Daily Quote:
Hereby you shall know that G-d has sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of my own mind[Moses (to Korach and his followers, Numbers 16:28)]
Today's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Parshat Chayei Sarah, 6th Portion (Genesis 25:1-25:11) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 25
1And Abraham took another wife and her name was Keturah. אוַיֹּ֧סֶף אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה וּשְׁמָ֥הּ קְטוּרָֽה:
Keturah: (Gen. Rabbah 61:4) This is Hagar. She was called Keturah because her deeds were as beautiful as incense (קְטֹרֶת), and because she tied (קָטְרָה, the Aramaic for“tied”) her opening, for she was not intimate with any man from the day she separated from Abraham. קטורה: זו הגר, ונקראת קטורה על שם שנאים מעשיה כקטרת ושקשרה פתחה שלא נזדווגה לאדם מיום שפרשה מאברהם:
2And she bore him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Jishbak and Shuah. בוַתֵּ֣לֶד ל֗וֹ אֶת־זִמְרָן֙ וְאֶת־יָקְשָׁ֔ן וְאֶת־מְדָ֖ן וְאֶת־מִדְיָ֑ן וְאֶת־יִשְׁבָּ֖ק וְאֶת־שֽׁוּחַ:
3And Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan, and the sons of Dedan were Ashurim, Letushim, and Leumim. גוְיָקְשָׁ֣ן יָלַ֔ד אֶת־שְׁבָ֖א וְאֶת־דְּדָ֑ן וּבְנֵ֣י דְדָ֗ן הָי֛וּ אַשּׁוּרִ֥ם וּלְטוּשִׁ֖ם וּלְאֻמִּֽים:
Ashurim and Letushim: the names of the heads of nations (Gen. Rabbah 61:5). But I cannot reconcile the translation of Onkelos with the language of the verse [who translated אַשּׁוּרִם as לְמַשִׁירְיָן, meaning “camps.” And if you say that it is not so, because the “aleph” is not part of the root, we do have words that do not commence with an “aleph,” yet are prefixed with an“aleph.” For example (Amos 7:7): חוֹמַת אִנָ (a wall made by a plumbline), which is derived from [the same root as] (II Sam. 4:4) נְכֵה רַגְלָיִם (“lame in his feet”); and like (II Kings 4:2) אָסוּ שֶׁמֶן (“a jug of oil”), which is derived from [the same root as] (Ruth 3:3) וְרָחַצְתּ ָוָסַכְתָּ (“and you shall bathe and anoint yourself”). אשורם ולטושם: שם ראשי אומות. ותרגום של אונקלוס אין לי לישבו על לשון המקרא. שפירש למשירין, לשון מחנה. ואם תאמר שאינו כן מפני האל"ף שאינה יסודית, הרי לנו תיבות שאין בראשם אל"ף ונתוספה אל"ף בראשם, כמו (עמוס ז ז) חומת אנך, שהוא מן (שמואל ב' ד ד) נכה רגלים, וכמו (מלכים ב' ד ב) אסוך שמן שהוא מן (רות ג ג) ורחצת וסכת:
and Letushim: They are tent dwellers who spread hither and thither, and travel each in “his palatial tents,” (using the expression from Dan. 11:45), and so Scripture states (I Sam. 30:16):“and behold, they are scattered (נְטֻשִׁים) over the entire earth,” for “lammed” and “nun” are interchangeable.] ולטושים: הם בעלי אהלים המתפזרים אנה ואנה ונוסעים איש באהלי אפדנו, וכן הוא אומר (ש"א ל טז) והנה נטושים על פני כל הארץ, שכן למ"ד ונו"ן מתחלפות זו בזו:
4And the sons of Midian [were] Ephah and Epher and Enoch and Abida and Elda'ah; all these were the sons of Keturah. דוּבְנֵ֣י מִדְיָ֗ן עֵיפָ֤ה וָעֵ֨פֶר֙ וַֽחֲנֹ֔ךְ וַֽאֲבִידָ֖ע וְאֶלְדָּעָ֑ה כָּל־אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י קְטוּרָֽה:
5And Abraham gave all that he possessed to Isaac. הוַיִּתֵּ֧ן אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖וֹ לְיִצְחָֽק:
And Abraham gave, etc.: (Gen. Rabbah 61:6) R. Nechemiah said: He gave him a permanent blessing, for the Holy One, blessed be He, had said to Abraham (above 12:2)“ and you shall be a blessing,” i.e., the blessings are delivered into your hand to bless whomever you wish. And Abraham gave them over to Isaac. — [Mid. Ps. 1:5] ויתן אברהם וגו': אמר ר' נחמיה ברכה דיאתיקי, שאמר לו הקב"ה לאברהם (לעיל יב ב) והיה ברכה, הברכות מסורות בידך לברך את מי שתרצה, ואברהם מסרם ליצחק:
6And to the sons of Abraham's concubines, Abraham gave gifts, and he sent them away from his son Isaac while he [Abraham] was still alive, eastward to the land of the East. ווְלִבְנֵ֤י הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם נָתַ֥ן אַבְרָהָ֖ם מַתָּנֹ֑ת וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֞ם מֵעַ֨ל יִצְחָ֤ק בְּנוֹ֙ בְּעוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חַ֔י קֵ֖דְמָה אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ קֶֽדֶם:
concubines: (Gen. Rabbah 61:4) This [the word [פִּילַגְשִׁם] is spelled defectively [missing the letter “yud”], because there was only one concubine. That was Hagar, who was identical with Keturah. [The“yud,” denoting the plural, is absent, hence Rashi understands that the word פִּילַגְשִׁם denotes the singular. In our Torah scrolls, the plene spelling appears.] Wives are those who have a marriage contract, whereas concubines have no marriage contract, as is explained in Sanhedrin (21a) regarding David’s wives and concubines. הפילגשים: חסר כתיב, שלא היתה אלא פלגש אחת, היא הגר היא קטורה. נשים בכתובה, פילגשים בלא כתובה, כדאמרינן בסנהדרין (כא א) בנשים ופילגשים דדוד:
Abraham gave gifts: Our Sages explained that he gave them “the name of impurity” (Sanh. 91a). Another explanation: All that was given to him because of Sarah and the other gifts that were given to him, all these he gave to them, for he did not wish to benefit from them. נתן אברהם מתנות: פירשו רבותינו שם טומאה מסר להם. דבר אחר מה שניתן לו על אודות שרה ושאר מתנות שנתנו לו, הכל נתן להם שלא רצה ליהנות מהם:
7And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life that he lived: one hundred years and seventy years and five years. זוְאֵ֗לֶּה יְמֵ֛י שְׁנֵֽי־חַיֵּ֥י אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־חָ֑י מְאַ֥ת שָׁנָ֛ה וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְחָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִֽים:
one hundred years and seventy years and five years: When he was one hundred years old, he was as one who is seventy years old, and when he was seventy years old, he was as one who is five years old, without sin. מאת שנה ושבעים שנה וחמש שנים: בן מאה כבן שבעים, ובן שבעים כבן חמש בלא חטא:
8And Abraham expired and died in a good old age, old and satisfied, and he was gathered to his people. חוַיִּגְוַ֨ע וַיָּ֧מָת אַבְרָהָ֛ם בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָ֖ה זָקֵ֣ן וְשָׂבֵ֑עַ וַיֵּאָ֖סֶף אֶל־עַמָּֽיו:
9And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the Cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which faces Mamre, טוַיִּקְבְּר֨וּ אֹת֜וֹ יִצְחָ֤ק וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־מְעָרַ֖ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה אֶל־שְׂדֵ֞ה עֶפְרֹ֤ן בֶּן־צֹ֨חַר֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵֽא:
Isaac and Ishmael: (Gen. Rabbah 30:4, 38:12) From here [we may deduce] that Ishmael repented and let Isaac go before him, and that is the meaning of “a good old age” which is stated regarding Abraham (above 15:15). - [B.B. 16b] יצחק וישמעאל: מכאן שעשה ישמעאל תשובה והוליך את יצחק לפניו, והיא שיבה טובה שנאמר באברהם:
10The field that Abraham had bought from the sons of Heth there Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried. יהַשָּׂדֶ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־קָנָ֥ה אַבְרָהָ֖ם מֵאֵ֣ת בְּנֵי־חֵ֑ת שָׁ֛מָּה קֻבַּ֥ר אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְשָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ:
11Now it came to pass after Abraham's death, that God blessed his son Isaac, and Isaac dwelt near Be'er Lachai Ro'i. יאוַיְהִ֗י אַֽחֲרֵי֙ מ֣וֹת אַבְרָהָ֔ם וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב יִצְחָ֔ק עִם־בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִֽי:
Now it came to pass after Abraham’s death, that God blessed, etc.:He consoled him with the consolations of the mourners (Sotah 14b). Another explanation: Even though the Holy One, blessed be He, delivered the blessings to Abraham, he was afraid to bless Isaac because he foresaw Esau emanating from him. So he said,“May the Master of blessings come and bless whomever He pleases.” And the Holy One, blessed be He, came and blessed him. - [Tan. Lech Lecha 4] ויהי אחרי מות אברהם ויברך וגו': נחמו תנחומי אבלים. דבר אחר אף על פי שמסר הקדוש ברוך הוא את הברכות לאברהם, נתיירא לברך את יצחק מפני שצפה את עשו יוצא ממנו, אמר יבא בעל הברכות ויברך את אשר ייטב בעיניו ובא הקדוש ברוך הוא וברכו:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 113-118
• Chapter 113
This psalm recounts some of the wonders of the exodus from Egypt.
1. Praise the Lord! Offer praise, you servants of the Lord; praise the Name of the Lord.
2. May the Name of the Lord be blessed from now and to all eternity.
3. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the Lord is praised.
4. The Lord is high above all nations; His glory transcends the heavens.
5. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high
6. [yet] looks down so low upon heaven and earth!
7. He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the destitute from the dunghill,
8. to seat them with nobles, with the nobles of His people.
9. He transforms the barren woman into a household, into a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 114
This psalm explains why the tribe of Judah merited kingship.
1. When Israel went out of Egypt, the House of Jacob from a people of a foreign tongue,
2. Judah became His holy [nation], Israel, His domain.
3. The sea saw and fled, the Jordan turned backward.
4. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like young sheep.
5. What is the matter with you, O sea, that you flee; Jordan, that you turn backward;
6. mountains, that you skip like rams; hills, like young sheep?
7. [We do so] before the Master, the Creator of the earth, before the God of Jacob,
8. Who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flintstone into a water fountain.
Chapter 115
A prayer that God bring this long exile to an end, for the sake of His Name-that it not be desecrated.
1. Not for our sake, Lord, not for our sake, but for the sake of Your Name bestow glory, because of Your kindness and Your truth.
2. Why should the nations say, "Where, now, is their God?”
3. Indeed, our God is in heaven; whatever He desires, He does.
4. Their idols are of silver and gold, the product of human hands.
5. They have a mouth, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;
6. they have ears, but cannot hear; they have a nose, but cannot smell;
7. their hands cannot touch; their feet cannot walk; they can make no sound in their throat.
8. Those who make them will become like them-all who put their trust in them.
9. Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
10. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
11. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
12. The Lord who is ever mindful of us, may He bless: May He bless the House of Israel; may He bless the House of Aaron;
13. may He bless those who fear the Lord, the small with the great.
14. May the Lord increase [blessing] upon you, upon you and upon your children.
15. You are blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
16. The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth He gave to the children of man.
17. The dead cannot praise the Lord, nor any who descend into the silence [of the grave].
18. But we will bless the Lord from now to eternity. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 116
This psalm contains magnificent praises to God. It also describes David's love for God, in light of all the miracles He performed for him. David does not know how to repay God, declaring it impossible to pay back for all God has done for him.
1. I would love if the Lord would listen to my voice, to my supplications;
2. if He would turn His ear to me on the days when I call.
3. The pangs of death encompassed me and the misery of the grave came upon me; I encounter trouble and sorrow.
4. I invoke the Name of the Lord, "Lord, I implore you, deliver my soul!”
5. The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6. The Lord watches over the simpletons; I was brought low, and He saved me.
7. Return, my soul, to your tranquility, for the Lord has bestowed goodness upon you.
8. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9. I shall walk before the Lord in the lands of the living.
10. I had faith even when I declared, "I am greatly afflicted";
11. [even when] I said in my haste, "All men are deceitful.”
12. How can I repay the Lord for all His beneficences to me?
13. I will raise the cup of deliverance and proclaim the Name of the Lord.
14. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.
15. Grievous in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His pious ones.
16. I thank you, Lord, that since I am Your servant, I am Your servant the son of Your maidservant, You have loosened my bonds.
17. To You I will bring an offering of thanksgiving, and proclaim the Name of the Lord.
18. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people,
19. in the courtyards of the House of the Lord, in the midst of Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 117
This psalm of two verses alludes to the Messianic era, when the Children of Israel will enjoy their former glory. All will praise God, in fulfillment of the verse, "All will then call in the Name of God."
1. Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.
2. For His kindness was mighty over us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 118
This psalm describes David's immense trust in God. It also contains many praises to God, Who has fulfilled that which He has promised us.
1. Offer praise to the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting.
2. Let Israel declare that His kindness is everlasting.
3. Let the House of Aaron declare that His kindness is everlasting.
4. Let those who fear the Lord declare that His kindness is everlasting.
5. From out of distress I called to God; with abounding relief, God answered me.
6. The Lord is with me, I do not fear-what can man do to me?
7. The Lord is with me among my helpers, and I will see [the downfall of] my enemies.
8. It is better to rely on the Lord than to trust in man.
9. It is better to rely on the Lord than to trust in nobles.
10. All the nations surrounded me, but in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down.
11. They surrounded me, they encompassed me, but in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down.
12. They surrounded me like bees, yet they shall be extinguished like fiery thorns; in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down.
13. You [my foes] repeatedly pushed me to fall, but the Lord helped me.
14. God is my strength and song, and He has been a help to me.
15. The sound of rejoicing and deliverance reverberates in the tents of the righteous, "The right hand of the Lord performs deeds of valor.
16. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord performs deeds of valor!”
17. I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of God.
18. God has indeed chastised me, but He did not give me up to death.
19. Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise God.
20. This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous will enter it.
21. I offer thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have been my deliverance.
22. The stone which the builders scorned has become the chief cornerstone.
23. From the Lord has this come about; it is wondrous in our eyes.
24. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice on it.
25. We implore You, Lord, deliver us. We implore You, Lord, grant us success.
26. Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord; we bless you from the House of the Lord.
27. The Lord is a benevolent God and He has given us light; bind the festival offering with cords until [you bring it to] the horns of the altar.
