Daily Quote:
"And these are the laws which you shall set before them..." (Exodus 21:1). The phrase "and these" implies that they are a continuation of what is written before. This is to teach us that just as the laws written above (the Ten Commandment) are from Sinai, so, too, are these (the logical laws of Mishpatim) from Sinai.[Rashi's commentary]
Today's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Bereishit, 6th Portion Genesis 4:23-5:24 with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 4
23Now Lemech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, hearken to my voice; wives of Lemech, incline your ears to my words, for I have slain a man by wounding (him) and a child by bruising (him). כגוַיֹּ֨אמֶר לֶ֜מֶךְ לְנָשָׁ֗יו עָדָ֤ה וְצִלָּה֙ שְׁמַ֣עַן קוֹלִ֔י נְשֵׁ֣י לֶ֔מֶךְ הַֽאֲזֵ֖נָּה אִמְרָתִ֑י כִּ֣י אִ֤ישׁ הָרַ֨גְתִּי֙ לְפִצְעִ֔י וְיֶ֖לֶד לְחַבֻּֽרָתִֽי:
hearken to my voice: For his wives separated from being intimate with him because he had slain Cain and Tubal-cain, his (Lemech’s) son. [The story was] that Lemech was blind, and Tubal-cain was leading him. He spotted Cain, who appeared to him as an animal, and he told his father to draw the bow, and he killed him. As soon as he learned that it was his grandfather Cain, he clapped his hands together [in anguish] and clapped his son between them and killed him. So his wives separated from him, and he attempted to appease them. שמען קולי: שהיו פורשות ממנו מתשמיש לפי שהרג את קין ואת תובל קין בנו, שהיה למך סומא ותובל קין מושכו, וראה את קין ונדמה לו כחיה ואמר לאביו למשוך בקשת, והרגו. וכיון שידע שהוא קין זקנו, הכה כף אל כף וספק את בנו ביניהם והרגו, והיו נשיו פורשות ממנו והוא מפייסן:
hearken to my voice: to hearken to me to agree to live with me, for was the man I killed, killed because of my wounding? Did I wound him intentionally, that the wound should be attributed to my name? And the child I killed, was he killed by my bruising, i.e., on account of my [intentional] bruising? This is a question. Did I not do it inadvertently and not intentionally? This is not my wound, and this is not my bruise. פֶּצַע is a wound inflicted by a sword or an arrow, machadure in Old French. שמען קולי: להשמע לי (לתשמיש), וכי איש אשר הרגתיו לפצעי הוא נהרג, וכי אני פצעתיו מזיד שיהא הפצע קרוי על שמי, וילד אשר הרגתי לחבורתי נהרג, כלומר על ידי חבורתי, בתמיה, והלא שוגג אני ולא מזיד, לא זהו פצעי ולא זהו חבורתי. פצע, מכת חרב או חץ נברידור"א בלע"ז [פצע]:
24If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, then for Lemech it shall be seventy seven fold." כדכִּ֥י שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקַּם־קָ֑יִן וְלֶ֖מֶךְ שִׁבְעִ֥ים וְשִׁבְעָֽה:
If Cain be avenged sevenfold: Cain, who killed intentionally, was given an extension until seven generations. How much more should I, who have killed unintentionally, be given many times seven. כי שבעתים יוקם קין: קין שהרג מזיד נתלה לו עד שבעה דורות, אני שהרגתי שוגג לא כל שכן שיתלה לי שביעיות הרבה:
seventy-seven fold: Heb. שִׁבְעִים וְשִׁבְעָה An expression meaning many sevens is used here. So did Rabbi Tanchuma explain it. [This does not appear in extant editions of Tanchuma, but in Yalkut Shim’oni it is quoted from Tanchuma]. In Midrash Genesis Rabbah (23:4): Lemech did not kill anyone, but his wives separated from him after they had fulfilled [the commandment of] propagation, because a decree had been issued to destroy Cain’s seed after seven generations. They said, “Why should we give birth in vain? Tomorrow, the Flood will come and inundate everything!” He answered them, “Have I slain a man for whom I should be wounded? Did I slay Abel, who was a man in stature and a child in years, that my seed should be annihilated for that iniquity? If Cain, who killed, was given an extension of seven generations, I, who did not slay- how much more so should I be given an extension of many sevens!” Now this is an absurd deduction from a minor to a major case, [because] if so, the Holy One, blessed be He, could not exact His debt nor fulfill His word. שבעים ושבעה: לשון רבוי שביעיות אחז לו. כך דרש רבי תנחומא (אות יא). ומדרש בראשית רבה (כג ד) לא הרג למך כלום ונשיו פורשות ממנו משקיימו פריה ורביה, לפי שנגזרה גזרה לכלות זרעו של קין לאחר שבעה דורות, אמרו מה אנו יולדות לבהלה, למחר המבול בא ושוטף את הכל. והוא אומר להן וכי איש הרגתי לפצעי, וכי אני הרגתי את הבל שהיה איש בקומה וילד בשנים, שיהא זרעי כלה באותו עון, ומה קין שהרג נתלה לו שבעה דורות, אני שלא הרגתי לא כל שכן שיתלו לי שביעיות הרבה. וזהו קל וחומר של שטות, אם כן אין הקב"ה גובה את חובו ומקיים את דברו:
25And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son, and she named him Seth, for God has given me other seed, instead of Abel, for Cain slew him. כהוַיֵּ֨דַע אָדָ֥ם עוֹד֙ אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁ֑ת כִּ֣י שָׁת־לִ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ זֶ֣רַע אַחֵ֔ר תַּ֣חַת הֶ֔בֶל כִּ֥י הֲרָג֖וֹ קָֽיִן:
And Adam knew, etc.: Lemech came to the first man (Adam) and complained about his wives. He (Adam) said to them, “Is it for you to be so strict concerning the decree of the Omnipresent? You perform your commandments, and He will do His.” They [the wives] said to him, “Correct yourself first. Haven’t you separated from your wife already 130 years since death was decreed because of you?” Immediately,“And Adam knew, etc.” What is the meaning of עוֹד [again]? This is to say that his desire [for Eve] was increased above his previous desire [Genesis Rabbah 23:4: 5]. See also Eruvin 18b. וידע אדם וגו': בא לו למך אצל אדם הראשון וקבל על נשיו, אמר להן וכי עליכם לדקדק על גזירתו של מקום, אתם עשו מצותכם והוא יעשה את שלו. אמרו לו קשוט עצמך תחלה, והלא פרשת מאשתך זה מאה ושלשים שנה משנקנסה מיתה על ידך, מיד וידע אדם עוד וגו'. מהו עוד, ללמדך שנתוספה לו תאוה על תאותו:
26And to Seth also to him a son was born, and he named him Enosh; then it became common to call by the name of the Lord. כווּלְשֵׁ֤ת גַּם־הוּא֙ יֻלַּד־בֵּ֔ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ אֱנ֑וֹשׁ אָ֣ז הוּחַ֔ל לִקְרֹ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָֽה:
then it became common: Heb. הוּחַל, is an expression of חוּלִין profaneness: to name people and idols with the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, to make them idols and to call them deities. — [from Gen. Rabbah 23:7; Baraitha of 49 Methods, quoted in Yalkut Shimoni] אז הוחל: (לשון חולין) לקרא את שמות האדם ואת שמות העצבים בשמו של הקב"ה לעשותן עבודה זרה ולקרותן אלהות:
Genesis Chapter 5
1This is the narrative of the generations of man; on the day that God created man, in the likeness of God He created him. אזֶ֣ה סֵ֔פֶר תּֽוֹלְדֹ֖ת אָדָ֑ם בְּי֗וֹם בְּרֹ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אָדָ֔ם בִּדְמ֥וּת אֱלֹהִ֖ים עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתֽוֹ:
This is the narrative of the generations of man: Heb. סֵפֶר. This is the narrative of the generations of man, and there are many Aggadic midrashim. זה ספר תולדות אדם: זו היא ספירת תולדות אדם, ומדרשי אגדה יש רבים:
on the day that God created, etc.: This tells us that on the day that he was created, he begot children. — [from Gen. Rabbah 24:7] ביום ברא וגו': מגיד שביום שנברא הוליד:
2Male and female He created them, and He blessed them, and He named them man (Adam) on the day they were created. בזָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בְּרָאָ֑ם וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹתָ֗ם וַיִּקְרָ֤א אֶת־שְׁמָם֙ אָדָ֔ם בְּי֖וֹם הִבָּֽרְאָֽם:
3And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and he begot in his likeness after his image, and he named him Seth. גוַיְחִ֣י אָדָ֗ם שְׁלשִׁ֤ים וּמְאַת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בִּדְמוּת֖וֹ כְּצַלְמ֑וֹ וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵֽׁת:
one hundred and thirty years: Until then, he had separated from his wife. — [Tanchuma Buber, Bereishith 26]. שלשים ומאת שנה: עד כאן פירש מן האשה:
4And the days of Adam after he begot Seth were eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. דוַיִּֽהְי֣וּ יְמֵֽי־אָדָ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־שֵׁ֔ת שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
5And all the days of Adam that he lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died. הוַיִּֽהְי֞וּ כָּל־יְמֵ֤י אָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁר־חַ֔י תְּשַׁ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁלשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
6And Seth lived one hundred and five years, and he begot Enosh. ווַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־אֱנֽוֹשׁ:
7And Seth lived after he had begotten Enosh eight hundred and seven years, and he begot sons and daughters. זוַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֗ת אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־אֱנ֔וֹשׁ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
8And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died. חוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵי־שֵׁ֔ת שְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
9And Enosh lived ninety years, and he begot Kenan. טוַיְחִ֥י אֱנ֖וֹשׁ תִּשְׁעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־קֵינָֽן:
10And Enosh lived after he had begotten Kenan eight hundred and fifteen years, and he begot sons and daughters. יוַיְחִ֣י אֱנ֗וֹשׁ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־קֵינָ֔ן חֲמֵ֤שׁ עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
11And all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years, and he died. יאוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י אֱנ֔וֹשׁ חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
12And Kenan lived seventy years, and he begot Mahalalel. יבוַיְחִ֥י קֵינָ֖ן שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵֽל:
13And Kenan lived after he had begotten Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years, and he begot sons and daughters. יגוַיְחִ֣י קֵינָ֗ן אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
14And all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died. ידוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י קֵינָ֔ן עֶ֣שֶׂר שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
15And Mahalalel lived sixty five years, and he begot Jared. טווַיְחִ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וְשִׁשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־יָֽרֶד:
16And Mahalalel lived after he had begotten Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and he begot sons and daughters. טזוַיְחִ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֗ל אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־יֶ֔רֶד שְׁלשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
17And all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety five years, and he died. יזוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
18And Jared lived a hundred and sixty two years, and he begot Enoch. יחוַֽיְחִי־יֶ֕רֶד שְׁתַּ֧יִם וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־חֲנֽוֹךְ:
19And Jared lived after he had begotten Enoch eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. יטוַֽיְחִי־יֶ֗רֶד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־חֲנ֔וֹךְ שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
20And all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty two years, and he died. כוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵי־יֶ֔רֶד שְׁתַּ֤יִם וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
21And Enoch lived sixty five years, and he begot Methuselah. כאוַיְחִ֣י חֲנ֔וֹךְ חָמֵ֥שׁ וְשִׁשִּׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־מְתוּשָֽׁלַח:
22And Enoch walked with God after he had begotten Methuselah, three hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. כבוַיִּתְהַלֵּ֨ךְ חֲנ֜וֹךְ אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח שְׁל֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
23And all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty five years. כגוַיְהִ֖י כָּל־יְמֵ֣י חֲנ֑וֹךְ חָמֵ֤שׁ וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁל֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה:
24And Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer, for God had taken him. כדוַיִּתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ חֲנ֖וֹךְ אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים וְאֵינֶ֕נּוּ כִּֽי־לָקַ֥ח אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים:
And Enoch walked: He was a righteous man, but he could easily be swayed to return to do evil. Therefore, the Holy One, blessed be He, hastened and took him away and caused him to die before his time. For this reason, Scripture changed [the wording] in [the account of] his demise and wrote, “and he was no longer” in the world to complete his years. — [from Gen. Rabbah 25:1] ויתהלך חנוך: צדיק היה וקל בדעתו לשוב להרשיע, לפיכך מיהר הקב"ה וסילקו והמיתו קודם זמנו [וזהו ששינה הכתוב במיתתו לכתוב ואיננו בעולם למלאות שנותיו:
for God had taken him: Before his time, like (Ezek. 24:16):“behold I am taking from you the desire of your eyes.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 25:1] כי לקח אותו: לפני זמנו] כמו (יחזקאל כד טז) הנני לוקח ממך את מחמד עיניך:
Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapter 119, Verses 97-176
• Verses 97-176
97. O how I love Your Torah! All day it is my discussion.
98. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.
99. From all my teachers I have gained wisdom, for Your testimonies are my discussion.
100. I will be more perceptive than elders, because I have guarded Your precepts.
101. I have restrained my feet from every evil path, that I might keep Your word.
102. I have not turned away from Your judgments, for You have instructed me.
103. How sweet are Your words to my palate, [sweeter] than honey to my mouth!
104. From Your precepts I gain understanding, therefore I hate every path of falsehood.
105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106. I have sworn-and I will fulfill it-to keep Your righteous judgments.
107. I am afflicted to the extreme; grant me life, O Lord, according to Your promise.
108. Accept with favor, O Lord, the offerings of my lips, and teach me Your laws.
109. My soul is in danger always, yet I have not forgotten Your Torah.
110. The wicked laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111. I have taken Your testimonies as an eternal heritage, for they are the joy of my heart.
112. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, forever, to the last.
113. I despise vain thoughts, but I love Your Torah.
114. You are my refuge and my shield; I place hope in Your promise.
115. Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I will keep the commandments of my God.
116. Support me according to Your promise, and I will live; let me not be shamed because of my hope.
117. Sustain me, and I will be saved, and I will be engrossed in Your statutes always.
118. You trample all who stray from Your statutes, for their ploy is a lie.
119. You have purged all the wicked of the earth like dross, therefore I love Your testimonies.
120. My flesh bristles from fear of You, and I am in awe of Your judgments.
121. I practiced justice and righteousness; leave me not to my oppressors.
122. Guarantee Your servant goodness; let not the wicked exploit me.
123. My eyes long for Your salvation, and for the word of Your righteousness.
124. Treat Your servant according to Your kindness, and teach me Your statutes.
125. I am Your servant; grant me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.
126. It is time to act for the Lord; they have abrogated Your Torah.
127. Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even fine gold.
128. Therefore I affirmed all Your precepts; I have hated every path of falsehood.
129. Your testimonies are wondrous, therefore does my soul guard them.
130. Your opening words illuminate, enlightening the simple.
131. I opened my mouth and swallowed, because I craved Your commandments.
132. Turn to me and favor me, as is [Your] law for those who love Your Name.
133. Set my steps in Your word, and let no iniquity rule over me.
134. Deliver me from the oppression of man, and I will keep Your precepts.
135. Let Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
136. My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Your Torah.
137. Righteous are you, O Lord, and Your judgments are upright.
138. You commanded Your testimonies in righteousness and great faithfulness.
139. My zeal consumes me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140. Your word is very pure, and Your servant cherishes it.
141. I am young and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Torah is truth.
143. Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me, yet Your commandments are my delight.
144. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding, that I may live.
