Torah Reading
Vayeitzei: Genesis 28:10 Ya‘akov went out from Be’er-Sheva and traveled toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and stayed the night there, because the sun had set. He took a stone from the place, put it under his head and lay down there to sleep. 12 He dreamt that there before him was a ladder resting on the ground with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of Adonai were going up and down on it. 13 Then suddenly Adonai was standing there next to him; and he said, “I am Adonai, the God of Avraham your [grand]father and the God of Yitz’chak. The land on which you are lying I will give to you and to your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth. You will expand to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. By you and your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15 Look, I am with you. I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back into this land, because I won’t leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
16 Ya‘akov awoke from his sleep and said, “Truly, Adonai is in this place — and I didn’t know it!” 17 Then he became afraid and said, “This place is fearsome! This has to be the house of God! This is the gate of heaven!” 18 Ya‘akov got up early in the morning, took the stone he had put under his head, set it up as a standing-stone, poured olive oil on its top 19 and named the place Beit-El [house of God]; but the town had originally been called Luz.
20 Ya‘akov took this vow: “If God will be with me and will guard me on this road that I am traveling, giving me bread to eat and clothes to wear, 21 so that I return to my father’s house in peace, then Adonai will be my God; 22 and this stone, which I have set up as a standing-stone, will be God’s house; and of everything you give me, I will faithfully return one-tenth to you.”
Today in Jewish History:• Maharsha (1631)
Kislev 5 is the yahrtzeit (date of the passing) of Rabbi Shemuel Eliezer Eidel's (1555-1631), known by the acronym "Maharsha". Rabbi Shmuel authored a highly regarded and widely used commentary on the Talmud and its primary commentaries, Rashi and Tosfot.
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Negative Commandment 321
Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
"Let no man go out of his place on the seventh day"—Exodus 16:29.
It is forbidden on Shabbat to travel more than 2,000 cubits (approximately 3000 ft.) out of a city's parameters.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
Negative Commandment 321
Translated by Berel Bell
The 321st prohibition is that we are forbidden to travel [even by foot] on Shabbos.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1, "No man may leave his place on the seventh day."
Oral Tradition defines limit of "travel" as 2000 amos2 beyond the city limit; one may not walk even a single amoh more. However, one may walk within 2000 amos from the city limit in any direction.3
The Mechilta says: " 'No man may leave his place,' — this means beyond 2000 amos."
Our Sages said in tractate Eruvin4, "For violating the prohibition of the Shabbos limit, one receives lashes by Biblical ordinance."5
The details of this commandment are discussed in that same tractate.
FOOTNOTES
1.Shmos 16:29.
2.Approximately 3000 ft. In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Shabbos 27:1), the Rambam rules that walking 2000 amos is prohibited only by Rabbinic law, while the Biblical prohibition is in effect only at 12 mil, or approximately 24,000 amos.
The Rambam himself explains, however, (in responsa 310, quoted in Mishneh Torah, Kapach ed., p. 575) that there is no contradiction between his two works. Sefer Hamitzvos is meant only to give a general description of the mitzvah, so he did not mention the two categories. Mishneh Torah, on the other hand, gives all the relevant halachic details. See also Introduction to Sefer Hamitzvos.
3.In Mishneh Torah (ibid.), the Rambam explains that this area is considered within the suburbs of the city (see Num. 35:5).
4.17b.
5.With this quote, the Rambam proves that this mitzvah in included in the count of the 613 mitzvos.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Mikvaot Mikvaot - Chapter 9
Kislev 5 is the yahrtzeit (date of the passing) of Rabbi Shemuel Eliezer Eidel's (1555-1631), known by the acronym "Maharsha". Rabbi Shmuel authored a highly regarded and widely used commentary on the Talmud and its primary commentaries, Rashi and Tosfot.
Daily Quote:
Despite all the wisdom granted to [King] Solomon... he was mystified by the Four Kinds. As it is written (Proverbs 30:18): "Three things are wondrous to me..." - these are the Passover offering, matzah and maror [eaten at the Passover seder]; "...and four I do not know" - these are the Four Kinds [taken on Sukkot].[Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra 30:14]
Despite all the wisdom granted to [King] Solomon... he was mystified by the Four Kinds. As it is written (Proverbs 30:18): "Three things are wondrous to me..." - these are the Passover offering, matzah and maror [eaten at the Passover seder]; "...and four I do not know" - these are the Four Kinds [taken on Sukkot].[Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra 30:14]
Today's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Parshat Vayeitzei, 2nd Portion (Genesis 29:1-29:17) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 29
1Now Jacob lifted his feet and went to the land of the people of the East. אוַיִּשָּׂ֥א יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב רַגְלָ֑יו וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ אַ֥רְצָה בְנֵי־קֶֽדֶם:
Now Jacob lifted his feet: As soon as he was given the good tidings that he was assured protection, his heart lifted his feet, and he became fleet-footed. So it is explained in Gen. Rabbah (70:8). וישא יעקב רגליו: משנתבשר בשורה טובה שהובטח בשמירה, נשא לבו את רגליו ונעשה קל ללכת. כך מפורש בבראשית רבה (ע ח):
2And he looked, and behold! a well in the field, and behold! three flocks of sheep lying beside it, because from that well they would water the flocks, and a huge rock was upon the mouth of the well. בוַיַּ֞רְא וְהִנֵּ֧ה בְאֵ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה וְהִנֵּה־שָׁ֞ם שְׁלשָׁ֤ה עֶדְרֵי־צֹאן֙ רֹֽבְצִ֣ים עָלֶ֔יהָ כִּ֚י מִן־הַבְּאֵ֣ר הַהִ֔וא יַשְׁק֖וּ הָֽעֲדָרִ֑ים וְהָאֶ֥בֶן גְּדֹלָ֖ה עַל־פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵֽר:
they would water the flocks: The shepherds would water the flocks. The verse is elliptical. ישקו העדרים: משקים הרועים את העדרים, והמקרא דבר בלשון קצרה:
3And all the flocks would gather there, and they would roll the rock off the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and [then] they would return the rock onto the mouth of the well, to its place. גוְנֶֽאֶסְפוּ־שָׁ֣מָּה כָל־הָֽעֲדָרִ֗ים וְגָֽלֲל֤וּ אֶת־הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וְהִשְׁק֖וּ אֶת־הַצֹּ֑אן וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ אֶת־הָאֶ֛בֶן עַל־פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִמְקֹמָֽהּ:
would gather there: They were accustomed to gather because the rock was huge. ונאספו: רגילים היו להאסף לפי שהיתה האבן גדולה:
and they would roll: Heb. וְגָלְלוּ [like] וְגוֹלְלִין. The Targum renders: וּמְגַנְדְרִין, and they would roll. Every present tense [i.e. every verb expressing continuous action] changes to speak [sometimes] in the future tense and [sometimes] in the past tense, because everything that occurs constantly has already transpired and is destined to transpire [again]. וגללו: וגוללין ותרגומו ומגנדרין, כל לשון הווה משתנה לדבר בלשון עתיד ובלשון עבר לפי שכל דבר ההוה תמיד כבר היה ועתיד להיות:
and [then] they would return: Heb. וְהֵשִׁיבוּ, which the Targum renders: וּמְתִיבִין, and they would return. והשיבו: תרגומו ומתיבין:
4And Jacob said to them, "My brothers, where are you from?" And they said, "We are from Haran." דוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב אַחַ֖י מֵאַ֣יִן אַתֶּ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵֽחָרָ֖ן אֲנָֽחְנוּ:
5And he said to them, "Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?" And they said, "We know [him]." הוַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ם הַיְדַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־לָבָ֣ן בֶּן־נָח֑וֹר וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ יָדָֽעְנוּ:
6And he said to them, "[Are things going] well with him?" And they said, "[Things are going] well, and behold, his daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep." ווַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָהֶ֖ם הֲשָׁל֣וֹם ל֑וֹ וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ שָׁל֔וֹם וְהִנֵּה֙ רָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ בָּאָ֖ה עִם־הַצֹּֽאן:
is coming with the sheep: Heb. בָּאָה. The accent is on the“aleph,” and the Targum renders אַתְיָא. [In verse 9,]“and Rachel came בָּאָה,” the accent is on the first syllable, on the “beth,” and the Targum renders. The former is in the present tense, whereas the latter is in the past tense. באה עם הצאן: הטעם באל"ף, ותרגומו אתיא. (פסוק ט) ורחל באה, הטעם למעלה בבי"ת ותרגומו אתת. הראשון לשון עושה, והשני לשון עשתה:
7And he said, "The day is yet long; it is not the time to take in the livestock. Water the sheep and go, pasture." זוַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵ֥ן עוֹד֙ הַיּ֣וֹם גָּד֔וֹל לֹא־עֵ֖ת הֵֽאָסֵ֣ף הַמִּקְנֶ֑ה הַשְׁק֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן וּלְכ֥וּ רְעֽוּ:
The day is yet long: Since he saw them lying down, he thought that they wished to gather the livestock to return home and that they would no longer graze. So he said to them,“The day is yet long,” i.e., if you have been hired for the day, you have not completed the day’s work, and if the animals are yours, it is, nevertheless, not the time to take in the livestock, etc. (Gen. Rabbah 70:11). הן עוד היום גדול: לפי שראה אותם רובצים, כסבור שרוצים לאסוף המקנה הביתה ולא ירעו עוד, אמר להם הן עוד היום גדול, כלומר אם שכירים אתם לא שלמתם פעולת היום, ואם הבהמות שלכם אף על פי כן לא עת האסף המקנה וגו':
8And they said, "We cannot [do that], until all the flocks are gathered together, and they will roll the rock off the mouth of the well, and we shall [then] water the sheep." חוַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֘ לֹ֣א נוּכַל֒ עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ כָּל־הָ֣עֲדָרִ֔ים וְגָֽלֲלוּ֙ אֶת־הָאֶ֔בֶן מֵעַ֖ל פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֑ר וְהִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ הַצֹּֽאן:
We cannot: water [them] because the stone is huge. לא נוכל: להשקות, לפי שהאבן גדולה:
and they will roll: Heb. וְגָלְלוּ. This is translated וִיגַנְדְרוּן, and they will roll, because it is the future tense. וגללו: זה מתורגם ויגנדרון, לפי שהוא לשון עתיד:
9While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess. טעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ מְדַבֵּ֣ר עִמָּ֑ם וְרָחֵ֣ל | בָּ֗אָה עִם־הַצֹּאן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֔יהָ כִּ֥י רֹעָ֖ה הִֽוא:
10And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother and the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother, that Jacob drew near and rolled the rock off the mouth of the well, and he watered the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother. יוַיְהִ֡י כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩ רָאָ֨ה יַֽעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת־רָחֵ֗ל בַּת־לָבָן֙ אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֔וֹ וְאֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֑וֹ וַיִּגַּ֣שׁ יַֽעֲקֹ֗ב וַיָּ֤גֶל אֶת־הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וַיַּ֕שְׁקְ אֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמּֽוֹ:
that Jacob drew near and rolled: As one who removes the stopper from a bottle, to let you know that he possessed great strength (Gen. Rabbah 70:12). ויגש יעקב ויגל: כזה שמעביר את הפקק מעל פי צלוחית, להודיעך שכחו גדול:
11And Jacob kissed Rachel, and he raised his voice and wept. יאוַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת־קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ:
and wept: Since he foresaw with the holy spirit that she (Rachel) would not enter the grave with him. Another explanation: Since he came empty-handed, he said, “Eliezer, my grandfather’s servant, had nose rings, and bracelets and sweet fruits in his possession, and I am coming with nothing in my hands. [He had nothing] because Eliphaz the son of Esau had pursued him to kill him at his father’s orders; he (Eliphaz) overtook him, but since he had grown up in Isaac’s lap, he held back his hand. He said to him (Jacob), ”What shall I do about my father’s orders?“ Jacob replied,”Take what I have, for a poor man is counted as dead." - [from Bereishit Rabbathi by Rabbi Moshe Hadarshan] ויבך: לפי שצפה ברוח הקודש שאינה נכנסת עמו לקבורה. דבר אחר לפי שבא בידים ריקניות, אמר אליעזר עבד אבי אבא היו בידיו נזמים וצמידים ומגדנות, ואני אין בידי כלום. לפי שרדף אליפז בן עשו במצות אביו אחריו להורגו והשיגו, ולפי שגדל אליפז בחיקו של יצחק משך ידו. אמר לו מה אעשה לציווי של אבא, אמר לו יעקב טול מה שבידי, והעני חשוב כמת:
12And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's kinsman and that he was Rebecca's son, and she ran and told her father. יבוַיַּגֵּ֨ד יַֽעֲקֹ֜ב לְרָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י אֲחִ֤י אָבִ֨יהָ֙ ה֔וּא וְכִ֥י בֶן־רִבְקָ֖ה ה֑וּא וַתָּ֖רָץ וַתַּגֵּ֥ד לְאָבִֽיהָ:
that he was her father’s kinsman: Heb. אִחִי אָבִיהָ, lit., her father’s brother. Related to her father, as (above 13:8):“we are kinsmen (אַחִים)” (Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer , ch. 36). Its midrashic interpretation is: If he (Laban) comes to deceive me, I, too, am his brother in deception, and if he is an honest man, I, too, am the son of his honest sister Rebecca. [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] כי אחי אביה הוא: קרוב לאביה, כמו (לעיל יג ח) אנשים אחים אנחנו. ומדרשו אם לרמאות הוא בא גם אני אחיו ברמאות, ואם אדם כשר הוא, גם אני בן רבקה אחותו הכשרה:
and told her father: Since her mother was dead, she had no one to tell but him.[from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] ותגד לאביה: לפי שאמה מתה לא היה לה להגיד אלא לו:
13Now it came to pass when Laban heard the report of Jacob, his sister's son, that he ran towards him, and he embraced him, and he kissed him, and he brought him into his house. He told Laban all these happenings. יגוַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ לָבָ֜ן אֶת־שֵׁ֣מַע | יַֽעֲקֹ֣ב בֶּן־אֲחֹת֗וֹ וַיָּ֤רָץ לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַיְחַבֶּק־לוֹ֙ וַיְנַשֶּׁק־ל֔וֹ וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ אֶל־בֵּית֑וֹ וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר לְלָבָ֔ן אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה:
that he ran towards him: He thought that he (Jacob) was laden with money, for the servant of the household (Eliezer) had come here with ten laden camels.[from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] וירץ לקראתו: כסבור ממון הוא טעון, שהרי עבד הבית בא לכאן בעשרה גמלים טעונים:
and he embraced: When he (Laban) did not see anything with him (Jacob), he said, “Perhaps he has brought golden coins, and they are in his bosom.” [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] ויחבק: כשלא ראה עמו כלום אמר שמא זהובים הביא והנם בחיקו:
and he kissed him: He said,“Perhaps he has brought pearls, and they are in his mouth.” [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] וינשק לו: אמר שמא מרגליות הביא והם בפיו:
He told Laban: that he had come only because he was compelled to do so because of his brother (Esau), and that they had taken his money from him. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] ויספר ללבן: שלא בא אלא מתוך אונס אחיו, ושנטלו ממונו ממנו:
14And Laban said to him, "Indeed, you are my bone and my flesh." And so he stayed with him a full month. ידוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ לָבָ֔ן אַ֛ךְ עַצְמִ֥י וּבְשָׂרִ֖י אָ֑תָּה וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב עִמּ֖וֹ חֹ֥דֶשׁ יָמִֽים:
Indeed, you are my bone and my flesh: “In view of this, I have no reason to take you into the house, because you have nothing. Because of kinship, however, I will put up with you for a month’s time.” And so he did, but this too was not gratis, for he (Jacob) pastured his sheep. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:14] אך עצמי ובשרי: מעתה אין לי לאספך הביתה הואיל ואין בידך כלום, אלא מפני קורבה אטפל בך חדש ימים, וכן עשה ואף זו לא לחנם שהיה רועה צאנו:
15And Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my kinsman, should you work for me gratis? Tell me what your wages shall be." טווַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב הֲכִֽי־אָחִ֣י אַ֔תָּה וַֽעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי חִנָּ֑ם הַגִּ֥ידָה לִּ֖י מַה־מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ:
Because you are my kinsman: Heb. הִכִי, an interrogative expression: Because you are my kinsman, should you work for me gratis?- [from Targum Onkelos] הכי אחי אתה: לשון תימה, וכי בשביל שאחי אתה תעבדני חנם:
should you work for me: Heb. וַעִבַדְתַּנִי like וְתַעַבְדֵנִי, and likewise, any word that is in the past tense, [Scripture] prefixes to it a “vav,” which converts the word to the future tense. ועבדתני: כמו ותעבדני, וכן כל תיבה שהיא לשון עבר הוסיף וי"ו בראשה היא הופכת התיבה להבא:
16Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. טזוּלְלָבָ֖ן שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֑וֹת שֵׁ֤ם הַגְּדֹלָה֙ לֵאָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה רָחֵֽל:
17Leah's eyes were tender, but Rachel had beautiful features and a beautiful complexion. יזוְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֨ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה:
tender: Because she expected to fall into Esau’s lot, and she wept, because everyone was saying,“Rebecca has two sons, and Laban has two daughters. The older [daughter] for the older [son], and the younger [daughter] for the younger [son]” (B.B. 123a). ועיני לאה רכות: שהיתה סבורה לעלות בגורלו של עשו ובוכה שהיו הכל אומרים שני בנים לרבקה ושתי בנות ללבן, הגדולה לגדול והקטנה לקטן:
features: Heb. תֹּאַר. That is the form of the countenance, an expression similar to (Isa. 44: 13)“he fixes it (יְתָאִרֵהוּ) with planes (בַשֶׂרֶד) ,” conpas in Old French, outline, shape. תאר: הוא צורת הפרצוף לשון (ישעיה מד יג) יתארהו בשרד, קונפ"ס בלע"ז [מחוגה]:
complexion: That is the shine of the countenance. מראה: הוא זיו קלסתר:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 29-34
• Chapter 29
The Name of God appears eighteen times in this psalm, corresponding to which our Sages established eighteen blessings-the Amidah. The entire psalm can be interpreted as referring to the giving of the Torah and the ingathering of the exiles.
1. A psalm by David. Render to the Lord, children of the mighty, render to the Lord honor and strength.
2. Render to the Lord the honor due to His Name; bow down to the Lord in resplendent holiness.
3. The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over mighty waters.
4. The voice of the Lord resounds with might; the voice of the Lord resounds with majesty.
5. The voice of the Lord breaks cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
6. He makes them leap like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7. The voice of the Lord strikes flames of fire.
8. The voice of the Lord makes the desert tremble; the Lord causes the desert of Kadesh to tremble.
9. The voice of the Lord causes the does to calve, and strips the forests bare; and in His Sanctuary all proclaim His glory.
10. The Lord sat [as King] at the Flood; the Lord will sit as King forever.
11. The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
Chapter 30
This psalm teaches one not to be distressed if God visits suffering upon him in this world, for only through suffering can one enter the World to Come. Even one of great spiritual stature should realize that his stability is not guaranteed, but that all is in the hands of God.