28. You are my God and I will praise You, my God-and I will exalt You.
29. Praise the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, Epistle 31
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Friday, 24 Cheshvan, 5777 · 25 November 2016
• Iggeret HaKodesh, Epistle 31
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Parshat Chayei Sarah, 6th Portion (Genesis 25:1-25:11) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 25
1And Abraham took another wife and her name was Keturah. אוַיֹּ֧סֶף אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה וּשְׁמָ֥הּ קְטוּרָֽה:
Keturah: (Gen. Rabbah 61:4) This is Hagar. She was called Keturah because her deeds were as beautiful as incense (קְטֹרֶת), and because she tied (קָטְרָה, the Aramaic for“tied”) her opening, for she was not intimate with any man from the day she separated from Abraham. קטורה: זו הגר, ונקראת קטורה על שם שנאים מעשיה כקטרת ושקשרה פתחה שלא נזדווגה לאדם מיום שפרשה מאברהם:
2And she bore him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Jishbak and Shuah. בוַתֵּ֣לֶד ל֗וֹ אֶת־זִמְרָן֙ וְאֶת־יָקְשָׁ֔ן וְאֶת־מְדָ֖ן וְאֶת־מִדְיָ֑ן וְאֶת־יִשְׁבָּ֖ק וְאֶת־שֽׁוּחַ:
3And Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan, and the sons of Dedan were Ashurim, Letushim, and Leumim. גוְיָקְשָׁ֣ן יָלַ֔ד אֶת־שְׁבָ֖א וְאֶת־דְּדָ֑ן וּבְנֵ֣י דְדָ֗ן הָי֛וּ אַשּׁוּרִ֥ם וּלְטוּשִׁ֖ם וּלְאֻמִּֽים:
Ashurim and Letushim: the names of the heads of nations (Gen. Rabbah 61:5). But I cannot reconcile the translation of Onkelos with the language of the verse [who translated אַשּׁוּרִם as לְמַשִׁירְיָן, meaning “camps.” And if you say that it is not so, because the “aleph” is not part of the root, we do have words that do not commence with an “aleph,” yet are prefixed with an“aleph.” For example (Amos 7:7): חוֹמַת אִנָ (a wall made by a plumbline), which is derived from [the same root as] (II Sam. 4:4) נְכֵה רַגְלָיִם (“lame in his feet”); and like (II Kings 4:2) אָסוּ שֶׁמֶן (“a jug of oil”), which is derived from [the same root as] (Ruth 3:3) וְרָחַצְתּ ָוָסַכְתָּ (“and you shall bathe and anoint yourself”). אשורם ולטושם: שם ראשי אומות. ותרגום של אונקלוס אין לי לישבו על לשון המקרא. שפירש למשירין, לשון מחנה. ואם תאמר שאינו כן מפני האל"ף שאינה יסודית, הרי לנו תיבות שאין בראשם אל"ף ונתוספה אל"ף בראשם, כמו (עמוס ז ז) חומת אנך, שהוא מן (שמואל ב' ד ד) נכה רגלים, וכמו (מלכים ב' ד ב) אסוך שמן שהוא מן (רות ג ג) ורחצת וסכת:
and Letushim: They are tent dwellers who spread hither and thither, and travel each in “his palatial tents,” (using the expression from Dan. 11:45), and so Scripture states (I Sam. 30:16):“and behold, they are scattered (נְטֻשִׁים) over the entire earth,” for “lammed” and “nun” are interchangeable.] ולטושים: הם בעלי אהלים המתפזרים אנה ואנה ונוסעים איש באהלי אפדנו, וכן הוא אומר (ש"א ל טז) והנה נטושים על פני כל הארץ, שכן למ"ד ונו"ן מתחלפות זו בזו:
4And the sons of Midian [were] Ephah and Epher and Enoch and Abida and Elda'ah; all these were the sons of Keturah. דוּבְנֵ֣י מִדְיָ֗ן עֵיפָ֤ה וָעֵ֨פֶר֙ וַֽחֲנֹ֔ךְ וַֽאֲבִידָ֖ע וְאֶלְדָּעָ֑ה כָּל־אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י קְטוּרָֽה:
5And Abraham gave all that he possessed to Isaac. הוַיִּתֵּ֧ן אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖וֹ לְיִצְחָֽק:
And Abraham gave, etc.: (Gen. Rabbah 61:6) R. Nechemiah said: He gave him a permanent blessing, for the Holy One, blessed be He, had said to Abraham (above 12:2)“ and you shall be a blessing,” i.e., the blessings are delivered into your hand to bless whomever you wish. And Abraham gave them over to Isaac. — [Mid. Ps. 1:5] ויתן אברהם וגו': אמר ר' נחמיה ברכה דיאתיקי, שאמר לו הקב"ה לאברהם (לעיל יב ב) והיה ברכה, הברכות מסורות בידך לברך את מי שתרצה, ואברהם מסרם ליצחק:
6And to the sons of Abraham's concubines, Abraham gave gifts, and he sent them away from his son Isaac while he [Abraham] was still alive, eastward to the land of the East. ווְלִבְנֵ֤י הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם נָתַ֥ן אַבְרָהָ֖ם מַתָּנֹ֑ת וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֞ם מֵעַ֨ל יִצְחָ֤ק בְּנוֹ֙ בְּעוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חַ֔י קֵ֖דְמָה אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ קֶֽדֶם:
concubines: (Gen. Rabbah 61:4) This [the word [פִּילַגְשִׁם] is spelled defectively [missing the letter “yud”], because there was only one concubine. That was Hagar, who was identical with Keturah. [The“yud,” denoting the plural, is absent, hence Rashi understands that the word פִּילַגְשִׁם denotes the singular. In our Torah scrolls, the plene spelling appears.] Wives are those who have a marriage contract, whereas concubines have no marriage contract, as is explained in Sanhedrin (21a) regarding David’s wives and concubines. הפילגשים: חסר כתיב, שלא היתה אלא פלגש אחת, היא הגר היא קטורה. נשים בכתובה, פילגשים בלא כתובה, כדאמרינן בסנהדרין (כא א) בנשים ופילגשים דדוד:
Abraham gave gifts: Our Sages explained that he gave them “the name of impurity” (Sanh. 91a). Another explanation: All that was given to him because of Sarah and the other gifts that were given to him, all these he gave to them, for he did not wish to benefit from them. נתן אברהם מתנות: פירשו רבותינו שם טומאה מסר להם. דבר אחר מה שניתן לו על אודות שרה ושאר מתנות שנתנו לו, הכל נתן להם שלא רצה ליהנות מהם:
7And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life that he lived: one hundred years and seventy years and five years. זוְאֵ֗לֶּה יְמֵ֛י שְׁנֵֽי־חַיֵּ֥י אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־חָ֑י מְאַ֥ת שָׁנָ֛ה וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְחָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִֽים:
one hundred years and seventy years and five years: When he was one hundred years old, he was as one who is seventy years old, and when he was seventy years old, he was as one who is five years old, without sin. מאת שנה ושבעים שנה וחמש שנים: בן מאה כבן שבעים, ובן שבעים כבן חמש בלא חטא:
8And Abraham expired and died in a good old age, old and satisfied, and he was gathered to his people. חוַיִּגְוַ֨ע וַיָּ֧מָת אַבְרָהָ֛ם בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָ֖ה זָקֵ֣ן וְשָׂבֵ֑עַ וַיֵּאָ֖סֶף אֶל־עַמָּֽיו:
9And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the Cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which faces Mamre, טוַיִּקְבְּר֨וּ אֹת֜וֹ יִצְחָ֤ק וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־מְעָרַ֖ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה אֶל־שְׂדֵ֞ה עֶפְרֹ֤ן בֶּן־צֹ֨חַר֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵֽא:
Isaac and Ishmael: (Gen. Rabbah 30:4, 38:12) From here [we may deduce] that Ishmael repented and let Isaac go before him, and that is the meaning of “a good old age” which is stated regarding Abraham (above 15:15). - [B.B. 16b] יצחק וישמעאל: מכאן שעשה ישמעאל תשובה והוליך את יצחק לפניו, והיא שיבה טובה שנאמר באברהם:
10The field that Abraham had bought from the sons of Heth there Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried. יהַשָּׂדֶ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־קָנָ֥ה אַבְרָהָ֖ם מֵאֵ֣ת בְּנֵי־חֵ֑ת שָׁ֛מָּה קֻבַּ֥ר אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְשָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ:
11Now it came to pass after Abraham's death, that God blessed his son Isaac, and Isaac dwelt near Be'er Lachai Ro'i. יאוַיְהִ֗י אַֽחֲרֵי֙ מ֣וֹת אַבְרָהָ֔ם וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב יִצְחָ֔ק עִם־בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִֽי:
Now it came to pass after Abraham’s death, that God blessed, etc.:He consoled him with the consolations of the mourners (Sotah 14b). Another explanation: Even though the Holy One, blessed be He, delivered the blessings to Abraham, he was afraid to bless Isaac because he foresaw Esau emanating from him. So he said,“May the Master of blessings come and bless whomever He pleases.” And the Holy One, blessed be He, came and blessed him. - [Tan. Lech Lecha 4] ויהי אחרי מות אברהם ויברך וגו': נחמו תנחומי אבלים. דבר אחר אף על פי שמסר הקדוש ברוך הוא את הברכות לאברהם, נתיירא לברך את יצחק מפני שצפה את עשו יוצא ממנו, אמר יבא בעל הברכות ויברך את אשר ייטב בעיניו ובא הקדוש ברוך הוא וברכו:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 113-118
• Chapter 113
This psalm recounts some of the wonders of the exodus from Egypt.
1. Praise the Lord! Offer praise, you servants of the Lord; praise the Name of the Lord.
2. May the Name of the Lord be blessed from now and to all eternity.
3. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the Lord is praised.
4. The Lord is high above all nations; His glory transcends the heavens.
5. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high
6. [yet] looks down so low upon heaven and earth!
7. He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the destitute from the dunghill,
8. to seat them with nobles, with the nobles of His people.
9. He transforms the barren woman into a household, into a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 114
This psalm explains why the tribe of Judah merited kingship.
1. When Israel went out of Egypt, the House of Jacob from a people of a foreign tongue,
2. Judah became His holy [nation], Israel, His domain.
3. The sea saw and fled, the Jordan turned backward.
4. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like young sheep.
5. What is the matter with you, O sea, that you flee; Jordan, that you turn backward;
6. mountains, that you skip like rams; hills, like young sheep?
7. [We do so] before the Master, the Creator of the earth, before the God of Jacob,
8. Who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flintstone into a water fountain.
Chapter 115
A prayer that God bring this long exile to an end, for the sake of His Name-that it not be desecrated.
1. Not for our sake, Lord, not for our sake, but for the sake of Your Name bestow glory, because of Your kindness and Your truth.
2. Why should the nations say, "Where, now, is their God?”
3. Indeed, our God is in heaven; whatever He desires, He does.
4. Their idols are of silver and gold, the product of human hands.
5. They have a mouth, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;
6. they have ears, but cannot hear; they have a nose, but cannot smell;
7. their hands cannot touch; their feet cannot walk; they can make no sound in their throat.
8. Those who make them will become like them-all who put their trust in them.
9. Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
10. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
11. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
12. The Lord who is ever mindful of us, may He bless: May He bless the House of Israel; may He bless the House of Aaron;
13. may He bless those who fear the Lord, the small with the great.
14. May the Lord increase [blessing] upon you, upon you and upon your children.
15. You are blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
16. The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth He gave to the children of man.
17. The dead cannot praise the Lord, nor any who descend into the silence [of the grave].
18. But we will bless the Lord from now to eternity. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 116
This psalm contains magnificent praises to God. It also describes David's love for God, in light of all the miracles He performed for him. David does not know how to repay God, declaring it impossible to pay back for all God has done for him.
1. I would love if the Lord would listen to my voice, to my supplications;
2. if He would turn His ear to me on the days when I call.
3. The pangs of death encompassed me and the misery of the grave came upon me; I encounter trouble and sorrow.
4. I invoke the Name of the Lord, "Lord, I implore you, deliver my soul!”
5. The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6. The Lord watches over the simpletons; I was brought low, and He saved me.
7. Return, my soul, to your tranquility, for the Lord has bestowed goodness upon you.
8. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9. I shall walk before the Lord in the lands of the living.
10. I had faith even when I declared, "I am greatly afflicted";
11. [even when] I said in my haste, "All men are deceitful.”
12. How can I repay the Lord for all His beneficences to me?
13. I will raise the cup of deliverance and proclaim the Name of the Lord.
14. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.
15. Grievous in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His pious ones.
16. I thank you, Lord, that since I am Your servant, I am Your servant the son of Your maidservant, You have loosened my bonds.
17. To You I will bring an offering of thanksgiving, and proclaim the Name of the Lord.
18. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people,
19. in the courtyards of the House of the Lord, in the midst of Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 117
This psalm of two verses alludes to the Messianic era, when the Children of Israel will enjoy their former glory. All will praise God, in fulfillment of the verse, "All will then call in the Name of God."
1. Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.
2. For His kindness was mighty over us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!
Chapter 118
This psalm describes David's immense trust in God. It also contains many praises to God, Who has fulfilled that which He has promised us.
1. Offer praise to the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting.
2. Let Israel declare that His kindness is everlasting.
3. Let the House of Aaron declare that His kindness is everlasting.
4. Let those who fear the Lord declare that His kindness is everlasting.
5. From out of distress I called to God; with abounding relief, God answered me.
6. The Lord is with me, I do not fear-what can man do to me?
7. The Lord is with me among my helpers, and I will see [the downfall of] my enemies.
8. It is better to rely on the Lord than to trust in man.
9. It is better to rely on the Lord than to trust in nobles.
10. All the nations surrounded me, but in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down.
11. They surrounded me, they encompassed me, but in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down.
12. They surrounded me like bees, yet they shall be extinguished like fiery thorns; in the Name of the Lord I will cut them down.
13. You [my foes] repeatedly pushed me to fall, but the Lord helped me.
14. God is my strength and song, and He has been a help to me.
15. The sound of rejoicing and deliverance reverberates in the tents of the righteous, "The right hand of the Lord performs deeds of valor.
16. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord performs deeds of valor!”
17. I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of God.
18. God has indeed chastised me, but He did not give me up to death.
19. Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise God.
20. This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous will enter it.
21. I offer thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have been my deliverance.
22. The stone which the builders scorned has become the chief cornerstone.
23. From the Lord has this come about; it is wondrous in our eyes.
24. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice on it.
25. We implore You, Lord, deliver us. We implore You, Lord, grant us success.
26. Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord; we bless you from the House of the Lord.
27. The Lord is a benevolent God and He has given us light; bind the festival offering with cords until [you bring it to] the horns of the altar.
