Torah Reading
Noach: Genesis 6:9 Here is the history of Noach. In his generation, Noach was a man righteous and wholehearted; Noach walked with God. 10 Noach fathered three sons, Shem, Ham and Yefet. 11 The earth was corrupt before God, the earth was filled with violence. 12 God saw the earth, and, yes, it was corrupt; for all living beings had corrupted their ways on the earth.
13 God said to Noach, “The end of all living beings has come before me, for because of them the earth is filled with violence. I will destroy them along with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gofer-wood; you are to make the ark with rooms and cover it with pitch both outside and inside. 15 Here is how you are to build it: the length of the ark is to be 450 feet, its width seventy-five feet and its height forty-five feet. 16 You are to make an opening for daylight in the ark eighteen inches below its roof. Put a door in its side; and build it with lower, second and third decks.
17 “Then I myself will bring the flood of water over the earth to destroy from under heaven every living thing that breathes; everything on earth will be destroyed. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you; you will come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife and your sons’ wives with you.
19 “From everything living, from each kind of living being, you are to bring two into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they are to be male and female. 20 Of each kind of bird, each kind of livestock, and each kind of animal creeping on the ground, two are to come to you, so that they can be kept alive. 21 Also take from all the kinds of food that are eaten, and collect it for yourself; it is to be food for you and for them.” 22 This is what Noach did; he did all that God ordered him to do.
7:1 (ii) Adonai said to Noach, “Come into the ark, you and all your household; for I have seen that you alone in this generation are righteous before me. 2 Of every clean animal you are to take seven couples, and of the animals that are not clean, one couple; 3 also of the birds in the air take seven couples — in order to preserve their species throughout the earth. 4 For in seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; I will wipe out every living thing that I have made from the face of the earth.” 5 Noach did all that Adonai ordered him to do.
6 Noach was 600 years old when the water flooded the earth. 7 Noach went into the ark with his sons, his wife and his sons’ wives, because of the floodwaters. 8 Of clean animals, of animals that are not clean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, 9 couples, male and female, went in to Noach in the ark, as God had ordered Noach.
10 After seven days the water flooded the earth. 11 On the seventeenth day of the second month of the 600th year of Noach’s life all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of the sky were opened. 12 It rained on the earth forty days and forty nights.
13 On that same day Noach entered the ark with Shem, Ham and Yefet the sons of Noach, Noach’s wife and the three wives of his sons accompanying them; 14 they, and every animal of every species, all the livestock of every species, every animal that creeps on the ground of every species, and every bird of every species — all sorts of winged creatures. 15 They went in to Noach in the ark, couples from every kind of living thing that breathes. 16 Those that entered went in, male and female, from every kind of living being, as God had ordered him; and Adonai shut him inside.
(iii) 17 The flood was forty days on the earth; the water grew higher and floated the ark, so that it was lifted up off the earth. 18 The water overflowed the earth and grew deeper, until the ark floated on the surface of the water. 19 The water overpowered the earth mightily; all the high mountains under the entire sky were covered; 20 the water covered the mountains by more than twenty-two-and-a-half feet. 21 All living beings that moved on the earth perished — birds, livestock, other animals, insects, and every human being, 22 everything in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life; whatever was on dry land died. 23 He wiped out every living thing on the surface of the ground — not only human beings, but livestock, creeping animals and birds in the air. They were wiped out from the earth; only Noach was left, along with those who were with him in the ark. 24 The water held power over the earth for 150 days.
8:1 God remembered Noach, every living thing and all the livestock with him in the ark; so God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water began to go down. 2 Also the fountains of the deep and the windows of the sky were stopped, the rain from the sky was restrained, 3 and the water came back from completely covering the earth. It was after 150 days that the water went down. 4 On the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5 The water kept going down until the tenth month; on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains were seen.
6 After forty days Noach opened the window of the ark which he had built; 7 and he sent out a raven, which flew back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent out a dove, to see if the water had gone from the surface of the ground. 9 But the dove found no place for her feet to rest, so she returned to him in the ark, because the water still covered the whole earth. He put out his hand, took her and brought her in to him in the ark. 10 He waited another seven days and again sent the dove out from the ark. 11 The dove came in to him in the evening, and there in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf, so Noach knew that the water had cleared from the earth. 12 He waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, and she didn’t return to him any more.
13 By the first day of the first month of the 601st year the water had dried up from off the earth; so Noach removed the covering of the ark and looked; and, yes, the surface of the ground was dry. 14 It was on the twenty-seventh day of the second month that the earth was dry.
(iv) 15 God said to Noach, 16 “Go out from the ark, you, your wife, your sons and your son’s wives with you. 17 Bring out with you every living thing you have with you — birds, livestock and every animal that creeps on the earth — so that they can swarm on the earth, be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noach went out with his sons, his wife and his sons’ wives; 19 every animal, every creeping thing and every bird, whatever moves on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark.
20 Noach built an altar to Adonai. Then he took from every clean animal and every clean bird, and he offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 Adonai smelled the sweet aroma, and Adonai said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of humankind, since the imaginings of a person’s heart are evil from his youth; nor will I ever again destroy all living things, as I have done. 22 So long as the earth exists, sowing time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.”
9:1 God blessed Noach and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear and dread of you will be upon every wild animal, every bird in the air, every creature populating the ground, and all the fish in the sea; they have been handed over to you. 3 Every moving thing that lives will be food for you; just as I gave you green plants before, so now I give you everything — 4 only flesh with its life, which is its blood, you are not to eat. 5 I will certainly demand an accounting for the blood of your lives: I will demand it from every animal and from every human being. I will demand from every human being an accounting for the life of his fellow human being. 6 Whoever sheds human blood, by a human being will his own blood be shed; for God made human beings in his image. 7 And you people, be fruitful, multiply, swarm on the earth and multiply on it.”
(v) 8 God spoke to Noach and his sons with him; he said, 9 “As for me — I am herewith establishing my covenant with you, with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the livestock and every wild animal with you, all going out of the ark, every animal on earth. 11 I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God added, “Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come: 13 I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud; 15 I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings. 16 The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth.”
17 God said to Noach, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between myself and every living creature on the earth.”
(vi) 18 The sons of Noach who went out from the ark were Shem, Ham and Yefet. Ham is the father of Kena‘an. 19 These three were the sons of Noach, and the whole earth was populated by them.
20 Noach, a farmer, was the first to plant a vineyard. 21 He drank so much of the wine that he got drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Kena‘an, saw his father shamefully exposed, went out and told his two brothers. 23 Shem and Yefet took a cloak, put it over both their shoulders, and, walking backward, went in and covered their naked father. Their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father lying there shamefully exposed.
24 When Noach awoke from his wine, he knew what his youngest son had done to him. 25 He said, “Cursed be Kena‘an; he will be a servant of servants to his brothers.” 26 Then he said, “Blessed be Adonai, the God of Shem; Kena‘an will be their servant. 27 May God enlarge Yefet; he will live in the tents of Shem, but Kena‘an will be their servant.”
28 After the flood Noach lived 350 years. 29 In all, Noach lived 950 years; then he died.
10:1 Here is the genealogy of the sons of Noach — Shem, Ham and Yefet; sons were born to them after the flood.
2 The sons of Yefet were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Yavan, Tuval, Meshekh and Tiras. 3 The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Rifat and Togarmah. 4 The sons of Yavan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim. 5 From these the islands of the nations were divided into their lands, each according to its language, according to their families, in their nations.
6 The sons of Ham were Kush, Mitzrayim, Put and Kena‘an. 7 The sons of Kush were S’va, Havilah, Savta, Ra‘mah and Savt’kha. The sons of Ra‘mah were Sh’va and D’dan.
8 Kush fathered Nimrod, who was the first powerful ruler on earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before Adonai — this is why people say, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Adonai.” 10 His kingdom began with Bavel, Erekh, Akkad and Kalneh, in the land of Shin‘ar. 11 Ashur went out from that land and built Ninveh, the city Rechovot, Kelach, 12 and Resen between Ninveh and Kelach — that one is the great city.
13 Mitzrayim fathered the Ludim, the ‘Anamim, the L’havim, the Naftuchim, 14 the Patrusim, the Kasluchim (from whom came the P’lishtim) and the Kaftorim.
15 Kena‘an fathered Tzidon his firstborn, Het, 16 the Y’vusi, the Emori, the Girgashi, 17 the Hivi, the ‘Arki, the Sini, 18 the Arvadi, the Tz’mari and the Hamati. Afterwards, the families of the Kena‘ani were dispersed. 19 The border of the Kena‘ani was from Tzidon, as you go toward G’rar, to ‘Azah; as you go toward S’dom, ‘Amora, Admah and Tzvoyim, to Lesha.
20 These were the descendants of Ham, according to their families and languages, in their lands and in their nations.
21 Children were also born to Shem, ancestor of all the descendants of ‘Ever and older brother of Yefet. 22 The sons of Shem were ‘Elam, Ashur, Arpakhshad, Lud and Aram. 23 The sons of Aram were ‘Utz, Hul, Geter and Mash. 24 Arpakhshad fathered Shelach, and Shelach fathered ‘Ever. 25 To ‘Ever were born two sons. One was given the name Peleg [division], because during his lifetime the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Yoktan. 26 Yoktan fathered Almodad, Shelef, Hatzar-Mavet, Yerach, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 ‘Oval, Avima’el, Sheva, 29 Ofir, Havilah and Yovav — all these were the sons of Yoktan. 30 Their territory stretched from Mesha, as you go toward S’far, to the mountain in the east.
31 These were the descendants of Shem, according to their families and languages, in their lands and in their nations.
32 These were the families of the sons of Noach, according to their generations, in their nations. From these the nations of the earth were divided up after the flood.
11:1 (S: vii) The whole earth used the same language, the same words. 2 It came about that as they traveled from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shin‘ar and lived there. 3 They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them in the fire.” So they had bricks for building-stone and clay for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city with a tower that has its top reaching up into heaven, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth.”
5 Adonai came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 Adonai said, “Look, the people are united, they all have a single language, and see what they’re starting to do! At this rate, nothing they set out to accomplish will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let’s go down and confuse their language, so that they won’t understand each other’s speech.” 8 So from there Adonai scattered them all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 For this reason it is called Bavel [confusion] — because there Adonai confused the language of the whole earth, and from there Adonai scattered them all over the earth.
10 Here is the genealogy of Shem. Shem was 100 years old when he fathered Arpakhshad two years after the flood. 11 After Arpakhshad was born, Shem lived another 500 years and had sons and daughters.
12 Arpakhshad lived thirty-five years and fathered Shelach. 13 After Shelach was born, Arpakhshad lived another 403 years and had sons and daughters.
14 Shelach lived thirty years and fathered ‘Ever. 15 After ‘Ever was born, Shelach lived another 403 years and had sons and daughters.
16 ‘Ever lived thirty-four years and fathered Peleg. 17 After Peleg was born, ‘Ever lived another 430 years and had sons and daughters.
18 Peleg lived thirty years and fathered Re‘u. 19 After Re‘u was born, Peleg lived another 209 years and had sons and daughters.
20 Re‘u lived thirty-two years and fathered S’rug. 21 After S’rug was born, Re‘u lived another 207 years and had sons and daughters.
22 S’rug lived thirty years and fathered Nachor. 23 After Nachor was born, S’rug lived another 200 years and had sons and daughters.
24 Nachor lived twenty-nine years and fathered Terach. 25 After Terach was born, Nachor lived another 119 years and had sons and daughters.
26 Terach lived seventy years and fathered Avram, Nachor and Haran. 27 Here is the genealogy of Terach. Terach fathered Avram, Nachor and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot. 28 Haran died before his father Terach in the land where he was born, in Ur of the Kasdim.
(Maftir) 29 Then Avram and Nachor took wives for themselves. The name of Avram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nachor’s wife was Milkah the daughter of Haran. He was the father of Milkah and of Yiskah. 30 Sarai was barren — she had no child. 31 Terach took his son Avram, his son Haran’s son Lot, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Avram’s wife; and they left Ur of the Kasdim to go to the land of Kena‘an. But when they came to Haran, they stayed there. 32 Terach lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
Isaiah 54:1 “Sing, barren woman who has never had a child!
Burst into song, shout for joy,
you who have never been in labor!
For the deserted wife will have more children
than the woman who is living with her husband,” says Adonai.
2 Enlarge the space for your tent,
extend the curtains of your dwelling;
do not hold back, lengthen your cords,
make your tent pegs firm.
3 For you will spread out to the right and the left,
your descendants will possess the nations
and inhabit the desolated cities.
4 Don’t be afraid, for you won’t be ashamed;
don’t be discouraged, for you won’t be disgraced.
You will forget the shame of your youth,
no longer remember the dishonor of being widowed.
5 For your husband is your Maker,
Adonai-Tzva’ot is his name.
The Holy One of Isra’el is your Redeemer.
He will be called the God of all the earth.
6 For Adonai has called you back
like a wife abandoned and grief-stricken;
“A wife married in her youth
cannot be rejected,” says your God.
7 “Briefly I abandoned you,
but with great compassion I am taking you back.
8 I was angry for a moment
and hid my face from you;
but with everlasting grace
I will have compassion on you,”
says Adonai your Redeemer.
9 “For me this is like Noach’s flood.
Just as I swore that no flood like Noach’s
would ever again cover the earth,
so now I swear that never again
will I be angry with you or rebuke you.
10 For the mountains may leave and the hills be removed,
but my grace will never leave you,
and my covenant of peace will not be removed,”
says Adonai, who has compassion on you.
11 “Storm-ravaged [city], unconsoled,
I will set your stones in the finest way,
lay your foundations with sapphires,
12 make your windows shine with rubies,
your gates with garnet, your walls with gemstones.
13 All your children will be taught by Adonai;
your children will have great peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established,
far from oppression, with nothing to fear;
far from ruin, for it will not come near you.
15 Any alliance that forms against you
will not be my doing;
whoever tries to form such an alliance
will fall because of you.
16 It is I who created the craftsman
who blows on the coals and forges weapons
suited to their purpose;
I also created the destroyer to work havoc.
17 No weapon made will prevail against you.
In court you will refute every accusation.
The servants of Adonai inherit all this;
the reward for their righteousness is from me,”
says Adonai.
Isaiah 54:1 “Sing, barren woman who has never had a child!
Burst into song, shout for joy,
you who have never been in labor!
For the deserted wife will have more children
than the woman who is living with her husband,” says Adonai.
2 Enlarge the space for your tent,
extend the curtains of your dwelling;
do not hold back, lengthen your cords,
make your tent pegs firm.
3 For you will spread out to the right and the left,
your descendants will possess the nations
and inhabit the desolated cities.
4 Don’t be afraid, for you won’t be ashamed;
don’t be discouraged, for you won’t be disgraced.
You will forget the shame of your youth,
no longer remember the dishonor of being widowed.
5 For your husband is your Maker,
Adonai-Tzva’ot is his name.
The Holy One of Isra’el is your Redeemer.
He will be called the God of all the earth.
6 For Adonai has called you back
like a wife abandoned and grief-stricken;
“A wife married in her youth
cannot be rejected,” says your God.
7 “Briefly I abandoned you,
but with great compassion I am taking you back.
8 I was angry for a moment
and hid my face from you;
but with everlasting grace
I will have compassion on you,”
says Adonai your Redeemer.
9 “For me this is like Noach’s flood.
Just as I swore that no flood like Noach’s
would ever again cover the earth,
so now I swear that never again
will I be angry with you or rebuke you.
10 For the mountains may leave and the hills be removed,
but my grace will never leave you,
and my covenant of peace will not be removed,”
says Adonai, who has compassion on you.
11 “Storm-ravaged [city], unconsoled,
I will set your stones in the finest way,
lay your foundations with sapphires,
12 make your windows shine with rubies,
your gates with garnet, your walls with gemstones.
13 All your children will be taught by Adonai;
your children will have great peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established,
far from oppression, with nothing to fear;
far from ruin, for it will not come near you.
15 Any alliance that forms against you
will not be my doing;
whoever tries to form such an alliance
will fall because of you.
16 It is I who created the craftsman
who blows on the coals and forges weapons
suited to their purpose;
I also created the destroyer to work havoc.
17 No weapon made will prevail against you.
In court you will refute every accusation.
The servants of Adonai inherit all this;
the reward for their righteousness is from me,”
says Adonai.