1. A psalm, a song of dedication of the House, by David.
2. I exalt You, Lord, for You have uplifted me, and did not allow my enemies to rejoice over me.
3. Lord, my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.
4. Lord, You have brought up my soul from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not descend to the pit.
5. Sing to the Lord, you His pious ones, and praise His holy Name.
6. For His wrath endures but for a moment, when He is conciliated there is [long] life; when one retires at night weeping, joy will come in the morning.
7. In my security I thought, "I shall never falter.”
8. Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; when You concealed Your countenance I was alarmed.
9. I called to You, O Lord, and I made supplication to my Lord:
10. What profit is there in my death, in my going down to the grave? Can dust praise You? Can it proclaim Your truth
11. Lord, hear and be gracious to me; Lord, be a help to me.
12. You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have undone my sackcloth and girded me with joy.
13. Therefore my soul shall sing to You, and not be silent; Lord my God, I will praise You forever.
Chapter 31
Composed by a destitute and oppressed David, running from Saul while placing his trust in God, this psalm instructs man to put his trust in God alone.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David.
2. In You I have taken shelter, O Lord, I shall never be shamed; rescue me in Your righteousness.
3. Turn Your ear to me, save me quickly; be to me a rock of refuge, a fortress to deliver me.
4. For You are my rock and my fortress; for the sake of Your Name, direct me and lead me.
5. Remove me from the net they planted for me, for You are my stronghold.
6. I entrust my spirit into Your hand; You will redeem me, Lord, God of truth.
7. I despise those who anticipate worthless vanities; but I trust in the Lord.
8. I will rejoice and delight in Your kindness, for You have seen my affliction; You know the troubles of my soul.
9. You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet on spacious ground.
10. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from vexation-my soul and my stomach.
11. For my life is spent in sorrow, my years in sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones are wasted away.
12. Because of my adversaries I have become a disgrace-exceedingly to my neighbors, and a dread to my friends; those who see me outside flee from me.
13. Like a dead man, I was forgotten from the heart; I became like a lost vessel.
14. For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, when they assembled together against me and plotted to take my life.
15. But I trusted in You, O Lord; I said, "You are my God.”
16. My times are in Your hand; save me from the hands of my enemies and pursuers.
17. Shine Your countenance upon Your servant; deliver me in Your kindness.
18. O Lord, let me not be ashamed, for I have called You; let the wicked be shamed, let them be silent to the grave.
19. Let the lips of falsehood-which speak insolently against the righteous, with arrogance and contempt-be struck dumb.
20. How abundant is Your good that You have hidden for those who fear You; in the presence of man, You have acted for those who take refuge in You.
21. Conceal them from the haughtiness of man, in the shelter of Your countenance; hide them in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
22. Blessed is the Lord, for He has been wondrous in His kindness to me in a besieged city.
23. I said in my panic, "I am cut off from before Your eyes!" But in truth, You heard the voice of my pleas when I cried to You.
24. Love the Lord, all His pious ones! The Lord preserves the faithful, and repays with exactness those who act haughtily.
25. Be strong and fortify your hearts, all who put their hope in the Lord!
Chapter 32
This psalm speaks of forgiveness of sin, and of the good fortune of one who repents and confesses to God wholeheartedly.
1. By David, a maskil.1Fortunate is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2. Fortunate is the man to whom the Lord does not reckon his sin, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3. When I was silent, my limbs wore away through my wailing all day long.
4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my marrow became [dry] as the droughts of summer, Selah.
5. My sin I made known to You, my iniquity I did not cover. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You have forgiven the iniquity of my transgression forever.
6. For this let every pious man pray to You, at a time when You may be found; indeed, the flood of many waters will not reach him.
7. You are a refuge to me; protect me from distress; surround me with songs of deliverance forever.
8. I will enlighten you and educate you in the path you should go; I will advise you with what I have seen.
9. Be not like a horse, like a mule, senseless, that must be muzzled with bit and bridle when being adorned, so that it not come near you.
10. Many are the agonies of the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord is surrounded by kindness.
11. Rejoice in the Lord and exult, you righteous ones! Sing joyously, all you upright of heart!
FOOTNOTES
1.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge(Metzudot).
Chapter 33
This psalm teaches the righteous and upright to praise God. For the more one knows of the Torah's wisdom, the more should he praise God, for he knows and understands His greatness.
1. Sing joyously to the Lord, you righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to offer praise.
2. Extol the Lord with a harp; sing to Him with a ten-stringed lyre.
3. Sing to Him a new song; play well with sounds of jubilation.
4. For the word of the Lord is just; all His deeds are done in faithfulness.
5. He loves righteousness and justice; the kindness of the Lord fills the earth.
6. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their hosts.
7. He gathers the waters of the sea like a mound; He places the deep waters in vaults.
8. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world tremble before Him.
9. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it endured.
10. The Lord has annulled the counsel of nations; He has foiled the schemes of peoples.
11. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart throughout all generations.
12. Fortunate is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose as a heritage for Himself.
13. The Lord looks down from heaven; He beholds all mankind.
14. From His dwelling-place He looks intently upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15. It is He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who perceives all their actions.
16. The king is not saved by a great army, nor a warrior rescued by great might.
17. The horse is a false guarantee for victory; with all its great strength it offers no escape.
18. But the eye of the Lord is directed toward those who fear Him, toward those who hope for His kindness,
19. to save their soul from death and to sustain them during famine.
20. Our soul yearns for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
21. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, for we have put our trust in His Holy Name.
22. May Your kindness, Lord, be upon us, as we have placed our hope in You.
Chapter 34
This psalm tells of when David was in grave danger while at the palace of Achish, brother of Goliath. David acted like a madman, letting spittle run down his beard, and writing on the doors: "Achish, king of Gath, owes me one hundred thousand gold coins," leading Achish to eject him from the palace. In his joy, David composed this psalm in alphabetical sequence.
1. By David, when he feigned insanity before Avimelech,1 who then drove him away, and he left.
2. I bless the Lord at all times; His praise is always in my mouth.
3. My soul glories in the Lord; let the humble hear it and rejoice.
4. Exalt the Lord with me, and let us extol His Name together.
5. I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
6. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never humiliated.
7. This poor man called, and the Lord heard; He delivered him from all his tribulations.
8. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
9. Taste and see that the Lord is good; fortunate is the man who trusts in Him.
10. Fear the Lord, you His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no want.
11. Young lions may want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
12. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
13. Who is the man who desires life, who loves long life wherein to see goodness?
14. Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
15. Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
16. The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous, and His ears toward their cry.
17. The wrath of the Lord is upon the evildoers, to excise their memory from the earth.
18. But when they [repent and] cry out, the Lord hears, and saves them from all their troubles.
19. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those with a crushed spirit.
20. Many are the afflictions of a righteous person, but the Lord rescues him from them all.
21. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
22. Evil brings death upon the wicked, and the enemies of the righteous are condemned.
23. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants; all who take shelter in Him are not condemned.
FOOTNOTES
1.All Philistine kings are referred to by the name Avimelech (Rashi).
Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Monday, 5 Kislev, 5777 · 5 December 2016
• Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
Chumash: Parshat Vayeitzei, 2nd Portion (Genesis 29:1-29:17) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 29
1Now Jacob lifted his feet and went to the land of the people of the East. אוַיִּשָּׂ֥א יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב רַגְלָ֑יו וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ אַ֥רְצָה בְנֵי־קֶֽדֶם:
Now Jacob lifted his feet: As soon as he was given the good tidings that he was assured protection, his heart lifted his feet, and he became fleet-footed. So it is explained in Gen. Rabbah (70:8). וישא יעקב רגליו: משנתבשר בשורה טובה שהובטח בשמירה, נשא לבו את רגליו ונעשה קל ללכת. כך מפורש בבראשית רבה (ע ח):
2And he looked, and behold! a well in the field, and behold! three flocks of sheep lying beside it, because from that well they would water the flocks, and a huge rock was upon the mouth of the well. בוַיַּ֞רְא וְהִנֵּ֧ה בְאֵ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה וְהִנֵּה־שָׁ֞ם שְׁלשָׁ֤ה עֶדְרֵי־צֹאן֙ רֹֽבְצִ֣ים עָלֶ֔יהָ כִּ֚י מִן־הַבְּאֵ֣ר הַהִ֔וא יַשְׁק֖וּ הָֽעֲדָרִ֑ים וְהָאֶ֥בֶן גְּדֹלָ֖ה עַל־פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵֽר:
they would water the flocks: The shepherds would water the flocks. The verse is elliptical. ישקו העדרים: משקים הרועים את העדרים, והמקרא דבר בלשון קצרה:
3And all the flocks would gather there, and they would roll the rock off the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and [then] they would return the rock onto the mouth of the well, to its place. גוְנֶֽאֶסְפוּ־שָׁ֣מָּה כָל־הָֽעֲדָרִ֗ים וְגָֽלֲל֤וּ אֶת־הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וְהִשְׁק֖וּ אֶת־הַצֹּ֑אן וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ אֶת־הָאֶ֛בֶן עַל־פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִמְקֹמָֽהּ:
would gather there: They were accustomed to gather because the rock was huge. ונאספו: רגילים היו להאסף לפי שהיתה האבן גדולה:
and they would roll: Heb. וְגָלְלוּ [like] וְגוֹלְלִין. The Targum renders: וּמְגַנְדְרִין, and they would roll. Every present tense [i.e. every verb expressing continuous action] changes to speak [sometimes] in the future tense and [sometimes] in the past tense, because everything that occurs constantly has already transpired and is destined to transpire [again]. וגללו: וגוללין ותרגומו ומגנדרין, כל לשון הווה משתנה לדבר בלשון עתיד ובלשון עבר לפי שכל דבר ההוה תמיד כבר היה ועתיד להיות:
and [then] they would return: Heb. וְהֵשִׁיבוּ, which the Targum renders: וּמְתִיבִין, and they would return. והשיבו: תרגומו ומתיבין:
4And Jacob said to them, "My brothers, where are you from?" And they said, "We are from Haran." דוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב אַחַ֖י מֵאַ֣יִן אַתֶּ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵֽחָרָ֖ן אֲנָֽחְנוּ:
5And he said to them, "Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?" And they said, "We know [him]." הוַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ם הַיְדַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־לָבָ֣ן בֶּן־נָח֑וֹר וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ יָדָֽעְנוּ:
6And he said to them, "[Are things going] well with him?" And they said, "[Things are going] well, and behold, his daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep." ווַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָהֶ֖ם הֲשָׁל֣וֹם ל֑וֹ וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ שָׁל֔וֹם וְהִנֵּה֙ רָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ בָּאָ֖ה עִם־הַצֹּֽאן:
is coming with the sheep: Heb. בָּאָה. The accent is on the“aleph,” and the Targum renders אַתְיָא. [In verse 9,]“and Rachel came בָּאָה,” the accent is on the first syllable, on the “beth,” and the Targum renders. The former is in the present tense, whereas the latter is in the past tense. באה עם הצאן: הטעם באל"ף, ותרגומו אתיא. (פסוק ט) ורחל באה, הטעם למעלה בבי"ת ותרגומו אתת. הראשון לשון עושה, והשני לשון עשתה:
7And he said, "The day is yet long; it is not the time to take in the livestock. Water the sheep and go, pasture." זוַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵ֥ן עוֹד֙ הַיּ֣וֹם גָּד֔וֹל לֹא־עֵ֖ת הֵֽאָסֵ֣ף הַמִּקְנֶ֑ה הַשְׁק֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן וּלְכ֥וּ רְעֽוּ:
The day is yet long: Since he saw them lying down, he thought that they wished to gather the livestock to return home and that they would no longer graze. So he said to them,“The day is yet long,” i.e., if you have been hired for the day, you have not completed the day’s work, and if the animals are yours, it is, nevertheless, not the time to take in the livestock, etc. (Gen. Rabbah 70:11). הן עוד היום גדול: לפי שראה אותם רובצים, כסבור שרוצים לאסוף המקנה הביתה ולא ירעו עוד, אמר להם הן עוד היום גדול, כלומר אם שכירים אתם לא שלמתם פעולת היום, ואם הבהמות שלכם אף על פי כן לא עת האסף המקנה וגו':
8And they said, "We cannot [do that], until all the flocks are gathered together, and they will roll the rock off the mouth of the well, and we shall [then] water the sheep." חוַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֘ לֹ֣א נוּכַל֒ עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ כָּל־הָ֣עֲדָרִ֔ים וְגָֽלֲלוּ֙ אֶת־הָאֶ֔בֶן מֵעַ֖ל פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֑ר וְהִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ הַצֹּֽאן:
We cannot: water [them] because the stone is huge. לא נוכל: להשקות, לפי שהאבן גדולה:
and they will roll: Heb. וְגָלְלוּ. This is translated וִיגַנְדְרוּן, and they will roll, because it is the future tense. וגללו: זה מתורגם ויגנדרון, לפי שהוא לשון עתיד:
9While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess. טעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ מְדַבֵּ֣ר עִמָּ֑ם וְרָחֵ֣ל | בָּ֗אָה עִם־הַצֹּאן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֔יהָ כִּ֥י רֹעָ֖ה הִֽוא:
10And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother and the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother, that Jacob drew near and rolled the rock off the mouth of the well, and he watered the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother. יוַיְהִ֡י כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩ רָאָ֨ה יַֽעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת־רָחֵ֗ל בַּת־לָבָן֙ אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֔וֹ וְאֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֑וֹ וַיִּגַּ֣שׁ יַֽעֲקֹ֗ב וַיָּ֤גֶל אֶת־הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וַיַּ֕שְׁקְ אֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמּֽוֹ:
that Jacob drew near and rolled: As one who removes the stopper from a bottle, to let you know that he possessed great strength (Gen. Rabbah 70:12). ויגש יעקב ויגל: כזה שמעביר את הפקק מעל פי צלוחית, להודיעך שכחו גדול:
11And Jacob kissed Rachel, and he raised his voice and wept. יאוַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת־קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ:
and wept: Since he foresaw with the holy spirit that she (Rachel) would not enter the grave with him. Another explanation: Since he came empty-handed, he said, “Eliezer, my grandfather’s servant, had nose rings, and bracelets and sweet fruits in his possession, and I am coming with nothing in my hands. [He had nothing] because Eliphaz the son of Esau had pursued him to kill him at his father’s orders; he (Eliphaz) overtook him, but since he had grown up in Isaac’s lap, he held back his hand. He said to him (Jacob), ”What shall I do about my father’s orders?“ Jacob replied,”Take what I have, for a poor man is counted as dead." - [from Bereishit Rabbathi by Rabbi Moshe Hadarshan] ויבך: לפי שצפה ברוח הקודש שאינה נכנסת עמו לקבורה. דבר אחר לפי שבא בידים ריקניות, אמר אליעזר עבד אבי אבא היו בידיו נזמים וצמידים ומגדנות, ואני אין בידי כלום. לפי שרדף אליפז בן עשו במצות אביו אחריו להורגו והשיגו, ולפי שגדל אליפז בחיקו של יצחק משך ידו. אמר לו מה אעשה לציווי של אבא, אמר לו יעקב טול מה שבידי, והעני חשוב כמת:
12And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's kinsman and that he was Rebecca's son, and she ran and told her father. יבוַיַּגֵּ֨ד יַֽעֲקֹ֜ב לְרָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י אֲחִ֤י אָבִ֨יהָ֙ ה֔וּא וְכִ֥י בֶן־רִבְקָ֖ה ה֑וּא וַתָּ֖רָץ וַתַּגֵּ֥ד לְאָבִֽיהָ:
that he was her father’s kinsman: Heb. אִחִי אָבִיהָ, lit., her father’s brother. Related to her father, as (above 13:8):“we are kinsmen (אַחִים)” (Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer , ch. 36). Its midrashic interpretation is: If he (Laban) comes to deceive me, I, too, am his brother in deception, and if he is an honest man, I, too, am the son of his honest sister Rebecca. [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] כי אחי אביה הוא: קרוב לאביה, כמו (לעיל יג ח) אנשים אחים אנחנו. ומדרשו אם לרמאות הוא בא גם אני אחיו ברמאות, ואם אדם כשר הוא, גם אני בן רבקה אחותו הכשרה:
and told her father: Since her mother was dead, she had no one to tell but him.[from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] ותגד לאביה: לפי שאמה מתה לא היה לה להגיד אלא לו:
13Now it came to pass when Laban heard the report of Jacob, his sister's son, that he ran towards him, and he embraced him, and he kissed him, and he brought him into his house. He told Laban all these happenings. יגוַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ לָבָ֜ן אֶת־שֵׁ֣מַע | יַֽעֲקֹ֣ב בֶּן־אֲחֹת֗וֹ וַיָּ֤רָץ לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַיְחַבֶּק־לוֹ֙ וַיְנַשֶּׁק־ל֔וֹ וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ אֶל־בֵּית֑וֹ וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר לְלָבָ֔ן אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה:
that he ran towards him: He thought that he (Jacob) was laden with money, for the servant of the household (Eliezer) had come here with ten laden camels.[from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] וירץ לקראתו: כסבור ממון הוא טעון, שהרי עבד הבית בא לכאן בעשרה גמלים טעונים:
and he embraced: When he (Laban) did not see anything with him (Jacob), he said, “Perhaps he has brought golden coins, and they are in his bosom.” [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] ויחבק: כשלא ראה עמו כלום אמר שמא זהובים הביא והנם בחיקו:
and he kissed him: He said,“Perhaps he has brought pearls, and they are in his mouth.” [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] וינשק לו: אמר שמא מרגליות הביא והם בפיו:
He told Laban: that he had come only because he was compelled to do so because of his brother (Esau), and that they had taken his money from him. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:13] ויספר ללבן: שלא בא אלא מתוך אונס אחיו, ושנטלו ממונו ממנו:
14And Laban said to him, "Indeed, you are my bone and my flesh." And so he stayed with him a full month. ידוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ לָבָ֔ן אַ֛ךְ עַצְמִ֥י וּבְשָׂרִ֖י אָ֑תָּה וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב עִמּ֖וֹ חֹ֥דֶשׁ יָמִֽים:
Indeed, you are my bone and my flesh: “In view of this, I have no reason to take you into the house, because you have nothing. Because of kinship, however, I will put up with you for a month’s time.” And so he did, but this too was not gratis, for he (Jacob) pastured his sheep. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:14] אך עצמי ובשרי: מעתה אין לי לאספך הביתה הואיל ואין בידך כלום, אלא מפני קורבה אטפל בך חדש ימים, וכן עשה ואף זו לא לחנם שהיה רועה צאנו:
15And Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my kinsman, should you work for me gratis? Tell me what your wages shall be." טווַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב הֲכִֽי־אָחִ֣י אַ֔תָּה וַֽעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי חִנָּ֑ם הַגִּ֥ידָה לִּ֖י מַה־מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ:
Because you are my kinsman: Heb. הִכִי, an interrogative expression: Because you are my kinsman, should you work for me gratis?- [from Targum Onkelos] הכי אחי אתה: לשון תימה, וכי בשביל שאחי אתה תעבדני חנם:
should you work for me: Heb. וַעִבַדְתַּנִי like וְתַעַבְדֵנִי, and likewise, any word that is in the past tense, [Scripture] prefixes to it a “vav,” which converts the word to the future tense. ועבדתני: כמו ותעבדני, וכן כל תיבה שהיא לשון עבר הוסיף וי"ו בראשה היא הופכת התיבה להבא:
16Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. טזוּלְלָבָ֖ן שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֑וֹת שֵׁ֤ם הַגְּדֹלָה֙ לֵאָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה רָחֵֽל:
17Leah's eyes were tender, but Rachel had beautiful features and a beautiful complexion. יזוְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֨ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה:
tender: Because she expected to fall into Esau’s lot, and she wept, because everyone was saying,“Rebecca has two sons, and Laban has two daughters. The older [daughter] for the older [son], and the younger [daughter] for the younger [son]” (B.B. 123a). ועיני לאה רכות: שהיתה סבורה לעלות בגורלו של עשו ובוכה שהיו הכל אומרים שני בנים לרבקה ושתי בנות ללבן, הגדולה לגדול והקטנה לקטן:
features: Heb. תֹּאַר. That is the form of the countenance, an expression similar to (Isa. 44: 13)“he fixes it (יְתָאִרֵהוּ) with planes (בַשֶׂרֶד) ,” conpas in Old French, outline, shape. תאר: הוא צורת הפרצוף לשון (ישעיה מד יג) יתארהו בשרד, קונפ"ס בלע"ז [מחוגה]:
complexion: That is the shine of the countenance. מראה: הוא זיו קלסתר:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 29-34
• Chapter 29
The Name of God appears eighteen times in this psalm, corresponding to which our Sages established eighteen blessings-the Amidah. The entire psalm can be interpreted as referring to the giving of the Torah and the ingathering of the exiles.