28. You are my God and I will praise You, my God-and I will exalt You.
29. Praise the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, Epistle 31
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Friday, 24 Cheshvan, 5777 · 25 November 2016
• Iggeret HaKodesh, Epistle 31
• Interdependence and brotherly love among Jews strike far deeper than the visible interpersonal plane. Indeed, if they are lacking, the pain is felt by the Shechinah itself, the Divine Presence. For the Divine Presence is the heart of the Jewish people, who themselves constitute the organs. A deep-seated organic disorder that affects the circulatory system, affects the entire body, including even the heart itself.
• Rambam: Sefer Hamitzvos:
נודע בשערים
Well known at the gates1
The previous Epistle opened with the phrase, “It is well known...,” because it cited a widely-known statement from the Talmud. Here, however, the Alter Rebbe opens with a more esoteric quotation from the Zohar, which is well known only in more scholarly circles, among those who sit at the city gates, for this was where judges and scholars traditionally used to congregate.
מה שכתוב בתיקונים, דשכינתא איהי מרעא בגלותא, כביכול
פירוש, על דרך משל: כמו חולי הגוף, המבדיל בין קדש וכו׳
This [anthropomorphism] draws a comparison with a physical ailment, distinguishing, [of course,] between the holy [and the mundane];3 i.e., bearing in mind the utter disparity between a physical ailment and the state metaphorically described as an “ailment” of the Shechinah.
שסיבת החולי והבריאות היא התפשטות והילוך החיות מהלב אל כל האברים
The cause of illness or health lies in the distribution and flow of the life-force from the heart to all the organs,
המלובשת בדם הנפש היוצא מהלב אל כל האברים
[this life-force] being vested in the blood of life which flows from the heart to all the organs;
וסובב סובב הולך הרוח חיים והדם
and the spirit of life and the blood4 circulates all around
תוך תוך כל האברים, על ידי הגידים המובלעים בהם
into all the limbs, through the veins5 that are embedded in them,
וחוזר אל הלב
and returns to the heart.
ואם סיבוב והילוך הרוח חיים הלז הוא כהלכתו תמידי, כסדרו המסודר לו מחיי החיים, ברוך הוא
Now, if the circulation and flow of this spirit of life is always as it should be, in its proper order as arranged for it by the Fountainhead of Life,
אזי האדם בריא בתכלית
then the individual is perfectly healthy.
כי כל האברים מקושרים יחד, ומקבלים חיותם הראוי להם מהלב, על ידי סיבוב הלז
For all the limbs are bound together and receive their appropriate vitality from the heart through this circulation.
אך אם יש איזה קלקול באיזהו מקומן, המונע ומעכב או ממעט סיבוב והילוך הדם עם הרוח חיים המלובש בו
But should there be any disorder in any place, restraining, hindering or reducing the circulation and flow of the blood with the spirit of life vested in it,
אזי נפסק או מתמעט הקשר הלז, המקשר כל האברים אל הלב על ידי סיבוב הלז
then this bond — which connects all the limbs with the heart by means of this circulation — is severed (which would extinguish life), or diminished,
ואזי נופל האדם למשכב וחולי, ה׳ ישמרנו
in which case the individual will fall ill and sick (May G‑d protect us!).
The interconnection of all the organs with the heart, thus also impacts on the heart itself.
וככה ממש, על דרך משל, הנה כל נשמות ישראל נקראים בחינת אברי דשכינתא
Precisely so, metaphorically speaking, all the souls of Israel are regarded as the organs of the Shechinah,6
הנקראת בשם לב, כמו שכתוב: צור לבבי, וכמו שכתוב: ושכנתי בתוכם
which is called the “heart”, as it is written,7 “The Rock, My Heart”;8 and as it is written,9 “And I will dwell within them.”
פירוש
The meaning (of this comparison between the Shechinah and the heart that supplies all the organs with blood) is:
כי לשון שכינה הוא, שאור הוי׳ שוכן בעולמות בריאה יצירה עשיה, להחיותם
The10 term Shechinah, deriving as it does from the verb לשכון (“to rest” or “to dwell”), denotes that the light of G‑d abides in the Worlds of Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah, in order to endow them with life.
והמשכת חיות זה היא על ידי התלבשות תחלה בנשמות ישראל
This life-force is drawn forth by means of a prior investment in the souls of Israel.
לפי שכל הנבראים, אין ערוך להם אל הבורא יתברך
[This is so] because none of the created beings stand in any comparable relation to the Creator;
דכולא קמיה כלא ממש חשיבין
for11 “all that are before Him are esteemed as truly naught.”
ואי אפשר להם לקבל חיות מאורו ושפעו יתברך
Thus it is impossible for them to receive life-force from His light and effluence,
להיות נבראים מאין ליש, וחיים וקיימים
to become created beings ex nihilo into substantiality, and to be living and subsisting,
כי אם על ידי הנשמות
except by means of the souls.
The Divine light is first drawn down into the Jewish souls, and thereafter into the rest of creation.
The blessings which we recite follow the same order: “...our G‑d, King of the universe.” It is by His first becoming “our G‑d,” whereby the Divine life-force flows into the Jewish people, that He then becomes “King of the universe.”
שעלו במחשבה
[For it is the Jewish souls] that rose in His thought, i.e., their source is in His thought,
וקדמו לבריאת עולמות, שעל ידי בחינת הדבור
and thus preceded the creation of the worlds, which came about through [Divine] Speech.
Mortal thought is internal and personal, inasmuch as it serves the individual himself, whereas speech is external, its purpose being to communicate with others. So, too, Jewish souls derive from the internal aspect of G‑dliness, while the rest of creation derives from the external aspect. And in order that the Divine life-force be drawn down into the worlds, which represent an external level of creation, it must first be drawn into Jewish souls, the internal level of creation.
כמאמר רז״ל: במי נמלך הקב״ה וכו׳
Thus our Sages, of blessed memory, said:12 “With whom did the Holy One, blessed be He, take counsel [concerning the creation of the worlds? — With Jewish souls],”
כנודע במקום אחר
as is known from elsewhere.
Jewish souls are thus so superior to the created worlds that G‑d took counsel with them about the very creation of the worlds.
* * *
The above discussion relates only to the drawing down of Divine vitality from the Shechinah into the created worlds, which parallels the emanation of the spirit of life from the heart and its diffusion throughout the entire body.
The Alter Rebbe will now go on to explain the second aspect of this analogy — how the spirit of life returns to the heart from the other organs. In the analogue likewise, the G‑dly life-force within the worlds pulsates in an ongoing dual dynamic called ratzo vashov (“advance and retreat”): the G‑dly life-force is first drawn downward, from the Shechinah to the worlds, and then it returns to its source, as a result of the Torah study and the spiritual service of created beings.
ונודע בשערים
And it is well known at the gates13
כי כל המשכת החיות וההשפעה מעליונים לתחתונים מהם
that every downflow of [Divine] life-force and [all] effluence from the upper worlds to the worlds which are lower than them,
הן כמו שכתוב בספר יצירה: נעוץ תחלתן בסופן, וסופן בתחלתן
are as stated in the Sefer Yetzirah:14 “Their beginning (i.e., the beginning of the uppermost levels of creation) is wedged in their culmination (i.e., in the nethermost part of the lowest level of creation), and their culmination is wedged in their beginning.”
ובכתבי האריז״ל, מכונה בשם אור ישר ואור חוזר
In the writings of R. Isaac Luria, of blessed memory, this [dual direction] is referred to as Or Yashar (“direct light”) and Or Chozer (“reflected light”), i.e., light reflected upwards from the lower level back to the upper;
וכמו שכתוב: והחיות רצוא ושוב
as it is also written,15 “And the Chayot were advancing and retreating,” first proceeding away from their Source and then retreating to it.
The above verse refers to the holy Chayot (“creatures”) of the Divine Chariot. The Kabbalah explains that this is an allusion to the Divine life-force of all worlds and created beings: it first emanates from its Source and then returns to it. I.e., not only is the Divine life-force drawn from the Shechinah down into creation, but it also returns from created beings back to its original Source.
אשר על כן, על פי הדברים והאמת האלה, אשר אי אפשר לבאר היטב במכתב
Thus, according to these words and this truth, which is impossible to explain properly in writing,
נקראת השכינה בשם לב, והנשמות בשם אברים
the Shechinah is referred to as the “heart”, and the souls as “organs”.
להורות לנו, כי כאשר כל הנשמות דבוקות ומקושרות יחד
This teaches us that when all the souls are attached and bound together,
אזי סיבוב והילוך החיות וההשפעה סובב סובב
the circulation and flow of the life-force and of the effluence from the Shechinah to the worlds and from the worlds back to the Shechinah is continuous,
ונעוץ סופן בתחלתן, לקשר ולחבר כולן להוי׳ אחד, ולדבקה בו יתברך
and “their culmination is wedged in their beginning,” thus binding and joining them all — all the souls, and through them all the worlds — to the One G‑d, so that they will cleave to Him.
וכמו שכתוב: אתם נצבים היום כולכם לפני הוי׳ אלקיכם
Thus it is written,16 “You are standing firm this day, all of you, before the L‑rd your G‑d (Havayah Elokeichem).”
כולכם דייקא, ולפני דייקא
The verse specifies “all of you,” i.e., a situation in which all Jews stand united together. Moreover, it specifies “before”, implying that this togetherness enables all Jews to relate to Divinity at the level at which the Name Havayah precedes and transcends its subsequent self-imposed descent to become Elokeichem, the life-force that empowers souls.
This can take place only when there is a sense of unity between all the levels which the above verse goes on to enumerate:
ראשיכם כו׳ מחוטב עציך כו׳
“Your heads...” (i.e, those with the loftiest souls), “from the hewer of your wood...” (i.e., those of more modest spiritual stature).
The Alter Rebbe elaborates on this unity between unequals in Likkutei Torah, at the beginning of Parshat Nitzavim.
ובזה יובן מאמר רז״ל, כי חורבן בית שני ונפילת ישראל בגלות
This will clarify the teaching of our Sages,17 of blessed memory, that the destruction of the Second Temple and the fall of Israel into exile,
והסתלקות השכינה וירידתה לאדום, בבחינת גלות, כביכול
and the withdrawal of the Shechinah and its descent to Edom, into a state of exile, as it were, for when the Jews are exiled, so too is the Shechinah,18
הכל היה בעון שנאת חנם ופירוד לבבות, רחמנא ליצלן
— all this was because of the sin of groundless hatred [between one Jew and another] and dissension between their hearts (May the Merciful One save us!).
ולכן נקראת חולה, על דרך משל
And this is why [the Shechinah] is referred to metaphorically as ailing (in times of exile, as quoted above).
ומה שכתוב: סומך נופלים ורופא חולים, לשון רבים
As for19 the phrases [in the Amidah], “He supports those who are fallen and heals those who are sick,” in plural form — although reference is being made to the Shechinah,
הם כל האברים וכו׳
this alludes to all the organs....
The plural form includes the souls which are the “organs of the Shechinah,” inasmuch as they are animated by it; they, too, are in ailing health, and they, too, are supported and healed.
FOOTNOTES
1.
Note of the Rebbe: “See Metzudat David on Mishlei 31:23.”
2.
Note of the Rebbe: “Tikkunei Zohar 25; see there at length.”
3.
From the Havdalah (Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 234), paraphrasing Vayikra10:10.
4.
Note of the Rebbe: “I.e., ‘and the spirit of life which is vested within [the blood]...,’ as is soon explained.”
5.
The phrase in the current editions (“and the veins”) is emended here according to the Luach HaTikkun of the Rebbe.
6.
Zohar III, 17a.
7.
Tehillim 73:26.
8.
Translated according to Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5:2.
9.
Shmot 25:8.
10.
Note of the Rebbe: “See Tanya, ch. 41;et al.”
11.
Zohar I, 11b.
12.
See Ruth Rabbah, sec. 2; Bereishit Rabbah 8:7.
13.
Note of the Rebbe: “See Metzudat David on Mishlei 31:23.”
14.
1:7.
15.
Yechezkel 1:14.
16.
Devarim 29:9.
17.
Yoma 9b.
18.
Megillah 29b (as quoted in Ein Yaakov); cf. Tanya, ch. 17.
19.
The phrase in the current editions (“As it is written...”) is emended here to “As for...,” according to the Luach HaTikkunof the Rebbe. The closing statement of the Epistle is thus presented in the classic Rabbinic style of question and answer, whereby a possible difficulty is anticipated and solved.
• Friday, 24 Cheshvan, 5777 · 25 November 2016
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Positive Commandment 19
Grace after Meals
"And you will eat and be sated then you will bless G‑d"—Deuteronomy 8:10.
We are commanded to express gratitude to G‑d after every meal.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Grace after Meals
Positive Commandment 19
Translated by Berel Bell
The 19th mitzvah is that we are commanded to thank G‑d (exalted be He) after each time we eat.1
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "When you have eaten and are satiated, You shall bless G‑d your L‑rd."
The Tosefta3 says, "Reciting the blessing after eating is a mitzvah of the Torah, as the verse says, 'When you have eaten and are satiated, you shall bless G‑d your L‑rd.' "
The details of this mitzvah are explained in many places in the tractate Berachos.4
FOOTNOTES
1.This speaks primarily of bread made from the five grains. After eating other types of food, one is required to recite a blessing by Rabbinic ordinance.
2.Deut. 8:10.
3.Berachos, beginning of Chapter 6.
4.The Rambam usually explains whether or not a particular mitzvah is obligatory on women. However, in Hilchos Berachos, Chapter 5, Halacha 1, he rules that it is halachically doubtful whether they are obligated by Torah or Rabbinic law.
• Positive Commandment 215
Circumcision
"Every male child among you shall be circumcised"—Genesis 17:10.
We are commanded to circumcise all our male children. This obligation rests upon the child's father, not his mother.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Circumcision
Positive Commandment 215
Translated by Berel Bell
The 215th mitzvah is that we are commanded to perform circumcision.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He) to Avraham, "You must circumcise every male."
The Torah clearly states that the punishment for one who does not fulfill this mitzvah is kares.2 The source for this is G‑d's statement3 (exalted be He), "The uncircumcised male whose foreskin has not been circumcised, shall be punished by kares."
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the 19th chapter of Shabbos4 and the 4th chapter of Yevamos.5
A woman is not obligated regarding her son's circumcision as a father is so obligated, as explained in Kiddushin.6
FOOTNOTES
1.Gen. 17:10.
2.This applies only when the individual's father has not circumcised him, and his entire life has passed without him circumcising himself.
See Principle 14, where the Rambam defines kores as losing one's portion in the World to Come (unless the person does teshuvah before death). See also Hilchos Teshuvah, Chapter 8, Halachah. 1.
3.Gen. 17:14.
4.130a.
5.47b.