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Parshat Noach, 7th Portion (Genesis 11:1-11:32) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 11
1Now the entire earth was of one language and uniform words. אוַיְהִ֥י כָל־הָאָ֖רֶץ שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים:
one language: the Holy Tongue. — [from Tan. Buber, Noach 28] שפה אחת: לשון הקודש:
and uniform words: Heb. דְבָרִים אֲחָדִים. They came with one scheme and said, “He had no right to select for Himself the upper regions. Let us ascend to the sky and wage war with Him.” Another explanation: [they spoke] against the Sole One of the world. Another explanation of דְבָרִים אֲחָדִים (other editions read: דְבָרִים חַדִּים, sharp words): They said, “Once every 1,656 years, the sky totters, as it did in the time of the Flood. Come and let us make supports for it.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 28:6, Tan. Buber Noach 24] ודברים אחדים: באו בעצה אחת ואמרו לא כל הימנו שיבור לו את העליונים, נעלה לרקיע ונעשה עמו מלחמה. דבר אחר על יחידו של עולם. דבר אחר ודברים אחדים, אמרו אחת לאלף ושש מאות חמשים ושש שנים הרקיע מתמוטט כשם שעשה בימי המבול, בואו ונעשה לו סמוכות:
2And it came to pass when they traveled from the east, that they found a valley in the land of Shinar and settled there. בוַיְהִ֖י בְּנָסְעָ֣ם מִקֶּ֑דֶם וַיִּמְצְא֥וּ בִקְעָ֛ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ שִׁנְעָ֖ר וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם:
when they traveled from the east: where they had settled, as is written above (10:30):“And their dwelling place was, etc., the mountain of the east.” And they traveled from there to seek out a place that would accommodate them all, and they found only Shinar. — [from Gen. Rabbah 38:7] ויהי בנסעם מקדם: שהיו יושבים שם, כדכתיב למעלה (י ל) ויהי מושבם וגו' הר הקדם, ונסעו משם לתור להם מקום להחזיק את כלם, ולא מצאו אלא שנער:
3And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and fire them thoroughly"; so the bricks were to them for stones, and the clay was to them for mortar. גוַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֗הוּ הָ֚בָה נִלְבְּנָ֣ה לְבֵנִ֔ים וְנִשְׂרְפָ֖ה לִשְׂרֵפָ֑ה וַתְּהִ֨י לָהֶ֤ם הַלְּבֵנָה֙ לְאָ֔בֶן וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ר הָיָ֥ה לָהֶ֖ם לַחֹֽמֶר:
And they said to one another: One nation to another nation, Mizraim to Cush; and Cush to Put; and Put to Canaan. - [from Gen. Rabbah 38:8] איש אל רעהו: אומה לאומה, מצרים לכוש [וכוש לפוט] ופוט לכנען:
Come: Heb. הָבָה, prepare yourselves. Every הָבָה is an expression of preparation, meaning that they prepare themselves and join for work, or for counsel, or for [bearing] a load. הָבָה, prepare yourselves, aparicler in Old French, to get ready. — [from Zohar , vol. 1, 75a] הבה: הזמינו עצמכם. כל הבה לשון הזמנה הוא, שמכינים עצמן ומתחברים למלאכה, או לעצה, או למשא. הבה, הזמינו אפרייליי"ר בלע"ז [להיכון]:
bricks: Because there are no stones in Babylon, which is a valley. — [from Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer ch. 24] לבנים: שאין אבנים בבבל, שהיא בקעה:
and fire them thoroughly: This is how they make bricks, which are called tivles in Old French (tuilles in modern French): They fire them in a kiln. ונשרפה לשרפה: כך עושין הלבנים שקורין טיולי"ש בלע"ז [רעפים], שורפים אותן בכבשן:
for mortar: to plaster the wall. לחמר: לטוח הקיר:
4And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make ourselves a name, lest we be scattered upon the face of the entire earth." דוַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ הָ֣בָה | נִבְנֶה־לָּ֣נוּ עִ֗יר וּמִגְדָּל֙ וְרֹאשׁ֣וֹ בַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְנַֽעֲשֶׂה־לָּ֖נוּ שֵׁ֑ם פֶּן־נָפ֖וּץ עַל־פְּנֵ֥י כָל־הָאָֽרֶץ:
lest we be scattered: That He should not bring upon us any plague to scatter us from here. — [from Tan. Buber, Noach 28] פן נפוץ: שלא יביא עלינו שום מכה להפיצנו מכאן:
5And the Lord descended to see the city and the tower that the sons of man had built. הוַיֵּ֣רֶד יְהֹוָ֔ה לִרְאֹ֥ת אֶת־הָעִ֖יר וְאֶת־הַמִּגְדָּ֑ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּנ֖וּ בְּנֵ֥י הָֽאָדָֽם:
And the Lord descended to see: He did not need to do this, except to teach judges not to condemn a defendant until they see [the case] and understand [it]. [This is] in the Midrash of Rabbi Tanchuma (Buber Noach 18). וירד ה' לראות: לא הוצרך לכך, אלא בא ללמד לדיינים שלא ירשיעו הנדון עד שיראו ויבינו. במדרש רבי תנחומא (אות יח):
the sons of man: But the sons of whom else [could they have been]? The sons of donkeys and camels? Rather, [this refers to] the sons of the first man, who was ungrateful and said (above 3: 12):“The woman whom You gave [to be] with me.” These, too, were ungrateful in rebelling against the One Who lavished goodness upon them, and saved them from the Flood. — [from Gen. Rabbah 38:9] בני האדם: אלא בני מי, שמא בני חמורים וגמלים, אלא בני אדם הראשון שכפר את הטובה ואמר (ג יב) האשה אשר נתתה עמדי, אף אלו כפרו בטובה למרוד במי שהשפיעם טובה ומלטם מן המבול:
6And the Lord said, "Lo! [they are] one people, and they all have one language, and this is what they have commenced to do. Now, will it not be withheld from them, all that they have planned to do? ווַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהֹוָ֗ה הֵ֣ן עַ֤ם אֶחָד֙ וְשָׂפָ֤ה אַחַת֙ לְכֻלָּ֔ם וְזֶ֖ה הַֽחִלָּ֣ם לַֽעֲשׂ֑וֹת וְעַתָּה֙ לֹֽא־יִבָּצֵ֣ר מֵהֶ֔ם כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָֽזְמ֖וּ לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת:
Lo! [they are] one people: All this goodness they have: that they are one people, and that they all have one language, and they have commenced to do this!- [from Seder Eliyahu Rabbah, ch. 31] הן עם אחד ושפה אחת: כל טובה זו יש עמהן, שעם אחד הם ושפה אחת לכולם, ודבר זה החלו לעשות:
they have commenced: Heb. הַחִלָּם, lit. their beginning, like אָמְרָם, their saying; עֲשׂוֹתָם, their doing; they have commenced to do. החלם: כמו אמרם, עשותם, התחילו הם לעשות:
will it not be withheld: This is a question. The word יִבָּצֵר means withholding, as its Aramaic translation (יִתְמְנַע). And similar to it (Ps. 76:13): “He will withhold (יִבְצֹר) the spirit of princes.” לא יבצר מהם וגו' לעשות: בתמיה. יבצר לשון מניעה, כתרגומו, ודומה לו (תהלים עו יג) יבצור רוח נגידים:
7Come, let us descend and confuse their language, so that one will not understand the language of his companion." זהָ֚בָה נֵֽרְדָ֔ה וְנָֽבְלָ֥ה שָׁ֖ם שְׂפָתָ֑ם אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפַ֥ת רֵעֵֽהוּ:
Come, let us descend: He took counsel with His tribunal due to His extraordinary humility. — [from Sanh. 38b] הבה נרדה: בבית דינו נמלך, מענותנותו היתירה:
Come: Measure for measure. They said, “Come, let us build,” and He meted corresponding [punishment] out to them by countering with,“Come, let us descend.” - [from Tan. Buber, Noach 25] הבה: מדה כנגד מדה, הם אמרו הבה נבנה, והוא כנגדם מדד ואמר הבה נרדה:
and confuse: [The word וְנָבְלָה means] וּנְבַלְבֵּל, and let us confuse. The “nun” is used for the [prefix for the first person] plural, and the final “hey” is superfluous like the “hey” of נֵרְדָה, let us descend. — [from Targum Onkelos] ונבלה: ונבלבל. נו"ן משמש בלשון רבים, וה"א אחרונה יתירה כה"א של נרדה:
will not understand: This one requests a brick, and that one brings mortar; this [first] one stands and cracks his skull. — [from Gen. Rabbah 38:10] לא ישמעו: זה שואל לבנה וזה מביא טיט, וזה עומד עליו ופוצע את מוחו:
8And the Lord scattered them from there upon the face of the entire earth, and they ceased building the city. חוַיָּ֨פֶץ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֹתָ֛ם מִשָּׁ֖ם עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כָל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיַּחְדְּל֖וּ לִבְנֹ֥ת הָעִֽיר:
And the Lord scattered them from there: in this world. That which they said, “lest we be scattered” (verse 4) was fulfilled upon them. This is what Solomon said, (Prov. 10:24): “The dread of a wicked man-that will befall him.” - [from Tan. Buber, Noach 28] ויפץ ה' אותם משם: בעולם הזה. מה שאמרו פן נפוץ, נתקיים עליהם, הוא שאמר שלמה (משלי י כד) מגורת רשע היא תבואנו:
9Therefore, He named it Babel, for there the Lord confused the language of the entire earth, and from there the Lord scattered them upon the face of the entire earth. טעַל־כֵּ֞ן קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ בָּבֶ֔ל כִּי־שָׁ֛ם בָּלַ֥ל יְהֹוָ֖ה שְׂפַ֣ת כָּל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וּמִשָּׁם֙ הֱפִיצָ֣ם יְהֹוָ֔ה עַל־פְּנֵ֖י כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ:
and from there… scattered them: This teaches [us] that they have no share in the world to come (Mishnah Sanh. 107b). Now which [sins] were worse, those of the Generation of the Flood or those of the Generation of the Dispersion? The former did not stretch forth their hands against God, whereas the latter did stretch forth their hands against God, to wage war against Him. Nevertheless, the former were drowned, while the latter did not perish from the world. That is because the Generation of the Flood were robbers and there was strife between them, and therefore they were destroyed. But these behaved with love and friendship among themselves, as it is said (verse 1): “one language and uniform words.” Thus you learn that discord is hateful, and that peace is great. — [from Gen. Rabbah 38:6] ומשם הפיצם: למד שאין להם חלק לעולם הבא. וכי אי זו קשה, של דור המבול או של דור הפלגה, אלו לא פשטו יד בעיקר, ואלו פשטו יד בעיקר כביכול להלחם בו, ואלו נשטפו, ואלו לא נאבדו מן העולם. אלא שדור המבול היו גזלנים והיתה מריבה ביניהם לכך נאבדו, ואלו היו נוהגים אהבה וריעות ביניהם, שנאמר שפה אחת ודברים אחדים. למדת ששנוי המחלוקת וגדול השלום:
10These are the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and he begot Arpachshad, two years after the Flood. יאֵ֚לֶּה תּֽוֹלְדֹ֣ת שֵׁ֔ם שֵׁ֚ם בֶּן־מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד שְׁנָתַ֖יִם אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל:
Shem was one hundred years old: when he begot Arpachshad two years after the Flood. — [from Targum Jonathan] שם בן מאת שנה: כשהוליד את ארפכשד שנתים אחר המבול:
11And Shem lived after he had begotten Arpachshad five hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. יאוַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
12And Arpachshad lived thirty five years, and he begot Shelah. יבוְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד חַ֔י חָמֵ֥שׁ וּשְׁלשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־שָֽׁלַח:
13And Arpachshad lived after he had begotten Shelah four hundred and three years, and he begot sons and daughters. יגוַיְחִ֣י אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗ד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־שֶׁ֔לַח שָׁל֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
14And Shelah lived thirty years, and he begot Eber. ידוְשֶׁ֥לַח חַ֖י שְׁלשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־עֵֽבֶר:
15And Shelah lived after he had begotten Eber, four hundred and three years, and he begot sons and daughters. טווַֽיְחִי־שֶׁ֗לַח אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־עֵ֔בֶר שָׁל֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
16And Eber lived thirty four years, and he begot Peleg. טזוַֽיְחִי־עֵ֕בֶר אַרְבַּ֥ע וּשְׁלשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־פָּֽלֶג:
17And Eber lived after he had begotten Peleg, four hundred and thirty years, and he begot sons and daughters. יזוַֽיְחִי־עֵ֗בֶר אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־פֶּ֔לֶג שְׁלשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
18And Peleg lived thirty years, and he begot Reu. יחוַֽיְחִי־פֶ֖לֶג שְׁלשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־רְעֽוּ:
19And Peleg lived after he had begotten Reu, two hundred and nine years, and he begot sons and daughters. יטוַֽיְחִי־פֶ֗לֶג אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־רְע֔וּ תֵּ֥שַׁע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
20And Reu lived thirty two years, and he begot Serug. כוַיְחִ֣י רְע֔וּ שְׁתַּ֥יִם וּשְׁלשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־שְׂרֽוּג:
21And Reu lived after he had begotten Serug two hundred and seven years, and he begot sons and daughters. כאוַיְחִ֣י רְע֗וּ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־שְׂר֔וּג שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
22And Serug lived thirty years, and he begot Nahor. כבוַיְחִ֥י שְׂר֖וּג שְׁלשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־נָחֽוֹר:
23And Serug lived after he had begotten Nahor, two hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. כגוַיְחִ֣י שְׂר֗וּג אַֽחֲרֵ֛י הֽוֹלִיד֥וֹ אֶת־נָח֖וֹר מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
24And Nahor lived twenty nine years, and he begot Terah. כדוַיְחִ֣י נָח֔וֹר תֵּ֥שַׁע וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־תָּֽרַח:
25And Nahor lived after he had begotten Terah one hundred and nineteen years, and he begot sons and daughters. כהוַיְחִ֣י נָח֗וֹר אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֽוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־תֶּ֔רַח תְּשַׁע־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת:
26And Terah lived seventy years, and he begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. כווַֽיְחִי־תֶ֖רַח שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֨וֹלֶד֙ אֶת־אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת־נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת־הָרָֽן:
27And these are the generations of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran, and Haran begot Lot. כזוְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ תּֽוֹלְדֹ֣ת תֶּ֔רַח תֶּ֚רַח הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת־נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת־הָרָ֑ן וְהָרָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־לֽוֹט:
28And Haran died during the lifetime of Terah his father in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldees. כחוַיָּ֣מָת הָרָ֔ן עַל־פְּנֵ֖י תֶּ֣רַח אָבִ֑יו בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מֽוֹלַדְתּ֖וֹ בְּא֥וּר כַּשְׂדִּֽים:
during the lifetime of Terah his father: lit. on the face of Terah his father. During his father’s lifetime (Tan. Acharei 7). And the Midrash Aggadah (Gen. Rabbah 38:13) tells us that he died on account of his father. For Terah complained about Abram his son before Nimrod for crushing his idols; so he [Nimrod] cast him [Abram] into a fiery furnace, and Haran sat and thought, “If Abram is victorious, I am on his side, and if Nimrod is victorious, I am on his side.” When Abram was saved, they said to Haran, “Whose side are you on?” Haran said to them, “I am on Abram’s side!” They cast him into the fiery furnace and he was burned. This is the meaning of אוּר כַּשְׂדִּים, the fire of the Chaldees. Menachem (Machbereth, p. 32), however, explains אוּר as a valley, and so (Isa. 24:15): “in the crevices (בָּאוּרִים) honor the Lord,” and so, (ibid. 11:8): “over the hole of (מְאוּרַת) an old snake.” Any hole or deep crevice is called אוּר. על פני תרח אביו: בחיי אביו. ומדרש אגדה יש אומרים שעל ידי אביו מת, שקבל תרח על אברם בנו לפני נמרוד על שכתת את צלמיו והשליכו לכבשן האש, והרן יושב ואומר בלבו אם אברם נוצח, אני משלו, ואם נמרוד נוצח, אני משלו. וכשניצל אברם אמרו לו להרן משל מי אתה, אמר להם הרן משל אברם אני. השליכוהו לכבשן האש ונשרף, וזהו אור כשדים. ומנחם בן סרוק פירש אור בקעה, וכן (ישעיה כד טו) באורים כבדו ה', וכן (שם יא ח) מאורת צפעוני. כל חור ובקע עמוק קרוי אור:
29And Abram and Nahor took themselves wives; the name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah. כטוַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָ֧ם וְנָח֛וֹר לָהֶ֖ם נָשִׁ֑ים שֵׁ֤ם אֵֽשֶׁת־אַבְרָם֙ שָׂרָ֔י וְשֵׁ֤ם אֵֽשֶׁת־נָחוֹר֙ מִלְכָּ֔ה בַּת־הָרָ֥ן אֲבִֽי־מִלְכָּ֖ה וַֽאֲבִ֥י יִסְכָּֽה:
Iscah: This is Sarah [called Iscah] because she would see (סוֹכָה) through Divine inspiration, and because all gazed (סוֹכִין) at her beauty. Alternatively, יִסְכָּה is an expression denoting princedom, (נְסִיכוּת), just as Sarah is an expression of dominion (שְׂרָרָה) . - [from Meg. 14a] יסכה: זו שרה, על שם שסוכה ברוח הקודש, ושהכל סוכין ביפיה. ועוד יסכה לשון נסיכות, כמו שרה לשון שררה:
30And Sarai was barren; she had no child. לוַתְּהִ֥י שָׂרַ֖י עֲקָרָ֑ה אֵ֥ין לָ֖הּ וָלָֽד:
31And Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter in law, the wife of Abram his son, and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees to go to the land of Canaan, and they came as far as Haran and settled there. לאוַיִּקַּ֨ח תֶּ֜רַח אֶת־אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֗וֹ וְאֶת־ל֤וֹט בֶּן־הָרָן֙ בֶּן־בְּנ֔וֹ וְאֵת֙ שָׂרַ֣י כַּלָּת֔וֹ אֵ֖שֶׁת אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֑וֹ וַיֵּֽצְא֨וּ אִתָּ֜ם מֵא֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים לָלֶ֨כֶת֙ אַ֣רְצָה כְּנַ֔עַן וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ עַד־חָרָ֖ן וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם:
and they went forth with them: And Terah and Abram went forth with Lot and Sarai. ויצאו אתם: ויצאו תרח ואברם עם לוט ושרי:
32And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran. לבוַיִּֽהְי֣וּ יְמֵי־תֶ֔רַח חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּ֥מָת תֶּ֖רַח בְּחָרָֽן:
and Terah died in Haran: [This happened] after Abram had left Haran and had come to the land of Canaan, and had been there for over sixty years, for it is written (below 12:4): “And Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran,” and Terah was seventy years old when Abram was born, making Terah one hundred and forty-five years old when Abram left Haran. Accordingly, many of his [Terah’s] years were left. Why then did Scripture relate Terah’s death before Abram’s departure? So that the matter should not be publicized to all, whereby they would say: “Abram did not fulfill [the commandment of] honoring his father, for he left him in his old age and went away.” Therefore, Scripture calls him dead, for the wicked, even in their lifetime, are called dead, whereas the righteous, even in their death, are called living, as it is said (II Sam. 23:20): “And Benayahu the son of Jehoiada, the son of a living man.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 39:7, Ber. 18b. Note that the keri is בֶּן אִישׁ חַיִל, a valiant man. The Rabbis here expound on the kethib: בֶּן אִישׁ חַי]. וימת תרח בחרן: לאחר שיצא אברם מחרן ובא לארץ כנען והיה שם יותר מששים שנה, שהרי כתוב (יב ד) ואברם בן חמש שנים ושבעים שנה בצאתו מחרן, (פסוק כו) ותרח בן שבעים שנה היה כשנולד אברם, הרי מאה ארבעים וחמש לתרח כשיצא אברם מחרן, עדיין נשארו משנותיו הרבה. ולמה הקדים הכתוב מיתתו של תרח ליציאתו של אברם, שלא יהא הדבר מפורסם לכל ויאמרו לא קיים אברם את כבוד אביו שהניחו זקן והלך לו, לפיכך קראו הכתוב מת, שהרשעים אף בחייהם קרוים מתים, והצדיקים אף במיתתן קרוים חיים, שנאמר (שמואל ב' כג כ) ובניהו בן יהוידע בן איש חי:
in Haran: The “nun” of חָרָן is inverted, to tell you that until Abram [appeared], the wrath of the Omnipresent was kindled (חֲרוֹן). [The inverted “nun” symbolizes the change from Divine anger to Divine mercy.] — [based on Sifrei, Ha’azinu 311] בחרן: הנו"ן הפוכה, לומר לך עד אברם היה חרון אף של מקום בעולם:Daily Tehillim: Chapters 23-28
• Chapter 23
When King David was in the forest of Cheret and nearly died of starvation, God provided nourishment for him with a taste of the World to Come. David then composed this psalm, describing the magnitude of his trust in God.
1. A psalm by David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.
2. He lays me down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
3. He revives my soul; He directs me in paths of righteousness for the sake of His Name.
4. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff-they will comfort me.
5. You will prepare a table for me before my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup is full.
6. Only goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord for many long years.
Chapter 24
If the fulfillment of one's prayer would result in the sanctification of God's Name, he should pray that God act for the sake of the holiness of His Name. One should also invoke the merit of his ancestors, for we know that "the righteous are greater in death than in life"
1. By David, a psalm. The earth and all therein is the Lord's; the world and its inhabitants.
2. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.
3. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord, and who may stand in His holy place?
4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not used My Name in vain or sworn falsely.
5. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and kindness from God, his deliverer.
6. Such is the generation of those who search for Him, [the children of] Jacob who seek Your countenance forever.
7. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, eternal doors, so the glorious King may enter.
8. Who is the glorious King? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, mighty in battle.
9. Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them up, eternal doors, so the glorious King may enter.
10. Who is the glorious King? The Lord of Hosts, He is the glorious King for all eternity.
Chapter 25
The verses in this psalm are arranged according to the alphabet, excluding the letters Bet, Vav, and Kuf, which together equal the numerical value of Gehenom (purgatory). One who recites this psalm daily will not see the face of purgatory.
1. By David. To You, Lord, I lift my soul.
2. My God, I have put my trust in You. May I not be put to shame; may my enemies not gloat over me.
3. Indeed, may all who hope in You not be put to shame; let those who act treacherously without reason be shamed.
4. O Lord, make Your ways known to me; teach me Your paths.
5. Train me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I yearn for You all day.
6. O Lord, remember Your mercies and Your kindnesses, for they have existed for all time.
7. Do not recall the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; remember me in accordance with Your kindness, because of Your goodness, O Lord.
8. Good and upright is the Lord, therefore He directs sinners along the way.
9. He guides the humble with justice, and teaches the humble His way.
10. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and truth for those who observe His covenant and testimonies.