1. A psalm by David. Render to the Lord, children of the mighty, render to the Lord honor and strength.
2. Render to the Lord the honor due to His Name; bow down to the Lord in resplendent holiness.
3. The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over mighty waters.
4. The voice of the Lord resounds with might; the voice of the Lord resounds with majesty.
5. The voice of the Lord breaks cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
6. He makes them leap like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7. The voice of the Lord strikes flames of fire.
8. The voice of the Lord makes the desert tremble; the Lord causes the desert of Kadesh to tremble.
9. The voice of the Lord causes the does to calve, and strips the forests bare; and in His Sanctuary all proclaim His glory.
10. The Lord sat [as King] at the Flood; the Lord will sit as King forever.
11. The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
Chapter 30
This psalm teaches one not to be distressed if God visits suffering upon him in this world, for only through suffering can one enter the World to Come. Even one of great spiritual stature should realize that his stability is not guaranteed, but that all is in the hands of God.
1. A psalm, a song of dedication of the House, by David.
2. I exalt You, Lord, for You have uplifted me, and did not allow my enemies to rejoice over me.
3. Lord, my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.
4. Lord, You have brought up my soul from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not descend to the pit.
5. Sing to the Lord, you His pious ones, and praise His holy Name.
6. For His wrath endures but for a moment, when He is conciliated there is [long] life; when one retires at night weeping, joy will come in the morning.
7. In my security I thought, "I shall never falter.”
8. Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; when You concealed Your countenance I was alarmed.
9. I called to You, O Lord, and I made supplication to my Lord:
10. What profit is there in my death, in my going down to the grave? Can dust praise You? Can it proclaim Your truth
11. Lord, hear and be gracious to me; Lord, be a help to me.
12. You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have undone my sackcloth and girded me with joy.
13. Therefore my soul shall sing to You, and not be silent; Lord my God, I will praise You forever.
Chapter 31
Composed by a destitute and oppressed David, running from Saul while placing his trust in God, this psalm instructs man to put his trust in God alone.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by David.
2. In You I have taken shelter, O Lord, I shall never be shamed; rescue me in Your righteousness.
3. Turn Your ear to me, save me quickly; be to me a rock of refuge, a fortress to deliver me.
4. For You are my rock and my fortress; for the sake of Your Name, direct me and lead me.
5. Remove me from the net they planted for me, for You are my stronghold.
6. I entrust my spirit into Your hand; You will redeem me, Lord, God of truth.
7. I despise those who anticipate worthless vanities; but I trust in the Lord.
8. I will rejoice and delight in Your kindness, for You have seen my affliction; You know the troubles of my soul.
9. You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet on spacious ground.
10. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from vexation-my soul and my stomach.
11. For my life is spent in sorrow, my years in sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones are wasted away.
12. Because of my adversaries I have become a disgrace-exceedingly to my neighbors, and a dread to my friends; those who see me outside flee from me.
13. Like a dead man, I was forgotten from the heart; I became like a lost vessel.
14. For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, when they assembled together against me and plotted to take my life.
15. But I trusted in You, O Lord; I said, "You are my God.”
16. My times are in Your hand; save me from the hands of my enemies and pursuers.
17. Shine Your countenance upon Your servant; deliver me in Your kindness.
18. O Lord, let me not be ashamed, for I have called You; let the wicked be shamed, let them be silent to the grave.
19. Let the lips of falsehood-which speak insolently against the righteous, with arrogance and contempt-be struck dumb.
20. How abundant is Your good that You have hidden for those who fear You; in the presence of man, You have acted for those who take refuge in You.
21. Conceal them from the haughtiness of man, in the shelter of Your countenance; hide them in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
22. Blessed is the Lord, for He has been wondrous in His kindness to me in a besieged city.
23. I said in my panic, "I am cut off from before Your eyes!" But in truth, You heard the voice of my pleas when I cried to You.
24. Love the Lord, all His pious ones! The Lord preserves the faithful, and repays with exactness those who act haughtily.
25. Be strong and fortify your hearts, all who put their hope in the Lord!
Chapter 32
This psalm speaks of forgiveness of sin, and of the good fortune of one who repents and confesses to God wholeheartedly.
1. By David, a maskil.1Fortunate is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2. Fortunate is the man to whom the Lord does not reckon his sin, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3. When I was silent, my limbs wore away through my wailing all day long.
4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my marrow became [dry] as the droughts of summer, Selah.
5. My sin I made known to You, my iniquity I did not cover. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You have forgiven the iniquity of my transgression forever.
6. For this let every pious man pray to You, at a time when You may be found; indeed, the flood of many waters will not reach him.
7. You are a refuge to me; protect me from distress; surround me with songs of deliverance forever.
8. I will enlighten you and educate you in the path you should go; I will advise you with what I have seen.
9. Be not like a horse, like a mule, senseless, that must be muzzled with bit and bridle when being adorned, so that it not come near you.
10. Many are the agonies of the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord is surrounded by kindness.
11. Rejoice in the Lord and exult, you righteous ones! Sing joyously, all you upright of heart!
FOOTNOTES
1.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge(Metzudot).
Chapter 33
This psalm teaches the righteous and upright to praise God. For the more one knows of the Torah's wisdom, the more should he praise God, for he knows and understands His greatness.
1. Sing joyously to the Lord, you righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to offer praise.
2. Extol the Lord with a harp; sing to Him with a ten-stringed lyre.
3. Sing to Him a new song; play well with sounds of jubilation.
4. For the word of the Lord is just; all His deeds are done in faithfulness.
5. He loves righteousness and justice; the kindness of the Lord fills the earth.
6. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their hosts.
7. He gathers the waters of the sea like a mound; He places the deep waters in vaults.
8. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world tremble before Him.
9. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it endured.
10. The Lord has annulled the counsel of nations; He has foiled the schemes of peoples.
11. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart throughout all generations.
12. Fortunate is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose as a heritage for Himself.
13. The Lord looks down from heaven; He beholds all mankind.
14. From His dwelling-place He looks intently upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15. It is He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who perceives all their actions.
16. The king is not saved by a great army, nor a warrior rescued by great might.
17. The horse is a false guarantee for victory; with all its great strength it offers no escape.
18. But the eye of the Lord is directed toward those who fear Him, toward those who hope for His kindness,
19. to save their soul from death and to sustain them during famine.
20. Our soul yearns for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
21. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, for we have put our trust in His Holy Name.
22. May Your kindness, Lord, be upon us, as we have placed our hope in You.
Chapter 34
This psalm tells of when David was in grave danger while at the palace of Achish, brother of Goliath. David acted like a madman, letting spittle run down his beard, and writing on the doors: "Achish, king of Gath, owes me one hundred thousand gold coins," leading Achish to eject him from the palace. In his joy, David composed this psalm in alphabetical sequence.
1. By David, when he feigned insanity before Avimelech,1 who then drove him away, and he left.
2. I bless the Lord at all times; His praise is always in my mouth.
3. My soul glories in the Lord; let the humble hear it and rejoice.
4. Exalt the Lord with me, and let us extol His Name together.
5. I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
6. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never humiliated.
7. This poor man called, and the Lord heard; He delivered him from all his tribulations.
8. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
9. Taste and see that the Lord is good; fortunate is the man who trusts in Him.
10. Fear the Lord, you His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no want.
11. Young lions may want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
12. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
13. Who is the man who desires life, who loves long life wherein to see goodness?
14. Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
15. Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
16. The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous, and His ears toward their cry.
17. The wrath of the Lord is upon the evildoers, to excise their memory from the earth.
18. But when they [repent and] cry out, the Lord hears, and saves them from all their troubles.
19. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those with a crushed spirit.
20. Many are the afflictions of a righteous person, but the Lord rescues him from them all.
21. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
22. Evil brings death upon the wicked, and the enemies of the righteous are condemned.
23. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants; all who take shelter in Him are not condemned.
FOOTNOTES
1.All Philistine kings are referred to by the name Avimelech (Rashi).
Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Monday, 5 Kislev, 5777 · 5 December 2016
• Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• אבל דוקא סודות המצוה
• Rambam - Monday, 5 Kislev, 5777 · 5 December 2016
This, however, refers only to [the study of] the Kabbalistic mysteries of the mitzvah itself,
דלא גרע מלימוד הלכותיה, ואדרבה כו׳
for this is not inferior to the study of its laws; indeed, quite the contrary...,
אף שאינו משיג המהות
even though he does not apprehend the essence of the spiritual intent of the mitzvah as it applies to the visages of Atzilut.
Moreover, his understanding of the essence of the etrog, the object with which the mitzvah is observed, grants him some comprehension of the essence of the mystical reaches of the subject at large.
מה שאין כן בסדר ההשתלשלות
It does not apply to [the study of] the order of Hishtalshelut, the chainlike stages of progressive self-screening whereby the Divine light descends from level to level until ultimately this corporeal world is created:
אף אם משיג המציאות
Even if one does comprehend the external aspect of the existence of the Sefirot and spiritual levels involved,
לא עדיף מצד עצמו כלימוד המצות, שמשיג ותופס המהות
this is not intrinsically as worthy as the study of the laws of the mitzvot, where one comprehends and grasps their essence.
Knowledge of the various spiritual levels may indeed be superior for an unrelated reason, namely, that it leads to a “complete heart” (lev shalem), a wholehearted awe of G‑d — and this, as the Alter Rebbe will later say, is the purpose of all the mitzvot. Intrinsically, however, gaining this knowledge is not superior to studying the laws governing the performance of the mitzvot, whose essence he can understand.
ומעלה עליו כאילו קיים בפועל ממש
Moreover, this [study] is considered [in certain cases] the equivalent of actual performance,
כמו שכתוב: זאת התורה כו׳
as it is written,1 “This is the law [of the burnt offering and the meal offering...].”
The Gemara comments on this,2 “He who occupies himself with these laws is considered as if he had actually offered a burnt offering and a meal offering.”
Mastering the revealed laws of the commandments is thus in one sense superior to delving into the innermost dimension (the pnimiyut) of the Torah, on esoteric subjects such as the order of Hishtalshelut. For the study of the laws relates to the essence of the subject at hand, such as the physical objects with which the commandments are performed.
G‑d’s wisdom, moreover, which is inherent in these laws, descends and permeates the physical objects around which the laws revolve. It is thus the essence of G‑d’s wisdom that the student comprehends, and thereby he becomes involved in the “wondrous union” described in ch. 5 of Tanya, whereby his mortal intellect simultaneously “encompasses and is encompassed by” the Divine wisdom embodied in the Torah which he is studying. This intellectual union in turn unites his soul (which transcends his intellect) with the infinite light that is vested in the wisdom of the Torah.
The above is true only when he understands the essence of his subject. This is the case when he studies (for example) the laws regulating the observance of the commandments. If, by contrast, his subject is the hierarchies of angels in the Worlds of Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah, or, yet higher, the configurations of Sefirot within the World of Atzilut, then his grasp is no more than external: he may indeed be aware of his subject’s existence, but he will be unable to know its essence.
* * *
And now, all the above notwithstanding, the Alter Rebbe is about to point out the superior aspect of the study of Hishtalshelut.
אלא שידיעת המציאות מההשתלשלות היא גם כן מצוה רמה ונשאה, ואדרבה, עולה על כולנה
However, the knowledge of the existence of the Hishtalshelut is also a lofty and exalted mitzvah.3 Indeed, it outweighs them all, all of the mitzvot and the study of the laws of the Torah.
כמו שכתוב: וידעת היום כו׳
Thus it is written,4 “Know this day [...that the L‑rd is G‑d],”
דע את אלקי אביך כו׳
and5 “Know the G‑d of your father...”; i.e., there is an obligation to attain a knowledge or apprehension of Divinity.
ומביאה ללב שלם כו׳
Moreover, this leads to a “whole heart,” for the latter verse concludes, “and serve Him with a whole heart”; i.e., a knowledge of G‑d leads one to serve Him with one’s entire being.
As explained in Likkutei Torah, in the discourse beginning VeLo Tashbit, this refers to serving G‑d with awe — and this is the ultimate intent of all the mitzvot, as the Torah states,6 “G‑d has commanded us to perform all these statutes so that we may fear the L‑rd our G‑d.” And it is the study of the innermost dimensions of the Torah and a knowledge of the various spiritual levels which comprise the order of Hishtalshelut that enable one to fulfill the mitzvah of “knowing G‑d,” which leads in turn to the “whole heart” of “fearing Him.” Thus the Alter Rebbe concludes:
שהוא העיקר
And this is the essential thing: the wholehearted awe of G‑d is the ultimate purpose of all the commandments.
As mentioned above, one can attain this state only through a knowledge of the order of Hishtalshelut, even though this knowledge is merely an awareness of its existence and not a grasp of its essence.
והשגת המציאות הוא להפשיט מגשמיות כו׳
The comprehension of existence entails divesting [this subject] of any physicality....
In other words, one should endeavor to picture its spirituality. Hence, as the Rebbe has often stressed, one should study the innermost and mystical dimension of the Torah in such a way that one7 “derives sustenance from it” (יתפרנסון מיניה) — viz., the “sustenance” derived from comprehension. And soundly-based comprehension can be secured only when this dimension of the Torah is studied with the intellectual elucidation afforded by the teachings of Chabad.
רק שזו היא מצוה אחת מתרי״ג
However, this mitzvah (of knowing G‑d and apprehending Divinity) is but one mitzvah of the 613,
והאדם צריך לקיים כל תרי״ג
and a man must fulfill all 613,
לפי שהן השתלשלות המהות דחיצוניות דכלים דאצילות
for they descend from the essence of the external aspect of the vessels of Atzilut, a source whose standing was explained above.
לכך צריך להרבות בלימוד כל התרי״ג, וקיומן בפועל ממש, במחשבה דבור ומעשה, שהן בריאה, יצירה, עשיה
Hence, one must extensively study all 613 mitzvot, and [hence] fulfill them in actual practice in thought, speech and deed — which parallel Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah respectively —
לברר בירורין אשר שם
in order to purify whatever needs purification (beirur) there.
As previously explained, the extraction and elevation of the sparks exiled in the various worlds is the ultimate purpose of creation.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Vayikra 7:37. |
| 2. | Menachot 110a. |
| 3. | Current Hebrew editions of Tanya read, “a great (רבה) and exalted mitzvah,” which the Rebbe amends to read (as above) “a lofty (רמה) and exalted mitzvah.” This is how the phrase is quoted (and explained) in Likkutei Torah on Vayikra, in the discourse entitled VeLo Tashbit. |
| 4. | Devarim 4:39. |
| 5. | I Divrei HaYamim 28:9. |
| 6. | Devarim 6:24. |
| 7. | Tikkunei Zohar, end of Tikkun 6; discussed in Likkutei Sichot, Vol. XV, p. 42ff. et al. |
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Negative Commandment 321
Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
"Let no man go out of his place on the seventh day"—Exodus 16:29.
It is forbidden on Shabbat to travel more than 2,000 cubits (approximately 3000 ft.) out of a city's parameters.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
Negative Commandment 321
Translated by Berel Bell
The 321st prohibition is that we are forbidden to travel [even by foot] on Shabbos.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1, "No man may leave his place on the seventh day."
Oral Tradition defines limit of "travel" as 2000 amos2 beyond the city limit; one may not walk even a single amoh more. However, one may walk within 2000 amos from the city limit in any direction.3
The Mechilta says: " 'No man may leave his place,' — this means beyond 2000 amos."
Our Sages said in tractate Eruvin4, "For violating the prohibition of the Shabbos limit, one receives lashes by Biblical ordinance."5
The details of this commandment are discussed in that same tractate.
FOOTNOTES
1.Shmos 16:29.
2.Approximately 3000 ft. In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Shabbos 27:1), the Rambam rules that walking 2000 amos is prohibited only by Rabbinic law, while the Biblical prohibition is in effect only at 12 mil, or approximately 24,000 amos.
The Rambam himself explains, however, (in responsa 310, quoted in Mishneh Torah, Kapach ed., p. 575) that there is no contradiction between his two works. Sefer Hamitzvos is meant only to give a general description of the mitzvah, so he did not mention the two categories. Mishneh Torah, on the other hand, gives all the relevant halachic details. See also Introduction to Sefer Hamitzvos.
3.In Mishneh Torah (ibid.), the Rambam explains that this area is considered within the suburbs of the city (see Num. 35:5).
4.17b.
5.With this quote, the Rambam proves that this mitzvah in included in the count of the 613 mitzvos.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Mikvaot Mikvaot - Chapter 9
• Mikvaot - Chapter 9
• Rambam - Chapters: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty One, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Two, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Three
• Shabbat - Chapter Twenty One
• Hayom Yom: Today's Hayom Yom
• Monday, 5 Kislev, 5777 · 5 December 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Thursday, Kislev 5, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayeitsei, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 29-34.
Tanya: Here we speak (p. 607)...within those worlds. (p. 607).
"A ladder was standing on the ground.1" Prayer is the ladder that connects souls and G-dhood. And although it stands "...on the ground," the start of davening being no more than acknowledgement, yet "its top2 reaches the Heavens"3 - a state of total bitul, self-nullification. But one reaches this level through the prior attainment of comprehension and understanding4 inherent in p'sukei d'zimra,5 in the b'rachot of sh'ma and in sh'ma proper.