6.29a.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Kelim Kelim - Chapter 27
• Kelim - Chapter 27
• Rambam - 3 Chapters: Berachot Berachot - Chapter Ten, Berachot Berachot - Chapter Eleven, Milah Milah - Chapter One
• Berachot - Chapter Ten
• Hayom Yom: Today's Hayom Yom
• Friday, 24 Cheshvan, 5777 · 25 November 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Monday, Cheshvan 24, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Tol'dot, Sheini with Rashi.
Tehillim: 113-118.
Tanya: XXXI. Well-known (p. 587) ...all the limbs... (p. 591).
In material matters one should always look at he whose situation is lower than one's own, and thank the good G-d for His kindness to him.
In spiritual matters one should always look at he who is higher than oneself, and plead with G-d to grant him the intelligence to learn from the other, and the ability and strength to rise higher.1
FOOTNOTES
1.See Sivan 30.
• Daily Thought:
Positive Commandment 215
Translated by Berel Bell
The 215th mitzvah is that we are commanded to perform circumcision.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He) to Avraham, "You must circumcise every male."
The Torah clearly states that the punishment for one who does not fulfill this mitzvah is kares.2 The source for this is G‑d's statement3 (exalted be He), "The uncircumcised male whose foreskin has not been circumcised, shall be punished by kares."
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the 19th chapter of Shabbos4 and the 4th chapter of Yevamos.5
A woman is not obligated regarding her son's circumcision as a father is so obligated, as explained in Kiddushin.6
FOOTNOTES
1.Gen. 17:10.
2.This applies only when the individual's father has not circumcised him, and his entire life has passed without him circumcising himself.
See Principle 14, where the Rambam defines kores as losing one's portion in the World to Come (unless the person does teshuvah before death). See also Hilchos Teshuvah, Chapter 8, Halachah. 1.
3.Gen. 17:14.
4.130a.
5.47b.
6.29a.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Kelim Kelim - Chapter 27
• Kelim - Chapter 27
1
There are types of three chests:
a) a chest that was broken open from its side; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one that was broken open from above; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) an oversized one; it is pure entirely.
א
שלש תיבות הן: תיבה שנפחתה מצדה טמאה מדרס מלמעלה טמאה טמא מת והבאה במדה טהורה מכלום:
2
There are three types of kneading troughs:
a) a kneading trough that contains between two lugin and nine kabbin that was cracked; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one that is intact; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) an oversized one; it is pure entirely.
ב
שלש עריבות הן: עריבה משני לוגין ועד תשעה קבין שנסדקה טמאה מדרס שלימה טמאה טמא מת והבאה במדה טהורה מכלום:
3
There are three types of wagons:
a) a wagon made like a chair; it is susceptible to midrasimpurity;
b) one that is made like a bed; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one made to transport large stones; it is pure entirely.
ג
שלש עגלות הן: העשויה כקתדרה טמאה מדרס כמטה טמאה טמא מת ושל אבנים טהורה מכלום:
4
There are three types of shields:
a) a shield that is bent over; it is susceptible to midrasimpurity;
b) one used for sport in a stadium; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one made for Arabs to play with; it is pure entirely. The rationale is that it is made only to use as a shape and does not serve a functional purpose for people. Any k'li that does not serve a functional purpose for people is not susceptible to impurity at all.
ד
שלשה תריסין הן: תריס הכפוף טמא מדרס ושמשחקין בו בקמפון טמא טמא מת ודיצת הערביים טהורה מכלום לפי שהיא עשויה לצורה בלבד ואינה ממשמשי אדם וכל כלי שאינו ממשמשי אדם אינו מקבל טומאה כל עיקר:
5
There are three types of leather wrappers:
a) one used by bloodletters; it is susceptible to midrasimpurity;
b) one upon which people eat; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one upon which olives are spread; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
ה
שלשה תרבוסין של עור הן: של ספרים טמא מדרס ושאוכלין עליו טמא טמא מת וששוטחים עליו את הזיתים טהור מכלום לפי שאינו ממשמשי אדם:
6
There are three types of bases:
a) one placed before a bed or before scribes; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one for a table; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one for a closet; it is pure entirely, because it is considered as part of the closet and its shape indicates such.
ו
שלשה בסיסאות הן: שלפני המטה ושלפני הסופרים טמא מדרס של שולחן טמא טמא מת ושל מגדל טהור מכלום לפי שהוא מקצת מגדל וצורתו מוכחת עליו:
7
There are three types of beds:
a) one made to lie on; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one for glass workers upon which they place glass utensils; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one for weavers upon which they weave clothes; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
ז
שלש מטות הן: העשויה לשכיבה טמאה מדרס ושל זגגים שנותנין בה כלי זכוכית טמאה טומאת מת ושל סרגין שמסרגין עליה את הסבכות טהורה מכלום לפי שאינה ממשמשי אדם:
8
There are three types of baskets that serve as dispensers:
a) one for fertilizer; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one for straw; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) a rope net carrier borne by camels; it is pure entirely, because its ropes are very coarse and thick, nor is it fit to serve as a container for straw and the like. Thus it is not considered as a k'li at all; it is only ropes.
ח
שלש משפלות הן: של זבל טמאה מדרס של תבן טמאה טמא מת והפוחלץ של גמלים טהור מכלום לפי שהחבלים שלו קשים ביותר ועבים ואינו ראוי לקבל תבן וכיוצא בו ונמצא שאין עליו תורת כלי אלא חבלים בלבד:
9
There are three types of mats:
a) one made for sitting; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one on which dyers place their garments; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) those used for vats upon which grapes are placed and which are used as covers; they are pure entirely, because they are not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
ט
שלשה מפצין הן: העשוי לישיבה טמא מדרס ושל צבעים שמניחין בו את הכלים טמא טמא מת ושל גתות שנותנין עליו ענבים ומחפין בו טהור מכלום לפי שאינו ממשמשי אדם:
10
There are three types of leather pouches and three types of leather satchels:
a) those that contained the specified measures susceptible to midras impurity. What are their specified measures? For a leather pouch, four kabbin and for a satchel, five.
b) those that do not contain the specified measure are susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse; and
c) those made from the skin of a fish are pure entirely.
י
שלש חמתות הן ושלשה תורמלין הן: המקבלין כשיעור טמאין מדרס וכמה שיעורן החמת ארבעה קבין והתורמיל חמשה ושאינן מקבלין כשיעור טמאים טמא מת ושל עורות הדג טהור מכלום:
11
There are three types of hides:
a) one made to serve as a rug; it is susceptible to midrasimpurity;
b) one used to wrap keilim; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one used for straps and for sandals; it is pure entirely, because it does not have the form of an k'li.
יא
שלשה עורות הן: העשוי לשטיח טמא מדרס והעשוי לתכריך כלים טמא טמא מת ושל רצועות ושל סנדלין טהור מכלום לפי שאין עליו צורת כלי:
12
There are three types of sheets:
a) one made to lie upon; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one used for a curtain; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one with forms used for an embroiderer to learn from; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
יב
שלשה סדינין הן: העשוי לשכיבה טמא מדרס והעשוי לפרוכת טמא טמא מת ושל צורות שעושין אותו כדי שיתלמד ממנו הרוקם טהור מכלום לפי שאינו ממשמשי אדם:
13
There are three types of clothes:
a) a cloth napkin; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one used for scrolls; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) the shrouds of a corpse and the wrappings for the harps of the Levites; they are pure entirely, because they are not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
יג
שלש מטפחות הן: של ידים טמאה מדרס ושל ספרים טמאה טמא מת ושל תכריכי המת ושל נבלי בני לוי טהורה מכלום לפי שאינן ממשמשי אדם:
14
A leather garment made in the shape of a hand into which one inserts one's hand and fingers because of the cold and the like is called a firaklin (a glove). There are three types of gloves:
a) one used by trappers of wild beasts and fowl; it is susceptible to midras impurity, because the trapper rests against it;
b) one used to catch grasshoppers; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse, because the grasshoppers are placed inside of it;
c) one of harvesters with which fruit is harvested; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
יד
עור העשוי כמו יד שמכניסין בו היד והאצבעות מפני הצינה וכיוצא בהן הוא הנקרא פרקלינין ושלשה פרקלינין הן: של ציידי חיה ועוף טמא מדרס שהרי נשען עליו ושל חגבים טמא טמא מת שנותנין בו החגבים ושל קייצים שבו מקיצין פירות טהור מכלום לפי שאינו ממשמשי אדם:
15
There are three types of hairnets:
a) one worn by girls; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) one worn by an older woman; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) one worn to entertain drinkers; it is pure entirely, because it is not used for a purpose directly benefitting man.
טו
שלש סבכות הן: של ילדה טמאה מדרס ושל זקנה טמאה טמא מת ושעושין לשחק בה לשותי שכר טהורה מכלום לפי שאינה ממשמשי אדם:
16
There are three types of sandals:
a) those worn by humans; they are susceptible to midrasimpurity;
b) metal shoes for animals; they are susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) those made of cork or reeds; they are pure entirely.
The general principle is: Any entity that is not fit to sit upon or to ride upon - or which could be used for those purposes, but was not made for those purposes, but for another reason - is not susceptible to midras impurity. If it was made for another purpose, but is also used for sitting, e.g., a cloak or a veil; it is susceptible to midras impurity.
Whenever an article is susceptible to midras impurity; it is also susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse. There are, however, articles that are susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse, but are not susceptible to midrasimpurity, as we explained. Whenever an article is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse; it is also susceptible to the other types of impurity, whether of Scriptural origin or of Rabbinic origin, and they are susceptible to impurity imparted by liquids.
טז
שלשה סנדלין הן: של אדם טמא מדרס של מתכות של בהמה טמא טמא מת של שעם ושל צפירה טהורה מכלום כללו של דבר כל כלי שאינו ראוי למשכב או למרכב או שהוא ראוי ולא נעשה [לכך] אלא למלאכה אחרת הרי הוא טהור מן המדרס נעשה למלאכה אחרת ומשמש עמה את הישיבה כגון הטלית והרדיד מתטמא במדרס וכל המתטמא במדרס מתטמא במת ויש מתטמא במת ואינו מתטמא במדרס כמו שביארנו וכל המתטמא במת מתטמא בשאר אבות הטומאות בין אבות של תורה בין של דבריהם ומתטמאין במשקין:
17
There are three general principles applying to storage baskets:
a) when a worn-out one is hanging on one that is intact, the status of the one that is intact determines the ruling;
b) if a small one is hanging on a large one, the status of the large one determines the ruling;
c) if they are equal in size, the status of the inner one determines the ruling.
What is meant by saying: its status determines the ruling? That if it is perforated to the extent that a pomegranate would fall through it, they are both pure.
יז
שלש קופות הן: מהוהה שטלאה על הבריאה הולכין אחר הבריאה קטנה על הגדולה הולכין אחר הגדולה היו שוות הולכין אחר הפנימית כיצד הולכין אחריה שאם ניקבה במוציא רמון שתיהן טהורות:
18
There are three types of tablets:
a) one which scrolls are placed upon; it is susceptible to midras impurity;
b) a writing tablet that has a receptacle for wax; it is susceptible to the impurity associated with a human corpse;
c) those that are flat are entirely pure, because they do not have the form of an k'li and they are not fit to sit or lie upon.
יח
שלשה פנקסות הן: האפיפירין שמניחין עליו הספרים טמא מדרס ושיש בו בית קיבול שעוה טמאה טמא מת חלקה טהורה מכלום לפי שאין עליו צורת כלי ואינו ראוי למדרס:
• Berachot - Chapter Ten
1
The Sages instituted other blessings and many other statements that lack a p'tichah and a chatimah, as an expression of praise and acknowledgement of the Holy One, blessed be He - for example, the blessings of prayer that we have already mentioned. Among these [blessings are the following]:
A person who builds a new house or buys new articles should recite the blessing: "Blessed are You, God, our Lord, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion." [This blessing is recited] regardless of whether he possesses similar articles or not.
א
ברכות אחרות ודברים אחרים הרבה שאין בהן פתיחה ולא חתימה תיקנו חכמים דרך שבח והודיה להקב"ה כמו ברכות התפלה שכבר כתבנום ואלו הן הבונה בית חדש והקונה כלים חדשים בין יש לו כיוצא בהן בין אין לו מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה:
2
Similarly, a person who sees a friend after [not seeing him for] thirty days [or more] should recite the blessing shehecheyanu . If he sees him after a hiatus of twelve months [or more], he should recite the blessing "Blessed are You, God... who resurrects the dead."
A person who sees a fruit that grows only in a specific season each year should recite the blessing shehecheyanu when he sees it for the first time.
ב
וכן הרואה את חבירו לאחר שלשים יום מברך שהחיינו ואם ראהו לאחר שנים עשר חדש מברך ברוך אתה יי' מחיה המתים הרואה פרי המתחדש משנה לשנה בתחלת ראייתו מברך שהחיינו:
3
When a person hears favorable tidings, he should recite the blessing: "Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who is good and does good." If he hears bad tidings, he should recite the blessing: "Blessed [are You...] the true Judge."
A person is obligated to recite a blessing over undesirable occurrences with a positive spirit, in the same manner as he joyfully recites a blessing over desirable occurrences. [This is implied by Deuteronomy 6:5]: "And you shall love God, your Lord... with all your might." Included in this extra dimension of love that we were commanded [to express] is to acknowledge and praise [God] with happiness even at one's time of difficulty.
ג
שמע שמועה טובה מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם הטוב והמטיב שמע שמועה רעה מברך ברוך דיין האמת וחייב אדם לברך על הרעה בטוב נפש כדרך שמברך על הטובה בשמחה שנאמר ואהבת את יי' אלהיך וגו' ובכל מאדך ובכלל אהבה היתירה שנצטוינו בה שאפילו בעת שייצר לו יודה וישבח בשמחה:
4
When a desirable event occurred to a person or he heard favorable tidings, although it appears that this good will ultimately cause one difficulty, he should recite the blessing hatov v’hameitiv. Conversely, if a person suffered a difficulty or heard unfavorable tidings, although it appears that this difficulty will ultimately bring him good, he should recite the blessing Dayan ha'emet. Blessings are not recited in consideration of future possibilities, but rather on what happens at present.
ד
הגיעה אליו טובה או ששמע שמועה טובה אף על פי שהדברים מראין שטובה זו תגרום לו רעה מברך הטוב והמטיב וכן אם נגעה אליו רעה או שמע שמועה רעה אע"פ שהדברים מראים שרעה זו גורמת לו טובה מברך דיין האמת שאין מברכין על העתיד להיות אלא על מה שאירע עתה:
5
[The following rules govern the recitation of blessings for] abundant rainfall: If one owns a field [individually], he should recite the blessing shehecheyanu. If one owns it in partnership with others, he should recite the blessing hatov v’hameitiv. If one does not own a field, he should recite the following blessing:
We thankfully acknowledge You, God, our Lord, for each and every drop that you have caused to descend for us. If our mouths were filled.... They shall all give thanks, praise, and bless Your name, our King. Blessed are You, God, the Almighty, who is worthy of manifold thanksgiving and praise.