145. I call out with all my heart; answer me, O Lord; I will keep Your statutes.
146. I call out to You; save me, and I will observe Your testimonies.
147. I rose before dawn and cried out; my hope is in Your word.
148. My eyes preceded the night watches, that I may discuss Your word.
149. Hear my voice in keeping with Your kindness; O Lord, grant me life as is Your practice.
150. Those who pursue mischief draw near; they are far from Your Torah.
151. You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth.
152. From the beginning I discerned from Your testimonies that You had established them forever.
153. Behold my affliction and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your Torah.
154. Wage my battle and redeem me; grant me life for the sake of Your word.
155. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they seek not Your statutes.
156. Your mercies are great, O Lord; grant me life as is Your practice.
157. My pursuers and my enemies are many, yet I did not turn away from Your testimonies.
158. I saw traitors and I quarreled with them, because they do not keep Your words.
159. Behold how I love Your precepts; grant me life, O Lord, according to Your kindness.
160. The beginning of Your word is truth, and forever are all Your righteous judgements.
161. Princes have pursued me without cause, but it is Your word my heart fears.
162. I rejoice at Your word, like one who finds abundant spoil.
163. I hate falsehood and abhor it, but Your Torah I love.
164. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.
165. There is abundant peace for those who love Your Torah, and there is no stumbling for them.
166. I hoped for Your salvation, O Lord, and I performed Your commandments.
167. My soul has kept Your testimonies, and I love them intensely.
168. I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You
169. Let my prayer approach Your presence, O Lord; grant me understanding according to Your word.
170. Let my supplication come before You; save me according to Your promise.
171. My lips will utter praise, for You have taught me Your statutes.
172. My tongue will echo Your word, for all Your commandments are just.
173. Let Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.
174. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your Torah is my delight.
175. Let my soul live, and it will praise You, and let Your judgment help me.
176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 25
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Friday, 26 Tishrei, 5777 · 28 October 2016
• Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 25
• Genesis Chapter 4
23Now Lemech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, hearken to my voice; wives of Lemech, incline your ears to my words, for I have slain a man by wounding (him) and a child by bruising (him). כגוַיֹּ֨אמֶר לֶ֜מֶךְ לְנָשָׁ֗יו עָדָ֤ה וְצִלָּה֙ שְׁמַ֣עַן קוֹלִ֔י נְשֵׁ֣י לֶ֔מֶךְ הַֽאֲזֵ֖נָּה אִמְרָתִ֑י כִּ֣י אִ֤ישׁ הָרַ֨גְתִּי֙ לְפִצְעִ֔י וְיֶ֖לֶד לְחַבֻּֽרָתִֽי:
hearken to my voice: For his wives separated from being intimate with him because he had slain Cain and Tubal-cain, his (Lemech’s) son. [The story was] that Lemech was blind, and Tubal-cain was leading him. He spotted Cain, who appeared to him as an animal, and he told his father to draw the bow, and he killed him. As soon as he learned that it was his grandfather Cain, he clapped his hands together [in anguish] and clapped his son between them and killed him. So his wives separated from him, and he attempted to appease them. שמען קולי: שהיו פורשות ממנו מתשמיש לפי שהרג את קין ואת תובל קין בנו, שהיה למך סומא ותובל קין מושכו, וראה את קין ונדמה לו כחיה ואמר לאביו למשוך בקשת, והרגו. וכיון שידע שהוא קין זקנו, הכה כף אל כף וספק את בנו ביניהם והרגו, והיו נשיו פורשות ממנו והוא מפייסן:
hearken to my voice: to hearken to me to agree to live with me, for was the man I killed, killed because of my wounding? Did I wound him intentionally, that the wound should be attributed to my name? And the child I killed, was he killed by my bruising, i.e., on account of my [intentional] bruising? This is a question. Did I not do it inadvertently and not intentionally? This is not my wound, and this is not my bruise. פֶּצַע is a wound inflicted by a sword or an arrow, machadure in Old French. שמען קולי: להשמע לי (לתשמיש), וכי איש אשר הרגתיו לפצעי הוא נהרג, וכי אני פצעתיו מזיד שיהא הפצע קרוי על שמי, וילד אשר הרגתי לחבורתי נהרג, כלומר על ידי חבורתי, בתמיה, והלא שוגג אני ולא מזיד, לא זהו פצעי ולא זהו חבורתי. פצע, מכת חרב או חץ נברידור"א בלע"ז [פצע]:
24If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, then for Lemech it shall be seventy seven fold." כדכִּ֥י שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקַּם־קָ֑יִן וְלֶ֖מֶךְ שִׁבְעִ֥ים וְשִׁבְעָֽה:
If Cain be avenged sevenfold: Cain, who killed intentionally, was given an extension until seven generations. How much more should I, who have killed unintentionally, be given many times seven. כי שבעתים יוקם קין: קין שהרג מזיד נתלה לו עד שבעה דורות, אני שהרגתי שוגג לא כל שכן שיתלה לי שביעיות הרבה:
seventy-seven fold: Heb. שִׁבְעִים וְשִׁבְעָה An expression meaning many sevens is used here. So did Rabbi Tanchuma explain it. [This does not appear in extant editions of Tanchuma, but in Yalkut Shim’oni it is quoted from Tanchuma]. In Midrash Genesis Rabbah (23:4): Lemech did not kill anyone, but his wives separated from him after they had fulfilled [the commandment of] propagation, because a decree had been issued to destroy Cain’s seed after seven generations. They said, “Why should we give birth in vain? Tomorrow, the Flood will come and inundate everything!” He answered them, “Have I slain a man for whom I should be wounded? Did I slay Abel, who was a man in stature and a child in years, that my seed should be annihilated for that iniquity? If Cain, who killed, was given an extension of seven generations, I, who did not slay- how much more so should I be given an extension of many sevens!” Now this is an absurd deduction from a minor to a major case, [because] if so, the Holy One, blessed be He, could not exact His debt nor fulfill His word. שבעים ושבעה: לשון רבוי שביעיות אחז לו. כך דרש רבי תנחומא (אות יא). ומדרש בראשית רבה (כג ד) לא הרג למך כלום ונשיו פורשות ממנו משקיימו פריה ורביה, לפי שנגזרה גזרה לכלות זרעו של קין לאחר שבעה דורות, אמרו מה אנו יולדות לבהלה, למחר המבול בא ושוטף את הכל. והוא אומר להן וכי איש הרגתי לפצעי, וכי אני הרגתי את הבל שהיה איש בקומה וילד בשנים, שיהא זרעי כלה באותו עון, ומה קין שהרג נתלה לו שבעה דורות, אני שלא הרגתי לא כל שכן שיתלו לי שביעיות הרבה. וזהו קל וחומר של שטות, אם כן אין הקב"ה גובה את חובו ומקיים את דברו:
25And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son, and she named him Seth, for God has given me other seed, instead of Abel, for Cain slew him. כהוַיֵּ֨דַע אָדָ֥ם עוֹד֙ אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁ֑ת כִּ֣י שָׁת־לִ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ זֶ֣רַע אַחֵ֔ר תַּ֣חַת הֶ֔בֶל כִּ֥י הֲרָג֖וֹ קָֽיִן:
And Adam knew, etc.: Lemech came to the first man (Adam) and complained about his wives. He (Adam) said to them, “Is it for you to be so strict concerning the decree of the Omnipresent? You perform your commandments, and He will do His.” They [the wives] said to him, “Correct yourself first. Haven’t you separated from your wife already 130 years since death was decreed because of you?” Immediately,“And Adam knew, etc.” What is the meaning of עוֹד [again]? This is to say that his desire [for Eve] was increased above his previous desire [Genesis Rabbah 23:4: 5]. See also Eruvin 18b. וידע אדם וגו': בא לו למך אצל אדם הראשון וקבל על נשיו, אמר להן וכי עליכם לדקדק על גזירתו של מקום, אתם עשו מצותכם והוא יעשה את שלו. אמרו לו קשוט עצמך תחלה, והלא פרשת מאשתך זה מאה ושלשים שנה משנקנסה מיתה על ידך, מיד וידע אדם עוד וגו'. מהו עוד, ללמדך שנתוספה לו תאוה על תאותו:
26And to Seth also to him a son was born, and he named him Enosh; then it became common to call by the name of the Lord. כווּלְשֵׁ֤ת גַּם־הוּא֙ יֻלַּד־בֵּ֔ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ אֱנ֑וֹשׁ אָ֣ז הוּחַ֔ל לִקְרֹ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָֽה:
then it became common: Heb. הוּחַל, is an expression of חוּלִין profaneness: to name people and idols with the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, to make them idols and to call them deities. — [from Gen. Rabbah 23:7; Baraitha of 49 Methods, quoted in Yalkut Shimoni] אז הוחל: (לשון חולין) לקרא את שמות האדם ואת שמות העצבים בשמו של הקב"ה לעשותן עבודה זרה ולקרותן אלהות:
Genesis Chapter 5
1This is the narrative of the generations of man; on the day that God created man, in the likeness of God He created him. אזֶ֣ה סֵ֔פֶר תּֽוֹלְדֹ֖ת אָדָ֑ם בְּי֗וֹם בְּרֹ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אָדָ֔ם בִּדְמ֥וּת אֱלֹהִ֖ים עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתֽוֹ:
This is the narrative of the generations of man: Heb. סֵפֶר. This is the narrative of the generations of man, and there are many Aggadic midrashim. זה ספר תולדות אדם: זו היא ספירת תולדות אדם, ומדרשי אגדה יש רבים:
on the day that God created, etc.: This tells us that on the day that he was created, he begot children. — [from Gen. Rabbah 24:7] ביום ברא וגו': מגיד שביום שנברא הוליד:
2Male and female He created them, and He blessed them, and He named them man (Adam) on the day they were created. בזָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בְּרָאָ֑ם וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹתָ֗ם וַיִּקְרָ֤א אֶת־שְׁמָם֙ אָדָ֔ם בְּי֖וֹם הִבָּֽרְאָֽם:
3And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and he begot in his likeness after his image, and he named him Seth. גוַיְחִ֣י אָדָ֗ם שְׁלשִׁ֤ים וּמְאַת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בִּדְמוּת֖וֹ כְּצַלְמ֑וֹ וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵֽׁת:
one hundred and thirty years: Until then, he had separated from his wife. — [Tanchuma Buber, Bereishith 26]. שלשים ומאת שנה: עד כאן פירש מן האשה:
4And the days of Adam after he begot Seth were eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. דוַיִּֽהְי֣וּ יְמֵֽי־אָדָ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־שֵׁ֔ת שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
5And all the days of Adam that he lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died. הוַיִּֽהְי֞וּ כָּל־יְמֵ֤י אָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁר־חַ֔י תְּשַׁ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁלשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
6And Seth lived one hundred and five years, and he begot Enosh. ווַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־אֱנֽוֹשׁ:
7And Seth lived after he had begotten Enosh eight hundred and seven years, and he begot sons and daughters. זוַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֗ת אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־אֱנ֔וֹשׁ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
8And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died. חוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵי־שֵׁ֔ת שְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
9And Enosh lived ninety years, and he begot Kenan. טוַיְחִ֥י אֱנ֖וֹשׁ תִּשְׁעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־קֵינָֽן:
10And Enosh lived after he had begotten Kenan eight hundred and fifteen years, and he begot sons and daughters. יוַיְחִ֣י אֱנ֗וֹשׁ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־קֵינָ֔ן חֲמֵ֤שׁ עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
11And all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years, and he died. יאוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י אֱנ֔וֹשׁ חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
12And Kenan lived seventy years, and he begot Mahalalel. יבוַיְחִ֥י קֵינָ֖ן שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵֽל:
13And Kenan lived after he had begotten Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years, and he begot sons and daughters. יגוַיְחִ֣י קֵינָ֗ן אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
14And all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died. ידוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י קֵינָ֔ן עֶ֣שֶׂר שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
15And Mahalalel lived sixty five years, and he begot Jared. טווַיְחִ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וְשִׁשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־יָֽרֶד:
16And Mahalalel lived after he had begotten Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and he begot sons and daughters. טזוַיְחִ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֗ל אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־יֶ֔רֶד שְׁלשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
17And all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety five years, and he died. יזוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
18And Jared lived a hundred and sixty two years, and he begot Enoch. יחוַֽיְחִי־יֶ֕רֶד שְׁתַּ֧יִם וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־חֲנֽוֹךְ:
19And Jared lived after he had begotten Enoch eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. יטוַֽיְחִי־יֶ֗רֶד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־חֲנ֔וֹךְ שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
20And all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty two years, and he died. כוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵי־יֶ֔רֶד שְׁתַּ֤יִם וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת:
21And Enoch lived sixty five years, and he begot Methuselah. כאוַיְחִ֣י חֲנ֔וֹךְ חָמֵ֥שׁ וְשִׁשִּׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־מְתוּשָֽׁלַח:
22And Enoch walked with God after he had begotten Methuselah, three hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. כבוַיִּתְהַלֵּ֨ךְ חֲנ֜וֹךְ אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח שְׁל֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
23And all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty five years. כגוַיְהִ֖י כָּל־יְמֵ֣י חֲנ֑וֹךְ חָמֵ֤שׁ וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁל֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה:
24And Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer, for God had taken him. כדוַיִּתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ חֲנ֖וֹךְ אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים וְאֵינֶ֕נּוּ כִּֽי־לָקַ֥ח אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים:
And Enoch walked: He was a righteous man, but he could easily be swayed to return to do evil. Therefore, the Holy One, blessed be He, hastened and took him away and caused him to die before his time. For this reason, Scripture changed [the wording] in [the account of] his demise and wrote, “and he was no longer” in the world to complete his years. — [from Gen. Rabbah 25:1] ויתהלך חנוך: צדיק היה וקל בדעתו לשוב להרשיע, לפיכך מיהר הקב"ה וסילקו והמיתו קודם זמנו [וזהו ששינה הכתוב במיתתו לכתוב ואיננו בעולם למלאות שנותיו:
for God had taken him: Before his time, like (Ezek. 24:16):“behold I am taking from you the desire of your eyes.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 25:1] כי לקח אותו: לפני זמנו] כמו (יחזקאל כד טז) הנני לוקח ממך את מחמד עיניך:
Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapter 119, Verses 97-176
• Verses 97-176
97. O how I love Your Torah! All day it is my discussion.
98. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.
99. From all my teachers I have gained wisdom, for Your testimonies are my discussion.
100. I will be more perceptive than elders, because I have guarded Your precepts.
101. I have restrained my feet from every evil path, that I might keep Your word.
102. I have not turned away from Your judgments, for You have instructed me.
103. How sweet are Your words to my palate, [sweeter] than honey to my mouth!
104. From Your precepts I gain understanding, therefore I hate every path of falsehood.
105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106. I have sworn-and I will fulfill it-to keep Your righteous judgments.
107. I am afflicted to the extreme; grant me life, O Lord, according to Your promise.
108. Accept with favor, O Lord, the offerings of my lips, and teach me Your laws.
109. My soul is in danger always, yet I have not forgotten Your Torah.
110. The wicked laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111. I have taken Your testimonies as an eternal heritage, for they are the joy of my heart.
112. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, forever, to the last.
113. I despise vain thoughts, but I love Your Torah.
114. You are my refuge and my shield; I place hope in Your promise.
115. Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I will keep the commandments of my God.