11. For the sake of Your Name, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
12. Whoever is a God-fearing man, him will He teach the path that he should choose.
13. His soul will abide in well-being, and his descendants will inherit the earth.
14. The secret of the Lord is to those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.
15. My eyes are always turned to the Lord, for He releases my feet from the snare.
16. Turn to me and be compassionate to me, for I am alone and afflicted.
17. The sufferings of my heart have increased; deliver me from my hardships.
18. Behold my affliction and suffering, and forgive all my sins.
19. See how numerous my enemies have become; they hate me with a violent hatred.
20. Guard my soul and deliver me; may I not be put to shame, for I place my trust in You.
21. Let integrity and uprightness guard me, for my hope is in You.
22. Redeem Israel, O God, from all its afflictions.
Chapter 26
In this psalm King David inundates God with prayers and acts of piety, because he envies those who are his spiritual superiors, saying, "If only I were on their level of piety and virtue!"
1. By David. Judge me, O Lord, for in my innocence I have walked, and in the Lord I have trusted-I shall not falter.
2. Try me, O Lord, and test me; refine my mind and heart.
3. For Your kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked constantly in Your truth.
4. I did not sit with men of falsehood, and with hypocrites I will not mingle.
5. I detested the company of evildoers, and with the wicked I will not sit.
6. I wash my hands in purity, and circle Your altar, O Lord,
7. to give voice to thanks, and to recount all Your wonders.
8. I love the shelter of Your House, O Lord, and the place where Your glory resides.
9. Gather not in my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of bloodshed,
10. In whose hands are schemes, and whose right hand is filled with bribes.
11. But I walk in my innocence; redeem me and show me favor.
12. My foot stands on level ground; in assemblies I will bless the Lord.
Chapter 27
King David acknowledges and praises God, placing his trust in Him because of his victories in war. "Nevertheless, it is not wars that I desire, for I cannot gain perfection with them. Only one thing do I ask: to abide day and night in the study hall studying Torah, to gain perfection so that my soul may merit the life of the World to Come."
1. By David. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life-whom shall I dread?
2. When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh, my oppressors and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
3. If an army were to beleaguer me, my heart would not fear; if war were to arise against me, in this I trust
1
4. One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I seek: that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the Lord, and to visit His Sanctuary.
5. For He will hide me in His tabernacle on a day of adversity; He will conceal me in the hidden places of His tent; He will lift me upon a rock.
6. And then my head will be raised above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of jubilation; I will sing and chant to the Lord.
7. Lord, hear my voice as I call; be gracious to me and answer me.
8. In Your behalf my heart says, "Seek My countenance"; Your countenance, Lord, I seek.
9. Do not conceal Your countenance from me; do not cast aside Your servant in wrath. You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, God of my deliverance.
10. Though my father and mother have forsaken me, the Lord has taken me in.
11. Lord, teach me Your way and lead me in the path of righteousness, because of my watchful enemies.
12. Do not give me over to the will of my oppressors, for there have risen against me false witnesses, and they speak evil.
13. [They would have crushed me] had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14. Hope in the Lord, be strong and let your heart be valiant, and hope in the Lord.
FOOTNOTES
1.I trust that “the lord is my light and salvation” etc. (Rashi)
Chapter 28
A prayer for every individual, entreating God to assist him in walking the good path, to prevent him from walking with the wicked doers of evil, and that He repay the wicked for their wickedness and the righteous for their righteousness.
1. By David. I call to You, O Lord; my Strength, do not be deaf to me; for should You be silent to me, I will be like those who descend to the pit.
2. Hear the sound of my pleas when I cry out to You, when I raise my hands toward Your holy Sanctuary.
3. Do not draw me along with the wicked, with evildoers who speak of peace with their companions, though evil is in their heart.
4. Give them according to their deeds, and the evil of their endeavors; give them according to their handiwork, render to them their just desserts.
5. For they pay no heed to the acts of the Lord, nor to the work of His hands; may He destroy them and not rebuild them.
6. Blessed is the Lord, for He has heard the voice of my pleas.
7. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusted and I was helped; my heart exulted, and with my song I praised Him.
8. The Lord is a strength to them; He is a stronghold of deliverance to His anointed.
9. Grant salvation to Your people and bless Your heritage; tend them and exalt them forever.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 26
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Shabbat, 4 Cheshvan, 5777 · 5 November 2016
• Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 26
• The letters that comprise Iggeret HaKodesh were written over many years and assembled in their present order by the sons of the Alter Rebbe after his passing, as they explain in their introduction (“Approbation”) to Tanya (Vol. I, p. 19ff., in the present series). It is clear from internal evidence, as the Rebbe notes, that they were not arranged chronologically. Epistle XX, for example, was written just before the Alter Rebbe’s passing in the year 5573 (1812), while Epistle XXVII was written after the passing of R. Mendel of Horodok, about the year 5549 (1789).
• Rambam: Sefer Hamitzvos:
• Shabbat, 4 Cheshvan, 5777 · 5 November 2016
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 16
Inciting Another Jew to Worship Idols
"And no more such wickedness shall be done amongst you"—Deuteronomy 13:12.
It is forbidden to incite another to worship idols.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Inciting Another Jew to Worship Idols
Negative Commandment 16
Translated by Berel Bell
The 16th prohibition is that we are forbidden from leading someone astray by encouraging [even] one Jew to serve idolatry. The person who does so is called a meisis, as we have explained above.1
The verse which is the source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He), regarding a meisis,2 "'[If your maternal brother tries to lead you astray…secretly, saying, 'Let us go and serve false gods…You shall put him to death…] and they shall no longer do such an evil thing in your midst."
One who transgresses this prohibition, i.e. the one who incites another Jew [towards idolatry] is liable to execution by stoning, as the verse states,3 "You must certainly kill him." The one whom the meisis tried to incite should be the one to perform the execution, as in G‑d's statement (exalted be He),4 "Your hand shall be the first against him to kill him." In the words of the Sifri, "The one who was incited is commanded to execute him."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.5
FOOTNOTES
1.N15. If he convinces the majority of the city's members, he is called a "madi'ach," as described in that prohibition. If not, he is called a "meisis," and falls under this prohibition.
2.Deut. 13:12.
3.Ibid.13:10.
4.Ibid.
5.67a.
• Negative Commandment 17
Loving an Inciter
"Do not be drawn to him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
The person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to harbor any love or sympathy for one who urged him to abandon G‑d. Though we are commanded to love every Jew – even a sinner – an inciter is the exception to this rule.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Loving an Inciter
Negative Commandment 17
Translated by Berel Bell
The 17th prohibition is that we are forbidden to love the meisis or agree1 with him.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),2 "Do not love him."
In the words of the Sifri, "Since it is written,3 'You must love your neighbor as yourself,' one might imply that you may love even this [meisis]. The verse therefore says,4 "Do not love him."
FOOTNOTES
1.The Arabic "d'un" can also be translated as "pay attention," or "listen to," or "be convinced by" (Kapach, 5731, note 1).
2.Deut. 13:9.
3.Lev.19:18.
4.Deut. 13:9.
• Negative Commandment 18
Abhorring the Inciter
"Nor (shall you) listen to him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
The person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to soften his hatred towards the one who urged him to abandon G‑d.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Abhorring the Inciter
Negative Commandment 18
Translated by Berel Bell
The 18th prohibition is that we are forbidden from easing our hatred of the meisis. One is absolutely required to maintain this hatred, and if one does not do so, one transgresses a prohibition.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "And do not listen to him."
The explanation of this is, "Since it is written2 [regarding someone you hate3], 'You must make every effort to help him,' one might imply that you may4 help even this [meisis]. The verse therefore says,5 "And do not listen to him."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Exodus 23:5.
3.Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:4.
4.Chavel mistakenly translates, "commanded."
5.Deut. 13:9.
• Negative Commandment 19
Pity for an Inciter
"Nor shall your eye pity him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
When seeing a person in mortal danger, we are commanded to come to the rescue. This rule does not apply towards one who incites to idol worship. The person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is forbidden to come to the rescue of the one who urged him to abandon G‑d.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Pity for an Inciter
Negative Commandment 19
Translated by Berel Bell
The 19th prohibition is that the one whom to meisis tried to incite is forbidden from saving the meisis if he sees his life is in danger.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,1 "Do not let your eyes pity him."
The explanation of this is, "Since it is written2 'Do not stand still when your neighbor's life is in danger,' one might imply that you may not stand still even for this [meisis]. The verse therefore says,3 "Do not let your eyes pity him."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Lev.19:16.
3.Ibid.
• Negative Commandment 20
Sparing an Inciter
"Nor shall you spare (him)"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
In the course of the court proceedings, the person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to justify the actions of the one who urged him to abandon G‑d, nor is he allowed to express anything positive about the inciter that could possibly lead to his vindication. (This is an exception to the general rule. Normally, the courts encourage anyone who has anything positive to say about the accused to speak up.)
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Sparing an Inciter
Negative Commandment 20
Translated by Berel Bell
The 20th prohibition is that the one whom the meisis tried to incite is forbidden from trying to acquit the meisis. Even if he knows of an argument in his favor, he is forbidden to mention it to him or to raise it himself.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "Do not show him any mercy."
The explanation of this is brought, "The verse,2 'Do not show him any mercy,' means that you may not raise an argument in his favor."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Ibid.
• Negative Commandment 21
Concealing Evidence About the Inciter
"Nor shall you cover up for him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
In the course of the court proceedings, the person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to cover up any deleterious evidence he is privy to regarding the one who urged him to abandon G‑d.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Concealing Evidence About the Inciter
Negative Commandment 21
Translated by Berel Bell
Negative Commandment 22
The 21st prohibition is that the one whom to meisis tried to incite is forbidden from withholding anything he knows which would cause the meisis to be punished.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "And do not cover up for him."
The explanation of this is brought, "The verse,2 'And do not try to cover up,' means that if you know of something against him, you may not remain silent."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Ibid.
• Negative Commandment 26
Idolatrous Prophecies
"[The prophet]... that shall speak in the name of other gods"—Deuteronomy 18:20.
It is forbidden to prophesy, claiming that G‑d commanded to worship a pagan deity. It is also forbidden to prophesy in the name of a pagan deity, to claim that the deity appeared and instructed to serve it, promising reward for those who comply with its demand and punishment for those who don't.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Idolatrous Prophecies
Negative Commandment 26
Translated by Berel Bell
The 26th prohibition is that a person is forbidden to prophesize in the name of an idol, i.e. to say that G‑d commanded him to serve it1 or that [the idol] itself commanded to serve it, and promised reward and punishment, as is done by the prophets of Baal and Asheirah.2
There is no explicit verse in Scripture stating this prohibition of prophesizing in the name of an idol. There is, however, a verse stating the punishment, that one who prophesizes in its name is executed. This is G‑d's statement,3 "If he speaks in the name of other gods, then that prophet shall die." The death referred to hear is execution by strangulation, in accordance with our general principle4 that when the verse does not specify the type of execution, it refers to strangulation.
You are already aware of the fundamental rule which I have explained in the Fourteenth Introductory Principle preceding this work, in the words of the Sages,5 "Whenever Scripture indicates a punishment, there must be another source indicating the actual prohibition."6 The actual prohibition is from the verse,7 "Do not mention the name of other gods."
It8 is not impossible for one verse to serve as the prohibition for a number of commandments and nevertheless not be in the category of a "general prohibition," since each one has a separate verse stating the punishment. Other examples of this principle are explained in the appropriate places.9
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the eleventh chapter of Sanhedrin.10
FOOTNOTES
1.Kapach, 5731, (note 26) points out that this is consistent with what the Rambam writes in his Introduction to the Mishneh. In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:6), the Rambam omits this case; he rather includes it in the category of a false prophet (Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah 9:5. N27).
2.A tree idol.
3.Deut. 18:20.
4.Sanhedrin 52b.
5.Yoma 81a.
6.This implies a question: since the verse quoted above contains only the punishment, which verse states the actual prohibition?
7.Ex. 23:13.
8.This same verse (Ex. 23:13) also serves as the prohibition N14 below. This implies the following question: when one verse prohibits more than one action, it is considered a "general prohibition," and may count as only one of the 613 commandments, as set forth in the Ninth Introductory Principle. The Rambam now explains how the verse can still count as two separate commandments.
9.See N60, N14, N94, N98, N143, N161, N170, N195, N318, N319.
10.89a, in our versions, chapter ten.
• Negative Commandment 28
Listening to Idolatrous Prophecies
"Do not listen to the words of that prophet"—Deuteronomy 13:4.
It is forbidden to listen to a prophet who claims to talk in the name of a pagan deity. We may not debate him or ask him for miraculous signs to corroborate his alleged prophecy. Rather, we warn him to desist, and if he continues in his ways, he is put to death by the courts.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Listening to Idolatrous Prophecies
Negative Commandment 28
Translated by Berel Bell
The 28th prohibition is that we are forbidden from listening to the prophecy of one who prophesizes in the name of an idol, i.e. we should not dispute him, nor ask him, "What is your miracle, and what is your proof of this," as we do with someone who prophesizes in the name of G‑d.1 Rather, as soon as we hear him prophesize in its name, we must warn him,2 just as we must warn any transgressor; and if he persists in his claim, we must punish him in the way the Torah prescribes, and pay no attention to his miracles and proofs.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),3 "Do not listen to the words of that prophet."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the eleventh chapter of Sanhedrin.4
FOOTNOTES
1.In Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:7, the Rambam rules that even if the person says nothing, but merely thinks to himself that perhaps the miracles are true, he transgresses this prohibition.
2.Before a transgressor can be punished, he must first be warned by two witnesses. See Hilchos Sanhedrin 12:2 for the conditions governing this warning.
3.Deut. 13:4.
4.89a, in our versions, chapter ten.
• Negative Commandment 27
False Prophecy
"But the prophet who shall purposely speak a word in My name which I have not commanded him to speak"—Deuteronomy 18:20.
It is forbidden to utter a false prophecy in G‑d's name—i.e. to state that G‑d has said something that He has not. It is also forbidden for someone to say a (true) prophecy, stating that this is something that G‑d has revealed to him, when in fact G‑d spoke this prophecy to another prophet.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• False Prophecy
Negative Commandment 27
Translated by Berel Bell
The 27th prohibition is that we are forbidden from prophesizing falsely, either by prophesizing in G‑d's Name even though G‑d has not spoken,1 or by prophesizing words which G‑d (exalted be He) has spoken to someone other than himself, and he attributes it to himself, saying that G‑d has spoken to him, when in reality, He has not.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "If a prophet intentionally makes a declaration in My name when I have not commanded him to speak."
One who transgresses this commandment is also3 executed by strangulation — when listing those who are punished by strangulation, our Sages4 included a false prophet. There they stated, "Three are executed by man5: one who 'intentionally makes a declaration in My name,' i.e. when he has not heard; one who speaks 'when I have not commanded him to speak,' but I have commanded someone else to speak, i.e. one who prophesizes when he himself has not been spoken to; and one who6 'speaks in the name of other gods,' i.e. in the name of an idol." Regarding all of them it is written,7 "That prophet shall die," and when the type of execution is not specified, it refers to strangulation.8
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the eleventh chapter of Sanhedrin.9
FOOTNOTES
1.Like Tzidkiyah ben K'nanah, Kings II, 22:11.
2.Deut. 18:20.
3.As in the previous commandment, N26.
4.Sanhedrin 99a.
5.In contrast to a death penalty from Above.
6.Deut. 18:20. N26 above.
7.Ibid.
8.Sanhedrin 52b.
9.89a, in our versions, chapter ten.
• Negative Commandment 29
Fearing a False Prophet
"You shall not fear him"—Deuteronomy 18:22.
We are not to fear a false prophet simply because he appears to be a holy individual who feigns to speak in G‑d's name.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Fearing a False Prophet
Negative Commandment 29
Translated by Berel Bell
The 29th prohibition is that we are forbidden from giving honorable treatment1 to a false prophet, or from refraining from executing him, since he says prophecy in the name of G‑d. Once we have determined his falseness,2 we should not fear punishment3 whatsoever.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),4 "Do not fear him."
In the words of the Sifri, "The verse, 'Do not fear him,' teaches that one may not refrain from helping to convict him."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained at length in our Introduction to the Mishneh.
FOOTNOTES
1.Kapach, 5731, (note 41) notes that the Arabic word denotes honoring a person, or in the vernacular, "treating him with silk gloves." This corresponds to the Rambam's ruling (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:9), "One who refrains from executing the false prophet because of his greatness — that he follows the path of prophecy — transgresses a prohibition." Regarding the qualification to "follow the path of prophecy," see Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1.
Chavel's version mistakenly translates, "to have pity."
In Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:9, the Rambam rules that even if one merely allows himself to fear the words of this false prophet, he transgresses this prohibition.
2.See Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 10:1-5, regarding how to determine whether a prophet and/or his prophecy are true or false. This determination of falseness may only be made by the 71 member Sanhedrin (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:9).
3.From executing him (Chinuch, 522). Chavel, evidently basing himself on the translation of Ibn Tibbon, translates "fear of sin."
4.Deut. 18:22.
• Negative Commandment 14
Swearing in the Name of False Gods
"Make no mention of the name of other gods"—Exodus 23:13.
It is forbidden to swear in the name of an idol, or to ask another (even an idol-worshipper) to swear in the name of a false deity.
This prohibition also includes not even mentioning the name of an idol. For example, one should not tell his fellow, "Wait for me beside Idol X."
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Swearing in the Name of False Gods
Negative Commandment 14
Translated by Berel Bell
The 14th prohibition is that we are forbidden from swearing in the name of an idol, even [when dealing] with idol worshippers. So too we may not cause them to swear in the name of an idol, as our Sages explained in their statement,1 "One may not cause a non-Jew to swear in the name of his idol."
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),2 "Do not mention the name of other gods," i.e. by having a non-Jew swear in the name of his idol. Our Sages also explained there, "The verse, 'Do not mention,' teaches that one may not utter a vow in the name of an idol." The Gemara says in Sanhedrin,3 "The verse, 'Do not mention,' teaches that one person may not tell another, 'Wait for me next to such-and-such an idol.'"
One who transgresses this prohibition — by swearing in a reverential manner by any created being which people mistakenly believe in as a god — is punished by lashes.
In tractate Sanhedrin, when discussing the prohibition of hugging an idol, kissing it, sweeping the floor before it, or showing any signs of respect or love, our Sages said, "One is not punished by lashes unless utters a vow or an oath in its name."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.
FOOTNOTES
1.Mechilta, Shoftim.
2.Exodus 23:13.
3.63b.
• Negative Commandment 8
Ov
"Do not turn to the Ovs"—Leviticus 19:31.
We are forbidden from employing the idolatrous practice of Ov.
The Ov practice consisted of burning a certain incense and doing certain acts known to the Ov followers. At that point, it would seem to the person engaging in these acts that he hears a voice emanating from beneath his armpit, which would answer questions that he posed.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Ov
Negative Commandment 8
Translated by Berel Bell
The 8th prohibition is that we are forbidden from performing the practice of ov. This1 consists of burning a specific type of incense and performing certain actions. The person who does this then imagines2 that he hears a voice speaking from under his armpit answering his questions. This is a form of idolatry.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,3 "Do not turn to the idols called ov."
In the words of the Sifra, "Ov refers to a Pitom4 who speaks from his armpit." One who transgresses this prohibition intentionally is executed by stoning; if he is not executed by stoning5, he is punished by karet; and if he did so unintentionally, he must bring a sin-offering. This applies to the one who actually performed the actions himself.6
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.7
FOOTNOTES
1.See Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:1 and Commentary to the Mishneh, Sanhedrin 7:7, for other categories of the ov service.