ה
ירדו גשמים רבים אם יש לו שדה מברך שהחיינו ואם היתה שלו ושל אחרים מברך הטוב והמטיב ואם אין לו שדה מברך מודים אנחנו לך יי' אלהינו על כל טפה וטפה שהורדת לנו ואילו פינו מלא כו' עד הן הם יודו וישבחו ויברכו את שמך מלכנו ברוך אתה יי' אל רוב ההודאות והתשבחות:
5
When should the blessing be recited? When much water collects on the face of the earth, the raindrops cause bubbles to form in the rain that has already collected, and the bubbles begin to flow one into another.
ו
מאימתי מברכין על הגשמים משירבה המים על הארץ ויעלו אבעבועות מן המטר על פני המים וילכו האבעבועות זה לקראת זה:
7
[The following blessings should be recited] when a person was told that his father died and that he is his heir: If he has brothers [who will share the inheritance] with him, he should first recite, Dayan ha'emet, and afterwards, hatov v’hameitiv. If he has no brothers [who will share] with him, he should recite the blessing shehecheyanu.
To summarize the matter: Whenever a circumstance is of benefit to one together with others, he should recite the blessing hatov v’hameitiv. Should it be of benefit to him alone, he should recite the blessing shehecheyanu.
ז
אמרו לו מת אביו וירשהו אם יש עמו אחין מברך בתחלה דיין האמת ואח"כ הטוב והמטיב ואם אין עמו אחים מברך שהחיינו קצרו של דבר כל דבר טובה שהיא לו ולאחרים מברך הטוב והמטיב וטובה שהיא לו לבדו מברך שהחיינו:
8
Four individuals are required to render thanks: a person who had been sick and recuperated, a person who had been imprisoned and was released, people who alight [at their destination] after a journey at sea, and travelers who reach a settlement.
These thanks must be rendered in the presence of ten people, of whom two are sages, as [implied by Psalms 107:32]: "They will exalt Him in the congregation of the people and they will praise Him in the seat of the elders."
How does one give thanks and what blessing should he recite? He should stand in the midst of the [abovementioned] company and say:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who bestows benefits upon the culpable, who has bestowed all goodness upon me.
Those who hear should respond: May He who granted you beneficence continue to bestow good upon you forever.
ח
ארבעה צריכין להודות חולה שנתרפא וחבוש שיצא מבית האסורים ויורדי הים כשעלו והולכי דרכים כשיגיעו לישוב וצריכין להודות בפני עשרה ושנים מהם חכמים שנאמר וירוממוהו בקהל עם ובמושב זקנים יהללוהו וכיצד מודה וכיצד מברך עומד ביניהן ומברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם הגומל לחייבים טובות שגמלני כל טוב וכל השומעין אומרים שגמלך טוב הוא יגמלך סלה:
9
A person who sees a place where miracles were wrought for the Jewish people - for example, the Red Sea or the crossings of the Jordan - should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our ancestors in this place.
This blessing is recited wherever miracles were performed for many people. In contrast, in a place where a miracle was performed for an individual, that individual, his son, and his grandson should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who wrought a miracle for me in this place.
or "...who wrought a miracle for my ancestors in this place."
or "...who wrought a miracle for my ancestors in this place."
A person who sees the den of lions [into which Daniel was thrown] or the fiery furnace into which Chananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were thrown should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for the righteous in this place.
A person who sees a place in which false gods are worshiped should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who grants patience to those who transgress His will.
[When a person sees] a place from which the worship of false gods has been uprooted in Eretz Yisrael, he should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] who uproots foreign worship from our land.
In the Diaspora, he should recite the blessing:
...who uproots foreign worship from this place.
In both instances, he should say:
As You have uprooted [foreign worship] from this place, so may it be uprooted from all places. And may You turn the hearts of its worshipers to serve You.
ט
הרואה מקום שנעשו נסים לישראל כגון ים סוף ומעברות הירדן אומר ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה נסים לאבותינו במקום הזה וכן כל מקום שנעשו בו נסים לרבים אבל מקום שנעשה בו נס ליחיד אותו היחיד ובנו ובן בנו מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה לי נס במקום הזה או שעשה נס לאבותי במקום הזה הרואה גוב אריות וכבשן האש שהושלך בו חנניה מישאל ועזריה מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה נס לצדיקים במקום הזה הרואה מקום שעובדין בו עכו"ם מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שנתן ארך אפים לעוברי רצונו מקום שנעקרה ממנו עכו"ם אם בארץ ישראל הוא מברך שעקר עכו"ם מארצנו ואם בחוץ לארץ הוא מברך שעקר עכו"ם ממקום הזה ואומר בשתיהן כשם שעקרת ממקום זה כך תעקר מכל מקומות ותשיב לב עובדיהם לעבדך:
10
A person who sees a settlement of Jewish homes should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who establishes the border of the widow.
[One who sees Jewish homes that are] destroyed should recite the blessing, "the true Judge." A person who sees Jewish graves should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who created you with justice, judged you with justice, sustained you with justice, took your lives with justice, and ultimately, will lift you up with justice to the life of the world to come. Blessed are You, God, who resurrects the dead.
י
הרואה בתי ישראל ביישובן מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם מציב גבול אלמנה בחרבנן אומר ברוך דיין האמת הרואה קברי ישראל מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם אשר יצר אתכם בדין ודן אתכם בדין וכלכל אתכם בדין והמית אתכם בדין והוא עתיד להקים אתכם בדין לחיי העולם הבא ברוך אתה יי' מחיה המתים:
11
The following should be recited when one sees 600,000 people at one time. If they are gentiles, he should recite the verse (Jeremiah 50:12): "Your mother shall be greatly ashamed; she that bore you will be disgraced. Behold, the ultimate fate of the gentiles will be an arid wilderness and a desolate land."
If they are Jews and in Eretz Yisrael, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, the Wise [who knows] secrets.
One who sees a gentile wise man should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His wisdom to flesh and blood.
[When one sees] Jewish wise men, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His wisdom to those who fear Him.
[When one sees] a Jewish king, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His glory and might to those who fear Him.
[When one sees] a gentile king, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given from His glory to flesh and blood.
יא
הרואה ת"ר אלף אדם כאחד אם עכו"ם הם אומר בושה אמכם מאד חפרה יולדתכם הנה אחרית גוים מדבר ציה וערבה ואם ישראל הם ובארץ ישראל אומר ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם חכם הרזים הרואה מחכמי אומות העולם אומר ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שנתן מחכמתו לבשר ודם חכמי ישראל מברך שנתן מחכמתו ליראיו מלכי ישראל אומר שנתן מכבודו ומגבורתו ליראיו מלכי אומות העולם מברך שנתן מכבודו לבשר ודם:
12
A person who sees a Kushit or a person who has a strange-looking face or an abnormal limb should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has altered His creations.
When one sees a blind man, a one-legged person, a person with skin boils or white blotches, or the like, he should recite the blessing "the true Judge." If they were born with these afflictions, he should recite the blessing "who has altered His creations."
When one sees an elephant, monkey, or owl, he should recite the blessing: "Blessed... who has altered His creations."
יב
הרואה את הכושי ואת המשונין בצורת פניהן או באיבריהם מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם משנה את הבריות הרואה סומא או קיטע ומוכה שחין ובוהקנין וכיוצא בהן מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם דיין האמת ואם נולדו כן ממעי אמן מברך משנה את הבריות הרואה את הפיל ואת הקוף ואת הקיפוף אומר ברוך משנה את הבריות:
13
A person who sees beautiful and well-formed creations or pleasant-looking trees should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] whose world is like this.
A person who goes out to the fields or gardens in the month of Nisan and sees flowering trees sprouting branches should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who did not leave anything lacking in His world and created within it fine creations and beautiful and fine trees so that they would give pleasure to men.
יג
הרואה בריות נאות ומתוקנות ביותר ואילנות טובות מברך שככה לו בעולמו היוצא לשדות או לגנות ביומי ניסן וראה אילנות פורחות וניצנים עולים מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ונאות כדי ליהנות בהן בני אדם:
14
[When one perceives] any of the following: winds that blow extremely powerfully, lightning, thunder, loud rumblings that sound like large mills when they are heard on the earth, shooting stars, or comets, he should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] whose power and might fill up the world.
If one desires, he may recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] who performs the work of creation.
יד
על הרוחות שנשבו בזעף ועל הברקים ועל הרעמים ועל קול ההברה שתשמע בארץ כמו ריחיים גדולים ועל האור שבאויר שיראו כאלו הם כוכבים נופלים ורצים ממקום למקום או כמו כוכבים שיש להם זנב על כל אחד מאלו מברך ברוך שכחו וגבורתו מלא עולם ואם רצה מברך עושה בראשית:
15
Whenever one sees mountains, hills, seas, deserts, or rivers after a thirty day interval, he should recite the blessing "who performs the work of creation."
A person who sees the ocean after an interval of thirty days or more should recite the blessing:
[Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe,] who created the ocean.
טו
על ההרים ועל הגבעות על הימים ועל המדברות ועל הנהרות אם ראה אחת מהן משלשים יום לשלשים יום מברך עושה בראשית הרואה את הים הגדול משלשים יום לשלשים יום או יותר מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם שעשה את הים הגדול:
16
A person who sees a rainbow should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who remembers the covenant, is faithful to His covenant, and maintains His word.
When a person sees the moon after it is renewed, he should recite the blessing:
Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who created the heavens with His word and all their hosts with the breath of His mouth. He granted them a fixed law and schedule so that they should not alter their tasks. They rejoice and are glad to carry out the will of their Creator. They are faithful servants whose work is righteous. And He instructed the moon to renew itself as a crown of glory to those who are borne [by Him] from the womb, who are destined to be similarly renewed and to glorify their Creator for the name of the glory of His kingdom and for all He has created. Blessed are You, God, who renews the months.
טז
הרואה קשת בענן מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם זוכר הברית ונאמן בבריתו וקיים במאמרו הרואה לבנה בחדושה מברך ברוך אתה יי' אלהינו מלך העולם אשר במאמרו ברא שחקים וברוח פיו כל צבאם חק וזמן נתן להם שלא ישנו את תפקידם ששים ושמחים לעשות רצון קוניהם פועלי אמת ופעולתם צדק וללבנה אמר שתתחדש עטרה תפארת לעמוסי בטן שהם עתידין להתחדש כמותה ולפאר ליוצאם על כבוד מלכותו ועל כל מה שברא ברוך אתה יי' מחדש החדשים:
17
This blessing should be recited while standing, for whoever recites the blessing on the new moon at its appropriate time is considered as if he greeted the Divine Presence.
If a person did not recite the blessing on the first night, he may recite the blessing until the sixteenth of the month, until the moon becomes full.
יז
וצריך לברך ברכה זו מעומד שכל המברך על החדש בזמנו כאילו הקביל פני השכינה אם לא בירך עליה בליל הראשון מברך עליה עד ששה עשר יום בחדש עד שתמלא פגימתה:
18
A person who sees the sun on the day of the spring equinox at the beginning of the twenty-eight year cycle that begins on Wednesday night [must recite a blessing]. When he sees the sun on Wednesday morning, he should recite the blessing "who performs the work of creation."
Similarly, the blessing "who performs the work of creation" should be recited when the moon reaches the beginning of the zodiac constellation taleh at the beginning of the month when it is not pointing to the north or the south, when any of the other five stars [that revolve in separate spheres] arrive at the beginning of the constellation taleh and do not point to the north or the south, and when one sees the constellation taleh ascend to the eastern corner [of the sky].
יז
הרואה את החמה ביום תקופת ניסן של תחלת המחזור של שמונה ועשרים שנה שהתקופה בתחלת ליל רביעי כשרואה אותה ביום רביעי בבקר מברך ברוך עושה בראשית וכן כשתחזור הלבנה לתחלת מזל טלה בתחלת החדש ולא תהיה נוטה לא לצפון ולא לדרום וכן כשיחזור כל כוכב וכוכב מחמשת הכוכבים הנשארים לתחלת מזל טלה ולא יהיה נוטה לא לצפון ולא לדרום וכן בכל עת שיראה מזל טלה עולה מקצה המזרח על כל אחד מאלו מברך עושה בראשית:
19
When a person sees a settlement of gentile homes, he should recite the verse (Proverbs 15:25): "God will pluck up the house of the proud." Should he see a desolate settlement of gentile homes, he should recite the verse (Psalms 94:1): "The Lord is a God of retribution. O God of retribution, reveal Yourself." When one sees gentile graves, he should recite the verse (Jeremiah 50:12): "Your mother shall be greatly ashamed...."
יט
הרואה בתי עכו"ם בישובן אומר בית גאים יסח יי' בחורבנן אומר אל נקמות יי' אל נקמות הופיע ראה קברי עכו"ם אומר בושה אמכם מאד וגו':
20
A person who enters a bathhouse should say "May it be Your will, God, our Lord, to allow me to enter in peace and leave in peace, and may You save me from this and the like in the future."
When one leaves the bath, he should say, "I give thanks to You, God, our Lord, for saving me from fire."
כ
הנכנס למרחץ אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתכניסני לשלום ותוציאני לשלום ותצילני מזה ומכיוצא בזה לעתיד לבא וכשיצא מן המרחץ אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי שהצלתני מן האור וכו':
21
A person who goes to let blood should say, "May it be Your will, God, our Lord, that this activity bring me a recovery, for You are a generous healer." Afterward, he should recite the blessing, "Blessed are You, God... Healer of the sick."
כא
הנכנס להקיז דם אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שיהא עסק זה לי לרפואה כי רופא חנם אתה וכשיצא אומר ברוך אתה יי' רופא חולים:
22
A person who goes to measure his silo should say, "May it be Your will, God, our Lord, that You send blessing to the work of my hands." When he begins to measure, he should say, "Blessed be He who sends blessings to this heap of grain."
If he asks for mercy after measuring [his grain], his prayer is considered to be in vain. [Similarly,] whoever calls out [to God] over events that have already happened is considered to have uttered a prayer in vain.
כב
ההולך למוד גורנו אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתשלח ברכה במעשה ידי התחיל למוד אומר ברוך השולח ברכה בכרי זה מדד ואחר כך ביקש רחמים הרי זו תפלת שוא וכל הצועק לשעבר הרי זו תפלת שוא:
23
When a person enters a house of study, he should say:
May it be Your will, God, our Lord, that I not stumble regarding a point of law, that I not call something that is pure impure, nor something that is impure pure, nor call something that is permitted forbidden, nor something that is forbidden permitted, and that I not err regarding a point of Scriptural Law and cause my colleagues to laugh at me, nor my colleagues err and I laugh at them.