116. Support me according to Your promise, and I will live; let me not be shamed because of my hope.
117. Sustain me, and I will be saved, and I will be engrossed in Your statutes always.
118. You trample all who stray from Your statutes, for their ploy is a lie.
119. You have purged all the wicked of the earth like dross, therefore I love Your testimonies.
120. My flesh bristles from fear of You, and I am in awe of Your judgments.
121. I practiced justice and righteousness; leave me not to my oppressors.
122. Guarantee Your servant goodness; let not the wicked exploit me.
123. My eyes long for Your salvation, and for the word of Your righteousness.
124. Treat Your servant according to Your kindness, and teach me Your statutes.
125. I am Your servant; grant me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.
126. It is time to act for the Lord; they have abrogated Your Torah.
127. Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even fine gold.
128. Therefore I affirmed all Your precepts; I have hated every path of falsehood.
129. Your testimonies are wondrous, therefore does my soul guard them.
130. Your opening words illuminate, enlightening the simple.
131. I opened my mouth and swallowed, because I craved Your commandments.
132. Turn to me and favor me, as is [Your] law for those who love Your Name.
133. Set my steps in Your word, and let no iniquity rule over me.
134. Deliver me from the oppression of man, and I will keep Your precepts.
135. Let Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
136. My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Your Torah.
137. Righteous are you, O Lord, and Your judgments are upright.
138. You commanded Your testimonies in righteousness and great faithfulness.
139. My zeal consumes me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140. Your word is very pure, and Your servant cherishes it.
141. I am young and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Torah is truth.
143. Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me, yet Your commandments are my delight.
144. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding, that I may live.
145. I call out with all my heart; answer me, O Lord; I will keep Your statutes.
146. I call out to You; save me, and I will observe Your testimonies.
147. I rose before dawn and cried out; my hope is in Your word.
148. My eyes preceded the night watches, that I may discuss Your word.
149. Hear my voice in keeping with Your kindness; O Lord, grant me life as is Your practice.
150. Those who pursue mischief draw near; they are far from Your Torah.
151. You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth.
152. From the beginning I discerned from Your testimonies that You had established them forever.
153. Behold my affliction and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your Torah.
154. Wage my battle and redeem me; grant me life for the sake of Your word.
155. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they seek not Your statutes.
156. Your mercies are great, O Lord; grant me life as is Your practice.
157. My pursuers and my enemies are many, yet I did not turn away from Your testimonies.
158. I saw traitors and I quarreled with them, because they do not keep Your words.
159. Behold how I love Your precepts; grant me life, O Lord, according to Your kindness.
160. The beginning of Your word is truth, and forever are all Your righteous judgements.
161. Princes have pursued me without cause, but it is Your word my heart fears.
162. I rejoice at Your word, like one who finds abundant spoil.
163. I hate falsehood and abhor it, but Your Torah I love.
164. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.
165. There is abundant peace for those who love Your Torah, and there is no stumbling for them.
166. I hoped for Your salvation, O Lord, and I performed Your commandments.
167. My soul has kept Your testimonies, and I love them intensely.
168. I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You
169. Let my prayer approach Your presence, O Lord; grant me understanding according to Your word.
170. Let my supplication come before You; save me according to Your promise.
171. My lips will utter praise, for You have taught me Your statutes.
172. My tongue will echo Your word, for all Your commandments are just.
173. Let Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.
174. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your Torah is my delight.
175. Let my soul live, and it will praise You, and let Your judgment help me.
176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 25
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Friday, 26 Tishrei, 5777 · 28 October 2016
• Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 25
• וזהו כי ה׳ אמר לו בעת ההיא ממש: קלל את דוד
• Rambam: Sefer Hamitzvos:
(1And that is the meaning of the statement, “For G‑d told him (at that very moment when Shimi was speaking these words), ‘Curse David!’
I.e., G‑d did so by providing Shimi at that time with life and the power of speech.
ומי יאמר לו וגו׳
And who shall say to him, [‘Why did you do so?’]”
In the Table of Glosses and Emendations (Luach He’arot VeTikkunim) which is appended to standard editions of the Tanya,the Rebbe notes that the words “to him” (לו) seem to be unnecessary, inasmuch as the above-quoted verse simply states, without this addition, “And who shall say, ‘Why did you do so?’”
It has been suggested that the Rebbe notes that these words merely “seem” superfluous, rather than stating outright that they are, because at this point the Alter Rebbe is actually referring to another verse:2 “For the word of a king rules, and who shall say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’”
However, rather than adopt this labored assumption, that the Alter Rebbe suddenly changes direction and interpolates one word from another verse, it appears more reasonable to say that the words “to Him” are not intended as a quotation. Rather, since some commentators hold that the conclusion of our verse (“And who shall say to him...”) refers to Shimi, the Alter Rebbe here makes it clear that it in fact speaks of G‑d. I.e., having first related that G‑d “told” Shimi what to do, the verse ends by asking, “Who can possibly say to Him, ‘Why did You do so?’”
וכנודע מה שאמר הבעל שם טוב ז״ל על פסוק: לעולם, ה׳, דברך נצב בשמים
The teaching of the Baal Shem Tov, of blessed memory, on the verse,3 “Forever, O G‑d, Your word stands firm in the heavens,” is well known:
As mentioned above in Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, ch. 1, the Baal Shem Tov expanded and disseminated the following concept that appears in Midrash Tehillim:
שצירוף אותיות שנבראו בהן השמים, שהוא מאמר יהי רקיע כו׳
The combinations of the letters with which the heavens were created, i.e., the creative utterance,4 “Let there be a firmament...,”
הן נצבות ועומדות מלובשות בשמים לעולם, להחיותם ולקיימם
stand and remain vested in the heavens forever, to animate and sustain them.
As the Alter Rebbe explained in greater detail in Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, chs. 1 and 2, this is also the case with regard to all created beings.
ולא כהפלוסופים שכופרים בהשגחה פרטית
This differs from the view of the philosophers who deny the individual Providence of the Creator over each and every one of His creations.
ומדמין בדמיונם הכוזב את מעשה ה׳, עושה שמים וארץ, למעשה אנוש ותחבולותיו
Using their false analogy, they liken the work of G‑d, the Maker of heaven and earth, to the work of man and his devices.
כי כאשר יצא לצורף כלי, שוב אין הכלי צריך לידי הצורף
For when a metal-smith has completed a vessel, [it] no longer needs the hands of the smith;
שאף שידיו מסולקות הימנו, הוא קיים מעצמו
though his hands are removed from it, it remains intact by itself.
Some philosophers apply this model to the creation of heaven and earth, and imagine that once G‑d created them they need Him no more, G‑d forbid. These thinkers thus deny hashgachah pratit, individually-directed Divine Providence — the Creator’s constant and ongoing contact with His created beings.
וטח מראות עיניהם ההבדל הגדול שבין מעשה אנוש ותחבולותיו
But their eyes are bedaubed so that they cannot see the great difference between man’s work and schemes,
שהוא יש מיש
which is [the production of] something out of something (yesh miyesh),
רק שמשנה הצורה והתמונה
where he merely changes the form and the appearance,
The shapeless piece of silver that a craftsman transforms into a vessel (a) already existed, and (b) was innately malleable. The craftsman has thus innovated nothing, and the vessel once shaped will therefore not be dependent on him.
The philosophers, however, do not see the difference between this,
למעשה שמים וארץ, שהוא יש מאין
and the creation of heaven and earth, which is creatio ex nihilo (yesh me’ayin), creating something out of nothing.
As the Alter Rebbe will soon point out, something brought into existence out of nothing cannot continue to exist unless the power that creates it remains constantly vested within it.
והוא פלא גדול יותר מקריעת ים סוף, על דרך משל
This — the creation of heaven and earth ex nihilo — is an [even] greater wonder than, for example, the splitting of the Red Sea,
אשר הוליך ה׳ ברוח קדים עזה כל הלילה, ויבקעו המים
which G‑d drove back5 “by a strong east wind all that night,... and the waters were divided,” and stood upright like a wall.
ואילו פסק הרוח כרגע, היו המים חוזרים וניגרים במורד, כדרכם וטבעם, ולא קמו כחומה
If the wind had ceased even for a moment, the waters would again have flowed downward, as is their way and nature, and they would not have stood upright like a wall,
In the corresponding passage in Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, the Alter Rebbe adds the words “without a doubt.”
אף שטבע זה במים, הוא גם כן נברא ומחודש יש מאין
even though this characteristic of water — to flow downward — is also created and innovated ex nihilo.
As the Rebbe explains, not only the water itself, but also its characteristic of fluidity, was created ex nihilo.
Thus, when the wind caused the water to stand like a stone wall, this fluid nature had only to be replaced by the capability of a solid, so that it could stand erect. Nevertheless, since this quality is uncharacteristic of water, this innovation had to be constantly and continuously brought about by the power that first made it possible. (Indeed, were the wind to cease, the water would have reverted to its former self.) Thus, even when a yesh is merely changed into another yesh, the activating force must be constantly present.
The Alter Rebbe now goes on to show how the property of fluidity is not intrinsic to water, but must be created within it.
Certain characteristics do not need to be created separately from a particular being, for they are intrinsic to all created beings; for example, all created beings occupy space. Water, however, need not necessarily flow. Other created beings exist quite happily without this property, and when water exists as a solid (as ice) it too possesses the quality of rigidity. The quality of fluidity is thus not intrinsic to water.
This is what the Alter Rebbe now goes on to say:
שהרי חומת אבנים נצבת מעצמה, בלי רוח, רק שטבע המים אינו כן
For a wall of stone stands erect by itself, without [the assistance of] any wind, but the nature of water is not so.
As stated above, the property of fluidity was something that G‑d created within the already existing entity of water. Though the wind had only to change one yesh to another, replacing the property of fluidity by the property of solidity, this is still considered a wondrous event. And in order for this to have been accomplished, the activating force — in this case, the wind — had to be working constantly.
How much more will this be the case, the Alter Rebbe will soon conclude, with regard to creating a yesh out of utter nothingness. And indeed, the Divine Source responsible for the innovation of the entire universe out of nothing, must be consistently vested within it, in order to enable it to endure and not revert to nothingness. Such a corollary should have been imperative even according to the philosophers. They thus err on two grounds — in their above-mentioned reliance on a misleading analogy, and in their failure to realize that the activating force must constantly be invested within the created being.
Thus, to resume the above argument, if for the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea that only involved the changing of one yesh to another, the continuous action of G‑d was necessary, —
וכל שכן וקל וחומר בבריאת יש מאין, שהוא למעלה מן הטבע, והפלא ופלא יותר מקריעת ים סוף
How much more so, with respect to the creation of an existent being out of nothing, for this transcends nature, and is far more wondrous than the splitting of the Red Sea;
על אחת כמה וכמה שבהסתלקות חס ושלום כח הבורא יש מאין מן הנברא, ישוב הנברא לאין ואפס ממש
surely if the creative power that creates an existent being out of nothing were (heaven forfend) to be withdrawn from a created being, that being would revert to utter naught and non-existence.
אלא צריך להיות כח הפועל בנפעל תמיד, להחיותו ולקיימו
Rather,6 the activating force of the Creator, which initially brings every created being into existence, must continuously be present within the thing created, to give it life and continued existence.
ובחינה זו היא דבר ה׳ ורוח פיו שבעשרה מאמרות, שבהן נברא העולם
This7 [force] is the “word of G‑d” and the “breath of His mouth,” that are to be found in the Ten Utterances by which the universe was created.
The Ten Utterances are the source of the “letters of speech” by means of which all of creation is brought into existence. Moreover, as explained in the first chapter of Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, even those created beings which are not specifically mentioned in the Ten Utterances, likewise derive their vitality from the Ten Utterances by means of various combinations, substitutions and transpositions of these letters.
ואפילו ארץ הלזו הגשמית, ובחינת דומם שבה
And even as regards this physical earth and its inorganic component,
Earth8 possesses a potential (ko’ach hatzomeiach) that enables vegetation to grow. In the case of created beings that are part of the vegetative realm, growth thus visibly testifies to the presence of an activating force. Created beings that are part of the inanimate or inorganic realm that is represented in the earth, demonstrate no signs of life at all, not even growth.
חיותן וקיומן הוא דבר ה׳ מעשרה מאמרות, המלובש בהן ומקיימן, להיות דומם ויש מאין
their life-force and continued existence is the “word of G‑d” that is to be found in the Ten Utterances that is vested in them, maintaining them as inorganic matter and as substantiality ex nihilo,
ולא יחזרו לאין ואפס ממש, כשהיו
so that they will not revert to the absolute naught and nothingness they had been prior to their creation.
וזהו שאמר האריז״ל, שגם בדומם כאבנים ועפר ומים, יש בהם בחינת נפש וחיות רוחניית
And this is the meaning of the statement of R. Isaac Luria, of blessed memory,9 that there is a kind of soul and spiritual life-force even in inorganic matter such as stones and dust and water, entities that display no signs of life.
This “soul” and spiritual life-force is the “word of G‑d,” the potent Divine speech that continuously creates all beings; i.e., the Shechinah.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Parentheses are in the original. |
| 2. | Kohelet 8:4. |
| 3. | Tehillim 119:89. |
| 4. | Bereishit 1:6. |
| 5. | (18) Shmot 14:21. |
| 6. | ׳Cf. Kuzari III, 11. |
| 7. | The Heb. זה has been emended to זו, according to the Table of Corrections (Luach HaTikkun) compiled by the Rebbe. |
| 8. | Note of the Rebbe: “It seems that the above comment understands eretz to mean ‘earth’ [in the sense of soil or dust], (as in the verse, ‘Let the soil bring forth...’). To me, however, it appears that eretz here is intended as a contrast to ‘heavens’ in the above-quoted phrase, ‘[Your word, O G‑d, stands firm in the] heavens,’ and likewise in contrast to ‘the upper and lower worlds’ [in the corresponding passage] (in ch. 1 of Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah; see there). [The Alter Rebbe’s text should thus be translated, ‘And even as regards this physical world....’] The distinction drawn in the above comment between [those categories of created beings which have] the power of growth [and those which have not], etc., is thus not necessary. Moreover, [the Alter Rebbe] immediately goes on to speak explicitly of ‘inorganic matter such as stones and dust....’” |
| 9. | Etz Chayim, Shaar 39, ch. 3; see also Shaar 50. |
• Friday, 26 Tishrei, 5777 · 28 October 2016
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Positive Commandment 3
Loving G-d
"And you shall love the L-rd, your G-d"—Deuteronomy 6:5.
We are commanded to love G-d. We foster a love for G-d by studying and contemplating His Torah, His commandments, and His awesome deeds. Through studying and meditating about G-d we come to have somewhat of an understanding of His greatness—which automatically spawns a deep love for Him.
This mitzvah also includes sharing our knowledge of G-d with others, and calling upon our fellows to serve Him. After all, if we love G-d, we’d surely sing His praises before all who are ready to hear.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Loving G-d
Positive Commandment 3
Translated by Berel Bell
The 3rd mitzva is that we are commanded to love G‑d (exalted be He), i.e. to meditate upon and closely examine His mitzvos, His commandments, and His works, in order to understand Him; and through this understanding to achieve a feeling of ecstasy. This is the goal of the commandment to love G‑d.
[We can see that meditation is the way to create this feeling of love1 from] the Sifri: "From the statement, 'You shall love G‑d your Lord'2, can I know how to love G‑d? The Torah therefore says, 'and these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart'3; i.e. that through this [meditation about His commandments] you will understand the nature of 'the One Who spoke, and thereby brought the world into being.' "
From this it is clear that meditation will lead to understanding, and then a feeling of enjoyment and love will follow automatically [since the second verse explains the way to reach the goal of the previous verse.]
