however, forbidden for him wash his entire body or to immerse himself.
For a person who immerses himself in the present age is not ritually pure - [he is impure regardless - ] because of ritual impurity contracted from a human corpse. The practice of washing after a nocturnal emission before prayer in the present age is only a custom. And a custom may not nullify a prohibition; it may only prohibit that which is permitted.
The statement that a person who had a seminal emission on Yom Kippur should immerse himself was applicable only [in the era] when it was required to immerse oneself after a seminal emission and, as explained, this ordinance has already been nullified.
ג
מי שראה קרי בזמן הזה ביוה"כ. אם לח הוא מקנח במפה ודיו. ואם יבש הוא או שנתלכלך רוחץ מקומות המלוכלכין בלבד ומתפלל. ואסור לו לרחוץ כל גופו או לטבול. שאין הטובל בזמן הזה טהור מפני טומאת מת ואין הרחיצה מקרי לתפלה בזמן הזה אלא מנהג ואין מנהג לבטל דבר האסור אלא לאסור את המותר. ולא אמרו שהרואה קרי ביוה"כ טובל אלא כשתקנו טבילה לבעלי קריין וכבר בארנו שבטלה תקנה זו:
4
It is forbidden to sit on mud that is moist enough that if a person places his hand on it, sufficient moisture will rise up with it so that if he joins this hand to his other hand, the other hand will also become moist.
A person should not fill an earthenware container with water and use it to cool himself, for the water permeates through its walls. It is even forbidden to use a metal container [for this purpose], lest water sprinkle on his flesh. It is permitted to cool off [by holding] fruit [against one's flesh].
ד
טיט שהוא לח ביותר כדי שיניח אדם ידו עליו ותעלה בה לחלוחית שאם הדביק אותה לידו האחרת תדבק בה לחלוחית אסור לישב עליו. לא ימלא אדם כלי חרש מים ויצטנן בו שהמים נזחלים מדפניו. אפילו כלי מתכות אסור שמא ינתזו מים על בשרו. ומותר להצטנן בפירות:
5
On the day preceding Yom Kippur, a person may take a handkerchief and soak it in water, wring it out slightly, and place it under clothes [so that it will not be exposed to the heat of the sun]. On the following day, he may wipe his face with it without any reservation, despite the fact that it is very cold.
ה
לוקח אדם מטפחת מערב יוה"כ ושורה אותה במים ומנגבה מעט ומניחה תחת הבגדים ולמחר מעבירה על פניו ואינו חושש ואע"פ שיש בה קור הרבה:
6
A person who is going to greet his teacher, his father, or someone who surpasses him in knowledge, and similarly, a person who is going to study in the House of Study, may pass through water that is neck-high without any reservation.
[Moreover, after] he performs the mitzvah that he intended to perform, he may return to his home via the water. For if we did not allow him to return, he would not go, [and with this restriction, we would] thwart [his observance of] the mitzvah.
Similarly, a person who goes to guard his produce may pass through water that is neck-high without any reservation. These leniencies are granted], provided one does not extend his hands out from under the fringes of the garments, as one would do during the week.
ו
ההולך להקביל פני רבו או פני אביו או מי שהוא גדול ממנו בחכמה או לקרות בבית המדרש עובר במים עד צוארו ואינו חושש ועושה מצוה שהלך לעשותה וחוזר במים למקומו. שאם לא תתיר לו לחזור אינו הולך ונמצא נכשל מן המצוה. וכן ההולך לשמור פירותיו עובר במים עד צוארו ואינו חושש ובלבד שלא יוציאו ידיהם מתחת שולי מעיליהם כדרך שעושין בחול:
7
It is forbidden to wear a [leather] shoe or a sandal, even on one foot. It is, however, permitted to wear a sandal made of reeds, rushes,or the like. Similarly, a person may wind cloth over his feet or the like, for his feet remain sensitive to the hardness of the ground and he feels as if he is barefoot.
Although children are allowed to eat, drink, wash, and anoint themselves, they should be prevented [from wearing] shoes and sandals.
ז
אסור לנעול מנעל וסנדל אפילו ברגלו אחת. ומותר לצאת בסנדל של שעם ושל גמי וכיוצא בהן. וכורך אדם בגד על רגליו ויוצא בו שהרי קושי הארץ מגיע לרגליו ומרגיש שהוא יחף. התינוקות אע"פ שהן מותרין באכילה ובשתייה ורחיצה וסיכה מונעין אותן ממנעל וסנדל:
8
All people are allowed to wear sandals [to protect themselves] from being bitten by scorpions and the like.
A woman who has just given birth may wear sandals for thirty days, lest she be chilled. The same law applies to other people who are sick, even if their illness is not dangerous.
ח
מותר לכל אדם לנעול את הסנדל מחמת עקרב וכיוצא בה כדי שלא תשכנו. והחיה מותרת לנעול את הסנדל משום צנה כל שלשים יום. והחולה כיוצא בה אע"פ שאין שם סכנה:
9
[Just as it is forbidden to anoint] one's entire body, so too, is it forbidden to anoint a portion of one's body. [This restriction applies] both to anointment that brings one pleasure and to anointment that does not bring one pleasure.
When a person is sick, however, or if he has sores on his scalp, he may anoint himself in an ordinary manner without any reservation.
ט
אסור לסוך מקצת גופו ככל גופו בין סיכה של תענוג בין סיכה שאינה של תענוג. ואם היה חולה אף על פי שאין בו סכנה או שיש לו חטטין בראשו סך כדרכו ואינו חושש:
10
There are communities where it is customary to light a candle on Yom Kippur, so that one will be modest with regard to one's wife and thus not be prompted to engage in sexual relations. There are, by contrast, other communities where it is customary not to light a candle, lest one see one's wife, be attracted to her, and be prompted to engage in sexual relations.
If Yom Kippur falls on the Sabbath, it is an obligation to light [a candle incumbent on the members] of all communities. For lighting a candle on the Sabbath is an obligation.
Blessed be God who grants assistance.
י
יש מקומות שנהגו להדליק את הנר בלילי יום הכפורים כדי שיהיה לו בושת פנים מאשתו ולא יבוא לידי תשמיש המטה. ויש מקומות שנהגו שלא להדליק שמא יראה אשתו ותשא חן בעיניו ויבא לידי תשמיש. ואם חל יום הכפורים להיות בשבת חייבין הכל להדליק בכל מקום שהדלקת נר בשבת חובה
Hayom Yom:
• English Text | Video Class
| Tuesday | Cheshvan 11 | 5704 |
| Torah lessons: | Chumash: Vayeira, Shlishi with Rashi. |
| Tehillim: 60-65. |
| Tanya: XXVII. My beloved (p. 563) ...his paths forevermore. (p. 565). |
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(At this point there appears in the Hebrew text emendations of Torah Or on this week's sedra, meaningful only in Hebrew. Translator).
The maamar Patach Eliyahu has glosses by my father that he began writing in the winter of 5652 (1891-2).
Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory.
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