2.Kapach, 5731, note 39. Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:1. Chavel translates, "pretends."
3.Lev.19:31
4.The Pitom is the one who performs this ritual (Rashi, Sanhedrin 65a). In Greek, this word refers to "one who tells the hidden" (Tiferes Yisrael, Sanhedrin 7:7).
5.If there was no prior warning, or no witnesses, for example.
6.The one who came to the sorcerer to ask the question, however, is not executed. He transgresses a separate prohibition, N36.
7.65a.
• Negative Commandment 9
Yid'oni
"Do not turn to Yid'oni"—Leviticus 19:31.
We are forbidden from employing the idolatrous practice of Yid'oni.
The Yid'oni practice consisted of inserting into one's mouth a bone from the yidoa fowl. After then burning incense, saying certain formulas and doing certain rites, the person would enter a trance-like state, and he would begin issuing predictions about the future.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Yid'oni
Negative Commandment 9
Translated by Berel Bell
The 9th prohibition is that we are forbidden from performing the practice of yidoni. It is also a form of idolatry, in which the person takes a bone from the bird called yadu'a,1 places it in his mouth, burns incense, utters certain words, and performs certain actions, until he reaches a state similar to unconsciousness, when he goes into a deep sleep and predicts the future. Our Sages said,2 "Yidoni is when the person places a bone from a yadu'a in his mouth, and it speaks by itself."3
This prohibition is contained in the verse,4 "Do not turn to the idols called ov or yidoni."
Do not think that this prohibition is a in the category of a "general prohibition."5 This is because when mentioning the punishment,6 they were separated, as it is written,7 "[Any man or woman who is involved in] the idolatry called ov or8 yidoni [shall be put to death]."
One who transgresses either of them intentionally is executed by stoning and karet, as written in G‑d's statement (exalted be He),9 "Any man or woman who is involved in the idolatry called ov or yidoni shall be put to death."
In the words of the Sifri,10 "The verse,11 'Any man or woman who is involved in the idolatry called ov or yidoni shall be put to death,' designates the punishment. Which verse serves as the actual prohibition itself? The verse,12 'Do not turn to the idols called ov or yidoni.'"
One who transgresses this commandment unintentionally must also13 bring a sin-offering.
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.14
FOOTNOTES
1.See Kapach, 5731, note 44, where he relates the tradition received from his teachers regarding the pronunciation of this word.
2.Sanhedrin 65b.
3.As with ov, the Rambam learns that the person imagines that the bone is speaking (Kapach, 5731, note 45).
4.Lev.19:31
5.Such a "general prohibition," in which one prohibitive statement covers more than one act, may not be counted among the 613 commandments, as set forth in the Ninth Introductory Principle. In this case, the verse which states the prohibition says, "Do not turn to the idols called ov or yidoni," with the word "or," written with the Hebrew letter, "vav," which normally means, "and." The verse would then literally read, "Do not turn to the idols called ov and yidoni," and be considered a single "general prohibition" containing two prohibited acts. The Rambam now explains why this is not the case.
6.As mentioned many times, each prohibition has one verse designating the punishment, and another for the actual prohibition.
7.Lev. 20:27.
8.In this verse, the word "or," is written with the Hebrew word, "oh," which normally means, "or" (unlike the verse which states the prohibition using the Hebrew letter which means, "and"). In doing so, it splits the two acts into two separate prohibitions.
9.Lev. 20:27.
10.Kapach, 5731, (note 49) points out that this quote is not in our version of the Sifri, but in Sifra, Kedoshim.
11.Lev. 20:27.
12.Lev. 19:31.
13.As is the case with N8 above.
14.65a and b.
• Negative Commandment 7
Molech Worship
"Do not give any of your children to deliver to Molech"—Leviticus 18:21.
We are prohibited to "give from our children to Molech."
In ancient times, there was a pagan deity known as Molech. The Molech religion demanded that its followers engage in a barbaric ritual: Parents would present some of their children to the Molech priests, and then, with the permission of these priests, the parents would pass their children over a raging bonfire.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
When King David was in the forest of Cheret and nearly died of starvation, God provided nourishment for him with a taste of the World to Come. David then composed this psalm, describing the magnitude of his trust in God.
1. A psalm by David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.
2. He lays me down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
3. He revives my soul; He directs me in paths of righteousness for the sake of His Name.
4. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff-they will comfort me.
5. You will prepare a table for me before my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup is full.
6. Only goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord for many long years.
Chapter 24
If the fulfillment of one's prayer would result in the sanctification of God's Name, he should pray that God act for the sake of the holiness of His Name. One should also invoke the merit of his ancestors, for we know that "the righteous are greater in death than in life"
1. By David, a psalm. The earth and all therein is the Lord's; the world and its inhabitants.
2. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.
3. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord, and who may stand in His holy place?
4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not used My Name in vain or sworn falsely.
5. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and kindness from God, his deliverer.
6. Such is the generation of those who search for Him, [the children of] Jacob who seek Your countenance forever.
7. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, eternal doors, so the glorious King may enter.
8. Who is the glorious King? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, mighty in battle.
9. Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them up, eternal doors, so the glorious King may enter.
10. Who is the glorious King? The Lord of Hosts, He is the glorious King for all eternity.
Chapter 25
The verses in this psalm are arranged according to the alphabet, excluding the letters Bet, Vav, and Kuf, which together equal the numerical value of Gehenom (purgatory). One who recites this psalm daily will not see the face of purgatory.
1. By David. To You, Lord, I lift my soul.
2. My God, I have put my trust in You. May I not be put to shame; may my enemies not gloat over me.
3. Indeed, may all who hope in You not be put to shame; let those who act treacherously without reason be shamed.
4. O Lord, make Your ways known to me; teach me Your paths.
5. Train me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I yearn for You all day.
6. O Lord, remember Your mercies and Your kindnesses, for they have existed for all time.
7. Do not recall the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; remember me in accordance with Your kindness, because of Your goodness, O Lord.
8. Good and upright is the Lord, therefore He directs sinners along the way.
9. He guides the humble with justice, and teaches the humble His way.
10. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and truth for those who observe His covenant and testimonies.
11. For the sake of Your Name, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
12. Whoever is a God-fearing man, him will He teach the path that he should choose.
13. His soul will abide in well-being, and his descendants will inherit the earth.
14. The secret of the Lord is to those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.
15. My eyes are always turned to the Lord, for He releases my feet from the snare.
16. Turn to me and be compassionate to me, for I am alone and afflicted.
17. The sufferings of my heart have increased; deliver me from my hardships.
18. Behold my affliction and suffering, and forgive all my sins.
19. See how numerous my enemies have become; they hate me with a violent hatred.
20. Guard my soul and deliver me; may I not be put to shame, for I place my trust in You.
21. Let integrity and uprightness guard me, for my hope is in You.
22. Redeem Israel, O God, from all its afflictions.
Chapter 26
In this psalm King David inundates God with prayers and acts of piety, because he envies those who are his spiritual superiors, saying, "If only I were on their level of piety and virtue!"
1. By David. Judge me, O Lord, for in my innocence I have walked, and in the Lord I have trusted-I shall not falter.
2. Try me, O Lord, and test me; refine my mind and heart.
3. For Your kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked constantly in Your truth.
4. I did not sit with men of falsehood, and with hypocrites I will not mingle.
5. I detested the company of evildoers, and with the wicked I will not sit.
6. I wash my hands in purity, and circle Your altar, O Lord,
7. to give voice to thanks, and to recount all Your wonders.
8. I love the shelter of Your House, O Lord, and the place where Your glory resides.
9. Gather not in my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of bloodshed,
10. In whose hands are schemes, and whose right hand is filled with bribes.
11. But I walk in my innocence; redeem me and show me favor.
12. My foot stands on level ground; in assemblies I will bless the Lord.
Chapter 27
King David acknowledges and praises God, placing his trust in Him because of his victories in war. "Nevertheless, it is not wars that I desire, for I cannot gain perfection with them. Only one thing do I ask: to abide day and night in the study hall studying Torah, to gain perfection so that my soul may merit the life of the World to Come."
1. By David. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life-whom shall I dread?
2. When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh, my oppressors and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
3. If an army were to beleaguer me, my heart would not fear; if war were to arise against me, in this I trust
1
4. One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I seek: that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the Lord, and to visit His Sanctuary.
5. For He will hide me in His tabernacle on a day of adversity; He will conceal me in the hidden places of His tent; He will lift me upon a rock.
6. And then my head will be raised above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of jubilation; I will sing and chant to the Lord.
7. Lord, hear my voice as I call; be gracious to me and answer me.
8. In Your behalf my heart says, "Seek My countenance"; Your countenance, Lord, I seek.
9. Do not conceal Your countenance from me; do not cast aside Your servant in wrath. You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, God of my deliverance.
10. Though my father and mother have forsaken me, the Lord has taken me in.
11. Lord, teach me Your way and lead me in the path of righteousness, because of my watchful enemies.
12. Do not give me over to the will of my oppressors, for there have risen against me false witnesses, and they speak evil.
13. [They would have crushed me] had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14. Hope in the Lord, be strong and let your heart be valiant, and hope in the Lord.
FOOTNOTES
1.I trust that “the lord is my light and salvation” etc. (Rashi)
Chapter 28
A prayer for every individual, entreating God to assist him in walking the good path, to prevent him from walking with the wicked doers of evil, and that He repay the wicked for their wickedness and the righteous for their righteousness.
1. By David. I call to You, O Lord; my Strength, do not be deaf to me; for should You be silent to me, I will be like those who descend to the pit.
2. Hear the sound of my pleas when I cry out to You, when I raise my hands toward Your holy Sanctuary.
3. Do not draw me along with the wicked, with evildoers who speak of peace with their companions, though evil is in their heart.
4. Give them according to their deeds, and the evil of their endeavors; give them according to their handiwork, render to them their just desserts.
5. For they pay no heed to the acts of the Lord, nor to the work of His hands; may He destroy them and not rebuild them.
6. Blessed is the Lord, for He has heard the voice of my pleas.
7. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusted and I was helped; my heart exulted, and with my song I praised Him.
8. The Lord is a strength to them; He is a stronghold of deliverance to His anointed.
9. Grant salvation to Your people and bless Your heritage; tend them and exalt them forever.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 26
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Shabbat, 4 Cheshvan, 5777 · 5 November 2016
• Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 26
• The letters that comprise Iggeret HaKodesh were written over many years and assembled in their present order by the sons of the Alter Rebbe after his passing, as they explain in their introduction (“Approbation”) to Tanya (Vol. I, p. 19ff., in the present series). It is clear from internal evidence, as the Rebbe notes, that they were not arranged chronologically. Epistle XX, for example, was written just before the Alter Rebbe’s passing in the year 5573 (1812), while Epistle XXVII was written after the passing of R. Mendel of Horodok, about the year 5549 (1789).
Instead, the Rebbe suggests, one can sometimes seek thematic connections to explain the sequence of letters. The present letter, for example, manifests the following connection with Epistle XXV, the preceding one:
After the previous letter discussed how the Shechinah can sometimes be vested in kelipot, the present letter explains that this state of exile brings the Torah, too, to a state of concealment, as kelipot obscure its radiance. It is the task of the Jew to remove this concealment by toiling in the study of the Torah.
The above form of divine service in Torah study supplements another form — separating good from evil, the permitted from the prohibited, and the kasher from the pasul. For the Torah, too, is vested within good and evil, and it is the task of the Jew studying Torah to separate and purify the positive element from each of these dual compounds, and to elevate it to the holy “side” of the universe.
Accordingly, the Alter Rebbe begins the present letter by explaining a statement of Ra’aya Mehemna in the Zohar, which can give the mistaken impression that the revealed portion of Torah stems from the Tree of Good and Evil, while the esoteric portion of Torah, which in the main will be revealed in the Time to Come (with the arrival of Mashiach), derives from the Tree of Life.1
The Alter Rebbe explains how this is truly not so, for the entire Torah is called the Tree of Life. The intent of Ra’aya Mehemna is that the revealed portion of Torah descended and was vested within good and evil, and hence speaks of kasher and pasul, permitted and prohibited, and the like. With the study of Torah, a Jew separates the good from the evil, and elevates it.
ברעיא מהימנא, פרשת נשא: והמשכילים כזהר הרקיע
On the verse,2 “And the wise shall shine like the radiance of the firmament,” Ra’aya Mehemna on Parshat Nasso3 comments:
בהאי חבורא דילך, דאיהו ספר הזהר
“With this work of yours, i.e., of R. Shimon bar Yochai, which is the Book of the Zohar (lit., ‘the Book of Radiance’)
מן זוהרא דאימא עילאה: תשובה
from the radiance of Imma Ila’ah, which is teshuvah, —
Imma Ila’ah (lit., “the Supernal Mother”) is another name for the Sefirah of Binah in the World of Atzilut. This Sefirahrelates to teshuvah ila’ah, the higher level of repentance, as explained at the end of ch. 8 of Iggeret HaTeshuvah,4 quoting the Zohar and Tikkunim.
באילין לא צריך נסיון
with those [who study this work] no trial is needed.
The Zohar previously states that at the time of the final Redemption the Jewish people will be put to the test; those who belong to the “good side” of the universe will withstand it, while those who belong to the “side of evil” will not. As it is written,5 “Many will be refined and bleached and chastened, but the wicked will act wickedly; none of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.”
The Zohar then states (as above) that those who study the Tree of Life, the Zohar, which is “from the side of Binah” (lit., “understanding”, alluding to the perception of the mystical essence of the Torah), will not be put to the test.
ובגין דעתידין ישראל למטעם מאילנא דחיי, דאיהו האי ספר הזהר, יפקון ביה מן גלותא ברחמי
Because eventually the Jewish people will taste of the Tree of Life, which is this Book of the Zohar, they will go out of exile with it, in mercy.
ויתקיים בהון: ה׳ בדד ינחנו, ואין עמו אל נכר
For them shall be fulfilled the verse,6 ‘G‑d alone will lead them, and there is no strange god with Him.’
In seeking their Redemption they will not have to resort to the favors of the gentile nations, whose patron angels are known as “strange gods.” Rather, G‑d Himself will lead them out of exile and redeem them.
ואילנא דטוב ורע, דאיהו איסור והיתר, טומאה וטהרה, לא שלטא על ישראל יתיר
And the Tree of [Knowledge of] Good and Evil, i.e., prohibition and permission, impurity and purity, will no longer dominate Israel.
דהא פרנסה דלהון לא להוי אלא מסטרא דאילנא דחיי, דלית תמן לא קשיא מסטרא דרע, ולא מחלוקת מרוח הטומאה
For their sustenance will derive only from the side of the Tree of Life, where there is no problematic query, which emanates from the side of evil, and no controversy, which emanates from the spirit of impurity;
דכתיב: ואת רוח הטומאה אעביר מן הארץ
as it is written,7 ‘And the spirit of impurity I shall remove from the earth.’
דלא יתפרנסון תלמידי חכמים מעמי הארץ, אלא מסטרא דטוב, דאכלין טהרה, כשר, היתר
Thus, the Torah scholars will not be sustained by illiterate people, but from the side of the good, who eat that which is pure, kosher and permitted;
ולא מערב רב, דאכלין טומאה, פסול, איסור
nor [will they be sustained] by the mixed multitude, who eat that which is impure, ritually unfit, and prohibited.”
ובזמנא דאילנא דטוב ורע שלטא כו׳
The Zohar continues: “While the Tree of Good and Evil dominates [the world],...
אינון חכמים, דדמיין לשבתות וימים טובים
these Sages, who are likened to the Sabbaths and festivals,8
לית לון אלא מה דיהבין לון אינון חולין
have nothing except what is given to them by those who are called ‘unsanctified ones,’
כגוונא דיום השבת, דלית ליה אלא מה דמתקנין ליה ביומא דחול
just like the Sabbath day, which only has what has been prepared for it on a weekday.
ובזמנא דשלטא אילנא דחיי, אתכפייא אילנא דטוב ורע, ולא יהא לעמי הארץ אלא מה דיהבין להון תלמידי חכמים
However, when the Tree of Life will dominate, the Tree of Good and Evil will be suppressed, and the illiterate people will only have what the Torah scholars give them.
ואתכפיין תחותייהו וכאלו לא הוו בעלמא
They will be subjugated to them, as if they did not exist in the world.
והכי איסור והיתר, טומאה וטהרה, לא אתעבר מעמי הארץ
Accordingly, the prohibited and the permitted, the impure and the pure, will not be removed from the illiterate people.
דמסטרייהו, לית בין גלותא לימות המשיח, אלא שעבוד מלכיות בלבד
As regards them, there will be no difference between the era of exile and the days of Mashiach, except for [the Jewish people’s release from] servitude to the nations.9
דאינון לא טעמין מאילנא דחיי, וצריך לון מתניתין באיסור והיתר, טומאה וטהרה
For they will not have tasted of the Tree of Life, and will require the Mishnayot [which set out the laws] of prohibition and permission, impurity and purity.”
עד כאן ברעיא מהימנא
Here ends the quotation from Ra’aya Mehemna.
* * *
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | These Kabbalistic terms are borrowed from Bereishit 2:9. |
| 2. | Daniel 12:3. |
| 3. | Zohar III, 124b. |
| 4. | Vol. III, p. 1089, in the present work. |
| 5. | Daniel 12:10. |
| 6. | Devarim 32:12. |
| 7. | Zechariah 13:2. |
| 8. | Zohar III, 29a, b. |
| 9. | Cf. Berachot 34b. |
• Shabbat, 4 Cheshvan, 5777 · 5 November 2016
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 16
Inciting Another Jew to Worship Idols
"And no more such wickedness shall be done amongst you"—Deuteronomy 13:12.
It is forbidden to incite another to worship idols.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Inciting Another Jew to Worship Idols
Negative Commandment 16
Translated by Berel Bell
The 16th prohibition is that we are forbidden from leading someone astray by encouraging [even] one Jew to serve idolatry. The person who does so is called a meisis, as we have explained above.1
The verse which is the source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He), regarding a meisis,2 "'[If your maternal brother tries to lead you astray…secretly, saying, 'Let us go and serve false gods…You shall put him to death…] and they shall no longer do such an evil thing in your midst."
One who transgresses this prohibition, i.e. the one who incites another Jew [towards idolatry] is liable to execution by stoning, as the verse states,3 "You must certainly kill him." The one whom the meisis tried to incite should be the one to perform the execution, as in G‑d's statement (exalted be He),4 "Your hand shall be the first against him to kill him." In the words of the Sifri, "The one who was incited is commanded to execute him."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.5
FOOTNOTES
1.N15. If he convinces the majority of the city's members, he is called a "madi'ach," as described in that prohibition. If not, he is called a "meisis," and falls under this prohibition.
2.Deut. 13:12.
3.Ibid.13:10.
4.Ibid.
5.67a.
• Negative Commandment 17
Loving an Inciter
"Do not be drawn to him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
The person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to harbor any love or sympathy for one who urged him to abandon G‑d. Though we are commanded to love every Jew – even a sinner – an inciter is the exception to this rule.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Loving an Inciter
Negative Commandment 17
Translated by Berel Bell
The 17th prohibition is that we are forbidden to love the meisis or agree1 with him.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),2 "Do not love him."
In the words of the Sifri, "Since it is written,3 'You must love your neighbor as yourself,' one might imply that you may love even this [meisis]. The verse therefore says,4 "Do not love him."
FOOTNOTES
1.The Arabic "d'un" can also be translated as "pay attention," or "listen to," or "be convinced by" (Kapach, 5731, note 1).
2.Deut. 13:9.
3.Lev.19:18.
4.Deut. 13:9.