Our Sages also said that this mitzvah includes calling out to all mankind to serve G‑d (exalted be He) and to believe in Him. This is because when you love a person, for example, you praise him and call out to others to draw close to him. So too, if you truly love G‑d — through your understanding and realization of His true existence — you will certainly spread this true knowledge that you know to the ignorant and the foolish.
[We see that this mitzvah includes spreading love for G‑d to others from] the Sifri: " 'You shall love G‑d,' i.e. make Him beloved among the creatures as your father Avraham did, as it is written, 'The souls that he made in Charan.'4"
The meaning of this Sifri: Avraham, as a result of his deep understanding of G‑d, acquired love for G‑d, as the verse testifies, "Avraham, who loved Me"5. This powerful love therefore caused him to call out to all mankind to believe in G‑d. So too, you shall love Him to the extent that you draw others to Him.
FOOTNOTES
1.The obvious problem with having a commandment to "love," is that emotions cannot be compelled. The Rambam therefore proves that the commandment is to study and meditate, which will automatically lead to the emotion.
2.Deut. 6:5.
3.Deut. 6:6.
4.Gen. 12:5.
5.Isi. 41:8.
Positive Commandment 4
Fearing G-d
"You shall fear the L-rd, your G-d"—Deuteronomy 6:13.
We are commanded to fear G-d; never to be complacent, and to always bear in mind that transgressing His will leads to divine retribution.
This is also why we never say G-d's Name in vain – not in the context of a prayer or blessing – for this diminishes the fear and reverence we are commanded to harbor for Him.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Fearing G-d
Positive Commandment 4
Translated by Berel Bell
The 4th mitzvah is that we are commanded to establish in our minds fear and dread of G‑d (exalted be He); that we not be calm and nonchalant, but be constantly concerned of imminent punishment1 [for misdeeds.]
The biblical source of this commandment is G‑d's statement2 (exalted be He), "You shall fear G‑d your Lord."
At3 the end of tractate Sanhedrin4, there is a discussion of G‑d's statement5 (exalted be He), "Anyone who is nokev (curses) G‑d's Name shall be put to death." [The Talmud asks:] "Perhaps the word nokev means, 'utters,' as in the verse6, 'Who were mentioned (nikvu) by name'; the prohibition7 being the verse, 'You shall fear G‑d your Lord.' "
The meaning of this question: "Perhaps the verse, 'nokev G‑d's Name' means merely uttering G‑d's Name even without a curse. And if one wonders 'What prohibition can there be in this?', it is [the prohibition not] to erase one's fear of G‑d; because included in fear of G‑d is not mentioning His Name in vain."8
The Talmud answers this question and rejects this approach as follows: "First of all, [in order to be punishable by death,] the person must have used 'one Name against another,' i.e. cursed one of G‑d's Names with another of G‑d's Names, as in the saying, 'Let Yosi strike Yosi,'9 and [if he merely mentioned G‑d's Name in vain,] he did not fulfill this condition."
[The Talmud continues:] "Furthermore, this prohibition is stated as a positive commandment, and cannot technically serve as a prohibition."
This means that the suggestion, "the prohibition is from the verse, 'You shall fear G‑d,' " is incorrect, because this verse is a positive commandment, and a punishment can never be based on a positive commandment.
This passage clearly indicates that "You shall fear G‑d," is a positive commandment.
FOOTNOTES
1.Although here the Rambam describes the commandment as fear of punishment, in Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah, 2:1-2 and 4:12, he defines it as awe growing out of a realization of G‑d's greatness.
See Kinas Sofrim on Sefer Hamitzvos, P9; On the Teachings of Chassidus, Ch. 13, footnote, regarding the greater precision of Mishneh Torah.
2.Deut. 6:13.
3.The Rambam now quotes and explains a Talmudic passage in order to prove that this mitzvah is a positive commandment. The passage deals primarily with another mitzvah, the prohibition of cursing G‑d, but makes important mention of our verse, "You shall fear G‑d."
For the sake of clarity, we will quote the entire passage without the Rambam's explanation:
"Perhaps the word nokev means, 'utters,' as in the verse, 'Who were mentioned (nikvu) by name'; the prohibition being the verse, 'You shall fear G‑d your Lord'!
"First of all, [in order to be punished,] the person must have used 'one Name against another; and [if he merely mentioned G‑d's Name in vain,] he did not fulfill this condition."
"Furthermore, this prohibition is stated as a positive commandment, and cannot technically serve as a prohibition."
4.56a.
5.Lev. 24:16.
6.Num. 1:17.
7.Every punishable act in the Torah must have two verses describing it: one stating that the act is prohibited, and another dictating the particular punishment. The verse containing the punishment is clearly Lev. 24:16.
However, the verse setting forth the actual prohibition is in doubt. If nokev is translated, "curse" (as is indeed the conclusion), the actual prohibition comes from Ex. 22:27, "Do not curse G‑d." Since the Talmud is attempting to translate nokev differently, i.e. "to mention," it attempts to find another verse (namely, Deut. 6:13) to serve as the actual prohibition of mentioning G‑d's Name.
8.According to the questioner, then, it is clear that the verse, "You shall fear G‑d" is a prohibition.
9.When the court examined the witnesses who heard the curse uttered, the name "Yosi" was used instead of G‑d's real Name, in order to minimize its use. "Yosi" was chosen because it has 4 letters, as does G‑d's Name, and because it has the numerical value of 86, as does G‑d's Name Elokim. See Rashi on Sanhedrin.
Positive Commandment 9
Sanctifying G-d's Name
"And I will be sanctified among the Children of Israel"—Leviticus 22:32.
We are commanded to sanctify G-d's holy Name by publicly proclaiming our faith and religion. In the event that a tyrant attempts to coerce us to renounce our belief in G-d, we are commanded to refuse to comply—even if the tyrant threatens to kill us. We may not even verbally deny our belief in G-d, though in our hearts we remain true to Him.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Positive Commandment 3
Loving G-d
"And you shall love the L-rd, your G-d"—Deuteronomy 6:5.
We are commanded to love G-d. We foster a love for G-d by studying and contemplating His Torah, His commandments, and His awesome deeds. Through studying and meditating about G-d we come to have somewhat of an understanding of His greatness—which automatically spawns a deep love for Him.
This mitzvah also includes sharing our knowledge of G-d with others, and calling upon our fellows to serve Him. After all, if we love G-d, we’d surely sing His praises before all who are ready to hear.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Loving G-d
Positive Commandment 3
Translated by Berel Bell
The 3rd mitzva is that we are commanded to love G‑d (exalted be He), i.e. to meditate upon and closely examine His mitzvos, His commandments, and His works, in order to understand Him; and through this understanding to achieve a feeling of ecstasy. This is the goal of the commandment to love G‑d.
[We can see that meditation is the way to create this feeling of love1 from] the Sifri: "From the statement, 'You shall love G‑d your Lord'2, can I know how to love G‑d? The Torah therefore says, 'and these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart'3; i.e. that through this [meditation about His commandments] you will understand the nature of 'the One Who spoke, and thereby brought the world into being.' "
From this it is clear that meditation will lead to understanding, and then a feeling of enjoyment and love will follow automatically [since the second verse explains the way to reach the goal of the previous verse.]
Our Sages also said that this mitzvah includes calling out to all mankind to serve G‑d (exalted be He) and to believe in Him. This is because when you love a person, for example, you praise him and call out to others to draw close to him. So too, if you truly love G‑d — through your understanding and realization of His true existence — you will certainly spread this true knowledge that you know to the ignorant and the foolish.
[We see that this mitzvah includes spreading love for G‑d to others from] the Sifri: " 'You shall love G‑d,' i.e. make Him beloved among the creatures as your father Avraham did, as it is written, 'The souls that he made in Charan.'4"
The meaning of this Sifri: Avraham, as a result of his deep understanding of G‑d, acquired love for G‑d, as the verse testifies, "Avraham, who loved Me"5. This powerful love therefore caused him to call out to all mankind to believe in G‑d. So too, you shall love Him to the extent that you draw others to Him.
FOOTNOTES
1.The obvious problem with having a commandment to "love," is that emotions cannot be compelled. The Rambam therefore proves that the commandment is to study and meditate, which will automatically lead to the emotion.
2.Deut. 6:5.
3.Deut. 6:6.
4.Gen. 12:5.
5.Isi. 41:8.
Positive Commandment 4
Fearing G-d
"You shall fear the L-rd, your G-d"—Deuteronomy 6:13.
We are commanded to fear G-d; never to be complacent, and to always bear in mind that transgressing His will leads to divine retribution.
This is also why we never say G-d's Name in vain – not in the context of a prayer or blessing – for this diminishes the fear and reverence we are commanded to harbor for Him.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Fearing G-d
Positive Commandment 4
Translated by Berel Bell
The 4th mitzvah is that we are commanded to establish in our minds fear and dread of G‑d (exalted be He); that we not be calm and nonchalant, but be constantly concerned of imminent punishment1 [for misdeeds.]
The biblical source of this commandment is G‑d's statement2 (exalted be He), "You shall fear G‑d your Lord."
At3 the end of tractate Sanhedrin4, there is a discussion of G‑d's statement5 (exalted be He), "Anyone who is nokev (curses) G‑d's Name shall be put to death." [The Talmud asks:] "Perhaps the word nokev means, 'utters,' as in the verse6, 'Who were mentioned (nikvu) by name'; the prohibition7 being the verse, 'You shall fear G‑d your Lord.' "
The meaning of this question: "Perhaps the verse, 'nokev G‑d's Name' means merely uttering G‑d's Name even without a curse. And if one wonders 'What prohibition can there be in this?', it is [the prohibition not] to erase one's fear of G‑d; because included in fear of G‑d is not mentioning His Name in vain."8
The Talmud answers this question and rejects this approach as follows: "First of all, [in order to be punishable by death,] the person must have used 'one Name against another,' i.e. cursed one of G‑d's Names with another of G‑d's Names, as in the saying, 'Let Yosi strike Yosi,'9 and [if he merely mentioned G‑d's Name in vain,] he did not fulfill this condition."
[The Talmud continues:] "Furthermore, this prohibition is stated as a positive commandment, and cannot technically serve as a prohibition."
This means that the suggestion, "the prohibition is from the verse, 'You shall fear G‑d,' " is incorrect, because this verse is a positive commandment, and a punishment can never be based on a positive commandment.
This passage clearly indicates that "You shall fear G‑d," is a positive commandment.
FOOTNOTES
1.Although here the Rambam describes the commandment as fear of punishment, in Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah, 2:1-2 and 4:12, he defines it as awe growing out of a realization of G‑d's greatness.
See Kinas Sofrim on Sefer Hamitzvos, P9; On the Teachings of Chassidus, Ch. 13, footnote, regarding the greater precision of Mishneh Torah.
2.Deut. 6:13.
3.The Rambam now quotes and explains a Talmudic passage in order to prove that this mitzvah is a positive commandment. The passage deals primarily with another mitzvah, the prohibition of cursing G‑d, but makes important mention of our verse, "You shall fear G‑d."
For the sake of clarity, we will quote the entire passage without the Rambam's explanation:
"Perhaps the word nokev means, 'utters,' as in the verse, 'Who were mentioned (nikvu) by name'; the prohibition being the verse, 'You shall fear G‑d your Lord'!
"First of all, [in order to be punished,] the person must have used 'one Name against another; and [if he merely mentioned G‑d's Name in vain,] he did not fulfill this condition."
"Furthermore, this prohibition is stated as a positive commandment, and cannot technically serve as a prohibition."
4.56a.
5.Lev. 24:16.
6.Num. 1:17.
7.Every punishable act in the Torah must have two verses describing it: one stating that the act is prohibited, and another dictating the particular punishment. The verse containing the punishment is clearly Lev. 24:16.
However, the verse setting forth the actual prohibition is in doubt. If nokev is translated, "curse" (as is indeed the conclusion), the actual prohibition comes from Ex. 22:27, "Do not curse G‑d." Since the Talmud is attempting to translate nokev differently, i.e. "to mention," it attempts to find another verse (namely, Deut. 6:13) to serve as the actual prohibition of mentioning G‑d's Name.
8.According to the questioner, then, it is clear that the verse, "You shall fear G‑d" is a prohibition.
9.When the court examined the witnesses who heard the curse uttered, the name "Yosi" was used instead of G‑d's real Name, in order to minimize its use. "Yosi" was chosen because it has 4 letters, as does G‑d's Name, and because it has the numerical value of 86, as does G‑d's Name Elokim. See Rashi on Sanhedrin.
Positive Commandment 9
Sanctifying G-d's Name
"And I will be sanctified among the Children of Israel"—Leviticus 22:32.
We are commanded to sanctify G-d's holy Name by publicly proclaiming our faith and religion. In the event that a tyrant attempts to coerce us to renounce our belief in G-d, we are commanded to refuse to comply—even if the tyrant threatens to kill us. We may not even verbally deny our belief in G-d, though in our hearts we remain true to Him.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Sanctifying G-d's Name
Positive Commandment 9
Translated by Berel Bell
The 9th mitzvah is that we are commanded to sanctify G‑d's Name.
The biblical source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1, "Sanctify Me amidst the Jewish people."
This mitzvah requires us to publicize the true religion to the masses. This must be done without fear of retribution, to the extent that even if a powerful tyrant tries to force us to deny G‑d (exalted be He), we may not obey him. We must rather unquestioningly submit to death, not even allowing him to think that we have denied G‑d (exalted be He) [by outwardly denying Him], even if we still maintain belief in Him in our hearts.
This is the mitzvah of "Santifying G‑d's Name," in which all Jews are obligated. This means that allow ourselves to be killed by a tyrant for love of G‑d (exalted be He) and belief in His Oneness. [This is] similar to the actions of Chanaya, Mishael, and Azaryah in the days of the wicked Nebuchadnezzar, who forced people to bow down to a statue, and everyone — including Jews — bowed down. There was nobody there to sanctify G‑d's Name, and this was a tremendous shame to the Jewish people. Everyone did not fulfill this mitzvah, and there was nobody to fulfill it; everyone was afraid.
This commandment is obligatory only in such an awesome setting, when all inhabitants of the world were terrified, and it was then necessary to spread and announce His Unity.2
But G‑d had already promised through His prophet Isaiah that the Jewish people would not be completely disgraced on that difficult occasion; and that a few young men3 would be present who would not be afraid of death, and would give up their lives and publicize faith in G‑d, sanctifying G‑d's Name in public as we have been commanded through Moses. This promise is in the verse4, "Now, Jacob will not be afraid, nor will his face turn white; for he will see in his midst his children, the work of My hands. They will sanctify My Name, the Holy One of Jacob, and strengthen the G‑d of Israel."
[We see that this action is obligatory, and therefore counts as a mitzvah from] the Sifra: "Upon this condition I took them out of Egypt; on condition5 that they publicly sanctify My Name."
In the end of tractate Sanhedrin, they ask, "Is a non-Jew commanded to sanctify G‑d's Name or not? Here is a statement which proves it: 'The seven commandments of the non-Jews.' If you include this one [i.e. to sanctify G‑d's Name], there would be eight!" From this we see that, for Jews, [sanctification of G‑d's Name] counts as a mitzvah.
They bring proof that this is counted among the mitzvos from the verse, "Sanctify Me amidst the Jewish people."
The details of this commandment have been explained in the 7th chapter of the tractate Sanhedrin.
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev. 22:32.
2.See Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah, 5:3, that at the time of a decree to tear Jews from their religion, the mitzvah would require sacrificing one's life for any mitzvah, not just idolatry.
3.I.e. Chananyah, Mishael, and Azaryah (mentioned above).