FOOTNOTES
1.Bereishit 28:12, Yaakov's dream.
2.I.e. the "peak" of davening, which is the silent devotional amida (or shemona essrei).
3.This is the concluding phrase of the verse "A ladder etc...".
4.Of G-dliness.
5."Verses of praise," second section of Shacharit. Siddur pp. 30-42.
• Daily Thought:
Life Lives On
Why is there death in the world?
So that evil will not live forever.
Because, since we ate of the Tree of Knowledge, no one walks forward without stumbling, no one climbs without falling, no one does good all his life without causing some damage along the way.
Until, at the end, our lives are an absurd muddle of good and evil, inextricably bound.
With death, evil dies as well. The failures, the ugly acts and the damage done—all these wither and eventually perish. But the good we have accomplished—and that we truly are—this lives forever.[Maamar Tziyon b’Mishpat 5736]
-------
1
There are six categories of mikveot, one superior to another. The first is the water of pit, cisterns, storage trenches, storage caverns, and the like, where water is collected on the earth. Even though the water was "drawn" and even though there were less than 40 se'ah, since the water only contracts impurity through willful activity, as we explained, the prevailing assumption is that it is pure. It is fit to use such water to make dough from which challahmust be separated or to wash one's hands, provided he washes his hands with a container, as we explained.
א
שש מעלות במקואות זו למעלה מזו הראשון מי גבאים ומי בורות שיחין ומערות וכיוצא בהן ממים המכונסין בקרקע אף ע"פ שהן שאובין ואף ע"פ שאין בהן מ' סאה הואיל ואינו מתטמא אלא לרצון כמו שביארנו הרי הן בחזקת טהורין וכשירין לעשות מהן עיסה הטבולה לחלה וליטול מהן לידים והוא שיטול מהן בכלי כמו שביארנו:
2
On a superior level is rainwater that has not ceased flowing, i.e., the rain is still descending and the mountains are still gushing with water and that water flows down and collects on the ground. It is not "drawn;" however, there are not 40 se'ah. Such water is acceptable for terumah, for the washing of hands, and for the immersion of water that became impure.
If the rains ceased descending, but the water was still flowing from the mountains, such water is still considered in this category. If water is no longer flowing from mountains and they are not gushing, it is considered as water collected in a pit.
ב
למעלה מהן מי תמצית שלא פסקו אלא עדיין הגשמים יורדין וההרים בוצצין והן נמשכין ונקוין ואינן שאובין אבל אין בהן מ' סאה הרי הן כשרין לתרומה וליטול מהן לידים ומטביל בהן את המים שנטמאו פסקו הגשמים ולא פסקו ההרים מלהזחיל עדיין הן מי תמצית פסקו ההרים ואינן בוצצין הרי אלו כמי גבאין:
3
When one digs at the side of the sea, a river, or a swamp, and water from these bodies flows into the pit that was dug, the water is considered like water that has not ceased flowing.
ג
החופר בצד הים ובצד הנהר ובמקום הבצין הרי הן כמי תמצית שלא פסקו:
4
When one digs at the side of a spring, as long as the water emerges because of the spring, even though at times, its flow is interrupted, but then it flows again, it is considered as a spring. If it ceased flowing entirely, it is considered as water collected in a pit.
ד
החופר בצד המעיין כל זמן שהיו באין מחמת המעיין אף על פי שפוסקין וחוזרין ומושכין הרי הן כמי מעיין פסקו מלהיות מושכין הרי הן כמי גבאין:
5
On a superior level is a mikveh that contains 40 se'ah of water that was not drawn. Every person can immerse in such a mikveh to regain purity except a male zav. All impure keilim and hands that must be immersed to touch sacrificial foods are immersed in such a mikveh, as we explained.
ה
למעלה מהן מקוה שיש בו מ' סאה מים שאינם שאובין שבו טובל כל אדם טמא חוץ מן הזב הזכר ובו מטבילין את כל הכלים הטמאים ואת הידים שמטביליו לקדש כמו שביארנו:
6
On a superior level is a natural spring whose water is minimal and drawn water was added to it. The laws governing it resemble those governing a mikveh in that it does not impart purity through immersion in the water that flows from it, only in water that is collected and stationary in a reservoir. And they resemble those governing a natural spring in that even the smallest amount of its water imparts purity. For there is no minimum measure required for the water of a natural spring. Even the slightest amount can impart purity.
ו
למעלה מזה המעיין שמימיו מועטין והרבו עליו מים שאובין שוה למקוה שאין מטהרין במים הנמשכין ממנו אלא במים הנקוין ועומדין באשבורן ושוה למעיין שהוא מטהר בכל שהוא שהמעיין אין למימיו שיעור אפילו כל שהן מטהרין:
7
On a superior level is a natural spring in which drawn water was not mixed, but its water was spoiled; it was bitter or salty. It imparts purity when its water is flowing, i.e., the water emerges and streams forth from the spring.
ז
למעלה מזה המעיין שלא נתערב בו מים שאובין אבל מימיו מוכים כגון שהיו מימיו מרים או מלוחים שהרי הוא מטהר בזוחלים והן המים הנגררים ונמשכין מן המעיין:
8
On a superior level is a natural spring whose water is "living water." In such springs alone may male zavim immerse and from them alone water may be taken for the purification of a person afflicted with tzara'at and for the sanctification of the water used for the ashes of the red heifer.
What are the differences between the laws governing a natural spring and a mikveh? A mikveh does not impart purity unless it contains 40 se'ah of water, while even the smallest amount of water from a natural spring imparts purity. And the water of a mikveh imparts purity only if it is collected in a reservoir. Any water flowing out from it does not impart purity. The water of a natural spring, by contrast, imparts purity when flowing. Also, immersion in a mikveh is not effective for zavim, while a zav may immerse in a natural spring of "living water."
ח
למעלה מזה המעיין שמימיו מים חיים שבהן בלבד טובלים בו הזבים הזכרים ולוקחין מהן לטהרת המצורע ולקדש מי חטאת מה בין מעיין למקוה המקוה אינו מטהר אלא במ' סאה והמעיין מטהר בכל שהוא המקוה אינו מטהר אלא באשבורן והמים הנזחלים ממנו אינן מטהרין והמעיין מטהר בזוחלים המקוה לא תעלה בו טבילה לזבים והמעיין אם היו מימיו מים חיים הזב טובל בהן:
9
When the waters of a spring flow outward and into a receptacle in a stone and afterwards emerge from the receptacle and flow further, all of the water in the receptacle and all that flowed out of it is unacceptable for immersion. If some of the water from the spring - even the slightest amount - was flowing over the edge of the receptacle, the water outside the receptacle is acceptable for immersion. The rationale is that a natural spring purifies water as long as it shares even the slightest amount of contact with it.
When water from a natural spring was flowing into a pool that was filled with water and collects there, that pool is considered as a mikveh. If the water flows outside the pool, that water is not acceptable for the purification of zavim and those afflicted with tzara'at or for the sanctification of the water for the ashes of the red heifer until one is certain that all of the collected water that was originally in the pool has flowed out.
ט
מעיין שמימיו יוצאין ונמשכין לתוך השוקת ואחר כך יוצאין מן השוקת ונזחלין הרי כל המים שבשוקת ושחוץ לו פסולין היו מקצתן נמשכין על שפת השוקת אפילו כל שהוא הרי המים שחוץ לשוקת כשרים שהמעיין מטהר בכל שהוא היו מימיו נמשכין לתוך בריכה שהיא מים ונקוין שם הרי אותה הבריכה כמקוה היה יוצא חוץ לבריכה ה"ז פסול לזבים ולמצורעים ולקדש מי חטאת עד שידע שיצאו כל מי המקוה שהיו בתוך הבריכה:
10
When the waters of a spring flow over articles that do not have a receptacle, e.g., a table, a bench, or the like, the water is considered as a mikveh, provided one does not immerse above the articles themselves.
י
מעיין שמימיו נמשכין ע"ג כלים שאין להן בית קיבול כגון שלחן וספסל וכיוצא בהן ה"ז כמקוה ובלבד שלא יטביל על גבי הכלים:
11
When there was a natural spring with small irrigation ditches flowing out from it and one poured water into the spring so that the water in the ditches would increase and flow powerfully, the water is considered as a spring in all regards.
If the water of the spring was stationary and not flowing and one added water until it flowed into the irrigation ditches, the water that flows into those ditches is comparable to a mikveh in that it imparts purity only when collected in a reservoir and it is comparable to a spring in that even the slightest amount imparts purity.
יא
מעיין שהיו אמות קטנות נמשכות ממנו ורבה עליו מים שאובין לתוך המעיין עד שגברו המים שבאמות ושטפו הרי הן כמעיין לכל דבר היו מימי המעיין עומדים ואינן נמשכין ורבה עליו מים עד שמשכו ממנו אמות המים הרי המים שמשוכין שוין למקוה לטהר באשבורן בלבד ושוין למעיין לטהר בכל שהוא:
12
All of the seas impart purity despite the fact that their water is flowing, but they are invalid for the purification of zavimand persons afflicted with tzara'at and for the sanctification of the water used for the ashes of the red heifer.
יב
כל הימים מטהרין בזוחלין ופסולין לזבים ולמצורעים ולקדש בהן מי חטאת:
13
Water that flows from a natural spring is considered as an extension of the spring in all contexts. Water that drips from a spring, even though the dripping is continuous, is considered only as a mikveh and does not impart purity unless there are 40 se'ahstanding in one place. Such water is not acceptable for the purification of zavim and those afflicted with tzara'at or for the sanctification of the water for the ashes of the red heifer.
If the water flowing from the spring becomes mixed with water dripping from it, it is considered like a stream in all respects. If, however, the amount of the water of the stream that was dripping was greater than that which was flowing, or if an amount of rainwater greater than the water in a river flowed into it, the water does not impart purity when flowing, only when in a reservoir. Therefore one must use a mat or the like to surround the portion of the river where the water is mixed until the water will be gathered in a single place so that one can immerse in it.
יג
המים הזוחלין מן המעיין הרי הם כמעיין לכל דבר והמנטפין מן המעיין אע"פ שהן טורדין הרי הם כמקוה ואין מטהרין אלא בארבעים סאה עומדין ופסולין לזבים ולמצורעים ולקדש בהן מי חטאת היו הזוחלין מן המעיין מתערבין עם הנוטפין [ממנו אם רבו הזוחלין על הנוטפין] הרי הכל כמעיין לכל דבר ואם רבו הנוטפים על הזוחלין וכן אם רבו מי גשמים על מי הנהר אינן מטהרין בזוחלין אלא באשבורן לפיכך צריך להקיף מפץ וכיוצא בו באותו הנהר המעורב עד שיקוו המים ויטבול בהן:
14
When one caused water that was dripping to flow, e.g., one placed a smooth earthenware tablet next to a mikvehwhose water was dripping and thus the water was flowing as it descended down the tablet, it is acceptable. Any article that is susceptible to impurity, even by Rabbinic decree, should not be used as a conduit for water.
יד
נוטפין שעשאן זוחלין כגון שסמך למקוה המנטף טבלא של חרס חלקה והרי המים נזחלין ויורדין עליה הרי הן כשרין וכל דבר שמקבל טומאה ואפילו מד"ס אין מזחילין בו:
15
When one uses the external green shell of a nut to change the direction of the flow of water the water is acceptable as water from a spring, as it was before. It is not disqualified, because a fresh nut shell which imparts color is not considered as a container.
טו
זוחלין שקלחן בעלי אגוז כשרים כשהיו שאין עלי האגוז הלח שהוא צובע חשוב ככלים:
16
When rainwater is cascading down a hill, flowing as it descends, even though there are more than 40 se'ah of water from the beginning of the torrent to its end, it is not acceptable for immersion while it is flowing. It must be collected in a reservoir containing 40 se'ah. If one surrounded the water with containers, having them serve as partitions, i.e., walls for a body of water to collect, and 40 se'ah of rainwater flowed into it and collected there, it is acceptable for immersion. The containers with which one surrounded the water are not considered to have been immersed.
טז
מי גשמים הבאין מן המדרון והנם נזחלין ויורדין אף על פי שהיו מתחילתן ועד סופן מ' סאה אין מטבילין בהן כשהן נזחלין עד שיקוו וינוחו באשבורן מ' סאה הרי שהקיף כלים ועשה מהן מחיצות עד שנתקבץ ביניהן מ' סאה ממים הנזחלין מן הגשמים ה"ז טובל בהן וכלים שעשה מהן הגדר לא עלתה להן טבילה:
17
When a wave becomes separated from the sea and falls on a person or on keilim, they are pure for ordinary purposes, provided the wave contains 40 se'ah, for a person who immerses does not have to have a specific intent, as we explained in Hilchot Sha'ar Avot HaTum'ah. If the person focused his intent on purifying himself for a specific level of purity, and was waiting in anticipation of the wave falling upon him, he is considered to have purified himself for the activity for which he desired to purify himself.
יז
גל שנתלש מן הים ונפל על האדם או על הכלים אם יש בו מ' סאה הרי אלו טהורין לחולין שאין הטובל לחולין צריך כוונה כמו שביארנו בהלכות שאר אבות הטומאות ואם נתכוון והיה יושב ומצפה עד שיפול עליו הגל עלתה לו טבילה לדבר שנתכוון לו:
18
One may not immerse in a wave when it is in the air before it falls on the earth even if it contains 40 se'ah of water. The rationale is that just as we do not immerse in water that is flowing, how much more so do we not immerse in water that is in the air. When the two ends of a wave are touching the earth, we can immerse in it. We do not, however, immerse in its crest, because that water is in the air.
יח
אין מטבילין בגל כשהוא באויר קודם שיפול על הארץ ואע"פ שיש בו ארבעים סאה לפי שאין מטבילין בזוחלים קל וחומר באויר היו שני ראשי הגל נוגעין בארץ מטבילין בו ואין מטבילין בכיפה שלו מפני שהוא אויר:
• Shabbat - Chapter Twenty One
1
[Regarding the Sabbath,] the Torah [Exodus 23:12] states: "[On the seventh day,] you shall cease activity." [This implies] ceasing [even the performance of certain] activities that are not [included in the categories of the forbidden] labors.1
[The Torah left the definition of the scope of this commandment to] the Sages, [who] forbade many activities as sh'vut. Some activities are forbidden because they resemble the forbidden labors, while other activities are forbidden lest they lead one to commit a forbidden labor. These [activities] include the following:2
א
נאמר בתורה תשבות אפילו מדברים שאינן מלאכה חייב לשבות מהן. ודברים הרבה הן שאסרו חכמים משום שבות. מהן דברים אסורים מפני שהן דומים למלאכות ומהן דברים אסורים גזרה שמא יבוא מהן איסור סקילה. ואלו הן:
2
A person who levels crevices [in the ground] is liable for [performing the forbidden labor of] plowing.3 For this reason, it is forbidden to defecate in a field that is lying fallow, lest one come to level crevices.
A person who empties a storeroom [of its contents]4 on the Sabbath, because he needs [the storeroom] for the sake of a mitzvah - e.g., to house guests or to use as a study hall - should not empty the storeroom entirely, lest he come to level crevices within.5
[A person who] has mud on his feet6 may clean it off on a wall7 or on a beam, but not on the ground, lest he level crevices. A person should not spit on the ground and wipe it with his feet, lest crevices be leveled.8 It is, however, permitted to step on spittle that is lying on the ground as one walks, without having any specific intent.9
ב
כל המשוה גומות הרי זה חייב משום חורש. לפיכך אסור להפנות בשדה הנירה בשבת גזירה שמא ישוה גומות. המפנה את האוצר בשבת מפני שהוא צריך לו לדבר מצוה כגון שיכניס בו אורחים או יקבע בו מדרש לא יגמור את כל האוצר שמא יבוא להשוות גומות. טיט שעל גבי רגלו מקנחו בכותל או בקורה אבל לא בקרקע שמא יבא להשוות גומות. לא ירוק בקרקע וישוף ברגלו שמא ישוה גומות. ומותר לדרוס הרוק שעל גבי קרקע והולך לפי תומו:
3
It is forbidden for women who [often] play with nuts, almonds, or the like, to play with them on the Sabbath,10 lest they be motivated to level crevices.
It is forbidden to sweep the ground, lest one level crevices,11 unless [the floor] is paved with stone.12 One may, however, sprinkle water on the ground. There is no suspicion that the person will level crevices, since this is not his intent.13
One may not apply oil to the floor,14 even if it is paved, nor may one blow [dust from the floor], nor may one wash it.15 This applies on a holiday,16 and surely on the Sabbath. These acts were forbidden lest a person follow his usual weekday pattern and thus come to level crevices in a place which is not paved.
ג
נשים המשחקות באגוזים ושקדים וכיוצא בהן אסורות לשחק בהן בשבת שמא יבאו להשוות גומות. ואסור לכבד את הקרקע שמא ישוה גומות אלא א"כ היה רצוף באבנים. ומותר לזלף מים על גבי הקרקע ואינו חושש שמא ישוה גומות שהרי אינו מתכוין לכך. אין סכין את הקרקע ואפילו היה רצוף באבנים ואין נופחין אותו ואין מדיחין אותו אפילו ביום טוב כל שכן בשבת. שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא להשוות גומות בזמן שהוא עושה כן במקום שאינו רצוף:
4
When a courtyard has become soiled in the rainy season, one may bring straw17 and spread18 it over [the courtyard]. When a person spreads [the straw], he should not spread it with a basket or with a container, but rather with the underside of the container, so that he will not follow his usual weekday pattern and thus come to level crevices.
ד
חצר שנתקלקל במימי הגשמים מביא תבן ומרדה בה. וכשהוא מרדה לא ירדה לא בסל ולא בקופה אלא בשולי הקופה שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא להשוות גומות:
5
A person who waters seeds [that have been planted] is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] sowing.19Therefore, it is forbidden to draw water from a cistern using a pulley,20 lest one draw water for one's garden and one's ruin. On this basis, if a cistern with a pulley is located in one's courtyard, it is permitted to use the pulley to draw water.21
ה
המשקה את הזרעים חייב משום זורע. לפיכך אסור לשאוב מן הבור בגלגל גזרה שמא ימלא לגינתו ולחורבתו. ומפני זה אם היה הבור של גלגל בחצר מותר למלאות ממנו בגלגל:
6
A person who detaches [produce or wood] is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] reaping.22Accordingly, it is forbidden to remove honey from a beehive on the Sabbath,23 because this resembles detaching [produce].24
We may not climb a tree;25 [this includes both] a fresh tree and one that has dried out.26 We may not suspend [articles from] a tree, nor may we lean on a tree. We may not climb a tree before the commencement of the Sabbath [with the intent of] remaining there for the entire day.27
We may not use any [plant] that is attached to the ground.28 This is a decree, lest one detach [produce].