• Negative Commandment 18
Abhorring the Inciter
"Nor (shall you) listen to him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
The person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to soften his hatred towards the one who urged him to abandon G‑d.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Abhorring the Inciter
Negative Commandment 18
Translated by Berel Bell
The 18th prohibition is that we are forbidden from easing our hatred of the meisis. One is absolutely required to maintain this hatred, and if one does not do so, one transgresses a prohibition.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "And do not listen to him."
The explanation of this is, "Since it is written2 [regarding someone you hate3], 'You must make every effort to help him,' one might imply that you may4 help even this [meisis]. The verse therefore says,5 "And do not listen to him."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Exodus 23:5.
3.Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:4.
4.Chavel mistakenly translates, "commanded."
5.Deut. 13:9.
• Negative Commandment 19
Pity for an Inciter
"Nor shall your eye pity him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
When seeing a person in mortal danger, we are commanded to come to the rescue. This rule does not apply towards one who incites to idol worship. The person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is forbidden to come to the rescue of the one who urged him to abandon G‑d.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Pity for an Inciter
Negative Commandment 19
Translated by Berel Bell
The 19th prohibition is that the one whom to meisis tried to incite is forbidden from saving the meisis if he sees his life is in danger.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,1 "Do not let your eyes pity him."
The explanation of this is, "Since it is written2 'Do not stand still when your neighbor's life is in danger,' one might imply that you may not stand still even for this [meisis]. The verse therefore says,3 "Do not let your eyes pity him."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Lev.19:16.
3.Ibid.
• Negative Commandment 20
Sparing an Inciter
"Nor shall you spare (him)"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
In the course of the court proceedings, the person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to justify the actions of the one who urged him to abandon G‑d, nor is he allowed to express anything positive about the inciter that could possibly lead to his vindication. (This is an exception to the general rule. Normally, the courts encourage anyone who has anything positive to say about the accused to speak up.)
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Sparing an Inciter
Negative Commandment 20
Translated by Berel Bell
The 20th prohibition is that the one whom the meisis tried to incite is forbidden from trying to acquit the meisis. Even if he knows of an argument in his favor, he is forbidden to mention it to him or to raise it himself.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "Do not show him any mercy."
The explanation of this is brought, "The verse,2 'Do not show him any mercy,' means that you may not raise an argument in his favor."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Ibid.
• Negative Commandment 21
Concealing Evidence About the Inciter
"Nor shall you cover up for him"—Deuteronomy 13:9.
In the course of the court proceedings, the person who is the target of incitement to idol worship is not allowed to cover up any deleterious evidence he is privy to regarding the one who urged him to abandon G‑d.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Concealing Evidence About the Inciter
Negative Commandment 21
Translated by Berel Bell
Negative Commandment 22
The 21st prohibition is that the one whom to meisis tried to incite is forbidden from withholding anything he knows which would cause the meisis to be punished.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),1 "And do not cover up for him."
The explanation of this is brought, "The verse,2 'And do not try to cover up,' means that if you know of something against him, you may not remain silent."
FOOTNOTES
1.Ibid.
2.Ibid.
• Negative Commandment 26
Idolatrous Prophecies
"[The prophet]... that shall speak in the name of other gods"—Deuteronomy 18:20.
It is forbidden to prophesy, claiming that G‑d commanded to worship a pagan deity. It is also forbidden to prophesy in the name of a pagan deity, to claim that the deity appeared and instructed to serve it, promising reward for those who comply with its demand and punishment for those who don't.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Idolatrous Prophecies
Negative Commandment 26
Translated by Berel Bell
The 26th prohibition is that a person is forbidden to prophesize in the name of an idol, i.e. to say that G‑d commanded him to serve it1 or that [the idol] itself commanded to serve it, and promised reward and punishment, as is done by the prophets of Baal and Asheirah.2
There is no explicit verse in Scripture stating this prohibition of prophesizing in the name of an idol. There is, however, a verse stating the punishment, that one who prophesizes in its name is executed. This is G‑d's statement,3 "If he speaks in the name of other gods, then that prophet shall die." The death referred to hear is execution by strangulation, in accordance with our general principle4 that when the verse does not specify the type of execution, it refers to strangulation.
You are already aware of the fundamental rule which I have explained in the Fourteenth Introductory Principle preceding this work, in the words of the Sages,5 "Whenever Scripture indicates a punishment, there must be another source indicating the actual prohibition."6 The actual prohibition is from the verse,7 "Do not mention the name of other gods."
It8 is not impossible for one verse to serve as the prohibition for a number of commandments and nevertheless not be in the category of a "general prohibition," since each one has a separate verse stating the punishment. Other examples of this principle are explained in the appropriate places.9
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the eleventh chapter of Sanhedrin.10
FOOTNOTES
1.Kapach, 5731, (note 26) points out that this is consistent with what the Rambam writes in his Introduction to the Mishneh. In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:6), the Rambam omits this case; he rather includes it in the category of a false prophet (Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah 9:5. N27).
2.A tree idol.
3.Deut. 18:20.
4.Sanhedrin 52b.
5.Yoma 81a.
6.This implies a question: since the verse quoted above contains only the punishment, which verse states the actual prohibition?
7.Ex. 23:13.
8.This same verse (Ex. 23:13) also serves as the prohibition N14 below. This implies the following question: when one verse prohibits more than one action, it is considered a "general prohibition," and may count as only one of the 613 commandments, as set forth in the Ninth Introductory Principle. The Rambam now explains how the verse can still count as two separate commandments.
9.See N60, N14, N94, N98, N143, N161, N170, N195, N318, N319.
10.89a, in our versions, chapter ten.
• Negative Commandment 28
Listening to Idolatrous Prophecies
"Do not listen to the words of that prophet"—Deuteronomy 13:4.
It is forbidden to listen to a prophet who claims to talk in the name of a pagan deity. We may not debate him or ask him for miraculous signs to corroborate his alleged prophecy. Rather, we warn him to desist, and if he continues in his ways, he is put to death by the courts.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Listening to Idolatrous Prophecies
Negative Commandment 28
Translated by Berel Bell
The 28th prohibition is that we are forbidden from listening to the prophecy of one who prophesizes in the name of an idol, i.e. we should not dispute him, nor ask him, "What is your miracle, and what is your proof of this," as we do with someone who prophesizes in the name of G‑d.1 Rather, as soon as we hear him prophesize in its name, we must warn him,2 just as we must warn any transgressor; and if he persists in his claim, we must punish him in the way the Torah prescribes, and pay no attention to his miracles and proofs.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),3 "Do not listen to the words of that prophet."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the eleventh chapter of Sanhedrin.4
FOOTNOTES
1.In Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:7, the Rambam rules that even if the person says nothing, but merely thinks to himself that perhaps the miracles are true, he transgresses this prohibition.
2.Before a transgressor can be punished, he must first be warned by two witnesses. See Hilchos Sanhedrin 12:2 for the conditions governing this warning.
3.Deut. 13:4.
4.89a, in our versions, chapter ten.
• Negative Commandment 27
False Prophecy
"But the prophet who shall purposely speak a word in My name which I have not commanded him to speak"—Deuteronomy 18:20.
It is forbidden to utter a false prophecy in G‑d's name—i.e. to state that G‑d has said something that He has not. It is also forbidden for someone to say a (true) prophecy, stating that this is something that G‑d has revealed to him, when in fact G‑d spoke this prophecy to another prophet.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• False Prophecy
Negative Commandment 27
Translated by Berel Bell
The 27th prohibition is that we are forbidden from prophesizing falsely, either by prophesizing in G‑d's Name even though G‑d has not spoken,1 or by prophesizing words which G‑d (exalted be He) has spoken to someone other than himself, and he attributes it to himself, saying that G‑d has spoken to him, when in reality, He has not.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "If a prophet intentionally makes a declaration in My name when I have not commanded him to speak."
One who transgresses this commandment is also3 executed by strangulation — when listing those who are punished by strangulation, our Sages4 included a false prophet. There they stated, "Three are executed by man5: one who 'intentionally makes a declaration in My name,' i.e. when he has not heard; one who speaks 'when I have not commanded him to speak,' but I have commanded someone else to speak, i.e. one who prophesizes when he himself has not been spoken to; and one who6 'speaks in the name of other gods,' i.e. in the name of an idol." Regarding all of them it is written,7 "That prophet shall die," and when the type of execution is not specified, it refers to strangulation.8
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the eleventh chapter of Sanhedrin.9
FOOTNOTES
1.Like Tzidkiyah ben K'nanah, Kings II, 22:11.
2.Deut. 18:20.
3.As in the previous commandment, N26.
4.Sanhedrin 99a.
5.In contrast to a death penalty from Above.
6.Deut. 18:20. N26 above.
7.Ibid.
8.Sanhedrin 52b.
9.89a, in our versions, chapter ten.
• Negative Commandment 29
Fearing a False Prophet
"You shall not fear him"—Deuteronomy 18:22.
We are not to fear a false prophet simply because he appears to be a holy individual who feigns to speak in G‑d's name.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Fearing a False Prophet
Negative Commandment 29
Translated by Berel Bell
The 29th prohibition is that we are forbidden from giving honorable treatment1 to a false prophet, or from refraining from executing him, since he says prophecy in the name of G‑d. Once we have determined his falseness,2 we should not fear punishment3 whatsoever.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),4 "Do not fear him."
In the words of the Sifri, "The verse, 'Do not fear him,' teaches that one may not refrain from helping to convict him."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained at length in our Introduction to the Mishneh.
FOOTNOTES
1.Kapach, 5731, (note 41) notes that the Arabic word denotes honoring a person, or in the vernacular, "treating him with silk gloves." This corresponds to the Rambam's ruling (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:9), "One who refrains from executing the false prophet because of his greatness — that he follows the path of prophecy — transgresses a prohibition." Regarding the qualification to "follow the path of prophecy," see Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1.
Chavel's version mistakenly translates, "to have pity."
In Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:9, the Rambam rules that even if one merely allows himself to fear the words of this false prophet, he transgresses this prohibition.
2.See Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 10:1-5, regarding how to determine whether a prophet and/or his prophecy are true or false. This determination of falseness may only be made by the 71 member Sanhedrin (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:9).
3.From executing him (Chinuch, 522). Chavel, evidently basing himself on the translation of Ibn Tibbon, translates "fear of sin."
4.Deut. 18:22.
• Negative Commandment 14
Swearing in the Name of False Gods
"Make no mention of the name of other gods"—Exodus 23:13.
It is forbidden to swear in the name of an idol, or to ask another (even an idol-worshipper) to swear in the name of a false deity.
This prohibition also includes not even mentioning the name of an idol. For example, one should not tell his fellow, "Wait for me beside Idol X."
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Swearing in the Name of False Gods
Negative Commandment 14
Translated by Berel Bell
The 14th prohibition is that we are forbidden from swearing in the name of an idol, even [when dealing] with idol worshippers. So too we may not cause them to swear in the name of an idol, as our Sages explained in their statement,1 "One may not cause a non-Jew to swear in the name of his idol."
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),2 "Do not mention the name of other gods," i.e. by having a non-Jew swear in the name of his idol. Our Sages also explained there, "The verse, 'Do not mention,' teaches that one may not utter a vow in the name of an idol." The Gemara says in Sanhedrin,3 "The verse, 'Do not mention,' teaches that one person may not tell another, 'Wait for me next to such-and-such an idol.'"
One who transgresses this prohibition — by swearing in a reverential manner by any created being which people mistakenly believe in as a god — is punished by lashes.
In tractate Sanhedrin, when discussing the prohibition of hugging an idol, kissing it, sweeping the floor before it, or showing any signs of respect or love, our Sages said, "One is not punished by lashes unless utters a vow or an oath in its name."
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.
FOOTNOTES
1.Mechilta, Shoftim.
2.Exodus 23:13.
3.63b.
• Negative Commandment 8
Ov
"Do not turn to the Ovs"—Leviticus 19:31.
We are forbidden from employing the idolatrous practice of Ov.
The Ov practice consisted of burning a certain incense and doing certain acts known to the Ov followers. At that point, it would seem to the person engaging in these acts that he hears a voice emanating from beneath his armpit, which would answer questions that he posed.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Ov
Negative Commandment 8
Translated by Berel Bell
The 8th prohibition is that we are forbidden from performing the practice of ov. This1 consists of burning a specific type of incense and performing certain actions. The person who does this then imagines2 that he hears a voice speaking from under his armpit answering his questions. This is a form of idolatry.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,3 "Do not turn to the idols called ov."
In the words of the Sifra, "Ov refers to a Pitom4 who speaks from his armpit." One who transgresses this prohibition intentionally is executed by stoning; if he is not executed by stoning5, he is punished by karet; and if he did so unintentionally, he must bring a sin-offering. This applies to the one who actually performed the actions himself.6
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.7
FOOTNOTES
1.See Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:1 and Commentary to the Mishneh, Sanhedrin 7:7, for other categories of the ov service.
2.Kapach, 5731, note 39. Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:1. Chavel translates, "pretends."
3.Lev.19:31
4.The Pitom is the one who performs this ritual (Rashi, Sanhedrin 65a). In Greek, this word refers to "one who tells the hidden" (Tiferes Yisrael, Sanhedrin 7:7).
5.If there was no prior warning, or no witnesses, for example.
6.The one who came to the sorcerer to ask the question, however, is not executed. He transgresses a separate prohibition, N36.
7.65a.
• Negative Commandment 9
Yid'oni
"Do not turn to Yid'oni"—Leviticus 19:31.
We are forbidden from employing the idolatrous practice of Yid'oni.
The Yid'oni practice consisted of inserting into one's mouth a bone from the yidoa fowl. After then burning incense, saying certain formulas and doing certain rites, the person would enter a trance-like state, and he would begin issuing predictions about the future.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Yid'oni
Negative Commandment 9
Translated by Berel Bell
The 9th prohibition is that we are forbidden from performing the practice of yidoni. It is also a form of idolatry, in which the person takes a bone from the bird called yadu'a,1 places it in his mouth, burns incense, utters certain words, and performs certain actions, until he reaches a state similar to unconsciousness, when he goes into a deep sleep and predicts the future. Our Sages said,2 "Yidoni is when the person places a bone from a yadu'a in his mouth, and it speaks by itself."3
This prohibition is contained in the verse,4 "Do not turn to the idols called ov or yidoni."
Do not think that this prohibition is a in the category of a "general prohibition."5 This is because when mentioning the punishment,6 they were separated, as it is written,7 "[Any man or woman who is involved in] the idolatry called ov or8 yidoni [shall be put to death]."
One who transgresses either of them intentionally is executed by stoning and karet, as written in G‑d's statement (exalted be He),9 "Any man or woman who is involved in the idolatry called ov or yidoni shall be put to death."
In the words of the Sifri,10 "The verse,11 'Any man or woman who is involved in the idolatry called ov or yidoni shall be put to death,' designates the punishment. Which verse serves as the actual prohibition itself? The verse,12 'Do not turn to the idols called ov or yidoni.'"
One who transgresses this commandment unintentionally must also13 bring a sin-offering.
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.14
FOOTNOTES
1.See Kapach, 5731, note 44, where he relates the tradition received from his teachers regarding the pronunciation of this word.
2.Sanhedrin 65b.
3.As with ov, the Rambam learns that the person imagines that the bone is speaking (Kapach, 5731, note 45).
4.Lev.19:31
5.Such a "general prohibition," in which one prohibitive statement covers more than one act, may not be counted among the 613 commandments, as set forth in the Ninth Introductory Principle. In this case, the verse which states the prohibition says, "Do not turn to the idols called ov or yidoni," with the word "or," written with the Hebrew letter, "vav," which normally means, "and." The verse would then literally read, "Do not turn to the idols called ov and yidoni," and be considered a single "general prohibition" containing two prohibited acts. The Rambam now explains why this is not the case.
6.As mentioned many times, each prohibition has one verse designating the punishment, and another for the actual prohibition.
7.Lev. 20:27.
8.In this verse, the word "or," is written with the Hebrew word, "oh," which normally means, "or" (unlike the verse which states the prohibition using the Hebrew letter which means, "and"). In doing so, it splits the two acts into two separate prohibitions.
9.Lev. 20:27.
10.Kapach, 5731, (note 49) points out that this quote is not in our version of the Sifri, but in Sifra, Kedoshim.
11.Lev. 20:27.
12.Lev. 19:31.
13.As is the case with N8 above.
14.65a and b.
• Negative Commandment 7
Molech Worship
"Do not give any of your children to deliver to Molech"—Leviticus 18:21.
We are prohibited to "give from our children to Molech."
In ancient times, there was a pagan deity known as Molech. The Molech religion demanded that its followers engage in a barbaric ritual: Parents would present some of their children to the Molech priests, and then, with the permission of these priests, the parents would pass their children over a raging bonfire.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Molech Worship
Negative Commandment 7
Translated by Berel Bell
The 7th prohibition is that we are forbidden from handing over some1 of our children to the idol Molech, which was well known in the time when the Torah was given.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),2 "Do not give some of your children to be passed over [a fire] to Molech."
The Seventh chapter of Sanhedrin3 explains the way in which this idol was worshipped: [They would] light a fire and increase it, and he would take some of his children and hand them over to those who took care of serving this idol, and he would pass him over the fire from one side to the other.4
The prohibition on this act is repeated in the verse,5 "There shall not be found among you anyone who passes his son or daughter in fire."
One who transgresses this prohibition intentionally is executed by stoning; if he is not executed by stoning6, he is punished by karet; and if he did so unintentionally, he must bring a sin-offering.
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.
FOOTNOTES
1.The Hebrew word, mi'zaracha, literally means, "from your offspring." The Talmud says that this wording alludes to the law that one is executed only if he give some of his children to Molech. If he gives all his children to Molech, he would not be punished.
It is interesting to note the commentary of the Smag (N40), who explains that offering all one's children to Molech is such a serious act that not even execution can atone for. This is consistent with the Torah's view of punishment as a correction and cleansing for the transgressor.
2.Lev. 18:21.
3.64b.
4.In Hilchos Avodah Zarah (6:5), the Rambam writes, "He would take some of his children and hand them to the fire-worshipping priests, and after he was given over into their hands, those priests would give the child back to his father to pass him through the fire while under their authority. The father would be the one to pass his child over the fire while under the authority of the priests. He would pass him in the midst of the fire by foot to the other side, not actually burning him to the Molech as done by those who burn their sons and daughters to other idols."
5.Deut. 18:10.
6.If there was no prior warning, or no witnesses, for example.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter a Day: Kelim - Chapter 7
• Kelim - Chapter 7
• Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Four
• Shabbat, 4 Cheshvan, 5777 · 5 November 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Tuesday, Cheshvan 4, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Lech L'cha, Shlishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 23-28.
Tanya: XXVI. In R'aya (p. 549) ...R'aya Mehemna. (p. 551).
Torah-study every day is crucial to life itself. This applies not only to the soul of the one studying but also to the souls of his family. For then (through Torah-study), the atmosphere of the home becomes an atmosphere of Torah and piety.
• Daily Thought:
The Ark
There is a raging storm at sea. There are hellish waves that crash and pound at the shore, carrying all away, leaving desolation behind.
The sea is the world of making a living. The waves are the stress and anxiety of indecision, not knowing which way to turn, on what to rely. Up and down, hot and cold—constantly churning back and forth.
Do as Noah did, and build an ark. “An ark” in Hebrew is teivah—which means also “a word.” Your ark shall be the words of meditation and of prayer. Enter into your ark, and let the waters lift you up, rather than drown you with everything else.
-------
Negative Commandment 7
Translated by Berel Bell
The 7th prohibition is that we are forbidden from handing over some1 of our children to the idol Molech, which was well known in the time when the Torah was given.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement (exalted be He),2 "Do not give some of your children to be passed over [a fire] to Molech."