4.Isaiah 29:22-23.
5.As the Rambam explained in Positive Commandment 2, this expression means that the act under discussion is obligatory.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Tum'at Okhalin Tum'at Okhalin - Chapter 15
Positive Commandment 9
Translated by Berel Bell
The 9th mitzvah is that we are commanded to sanctify G‑d's Name.
The biblical source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1, "Sanctify Me amidst the Jewish people."
This mitzvah requires us to publicize the true religion to the masses. This must be done without fear of retribution, to the extent that even if a powerful tyrant tries to force us to deny G‑d (exalted be He), we may not obey him. We must rather unquestioningly submit to death, not even allowing him to think that we have denied G‑d (exalted be He) [by outwardly denying Him], even if we still maintain belief in Him in our hearts.
This is the mitzvah of "Santifying G‑d's Name," in which all Jews are obligated. This means that allow ourselves to be killed by a tyrant for love of G‑d (exalted be He) and belief in His Oneness. [This is] similar to the actions of Chanaya, Mishael, and Azaryah in the days of the wicked Nebuchadnezzar, who forced people to bow down to a statue, and everyone — including Jews — bowed down. There was nobody there to sanctify G‑d's Name, and this was a tremendous shame to the Jewish people. Everyone did not fulfill this mitzvah, and there was nobody to fulfill it; everyone was afraid.
This commandment is obligatory only in such an awesome setting, when all inhabitants of the world were terrified, and it was then necessary to spread and announce His Unity.2
But G‑d had already promised through His prophet Isaiah that the Jewish people would not be completely disgraced on that difficult occasion; and that a few young men3 would be present who would not be afraid of death, and would give up their lives and publicize faith in G‑d, sanctifying G‑d's Name in public as we have been commanded through Moses. This promise is in the verse4, "Now, Jacob will not be afraid, nor will his face turn white; for he will see in his midst his children, the work of My hands. They will sanctify My Name, the Holy One of Jacob, and strengthen the G‑d of Israel."
[We see that this action is obligatory, and therefore counts as a mitzvah from] the Sifra: "Upon this condition I took them out of Egypt; on condition5 that they publicly sanctify My Name."
In the end of tractate Sanhedrin, they ask, "Is a non-Jew commanded to sanctify G‑d's Name or not? Here is a statement which proves it: 'The seven commandments of the non-Jews.' If you include this one [i.e. to sanctify G‑d's Name], there would be eight!" From this we see that, for Jews, [sanctification of G‑d's Name] counts as a mitzvah.
They bring proof that this is counted among the mitzvos from the verse, "Sanctify Me amidst the Jewish people."
The details of this commandment have been explained in the 7th chapter of the tractate Sanhedrin.
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev. 22:32.
2.See Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah, 5:3, that at the time of a decree to tear Jews from their religion, the mitzvah would require sacrificing one's life for any mitzvah, not just idolatry.
3.I.e. Chananyah, Mishael, and Azaryah (mentioned above).
4.Isaiah 29:22-23.
5.As the Rambam explained in Positive Commandment 2, this expression means that the act under discussion is obligatory.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Tum'at Okhalin Tum'at Okhalin - Chapter 15
• Tum'at Okhalin - Chapter 15
1
Water that is in a container contracts impurity, whether it entered the container willfully or against one's desires. It imparts impurity to foods and keilim whether it came in contact with them willfully or against one's will. Water collected on the earth, by contrast, e.g., water in a cistern, storage trench, or storage cavern or water in a pit that does not contain 40 se'ah, does not contract impurity unless it comes in contact with the source of impurity willfully, nor does it impart impurity unless it comes in contact with the food willfully.
What is implied? When there was less than 40 se'ah of water collected on the ground, whether it was drawn or it was not drawn, and a human corpse fell into this water or an impure person walked through it, it is pure. If, however, an impure person drank from this water, one filled an impure container with it, or impure liquids willfully fell into it, the water becomes impure even though it is still collected on the ground. If a pure person drank from this water after it became impure on the ground or one filled a pure container with it, the person who drank and the container with which the water was drawn becomes impure, because he drank or the container was filled intentionally.
If a loaf that was terumah fell into such water, it is pure as it was originally, because the water imparts impurity only when foods come in contact with it willfully. Therefore, if one washed his hand and removed a loaf, the loaf contracts impurity from the water on the person's hand, because it was removed willfully.
א
מים שבכלים מתטמאין בין לרצון בין שלא לרצון ומטמאין אוכלים וכלים בין שנפל עליהן ברצון בין שלא נפל עליהן ברצון אבל מים שבקרקעות כגון מי בורות שיחין ומערות ומי גבאים שאין בהם ארבעים סאה אין מתטמאין אלא לרצון ואין מטמאין אלא ברצון כיצד מים שבקרקע שאין בהן ארבעים סאה בין שהיו שאובין בין שאינן שאובין שנפל לתוכן המת או שהלך בהן הטמא הרי אלו טהורין אבל אם שתה מהן אדם טמא או שמילא בהן בכלי טמא או שנפלו לתוכן משקין טמאין ברצון הרי אלו טמאין ואף על פי שהן בקרקע שתה מהן הטהור אחר שנטמאו בקרקע או שמילא בהן בכלי טהור נטמא השותה ונטמא הכלי שהרי ברצון שתה או מילא נפל לתוכן ככר של תרומה הרי הוא טהור כשהיה שאין מתטמאין אלא לרצון לפיכך אם הדיח ידו והוציא הככר נטמא הככר במים שבידיו שהרי הן ברצון:
2
The following laws apply to water that is collected in a pit and other types of water collected on the ground, e.g., water in a cistern, storage trench, or storage cavern, rainwater that stopped flowing and collected in one place or mikveot that do not contain 40 se'ah that became impure. If rain then descended, causing there to be more rainwater than the water originally collected, even if the original water did not flow out, those bodies of water become pure. Therefore, during the rainy season, all water collected on the ground, e.g., water collected in a pit or the like, is assumed to be pure.
ב
מי גבאים וכיוצא בהן ממים שבקרקעות כגון מי בורות שיחין ומערות ומי תמצית שפסקו ומקואות שאין בהן ארבעים סאה שנטמאו וירדו להם גשמים ורבו מי גשמים עליהם אע"פ שלא שטפו הרי הן טהורין לפיכך כל המים שבקרקעות כגון מי גבאים וכיוצא בהן בשעת הגשמים הכל בחזקת טהרה:
3
Different laws apply when the rains cease. When such bodies of water are close to a town or a thoroughfare, they are impure, because it can be assumed that an impure person drank from them and/or water was drawn from them in impure containers. Those that are distant are pure until the majority of people begin walking. Once they do, they are all assumed to impure, because those who journey on caravans drink from them.
When does the above apply? With regard to water in a pit from which it is possible to drink. If, however, there is water in a pit that it is impossible to drink from except through great effort, it is assumed to be pure unless the footprints of a person or large animal were evident. If, however, the footprints of a small animal were found, the water is pure, because it is possible that the animal descended on its own accord.
ג
פסקו הגשמים הקרובים לעיר או לדרך טמאין שהן בחזקת ששתה מהן הטמא ושמלאו מהן בכלים טמאין והרחוקים טהורים עד שיהלכו רוב האדם הלכו הכל בחזקת טומאה שההולכים בשיירות ממלאין ושותין מהן בד"א בגבא שאפשר לשתות ממנה אבל בגבא שאי אפשר לשתות ממנה אלא בדוחק גדול ה"ז בחזקת טהרה (שהן בחזקת טהורין) עד שימצא מקום פרסות רגלי אדם או פרסות רגלי בהמה גסה ניכרת בו אבל מצא פרסות רגלי בהמה דקה הרי זה טהור שאפשר שירדה ושתת:
4
In the rainy season, it can be assumed that the mud and the water in the hollows at the entrance of stores in the public domain are pure. When the rains cease, they are considered as drainage water. The ruling concerning water in the marketplace depends on the majority. .
When wine, milk, or honey fall into a pit filled with water, the ruling depends on the majority. When oil falls into it, the mixture can contract and impart impurity without the owner's desire even when it congeals. The rationale is that it is impossible that droplets will not remain mixed with the water.
ד
חזקת טיט וגמומיות שבפתחי חנויות בר"ה בשעת הגשמים שהן טהורין פסקו הגשמים הרי הן כמי שפיכות ושבשווקין הולכין בהן אחר הרוב גבא שנפל לתוכו יין או חלב או דבש הולכין בו אחר הרוב נפל לתוכו שמן אף על פי שהקפיאהו הרי זה מתטמא ומטמא שלא ברצון לפי שאי אפשר לו לצאת ידי צחצחית:
5
Oil and other liquids aside from water are governed by the same laws whether they are collected in the earth or in containers.
ה
שמן ושאר המשקין חוץ מן המים הרי הן בקרקע כמות שהן בכלים דין אחד הוא:
6
Streams of rainwater that are still flowing - even if they do not contain 40 se'ah, since they are on the earth and their water is flowing - do not contract ritual impurity. Even if an impure person drank from them, drew water from them with an impure container, or poured impure water into them, they are still pure with regard to all matters.
ו
מי תמצית שלא פסקו אף ע"פ שאין בהן ארבעים סאה הואיל והן בקרקע והרי המים נמשכין ובאין להן אינן מקבלין טומאה ואע"פ ששתה מהן הטמא ומילא מהן בכלי טמא או נתן לתוכן מים טמאים הרי הן טהורין לכל דבר:
7
When a person was eating terumah with impure hands, e.g., a dried fig that had not come into contact with water, if he inserted his hand into his mouth to remove a pebble, were he to turn over his finger while doing so, the fig would become impure because of his saliva. For the saliva would become impure because of the person's hand, because he uprooted the saliva from its place. If, however, he did not turn over his finger, it is pure. The rationale is that, before he turns over his finger or sucks it, the liquid in his mouth is comparable to water on the earth that was not uprooted from its place, but instead, is on the ground. As explained, such water only contracts and imparts impurity due to willful actions. This person desired only to remove the pebble.
The following rules apply when, in addition to the dried fig, there was a pundiyon in his mouth and he extended his hand to remove it and the fig from his mouth. If he had placed the coin in his mouth because he was thirsty, the saliva on it is considered as removed from its place and the fig contracts impurity from the moisture in his mouth that contracted impurity because of his hand.
ז
מי שהיה אוכל תרומה בידים טמאות כגון דבילה שלא הוכשרה והכניס ידו לתוך פיו ליטול צרור אם הפך נטמאת הדבילה ברירו שהרי נטמא ביד מפני שעקרו ואם לא הפך טהורה שהמשקה שבפיו קודם שיהפכנו או ימוצצנו להוציאו דומה למים שלא נתלשו אלא הן עדיין בקרקע שאין מתטמאין ואין מטמאין אלא ברצון כמו שביארנו וזה אין רצונו אלא ליטול הצרור היה פונדיון לתוך פיו ופשט ידו ליטלו והדבילה בתוך פיו אם הניחו לצמאו הרי זה הרוק כעקור ונטמאת הדבילה מחמת משקה פיו שנטמא מחמת ידיו:
8
The following rules apply when a woman was partaking of food that is terumah which had not been made susceptible to impurity while she was removing the coals from an impure oven. If she was poked by a splinter that caused her to bleed and she was sucking her finger because of the blood or she burnt her finger and inserted it into her mouth, the terumah in her mouth contracted impurity.
ח
האשה שהיתה אוכלת אוכלין של תרומה שאינן מוכשרין והיתה גורפת את התנור הטמא והכה הקוץ ויצא ממנה דם ומצצה אצבעה מפני הדם או שנכוית ונתנה אצבעה בפיה נטמאת התרומה שבפיה שהרי רצונה להוציא המשקה מפיה ולעוקרו במציצת אצבע:
• Rambam - 3 Chapters: Yesodei haTorah Yesodei haTorah - Chapter Four, Yesodei haTorah Yesodei haTorah - Chapter Five, Yesodei haTorah Yesodei haTorah - Chapter Six
• Yesodei haTorah - Chapter Four
1
These four bodies: fire, wind, water, and earth are the fundamental [elements] of all the creations below the sky. Everything that exists - [be it] man, beast, fowl, crawling creature, fish, plant, metal, precious stone, pearl, building stone, mountain, or lump of earth - the body of all these [entities] is a combination of these four fundamental [elements].
Thus, all the bodies which are found below the sky, with the exception of these four bodies, are a combination of matter and form,1 and their matter is a combination of these fundamental [elements]. These fundamental [elements], however, are a combination of matter and form [as they exist in a hylian state] alone.
א
ארבעה גופים הללו שהם אש ורוח ומים וארץ הם יסודות כל הנבראים למטה מן הרקיע וכל שיהיה מאדם ומבהמה ועוף ורמש ודג וצמח ומתכת ואבנים טובות ומרגליות ושאר אבני בנין והרים וגושי עפר הכל גולמן מחובר מארבעה יסודות הללו נמצאו כל הגופים שלמטה מן הרקיע חוץ מארבעה יסודות האלו מחוברים מגולם וצורה וגולם שלהם מחובר מארבעה יסודות האלו אבל כל אחד מארבעה היסודות אינו מחובר אלא מגולם וצורה בלבד:
2
The tendency of fire and wind is to ascend upwards from the depths of the earth toward the sky. The tendency of water and earth is to descend from the sky to the midpoint of the sky, [i.e., the center of the Earth,] for the midpoint of the sky is the lowest point, below which nothing is lower.2 These tendencies are not a conscious matter, nor are they willful. Rather, it is a pattern affixed within them and a nature they were given.
The natural characteristics of fire are that it is warm and dry. It is the lightest of all [these fundamental elements]. Wind is warm and moist. Water is cold and moist, and earth is dry and cold. It is the heaviest of all [these fundamental elements].
Water is lighter than earth. Therefore, it is found above it. Wind is lighter than water. Therefore, it hovers above it. Fire is even lighter than wind.
Since these are the fundamental [elements] for all the bodies below the sky, the matter of every single body - man, animal, beast, fowl, fish, plant, metal, and stone - is a combination of fire, wind, water, and earth. [In the process of] the combination of these four, each one of them changes while they are being combined. Thus, the combination of the four [fundamental elements] does not resemble any one of the [elements] as it exists alone. [Similarly,] in any combination of them, there cannot be found even one portion of fire as it exists alone, wind as it exists alone, water as it exists alone, nor earth as it exists alone. Rather, they have all changed and become a single body.
Each and every body which is a combination of these four [fundamental elements] will have a combination of cold and warmth, moistness and dryness. There are some bodies which have a more powerful [concentration] of the fundamental [element] of fire - for example, creatures with living souls. Accordingly, they have a higher temperature. [Conversely,] there are some bodies with a more powerful concentration of the element of earth - for example, the stones. Accordingly, they are very dry. Similarly, some of them have bodies with a greater concentration of the element of water. Accordingly, they are moist.3
In this manner, one may find one body which is warmer than another body, which is itself warm, and one body drier than another body, which is itself dry. Similarly, there are bodies in which cold alone is noticeable, and other bodies in which moistness alone is noticeable. In some bodies, cold and dryness are equally noticeable; in others, warmth and dryness are equally noticeable; in others, warmth and moistness are equally noticeable; and in others, warmth and moistness are equally noticeable. According to the predominance of the element that is found in the essential combination, the inclination and nature of that element will be expressed in the body [resulting from] a mixture [of all the elements].