ו
התולש חייב משום קוצר. לפיכך אסור לרדות דבש מכוורת בשבת מפני שהוא כתולש. אין עולין באילן בין לח בין יבש ואין נתלין באילן ואין נסמכין באילן. ולא יעלה מבעוד יום לישב שם כל היום כולו. ואין משתמשין במחובר לקרקע כלל גזרה שמא יתלוש:
7
Fruit that falls from a tree on the Sabbath may not be eaten until Saturday night; this is a decree lest one detach [produce].29
One may smell a myrtle that is attached [to its bush], because the only benefit one has from it is its fragrance, and its fragrance can be appreciated even when it is attached. In contrast, it is forbidden to smell an etrog, an apple, or any other [fruit] that is fit to be eaten while it is attached [to its tree]. This is a decree enacted lest one pick it to partake of it.30
ז
פירות שנשרו בשבת אסור לאכלן עד מוצאי שבת גזרה שמא יתלוש. הדס המחובר מותר להריח בו שאין הנייתו אלא להריח בו והרי ריחו מצוי. אבל אתרוג ותפוח וכל הראוי לאכילה אסור להריח בו במחובר גזרה שמא יקוץ אותו לאכלו:
8
It is forbidden to sit on the roots of a tree that project more than three handbreadths above the ground.31 If, however, they are less than three [handbreadths above the ground], they are considered as the ground itself.32
If [the roots] descend from three [handbreadths] above the ground to within three [handbreadths of the ground], it is permitted to make use of them.33 If they are three handbreadths above the ground [on one side] or if there is a cavity three [handbreadths high below them], it is forbidden to sit on them even when one side [of the roots] is level with the ground.34
ח
אילן שהיו שרשיו גבוהין מן הארץ שלשה טפחים אסור לישב עליהן. ואם אינן גבוהין שלשה הרי הן כארץ. היו באין מלמעלה משלשה לתוך שלשה מותר להשתמש בהן. היו גבוהין שלשה אף על פי שצדן אחד שוה לארץ או שיש חלל תחתיהן שלשה אסור לישב עליהן:
9
We may not ride on an animal on the Sabbath; this is a decree enacted35 lest one cut a branch [to use as a switch] to guide it.36 We may not hang from an animal, nor may we climb onto an animal before the Sabbath so that we can sit upon it on the Sabbath.
We may not support ourselves by leaning on an animal;37 we may, however use articles hanging from an animal as a support.
A person38 who climbs a tree on the Sabbath39 without being aware of the prohibition involved is allowed to descend.40 [In contrast, one who climbs up] in conscious violation [of the prohibition] is forbidden to descend.
[In contrast, should one mount] an animal, one may descend even if one [mounted it] in conscious violation of the prohibition. [This leniency is granted] in consideration of the pain [endured] by the animal.41 Similarly, we may remove a load from an animal on the Sabbath, because of the pain [endured] by the animal.
ט
אין רוכבין על גבי בהמה בשבת גזרה שמא יחתוך זמורה להנהיגה. ואין נתלין בבהמה ולא יעלה מבעוד יום לישב עליה בשבת. ואין נסמכין לצדי בהמה. וצדי צדדין מותרין. עלה באילן בשבת בשוגג מותר לירד. במזיד אסור לירד. ובבהמה אפילו במזיד ירד משום צער בעלי חיים. וכן פורקין המשאוי מעל הבהמה בשבת משום צער בעלי חיים.
10
What is implied?42 If a person's animal is carrying a haversack of grain, [he may unload the animal in an irregular manner; he should insert his head under [the load, so that] it will be shifted to the other side and fall.43
[The following rules apply when a person] enters [a city] from a journey on Friday night and his animal is carrying a burden: When he reaches the outermost courtyard of the city, he should remove the utensils that may be carried on the Sabbath. Regarding those that may not be carried, he should loosen the ropes that are holding the bags, and allow the sacks to fall.
[The following rules apply] if the sacks contain articles that might break. If the sacks are small, one may bring pillows and blankets and place them under them, so that the sacks will fall on the pillows. [This is permitted] because, if the person desires, he could slip the pillows out from under the sacks, since these sacks are small and light. Thus, one has not nullified the possibility of using a utensil prepared for use on the Sabbath.44
If [the sacks are large and contain] large pieces of glass, one should release the sacks and let them fall. Even if they break, there will not be a great loss, for [such pieces of glass] are intended to be melted down.45 [Therefore, only] a small loss [will be incurred],46and this is of no concern to the Sages.
If the sacks are large and contain glass utensils and the like, one should unload the sacks gently.47 One may not, however, leave them on the animal [for the entire Sabbath], because of the pain the animal [will suffer].
י
כיצד היתה בהמתו טעונה שליף של תבואה מכניס ראשו תחתיו ומסלקו לצד אחר והוא נופל מאליו. היה בא מן הדרך בליל שבת ובהמתו טעונה, כשיגיע לחצר החיצונה נוטל את הכלים הניטלין בשבת ושאינן ניטלין מתיר החבלים והשקין נופלין. היו בשקין דברים המשתברין, אם היו שקין קטנים מביא כרים וכסתות ומניח תחתיהן והשקין נופלין על הכרים, שהרי אם ירצה לשלוף הכר שולף מפני שהשקים קטנים וקלים ונמצא שלא בטל הכלי מהיכנו. היתה טעונה עששיות של זכוכית מתיר השקים והן נופלין שאף על פי שישברו אין בכך הפסד גדול שהרי הכל להתכה עומד ולהפסד מועט לא חששו. היו השקים גדולים ומלאים כלי זכוכית וכיוצא בהם פורק בנחת. ומכל מקום לא יניחן שם על גבי בהמה משום צער בעלי חיים:
11
A person who presses fruits together until they become a single entity is liable for [performing the forbidden labor of] collecting food.48 Therefore, a person whose fruits have been spread throughout his courtyard49 may collect them by hand and partake of them.50 He should not, however, place them into a basket or into a container as he does during the week. Were he to follow his ordinary weekday practice, there is the possibility that he would press them with his hands in the container and perform the forbidden labor of collecting food.51
Similarly, salt or the like should not be collected into a single block, because it appears as if one is collecting food.52
יא
המדבק פירות עד שיעשו גוף אחד חייב משום מעמר. לפיכך מי שנתפזרו לו פירות בחצרו מלקט על יד על יד ואוכל. אבל לא יתן לא לתוך הסל ולא לתוך הקופה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול. שאם יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול שמא יכבשם בידו בתוך הקופה ויבא לידי עימור. וכן אין מקבצין את המלח וכיוצא בו מפני שנראה כמעמר:
12
A person who extracts [food from raw produce is liable for performing a derivative of] threshing. One who squeezes olives and grapes is liable for extracting.53 Therefore, it is forbidden to squeeze berries or pomegranates. Since some people squeeze them [for juice]54 like olives and grapes, [were this to be allowed,] one might come to squeeze olives and grapes. It is, however, permitted to squeeze other fruit - e.g., quince, apples, and crab apples - on the Sabbath, since they are not usually squeezed.55
יב
מפרק חייב משום דש. והסוחט זיתים וענבים חייב משום מפרק. לפיכך אסור לסחוט תותים ורמונים הואיל ומקצת בני אדם סוחטים אותם כזיתים וענבים שמא יבוא לסחוט זיתים וענבים. אבל שאר פירות כגון פרישין ותפוחים ועוזרדין מותר לסוחטן בשבת מפני שאינן בני סחיטה:
13
It is permitted to squeeze pickled or cooked foods to soften them.56 If, however, one's intent is to extract liquid from them,57 it is forbidden.58
We may not crush snow, so that liquid will flow from it.59 One may, however, crush [snow] into a bowl or into a cup.60
[The following rules apply to] garlic, unripe grapes, and unripe grain that were crushed before the commencement of the Sabbath: If it is necessary that they be crushed [further], it is forbidden to continue crushing them on the Sabbath. If it is necessary that they [merely] be ground by hand,61 it is permitted to complete grinding them on the Sabbath.
יג
כבשין ושלקות שסחטן. אם לרכך גופן מותר ואם להוציא מימיהן אסור. ואין מרסקין את השלג שיזובו מימיו. אבל מרסק הוא לתוך הקערה או לתוך הכוס. השום והבוסר והמלילות שריסקן מבעוד יום. אם מחוסרין דיכה אסור לגמור דיכתן בשבת. ואם מחוסרין שחיקה ביד מותר לו לגמור שחיקתן בשבת. לפיכך מותר לגמור שחיקת הריפות בעץ הפרור בתוך הקדירה בשבת אחר שמורידין אותה מעל האש:
14
One may remove grain from husks in an abnormal manner so that it does not appear that one is extracting.64
יד
המולל מלילות מולל בשנוי כדי שלא יראה כדש. היונק בפיו פטור. ואם היה גונח מותר לו לינק בפיו מפני שהוא מפרק כלאחר יד ומשום צערו לא גזרו ואף על פי שאין שם סכנה:
15
טו
פירות שזבו מהן משקין בשבת. אם זיתים וענבים הן אסור לשתות אותן המשקין עד מוצאי שבת גזרה שמא יתכוין ויסחוט אותן בשבת. ואם תותים ורמונים הן. אם הכניסן לאכילה משקין שזבו מהן מותרין. ואם הכניסן לדורכן משקין שזבו מהן אסורין עד מוצאי שבת:
16
When grapes or olives are crushed on Friday, the liquids that flow from them on the Sabbath on their own accord are permitted. Similarly, when honeycombs are crushed on Friday, the liquid that flows out on its own accord on the Sabbath is permitted. There is no reason for a prohibition [to be imposed], since they were already crushed on [Friday].72
טז
זיתים וענבים שריסקן מערב שבת ויצאו מהן משקין מעצמן מותרין. וכן חלות דבש שריסקן מערב שבת משקין היוצאין מהן בשבת מותרין. שאין כאן מקום לגזרה שכבר ריסקן מבערב:
17
Winnowing and selecting are primary categories of [forbidden] labor.73 Therefore, even though a person is permitted to remove grain from husks with his fingertips,74 when he blows air [over them to cause the husks to fall],75 he may do so [only while holding them] in one hand,76 blowing with all his strength. He may not, however, use a tray or a pot with compartments,77 lest he use a sifter or a strainer, for which he is liable.
Filtering dregs is a derivative [of either of the forbidden labors] of selecting or of sifting.78 Therefore, even though it is permitted to filter clear wine or clear water79 using a handkerchief or an Egyptian basket,80one should not make a hollow in the handkerchief [to gather the dregs] as one does during the week, lest one filter [dregs] with a filter. Similarly, it is forbidden to hang a filter as one does during the week, lest one filter [dregs with it].81
יז
זורה ובורר מאבות מלאכות הן לפיכך אף על פי שמותר למלול מלילות בראשי אצבעותיו. כשהוא מנפח מנפח בידו אחת בכל כחו. אבל לא בקנון ולא בתמחוי גזרה שמא ינפה בנפה ובכברה שהוא חייב. והמשמר שמרים תולדת בורר או מרקד הוא. לפיכך אף על פי שמותר לסנן יין צלול או מים צלולין בסודרין או בכפיפה מצרית. לא יעשה גומא בסודר שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא לשמר במשמרת. וכן אסור לתלות את המשמרת כדרך שהוא עושה בחול שמא יבא לשמר. וכן המחבץ תולדת בורר הוא. לפיכך אע"פ שנותנין שומשמין ואגוזים לדבש לא יחבצם בידו:
18
[A person who] cuts vegetables into small pieces in order to cook84 them is liable [for performing] a derivative [of the forbidden labor] of grinding.85 Therefore, it is forbidden to shred straw86 or carobs87 for animals, whether in large or small pieces, because it appears as if one is grinding.88 One may, however, cut gourds for an animal, or an animal carcass89 for dogs, for there is no concept of grinding regarding fruit.90
יח
המחתך את הירק דק דק כדי לבשלו הרי זה תולדת טוחן וחייב. לפיכך אין מרסקין לא את השחת ולא את החרובין לפני בהמה בין דקה בין גסה מפני שנראה כטוחן. אבל מחתכין את הדלועין לפני הבהמה ואת הנבלה לפני הכלבים שאין טחינה בפירות. ומתירין אלומות של עמיר לפני בהמה ומפספס בידו אלומות קטנות אבל לא אלומות גדולות מפני הטורח שבהן:
19
יט
חבילי פיאה ואזוב וקורנית וכיוצא בהן שהכניסן למאכל בהמה מסתפק מהן וקוטם ואוכל בראשי אצבעותיו אבל לא בידו הרבה שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא לדוק:
20
A person who must pulverize pepper and the like to season food on the Sabbath should crush it with the handle of a knife against the bowl.97 It is forbidden to use a pestle, for one is grinding.98 For this reason, it is forbidden for a healthy person to take medication on the Sabbath. This is a decree [enacted] lest one grind herbs.
כ
הצריך לדוק פלפלים וכיוצא בהן ליתן לתוך המאכל בשבת הרי זה כותש ביד הסכין ובקערה אבל לא במכתשת מפני שהוא טוחן. לפיכך אסור לבריא להתרפאות בשבת גזרה שמא ישחוק הסממנין:
21
What is implied? A person99 should not partake of foods that are not ordinarily eaten by healthy people100 - e.g., hyssop and piah101 - nor herbs that cause diarrhea - e.g., wormwood and the like. Nor should one drink beverages that are not ordinarily drunk by healthy people - e.g., water cooked with herbs and grasses.
כא
כיצד לא יאכל דברים שאינן מאכל בריאים כגון אזוביון ופיאה. ולא דברים המשלשלים כגון לענה וכיוצא בהם. וכן לא ישתה דברים שאין דרך הבריאים לשתותן כגון מים שבשלו בהן סממנין ועשבים:
22
כב
אוכל אדם אוכלין ומשקין שדרך הבריאים לאוכלן ולשתותן כגון הכסברא והכשות והאזוב אף על פי שהן מרפאין ואוכלן כדי להתרפאות בהם מותר הואיל והם מאכל בריאים. שתה חלתית מקודם השבת והרי הוא שותה והולך מותר לשתותו בשבת (אפילו) במקומות (שלא) נהגו הבריאים לשתות החלתית. ושותין זיתום המצרי בכל מקום:
23
[Similar concepts apply regarding oils:] A person is allowed to anoint himself on the Sabbath with oils that healthy people use to anoint themselves, even though his intent is for healing purposes. It is, however, forbidden [to anoint oneself with oils] that are not used by healthy people.109
כג
וכן שמנים שדרך הבריאים לסוך בהן מותר לסוך בהן בשבת ואף על פי שנתכוין לרפואה. ושאין הבריאים סכין בהן אסורין. החושש במתניו לא יסוך יין וחומץ אבל סך הוא את השמן. ולא שמן ורד אלא במקום שהבריאים סכין אותו. ומותר לסוך שמן ומלח בכל מקום. נגפה ידו או רגלו צומתה ביין ואינו צומתה בחומץ ואם היה ענוג אף ביין אסור:
24
כד
החושש בשיניו לא יגמע בהן את החומץ ויפלוט אבל מגמע הוא ובולע. החושש בגרונו לא יערענו בשמן אבל בולע הוא שמן הרבה ואם נתרפא נתרפא. אין לועסין את המסטכי ואין שפין את השנים בסם בשבת בזמן שנתכוין לרפואה. ואם נתכוין לריח הפה מותר:
25
כה
אין נותנין יין לתוך העין אבל נותן הוא על גב העין. ורוק תפל אפילו על גב העין אסור. קילור ששרה אותו מערב שבת מעבירו על גב עינו בשבת ואינו חושש. מי שלקה באצבעו לא יכרוך עליו גמי כדי לרפאותו ולא ידחקנו בידו כדי להוציא ממנו דם:
26
We may not place hot water or oil124 on a wound, nor on a wad of unprocessed fabric that is above a wound, nor on a wad of unprocessed fabric to be placed on a wound.125 We may, however, apply it outside the wound [so that] it will flow into the wound.
We may place a dry wad of unprocessed fabric on a wound. If, however, it is aged fabric, this is forbidden, since this is like applying a bandage.126
כו
אין נותנין חמין ושמן על גבי המכה. ולא על גבי מוך שעל גבי המכה. ולא על גבי מוך ליתנו על המכה בשבת. אבל נותן הוא חוץ למכה ושותת ויורד למכה. ונותנין מוך יבש על גבי המכה. ואם היה עתיק אסור מפני שהוא כרטיה.
27
כז
רטיה שפרשה על גבי כלי מחזירין אותה. ואם פרשה על גבי קרקע אסור להחזירה. ומניחין רטיה על גבי המכה לכתחלה במקדש שאין אסור שבות במקדש. ובכל מקום מקנחין פי המכה ואין מקנחין את הרטיה שמא ימרח:
28
One may apply oil and massage132 the intestines on the Sabbath, provided that one applies oil and massages at the same time, so that one will not follow one's weekday practice.
One may not work-out on the Sabbath. What is meant by a work-out? Others tread on a person's body forcefully until he becomes exerted and begins to perspire, or a person walks [vigorously]133until he exerts himself and begins to perspire. It is forbidden to exert oneself on the Sabbath to the extent of perspiring, for this is a therapeutic practice. Similarly, one may not stand in mud baths in Eretz Yisrael, because this is exerting and therapeutic.
כח
סכין וממשמשין בבני מעים בשבת והוא שיסוך וימשמש בבת אחת כדי שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול. ואין מתעמלין בשבת. אי זה הוא מתעמל זה שדורסים על גופו בכח עד שייגע ויזיע או שיהלך עד שייגע ויזיע. שאסור ליגע את עצמו כדי שיזיע בשבת מפני שהיא רפואה. וכן אסור לעמוד בקרקע דימוסית שבארץ ישראל מפני שמעמלת ומרפאת:
29
One may not wash in water that causes diarrhea, nor in quicksand,134 nor in water [in which flax was left to] soak and which has turned foul smelling, nor in the Dead Sea, nor in the foul water in the Mediterranean,135 because all of these cause discomfort, and [Isaiah 58:13] states, "And you shall call the Sabbath a delight."
Accordingly, if one does not remain in these [bodies of water] for an extended time, but rather emerges immediately, it is permitted136even though one has sores on one's scalp.
כט
אין רוחצין במים שמשלשלין ולא בטיט שטובעין בו ולא במי משרה הבאושים ולא בים סדום ולא במים הרעים שבים הגדול מפני שכל אלו צער הן וכתוב וקראת לשבת עונג. לפיכך אם לא נשתהה בהם אלא עלה מיד אע"פ שיש לו חטטין בראשו מותר:
30
We may not scrape our skin with a utensil used for that purpose.137 If, however, one's hands are soiled with feces or with mud, one may scrape in one's ordinary manner without concern.
ל
אין מתגרדין במגרדת ואם היו ידיו מלוכלכות בצואה או בטיט גורד כדרכו ואינו חושש. סכין ומפרכין לאדם לענג אבל לא לבהמה. ואם היה לה צער מותר להסיר צערה בסיכה ופירוך. בהמה שאכלה כרשינין הרבה מריצין אותה בחצר בשביל שתתרפא. ואם אחזה דם מעמידין אותה במים בשביל שתצטנן ואין חוששין שמא ישחק לה סמנין:
31
A person may not cause himself to vomit food on the Sabbath. When does this apply? When he uses a drug,143for he may come to crush herbs. It is, however, permitted to place one's hand down one's throat so that one will vomit.