The Seventh chapter of Sanhedrin3 explains the way in which this idol was worshipped: [They would] light a fire and increase it, and he would take some of his children and hand them over to those who took care of serving this idol, and he would pass him over the fire from one side to the other.4
The prohibition on this act is repeated in the verse,5 "There shall not be found among you anyone who passes his son or daughter in fire."
One who transgresses this prohibition intentionally is executed by stoning; if he is not executed by stoning6, he is punished by karet; and if he did so unintentionally, he must bring a sin-offering.
The details of this mitzvah have been explained in the seventh chapter of Sanhedrin.
FOOTNOTES
1.The Hebrew word, mi'zaracha, literally means, "from your offspring." The Talmud says that this wording alludes to the law that one is executed only if he give some of his children to Molech. If he gives all his children to Molech, he would not be punished.
It is interesting to note the commentary of the Smag (N40), who explains that offering all one's children to Molech is such a serious act that not even execution can atone for. This is consistent with the Torah's view of punishment as a correction and cleansing for the transgressor.
2.Lev. 18:21.
3.64b.
4.In Hilchos Avodah Zarah (6:5), the Rambam writes, "He would take some of his children and hand them to the fire-worshipping priests, and after he was given over into their hands, those priests would give the child back to his father to pass him through the fire while under their authority. The father would be the one to pass his child over the fire while under the authority of the priests. He would pass him in the midst of the fire by foot to the other side, not actually burning him to the Molech as done by those who burn their sons and daughters to other idols."
5.Deut. 18:10.
6.If there was no prior warning, or no witnesses, for example.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter a Day: Kelim - Chapter 7
• Kelim - Chapter 7
1
At which point does a leather k'li become susceptible to ritual impurity?
A shepherd's satchel - From the time its edges are folded over and sealed close to make a border, one trims the tiny pieces that project beyond the leather, and makes straps with which it could be closed.
A leather mat - When its borders are trimmed and its ornament is made.
A leather bedsheet - When its borders are sealed and trimmed.
A leather pillow or cushion - When its borders are sealed and the strands that emerge are trimmed. Similar laws apply in all analogous situations.
Tefillin - When one finishes the cube. Even though one will later add the strap, it is susceptible to impurity at this stage.
A leather base for a cradle for which loops will be made - When those loops are made.
A sandal - When its leather will be bent over.
A shoe - When it is placed on its mold. If, in the future, one will color it yellow and make designs, it is not susceptible to impurity until one colors it and makes designs.
א
כלי עור מאימתי מקבלין טומאה התורמל וכיוצא בו משיחסום שפתותיו ויכרות הקופין הקטנים היוצאין ע"ג העור ויעשה קיחותיו סקורטיה משיחסום ויכרות ויעשו ציצתה קטבוליה משיחסום ויכרות הכר והכסת של עור משיחסום שפתותיהן ויכרות הקופין היוצאין וכן כל כיוצא בהן התפילין משיגמור הקציצה אע"פ שהוא עתיד לתת בה את הרצועה מקבלת טומאה עור העריסה שהוא עתיד לעשות לו טבור עד שיעשנו לו הסנדל משיקמיע המנעל משיגוב [על] האימום ואם עתיד לכרכם ולשרטט עד שיכרכם וישרטט:
2
When a hide does not have the shape of a k'li, it is not susceptible to impurity. Therefore a leather hand-covering which people who gather thorns tie around their hands so that they will not be wounded by a thorn is not susceptible to impurity, for it is a simple hide and it does not have the form of a k'li. Similarly, a hide used to collect cow turds, a hide used to muzzle the mouth of an animal, a hide used to chase away bees when gathering honey, and a hide used as a fan because of the heat are pure and are not susceptible to impurity.
ב
עור שאין עליו צורת כלי אינו מקבל טומאה לפיכך כף של עור שקושרין לוקטי קוצים על כפותיהן כדי שלא יכם קוץ אינו מקבל טומאה מפני שהוא עור פשוט ואין עליו צורת כלי וכן העור שמלקטין בו גללי הבקר ועור שחוסמין בו פי הבהמה ועור שמושיבין בו הדבורים בשעה שלוקחין הדבש ועור שמניפין בו את הרוח מפני החום טהורין ואין מקבלין טומאה:
3
All finger-coverings of leather are pure except those of fruit reapers. They are impure, because they are used to collect sumach berries. If they are torn and cannot hold the major portion of a sumach berry, they are pure.
ג
כל בית האצבעות של עור טהורות חוץ משל קייצין מפני שהיא מקבלת את האוג טמאה נקרעה אם אינה מקבלת את רוב האוג טהורה:
4
Leather belts and the pieces of leather amputees place on their stumps so they can walk on them on the ground are susceptible to impurity, because they have the form of a k'li. Similarly, leather rings which craftsmen place on their arms to hold up their garments to prevent them from interfering with them during their work are susceptible to impurity like other simple leather keilim.
ד
האבנט של עורות ועורות שתופרין הקטעים על ארכובותיהן כדי שיתגלגלו בהן על הקרקע מקבלין טומאה שהרי צורת כלי עליהן וכן העורות העשויות כעין טבעות שמכניסין אותן האומנין בזרועותיהן כדי להגביה בגדיהן מעליהן בשעת מלאכה מתטמאין כשאר כלי עור הפשוטים:
5
When a piece of leather is sewn to cover the hands and the arms of those who winnow grainheaps, travelers, or those who make flax, it is susceptible to ritual impurity. If it is used by painters or blacksmiths, it is not susceptible to impurity.
This is the general principle: Anything that is made as a receptacle, to protect one from thorns, or so that one will have a good grip is susceptible to impurity. Anything that is made as protection against sweat, i.e., so that the article with which one is working not be ruined because of the sweat of one's hands is not susceptible to impurity.
ה
עור שתופרין ממנו כיסוי ליד ולזרוע של זורעי גינות ושל הולכי דרכים ושל עושי פשתן מקבלין טומאה ואם היה של צבעים ושל נפחים אינו מקבל טומאה זה הכלל כל העשוי לקבלה כדי שלא יכהו קוץ וכדי שיאחז יפה יפה מקבל טומאה והעשוי מפני הזיעה כדי שלא יפסד הדבר שמתעסק בו בזיעת ידו אינו מקבל טומאה:
6
How large must a hole in a leather k'li be for it to be pure? A carrying case for food - when its hole is large enough for a ball of the warp thread to fall through. If it cannot contain the warp, but it does contain the woof, it is susceptible to impurity unless the hole comprises the majority of the container.
ו
כמה שיעור הנקב שינקב כלי העור ויטהר החמת משתנקב כמוציא פקעיות של שתי ואם אינה יכולה לקבל של שתי הואיל ומקבלת של ערב מקבלת טומאה עד שתינקב רובה:
7
A leather sathchel whose inner pocket was ripped is still susceptible to impurity. It is not considered as attached to the pocket.
ז
התורמיל שנפחת הכיס שבתוכו עדיין התורמיל מקבל טומאה ואינו חיבור לו:
8
The following laws apply when a drinking pouch was made from the hide of an animal, the scrotum was often left and was used as part of the container. If it was opened, it is pure, because it cannot contain liquids in the ordinary manner.
ח
החמת שהבצים שלה מקבלות עמה ונפחתו טהורות שאינן מקבלות כדרכן:
9
When leather keilim have loops and straps - e.g., sandals worn on flat land or a pouch tied close with a strand - even though when they are untied, they do not have the shape of a k'li, they are still susceptible to impurity in that state. The rationale is that even an ordinary person can insert the strands in the loops and return the k'li to its previous shape. Similarly, if they contracted impurity and the straps were removed from them and their shape was undone, they are pure even though it is possible to restore them without a craftsman's activity.
ט
כלי עור שיש לו לולאות ושנצות כגון סנדל עימקי וכיס של שנצות אף על פי שכשהן מותרין אין עליהן צורת כלי הרי אלו מקבלין טומאה כשהן מותרין הואיל וההדיוט יכול במהרה להכניס השנצות בלולאות ויחזור כלי קיבול כשהיה וכן אם נטמאו והסיר השנצות מהן ונפסדה צורתן הרי הן טהורין אע"פ שאפשר להחזירן שלא באומן:
10
Although the strands from a pouch closed by strands have been removed, it is still susceptible to impurity, because it can still serve as a container. If it was straightened out and returned to the form of a simple piece of leather, it is pure. If one attached a hook from which it could be hung from below, it is susceptible to impurity even when it is straightened out, because it has the form of a k'li.
י
כיס של שנצות שניטלו שנציו עדיין הוא מקבל טומאה שהרי הוא מקבל נפשט וחזר עור פשוט טהור טלה עליו את המטלת מלמטה מקבלת טומאה אף על פי שהוא פשוט שהרי יש עליו צורת כלי:
11
A piece of leather used to wrap an amulet is susceptible to impurity. If one straightens it out, it is pure. If one uses it again to wrap an amulet, it is susceptible to impurity. It can become impure and pure, even ten times during a day.
The parchment on which one writes an amulet is pure. If one cut of a piece and made a ring to use it as an ornament, it is susceptible to impurity.
יא
עור שכרך בו את הקמיע מקבל טומאה פשטו טהור חזר וכרך בו מקבל טומאה מתטמא ומתטהר אפילו עשר פעמים ביום ועור שכתב עליו את הקמיע טהור ואם כרת ממנו ועשה חוליא לתכשיט מקבל טומאה:
12
The head tefillin is considered as four separate containers. Should it contract impurity from a human corpse and one remove the first compartment and then restore it, it is still a primary source of impurity as it was. This ruling also applies if one removes the second compartment and restores it. If one removed the third and restored it and removed also the fourth and restored it, the entire tefillin is considered a primary derivative of impurity. For he removed each one of them and then restored them all, thus it is as if this "second" tefillin touched the original tefillin.
If he then removed the first compartment a second time and then restored it, the tefillin remains a primary derivative as before. This ruling also applies if one also removed the second and the third compartments. If one removed also the fourth compartment and then restored the tefillin, it is entirely pure. For a primary derivative of impurity does not impart impurity to articles, because it is a derivative itself, as we explained.
Similarly, when a sandal was impure because of contact with a zavor the like and one of its pegs was detached and it was repaired, it is still impure as before. If the other one also became detached and he repaired it, the sandal is purified from the impurity, because it has new pegs. It is, however, impure due to contact with an article that is impure because of contact with a zav. If he did not repair the first until the second was detached, the heel or the toe of the sandal was removed, or it was divided in two, it is pure.
יב
התפילה של ראש ארבעה כלים היא הרי שנטמאת במת והתיר קציצה הראשונה ותיקנה הרי היא אב טומאה כשהיתה וכן אם התיר השנייה ותיקנה ואם התיר אף השלישית ותיקנה והתיר אף הרביעית ותיקנה נעשית כולה ראשון לטומאה שהרי התיר כל אחת ואחת וחזר ותיקנם כולם וכאילו זו תפילין אחרונות שנגעו בראשונות חזר והתיר את הראשונה פעם שנייה ותיקנה הרי היא ראשון כשהיתה וכן אם התיר את השנייה ואת השלישית חזר והתיר אף הרביעית ותיקנה הרי כולה טהורה שאין הראשון מטמא כלים מפני שהוא ולד כמו שביארנו וכן סנדל שהוא טמא מדרס ונפסקה אחת מאזניו ותיקנה טמא מדרס נפסקה שנייה ותיקנה הרי הוא טהור מן המדרס שהרי נעשו לו אזנים חדשות אבל טמא מגע מדרס לא הספיק לתקן את הראשונה עד שנפסקה השנייה או שנפסק עקיבו או ניטל חוטמו או נחלק לשנים טהור:
13
When a shoe was damaged, if it does not cover the majority of the foot, it is pure.
יג
מנעל שנפחת אם אינו מקבל רוב הרגל טהור:
14
When do tefillin that have contracted impurity become pure again? The arm tefillin - when it is released from the base on three sides. The head tefillin - when it is released from the base on three sides and each of the compartments are separated from each other.
יד
תפילה שנטמאת מאימתי טהרתה של יד משיתיר אותה משלש רוחות ושל ראש משיתיר משלש רוחות ובין קציצה לחבירתה:
15
When a ball, a mold, an amulet, or tefillin were torn after they contracted impurity from a human corpse, one who touches them is impure. If he touches their contents, he is pure.
When a saddle that is impure is torn, one who touches its insides is impure, because the sewing attaches it to the saddle itself and it is considered as a single entity.
טו
הכדור והאימום והקמיע והתפילין שנקרעו אחר שנטמאו הנוגע בהן טמא ובמה שבתוכן טהור האיכוף שנקרע הנוגע במה שבתוכו טמא מפני שהתפר מחברו ונעשה כולו כגוף אחד:
• Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Four
Translator's Introduction
Deuteronomy 13:13-19 relates:
Should you hear [a report about] one of your cities which God, your Lord, is giving you to dwell within, stating: "Unfaithful people have emerged from your midst and they have led astray the inhabitants of their city, saying: 'Let us worship other gods about whom you are not aware,' you must investigate and probe, making careful inquiry. If it is true and correct that such a revolting thing has occurred in your midst, you must surely kill all the inhabitants of the city by the sword. Destroy it and everything in it. [Kill] all its animals by the sword.
Gather all its goods in the midst of its main street. Burn the city and all its goods entirely for the sake of God, your Lord. [The city] shall remain an eternal ruin, never to be rebuilt. Let nothing that has been condemned remain in your possession, so that God's fierce anger will be allayed and He will grant you mercy. He will deal mercifully with you and will make you flourish as He promised your fathers.
Gather all its goods in the midst of its main street. Burn the city and all its goods entirely for the sake of God, your Lord. [The city] shall remain an eternal ruin, never to be rebuilt. Let nothing that has been condemned remain in your possession, so that God's fierce anger will be allayed and He will grant you mercy. He will deal mercifully with you and will make you flourish as He promised your fathers.
Our Sages refer to a city condemned for these reasons as an עיר הנדחת - literally, "a city that has been led astray." In Sefer HaMitzvot, the Rambam derives four of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah from the above passage:
Negative Commandment 15: Not to proselytize among the masses on behalf of false deities;
Positive Commandment 186: To burn an עיר הנדחת;
Negative Commandment 23: Never to rebuild an עיר הנדחת;
Negative Commandment 24: Not to benefit from its spoil.
Negative Commandment 15: Not to proselytize among the masses on behalf of false deities;
Positive Commandment 186: To burn an עיר הנדחת;
Negative Commandment 23: Never to rebuild an עיר הנדחת;
Negative Commandment 24: Not to benefit from its spoil.
There is a unique dimension to the laws of an עיר הנדחת that is not found in regard to any of the other prohibitions of the Torah. In this context, the city is considered as a single entity and the inhabitants and their property are not considered as individuals but as memers of this wicked collective (Tzaphnat Pane'ach, Likkutei Sichot, Vol. 9).
Sanhedrin 71a mentions a debate among the Sages. One maintained that the mitzvot concerning an עיר הנדחת were never actually fulfilled, and that the passage was instituted in the Torah only for the purpose of theoretical discussion. Another states explicitly: "I saw such a city and sat among its ruins." From Halachah 11 (see Note 50; see also Hilchot Melachim 11:2), it appears that the Rambam subscribes to the latter view.
This chapter deals only with the prohibition against proselytizing on behalf of a false deity to the majority of the members of a city. The prohibition against proselytizing to individuals for these purposes is mentioned in the following chapter.
1
Those who lead [the inhabitants of] a Jewish city astray are executed by stoning, even though they themselves did not worship a false deity, but [merely] proselytized to the inhabitants of their city until they worshiped it.
The inhabitants of the city that has been led astray (עיר הנדחת) are executed by decapitation if they worshiped a false deity or accepted it as a god.
What is the source that serves as a warning against proselytizing on behalf of a false deity? "Let not [the name of another deity] be heard through your mouth."
א
מדיחי עיר מישראל הרי אלו נסקלין אף על פי שלא עבדו עבודת כוכבים אלא הדיחו את יושבי עירם עד שעבדו אותה ואנשי העיר המודחין נהרגין בסייף והוא שעבדו עבודת כוכבים או שקבלוה עליהם באלוה ואזהרה למדיח מנין שנאמר לא ישמע על פיך:
2
A city is not condemned as an עיר הנדחת until two or more individuals attempt to lead its inhabitants astray, as [Deuteronomy 13:14] states: "Unfaithful people have emerged...." The people who lead them astray must be from that tribe and from that city, as [the verse continues]: "from your midst."
Those led astray must be the majority [of the city's inhabitants]. They must number from [at least] 100 to the majority of the tribe. If, however, the majority of the tribe is led astray, they are judged as individuals, as implied by [the phrase in the following verse]: "the inhabitants of the city;" neither a small village nor a large metropolis. If there are fewer than 100, it is considered a small village. If the majority of the tribe is involved, it is considered to be a large metropolis.
Similarly, the laws applying to an עיר הנדחת are not enforced if:
the people who led them astray were women or minors,
they were led astray by a single individual,
a minority of the city were led astray,
they turned to idols on their own initiative, or
if those who led them astray came from outside the city.
the people who led them astray were women or minors,
they were led astray by a single individual,
a minority of the city were led astray,
they turned to idols on their own initiative, or
if those who led them astray came from outside the city.
Instead, [the violators] are considered to be individuals who worshiped false deities. All those who worshiped are executed by stoning, and their estate is given to their heirs like all others executed by a court.
ב
אין העיר נעשית עיר הנדחת עד שיהיו מדיחיה מתוכה ומאותו השבט שנאמר מקרבך וידיחו את יושבי עירם ועד שיהיו מדיחיה שנים או יתר על שנים שנאמר יצאו אנשים בני בליעל וידיחו את יושבי עירם ועד שידיחו רובה ויהיו המודחין ממאה ועד רובו של שבט אבל אם הודח רובו של שבט דנין אותם כיחידים שנאמר יושבי העיר לא כפר קטן ולא כרך גדול וכל פחות ממאה כפר קטן ורובו של שבט כרך גדול וכן אם הדיחוה נשים או קטנים או שהדיחה יחיד או שהודחה מיעוטה או שהודחו מאליהן או שהיו מדיחיה מחוצה לה אין דנין בה דין עיר הנדחת אלא הרי הן כיחידים שעבדו עבודת כוכבים וסוקלין כל מי שעבר וממונן ליורשיהן כשאר הרוגי בית דין:
3
The laws of an עיר הנדחת are enforced only by a court of 71 judges, as [implied by Deuteronomy 17:5]: "And you shall take the man or woman who did that wicked thing to your gates." [This can be interpreted to mean:] Individuals are executed by the courts which are found at the gates [of every city]. A multitude are only executed by the supreme court.
ג
אין דנין עיר הנדחת אלא בבית דין של אחד ושבעים שנאמר והוצאת את האיש ההוא או את האשה ההיא אשר עשו את הדבר הרע הזה אל שעריך יחידים נהרגים בבית דין של כל שער ושער ואין המרובים נהרגין אלא בבית דין הגדול:
4
None of the cities of refuge can ever be condemned as an עיר הנדחת, as [implied by Deuteronomy 13:13]: "one of your cities." [Similarly,] Jerusalem can never be condemned as an עיר הנדחת, because it was not divided among the tribes.
A border city is never condemned as an עיר הנדחת, so that gentiles will not enter and destroy Eretz Yisrael. One court should not condemn three cities located next to each other as an עיר הנדחת. If [the cities] are separated from each other, they may condemn them.