ב
דרך האש והרוח להיות מהלכם ממטה מטבור הארץ למעלה כלפי הרקיע ודרך המים והארץ להיות מהלכם מתחת הרקיע למטה עד לאמצע שאמצע הרקיע הוא המטה שאין למטה ממנו ואין הילוכם לא בדעתם ולא בחפצם אלא מנהג שנקבע בהן וטבע שנטבע בהן:
טבע האש חם ויבש והוא קל מכולם והרוח חם ולח והמים קרים ולחים והארץ יבשה וקרה והיא כבידה מכולם והמים קלים ממנה לפיכך נמצאים למעלה על הארץ והרוח קל מן המים לפיכך הוא מרחף על פני המים והאש קל מן הרוח ומפני שהם יסודות לכל גופים שתחת הרקיע ימצא כל גוף וגוף מאדם ובהמה וחיה ועוף ודג וצמח ומתכת ואבן גולמו מחובר מאש ורוח ומים ועפר וארבעתן יתערבו ביחד וישתנו כל אחד מהם בעת העירוב עד שימצא המחובר מארבעתן אינו דומה לאחד מהן כשהוא לבדו ואין במעורב מהן אפילו חלק אחד שהוא אש בפני עצמו או מים בפני עצמן או ארץ בפני עצמה או רוח בפני עצמה אלא הכל נשתנו ונעשו גוף אחד וכל גוף וגוף המחובר מארבעתן ימצא בו קור וחום לח ויבש כאחד אבל יש מהם גופים שיהיה בהם חזקה מיסוד האש כמו בעלי נפש חיה לפיכך יראה בהם החום יתר ויש מהן גופין שיהיה בהן חזקה מיסוד הארץ כמו האבנים לפיכך יראה בהם היובש הרבה ויש מהן גופין שיהיה בהן חזקה מיסוד המים לפיכך יראה בהם הלח יתר ועל הדרך הזה ימצא גוף חם יתר מגוף אחר חם וגוף יבש יתר מגוף אחר יבש וכן ימצאו גופים שיראה בהן הקור בלבד וגופים יראה בהן הלח בלבד וגופים יראה בהן הקור והיובש כאחד בשוה או הקור והלח כאחד בשוה או החום והיובש כאחד בשוה או החום והלח כאחד בשוה לפי רוב היסוד שהיה בעיקר התערובת יראה מעשה אותו היסוד וטבעו בגוף המעורב:
3
Every entity which is a combination of these four fundamental [elements] will ultimately decompose into them.4 Some will decompose after a mere few days, and others will decompose after many years. [However,] it is impossible for everything which is a combination of them not to decompose into them. It is impossible even for gold and ruby not to decompose and return to their fundamental elements: a portion becoming fire, a portion water, a portion wind, and a portion earth.
ג
וכל המחובר מארבעה יסודות אלו הוא נפרד בסוף יש שהוא נפרד לאחר ימים אחדים ויש שהוא נפרד לאחר שנים רבות וכל שנתחבר מהם אי אפשר שלא יפרד להן אפילו הזהב והאודם אי אפשר שלא יפסד ויחזור ליסודותיו וישוב מקצתו לאש ומקצתו למים ומקצתו לרוח ומקצתו לארץ:
4
Since every [entity will] decompose and separate into these four fundamental [elements], why was Adam told: "You will return to dust," [implying that man will return to dust alone]? Because the major part of man's composition is from dust. 5 every [entity that] decomposes will not return to the four fundamental [elements] immediately. Rather, it will decompose and change into another entity. That entity will, in turn, change into another entity, until ultimately, it will return to the elements. Thus, all entities are constantly returning [to their elemental state] in a cycle.6
ד
הואיל וכל הנפסד יפרד ליסודות אלו למה נאמר לאדם ואל עפר תשוב לפי שרוב בנינו מן העפר ולא כל הנפסד כשיפסד מיד יחזור לארבעה היסודות אלא יפסד ויחזור לדבר אחר ודבר אחר לדבר אחר וסוף הדברים יחזור ליסודות ונמצאו כל הדברים חוזרין חלילה:
5
These four fundamental [elements] are in a constant [state of flux], with a certain portion - but never the entire matter - of one changing into another every day and every hour.
What is implied? A portion of the earth which is close to the water changes, dissolves, and becomes water. Similarly, a portion of the water which is close to the wind changes, evaporates, and becomes wind. A portion of the wind which is close to the fire changes, goes through a metamorphosis, and becomes fire.
Similarly, a portion of the fire close to the wind goes through a metamorphosis, changes, contracts and becomes wind. The wind which is close to the water changes, contracts, and becomes water; and the water which is close to the earth changes, contracts, and becomes earth.
This [cycle of] change [proceeds] little by little over the course of time. The entire fundamental [element] will never change – [for example], all the water will never become wind, nor all the wind fire – because it is impossible for [the existence of] one of the four fundamental [elements] to be nullified. Rather, a portion of the fire will change to wind, and a portion of the wind to fire. Similarly, between each pair of these four, change will go on in an unceasing recurrent cycle.
ה
ארבעה יסודות האלו משתנים זה לזה תמיד בכל יום ובכל שעה מקצתן לא כל גופן כיצד מקצת הארץ הקרובה מן המים משתנית ומתפוררת ונעשית מים וכן מקצת המים הסמוכים לרוח משתנין ומתמסמסין והווין רוח וכן הרוח מקצתו הסמוך לאש משתנה ומתחולל ונעשה אש וכן האש מקצתה הסמוך לרוח מתחולל משתנה ומתכנס ונעשה רוח וכן הרוח מקצתו הסמוך למים משתנה ומתכנס ונעשה מים וכן המים מקצתו הסמוך לארץ משתנה ומתכנס ונעשה ארץ ושינוי זה מעט מעט ולפי אורך הימים ואין כל היסוד משתנה עד שיעשה כל המים רוח או כל הרוח אש שאי אפשר שיבטל אחד מן היסודות הארבעה אלא מקצת ישתנה מאש לרוח ומקצת ישתנה מרוח לאש וכן בין כל אחד וחבירו ימצא השינוי בין ארבעתן וחוזרות חלילה לעולם:
6
This [cycle of] change is caused by the revolution of the sphere. Its revolution causes the four [fundamental elements] to combine, and thus forms the matter of men, living beasts, plants, stones, and metals.
God gives each body the form appropriate to it through the angels of the tenth [level], which are the form called ishim.7
ו
ושינוי זה יהיה בסביבת הגלגל ומסביבתו יתחברו ארבעתן ויהיה מהן שאר גולמי בני אדם ונפש חיה צמח ואבן ומתכת והאל נותן לכל גולם וגולם צורה ראויה לו על ידי מלאך העשירי שהיא הצורה הנקראת אישים:
7
You will never see matter without form, or form without matter.8It is the heart of man which in its knowledge considers the bodies that are found and knows that they are a combination of matter and form.
It appreciates that there are bodies whose matter is a combination of the four fundamental [elements],9 bodies whose matter is simple and contains only one type of matter,10 and forms which have no matter and cannot be seen by the eye.11 [The latter] are discernible only to the eye of the heart. [We can appreciate their existence, just] as we know of [the existence of] the Master of everything, [though we do] not see [Him] with [our] eyes.
ז
לעולם אין אתה רואה גולם בלא צורה או צורה בלא גולם אלא לב האדם הוא שמחלק גוף הנמצא בדעתו ויודע שהוא מחובר מגולם וצורה ויודע שיש שם גופים שגולמם מחובר מארבעת היסודות וגופים שגולמם פשוט ואינו מחובר רק מגולם אחד והצורות שאין להם גולם אינן נראין לעין אלא בעין הלב הן ידועין כמו שידענו אדון הכל בלא ראיית עין:
8
The soul of all flesh is the form which it was given by God. The extra dimension which is found in the soul of man is the form of man who is perfect in his knowledge. Concerning this form, the Torah states [Genesis 1:26]: "Let us make man in our image and in our likeness" - i.e., granting man a form which knows and comprehends ideas that are not material, like the angels, who are form without body, until he can resemble them.[This statement] does not refer to the form of the body perceived by the eye - i.e., the mouth, the nose, the cheeks, and the remainder of the structure of the body. This is referred to as to'ar (appearance).
It is not the soul found in all living flesh which allows it to eat, drink, reproduce, feel, and think. Rather, knowledge is the form of this [dimension of] soul and it is concerning this form of the soul, that the verse states: "in our image and in our likeness." Frequently, this form is referred to as nefesh or ruach. Therefore, one must be careful regarding these names, lest another person err regarding them. Each name reveals its characteristics.
ח
נפש כל בשר היא צורתו שנתן לו האל והדעת היתרה המצויה בנפשו של אדם היא צורת האדם השלם בדעתו ועל צורה זו נאמר בתורה נעשה אדם בצלמנו כדמותנו כלומר שתהיה לו צורה היודעת ומשגת הדעות שאין להם גולם כמו המלאכים שהם צורה בלא גולם עד שידמה להן ואינו אומר על צורה זו הניכרת לעינים שהיא הפה והחוטם והלסתות ושאר רושם הגוף שזו תואר שמה ואינה הנפש המצויה לכל נפש חיה שבה אוכל ושותה ומוליד ומרגיש ומהרהר אלא הדעה שהיא צורת הנפש ובצורת הנפש הכתוב מדבר בצלמנו כדמותנו ופעמים רבות תקרא זאת הצורה נפש ורוח ולפיכך צריך להזהר בשמותן שלא יטעה אדם בהן וכל שם ושם ילמד מענינו:
9
The form of this soul is not a combination of the fundamental [elements] into which it will ultimately decompose, nor does it come from the neshamah so that it would require the neshamah,as the neshamah requires the body. Rather, it is from God, from heaven.
Therefore, when the matter [of the body], which is a combination of the fundamental [elements], decomposes, and the neshamahceases to exist - for [the neshamah] exists only together with the body and requires the body for all its deeds - this form will not be cut off, for this form does not require the neshamah for its deeds. Rather, it knows and comprehends knowledge which is above matter, knows the Creator of all things, and exists forever. In his wisdom, Solomon [gave this description (Ecclesiastes 12:7)]: "The dust will return to the Earth as it [originally] was, and the ruach will return to God who granted it."
ט
אין צורת הנפש הזאת מחוברת מן היסודות כדי שתפרד להם ואינה מכח הנשמה עד שתהא צריכה לנשמה כמו שהנשמה צריכה לגוף אלא מאת ה' מן השמים היא לפיכך כשיפרד הגולם שהוא מחובר מן היסודות ותאבד הנשמה מפני שאינה מצויה אלא עם הגוף וצריכה לגוף בכל מעשיה לא תכרת הצורה הזאת לפי שאינה צריכה לנשמה במעשיה אלא יודעת ומשגת הדעות הפרודות מן הגולמים ויודעת בורא הכל ועומדת לעולם ולעולמי עולמים הוא שאמר שלמה בחכמתו וישוב העפר על הארץ כשהיה והרוח תשוב אל האלהים אשר נתנה:
10
All these concepts which we have explained in this context are like a drop in a bucket. They are deep matters. Nevertheless, their depth does not approach the depth of the subject matter of the first and second chapters.
The explanation of all the subject matter in the third and fourth chapters is referred to as Ma'aseh Bereshit (“the work of Creation”).The Sages of the early generations commanded that these matters should not be expounded upon in public. Rather, a single individual should be informed about them and taught them.
י
כל הדברים האלו שדברנו בענין זה כמר מדלי הם ודברים עמוקים הם אבל אינם כענין עומק פרק ראשון ושני וביאור כל אלו הדברים שבפרק שלישי ורביעי הוא הנקרא מעשה בראשית וכך צוו החכמים הראשונים שאין דורשין בדברים האלו ברבים אלא לאדם אחד מודיעין דברים אלו ומלמדין אותן:
11
What is the difference between the subject matter of Ma'aseh Merkavah and the subject matter of Ma'aseh Bereshit? The subject matter of Ma'aseh Merkavah should never be expounded upon - even to a single individual - unless he is wise and capable of understanding, [in which instance,] he is given fundamental points.
[In contrast,] the subject matter of Ma'aseh Bereshit may be taught to an individual even though he is incapable of comprehending it with his own powers of understanding [alone]. He may be informed about everything that he can possibly know about these matters. Why are they not taught publicly? Because not every person has the vast knowledge necessary to grasp the interpretation and the explanation of these matters in a complete manner.
יא
ומה בין ענין מעשה מרכבה לענין מעשה בראשית שענין מעשה מרכבה אפילו לאחד אין דורשים בו אא"כ היה חכם ומבין מדעתו מוסרין לו ראשי הפרקים וענין מעשה בראשית מלמדין אותו ליחיד אע"פ שאינו מבין אותו מדעתו ומודיעים אותו כל מה שיכול לידע מדברים אלו ולמה אין מלמדין אותו לרבים לפי שאין כל אדם יש לו דעת רחבה להשיג פירוש וביאור כל הדברים על בוריין:
12
When a person meditates on these matters and recognizes all the creations, the angels, the spheres, man, and the like, and appreciates the wisdom of the Holy One, blessed be He, in all these creations, he will add to his love for God. His soul will thirst and his flesh will long with love for God, blessed be He.
He will stand in awe and fear from his humble, lowly, and base [nature] when he compares himself to one of the great and holy bodies, how much more so when comparing himself to the pure forms which are separate from matter and do not share any connection with it. He will see himself as a vessel full of embarrassment and shame, empty and lacking.
יב
בזמן שאדם מתבונן בדברים האלו ומכיר כל הברואים ממלאך וגלגל ואדם כיוצא בו ויראה חכמתו של הקב"ה בכל היצורים וכל הברואים מוסיף אהבה למקום ותצמא נפשו ויכמה בשרו לאהוב המקום ברוך הוא ויירא ויפחד משפלותו ודלותו וקלותו כשיעריך עצמו לאחד מהגופות הקדושים הגדולים וכ"ש לאחת מהצורות הטהורות הנפרדות מן הגולמים שלא נתחברו בגולם כלל וימצא עצמו שהוא ככלי מלא בושה וכלימה ריק וחסר:
13
The matters discussed in these four chapters concerning these five mitzvot are what the Sages of the early generations termed the Pardes, as they related: "Four entered the Pardes...." Even though they were great men of Israel and great Sages, not all of them had the potential to know and comprehend all these matters in their totality.
I maintain that it is not proper for a person to stroll in the Pardesunless he has filled his belly with bread and meat. "Bread and meat" refer to the knowledge of what is permitted and what is forbidden, and similar matters concerning other mitzvot. Even though the Sages referred to these as "a small matter" - for our Sages said: "'A great matter,’ this refers to Ma'aseh Merkavah. `A small matter,’ this refers to the debates of Abbaye and Ravva" - nevertheless, it is fitting for them to be given precedence, because they settle a person's mind.
Also, they are the great good which the Holy One, blessed be He, has granted, [to allow for] stable [living] within this world and the acquisition of the life of the world to come. They can be known in their totality by the great and the small, man or woman, whether [granted] expansive knowledge or limited knowledge.
יג
ועניני ארבעה פרקים אלו שבחמש מצות האלו הם שחכמים הראשונים קוראין אותו פרדס כמו שאמרו ארבעה נכנסו לפרדס ואף על פי שגדולי ישראל היו וחכמים גדולים היו לא כולם היה בהן כח לידע ולהשיג כל הדברים על בוריין ואני אומר שאין ראוי לטייל בפרדס אלא מי שנתמלא כריסו לחם ובשר ולחם ובשר הוא לידע האסור והמותר וכיוצא בהם משאר המצות ואע"פ שדברים אלו דבר קטן קראו אותן חכמים שהרי אמרו חכמים דבר גדול מעשה מרכבה ודבר קטן הוויות דאביי ורבא אעפ"כ ראויין הן להקדימן שהן מיישבין דעתו של אדם תחלה ועוד שהם הטובה הגדולה שהשפיע הקדוש ברוך הוא ליישוב העולם הזה כדי לנחול חיי העולם הבא ואפשר שידעם הכל קטן וגדול איש ואשה בעל לב רחב ובעל לב קצר:
FOOTNOTES
1.