It is forbidden to press the stomach of an infant so that he will defecate,144 lest one give him curative herbs. It is permitted to place a cup over an [infant's] navel to lift it up.145 It is permitted to place a neck-brace or hip-girdle around a child.146 Similarly, one may lift up [the tendons of a child's] ears, whether by hand or with an instrument, and lift up cartilage on one's chest.147 For all of these [activities] are performed [by hand], and not with herbs. Since [the person] is in pain and there is no suspicion that one may crush [herbs,] [these activities are permitted].148
לא
אין מקיאין את האוכל בשבת. בד"א בסם שמא ישחק סמנין אבל להכניס ידו לתוך פיו ולהקיא מותר. ואסור לדחוק כריסו של תינוק כדי להוציא הרעי שלו שמא יבא להשקותו סמנין המשלשלין. ומותר לכפות כוס על הטבור בשבת כדי להעלותו. וכן מותר ליחנק וללפף את הקטן ולהעלות אזנים בין ביד בין בכלי. ולהעלות אנקלי. שכל אלו וכיוצא בהן אין עושין אותן בסמנין כדי לחוש לשחיקה ויש לו צער מהן:
32
Sifting is one of the categories of forbidden labor.149Therefore, we may not sift straw in a sieve or place a sieve with straw in a high place so that the chaff will fall,150 since this is like sifting. One may, however, place straw in a sieve and carry it to [an animal's] feeding trough, even though the chaff falls while one is transferring it, since this is not one's intent.151
לב
המרקד מאבות מלאכות. לפיכך אין כוברין את התבן בכברה ולא יניח הכברה שיש בה תבן במקום גבוה בשביל שירד המוץ מפני שהוא כמרקד. אבל נוטל התבן בכברה ומוליך לאבוס אע"פ שירד המוץ בשעת הולכה שהרי אינו מתכוין לכך:
33
A person who creates a mixture of small particles and water is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] kneading.152 Therefore, one may not make a mixture of a large amount of roasted flour,153 lest one come to knead unroasted flour.154 One may, however, mix [small amounts] of roasted [flour] a little at a time.
In contrast, shatit, i.e., grain that has not matured to a third of its fullness155 and is roasted and coarsely ground, resembles sand. Large quantities of it may be mixed with vinegar and the like at once, provided the mixture is soft.156 If it is firm, it is forbidden, for it appears as though one is kneading.
[Even when making a soft mixture,] one must deviate from one's ordinary practice. What is implied? First, one must put in the shatitand then the vinegar.157
לג
מגבל חייב משום לש. לפיכך אין מגבלין קמח קלי הרבה שמא יבוא ללוש קמח שאינו קלי. ומותר לגבל את הקלי מעט מעט. אבל תבואה שלא הביאה שליש שקלו אותה ואחר כך טחנו אותה טחינה גסה שהרי הוא כחול והיא הנקראת שתית מותר לגבל ממנה בחומץ וכיוצא בו הרבה בבת אחת. והוא שיהיה רך אבל קשה אסור מפני שנראה כלש וצריך לשנות. כיצד נותן את השתית ואחר כך נותן את החומץ:
34
Although bran does not produce a mixture resembling a dough,158 it is forbidden to be mixed with water, lest one mix earth159 and the like.
One may pour water over bran and stir it with a spoon in all directions.160 One may not mix it with one's hands, so that it will not appear that one is kneading. If it does not mix well, one may pour it from one container to another until it mixes well, and then give it to the chickens or the oxen.
It is permissible to mix bran in the above manner in one container and then divide it into several containers, giving each animal [its portion]. One may mix even a kor or two korim [of bran together] in one container.161
לד
המורסן אע"פ שאינו ראוי לגבול אין גובלין אותו שמא יבוא לגבול העפר וכיוצא בו. ונותנין מים על גבי מורסן ומוליך בו התרווד שתי וערב. אבל אינו ממרס בידו שלא יראה כלש. אם לא נתערב מנערו מכלי לכלי עד שיתערב ונותן לפני התרנגולין או לפני השוורים. ומותר לערב המורסן על דרך זו בכלי אחד ומחלק אותו בכלים הרבה ונותן לפני כל בהמה ובהמה ומערב בכלי אחד אפילו כור ואפילו כוריים:
35
One may not [force-]feed domesticated animals, beasts, or fowl on the Sabbath in the same way as one feeds them during the week, lest one crush beans, knead flour, or [perform another] similar [activity].162
What is implied? On the Sabbath, one should not feed a camel enough food for three or four days.163 One may not throw down a calf or the like, hold its mouth open and pour in beans and water at one time.164 Similarly, one may not place [food deep] in the mouths of doves or chickens, in a place from which they cannot spit it out.
One may, however, feed an animal while it is standing and give it water while it is standing,165 or one may place both water and beans separately in its mouth,166 provided it is possible for [the animal] to spit them up. Similarly, one may feed fowl by hand as long as they can spit the food up.167 Needless to say, one may place food before the animals so that they can eat.
לה
אין מאכילין בהמה חיה ועוף בשבת כדרך שהוא מאכיל בחול שמא יבוא לידי כתישת קטניות או לידי לישת קמח וכיוצא בו. כיצד לא יאכיל הגמל בשבת מאכל שלשה או ארבעה ימים ולא ירביץ עגל וכיוצא בו ויפתח פיו ויתן לתוכו כרשינין ומים בבת אחת. וכן לא יתן לתוך פי יונים ותרנגולים למקום שאינן יכולין להחזיר. אבל מאכיל הוא את הבהמה מעומד ומשקה אותה מעומד או נותן לתוך פיה מים בפני עצמן וכרשינין בפני עצמן במקום שיכולה להחזיר. וכן מאכיל העוף בידו במקום שיכול להחזיר ואין צריך לומר שיתן לפניהן והן אוכלין:
36
When does [the license to feed animals] mentioned above apply? Regarding an animal that one is responsible for feeding - e.g., one's domesticated animals, one's beasts, doves raised within one's home, geese, and chickens.168 One may not, by contrast, provide food or water for animals that one is not responsible for feeding - e.g., pigs,169 doves raised in a dovecote, and bees.170
A person may lead his animal directly to grass that is still growing and allow it to eat. He may not, by contrast, lead it to [food] that has been set aside [not to be used on the Sabbath].171One may, nevertheless, stand in front of the animal until it turns, and, on its own accord, heads to the food that has been set aside and partakes of it. The same [laws apply] on the holidays.
לו
במה דברים אמורים במי שמזונותיו עליו כגון בהמתו וחייתו ויוני הבית ואווזין ותרנגולין, אבל מי שאין מזונותיו עליו כגון חזיר ויוני שובך ודבורים לא יתן לפניהם לא מזון ולא מים. ומותר לאדם להעמיד בהמתו על גבי עשבים (מחוברים) והיא אוכלת. אבל לא יעמיד אותה על גבי דבר שהוקצה אבל עומד בפניה כדי שתחזיר פניה לדבר המוקצה ותאכל ממנו. וכן ביום טוב
FOOTNOTES
1.
As mentioned in the notes on Chapter 1, this statement has raised the attention of the commentaries concerned with how the Rambam defines the scope of the positive commandment to cease activity on the Sabbath. Many authorities explain that this positive commandment is merely a restatement of the prohibition against performing forbidden labors. Others (see the commentary of the Ramban on Leviticus 23:24) understand the command as requiring a person must to refrain from any and all activities that will disturb the Sabbath atmosphere of serene rest. The Rambam's wording in this halachah appears to support the latter view.
Support for this opinion can also be drawn from the phraseology chosen by the Rambam in Chapter 24, Halachah 12, the conclusion of the discussion of this issue in the Mishneh Torah:
Lest the day be like a weekday in the person's eyes, and he come to repair [articles,] lifting them up from corner to corner.... For he is sitting idle, and he will seek something to do. Thus, he will not have "ceased activity" and will have negated the motivating principle for the Torah's commandment [Deuteronomy 5:14], "Thus... will rest."
In this quote as well, the Rambam emphasizes that the commandment to rest in Exodus 23:12 encompasses holding back from performing any activity that will disturb the atmosphere of rest and peace that characterizes the Sabbath.
2.
The Rambam uses the next four chapters to delineate various activities that were forbidden because of the two reasons he mentions above. In his discussion of this matter, he gives examples of activities that are related to each of the categories of forbidden labor.
3.
This refers to a person who levels crevices in a field (Chapter 8, Halachah 1). If one performs such an activity in a home, one is liable for performing the forbidden labor of building (Chapter 10, Halachah 12).
4.
See Chapter 26, Halachah 15.
5.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 18:1), the Rambam elaborates on this concept, explaining that a person who removes the contents of a storeroom is likely to discover cracks and crevices in the ground. Our Sages, therefore, imposed this restriction lest he level the floor. Indeed, the only reason the person is allowed to empty the storeroom is that he intends to perform a mitzvah.
6.
Or shoes (Ramah, Orach Chayim 302:6).
7.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) also mentions an opinion that forbids wiping the mud on a stone wall, lest it appear that one is replastering the wall.
8.
See the Mishnah Berurah 316:49, which questions whether this restriction applies to a paved or unpaved floor. (In this context, see also the Jerusalem Talmud, Shabbat7:2.)
9.
The Maggid Mishneh cites the use of a similar expression in Chapter 11, Halachah 4. In the notes on that halachah, it is explained that there are two interpretations of the phrase: a) that one may intentionally step on the substance in question and merely make it appear that one is doing so accidentally; b) that one may proceed without worrying whether one steps on the substance or not. (See also the restatement of this law in Chapter 26, Halachah 13.)
10.
When mentioning this law, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 338:5) cites the Rambam's statements in Chapter 23, Halachah 17, which forbid gambling on the Sabbath. Thus, to avoid redundancy, we are forced to say that the play mentioned here is obviously mere sport. Nevertheless, it is forbidden for the reasons mentioned above.
11.
The Rambam appears to forbid sweeping the floor, lest in the process of doing so, one decides to level the floor. Since both sweeping and leveling are intended to make one's floor look attractive, it is likely that while a person is involved in one activity, he will also perform the other (Rav Yitzchak ben Sheshet, Responsum 394).
Other commentaries explain that the reason is that it is inevitable that a person will level an earthen floor while sweeping it. Therefore, sweeping is forbidden even though the person does not intend to level the floor, based on the principle the Rambam states in Chapter 1, Halachah 6.
12.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 337:2) follows the Rambam's ruling and allows one to sweep a paved floor. The Ramah, however, differs and maintains that it is forbidden. (See the Be'ur Halachah 337, which cites many opinions that encourage leniency.) Even those opinions that allow one to sweep emphasize that one must be careful regarding the type of broom used. A broom whose bristles are likely to break may not be used.
13.
This refers to sprinkling water in a house to keep the dust from rising. Although there is a possibility that the water and the dust will collect and cause the floor to become level, there is no prohibition because this is not the person's intent. As the Rambam mentions in Chapter 1, Halachah 5, a person may perform an act that causes a forbidden labor to be accomplished if he does not intend for that labor to be accomplished, and there is not an absolute certainty that it will be accomplished.
14.
In Talmudic times, oil was frequently applied to the floor of a bathhouse. (See Shabbat 40b.)
15.
Sweeping a floor is considered a necessary act to maintain an atmosphere of cleanliness on the Sabbath. These other activities, however, are not as essential (Maggid Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch HaRav337:4; Mishnah Berurah 337:17).
16.
Note, however, Hilchot Korban Pesach1:16, which states that after the Paschal offerings had been sacrificed, the floor of the Temple courtyard was washed, even when the celebration of Pesach began on the Sabbath. All the prohibitions of the category of sh'vut were not enforced in the Temple.
17.
Straw is acceptable for this purpose since it is fit to be eaten by an animal. Hence, it will not be considered as having been made a permanent part of the courtyard. If, by contrast, earth, pebbles, or sand are used, they would be considered as having been permanently incorporated into the floor of the courtyard. This is considered as building and is, hence, forbidden (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 313:24; Mishnah Berurah313:55).
18.
When quoting this halachah (which is based on Eruvin 104a), the Shulchan Aruchuses a different verb, זורה, which means "toss into." This difference also leads to a variation in the manner in which the concept mentioned in our halachah's final clause is interpreted there.
19.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 2.
20.
Eruvin 104a relates that water was drawn from a cistern by a pulley in the Temple, but that this is forbidden outside the Temple premises.
21.
The location of the cistern clearly indicates that its water is intended to be used for household purposes. In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo explains that even if a cistern is not located in a courtyard, as long as it is distant from a place where the water might be used for commercial purposes, one may draw water with a pulley. In the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 338:6), he mentions further leniencies.
22.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 3.
23.
If, however, the honey has oozed or has been removed from the beehive before the commencement of the Sabbath, it may be used. (See the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch and the Ramah [Orach Chayim321:13].)
24.
Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Sh'vi'it 10:7).
25.
This prohibition, as all the others mentioned in this halachah, was also instituted lest one detach fruit from a tree. (Note also the Shulchan Aruch [Orach Chayim 372:15], which mentions an exception to this principle.)
26.
The commentaries question whether the Rambam's intent is that one is liable for detaching wood from a dried tree, or that this is merely a safeguard. (See Magen Avraham 336:1.)
27.
See Halachah 9 regarding whether or not a person who climbs a tree is allowed to descend on the Sabbath.
28.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim312:6), which mentions an exception to this principle.
29.
Rav Moshe Cohen differs with the rationale given by the Rambam and explains that the reason these fruits are forbidden is that they are considered muktzeh, i.e., since picking them would involve transgressing a prohibition, one does not consider using them on the Sabbath. Others explain that they are forbidden, because they are nolad, i.e., the potential to use them did not come about until after the commencement of the Sabbath. Accordingly, it is forbidden to move them on the Sabbath. From the location in the Shulchan Aruch in which this law appears, Orach Chayim 322:3, one might infer that Rav Yosef Karo follows Rav Moshe Cohen's opinion.
The Rambam accepts the principle of noladonly in regard to the festivals, and not in regard to the Sabbath (see Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 1:17) and does not consider the concept of muktzeh applicable here.
30.
The Rambam follows Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi's version of Sukkot 37b. Rabbenu Chanan'el and others reverse the laws and grant the leniency regarding smelling an etrog and the like, but not a myrtle. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 336:10) quotes the Rambam's view.
31.
This is considered equivalent to climbing a tree (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Eruvin 10:8).
32.
Based on the principle of l'vud.
33.
I.e., the portion that is within three handbreadths of the ground.
34.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 336:2) mentions that it is even forbidden for them to sit on the side of the roots that is level with the ground. The difference between this law and the previous one is that in the previous law, the roots themselves descended within three handbreadths of the ground. In this law, a portion of the ground is upraised and is level with the roots.
35.
Although one is forbidden to cause an animal to carry a burden, riding an animal is not forbidden according to the Torah, because of the principle, "a living being carries itself." Nevertheless, there is a Rabbinic prohibition involved, as the Rambam explains.
36.
Beitzah 36b mentions another reason: perhaps one will ride beyond the Sabbath limits. Apparently the Rambam does not see these two positions as mutually exclusive.
Note, however, the Chatam Sofer (Vol. VI, Responsum 96), who writes that our Sages were motivated by a desire to have animals rest on the Sabbath, and the rationales mentioned in the Talmud were of secondary importance. Sefer HaKovetz notes that, in fact, the Jerusalem Talmud mentions the desire that animals rest as the source for this law.
37.
When our Sages forbade riding on an animal, they also forbade using an animal for any other purpose (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:23; Mishnah Berurah 305:62). These prohibitions apply in all places, even in a desert where there are no trees from which one might detach a branch.
The Maggid Mishneh states that this prohibition applies also regarding articles hanging from trees. Support for this position can be derived from the Rambam's statements in Hilchot Sukkah 4:6, which prohibit use of both a sukkah constructed in a tree as well as one on an animal's back on the first day of the holiday.
38.
If, however, a utensil was placed in a tree on or before the Sabbath, it may not be removed (Maggid Mishneh; Ramah [Orach Chayim 336:1]).
39.
If, however, he climbed the tree before the commencement of the Sabbath, he may descend on the Sabbath (Maggid Mishneh). Although the Rambam's view is accepted by most authorities, the Shulchan Aruch(loc. cit.) also mentions a more stringent opinion.
40.
Although the person makes use of the tree in his process of descent, this is not forbidden. For the alternative available to him, staying in the tree for the entire Sabbath, also involves making use of the tree (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 336:2; Mishnah Berurah 336:6).
41.
See Chapter 25, Halachah 26, for added leniencies granted in consideration of suffering endured by an animal. (See also the commentaries on Hilchot Rotzeach13:9,13, which discuss the halachic ramifications of this principle. Note also The Guide to the Perplexed, Vol. III, chapter 17.)
42.
The restrictive process of unloading an animal's burden described by the Rambam in this halachah is necessary only when the articles the animal is carrying are muktzeh(forbidden to be moved on the Sabbath day). If the articles are not muktzeh, they may be unloaded in an ordinary manner, provided one does not lean on the animal.
From this, the Mishnah Berurah 305:65 derives that the prohibition against causing an animal's suffering is not strong enough to supersede the prohibition against muktzeh.
43.
Although the grain is muktzeh, as long as one does not move it with one's hands, one is not violating the prohibition (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:24). See also Chapter 24:14-15.
44.
There are commentaries that emphasize that this is also a leniency. It is forbidden to nullify the possibility of using a utensil even temporarily. Hence, the only reason that putting the pillows under the sacks is permitted is that there is a substantial loss involved (Mishnah Berurah 266:27).
Note, however, the Maggid Mishneh, who mentions opinions that explain that since one can remove the pillows one by one at any time, one is never nullifying a utensil from being used.
45.
Rashi (Shabbat 154b) offers a slightly different interpretation of the type of glass used and the purpose for which it was intended.
46.
I.e., although the larger pieces will break when they fall, the broken pieces that will remain will also be able to be used for the original purpose. Only a small quantity of glass will be totally useless.
47.
Although unloading the glass utensils slowly will inevitably involve lifting the forbidden articles slightly, the Sages permitted this because of the loss involved (Maggid Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch HaRav266:24).
Note also Shulchan Aruch Harav 266:25, which grants a further leniency and allows pillows and covers to be placed under large utensils in the case of a substantial loss, if there is no other alternative. Even though there is no way to remove the pillows from under the utensils on the Sabbath, this leniency is permitted because of the potential loss. The Be'ur Halachah 266 explains that this is a matter of controversy among the halachic authorities.
48.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 6.
49.
The commentaries note that the Rambam's words seem to indicate that one is liable for collecting produce even when one does so far from the place where the produce originally grew. This issue is a point of disagreement among the commentaries. (See the notes on Chapter 8, Halachah 5.)
50.
Significantly, Tosafot, Shabbat 143b, suggests omitting the phrase "and partake of them." (Note the Be'ur Halachah 335.)
51.