כג
הנכנס לבית המדרש אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שלא אכשל בדבר הלכה שלא אומר על טהור טמא ועל טמא טהור ולא על מותר אסור ולא על אסור מותר ולא אכשל בדבר הלכה וישמחו בי חבירי ואל יכשלו חבירי ואשמח בהם:
24
When one leaves the house of study, he should say:
I thank You, God, our Lord, that You have granted me a portion among those who sit in the House of Study and have not granted me a portion among those who sit on the street-corners.
I rise early and they rise early: I rise early to the words of Torah, and they rise early to fruitless matters. I labor and they labor: I labor for the words of Torah and receive a reward; they labor and do not receive a reward. I run and they run: I run to the life of the world to come, and they run to the pit of destruction.
כדI rise early and they rise early: I rise early to the words of Torah, and they rise early to fruitless matters. I labor and they labor: I labor for the words of Torah and receive a reward; they labor and do not receive a reward. I run and they run: I run to the life of the world to come, and they run to the pit of destruction.
וביציאתו מבית המדרש אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי ששמת חלקי מיושבי בית המדרש ולא שמת חלקי מיושבי קרנות שאני משכים והם משכימים אני משכים לדברי תורה והם משכימים לדברים בטלים אני עמל והם עמלין אני עמל לדברי תורה ומקבל שכר והם עמלין ואין מקבלין שכר אני רץ והם רצים אני רץ לחיי העולם הבא והם רצים לבאר שחת:
25
A person who enters a metropolis should say, "May it be Your will, God, my Lord, to allow me to enter this metropolis in peace." If one enters in peace, he should say, "I thank You, God, my Lord, for allowing me to enter in peace."
When one desires to leave, he should say, "May it be Your will, God, my Lord, to allow me to depart from this metropolis in peace." If one departs in peace, he should say:
I thank You, God, my Lord, for allowing me to depart in peace. As You have allowed me to depart in peace, lead me [on my way] in peace, direct my steps in peace, support me in peace, and save me from the hands of the enemies and lurking foes on the way.
כה
הנכנס לכרך אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתכניסני לכרך זה לשלום ואם נכנס בשלום אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי שהכנסתני לשלום וכשיבקש לצאת אומר יהי רצון מלפניך יי' אלהי שתוציאני מכרך זה לשלום ואם יצא בשלום אומר מודה אני לפניך יי' אלהי שהוצאתני מכרך זה לשלום וכשם שהוצאתני לשלום כך תוליכני לשלום ותצעידני לשלום ותסמכני לשלום ותצילני מכף אויב ואורב בדרך:
26
The general rule is: A person should always cry out [to God] over future possibilities, asking for mercy. He should thank [God] for what has transpired in the past, thanking Him and praising Him according to his capacity. Whoever praises and thanks God abundantly and continuously is worthy to be praised.
כו
כללו של דבר לעולם יצעק אדם על העתיד לבא ויבקש רחמים ויתן הודיה על מה שעבר ויודה וישבח כפי כחו וכל המרבה להודות את יי' ולשבחו תמיד הרי זה משובח:
Berachot - Chapter Eleven
1
All blessings begin with "Blessed [are You, God...]" and conclude with "Blessed [are You, God...]," with the exception of the blessing after the recitation of the Shema, blessings that come in succession to each other, the blessings over fruit and the like, the blessings over the fulfillment of the mitzvot, and the blessings that we have mentioned which are expressions of praise and thanks. The [latter blessings] include some that begin with "Blessed [are You, God...]" and do not conclude with "Blessed [are You, God...]" and others that conclude with "Blessed [are You, God...]" but do not begin with "Blessed [are You, God...]."
[There are certain exceptions to these rules,] for example, a small number of blessings over the mitzvot, such as the blessing recited [when reading from] a Torah scroll and [some of the blessings recited as an expression of praise and thanks;] for example, the blessing recited when one sees Jewish graves. The rest of the blessings over mitzvot begin with "Blessed [are You, God...]" and do not conclude [with "Blessed are You, God...].
א
כל הברכות כולן פותח בהם בברוך וחותם בהם בברוך חוץ מברכה אחרונה של קריאת שמע וברכה הסמוכה לחבירתה וברכת הפירות והדומה לה וברכת עשיית המצות ומאלו הברכות שאמרנו שהן דרך שבח והודיה יש מהן פותח בברוך ואינו חותם בברוך ויש מהן שהוא חותם בברוך ואינו פתוח בברוך אלא מעט מברכת המצות כגון ברכת ספר תורה ורואה קברי ישראל מאלו שהן דרך שבח והודייה אבל שאר ברכות המצות כולן פותח בהן בברוך ואינו חותם:
2
There are positive commandments that a person is obligated to make an effort to pursue [their fulfillment] until he performs them - for example, tefillin, sukkah, lulav, and shofar. These are referred to as obligations, since a person is obligated to fulfill them.
There are other mitzvot that are not obligations, but resemble voluntary activities - for example, [the mitzvot of] mezuzah and constructing a guardrail. A person is not obligated to dwell in a house that requires a mezuzah [just in order] to fulfill this mitzvah. Instead, if he desires, he can dwell in a tent or a ship for his entire life. Similarly, he does not have to build a house [just] in order to build a guardrail.
A blessing should be recited before fulfilling all positive commandments that are between man and God, whether they are mitzvot that are obligatory or are not obligatory.
ב
יש מצות עשה שאדם חייב להשתדל ולרדוף עד שיעשה אותה כגון תפילין וסוכה ולולב ושופר ואלו הן הנקראין חובה לפי שאדם חייב על כל פנים לעשות ויש מצוה שאינה חובה אלא דומין לרשות כגון מזוזה ומעקה שאין אדם חייב לשכון בבית החייב מזוזה כדי שיעשה מזוזה אלא אם רצה לשכון כל ימיו באהל או בספינה ישב וכן אינו חייב לבנות בית כדי לעשות מעקה וכל מצות עשה שבין אדם למקום בין מצוה שאינה חובה בין מצוה שהיא חובה מברך עליה קודם לעשייתה:
3
Similarly, with regard to all the Rabbinic mitzvot - both the mitzvot that the Rabbis established as obligations - e.g., reading the megillah, lighting Shabbat candles, and lighting Chanukah candles - and the mitzvot that are not obligations - e.g., an eruv or washing hands - one should recite a blessing before performing them, [praising God] "who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us….”
Where has He commanded us [to fulfill these commandments]? In the Torah, which states [Deuteronomy 17:11]: "Act [according to the judgment] they relate to you." [Based on this Biblical verse, the blessing recited before fulfilling a Rabbinical commandment] can be interpreted as follows: Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to listen to these [sages] who have commanded us to light Chanukah candles or read the megillah. The same applies regarding all Rabbinic commandments.
ג
וכן כל המצות שהן מדברי סופרים בין מצוה שהיא חובה מדבריהם כגון מקרא מגילה והדלקת נר בשבת והדלקת נר חנוכה בין מצות שאינן חובה כגון עירוב ונטילת ידים מברך על הכל קודם לעשייתן אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו לעשות והיכן צונו בתורה שכתוב בה אשר יאמרו לך תעשה נמצא ענין הדברים והצען כך הוא אשר קדשנו במצותיו שציוה בהן לשמוע מאלו שצונו להדליק נר של חנוכה או לקרות את המגילה וכן שאר כל המצות שמדברי סופרים:
4
Why do we not recite a blessing before washing our hands after [eating]? Because the Sages obligated us [to do] this only because of danger. Blessings are not recited over an [obligation that was instituted] because of danger.
To what can this be compared? To someone who strains drinking water at night because of the danger of leeches. [Surely,] he does not recite a blessing, [praising God,] "who commanded us to strain water." The same applies in all similar situations.
ד
ולמה אין מברכין על נטילת ידים באחרונה מפני שלא חייבו בדבר זה אלא מפני הסכנה ודברים שהם משום סכנה אין מברכין עליהם הא למה זה דומה למי שסינן את המים ואח"כ שתה בלילה מפני סכנת עלוקה שאינו מברך וצונו לסנן את המים וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
5
[The following rules apply when] a person performs a mitzvah, but does not recite a blessing: If the fulfillment of the mitzvah still continues, he may recite the blessing even though he already performed it. If the mitzvah is a deed that is completed, he should not recite a blessing.
What is implied? When a person wrapped himself in tzitzit, donned tefillin, or sat in a sukkah without reciting a blessing at the outset, after wrapping himself [in tzitzit] he should recite the blessing "... who commanded us to wrap ourselves in tzitzit"; after donning [tefillin], he should recite the blessing "... who commanded us to put on tefillin"; after sitting [in the sukkah], he should recite the blessing "... who commanded us to sit in the sukkah." The same applies in all similar situations.
ה
העושה מצוה ולא בירך אם מצוה שעדיין עשייתה קיימת מברך אחר עשייה ואם דבר שעבר הוא אינו מברך כיצד הרי שנתעטף בציצית או שלבש תפילין או שישב בסוכה ולא בירך תחלה חוזר ומברך אחר שנתעטף אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להתעטף בציצית וכן מברך אחר שלבש להניח תפילין ואחר שישב לישב בסוכה וכן כל כיוצא באלו:
6
In contrast, if a person slaughtered [an animal] without reciting a blessing, he should not recite the blessing "... who sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us concerning slaughter," after the slaughter [is completed]. Similarly, if he covered [a fowl's] blood, separated terumah or the tithes, or immersed himself without reciting a blessing beforehand, he should not recite a blessing afterwards. The same applies in all similar situations.
ו
אבל אם שחט בלא ברכה אינו חוזר אחר שחיטה ומברך אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על השחיטה וכן אם כסה הדם בלא ברכה או הפריש תרומה ומעשרות או שטבל ולא בירך אינו חוזר ומברך אחר עשייה וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
7
There is no mitzvah for which the blessing should be recited after its fulfillment, with the exception of the immersion of a convert. [In this instance, the exception was made] because he could not say, "who sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us." Until [the convert] immersed himself, he was neither sanctified nor commanded. Therefore, he recites the blessing over the immersion [only] after immersing himself. [This is allowed] since at the outset, he was unfit and unable to recite the blessing.
ז
אין לך מצוה שמברכין אחר עשייתה אלא טבילת הגר בלבד שאינו יכול לומר אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו שעדיין לא נתקדש ולא נצטוה עד שיטבול לפיכך אחר שיטבול מברך על הטבילה מפני שהיה דחוי מעיקרו ולא היה ראוי לברך:
8
Whenever the performance of a mitzvah constitutes the completion of one's obligation, he should recite the blessing before performing it. When, however, there is another commandment that follows the performance of a particular mitzvah, the blessing should not be recited until the other mitzvah is performed.
What is implied? When a person makes a sukkah, a lulav, a shofar,tzitzit, tefillin, or a mezuzah, he should not recite a blessing at the time he made [them]: [praising God for] "sanctifying us with Your commandments and commanding us to make a sukkah" or "a lulav," or "to write tefillin," because there is another commandment that follows this action.
When is the blessing recited? When one sits in the sukkah, shakes the lulav, hears the sounding of the shofar, wraps oneself in tzitzit, dons tefillin, or affixes the mezuzah. In contrast, when one constructs a guardrail, before constructing it one should recite the blessing "...who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to construct a guardrail." The same applies in all similar situations.
ח
כל מצוה שעשייתה היא גמר חיובה מברך בשעת עשייה וכל מצוה שיש אחר עשייתה צווי אחר אינו מברך אלא בשעה שעושה הצווי האחרון כיצד העושה סוכה או לולב או שופר או ציצית או תפילין או מזוזה אינו מברך בשעת עשייה אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו לעשות סוכה או לולב או לכתוב תפילין מפני שיש אחר עשייתו צווי אחר ואימתי מברך בשעה שישב בסוכה או כשינענע הלולב או כשישמע קול השופר או כשיתעטף בציצית ובשעת לבישת תפילין ובשעת קביעת מזוזה אבל אם עשה מעקה מברך בשעת עשייה אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו לעשות מעקה וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
9
The blessing shehecheyanu is recited:
[before] fulfilling every mitzvah that we are obligated to fulfill only at a specific time - e.g., shofar, sukkah, lulav, reading the Megillah, and [lighting] Chanukah candles,
[before fulfilling] every mitzvah that involves the acquisition of property - e.g., tzitzit, tefillin, and a guardrail - and
[before fulfilling] every mitzvah that we are obligated to fulfill infrequently - for this resembles a mitzvah we are obligated to fulfill only at a specific time - e.g., circumcising one's son and redeeming him.
[before] fulfilling every mitzvah that we are obligated to fulfill only at a specific time - e.g., shofar, sukkah, lulav, reading the Megillah, and [lighting] Chanukah candles,
[before fulfilling] every mitzvah that involves the acquisition of property - e.g., tzitzit, tefillin, and a guardrail - and
[before fulfilling] every mitzvah that we are obligated to fulfill infrequently - for this resembles a mitzvah we are obligated to fulfill only at a specific time - e.g., circumcising one's son and redeeming him.
If one did not recite the blessing shehecheyanu when making a sukkah or a lulav, one should recite this blessing when fulfilling the mitzvah. The same applies in other similar situations.
ט
כל מצוה שהיא מזמן לזמן כגון שופר וסוכה ולולב ומקרא מגילה ונר חנוכה וכן כל מצוה ומצוה שהיא קניין לו כגון ציצית ותפילין ומזוזה ומעקה וכן מצוה שאינה תדירה ואינה מצוייה בכל עת שהרי היא דומה למצוה שהיא מזמן לזמן כגון מילת בנו ופדיון הבן מברך עליה בשעת עשייתה שהחיינו ואם לא בירך על סוכה ולולב וכיוצא בהם שהחיינו בשעת עשייה מברך עליהן שהחיינו בשעה שיצא ידי חובתו בהן וכן כל כיוצא בהן:
10
Whether a person performs a mitzvah for himself or for a colleague, before performing the mitzvah, he should recite the blessing "... who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us...." He should, however, recite the blessingshehecheyanu only on mitzvot that he is performing for himself.
If a person is [intending to] fulfill several mitzvot, he should not recite the blessing "... who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to fulfill the mitzvot ---." Instead, he should recite a blessing over each mitzvah individually.
י
אחד העושה מצוה לעצמו ואחד העושה אותה לאחרים מברך קודם עשייתה אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו לעשות אבל אינו מברך שהחיינו אלא על מצוה שעושה אותה לעצמו היו לפניו מצות הרבה אינו מברך אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על המצות אלא מברך על כל אחת ואחת בפני עצמה:
11
Whoever performs a mitzvah for his own sake, whether it is an obligation incumbent upon him or not, should recite a blessing, [praising God "who sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us] to perform ----." In contrast, if he performs a mitzvah on behalf of another person, the form of the blessing is ["who sanctified us... and commanded us] concerning the performance of ----."