ד
אין אחת מערי מקלט נעשית עיר הנדחת שנאמר באחד שעריך ולא ירושלים נעשית עיר הנדחת לפי שלא נתחלקה לשבטים ואין עושין עיר הנדחת בספר כדי שלא יכנסו עובדי כוכבים ויחריבו את ארץ ישראל ואין בית דין אחד עושה שלש עיירות הנדחות זו בצד זו אבל אם היו מרוחקות עושה:
5
[A city] is not condemned as an עיר הנדחת unless those who proselytize [the inhabitants] address them in the plural, telling them, "Let us go and worship," "Let us go and sacrifice," "Let us go and bring a burnt offering," "Let us go and offer a libation," "Let us go and bow down," or "Let us go and accept [the deity] as a god."
[The inhabitants] must listen and then worship [the deity] with its accepted mode of worship, or through one of the four modes of worship [mentioned in Chapter 3, Halachah 3], or accept it as a god.
What happens if all these conditions are not fulfilled with regard to a city or those who proselytize [its inhabitants]? Warnings are given to each person who worships false gods, and testimony [is delivered against them]. They are executed by stoning as individuals who worshiped false gods, and their estate is given to their heirs.
ה
אין עושין עיר הנדחת עד שידיחוה מדיחיה בלשון רבים ויאמרו להן נלך ונעבוד או נלך ונזבח או נלך ונקטיר או נלך וננסך או נלך ונשתחוה או נלך ונקבל באלוה והם שומעים ועבדו אותה דרך עבודתה או באחת מארבע עבודות או שקבלוה באלוה עיר הנדחת שלא נתקיימו בה ובמדיחיה כל התנאים האלו היאך עושים להם מתרין ומעידין בכל אחד ואחד מהן שעבד עבודת כוכבים וסוקלין אותם כיחידים שעבדו וממונם ליורשיהם:
6
What is the judgment rendered against an עיר הנדחת when all the criteria for that judgment have been met?
The supreme Sanhedrin sends [emissaries] who investigate and probe until they have established clear proof that the entire city - or the majority of its inhabitants - have turned to the worship of false gods.
Afterwards, they send two Torah sages to warn them and to motivate them to repentance. If they repent, it is good. If they continue their wicked ways, the court commands the entire Jewish people to take up arms against them. They lay siege to the city and wage war against it until the city falls.
When the city falls, very many courts are set up, and [the inhabitants] are judged. All those people against whom two witnesses testify that they worshiped a false deity after receiving a warning are separated. If those who worshiped [the false deity] constitute only a minority [of the city's inhabitants], they are stoned to death, but the rest of the city is saved. If they constitute a majority, they are brought to the supreme Sanhedrin and their judgment is concluded there. All those who worshiped [the false deity] are executed by decapitation.
If the entire city was led astray, all of the inhabitants including the women and the children are slain by the sword. If a majority of the inhabitants were led astray, the transgressors' wives and children are slain by the sword. Whether the entire city or only a majority of its inhabitants were led astray, those who proselytized [on behalf of the false deity] are stoned to death.
All the property within it is collected within its main street. If it does not have a main street, a main street is made for it. If its main street is located outside its confines, its wall is extended until its [main street] is included within its confines, as [implied by Deuteronomy 13:17]: "[Gather all its goods] in the midst of its main street."
All live animals that are contained within are slain. All its property and the city [as a whole] are burned with fire. Burning them fulfills a positive commandment, as [the verse continues]: "Burn the city and all its goods entirely."
ו
והיאך דין עיר הנדחת בזמן שתהיה ראויה להעשות עיר הנדחת בית דין הגדול שולחין ודורשין וחוקרין עד שידעו בראיה ברורה שהודחה כל העיר או רובה וחזרו לעבודת כוכבים אח"כ שולחים להם שני תלמידי חכמים להזהירם ולהחזירם אם חזרו ועשו תשובה מוטב ואם יעמדו באולתן בית דין מצוין לכל ישראל לעלות עליהן לצבא והן צרין עליהם ועורכין עמהן מלחמה עד שתבקע העיר כשתבקע מיד מרבין להם בתי דינין ודנים אותם כל מי שבאו עליו שני עדים שעבד כוכבים אחר שהתרו אותו מפרישין אותו נמצאו כל העובדים מיעוטה סוקלין אותן ושאר העיר ניצול נמצאו רובה מעלין אותן לבית דין הגדול וגומרין שם דינם והורגין כל אלו שעבדו בסייף ומכין את כל נפש אדם אשר בה לפי חרב טף ונשים אם הודחה כולה ואם נמצאו העובדים רובה מכים את כל הטף ונשים של עובדים לפי חרב ובין שהודחה כולה בין שהודחה רובה סוקלין את מדיחיה ומקבצין כל שללה אל תוך רחובה אין לה רחוב עושין לה רחוב היה רחובה חוצה לה בונין חומה חוץ ממנו עד שיכנס לתוכה שנאמר אל תוך רחובה והורגין כל נפש חיה אשר בה ושורפין את כל שללה עם המדינה באש ושריפתה מצות עשה שנאמר ושרפת באש את כל העיר ואת כל שללה:
7
The property of the righteous men - i.e., the remainder of the city's inhabitants who were not led astray with the majority - that is located within the city should be burned together with all its property. Since they resided there, their fortunes are destroyed.
Whoever derives even the slightest benefit from [the city's property] receives a single measure of lashes, as [Deuteronomy 13:18] states: "Let nothing that has been condemned remain in your possession."
ז
נכסי הצדיקים שבתוכה והם שאר יושבי העיר שלא הודחו עם רובה נשרפין בכלל שללה הואיל וישבו שם ממונן אבד וכל הנהנה ממנה בכל שהוא לוקה אחת שנאמר ולא ידבק בידך מאומה מן החרם:
8
[The following rules apply when] the witnesses who testified against an עיר הנדחת were disqualified as zomemim: Whoever takes possession of any property is considered to have acquired it and may derive benefit from it, since the [incriminating testimony - and thus, the judgment based upon it -] has been nullified.
Why do they acquire it? Because each of the city's inhabitants gave up ownership of his property after the judgment was rendered.
[An עיר הנדחת] may never be rebuilt, and a person who rebuilds it is [liable for] lashes, as [Deuteronomy 13:17] states: "...never to be rebuilt." It is permitted to use it for gardens and orchards. "Never to be rebuilt" implies only that it should not be rebuilt as a city, as it was previously.
ח
ועיר הנדחת שהוזמו עדיה כל המחזיק בנכסיה זכה ומותר ליהנות בו שהרי הוזמו ולמה זכה בה שכל אחד ואחד כבר הפקיר ממונו משעה שנגמר דינו ואינה נבנית לעולם וכל הבונה אותה לוקה שנאמר לא תבנה עוד ומותר לעשותה גנות ופרדסים שנאמר לא תבנה עוד לא תבנה מדינה כמו שהיתה:
9
[The following laws apply to] a caravan which journeys from one place to another, passes through an עיר הנדחת, and is led astray with it: If they had remained [in the city] thirty days, they are executed by decapitation and their property is condemned. If they were there for a lesser period, they are executed by stoning, but their property is given to their heirs.
ט
שיירא העוברת ממקום למקום אם עברה בעיר הנדחת והודחה עמה אם שהתה שם שלשים יום נהרגין בסייף וממונם אבד ואם לאו הן בסקילה וממונם ליורשיהן:
10
Property belonging to people of other cities which is kept within [an עיר הנדחת] is not burned, but rather is returned to its owners. [This applies] even when [the inhabitants of the עיר הנדחת] accepted responsibility for it, as implied by [Deuteronomy 13:17]: "its goods" - i.e., its goods, and not those belonging to others.
[The following rules apply to] property belonging to the wicked - i.e., those who were swayed [to idol worship] - which was kept in other cities. If [that property] was gathered together with the property of the עיר הנדחת, they are burned together. If not, it is not destroyed, but rather is given to the heirs.
י
נכסי אנשי מדינה אחרת שהיו מופקדין בתוכה אע"פ שקבלו עליהן אחריות אין נשרפין אלא יחזרו לבעליהן שנאמר שללה ולא שלל חבירתה נכסי הרשעים שהודחו שהיו מופקדין במדינה אחרת אם נקבצו עמה נשרפין בכללה ואם לאו אין מאבדים אותם אלא ינתנו ליורשיהם:
11
If an animal which partially belongs to [an inhabitant of] an עיר הנדחת and partially belongs to [a person living in] another city is found within [the עיר הנדחת], it must be destroyed. [In contrast,] a loaf of bread which is owned by such [partners] is permitted, because it can be divided.
יא
בהמה חציה של עיר הנדחת וחציה של עיר אחרת שהיתה בתוכה הרי זו אסורה ועיסה שהיא כן מותרת לפי שאפשר לחלקה:
12
It is forbidden to benefit from an animal which belongs to [an inhabitant of] an עיר הנדחת and which was slaughtered, just as it is forbidden to derive benefit from an ox which was condemned to be stoned and was slaughtered.
We are permitted to benefit from the hair of both men and women of [the condemned city]. A wig, however, is considered part of "its goods," and is therefore forbidden.
יב
בהמה של עיר הנדחת שנשחטה אסורה בהנאה כשור הנסקל שנשחט שער הראש בין של אנשים בין של נשים שבה מותר בהנאה אבל של פאה נכרית הרי הוא מכלל שללה ואסור:
13
Produce which is connected [to its source of nurture] is permitted, as [implied by Deuteronomy 13:17]: "Gather [all its goods...] Burn..." - i.e., this includes only those articles which must merely be gathered and burned, and thus excludes produce which is still connected [to its source of nurture], and would have to be severed and gathered in order to be burned.
The same principle applies to [the inhabitants'] hair. Needless to say, the trees themselves are permitted and are bequeathed to the heirs.
[The following rules apply to] the consecrated property within it: Those animals which were consecrated to be sacrificed on the altar themselves must die, since "the sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination" [Proverbs 21:27]. Property which is consecrated for the purposes of the Temple must be redeemed, and afterwards is burned, [as implied by the word] "its goods" - its goods and not those which are consecrated.
יג
פירות המחוברין שבתוכה מותרין שנאמר תקבוץ ושרפת מי שאינו מחוסר אלא קבוץ ושריפה יצאו פירות המחוברין שהן מחוסרין תלישה וקבוץ ושריפה והוא הדין לשער הראש ואין צריך לומר האילנות עצמן שהן מותרים והרי הן של יורשיהם ההקדשות שבתוכה קדשי מזבח ימותו זבח רשעים תועבה קדשי בדק הבית יפדו ואח"כ שורפין אותן שנאמר שללה ולא שלל שמים:
14
[The following rules apply to] firstborn animals and the animal tithes that are found within [the עיר הנדחת]: Those that are unblemished are considered to be animals consecrated to be sacrificed on the altar and must die. Those that are blemished are considered to be "its animals," and are slain [with them].
[The following rules apply to] terumah which is contained within the city: If it has already been given to a priest, it should be allowed to rot, because it is considered his private property. If it is still in the possession of an Israelite, it should be given to a priest in another city, because it is considered to be "the property of heaven," and its consecrated nature extends to its actual substance.
יד
הבכור והמעשר שבתוכה תמימים הרי הן קדשי מזבח וימותו ובעלי מומים הרי הן בכלל בהמתה ונהרגין התרומות שבתוכה אם הגיעו ליד כהן ירקבו מפני שהם נכסיו ואם עדיין הן ביד ישראל ינתנו לכהן של מדינה אחרת מפני שהן נכסי שמים וקדושתן קדושת הגוף:
15
The second tithe, money used to redeem the second tithe, and sacred writings in it must be entombed.
טו
מעשר שני וכסף מעשר שני וכתבי הקודש שבתוכה הרי אלו יגנזו:
16
Anyone who administers the judgment of an עיר הנדחת is considered as if he offered a burnt offering consumed entirely by fire, as [Deuteronomy 13:17] states: "...entirely for the sake of God, your Lord." Furthermore, such action diverts [Divine] wrath from the Jews, as [the following verse continues]: "so that God's fierce anger will be allayed," and it brings them blessing and mercy [as the verse] states: "And He will grant you mercy. He will deal mercifully with you and will make you flourish."
טזט
כל העושה דין בעיר הנדחת הרי זה כמקריב עולה כליל שנאמר כליל לה' אלהיך ולא עוד אלא שמסלק חרון אף מישראל שנאמר למען ישוב ה' מחרון אפו ומביא עליהם ברכה ורחמים שנאמר ונתן לך רחמים ורחמך והרבך:
Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Five
Translator's Introduction
This chapter also deals with a number of mitzvot that share a common theme and are derived from a single Biblical passage. Deuteronomy 13:2-12 relates:
[This is what you must do] when a prophet... arises and presents you with a sign or miracle... and says to you, "Let us follow after other gods whom you do not know and worship them." Do not listen to the words of that prophet.... That prophet... shall die, because he spoke rebelliously against God, your Lord....
[This is what you must do] if your brother..., your son, your daughter, your bosom wife, or your closest friend secretly proselytizes among you, and says, "Let us go and worship other gods whom neither you or your ancestors know."... Do not be attracted to him or listen to him. Do not let your eyes pity him. Do not show him any compassion. Do not try to cover up for him. Rather, you must surely put him to death. Your hand must be the first against him to kill him.... Stone him to death... because he tried to sway you away from God, your Lord.... And all Israel will hear and they will become afraid and they will not continue to do such evil things.
[This is what you must do] if your brother..., your son, your daughter, your bosom wife, or your closest friend secretly proselytizes among you, and says, "Let us go and worship other gods whom neither you or your ancestors know."... Do not be attracted to him or listen to him. Do not let your eyes pity him. Do not show him any compassion. Do not try to cover up for him. Rather, you must surely put him to death. Your hand must be the first against him to kill him.... Stone him to death... because he tried to sway you away from God, your Lord.... And all Israel will hear and they will become afraid and they will not continue to do such evil things.
In Sefer HaMitzvot, the Rambam cites six mitzvot which are derived from this passage:
Negative Commandment 16: Not to persuade a single individual to worship [a false deity];
Negative Commandment 17: Not to love a mesit (one who proselytizes on behalf of a false deity);
Negative Commandment 18: Not to reduce one's hatred for him;
Negative Commandment 19: Not to save his life;
Negative Commandment 20: Not to advance any arguments on his behalf;
Negative Commandment 21: Not to withhold information that will lead to his conviction;
Negative Commandment 16: Not to persuade a single individual to worship [a false deity];
Negative Commandment 17: Not to love a mesit (one who proselytizes on behalf of a false deity);
Negative Commandment 18: Not to reduce one's hatred for him;
Negative Commandment 19: Not to save his life;
Negative Commandment 20: Not to advance any arguments on his behalf;
Negative Commandment 21: Not to withhold information that will lead to his conviction;
1
A person who proselytizes [a mesit] to any single Jew [a musat] - whether man or woman - on behalf of false deities should be stoned to death. [This applies] even if neither the mesitor the musat actually worshiped the false deity.
As long as he instructed him to worship [the false deity], he should be executed by stoning, regardless of whether the mesit was a prophet or an ordinary person, or whether the musat was a single individual - man or woman - or whether several people were proselytized.
א
המסית אחד מישראל בין איש בין אשה הרי זה נסקל אף על פי שלא עבד המסית ולא המוסת עבודת כוכבים אלא מפני שהורהו לעבוד בין שהיה המסית הדיוט בין שהיה נביא בין שהיה המוסת יחיד איש או אשה או יחידים מיתתו בסקילה:
2
A person who proselytizes the majority of the inhabitants of a city is called a madiach rather than a mesit. If the person who leads the majority of a city astray is a prophet, he is executed by stoning, and the people who were led astray are judged as individuals, and are not considered to be inhabitants of an עיר הנדחת. [For the latter laws to be applied,] two people must proselytize them.
If a person says: "A false deity told me: 'Serve me,'" or "The Holy One, blessed be He, told me: 'Serve a false deity'" - he is considered a prophet who leads others astray. If the majority of the city's inhabitants are swayed by his words, he should be stoned to death.
A mesit should be stoned to death whether he proselytizes in plural terms or in singular. What is implied? He is considered a mesit if he tells a colleague, "I will worship a false deity. [Follow me.] I will go and worship..." or "Let us go and worship following the particular rite with which that deity is served," "I will slaughter. [Follow me.] I will go and slaughter..." or "Let us go and slaughter," "I will bring a burnt offering. [Follow me.] I will go and bring a burnt offering..." or "Let us go and bring a burnt offering," "I will offer a libation. [Follow me.] I will go and offer a libation..." or "Let us go and offer a libation," or "I will bow down. [Follow me.] I will go and bow down..." or "Let us go and bow down."
When a person proselytizes two individuals, they may serve as witnesses against him. They should summon him to court and testify against him, relating what he told them, and the mesit is stoned.
ב
המסית את רוב אנשי העיר הרי זה מדיח ואינו נקרא מסית היה זה שהדיח רוב העיר נביא מיתתו בסקילה והנדחים הרי הן כיחידים ואינם כאנשי עיר הנדחת עד שיהיו המדיחים שנים ואחד האומר אמרה לי עבודת כוכבים עבדוה או שאמר אמר לי הקב"ה עבדו עבודת כוכבים הרי זה נביא שהדיח ואם הודחו אחריו רוב העיר נסקל המסית שהסית בין בלשון רבים בין בלשון יחיד הרי זה נסקל כיצד האומר לחבירו אעבוד כוכבים אלך ואעבוד נלך ונעבוד בעבודה פלונית שדרך אותה עבודת כוכבים להעבד בה אזבח אלך ואזבח נלך ונזבח אקטר אלך ואקטר נלך ונקטר אנסך אלך ואנסך נלך וננסך אשתחוה אלך ואשתחוה נלך ונשתחוה הרי זה מסית הסית לשנים הרי הן עדיו והן מביאין אותו לבית דין ומעידין עליו שכך אמר להן וסוקלין אותו:
3
A mesit does not need a warning.
If one proselytizes a single individual, the latter should tell him, "I have friends who would also be interested in this," and thus he should lure him into proselytizing before two people, so that the mesit can be executed.
If the mesit refuses to proselytize before two people, it is a mitzvah to set a trap for him. A trap is never set for a person who violates any of the Torah's other prohibitions. This is the only exception.
How is the trap set for him? The musat should bring two people and place them in a dark place where they can see the mesit and hear what he is saying without his seeing them. He tells the mesit: "Repeat what you told me privately."
[When] he does so, the musat should reply: "How can we forsake our God in heaven and serve wood and stone?" If [the mesit] retracts or remains silent, he is not held liable. If he tells him, "This is our obligation and this is beneficial to us," those who stand far off have him summoned to court and stoned.
ג
ואין המסיח צריך התראה אמר לאחד הוא אומר יש לי חברים רוצים בכך ומערים עליו עד שיסית בפני שנים כדי להרגו אם לא רצה המסית להסית לשנים מצוה להכמין לו כל חייבי מיתות שבתורה אין מכמינין עליהן חוץ מזה כיצד מכמינין לו המוסת מביא שנים ומעמידן במקום אפל כדי שיראו המסית וישמעו דבריו ולא יראה אותם והוא אומר למסית אמור מה שאמרת לי ביחוד והוא אומר לו והמוסת משיבו היאך נניח את אלהינו שבשמים ונלך ונעבוד את העצים ואת האבנים אם חזר בו או שתק פטור ואם אמר לו כך היא חובתנו וכך יפה לנו העומדים שם ברחוק מביאין אותו לבית דין וסוקלים אותו:
4
It is a mitzvah for the musat to kill [the mesit], as [Deuteronomy 13:10] states: "Your hand must be the first against him to kill him."