Although the prohibition against gathering produce is explicitly stated in Shabbat143b, the rationale for the prohibition is a matter of debate among the halachic authorities. The reason suggested by the Rambam is not accepted by most, and other reasons are offered:
a) it is possible that pebbles might be mixed in with the produce and thus one might come to perform the forbidden labor of separating (Rashba);
b) gathering produce is a weekday activity and its performance runs contrary to the atmosphere of peace and rest prevalent on the Sabbath (Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim335). These are the rationales reflected in the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 335:5).
52.
According to the Torah, the forbidden labor of collecting food applies only with regard to the produce of the earth (Shabbat 73b; Chapter 8, Halachah 5). Nevertheless, the Rabbis extended the scope of the prohibition and forbade collecting other foods as well.
53.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 7 and 10. Rashi, Shabbat 143b, explains that the reason is that the primary purpose that grapes and olives are grown is for these liquids. With regard to other fruits, by contrast, it is not as common to use them for juice. From his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat22:1), it appears that the Rambam also accepts this rationale.
(Rabbenu Nissim gives another reason: The juices of other fruits are not considered to be liquids, but rather food. See Hilchot Tum'at Ochalin 1:4. The Pri Megadim and others consider these to be two separate rationales.)
54.
This prohibition includes all fruits that are frequently used for juice (Ramah, Orach Chayim 320:1). Significantly, however, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:6) states that one may squeeze lemons. The Mishnah Berurah 320:22, however, questions that decision, because it is customary in many places to use lemons for juice. A similar question applies regarding many other fruit juices that are now far more popular than they were in previous generations.
55.
The basis for this opinion is that even if a person desires to squeeze the fruit juice for use as a beverage, since the popular practice is not to do so, his individual intent is of no consequence. There are, however, opinions that maintain that a person is forbidden to squeeze juice from fruit if he desires to use it as a beverage.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:1 states that, even though the halachic basis of the first view is sounder, in places where it is customary to follow the second view, the stringency should be maintained. (See also the Be'ur Halachah 320.)
56.
Or to prepare them to be used as food in any other way. For example, to squeeze the oil from noodles (Mishnah Berurah320:24,25).
57.
As mentioned in Chapter 8, Halachah 10, even when one squeezes a food with the intent of removing its liquid, there is no prohibition involved if one squeezes the liquid directly into food. The rationale is that when a liquid is absorbed in food, its own identity is of no consequence. Hence, it is as if one is separating food from food. This concept is reflected in the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 320:7).
58.
The prohibition is, however, only Rabbinic in origin. This follows Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi's interpretation of Shabbat 145a. Rabbenu Chanan'el rules that a person who squeezes these foods for the sake of their liquids is liable for transgressing a Torah prohibition.
59.
For this resembles crushing grapes or olives to produce wine or oil (Maggid Mishneh in the name of the Rashba). The Maggid Mishneh continues, explaining that other commentaries (see Rashi, Shabbat51b, Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim 320) maintain that the prohibition stems from the fact that one is bringing into existence a new entity (nolad) on the Sabbath. It appears that the Rambam and the Rashba do not accept that rationale.
60.
Rashi, Rabbenu Nissim, and others state that this refers to a cup or a bowl filled with liquid. They explain that this is permitted because the water from the snow will flow directly into this other liquid and will never exist as a separate distinct entity. The Rambam does not make such a distinction, and appears to allow squeezing the snow into an empty cup. It is possible that, according to the Rambam, this leniency also applies to the pickled and cooked foods mentioned in the first clause of this halachah. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav320:6.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 320:9) states this law slightly differently: "One may place [snow] into a cup of wine or water so that it melts." Here, also, the Rambam is being more lenient, allowing the person to crush the snow by hand. The later authorities follow the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch.
61.
Note the Maggid Mishneh's treatment of this subject in his gloss on Chapter 3, Halachah 2. As the Maggid Mishnehmentions, the leniency of this halachah is that one may perform an act to continue grinding these substances.
62.
In one of his responsa, the Rambam explains that this refers to mixing meat, grain, and soup into a single mixture.
63.
It is, however, forbidden to perform this activity while the pot is on the fire. Inevitably, one will stir the pot's contents, and this is considered part of the cooking process (Chapter 9, Halachah 4).
64.
It is, however, forbidden to perform this activity while the pot is on the fire. Inevitably, one will stir the pot's contents, and this is considered part of the cooking process (Chapter 9, Halachah 4).
65.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 10.
66.
We have quoted the view of Tosafot(Yevamot 113a). Sucking milk fresh from an animal is considered a cure for pain felt in one's heart. The Rabbis question if this leniency also extends to a person groaning from hunger.
67.
An animal is generally milked into a container.
68.
I.e., without any human activity being performed on the Sabbath day. As opposed to the following halachah, this applies to fruit that was not crushed before the Sabbath.
69.
Since the primary purpose for which these fruits are used is to produce beverages, the Rabbis instituted the following prohibition even when the person purchased these fruits to eat (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 320:1).
70.
Which are often used to produce juice, as mentioned in Halachah 12. As mentioned in that halachah, the Rambam allows one to squeeze other fruits for juice. Surely there are no prohibitions against liquids that flow from them.
As mentioned in the notes on that halachah, the Ramah (loc. cit.) states that whenever it is customary to drink a fruit's juice, the situation is governed by the laws that apply to pomegranates and berries.
71.
Since the person intended to eat the fruit, he does not appreciate the fact that liquid has flowed from them and is not likely to squeeze them to produce more (Mishnah Berurah 320:6).
If the person brought them home with no specific intention, any liquid that flows from them is prohibited (ibid.).
72.
There is another opinion in the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:1), which forbids using liquid that flows from crushed honeycombs, lest one come to crush other ones on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, in practice, the more lenient view is accepted.
73.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 11.
74.
See Halachah 14.
75.
By blowing the air over them, he causes the husks to fall. Alternatively, this prohibition can be interpreted to refer to fanning the grain with one's hand or sifting it in the air. This appears to be the conception of the Shulchan Aruch which employs the word מנפה, "sift," rather than מנפח, "blow."
Although blowing away the chaff is part of the forbidden labor of winnowing, it is permitted, because one's intent is to partake of the food directly afterwards. See a parallel in Chapter 8, Halachah 12, in regard to the forbidden labor of separating.
76.
Implied is that using two hands is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 319:7)
77.
As mentioned in the notes on Chapter 8, Halachah 12, our translation of these terms is taken from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Keilim 16:3. Most commentaries follow other interpretations. (See Ramah, loc. cit..)
78.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 11, which states that three forbidden categories of labor - winnowing, selecting, and sifting - are very similar. Nevertheless, "every labor that was performed in the Sanctuary is counted as a separate category."
In Chapter 8, Halachah 14, the Rambam speaks of filtering wine and water, mentioning several of the points touched on in this halachah.
79.
But not wine or water that is filled with dregs.
80.
See, however, Chapter 22, Halachah 33, where the Rambam mentions how one must hold the Egyptian basket lest one violate a Rabbinic prohibition against erecting a tent.
81.
Significantly, there are authorities who associate this prohibition with the prohibition against erecting a tent. (See also the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:14 and the Mishnah Berurah 319:49, which explain that the prohibition against hanging a filter was instituted to prevent involvement with "mundane activity.")
This refers to hanging the filter over a container in the manner in which one filters beverages. There is no prohibition, however, against hanging the filter in the open air (Mishnah Berurah 315:36).
82.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 11.
83.
Note the gloss of Rav Moshe Cohen of Lunil and the Magen Avraham 319:19, who question the connection between mixing nuts into honey and making cheese. The Tosefta, Shabbat 13:12, mentions mixing nuts and honey in connection with the forbidden labor of kneading. Kinat Eliyahuexplains that the Rambam's intent might be that just as when curdling milk for cheese one makes a single block of food from liquid, so too, one accomplishes the same objective by making such a candy.
84.
In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo notes that the Rambam's wording here (and in Chapter 7, Halachah 5) appears to indicate that one is liable for grinding only when cutting produce with the intention of cooking it. If, however, one intends to eat the produce raw - e.g., in a salad - one is not liable.
In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo concludes by stating that this interpretation is not absolutely imperative. In the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:12), however, he states that one who cuts produce is liable for grinding without any qualification. The Ramah, in his gloss, clarifies that one is liable only when one cuts the vegetables and then stores them for later use. If one partakes of them immediately, one is not liable.
The later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:10; Mishnah Berurah 321:45) mention opinions that question the leniency mentioned by the Ramah. They also emphasize that the Ramah granted permission to cut the vegetables only with a knife. Even he forbids using a grater or similar utensil.
85.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 15.
86.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 24:2), the Rambam explains that this refers to stalks of grain or beans that are harvested as animal fodder, before their produce matures.
87.
The Mishnah Berurah 324:23 states that this refers to soft carobs that can be eaten without difficulty even when they are not cut. Carobs that have already hardened are forbidden to be cut. There is, however, room for questioning whether the Rambam would make such a distinction.
88.
In the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 324:7), Rav Yosef Karo differs with the Rambam and states that the reason for these prohibitions is that it is forbidden to undertake any unnecessary effort to prepare food for animals. Since these foods could be eaten without being shredded, it is forbidden to shred them on the Sabbath.
89.
This refers even to an animal that died on the Sabbath itself. It is not considered muktzeh and may be served to dogs. Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah 324:17, which questions whether this leniency applies if the animal was healthy before the commencement of the Sabbath. In this context, note Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 1:17, 2:16.
90.
In this instance, we have translated the word פירות as "fruit," rather than "produce" in order to avoid a difficulty mentioned by the commentaries. The Maggid Mishnehstates that he has seen texts of the Mishneh Torah that read "for grinding applies only regarding produce." Although he favors that version over the one found in the standard texts, he finds neither to be fully satisfying.
The Kessef Mishneh explains the Maggid Mishneh's equivocation as follows. The standard text is problematic, since straw and carobs are also produce, and if there were no prohibition against grinding produce, there would be no reason to forbid shredding them. The amended version, however, is also somewhat difficult, since gourds are also produce.
Rav Yosef Karo himself favors the standard text and states that the phrase "there is no concept of grinding regarding..." is the rationale for the prohibition against shredding carobs.
To explain: The word פירות in this instance has a more restricted meaning, meaning "fruit" rather than "produce." The concept of grinding applies only with regard to grains and vegetables, but not with regard to fruit. Therefore, the prohibition against shredding carobs is only Rabbinic in origin. Although the clause pertaining to gourds and animal carcasses interposes between the clause regarding carobs and the rationale explaining it, that is not an insurmountable difficulty.
91.
With the palms of one's hands (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat24:2).
92.
Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), which interprets all the terms in the relevant clause as referring to sheaves of straw, in contrast to Rashi and others, who interpret one term as referring to cedar bows. (See also the Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh, who struggle to explain how the Rambam's ruling is derived from Shabbat 155a, the source for this halachah.)
93.
This refers to the principle stated in Shabbat (ibid.) and quoted in the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:4), which states that we are able to lay out food for an animal to eat. We may not, however, undertake any extra difficulty to make the food more attractive and more accessible for the animal.
94.
From the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Sh'vi'it 8:1), it appears that all three of these terms refer to species of hyssop. Hyssop is often used as animal fodder, but is occasionally employed as food for humans, and at times is used as kindling wood.
95.
If, however, they are stored for use as kindling wood, it is forbidden to take them, as stated in Chapter 26, Halachah 18.
96.
Note the slight difference in the manner in which this law is quoted in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:1).
97.
Compare to Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 3:12, which states that one may crush peppers with a mortar and pestle.
98.
Thus, one must depart from one's ordinary process in two ways, using the handle of a knife instead of a mortar, and using a bowl instead of a pestle.
99.
This refers to a person who feels discomfort, but whose life is not in danger, nor would he be classified as being חולה, "sick." Therefore, the various leniencies mentioned in Chapter 2 do not apply to him.
100.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim328:37) states that these restrictions apply only to a person who feels discomfort. A person who is totally healthy may partake of foods that are usually eaten only for medicinal purposes. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 328:43 and the Mishnah Berurah328:120, however, qualify this leniency and state that if the person's intent is to enhance his health, it is forbidden even when he has no signs of illness.
101.
A plant with red roots, used for dyeing or for medical purposes.
102.
Even one suffering from discomfort.
103.
As reflected by a comparison to the previous halachah, there are several species of hyssop, some eaten by healthy people and some used primarily for medicinal purposes.
104.
When stating this law, the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 328:37) mentions that even if it is obvious that the person is partaking of the food for medicinal purposes, since this food is also frequently eaten for other reasons, there is no prohibition.
105.
A plant known as asafetida, possessing a resin that is bitter tasting, and which is used as a remedy for chest pains (Meiri).
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:3), the Rambam states that a beverage produced from this plant is often drunk by people in cold lands because of the warm sensation it produces.
106.
As indicated by Chapter 22, Halachah 7, once a person has begun drinking chiltit, he should continue. Otherwise, he risks the possibility of falling sick. Therefore, even though most healthy people in a community do not partake of this beverage, a person who has become accustomed to it may continue.
107.
This is the text recommended by the Maggid Mishneh according to the explanation given in the previous note. There are, however, versions of the Mishneh Torah that read, "A person who has drunk chiltit... may drink it in places where it is not customary for healthy people to drink chiltit." According to this version, chiltit is being given as an example of the concept stated in the first clause of this halachah.
108.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Pesachim 3:1), the Rambam defines this as a beverage made from water, into which salt, barley flour, and wild saffron are mixed. Shabbat 101a explains that this beer helps people with stomach discomforts.
109.
Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 327:1), who writes that at present it is not common for healthy people to apply oil to themselves. Therefore, it is forbidden to apply oil to oneself with any oil on the Sabbath for therapeutic purposes.
110.
These liquids are not usually applied to the body. Therefore, when one applies them, it is obvious that one's intent is for medicinal purposes. Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 327:1), which states "one may not apply a mixture of oil and vinegar" and does not mention the application of vinegar alone.
111.
The Mishnah (Shabbat 14:4) records an opinion that states that only "the sons of kings" may apply rose oil. Rabbi Shimon, however, grants this license universally, for "all Jews are the sons of kings." Shabbat111b, however, restricts this leniency to places where this oil is freely available.
112.
Shabbat 66b mentions that soaking one's hands and feet in a mixture of oil and salt is a remedy for intoxication.
113.
To stop the flow of blood. This refers to a wound that was not caused by an iron utensil, nor one that is located in a place where bleeding might be dangerous. In these instances, one may dress the wound in a normal manner even if it is necessary to violate the Sabbath laws (Shulchan Aruch Harav 328:34; Mishnah Berurah328:91).
114.
Nor in beverages with high alcoholic content (Mishnah Berurah 328:92).
115.
The Mishnah (Shabbat 14:4) gives another alternative: Dipping one's food in vinegar.
116.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 328:39 mentions opinions that permit this only when the oil is mixed with vegetable juice, since otherwise it is not the usual practice to drink oil.
117.
This refers to raw gum taken from trees, and not to commercially prepared chewing gum.
118.
Some authorities forbid brushing one's teeth if one's gums are likely to bleed. Similarly, using toothpaste is forbidden.
119.
The same principles apply to the use of mouthwash.
120.
Based on Rashi, Shabbat 108b, the Shulchan Aruch 328:20 forbids opening and closing one's eye to let the wine in, even when the wine was applied to one's eyelids.
121.
Note the apparent contradiction to Chapter 3, Halachah 2, which states that one may leave eye salve on one's eye on Friday, implying that the salve must be applied before the commencement of the Sabbath, and not afterwards.
From a comparison to the quotation of the laws in the Shulchan Aruch 252:5 and 328:21, the following resolution may be offered. When one applies an eye salve itself to one eye, it must be applied before the Sabbath. If, however, the salve is mixed with water and is no longer a distinct entity, one may rinse one's eyes with it on the Sabbath.
122.
From the manner in which the Ramah (Orach Chayim 328:24) and others state this law, it would appear that the intent is not that the reed be used as a bandage, but that it has other therapeutic qualities as well.
123.
Eruvin 10:14 mentions that this was permitted in the Temple, because it was not necessary to observe the prohibitions classified as sh'vut there. (See Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 10:9.) From this statement, the Rambam derived that this is forbidden outside the Temple's premises.
124.
Although this appears to be the Rambam's intent, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim328:22) quotes this prohibition as referring to oil and hot water mixed together.
125.
Here there is an added difficulty. One may squeeze the liquids from the wadding when applying them to the wound and it is forbidden to squeeze liquids from a cloth.
126.
Note the differences between the manner in which this law is stated by the Rambam and by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:23).
127.
As long as the bandage has not fallen on the ground, it is considered as if it merely slipped off the wound, and therefore it may be returned to its place.
It must be emphasized that the bandages referred to here are those to which salves or other liquids have been applied. Applying such a bandage resembles smearing substances. There is no restriction against placing a bandaid or other dry bandage on a wound on the Sabbath. See Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:23-24).
128.
Eruvin 102b and the commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:25) interpret this prohibition as a safeguard, lest one come to spread a salve. Since the bandage was applied on Friday, there is no reason for a safeguard lest one grind herbs.
129.
Outside the Temple, there is a prohibition against placing a bandage on a wound for the first time on the Sabbath, lest one grind herbs, and lest one spread the salves. Nevertheless, since both these prohibitions are considered in the category of sh'vut, they are waived in the Temple.
This is the explanation according to the standard printed text of the Mishneh Torah, and this text is accepted by Rav Kapach and Rav Frankel in their texts of the Mishneh Torah. The Maggid Mishneh, however, questions this version of the text based on the Eruvin 10:13, which states, "We may return a bandage [to a wound] in the Temple, but not elsewhere." Indeed, his question is reinforced by the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, which states that outside of the Temple, one may not return a bandage to its place after it has fallen to the ground. In the Temple, however, this is permitted. Nevertheless, it is forbidden to place a bandage on a wound for the first time on the Sabbath even in the Temple.
Nevertheless, several of the later commentaries (Seder HaMishneh; Or Sameach) attempt to justify the standard text of the Mishneh Torah, basing their explanations on the Rambam's statements in Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:16, where the Rambam states that when Pesach was celebrated on the Sabbath, the priests would wash the floor of the Temple Courtyard on the Sabbath to clean away the blood and refuse from the Paschal sacrifices.
In the source for that halachah, Pesachim65a, there is a difference of opinion on this matter among the Sages. Rabbi Natan maintains that the only time a prohibition that is in the category of sh'vut is suspended in the Temple is when transgressing it is necessary for the Temple service. Therefore, he rules that it is forbidden to wash the Temple floor on such an occasion, for doing so is an expression of respect for the Temple, but is not a necessity for its service to continue.
From the fact that the Rambam rejects Rabbi Natan's view, it is clear that he maintains that - as he says simply in this halachah - "The prohibitions classified as sh'vut do not apply in the Temple" - i.e., they do not apply at all. The Mishnah in Eruvin follows Rabbi Natan's opinion. Therefore, in his Commentary on the Mishnah, the Rambam explains Rabbi Natan's position. This explanation does not reflect the Rambam's own view; that is expressed in our halachah.
130.
For the priests were careful and would not come to violate a Torah prohibition (the gloss of Rabbenu Yehonatan, Eruvin102b).