יא
כל העושה מצוה בין שהיתה חובה עליו בין שאינה חובה עליו אם עשה אותה לעצמו מברך לעשות עשה אותה לאחרים מברך על העשייה:
12
What is implied? Before donning tefillin, one recites the blessing "... to put on tefillin"; before wrapping oneself in tzitzit, one recites the blessing "... to wrap..."; before sitting in the sukkah, one recites the blessing "...to sit in the sukkah." Similarly, one recites the blessings "... to kindle the Sabbath light," and "... to complete the Hallel."
Similarly, if one affixes a mezuzah on one's own house, one should recite the blessing "... to affix a mezuzah"; if one erects a guardrail on one's roof, one should recite the blessing "... to erect a guardrail." Should one separate terumah for oneself, one should recite the blessing "... to separate [terumah]." Should one circumcise one's own son, one should recite the blessing "... to circumcise [one's] son." Should one slaughter one's Paschal sacrifice or festive sacrifice, one recites the blessing "... to slaughter...."
יב
כיצד לבש תפילין מברך להניח תפילין נתעטף בציצית מברך להתעטף ישב בסוכה מברך לישב בסוכה וכן הוא מברך להדליק נר של שבת ולגמור את הלל וכן אם קבע מזוזה לביתו מברך לקבוע מזוזה עשה מעקה לגגו מברך אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו לעשות מעקה הפריש תרומה לעצמו מברך להפריש מל את בנו מברך למול את הבן שחט פסחו וחגיגתו מברך לשחוט:
13
If, however, one affixes a mezuzah for others, one should recite the blessing "... concerning the affixing of a mezuzah." Should one construct a guardrail for others, one should recite the blessing "... concerning the building of a guardrail." Should one separate terumah for others, one should recite the blessing "... concerning the separation of terumah. Should one circumcise a colleague's son, one should recite the blessing "... concerning the circumcision." The same applies in all similar situations.
יג
אבל אם קבע מזוזה לאחרים מברך על קביעת מזוזה עשה להם מעקה מברך על עשיית מעקה הפריש להם תרומה מברך על הפרשת תרומה מל את בן חבירו מברך על המילה וכן כל כיוצא באלו:
14
[The following rules apply] when a person performs a mitzvah on his own behalf and on behalf of others simultaneously. If the mitzvah is not obligatory in nature, he should use the form "... concerning..." for the blessing. Therefore, one recites the blessing "... concerning the mitzvah of eruv."
If the mitzvah is obligatory and he had the intent of fulfilling his own obligation and that of the others, he should use the form "... to..." for the blessing. Therefore, one recites the blessing "... to hear the sound of the shofar."
יד
עשה המצוה לו ולאחרים כאחד אם היתה מצוה שאינה חובה מברך על העשייה לפיכך הוא מברך על מצות עירוב היתה חובה ונתכוון להוציא עצמו מידי חובה ולהוציא אחרים מברך לעשות לפיכך הוא מברך לשמוע קול שופר:
15
When one takes the lulav, one should recite the blessing "... concerning the taking of the lulav." [This form is used] because a person fulfills his obligation when he picks [the lulav] up. If one recites the blessing before taking the lulav, one should recite the blessing "... to take the lulav," as one recites the blessing "... to sit in the sukkah." From this, one derives the principle that a person who recites a blessing after performing [a mitzvah] blesses "... concerning..." [the mitzvah's] performance.
With regard to the washing of hands and ritual slaughter, since they are of a voluntary nature, even if a person slaughters on his own behalf, he should recite the blessings "... concerning slaughter," "... concerning the covering of the blood," and "... concerning the washing of hands."
Similarly, one recites the blessing "... concerning the destruction of chametz," whether one searches for leaven on one's own behalf or on behalf of others. [This form is used] because once a person resolves in his heart to nullify his ownership [over chametz], the mitzvah of destroying it is fulfilled even before one searches, as will be explained in its place.
טו
נטל את הלולב מברך על נטילת לולב שכיון שהגביהו יצא ידי חובתו אבל אם בירך קודם שיטול מברך ליטול לולב כמו לישב בסוכה מכאן אתה למד שהמברך אחר שעשה מברך על העשייה אבל נטילת ידים ושחיטה הואיל ובדברי הרשות הן אפילו שחט לעצמו מברך על השחיטה ועל כסוי הדם ועל נטילת ידים וכך הוא מברך על ביעור חמץ בין שבדק לעצמו בין שבדק לאחרים שמשעה שגמר בלבו לבטל נעשית מצות הביעור קודם שיבדוק כמו שיתבאר במקומו:
16
[A blessing is not recited over] all practices that are customs. [This applies] even to a custom established by the prophets - for example, taking the willow branches on the seventh day of Sukkot. Needless to say, a blessing is not recited over customs established by the Sages - e.g., reading Hallel on Rosh Chodesh and on the intermediate days of Pesach.
Similarly whenever there is a question whether a practice requires a blessing or not, it should be performed without reciting a blessing.
A person should always take care not to recite blessings that are not necessary, and should recite many blessings that are required. Thus, David declared [Psalms 145:2]: "I will bless you each day."
טז
כל דבר שהוא מנהג אע"פ שמנהג נביאים הוא כגון נטילת ערבה בשביעי של חג ואין צריך לומר מנהג חכמים כגון קריאת הלל בראשי חדשים ובחולו של מועד של פסח אין מברכין עליו וכן כל דבר שיסתפק לך אם טעון ברכה אם לאו עושין אותו בלא ברכה ולעולם יזהר אדם בברכה שאינה צריכה וירבה בברכות הצריכות וכן דוד אמר בכל יום אברכך:
Milah - Chapter One
Introduction to Hilchos Milah
It contains one positive mitzvah, to circumcise males on the eighth day.
This mitzvah is explained in the following chapters.
This mitzvah is explained in the following chapters.
1
Circumcision is a positive mitzvah [whose lack of fulfillment] is punishable by karet, as [Genesis 17:14] states: "And an uncircumcised male who does not circumcise his foreskin - this soul will be cut off from his people."
A father is commanded to circumcise his son, and a master, his slaves. This applies both to those who are born in his home and to those purchased by him. If the father or the master transgressed and did not circumcise them, he negated the fulfillment of a positive commandment. He is not, however, punished by karet, for karet is incurred only by the uncircumcised person himself. The court is obligated to circumcise that son or slave at the proper time and should not leave an uncircumcised male among the Jewish people or their slaves.
א
מילה מצות עשה שחייבין עליה כרת שנאמר וערל זכר אשר לא ימול את בשר ערלתו ונכרתה הנפש ההוא מעמיה ומצוה על האב למול את בנו ועל הרב למול את עבדיו יליד בית ומקנת כסף עבר האב או האדון ולא מל אותן ביטל מצות עשה ואינו חייב כרת שאין הכרת תלוי אלא בערל עצמו ובית דין מצווים למול אותו הבן או העבד בזמנו ולא יניחו ערל בישראל ולא בעבדיהן:
2
We may not circumcise a person's son without his knowledge, unless he has transgressed and did not circumcise him. [In such an instance,] the court must circumcise [the child] against [the father's] will.
If the matter does not become known to the court and they do not circumcise him, when [the child] reaches bar mitzvah, he is obligated to circumcise himself. With each and every day that passes after he has reached bar mitzvah, he negates a positive commandment. He is not, however, liable for karet until he dies uncircumcised, having intentionally [failed to perform the mitzvah].
ב
אין מלין בנו של אדם שלא מדעתו אלא אם כן עבר ונמנע למולו שבית דין מלין אותו בעל כרחו נתעלם מבית דין ולא מלו אותו כשיגדל הוא חייב למול את עצמו וכל יום ויום שיעבור עליו משיגדל ולא ימול את עצמו הרי הוא מבטל מצות עשה אבל אינו חייב כרת עד שימות והוא ערל במזיד:
3
A master is obligated to circumcise both a slave who was born as the property of a Jewish owner and a slave purchased from the gentiles. [There is, however, a difference between the two.] A home-born slave should be circumcised on the eighth day [of his life]. In contrast, a slave who is purchased should be circumcised on the day he was purchased. If he was purchased on the day he was born, he should be circumcised on that day.
ג
אחד עבד שנולד ברשות ישראל ואחד עבד הנלקח מן הכותים חייב הרב למול אותן אלא שיליד בית נימול לשמנה ומקנת כסף נימול ביום שנלקח אפילו לקחו ביום שנולד נימול ביומו:
4
There are, however, slaves that are purchased who should be circumcised on the eighth day [of their lives], and home-born slaves who should be circumcised on the day they are born.
What is implied? Should one purchase a maidservant and purchase [the rights to] her fetus [separately], when she gives birth, the baby should be circumcised on the eighth day. Although the fetus itself was purchased separately, since [the master] purchased his mother before the child was born, he should be circumcised on his eighth day.
ד
יש מקנת כסף שנימול לשמנה ויש יליד בית שנימול ביום שנולד כיצד לקח שפחה ולקח עוברה עמה וילדה הרי זה נימול לשמנה ואף על פי שלקח העובר בפני עצמו והרי העובר עצמו מקנת כסף הואיל וקנה אמו קודם שנולד נימול לשמנה:
5
If a person purchased a maidservant for her offspring, or purchased a maidservant with the intent of not immersing her as a slave, even though her offspring is born in his domain, the child should be circumcised on the day he was born.
[This ruling was granted, because] this child is considered as if he alone has been purchased [by his master], and it is as if he purchased him this day. His mother is not included among the maidservants of the Jewish people, so that the child could be considered "home-born." If his mother immersed herself after she gave birth, the child should be circumcised on the eighth day.
ה
לקח שפחה לעובריה או שלקח שפחה על מנת שלא להטבילה לשם עבדות אע"פ שנולד ברשותו נימול ביום שנולד שהרי הנולד הזה כאילו הוא מקנת כסף לבדו וכאילו היום קנהו שאין אמו בכלל שפחות ישראל כדי שיהיה הבן יליד בית ואם טבלה אמו אחר שילדה הרי זה נימול לשמנה:
6
When a person purchases a slave from the gentiles and the slave does not consent to be circumcised, we may be patient with him for twelve months. It is forbidden to maintain him for any longer period while he remains uncircumcised, and one must sell him to gentiles.
If, at the outset, while the slave was still in the possession of his gentile master, he made a stipulation that he would not be circumcised, it is permissible to maintain him although he is not circumcised, provided he accepts the seven universal laws commanded to the descendants of Noah and becomes a resident alien.
If he refuses to accept these seven laws, he should be killed immediately. A resident alien may be accepted only in the era when the laws of yovel are in effect.
ו
לקח עבד גדול מן העכו"ם ולא רצה העבד למול מגלגלין עמו כל שנים עשר חדש יתר על כן אסור לקיימו כשהוא ערל אלא חוזר ומוכרו לעכו"ם ואם התנה עליו מתחלה והוא אצל רבו העכו"ם שלא ימול אותו מותר לקיימו והוא ערל ובלבד שיקבל עליו שבע מצות שנצטוו בני נח ויהיה כגר תושב אבל אם לא קיבל עליו שבע מצות יהרג מיד ואין מקבלים גר תושב אלא בזמן שהיובל נוהג:
7
When a convert enters the congregation of Israel, he is obligated to undergo circumcision first. If he had been circumcised while he was a gentile, it is necessary to extract the blood of the covenant on the day that he converts.
Similarly, a child who was born without a foreskin must have blood extracted for circumcision on the eighth day. An androgynous, a child with both male and female sexual organs, must be circumcised on the eighth day. Similarly, a child born by Caesarian section and a child who has two foreskins should both be circumcised on the eighth day.
ז
גר שנכנס לקהל ישראל חייב מילה תחלה ואם מל כשהיה עכו"ם צריך להטיף ממנו דם ברית ביום שנתגייר וכן קטן שנולד כשהוא מהול צריך להטיף ממנו דם ברית ביום השמיני אנדרוגינוס והוא הילוד שיש לו זכרות כזכר ונקבות כנקבה צריך למול אותו בשמיני וכן יוצא דופן ומי שיש לו שתי ערלות מלין את שתיהן בשמיני:
8
Circumcision is performed only during the day, after the rising of the sun, as [Leviticus 12:3] states, "On the eighth day...," i.e., during the day, and not at night. [This applies to a circumcision performed] at the appropriate time, the eighth day [after birth], and [to a circumcision performed] after the appropriate time, from the ninth day and onward.
If one performed the circumcision after dawn, it is acceptable. It is acceptable [at any time] throughout the entire day. Nevertheless, it is a mitzvah to [perform the circumcision] early, in the beginning of the day, since "the eager perform mitzvot early."
ח
אין מלין לעולם אלא ביום אחר עלות השמש בין ביום השמיני שהוא זמנה בין שלא בזמנה שהוא מתשיעי והלאה שנאמר ביום השמיני ביום ולא בלילה מל משעלה עמוד השחר כשר וכל היום כשר למילה ואעפ"כ מצוה להקדים בתחלת היום שזריזין מקדימין למצות:
9
When a circumcision [is performed] at its appropriate time, [its performance] supersedes [the prohibition against labor] on the Sabbath. When it [is] not [performed] at its appropriate time, [its performance] does not supersede [the prohibition against labor] on the Sabbath or the festivals. Whether or not it is performed at its appropriate time, [its performance] supersedes [the prohibition against removing signs of] tzara'at.
What is implied? If there was a sign of tzara'at on the foreskin, it may be cut off with the foreskin. Although there is a prohibition against cutting off the signs of tzara'at, the performance of a positive commandment supersedes the observance of a negative commandment.
ט
מילה בזמנה דוחה את השבת ושלא בזמנה אינה דוחה לא את השבת ולא את יום טוב ובין בזמנה ובין שלא בזמנה דוחה את הצרעת כיצד שאם היתה בהרת בעור הערלה חותכה עם הערלה אף על פי שקציצת נגע הצרעת בלא תעשה יבא עשה וידחה את לא תעשה:
10
Just as the circumcision of sons supersedes [the prohibitions against labor on] the Sabbath, so too, the circumcision of those slaves who are circumcised on the eighth day [of their lives] supersedes [the prohibitions against labor on] the Sabbath when the eighth day [of their life] falls on the Sabbath. There is [one] exception - a slave whose mother did not immerse herself until after she gave birth. Although such a slave is circumcised on the eighth day, his circumcision does not supersede [the prohibitions against labor on] the Sabbath.