Here and in the following halachot, the word "form" refers to the entity's spiritual qualities, and not its physical shape.
2.
Since the heavens are spherical, anything past the midpoint of the Earth can be considered to be "higher" when approaching from the opposite side.
3.
From the above statements, it appears that the "fundamental elements" of fire, wind, water, and earth are different from the entities to which we generally refer with these names.
4.
Note the similarities to the concept of entropy.
5.
This statement appears to contradict the statement in Halacha 2 that creatures with souls are predominantly from the element of fire. It is possible to explain that Halachah 2 refers even to animal life, while this halacha refers explicitly to man. Man's body – being predominantly from earth – is less refined than that of the animals. His soul, however, is on a much higher level that the animal's life-force.
6.
The cycle of change is discussed in the following halachah.
7.
Bereshit Rabbah 10:6 states: "There is no blade of grass that grows without having a spiritual force... telling it to grow."
8.
Every entity in this world has physical matter and a spiritual life force. However, the two cannot be separated from each other. The matter cannot exist without the life force, nor can the life force be discerned by human eyes except through its expression in a body.
9.
This refers to the creations of our physical world, as explained in Halachah 2.
10.
This refers to the spheres and the stars. As explained in Chapter 3, Halachah 3, and Chapter 2, Halachah 3, they are composed of a different type of matter from the creations in our world.
11.
This refers to the angels. As explained in Chapter 2, Halachah 4, they are spiritual beings without material bodies.
Yesodei haTorah - Chapter Five
1
The entire house of Israel are commanded regarding the sanctification of [God's] great name, as [Leviticus 22:32] states: "And I shall be sanctified amidst the children of Israel." Also, they are warned against desecrating [His holy name], as [the above verse] states: "And they shall not desecrate My holy name."
What is implied? Should a gentile arise and force a Jew to violate one of the Torah's commandments at the pain of death, he should violate the commandment rather than be killed, because [Leviticus 18:5] states concerning the mitzvot: "which a man will perform and live by them." [They were given so that] one may live by them and not die because of them. If a person dies rather than transgress, he is held accountable for his life.
א
כל בית ישראל מצווין על קדוש השם הגדול הזה שנאמר ונקדשתי בתוך בני ישראל ומוזהרין שלא לחללו שנאמר ולא תחללו את שם קדשי כיצד כשיעמוד עובד כוכבים ויאנוס את ישראל לעבור על אחת מכל מצות האמורות בתורה או יהרגנו יעבור ואל יהרג שנאמר במצות אשר יעשה אותם האדם וחי בהם וחי בהם ולא שימות בהם ואם מת ולא עבר הרי זה מתחייב בנפשו:
2
When does the above apply? With regard to other mitzvot, with the exception of the worship of other gods, forbidden sexual relations, and murder. However, with regard to these three sins, if one is ordered: "Transgress one of them or be killed," one should sacrifice his life rather than transgress.
When does the above apply? When the gentile desires his own personal benefit - for example, he forces a person to build a house or cook food for him on the Sabbath, he rapes a woman, or the like. However, if his intention is solely to have him violate the mitzvot, [the following rules apply:] If he is alone and there are not ten other Jews present, he should transgress and not sacrifice his life. However, if he forces him [to transgress] with the intention that he violate [a mitzvah] in the presence of ten Jews, he should sacrifice his life and not transgress. [This applies] even if [the gentile] intended merely that he violate only one of the [Torah's] mitzvot.
ב
במה דברים אמורים בשאר מצות חוץ מעבודת כוכבים וגלוי עריות ושפיכת דמים אבל שלש עבירות אלו אם יאמר לו עבור על אחת מהן או תהרג יהרג ואל יעבור בד"א בזמן שהעובד כוכבים מתכוין להנאת עצמו כגון שאנסו לבנות לו ביתו בשבת או לבשל לו תבשילו או אנס אשה לבועלה וכיוצא בזה אבל אם נתכוין להעבירו על המצות בלבד אם היה בינו לבין עצמו ואין שם עשרה מישראל יעבור ואל יהרג ואם אנסו להעבירו בעשרה מישראל יהרג ואל יעבור ואפילו לא נתכוין להעבירו אלא על מצוה משאר מצות בלבד:
3
All the above [distinctions] apply [only in times] other than times of a decree. However, in times of a decree - i.e., when a wicked king like Nebuchadnezzar or his like will arise and issue a decree against the Jews to nullify their faith or one of the mitzvot - one should sacrifice one's life rather than transgress any of the other mitzvot, whether one is compelled [to transgress] amidst ten [Jews] or one is compelled [to transgress merely] amidst gentiles.
ג
וכל הדברים האלו שלא בשעת הגזרה אבל בשעת הגזרה והוא שיעמוד מלך רשע כנבוכדנצר וחביריו ויגזור גזרה על ישראל לבטל דתם או מצוה מן המצות יהרג ואל יעבור אפילו על אחת משאר מצות בין נאנס בתוך עשרה בין נאנס בינו לבין עובדי כוכבים:
4
If anyone about whom it is said: "Transgress and do not sacrifice your life," sacrifices his life and does not transgress, he is held accountable for his life.
When anyone about whom it is said: "Sacrifice your life and do not transgress," sacrifices his life and does not transgress, he sanctifies [God's] name. If he does so in the presence of ten Jews, he sanctifies [God's] name in public, like Daniel, Chananiah, Mishael, Azariah, and Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues. These are those slain by [the wicked] kingdom, above whom there is no higher level. Concerning them, [Psalms 44:23] states: "For Your sake, we have been slain all day, we are viewed as sheep for the slaughter," and [Psalms 50:5] states: "Gather unto Me, My pious ones, those who have made a covenant with Me by slaughter."
When anyone about whom it is said: "Sacrifice your life and do not transgress," transgresses instead of sacrificing his life, he desecrates [God's] name. If he does so in the presence of ten Jews, he desecrates [God's] name in public, nullifies [the fulfillment of] the positive commandment of the sanctification of [God's] name, and violates the negative commandment against the desecration of God's name.
Nevertheless, since he was forced to transgress, he is not [punished by] lashing, and, needless to say, is not executed by the court even if he was forced to slay [a person]. The [punishments of] lashes and execution are administered only to one who transgresses voluntarily, [when the transgression is observed by] witnesses, and [when] a warning [was given], as [Leviticus 20:5] states concerning one who gives his children to [the worship of] Molech: "I will turn My face against that person."
The oral tradition teaches [that we can infer]: "that person" and not one who is forced [to transgress, who transgresses] inadvertently, or [who transgresses] because of an error. If, concerning the worship of false gods, which is the most serious [of sins], a person who is forced to worship is not liable for karet, nor, needless to say, execution by a court, how much more so [does this principle apply] regarding the other mitzvot of the Torah? [Similarly,] regarding forbidden sexual relations, [Deuteronomy 22:26] states: "Do not do anything to the maiden."
One who could, however, escape and flee from under the power of a wicked king and fails to do so is like a dog who returns [to lick] his vomit. He is considered as one who worships false gods willingly. He will be prevented from reaching the world to come and will descend to the lowest levels of Gehinnom.
ד
כל מי שנאמר בו יעבור ואל יהרג ונהרג ולא עבר הרי זה מתחייב בנפשו וכל מי שנאמר בו יהרג ואל יעבור ונהרג ולא עבר הרי זה קידש את השם ואם היה בעשרה מישראל הרי זה קידש את השם ברבים כדניאל חנניה מישאל ועזריה ורבי עקיבא וחביריו ואלו הן הרוגי מלכות שאין מעלה על מעלתן ועליהן נאמר כי עליך הורגנו כל היום נחשבנו כצאן טבחה ועליהם נאמר אספו לי חסידי כורתי בריתי עלי זבח וכל מי שנאמר בו יהרג ואל יעבור ועבר ולא נהרג הרי זה מחלל את השם ואם היה בעשרה מישראל הרי זה חילל את השם ברבים ובטל מצות עשה שהיא קידוש השם ועבר על מצות לא תעשה שהיא חלול השם ואעפ"כ מפני שעבר באונס אין מלקין אותו ואין צריך לומר שאין ממיתין אותו בית דין אפילו הרג באונס שאין מלקין וממיתין אלא לעובר ברצונו ובעדים והתראה שנאמר בנותן מזרעו למולך ונתתי אני את פני באיש ההוא מפי השמועה למדו ההוא לא אנוס ולא שוגג ולא מוטעה ומה אם עבודת כוכבים שהיא חמורה מן הכל העובד אותה באונס אינו חייב כרת ואין צריך לומר מיתת בית דין קל וחומר לשאר מצות האמורות בתורה ובעריות הוא אומר ולנערה לא תעשה דבר אבל אם יכול למלט נפשו ולברוח מתחת יד המלך הרשע ואינו עושה הנה הוא ככלב שב על קיאו והוא נקרא עובד עבודת כוכבים במזיד והוא נטרד מן העולם הבא ויורד למדרגה התחתונה של גיהנם:
5
If gentiles tell [a group of] women: "Give us one of you to defile. If not, we will defile all of you," they should allow themselves all to be defiled rather than give over a single Jewish soul to [the gentiles].
Similarly, if gentiles told [a group of Jews]: "Give us one of you to kill. If not, we will kill all of you," they should allow themselves all to be killed rather than give over a single soul to [the gentiles].
However, if [the gentiles] single out [a specific individual] and say: "Give us so and so or we will kill all of you," [different rules apply]: If the person is obligated to die like Sheva ben Bichri, they may give him over to them. Initially, however, this instruction is not conveyed to them. If he is not obligated to die, they should allow themselves all to be killed rather than give over a single soul to [the gentiles].
ה
נשים שאמרו להם עובדי כוכבים תנו לנו אחת מכן ונטמא אותה ואם לאו נטמא את כולכן יטמאו כולן ואל ימסרו להם נפש אחת מישראל וכן אם אמרו להם עובדי כוכבים תנו לנו אחד מכם ונהרגנו ואם לאו נהרוג כולכם יהרגו כולם ואל ימסרו להם נפש אחת מישראל ואם יחדוהו להם ואמרו תנו לנו פלוני או נהרוג את כולכם אם היה מחוייב מיתה כשבע בן בכרי יתנו אותו להם ואין מורין להם כן לכתחלה ואם אינו חייב מיתה יהרגו כולן ואל ימסרו להם נפש אחת מישראל:
6
Just as these principles apply regarding being forced [to transgress], they also apply regarding sicknesses. What is implied?
When a person becomes sick and is in danger of dying, if the physicians say that his cure involves transgressing a given Torah prohibition, [the physicians' advice] should be followed. When there is a danger [to life], one may use any of the Torah prohibitions as a remedy, with the exception of the worship of false gods, forbidden sexual relations, and murder. Even when there is a danger [to life], one may not use them as a remedy. If one transgresses and uses them as a remedy, the court may impose the appropriate punishment upon him.
ו
כענין שאמרו באונסין כך אמרו בחלאים כיצד מי שחלה ונטה למות ואמרו הרופאים שרפואתו בדבר פלוני מאיסורין שבתורה עושין ומתרפאין בכל איסורין שבתורה במקום סכנה חוץ מעבודת כוכבים וגילוי עריות ושפיכת דמים שאפילו במקום סכנה אין מתרפאין בהן ואם עבר ונתרפא עונשין אותו בית דין עונש הראוי לו:
7
What is the source [which teaches] that even when there is a danger to life, these three sins should not be violated? [Deuteronomy 6:5] states: "And you shall love God, your Lord, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." [The words "with all your soul" imply] even if one takes your soul.
With regard to the killing of a Jewish person to heal another person or to save a person from one who is compelling him, it is logical that one person's life should not be sacrificed for another. [The Torah has] established an equation between forbidden sexual relations and murder, as [Deuteronomy 22:26] states: "This matter is just like a case where a person rises up against his colleague and slays him."
ז
ומנין שאפילו במקום סכנת נפשות אין עוברין על אחת משלש עבירות אלו שנאמר ואהבת את ה' אלהיך בכל לבבך ובכל נפשך ובכל מאודך אפילו הוא נוטל את נפשך והריגת נפש מישראל לרפאות נפש אחרת או להציל אדם מיד אנס דבר שהדעת נוטה לו הוא שאין מאבדין נפש מפני נפש ועריות הוקשו לנפשות שנאמר כי כאשר יקום איש על רעהו ורצחו נפש כן הדבר הזה:
8
When does the above - that one may be healed using other prohibitions only when [one's life] is in danger - apply? When one uses them in a way which affords satisfaction - e.g., when one feeds a sick person insects or creeping animals, or chametz on Pesach, or when one is fed on Yom Kippur.
When, however, [the prohibited substances are used] in a way that does not grant satisfaction - e.g., one makes a bandage or compress of chametz on Pesach or from orlah, or when one is given bitter-tasting substances mixed with forbidden foods to drink - since one's palate derives no satisfaction, it is permitted even when no danger to life is involved.
Exceptions [to this leniency] are kilai hakerem and [mixtures of] milk and meat. [Deriving benefit] from them is forbidden even in a way that does not offer satisfaction. Therefore, they may not be used as a remedy even in a manner which does not grant satisfaction, except when there is danger [to life].
ח
במה דברים אמורים שאין מתרפאין בשאר איסורים אלא במקום סכנה בזמן שהן דרך הנאתן כגון שמאכילין את החולה שקצים ורמשים או חמץ בפסח או שמאכילין אותו ביוה"כ אבל שלא דרך הנאתן כגון שעושין לו רטיה או מלוגמא מחמץ או מערלה או שמשקין אותו דברים שיש בהן מר מעורב עם אסורי מאכל שהרי אין בהן הנאה לחיך הרי זה מותר ואפילו שלא במקום סכנה חוץ מכלאי הכרם ובשר בחלב שהן אסורים אפילו שלא דרך הנאתן לפיכך אין מתרפאין מהן אפילו שלא דרך הנאתן אלא במקום סכנה:
9
[When] someone becomes attracted to a woman and is [love-]sick [to the extent that] he is in danger of dying, [although] the physicians say he has no remedy except engaging in sexual relations with her, he should be allowed to die rather than engage in sexual relations with her. [This applies] even if she is unmarried.
He is even not to be given instructions to speak to her [in private] behind a fence. Rather, he should die rather than be given instructions to speak to her behind a fence. [These restrictions were instituted] so that Jewish women would not be regarded capriciously, and [to prevent] these matters from [ultimately] leading to promiscuity.
ט
מי שנתן עיניו באשה וחלה ונטה למות ואמרו הרופאים אין לו רפואה עד שתבעל לו ימות ואל תבעל לו אפילו היתה פנויה ואפילו לדבר עמה מאחורי הגדר אין מורין לו בכך וימות ולא יורו לדבר עמה מאחורי הגדר שלא יהו בנות ישראל הפקר ויבואו בדברים אלו לפרוץ בעריות:
10
Whoever consciously transgresses one of the mitzvot related in the Torah, without being forced to, in a spirit of derision, to arouse [Divine] anger, desecrates [God's] name. Therefore, [Leviticus 19:12] states, regarding [taking] an oath in vain: "[for] you are desecrating the name of your Lord; I am God." If he transgresses amidst ten Jews, he desecrates [God's] name in public.