It is forbidden for the musat to love the mesit, as [the previous verse states]: "Do not be attracted to him." Since [Exodus 23:5] states with regard to an enemy: "You must surely help him," [the question arises:] Perhaps you should help a mesit? The Torah [Deuteronomy, ibid.] teaches, "Do not... listen to him."
Since [Leviticus 19:16] teaches: "Do not stand idly over your brother's blood," [the question arises:] Perhaps you should not stand idly over a mesit's blood? The Torah teaches, [Deuteronomy, ibid.] "Do not let your eyes pity him."
The musat is forbidden to advance any arguments on his behalf, as [the verse continues,] "Do not show him any compassion." If he knows incriminating evidence, he is not permitted to remain silent, as [the verse continues,] "Do not try to cover up for him."
What is the verse which serves as a warning against a common person proselytizing as a mesit? "And all Israel will hear and they will become afraid [and they will not continue to do such evil things]" (Deuteronomy 13:12).
ד
מצוה ביד המוסת להורגו שנאמר ידך תהיה בו בראשונה להמיתו וגו' ואסור למוסת לאהוב את המסית שנאמר לא תאבה לו ולפי שנאמר בשונא עזוב תעזוב עמו יכול אתה עוזב לזה תלמוד לומר ולא תשמע אליו ולפי שנאמר ולא תעמוד על דם רעך יכול אי אתה עומד על דמו של זה תלמוד לומר ולא תחוס עינך ואסור למוסת ללמד עליו זכות שנאמר ולא תחמול ואם ידע לו חובה אינו רשאי לשתוק ממנה שנאמר ולא תכסה עליו ואזהרה להדיוט המסית מנין שנאמר וכל ישראל ישמעו וייראו:
5
[The following rules apply to] a person who proselytizes others by telling them to worship him: Should he tell them: "Worship me," and they worship him, he should be stoned. If they did not worship him, even though they accepted and agreed to his statements, he is not liable for stoning.
In contrast, if he proselytizes by telling them to worship another man or another false deity, [different rules apply:] If they accept his statements and say, "We will go and worship," even if they have not actually worshiped, both of them - the mesit and the musat - should be stoned. [Deuteronomy 13:9] states: "Do not be attracted to him or listen to him." Thus, if one was attracted and listened, one is held liable.
ה
המסית אחרים לעבדו ואמר להם עבדוני אם עבדוהו נסקל ואם לא עבדוהו אע"פ שקיבלו ממנו ואמרו הן אינו נסקל אבל אם הסית לעבודת איש אחר או לשאר מיני עבודת כוכבים אם קבל ממנו ואמר הן נלך ונעבוד אף על פי שעדין לא עבד שניהן נסקלין המסית והמוסת שנאמר לא תאבה לו ולא תשמע אליו הא אם שמע ואבה חייב:
6
What is meant by [the expression,] a prophet who prophesies in the name of false gods? A person who says: "This false deity or this star told me that we are commanded to do such and such or to refrain from doing so." [This applies] even when he stated the law accurately, labeling the impure as impure and the pure as pure.
If a warning was given to him [beforehand], he is executed by strangulation, as [Deuteronomy 18:20] states: "And one who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die." The warning against this [transgression] is included in the statement, [Exodus 23:13:] "And you shall not mention the name of other gods."
ו
נביא המתנבא בשם עבודת כוכבים כיצד זה האומר אמרה לי עבודת כוכבים פלונית או כוכב פלוני שמצוה לעשות כך וכך או שלא לעשות אפילו כיון את ההלכה לטמא את הטמא ולטהר את הטהור אם התרו בו בפני שנים הרי זה נחנק שנאמר ואשר ידבר בשם אלהים אחרים ומת הנביא ההוא ואזהרה שלו מכלל שנאמר ושם אלהים אחרים לא תזכירו:
7
It is forbidden to enter into a discussion or a debate with one who prophesies in the name of a false deity. We may not ask him to perform a sign or wonder, and if he does so on his own accord, we should pay no attention to it nor think about it.Whoever contemplates about the wonders [he performed, thinking], "Perhaps they are true," violates a negative commandment, as [Deuteronomy 13:4] states: "Do not listen to the words of that prophet."
Similarly, a false prophet should be executed by strangulation. [He is to be executed] although he speaks in the name of God and neither adds to nor diminishes [the mitzvot], as [Deuteronomy 18:20] states: "However, the prophet who dares to speak a matter in My name which I did not command - that prophet shall die."
ז
ואסור לערוך דין ותשובה עם המתנבא בשם עבודת כוכבים ואין שואלין ממנו אות ומופת ואם עשה מעצמו אין משגיחין עליו ואין מהרהרין בו וכל המחשב באותות שלו שמא אמת הן עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תשמע אל דברי הנביא ההוא וכן נביא השקר מיתתו בחנק אף על פי שנתנבא בשם ה' ולא הוסיף ולא גרע שנאמר אך הנביא אשר יזיד לדבר דבר בשמי את אשר לא צויתי ומת הנביא ההוא:
8
[The category of] a false prophet includes:
a) one who "prophesies" regarding something that was never heard through prophetic vision;
b) one who "prophesies" about a subject which he heard from another prophet, saying that this prophecy was given to him.
a) one who "prophesies" regarding something that was never heard through prophetic vision;
b) one who "prophesies" about a subject which he heard from another prophet, saying that this prophecy was given to him.
[Both of these individuals] are to be executed by strangulation.
ח
אחד המתנבא מה שלא שמע במראה הנבואה או מי ששמע דברי נביא חבירו ואמר שדבר זה לו נאמר והוא נתנבא בו הרי זה נביא שקר ומיתתו בחנק:
9
Anyone who refrains from executing a false prophet because of the latter's [spiritual] level, [as expressed by] his adherence to the paths of prophecy, violates a negative commandment, as [Deuteronomy 18:22] states: "Do not fear him." Similarly, included within [the scope of the prohibition:] "Do not fear him" are one who withholds incriminating testimony against [a false prophet] and one who is afraid or in awe of his words.
A false prophet may be tried only by the [supreme] court of 71 judges.
ט
כל המונע עצמו מהריגת נביא השקר מפני מעלתו שהרי הולך בדרכי הנבואה הרי זה עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תגור ממנו וכן המונע עצמו מללמד עליו חובה או הפוחד וירא מדבריו הרי הוא בכלל לא תגור ממנו ואין דנין נביא השקר אלא בבית דין של שבעים ואחד:
10
A person who makes a vow or takes an oath in the name of a false deity is [liable for] lashes, as [Exodus 23:13] states: "And you shall not mention the name of other gods."
[This applies] both to one who takes such an oath for his own reasons and to one who takes such an oath because of a gentile. It is forbidden to have a gentile take an oath on his deity. It is even forbidden to mention the name of a gentile deity without any connection to an oath, as [implied by the expression], "You shall not mention."
י
הנודר בשם עבודת כוכבים והנשבע בה לוקה שנאמר ושם אלהים אחרים לא תזכירו אחד הנשבע בה לעצמו ואחד הנשבע בה לעבודת כוכבים ואסור להשביע העובד כוכבים ביראתו אפילו להזכיר שם עבודת כוכבים שלא דרך שבועה אסור שנאמר לא תזכירו:
11
A person should not tell a colleague: "Wait for me near a particular false deity," or the like.
It is permitted to mention the name of any false deity that is mentioned in the Bible - e.g., Peor, Ba'al, Nevo, Gad, and the like. It is forbidden to cause others to take oaths or vows in the name of false deities. [In regard to all these prohibitions,] the only [transgressor] liable for lashes is one who [himself] makes a vow or an oath in the name [of a false deity].
יא
לא יאמר אדם לחבירו שמור לי בצד עבודת כוכבים פלונית וכיוצא בה וכל עבודת כוכבים הכתובה בכתבי הקדש מותר להזכיר שמה כגון פעור ובל ונבו וגד וכיוצא בהן ואסור לגרום לאחרים שידרו ושיקיימו בשם עבודת כוכבים ואינו לוקה אלא הנודר בשמה והמקיים בשמה והוא הנשבע בשמה:
Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Six
1
Anyone who willingly, as a conscious act of defiance, performs the deeds associated with an ov or a yid'oni is liable for karet. If witnesses were present and warned him, he should be stoned to death. If he performed these actions inadvertently, he must bring a fixed sin offering.
What do the deeds associated with an ov involve? A person stands up and offers an incense offering of known content. He holds a wand of myrtle in his hand and waves it while whispering a known incantation in a hushed tone. [This continues] until the person making the inquiry hears a voice, as if another person is speaking to him and replying to his questions. It appears as if the words are coming from below the earth in a very low tone, to the extent that it cannot be perceived by the ear, but only sensed by thought.
Similarly, among the deeds associated with an ov is taking the skull of a corpse, offering incense, and chanting incantations until one hears a voice in a very low tone emanating from his armpits and replying [to his questions]. Anyone who performs one of these acts should be stoned to death.
א
העושה אוב או ידעוני ברצונו בזדון חייב כרת ואם היו שם עדים והתראה נסקל היה שוגג מביא חטאת קבועה כיצד הוא מעשה האוב זה שהוא עומד ומקטיר קטרת ידועה ואוחז שרביט של הדס בידו ומניפו והוא מדבר בלאט בדברים ידועים אצלם עד שישמע השואל כאלו אחד מדבר עמו ומשיבו על מה שהוא שואל בדברים מתחת הארץ בקול נמוך עד מאד וכאלו אינו ניכר לאוזן אלא במחשבה מרגיש בו וכן הלוקח גולגולת המת ומקטיר לה ומנחש בה עד שישמע כאילו קול יוצא מתחת שחיו שפל עד מאד ומשיבו כל אלו מעשה אוב הן והעושה אחד מהן נסקל:
2
What do the deeds associated with a yid'oni involve? A person places a bone from a bird whose name is yidua in his mouth, offers incense, and performs other deeds until he falls into a trance, [losing self-control] like an epileptic, and relates events which will occur in the future.
All of these are types of idol worship. What is the source for the warning against them? [Leviticus 19:31]: "Do not turn to the ovot or the yid'onim."
ב
כיצד מעשה הידעוני מניח עצם עוף ששמו ידוע בפיו ומקטיר ועושה מעשים אחרים עד שיפול כנכפה וידבר בפיו דברים שעתידים להיות וכל אלו מיני עבודת כוכבים הן ואזהרה שלהן מנין שנאמר אל תפנו אל האובות וגו':
3
Anyone who willingly, as a conscious act of defiance, gives of his progeny to Molech is liable for karet. If he did so inadvertently, he must bring a fixed sin offering. If witnesses were present and warned him, he should be stoned to death, as [Leviticus 20:2] states: "Whoever gives of his progeny to Molechwill surely die. The people will stone him."
Which verse serves as a warning for this [prohibition]? "Do not give of your progeny to Molech" [Leviticus 18:20]. Also, further on [Deuteronomy 18:10] states: "There shall not be found among you one who passes his son or daughter through fire."
What was done? A person would kindle a great fire and then take some of his progeny and give them to the priests who serve the fire. After the child was given to them, the priests return the son to his father to pass him through the fire at his will. The father of the child is the one who passes his child through the fire with the priests' permission. He passes him through the fire from one side to the other [while carrying him, the father walking on] his feet in the midst of the flames.
Thus, [the father] does not cremate his son to Molech, as sons and daughters are cremated in the worship of other deities. Rather, this form of worship called Molech involved merely passing [the child through the fire]. Therefore, if one performed this service to a deity other than Molech, one is not liable.
ג
הנותן מזרעו למולך ברצונו ובזדון חייב כרת בשוגג מביא חטאת קבועה ואם עשה בעדים והתראה נסקל שנאמר אשר יתן מזרעו למולך מות יומת וגו' ואזהרה שלו מנין שנאמר ומזרעך לא תתן להעביר למולך ולהלן הוא אומר לא ימצא בך מעביר בנו ובתו באש כיצד היו עושים מדליק אש גדולה ולוקח מקצת זרעו ומוסרו לכהניהם עובדי האש ואותן הכהנים נותנין הבן לאביו אחר שנמסר בידן להעבירו באש ברשותו ואבי הבן הוא שמעביר בנו על האש ברשות הכהנים ומעבירו ברגליו מצד זה לצד אחר בתוך השלהבת לא שהוא שורפו למולך כדרך ששורפין בניהם ובנותיהם לעבודת כוכבים אחרת אלא בהעברה בלבד היתה עבודה זו ששמה מולך לפיכך העושה עבודה זו לעבודת כוכבים אחרת חוץ ממולך פטור:
4
One is not liable for karet or stoning until one gives over his son to Molech, passing him through the fire as he carries him. If he gives him over, but does not pass him through the flames, or passes him through the flames without giving him over, or gives him over and passes him through the flames, but does not carry him, he is not held liable.
He is not held liable until he gives over some of his progeny and leaves some of his progeny, as [implied by Leviticus 20:3]: "For he gave of his progeny to Molech" - i.e., some [of his progeny] and not his entire [progeny].
ד
אינו חייב כרת או סקילה עד שימסור בנו למולך ויעבירו ברגליו באש דרך העברה מסר ולא העביר העביר ולא מסר או שמסר והעביר שלא בדרך העברה פטור ואינו חייב עד שימסור מקצת זרעו ויניח מקצת שנאמר כי מזרעו נתן למולך מקצתו ולא כולו:
5
[The prohibition against giving one's progeny to Molechincludes:] both progeny of legitimate pedigree and illegitimate pedigree, sons and daughters, children and grandchildren. One is liable for giving over any of one's descendants, because they are all included in the term "progeny."
In contrast, if one passed one's brothers, sisters, or ancestors [through the fire] or if one caused oneself to be passed through the fires, one is not held liable. A person who passes one of his progeny [through the fire] while he is sleeping or blind is not liable.
ה
אחד זרע כשר ואחד זרע פסול אחד בניו ובנותיו בניהם ובני בניהם על כל יוצאי ירכו הוא חייב מפני שהן זרעו אבל אם העביר אחיו או אחיותיו או אבותיו או שהעביר עצמו פטור העביר אחד מזרעו והוא ישן או שהיה סומא פטור:
6
A monument which the Torah has forbidden is a structure around which people gather. [This prohibition applies] even [when it was constructed] for the service of God, because this is a pagan practice, as [Deuteronomy 16:22] states: "Do not erect a monument which God hates." Whoever erects a monument is [liable for] lashes.
Similarly, [a person who bows down on] the kneeling stone mentioned in the Torah receives lashes - even if he prostrates oneself upon it to God - as [Leviticus 26:1] states: "Do not place a kneeling stone in your land to prostrate yourself upon it." The pagans would customarily place a stone before a false deity so that they could prostrate themselves upon it. Therefore, this practice is not followed in the worship of God.
A person is not [liable for] lashes until he spreads out his hands and feet on the stone, thus prostrating himself on it entirely. This is what the Torah means by bowing.
ו
מצבה שאסרה תורה היא בנין שהכל מתקבצין אצלה ואפילו לעבוד את ה' שכן היה דרך עובדי כוכבים שנאמר ולא תקים לך מצבה וכל המקים מצבה לוקה וכן אבן משכית האמורה בתורה אע"פ שהוא משתחוה עליה לשם לוקה שנאמר ואבן משכית לא תתנו בארצכם להשתחות עליה מפני שהיה דרך עובדי כוכבים להניח אבן לפניה להשתחות עליה לפיכך אין עושין כן לה' ואינו לוקה עד שיפשוט ידיו ורגליו על האבן ונמצא כולו מוטל עליה שזו היא השתחויה האמורה בתורה:
7
Where does the [prohibition mentioned above] apply? Every place outside the Temple. In the Temple, however, it is permitted to bow dow to God on stone.
This concept is derived as follows: [Leviticus, ibid.] states: "Do not place... in your land." "In your land," it is forbidden to prostrate oneself on stones. You may, however, prostrate yourself on hewn stones in the Temple.
For this reason, it is a universally accepted custom among the Jewish people to place mats, straw, or hay in synagogues that are paved with stones, to separate between their faces and the stones. If it is impossible to find anything to separate between them and the stones, the person should go to another place to prostrate himself, or lie on his side, so that he will not press his face to the stone.
ז
במה דברים אמורים בשאר (הארצות) אבל במקדש מותר להשתחות על האבנים שנאמר בארצכם בארצכם אי אתם משתחוים על האבנים אבל אתם משתחוים על האבנים המפוצלות במקדש ומפני זה נהגו כל ישראל להציע מחצלאות בבתי כנסיות הרצופות באבנים או מיני קש ותבן להבדיל בין פניהם ובין האבנים ואם לא מצא דבר מבדיל בינו ובין האבן הולך למקום אחר ומשתחוה או שוחה על צדו ומטה כדי שלא ידביק פניו באבן:
8
A person who prostrates himself to God upon paved stones without spreading out his hands and feet is not [liable for] lashes. He is, however, punished by "blows for rebelliousness." In contrast, one who prostrates himself to a false deity should be stoned to death, whether or not he spreads out his hands and feet. As soon as he buries his face in the ground [he is liable].
ח
כל המשתחוה לה' על האבנים המפוצלות בלא פישוט ידים ורגלים אינו לוקה אלא מכין אותו מכת מרדות אבל לעבודת כוכבים אחד השתחויה בפישוט ידים ורגלים או בלא פישוט ידים ורגלים משעה שיכבוש פניו בקרקע נסקל:
9
A person who plants a tree near the altar or anywhere in the Temple courtyard - regardless of whether it is a fruit-bearing tree or not - is [liable for] lashes, as [Deuteronomy 16:21] states: "Do not plant an asherah or any other tree near the altar of God, your Lord." [This prohibition applies] even when he did so to beautify the Temple and make it more attractive.
[The reason for this prohibition is] that this was a pagan practice. They would plant trees near their altars so that people would gather there.
ט
הנוטע אילן אצל המזבח או בכל העזרה בין אילן סרק בין אילן מאכל אף על פי שעשאו לנוי למקדש ויופי לו הרי זה לוקה שנאמר לא תטע לך אשרה כל עץ אצל מזבח ה' אלהיך מפני שהיה זה דרך עובדי כוכבים נוטעין אילנות בצד מזבח שלה כדי שיתקבצו שם העם:
10
It is forbidden to construct a porch made of wood in the Temple as one would do in one's courtyard. Even though [the wood would be affixed] within the structure and not planted within the ground. This is an extra restriction, as [implied by the words:] "any other tree" [in the verse cited above]. Instead, all the porches and structures which protruded from the walls within the sanctuary were of stone and not of wood.
י
אסור לעשות אכסדראות של עץ במקדש כדרך שעושין בחצרות אע"פ שהוא בבנין ואינו עץ נטוע הרחקה יתירה היא שנאמר כל עץ אלא כל האכסדראות והסבכות היוצאות מן הכותלים שהיו במקדש של אבן היו לא של עץ:
• Shabbat, 4 Cheshvan, 5777 · 5 November 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Tuesday, Cheshvan 4, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Lech L'cha, Shlishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 23-28.
Tanya: XXVI. In R'aya (p. 549) ...R'aya Mehemna. (p. 551).
Torah-study every day is crucial to life itself. This applies not only to the soul of the one studying but also to the souls of his family. For then (through Torah-study), the atmosphere of the home becomes an atmosphere of Torah and piety.
• Daily Thought:
The Ark
There is a raging storm at sea. There are hellish waves that crash and pound at the shore, carrying all away, leaving desolation behind.
The sea is the world of making a living. The waves are the stress and anxiety of indecision, not knowing which way to turn, on what to rely. Up and down, hot and cold—constantly churning back and forth.
Do as Noah did, and build an ark. “An ark” in Hebrew is teivah—which means also “a word.” Your ark shall be the words of meditation and of prayer. Enter into your ark, and let the waters lift you up, rather than drown you with everything else.
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