י
כשם שמילת הבנים דוחה את השבת כך מילת העבדים שהן נימולים לשמנה דוחה את השבת אם חל שמיני שלהן בשבת חוץ מיליד בית שלא טבלה אמו עד שילדה שאע"פ שנימול לשמנה אינו דוחה את השבת:
11
[The circumcision of the following individuals] does not supersede [the prohibitions against labor on] the Sabbath:
a child who was born without a foreskin;
a child who was born in the eighth month of pregnancy before his development was completed; he is considered to be a stillborn, for he will not live;
a child born by Caesarian section;
an androgynous; and
a person with two foreskins.
a child who was born without a foreskin;
a child who was born in the eighth month of pregnancy before his development was completed; he is considered to be a stillborn, for he will not live;
a child born by Caesarian section;
an androgynous; and
a person with two foreskins.
These individuals are circumcised on [the following] Sunday, the ninth day of their lives.
יא
קטן שנולד כשהוא מהול ומי שנולד בחדש השמיני לעבורו קודם שתגמר ברייתו שהוא כנפל מפני שאינו חי ויוצא דופן ואנדרוגינוס ומי שיש לו שתי ערלות אין דוחין את השבת אלא נימולין באחד בשבת שהוא יום תשיעי שלהן:
12
When a child is born beyn hash'mashot, which is a period when it is undetermined whether it is considered day or night, we count from the night, and he is circumcised on the ninth day [following the day he was born], which could be the eighth day.
When a child is born beyn hash'mashot on Friday, his circumcision does not supersede the Sabbath prohibitions, because the Sabbath prohibitions are never superseded because of a doubtful situation. Rather, he should be circumcised on [the following] Sunday.
יב
מי שנולד בין השמשות ספק ביום ספק בלילה מונין מן הלילה ונימול לתשיעי שהוא ספק שמיני ואם נולד ערב שבת בין השמשות אינו דוחה את השבת אלא נימול באחד בשבת שאין דוחין את השבת מספק:
13
[The following principles apply when] a child is born in the eighth month [of pregnancy]:1 If the child's nails and hair are completely formed, we assume that this is a completely formed infant that should have been born in the seventh month, but whose birth was delayed. Hence, the baby may be carried on the Sabbath, is not considered to be a stone, and may be circumcised on the Sabbath.
If, however, when the baby was born, its hair and nails were incompletely formed, we can be certain that this child is in its eighth month of development and should not have been born until the ninth month, but was born prematurely. Therefore, he is considered as a stone and may not be moved on the Sabbath.
Nevertheless, if such an infant remains alive for thirty days, he is considered to be a child who will live and is governed by all the same rules as other infants.2
Whenever a human child lives longer than thirty days, it is no longer considered to be a stillborn.
יגWhenever a human child lives longer than thirty days, it is no longer considered to be a stillborn.
מי שנולד בחדש השמיני אם היה שלם בשערו ובצפרניו הרי זה ולד שלם ובן שבעה הוא אלא שנשתהה ומותר לטלטלו בשבת ואינו כאבן ומלין אותו בשבת אבל אם נולד ושערו לקוי ואין צפרניו שלימין כברייתן הרי זה בן שמנה ודאי שלא היה ראוי להולד אלא בתשעה ויצא קודם שיגמר ולפיכך הוא חשוב כאבן ואסור לטלטלו בשבת ואעפ"כ אם שהה שלשים יום הרי הוא ולד של קיימא והרי הוא כשאר הנולדין לכל דבר שכל ששהה שלשים יום באדם אינו נפל:
14
[The following rules apply when] a child is born in the seventh month of gestation: If a child is born with his limbs completely formed,3 we assume that he will live and he should be circumcised on the eighth day [even if it falls on the Sabbath].
If there is a question whether a child4 was born in the seventh month or in the eighth month, he can be circumcised on the Sabbath. The rationale is: If he was born in the seventh month and his limbs are completely formed, it is appropriate that [his circumcision] supersede [the prohibitions against labor on] the Sabbath. If he was born in the eighth month, circumcising him [does not constitute a violation of the Sabbath prohibitions].5
It is like cutting meat, because he is like a stillborn if he is, in fact, born in the eighth month.
ידIt is like cutting meat, because he is like a stillborn if he is, in fact, born in the eighth month.
מי שנולד בחדש השביעי לעבורו אם נולד שלם הרי זה ולד של קיימא ומלין אותו בשבת ספק בן שבעה ספק בן שמנה מלין אותו בשבת על כל פנים אם בן שבעה הוא ושלם הוא בדין הוא שידחה שבת ואם בן שמנה הוא הרי זה שמל כמחתך בשר הוא לפי שזה נפל אם הוא בן שמנה:
15
When a child's head emerges from his mother's birth canal beyn hash'mashot on Friday, but his entire body does not emerge until after the Sabbath night [has commenced], the child should not be circumcised on the Sabbath.6
Whenever a child's circumcision does not supersede the Sabbath prohibitions, [such circumcision] also does not supersede the prohibitions of the first day of a festival.7 It does, however, supersede the prohibitions of the second day of a festival.8 On Rosh HaShanah, however, it does not supersede [the prohibitions] of either the first or the second day.9 Similarly, a circumcision that is not carried out at the appropriate time10 does not supersede [the prohibitions of either of] the two days of Rosh HaShanah.11
טו
הוציא העובר ראשו חוץ למעי אמו בין השמשות אף על פי שלא יצא כולו אלא בלילי שבת אין מלין אותו בשבת וכל מי שאינו דוחה את השבת אינו דוחה את יום טוב ראשון ודוחה את יום טוב שני ובשני ימים טובים של ראש השנה אינו דוחה לא את הראשון ולא את השני וכן מילה שלא בזמנה אינה דוחה את שני ימים טובים של ראש השנה:
16
A sick person should not be circumcised until he regains his health. Seven full days should be counted from the time he regains his health until he is circumcised.
When does the above apply? When he recovers from high fever or from a similar illness. If, however, a person's eyes hurt, as soon as his eyes heal he may be circumcised immediately. The same applies in all similar circumstances.
טז
חולה אין מלין אותו עד שיבריא ומונין לו מעת שיבריא מחוליו שבעה ימים מעת לעת ואח"כ מלין אותו במה דברים אמורים בשחלצתו חמה וכיוצא בחולי זה אבל אם כאבו לו עיניו בעת שיפתחו עיניו וירפאו מלין אותו מיד וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
17
יז
קטן שנמצא בשמיני שלו ירוק ביותר אין מלין אותו עד שיפול בו דם ויחזרו מראיו כמראה הקטנים הבריאים וכן אם היה אדום ביותר כמי שצבעו אותו אין מלין אותו עד שיבלע בו דמו ויחזרו מראיו כשאר הקטנים מפני שזה חולי הוא וצריך להזהר בדברים אלו הרבה:
18
When a woman circumcised her first son and he died because the circumcision sapped his strength, and similarly, circumcised her second son and he also died because of the circumcision, she should not circumcise her third son at the appropriate time. Rather, she should wait until he becomes older and his strength increases. [This applies regardless of whether] the first two children were sired by the same father or not.
We should not circumcise a child who is afflicted with any sickness at all, since the danger to life takes precedence over everything. Circumcision can be performed at a later date, while it is impossible to bring a single Jewish soul back to life.
יח
אשה שמלה בנה ראשון ומת מחמת מילה שהכשילה את כחו וכן מלה את השני ומת מחמת מילה בין מבעלה הראשון בין מבעלה השני הרי זה לא ימול את השלישי בזמנו אלא ממתינין לו עד שיגדיל ויתחזק כחו אין מלין אלא ולד שאין בו שום חולי שסכנת נפשות דוחה את הכל ואפשר למול לאחר זמן ואי אפשר להחזיר נפש אחת מישראל לעולם:
FOOTNOTES
1.
The comprehension of this and the following halachah are dependent on the following two Talmudic passages:
[The prohibitions against labor on] the Sabbath are superseded for [the circumcision of a child] born in the seventh month, but not for a child born in the eighth month (Shabbat 135a).
A child born in the eighth month is like a stone and may not be carried [on the Sabbath]. His mother may, however, lean over him and nurse him....
Rabbi states: [This is when] his physical features reflect his [lack of development]; i.e., when his hair and nails are not completely formed.
[Rabbi's statements imply that] if [his hair and nails] are completely formed, he is a baby that should have been born in the seventh month, but whose birth was delayed (Yevamot 80b).
A child born in the eighth month is like a stone and may not be carried [on the Sabbath]. His mother may, however, lean over him and nurse him....
Rabbi states: [This is when] his physical features reflect his [lack of development]; i.e., when his hair and nails are not completely formed.
[Rabbi's statements imply that] if [his hair and nails] are completely formed, he is a baby that should have been born in the seventh month, but whose birth was delayed (Yevamot 80b).
From these passages, it appears that the Sages considered that there were two periods of gestation that could produce healthy babies, a seven-month period and a nine-month period. Therefore, a baby who was born in the seventh month was considered to be healthy, and circumcision could be performed on the Sabbath.
In contrast, a baby born in the eighth month was generally considered to be unhealthy. Not only was the baby not to be circumcised on the Sabbath, but moving it at all was forbidden. Since it was likely to die, it was considered to be muktzeh. If, however, a baby born in the eighth month looks healthy, we assume that it should have been born in the seventh month, but its birth was delayed. Therefore, it is considered a healthy baby and it may be circumcised on the Sabbath.
We have used the past tense in the above explanation, because these laws are no longer practiced, and all babies are allowed to be moved on the Sabbath. Tosafot, Shabbat, loc. cit., state that at present, it is no longer possible to determine exactly when a child was conceived, and we therefore do not know the month of pregnancy the mother was in. Furthermore, the advances in medical technology have enabled the lives of many premature babies to be saved despite the fact that, without these new developments, these babies would surely not have survived. At present, it is considered a mitzvah to try to save the lives of any premature babies, even if doing so involves carrying out forbidden labors on the Sabbath.
Also, it must be emphasized that, as stated in Halachot 16-18, a child is circumcised only when it is healthy and there is no danger involved. This is surely relevant with regard to premature infants. Rarely, if ever, would a doctor grant permission for such a baby to be circumcised on the eighth day of his life.
2.
Among the ramifications of this decision are that the child's mother is free of the obligations of yibbum and chalitzah. (See Hilchot Yibbum 1:5.)
3.
Our translation is based on the commentary of the Maggid Mishneh, Hilchot Yibbum 1:5. According to this interpretation, the child's hair and nails need not be completely formed. The Kessef Mishneh offers a different interpretation. Significantly, however, in his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 266:11), Rav Yosef Karo accepts the Maggid Mishneh's interpretation.
4.
According to the Maggid Mishneh'sinterpretation mentioned above, this refers to an instance when the child's limbs are completely formed, but his hair and nails are not. The date of his birth, however, creates a problem, because he appears to have been born in the eighth month.
[With regard to this law, the Shulchan Aruch( loc. cit.) does not accept the Maggid Mishneh's interpretation. It is, however, quoted by the Ramah.]
5.
This rationale is not used to allow the circumcision of a child who was definitely born in the eighth month, because the Rabbinic prohibition of muktzeh is in effect. Although the Sages did not enforce that prohibition in a case of doubt (the present halachah), they did apply it when no doubt about the period of gestation exists (the previous halachah).
6.
Niddah 42b relates that the time when a child's head emerges is considered the hour of birth.
7.
See Halachah 9, which equates circumcision on festivals to circumcision on the Sabbath. In this halachah, the Rambam is adding that the prohibition against circumcision on the eighth day when it falls on the Sabbath in the various instances mentioned in Halachot 11-13 also applies on festivals.
8.
Since the celebration of the second day of a festival is only Rabbinic in origin, the fulfillment of the mitzvah of circumcision takes priority.
This represents the Rambam's view. Rabbenu Asher differs and maintains that only a circumcision that would be performed on the eighth day, were it to fall on the Sabbath, should be performed on the second day of a festival. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 266:8) quotes Rabbenu Asher's view, while the Siftei Cohen 266:8 follows the Rambam's position. [Significantly, the Noda biYhudah (Orach Chayim, Responsum 30) and the Chatam Sofer (Yoreh De'ah, Responsum 250) interpret the difference of opinion between the Rambam and Rabbenu Asher as applying only when the circumcision is definitely not being performed on the eighth day. (See notes 10 and 11.) According to their view, even Rabbenu Asher agrees that when a child is born during beyn hash'mashot eight days before the second day of a festival, he may be circumcised on that second day of the festival.
9.
As explained in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov1:21-24, the rules governing the celebration of the second day of Rosh HaShanah differ from those governing the celebration of the second days of other festivals. The two days of Rosh HaShanah share the same level of holiness, and all the prohibitions that apply on the first day apply on the second, with the exception of the laws of burial. (See also Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 5:7-8.)Thus, if a child was born during beyn hash'mashot a week before Rosh HaShanah in a year when the two days of Rosh HaShanah are followed by the Sabbath, the child is not circumcised until the twelfth day of his life (Shabbat19:5).
10.
This refers to instances when a child was sick and the circumcision was delayed, and the like.
11.
From the Rambam's phraseology, it appears that he allows such circumcisions to be carried out on the second day of other festivals. See note 8.
12.
The Rambam is referring to infantile jaundice, which is common in many newborns.
13.
The Bayit Chadash (Yoreh De'ah 263) and the Binyan Shlomo interpret the Rambam's phraseology as indicating that, in contrast to the sicknesses mentioned in the previous halachah, it is not necessary to wait seven days after the child's recovery in these instances. This is the common practice today.
14.
At present, if the child's skin color is not normal (regardless of the tinge), it is customary to delay the circumcision.
15.
Shabbat 134a relates that once, a woman approached Rabbi Natan HaBavli while he was visiting a distant community. She explained that her first two children had died after being circumcised, and was concerned whether she should circumcise her third son or not. Rabbi Natan inspected the baby and saw that he was extremely red. He advised that the circumcision be delayed until the child's complexion returned to the norm. His advice was followed and the child survived. In appreciation, the family named him Natan.
• Friday, 24 Cheshvan, 5777 · 25 November 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Monday, Cheshvan 24, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Tol'dot, Sheini with Rashi.
Tehillim: 113-118.
Tanya: XXXI. Well-known (p. 587) ...all the limbs... (p. 591).
In material matters one should always look at he whose situation is lower than one's own, and thank the good G-d for His kindness to him.
In spiritual matters one should always look at he who is higher than oneself, and plead with G-d to grant him the intelligence to learn from the other, and the ability and strength to rise higher.1
FOOTNOTES
1.See Sivan 30.
• Daily Thought:
Come of Days
“And Abraham was aged, come of days.” (Genesis 24:1)
Abraham, we are told, was not just aged, but “come of days.” Meaning, he entered into his days.
Within each moment of life, whatever it was he needed to do, he invested his entire being.
And so he owned every day of his life. His life was his.
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