Conversely, anyone who refrains from committing a sin or performs a mitzvah for no ulterior motive, neither out of fear or dread, nor to seek honor, but for the sake of the Creator, blessed be He - as Joseph held himself back from his master's wife - sanctifies God's name.
י
כל העובר מדעתו בלא אונס על אחת מכל מצות האמורות בתורה בשאט בנפש להכעיס הרי זה מחלל את השם ולפיכך נאמר בשבועת שקר וחללת את שם אלהיך אני ה' ואם עבר בעשרה מישראל הרי זה חילל את השם ברבים וכן כל הפורש מעבירה או עשה מצוה לא מפני דבר בעולם לא פחד ולא יראה ולא לבקש כבוד אלא מפני הבורא ברוך הוא כמניעת יוסף הצדיק עצמו מאשת רבו הרי זה מקדש את השם:
11
There are other deeds which are also included in [the category of] the desecration of [God's] name, if performed by a person of great Torah stature who is renowned for his piety - i.e., deeds which, although they are not transgressions, [will cause] people to speak disparagingly of him. This also constitutes the desecration of [God's] name.
For example, a person who purchases [merchandise] and does not pay for it immediately, although he possesses the money, and thus, the sellers demand payment and he pushes them off; a person who jests immoderately; or who eats and drinks near or among the common people; or whose conduct with other people is not gentle and he does not receive them with a favorable countenance, but rather contests with them and vents his anger; and the like. Everything depends on the stature of the sage. [The extent to which] he must be careful with himself and go beyond the measure of the law [depends on the level of his Torah stature.]
[The converse is] also [true]. When a sage is stringent with himself, speaks pleasantly with others, his social conduct is [attractive] to others, he receives them pleasantly, he is humbled by them and does not humble them in return, he honors them - even though they disrespect him - he does business faithfully, and does not frequently accept the hospitality of the common people or sit with them, and at all times is seen only studying Torah, wrapped in tzitzit, crowned with tefillin, and carrying out all his deeds beyond the measure of the law - provided he does not separate too far [from normal living] and thus become forlorn – to the extent that all praise him, love him, and find his deeds attractive - such a person sanctifies [God's] name. The verse [Isaiah 49:3]: "And He said to me: `Israel, you are My servant, in whom I will be glorified'" refers to him.
יא
ויש דברים אחרים שהן בכלל חילול השם והוא שיעשה אותם אדם גדול בתורה ומפורסם בחסידות דברים שהבריות מרננים אחריו בשבילם ואף על פי שאינן עבירות הרי זה חילל את השם כגון שלקח ואינו נותן דמי המקח לאלתר והוא שיש לו ונמצאו המוכרים תובעין והוא מקיפן או שירבה בשחוק או באכילה ושתיה אצל עמי הארץ וביניהן או שדבורו עם הבריות אינו בנחת ואינו מקבלן בסבר פנים יפות אלא בעל קטטה וכעס וכיוצא בדברים האלו הכל לפי גדלו של חכם צריך שידקדק על עצמו ויעשה לפנים משורת הדין וכן אם דקדק החכם על עצמו והיה דבורו בנחת עם הבריות ודעתו מעורבת עמהם ומקבלם בסבר פנים יפות ונעלב מהם ואינו עולבם מכבד להן ואפילו למקילין לו ונושא ונותן באמונה ולא ירבה באריחות עמי הארץ וישיבתן ולא יראה תמיד אלא עוסק בתורה עטוף בציצית מוכתר בתפילין ועושה בכל מעשיו לפנים משורת הדין והוא שלא יתרחק הרבה ולא ישתומם עד שימצאו הכל מקלסין אותו ואוהבים אותו ומתאוים למעשיו הרי זה קידש את ה' ועליו הכתוב אומר ויאמר לי עבדי אתה ישראל אשר בך אתפאר:
Yesodei haTorah - Chapter Six
1
Whoever destroys one of the holy and pure names with which the Holy One, blessed be He, is called is liable for lashes according to Scriptural [Law].
[This punishment is given because such an act violates one of the Torah's prohibitions. The prohibition is derived as follows:] With regard to the worship of false gods, [Deuteronomy 12:3-4] states: "And you shall destroy their names from this place. Do not do this to God, your Lord."
א
כל המאבד שם מן השמות הקדושים הטהורים שנקרא בהם הקב"ה לוקה מן התורה שהרי הוא אומר בעבודת כוכבים ואבדתם את שמם מן המקום ההוא לא תעשון כן לה' אלהיכם:
2
There are seven names [for God]:
a) The name which is written Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey. This is [referred to as God's] explicit name and is [also] written Alef-Daled-Nun-Yud.
b) [The name] El;
c) [The name] Elo'ah;
d) [The name] Elohim;
e) [The name] Elohai;
f) [The name] Shaddai;
g) [The name] Tz'vaot;
Whoever erases even one letter from [any of] these seven names is [liable for] lashes.
ב
ושבעה שמות הם השם הנכתב יו"ד ה"א וא"ו ה"א והוא השם המפורש או הנכתב אדני ואל אלוה ואלהים ואלהי ושדי וצבאות כל המוחק אפילו אות אחת משבעה אלו לוקה:
3
All [the letters] which are connected to [God's] name, [but are placed] before [the name itself] may be erased - e.g., the lamed of Lamed-Alef-Daled-Nun-Yud or the bet of B’Elohim and the like. They do not possess the same degree of holiness as [God's] name [itself].
All [the letters] which are connected to [God's] name, [but placed] after [the name itself] - e.g., the final chaf of Elohecha or the chaf and the final mem of Eloheichem, and the like may not be erased. They are considered like the other letters of [God's] name, because the name conveys holiness upon them.
Although holiness is conveyed upon them and it is forbidden to erase them, nevertheless, a person who erases these letters which are connected to [God's] name is not [liable for] lashes. However, he does receives "stripes for rebelliousness."
ג
כל הנטפל לשם מלפניו מותר למוחקו כגון למ"ד מליהוה ובי"ת מבאלהים וכיוצא בהן אינן כקדושת השם וכל הנטפל לשם מאחריו כגון ך' של אלהיך וכ"ם של אלהיכם וכיוצא בהן אינם נמחקים והרי הם כשאר אותיות של שם מפני שהשם מקדשם ואע"פ שנתקדשו ואסור למוחקם המוחק אלו האותיות הנטפלות אינו לוקה אבל מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
4
If one writes the alef and the lamed of the name Elohim or the yud and the hey of the name Yud-Hey–Vav–Hey, [these letters] may not be erased. Needless to say, the name Yud-Hey[may not be erased]. It is [considered as] a name in its own right because it is part of [God's] explicit name.
However, if one writes the shin and the dalet of the name Shaddai,or the tzadi and the bet of the name Tz'vaot, [these letters] may be erased.
ד
כתב אל"ף למ"ד מאלהים יו"ד ה"א מיהוה אינו נמחק ואצ"ל יה שהוא שם בפני עצמו מפני שזה השם מקצת שם המפורש הוא אבל הכותב שי"ן דל"ת משדי צד"י בי"ת מצבאות הרי זה נמחק:
5
Other descriptive terms which are used to praise the Holy One, blessed be He - e.g., the Gracious, the Merciful, the Great, the Mighty, the Awesome, the Faithful, the Jealous, the Powerful, and the like, are considered as other holy texts and may be erased.
ה
שאר הכינויין שמשבחין בהן את הקדוש ברוך הוא כגון חנון ורחום הגדול הגבור והנורא הנאמן קנא וחזק וכיוצא בהן הרי הן כשאר כתבי הקדש ומותר למוחקן:
6
[When God's] name is written on a utensil, one should cut off [God's] name and bury it. Even [when God's] name is engraved on a metal or glass utensil and one melts the utensil, one should be [punished by] lashing. Instead, one should cut off [God's] name and bury it.
Similarly, if [God's] name was written on one's flesh, one should not wash or anoint oneself. Nor may one stand in a place of filth. If it occurs that such a person must immerse because of a mitzvah, he should wind reeds around [the name] and immerse himself. If he cannot find reeds, he should wind his clothes around it, but should not [wind them] tightly so they will not intervene [between his flesh and the water]. [This is acceptable because] the reason he is required to wind reeds around it is only because it is forbidden to stand before [God's] name when he is naked.
ו
כלי שהיה שם כתוב עליו קוצץ את מקום השם וגונזו ואפילו היה השם חקוק בכלי מתכות או בכלי זכוכית והתיך הכלי הרי זה לוקה אלא חותך את מקומו וגונזו וכן אם היה שם כתוב על בשרו הרי זה לא ירחץ ולא יסוך ולא יעמוד במקום הטנופת נזדמנה לו טבילה של מצוה כורך עליו גמי וטובל ואם לא מצא גמי מסבב בבגדיו ולא יהדק כדי שלא יחוץ שלא אמרו לכרוך עליו אלא מפני שאסור לעמוד בפני השם כשהוא ערום:
7
A person who removes even one stone from the altar, the Temple building, or the Temple courtyard with a destructive intent is [liable for] lashes. [The prohibition is derived as follows:] with regard to the worship of false gods, [Deuteronomy 12:3] states: "And you shall tear down their altars," and [the following verse] continues: "Do not do this to God, your Lord."
Similarly, a person who, with a destructive intent, burns wood consecrated to the Temple is [liable for] lashes. [The prohibition is derived as follows:] with regard to the worship of false gods, [Deuteronomy 12:3] states: "And you shall burn their asherot with fire," and [the following verse] continues: "Do not do this to God, your Lord."
ז
הסותר אפילו אבן אחת דרך השחתה מן המזבח או מן ההיכל או משאר העזרה לוקה שנאמר בעבודת כוכבים כי את מזבחותם תתוצון וכתוב לא תעשון כן לה' אלהיכם וכן השורף עצי הקדש דרך השחתה לוקה שנאמר ואשריהם תשרפון באש וכתיב לא תעשון כן לה' אלהיכם:
8
It is forbidden to burn or to destroy by direct action any sacred texts, their commentaries, and their explanations. A person who destroys them by his direct action is given "stripes for rebelliousness."
To what does the above apply? To sacred texts written by a Jew with a sacred intent. However, should a Jewish heretic write a Torah scroll, it and the name of God it contains must be burnt, since he does not believe in the sanctity of [God's] name and did not compose it for this purpose. Rather, he considers this to be similar to any other text. Since this is his intent, the names [of God he writes] do not become holy.
It is a mitzvah to burn it so that no remembrance will be left of the heretics or their deeds. In contrast, if a gentile writes [God's] name, it should be buried. Similarly, sacred texts that have become worn out or which were written by gentiles should be buried.
ח
כתבי הקדש כולן ופירושיהן וביאוריהן אסור לשורפם או לאבדם ביד והמאבדן ביד מכין אותו מכת מרדות בד"א בכתבי הקדש שכתבם ישראל בקדושה אבל אפיקורוס ישראל שכתב ספר תורה שורפין אותו עם האזכרות שבו מפני שאינו מאמין בקדושת השם ולא כתבו לשמו אלא שהוא מעלה בדעתו שזה כשאר הדברים והואיל ודעתו כן לא נתקדש השם ומצוה לשורפו כדי שלא להניח שם לאפיקורוסים ולא למעשיהם אבל עובד כוכבים שכתב את השם גונזין אותו וכן כתבי הקדש שבלו או שכתבן עובד כוכבים יגנזו:
9
All the names [of God] written in [the passage concerning] Abraham [and the angels] are sacred. Even [the name of God in Genesis 18:3]: "My Lord, if I have found favor in Your eyes," is also sacred. All the names [of God] written in [the passage concerning] Lot are not sacred, except [Genesis 19:18-19]: "And Lot said to them: `0 God, no! I have found favor in Your eyes... and You have saved my life.'"
All the names [of God] written in [the passage concerning] the hill of Benjamin are sacred. All the names [of God] written in [the passage concerning] Michah are not sacred. All the names [of God] written in [the passage concerning] Navot are sacred.
Every mention of the name "Shelomoh" in the Song of Songs is sacred, except [8:12]: "You, Shelomoh, may have the thousand." Every mention of the word "king" in the Book of Daniel is not sacred, except [2:37]: "You are the King, the King of kings." Its status is like other descriptive terms [for God].
ט
כל השמות האמורים באברהם קדש אף זה שנאמר אדני אם נא מצאתי חן הרי הוא קדש כל השמות האמורים בלוט חול חוץ מזה אל נא אדני הנה נא מצא עבדך חן כל השמות האמורים בגבעת בנימין קדש כל השמות האמורים במיכה חול כל השמות האמורים בנבות קדש כל שלמה האמור בשיר השירים קדש והרי הוא כשאר הכנויין חוץ מזה האלף לך שלמה כל מלכיא האמור בדניאל חול חוץ מזה אנת מלכא מלך מלכיא והרי הוא כשאר הכנויין:
• Friday, 26 Tishrei, 5777 · 28 October 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Monday, Tishrei 26, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Noach, Sheini with Rashi.
Tehillim: 119, 97 to end.
Tanya: (And that is (p. 535) ...dust, and water. (p. 537).
The interpretation of the verse, "Forever, O G-d, Your word stands firm in the heavens."1 (Tanya II:I and IV:25) is quoted by the Alter Rebbe in the Baal Shem Tov's name although that interpretation is found in Midrash Tehillim, as quoted in Likutei Torah in the maamar Ki bayom hazeh yechapeir. But the Alter Rebbe had a special reason for this: It was on the second day of Creation when G-d said: "Let there be a Heaven,"2 and it is this utterance which "stands firm in the Heavens." Associating the quotation with the Baal Shem Tov was to be an eternal memorial that the Baal Shem Tov was born on the second day of the week,3 on the eighteenth (chai) of Elul.
FOOTNOTES
1.Tehillim 119:89.
2.Bereishit 1:6.
3.Monday; paralleling the second day of Creation.
• Daily Thought:• "Today's Day"
• Monday, Tishrei 26, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Noach, Sheini with Rashi.
Tehillim: 119, 97 to end.
Tanya: (And that is (p. 535) ...dust, and water. (p. 537).
The interpretation of the verse, "Forever, O G-d, Your word stands firm in the heavens."1 (Tanya II:I and IV:25) is quoted by the Alter Rebbe in the Baal Shem Tov's name although that interpretation is found in Midrash Tehillim, as quoted in Likutei Torah in the maamar Ki bayom hazeh yechapeir. But the Alter Rebbe had a special reason for this: It was on the second day of Creation when G-d said: "Let there be a Heaven,"2 and it is this utterance which "stands firm in the Heavens." Associating the quotation with the Baal Shem Tov was to be an eternal memorial that the Baal Shem Tov was born on the second day of the week,3 on the eighteenth (chai) of Elul.
FOOTNOTES
1.Tehillim 119:89.
2.Bereishit 1:6.
3.Monday; paralleling the second day of Creation.
Dancing With Feet
On Simchat Torah we dance with our feet, not with our heads.
We are celebrating the Torah, and the Torah is something we study with our heads. But we dance with our feet, not with our heads.
If we would dance with our heads, each one would dance a different dance, each in a different space, some with friends but not with others, some as lonesome souls.
One head is higher, one is lower, one is here on earth, the other in the clouds or beyond, and some minds know only their own space that no one else can know.
But we dance with our feet, and all our feet are here on the same earth—none higher and none lower. So now we can all dance as one, with one heart, as a single being.
Now there is no loneliness, only joy.[Likkutei Sichot, volume 20, page 370.]
No comments:
Post a Comment