131.
Significantly, when the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 328:26 cites this law, it changes the wording slightly and states, "for one is spreading [a salve]." Spreading a salve is a derivative of the forbidden labor of smoothing, as stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 6.
132.
Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat22:6).
133.
The Tosefta (Shabbat 17:22) states, "One may not run for exercise on the Sabbath, but one may walk leisurely the entire day." Note also the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:2), which grants license for youths to perform calisthenics on the Sabbath if they enjoy doing so. Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah, which emphasizes that the license is granted only when one enjoys the physical activity, and not when one does so for health purposes.
134.
The Maggid Mishneh notes that these two phrases refer to alternate explanations offered by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi of the expression, "We do not go down to Kordima (alt. Poltima)," in the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:6). Although in his Commentary to the Mishnah, the Rambam explains that Mishnah differently, both the interpretations given by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi represent valid halachic points.
135.
One may, however, bathe in the pleasant waters of the Mediterranean, even though they are salty (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 328:44).
136.
For it appears that one has entered these bodies of water to cool off (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
137.
Rashi, Shabbat 147b, explains that this prohibition was instituted to prevent "ordinary activity." On this basis, the Magen Avraham 327:1 relates that if one has a utensil designated for use on the Sabbath, this would be permitted. It is questionable, however, whether the Rambam accepts that rationale and that leniency.
138.
The bracketed additions are based on Rashi's commentary, Shabbat 53b. Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim328:28) which states that this leniency applies only in places where it is common for people to annoint themselves with oil.
139.
I.e., even when the wound has begun to heal and the scabs have dried (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 328:22).
140.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim332:2) is slightly more specific regarding this law, explaining that one may not treat an animal's scabs when they have already dried out and have begun to heal. When, however, the scabs are fresh and the wound still smarts, the scabs may be treated.
141.
Literally, "was taken by blood."
142.
Although a person is forbidden to perform any activity that is solely therapeutic in nature for the sake of a human being who is in discomfort, this restriction is not imposed regarding an animal's discomfort. The rationale is that a person generally is not disturbed about his animal's discomfort to the extent that he might be motivated to grind herbs for medication on the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 332:3; Mishnah Berurah 332:5).
It must, however, be emphasized that when an animal is very seriously afflicted, greater leniency is allowed. For example, one may have a gentile perform forbidden labors to save the animal. This is allowed because our Sages feared that when an animal's life was in danger, its owner would not hesitate to perform the forbidden labors himself to save the animal if he were not given any other alternative (ibid.).
143.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim328:39), which states that because this is a wasteful activity, it is forbidden during the week as well, unless one is suffering discomfort.
144.
This is one of the instances where the commentaries have difficulty discovering the Rambam's source. There is no explicit statement to this effect in the Talmud, and the Rabbis have offered several possible references from which it is possible that this concept could have been derived.
145.
Similarly, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:40) permits placing hot cups to cure a stomach ailment.
146.
The latter practice involves tying a newborn baby's limbs with cloth so that they grow straight. This practice is still followed in several Yemenite communities.
147.
See Chapter 2, Halachah 10.
148.
To relate the Rambam's decision to terms of our contemporary experience: Medication may not be given on the Sabbath. Physiotherapy, by contrast, is permitted.
149.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 11 and 16.
150.
I.e., exposing the straw to the wind so that the chaff will be blown away.
151.
Rashi explains that this act is permitted, because although it is possible that a forbidden labor, sifting, might be performed, it is done unintentionally. Hence, there is no prohibition involved. Kinat Eliyahu adds that here we are speaking about an activity that resembles sifting and which is forbidden by the Rabbis for that reason, but not about the forbidden labor of sifting itself. Therefore, forbidding carrying the straw in a sieve because some might unintentionally be sifted would be "a safeguard for a Rabbinic decree." Hence, there is no prohibition.
152.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 16.
153.
According to the Rambam, mixing roasted flour with water is forbidden by the Rabbis, but does not violate the Torah's prohibition against making a mixture of solid particles and water. The Torah's prohibition involves adding water to a collection of granular substances - e.g., flour or cement - and mixing them until they cling together as a single mass.
Other authorities [Tosafot (Shabbat 18a), the Ra'avad (see Chapter 18, Halachah 15), the Ramban, and the Rashba] differ and maintain that according to the Torah, one is liable for mixing any substance with water, even if its particles do not stick together. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav321:16 and Be'ur Halachah 321.)
154.
Mixing even small amounts of unroasted flour, by contrast, is forbidden (Mishnah Berurah 321:53).
155.
Rashi (Shabbat 155b) does not differentiate between shatit and roasted flour.
156.
I.e., free-flowing as opposed to viscous.
157.
During the week, by contrast, the vinegar is usually put in first (Shabbat 156a).
158.
When bran is mixed into water, the particles remain separate and do not stick together, as mentioned in the notes on the previous halachah.
159.
I.e., substances whose particles do adhere to each other when mixed with water.
160.
But not in circular movement, lest it appear that one is kneading (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 324:3).
This ruling relates to another difference of opinion among the Sages which was not resolved and was, therefore, perpetuated by the later Rabbis. Rabbi Yosse bar Yehudah (Shabbat 155b) mentions that kneading involves actually mixing the dough with one's hands. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi differs and maintains that one is liable for kneading as soon as one pours water into flour.
The Rambam follows the opinion of Rabbi Yosse bar Yehudah. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi's opinion is, however, accepted by some authorities (Sefer HaTerumot), is referred to in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:16), and is preferred by the Ramah. According to this view, we may not stir a mixture of bran and water on the Sabbath unless the water was added before the commencement of the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
161.
I.e., one is allowed to mix as large a quantity as one needs for that Sabbath. One may not, however, mix bran that one does not need on that Sabbath (Mishnah Berurah 324:9).
162.
Note the Levush (Orach Chayim 324), which offers a different reason for this prohibition: It represents an expenditure of effort that is not necessary to provide the animal with food for the Sabbath.
163.
Before a camel-driver set out on a journey with his beast, he would force-feed it enough food to last several days, to minimize the amount of fodder he would have to carry (Meiri).
164.
This refers to calves that are force-fed to fatten them for slaughter.
165.
See Chapter 15, Halachah 1.
166.
The Mishnah Berurah 324:28 emphasizes that even if one is allowed to force feed-animals, one must do so without moving the animal, for an animal is muktzeh.
167.
This issue has import within the context of the socio-economic history of the Jewish people. In Eastern Europe, one of the main sources of income for the Jewish people was raising fattened geese. These geese were force-fed during the week to the extent that they were unable to consume enough food to satiate themselves on the Sabbath unless they were force-fed. Some Rabbis allowed force-feeding them on the Sabbath, while others forbade it. (See Mishnah Berurah 324:27.) There are authorities who forbade the practice entirely, because of cruelty to animals, and because of the problems in kashrut that might arise.
168.
Note the Be'ur Halachah 324, which draws attention to the following question: Is one Jew allowed to feed animals that another Jew is responsible to feed? Seemingly, since their owner is allowed to feed them, that same license is granted to other Jews. The Be'ur Halachah favors granting this leniency.
169.
Even if the pigs belong to a Jew, he is forbidden to feed them on the Sabbath. This decree was imposed because the Rabbis prohibited raising pigs (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 409). Therefore, if one possesses pigs in a manner that does not violate this prohibition - e.g., a gentile pays one a debt with a pig - one may feed them on the Sabbath (Mishnah Berurah 324:30).
170.
In this instance, even though a person owns these animals, since they usually are left to find their own food, providing them with food is considered to be an unnecessary expenditure of effort (Shulchan Aruch Harav 324:7; Mishnah Berurah 324:29).
171.
Rav David Arameah explains that this is a decree imposed lest one pick up the food that has been set aside and feed it to the animal.
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Two
1
Although removing a loaf [of bread from the side of an oven] does not involve a [forbidden] labor, our Sages forbade doing so, lest one be prompted to bake.1
If one stuck a loaf to [the side of] an oven before the commencement of the Sabbath, and afterwards the Sabbath began, one may remove enough for three meals. Similarly, one may tell others, "Come and take for yourselves."2 Although removing a loaf does not involve a [forbidden] labor, in this situation, when one removes a loaf, one should not do so with a baker's peel, but rather with a knife, in order to deviate from one's ordinary procedure.
א
רדיית הפת אע"פ שאינה מלאכה אסרו אותה חכמים שמא יבוא לאפות. המדביק פת בתנור מבעוד יום וקדש עליו היום מציל ממנה מזון שלש סעודות ואומר לאחרים בואו והצילו לכם. ואע"פ שהרדייה אינה מלאכה כשהוא מציל לא ירדה במרדה אלא בסכין כדי לשנות:
2
Why did the Sages forbid entering a bathhouse on the Sabbath?3 Because the attendants would heat up water on the Sabbath, and say that it has been heated before the commencement of the Sabbath. For this reason, our Sages decreed that one should not enter a bathhouse4 on the Sabbath, even to use [merely] as a steam bath.5
Similarly, they decreed that a person should not rinse his entire body with hot water6 - even if the water was heated on Friday. One may, however, wash one's face, hands, and feet7 [with hot water that was heated before the commencement of the Sabbath]. When do the above [restrictions] apply? To water that is heated by fire. One may, however, rinse one's entire body in the hot springs of Tiberias and the like.8
It is forbidden to bathe in hot springs located in caves, for the cave is filled with hot air, and one will sweat [as in a steam bath].9 Thus, it resembles a bathhouse.
ב
מפני מה אסרו חכמים ליכנס במרחץ בשבת. מפני הבלנין שהיו מחמין חמין בשבת ואומרין מערב שבת הוחמו. לפיכך גזרו שלא יכנס אדם למרחץ בשבת אפילו להזיע. וגזרו שלא ישתטף כל גופו בחמין ואפילו בחמין שהוחמו מערב שבת. אבל פניו ידיו ורגליו מותר. במה דברים אמורים בחמי האור גזירה משום מרחץ. אבל בחמי טבריא וכיוצא בהן מותר להשתטף בהן כל גופו. ואסור לרחוץ במים חמין שבמערות מפני שהמערה יש בה הבל ויבוא לידי זיעה ונמצאת כמרחץ:
3
A person may warm himself before a fire and then go out and rinse his entire body in cold water. He may not, however, rinse his entire body in cold water10 and then warm himself by a fire. By doing so, the water on his body will become lukewarm, and it would be as if he washed his entire body in warm water.11
ג
מתחמם אדם כנגד המדורה ויוצא ומשתטף כל גופו בצונן. אבל אינו משתטף כל גופו בצונן ומתחמם כנגד המדורה מפני שמפשיר מים שעליו ונמצא כרוחץ כל גופו בחמין. המביא סילון של צונן בתוך מים חמין אפילו בתוך חמי טבריא הרי אלו כחמין שהוחמו בשבת ואסורין ברחיצה ובשתיה:
4
A person may bring a cask of water and place it in front of a fire, not in order that it will be warmed, but to dispel its chill. Similarly, one may place a flask of oil in front of a fire so that it will become lukewarm, but not so that it will be heated.14
ד
מביא אדם קיתון של מים ומניחו כנגד המדורה לא בשביל שיחמו אלא כדי שתפוג צינתן. וכן מניח פך של שמן כנגד המדורה כדי שיפשר לא שיחם. וסך אדם ידו במים או בשמן ומחמם כנגד המדורה. והוא שלא יחמו המים שעל ידו עד שתהא כריסו של תינוק נכוית בהן. ומחמם בגד ומניחו על גבי מעים בשבת:
5
ה
אמבטי של מרחץ שהיא מלאה מים חמים אין נותנין לה מים צונן שהרי מחממן הרבה. וכן לא יתן לתוכה פך של שמן מפני שהוא כמבשלו. אבל נותן הוא מים חמין לתוך אמבטי של צונן:
6
After hot water was removed from a cooking urn, it is permitted to pour in cold water so that it will become lukewarm.21 It is permitted to pour hot water22 into cold water or cold water into hot water,23 provided [the hot water] is not in a vessel that was cooked on a fire,24 since this will raise the temperature [of the cold water] greatly.
Similarly, when a pot is boiling, one should not place spices in it, even after one has removed it from the fire.25 One may, however, salt it, since salt cooks only on a very large flame.26 If one poured the food from a pot to a bowl, one may place spices on it, even if it is boiling, since a vessel into which food has been poured does not [possess sufficient heat to] cook.27
ו
מיחם שפנה ממנו מים חמין מותר ליתן לתוכו מים צונן כדי להפשירן. ומותר לצוק מים חמין לתוך מים צונן או צונן לתוך החמין והוא שלא יהיו בכלי ראשון מפני שהוא מחממן הרבה. וכן קדרה רותחת אף על פי שהורידה מעל האש לא יתן לתוכה תבלין אבל נותן לתוכה מלח שהמלח אינו מתבשל אלא על גבי אש גדולה. ואם יצק התבשיל מקדרה לקערה אע"פ שהוא רותח בקערה מותר לו ליתן לתוך הקערה תבלין שכלי שני אינו מבשל:
7
[On the Sabbath,] we may not place chiltit28 in hot water nor in cold water to soak.29 One may, however, soak it in vinegar. If one drank chiltit on Thursday and on Friday, one may soak it in cold water on the Sabbath, place it in the sun to warm, and drink it, lest ceasing to drink it cause one to become sick.30
ז
אין שורין את החלתית בין בפושרין בין בצונן אבל שורה אותו בתוך החומץ. ואם שתהו ביום חמישי וששי הרי זה שורה בשבת בצונן ומניחו בחמה עד שיחם ושותה. כדי שלא יחלה אם פסק מלשתות:
8
When food has been cooked before the Sabbath or soaked in hot water before the Sabbath, one is permitted to soak it in hot water on the Sabbath even though it is presently cold.31
ח
דבר שנתבשל קודם השבת או נשרה בחמין מלפני השבת אע"פ שהוא עכשיו צונן מותר לשרותו בחמין בשבת. ודבר שהוא צונן מעיקרו ולא בא בחמין מעולם מדיחין אותו בחמין בשבת אם לא היתה הדחתו גמר מלאכתו אבל אין שורין אותו בחמין:
9
ט
מותר להחם בחמה אע"פ שאסור להחם בתולדות חמה שאינו בא לטעות מחמה לאור. לפיכך מותר ליתן מים צונן בשמש כדי שיחמו. וכן נותנין מים יפים לתוך מים רעים בשביל שיצננו. ונותנין תבשיל לתוך הבור בשביל שיהא שמור:
10
A person may mix water, salt and oil, and dip his bread in the mixture or pour it onto cooked food. This is permitted provided one makes only a small amount.40 Making a large amount is forbidden,41 for it appears that one is performing one of the labors associated with cooking. Similarly, one may not make strong salt water42 - i.e., two thirds salt and one third water - for it would appear as if one is making fish-brine.43
י
מערב אדם מים ומלח ושמן וטובל בו פתו או נותנו לתוך התבשיל. והוא שיעשה מעט אבל הרבה אסור מפני שנראה כעושה מלאכה ממלאכת התבשיל. וכן לא יעשה מי מלח עזין והן שני שלישי מלח ושליש מים מפני שנראה כעושה מורייס. ומותר למלוח ביצה אבל צנון וכיוצא בו אסור מפני שנראה ככובש כבשים בשבת והכובש אסור מפני שהוא כמבשל. ומותר לטבל צנון וכיוצא בו במלח ואוכל:
11
יא
מותר לערב יין ודבש ופלפלין בשבת לאכלן אבל יין ומים ושמן אפרסמון אסור שאין זה ראוי לאכילת בריאים וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
12
When mustard has been mixed on Friday, one may blend49it [on the Sabbath] by hand or with a utensil50 and add honey to it. One may not stir it forcefully,51 however; [all that is permitted is to] mix it.
Oil, vinegar, and spices may be added [on the Sabbath] to cress52that was stirred on Friday. One may not stir the mixture] forcefully, however; [all that is permitted is to] mix in [these ingredients]. Garlic that was crushed on Friday may be placed into groats on the Sabbath. One may not grind [the mixture]; [all that is permitted is to] mix in [the garlic].
יב
חרדל שלשו מערב שבת למחר ממחו בין ביד בין בכלי ונותן לתוכו דבש ולא יטרוף אלא מערב. שחלים שטרפן מערב שבת למחר נותן לתוכו שמן וחומץ ותבלין ולא יטרוף אלא מערב. שום שריסקו מערב שבת למחר נותנו לתוך הגריסין ולא ישחוק אלא מערב:
13
A person who removes hair from a person's body is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] shearing.53 Therefore, it is forbidden to wash one's hands with a substance that will without doubt remove hair - e.g., ohaloh54 and the like.55
One may cleanse one's hands with frankincense powder, pepper powder, jasmine powder, and the like, without concern that one might remove the hair on one's hands, for this is not one's intent.56
[The following rules apply when] one mixes a substance that will undoubtedly remove hair together with a substance that will not necessarily remove hair: If the majority [of the mixture] is composed of a substance that will undoubtedly remove hair, it is forbidden to clean one's hands with it.57 If not, it is permitted.
יג
הנוטל שער מגוף האדם חייב משום גוזז. לפיכך אסור לרחוץ את הידים בדבר שמשיר את השער ודאי כגון אהלה וכיוצא בו. ומותר לחוף את הידים בעפר לבונה ועפר פלפלין ועפר יסמין וכיוצא בהן ואינו חושש שמא ישיר שער שעל ידו שהרי אינו מתכוין. עירב דבר שמשיר את השער ודאי עם דבר שאינו משיר ודאי אם היה הרוב מדבר המשיר אסור לחוף בו ואם לאו מותר:
14
One may not look at oneself in a mirror of [polished] metal on the Sabbath. [This is] a decree [enacted] lest one use it to remove loose hanging strands of hair.58 This applies even if the mirror is affixed to the wall.59 One may, by contrast, look at oneself in a mirror that is not made of metal, even if it is not affixed [to a wall].60
יד
אסור לראות במראה של מתכת בשבת גזירה שמא ישיר בה נימין המדולדלין מן השער ואפילו קבוע בכותל. אבל מראה שאינה של מתכת מותר לראות בה אפילו אינה קבועה:
15
A person who launders is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] whitening, and one who wrings out a garment is liable because he is [performing one of the activities involved in] laundering.61 Therefore, it is forbidden to press a piece of cloth, unprocessed fabric, or the like into the opening of a flask to plug it, lest one squeeze62 liquids from it.63
טו
המכבס חייב משום מלבן. והסוחט כסות חייב מפני שהוא מכבס. לפיכך אסור לדחוק מטלית או מוך וכיוצא בהן בפי האשישה וכיוצא בה כדי לסתמה שמא יבא לידי סחיטה. ואין מקנחין בספוג אא"כ יש לו בית אחיזה שלא יסחוט. ואין מכסין חבית של מים וכיוצא בה בבגד שאינו מוכן לה גזירה שמא יסחוט:
16
When a cask [of liquids] breaks67 on the Sabbath, one may save what one needs for oneself and one's guests on the Sabbath,68 provided one does not sponge up wine with a sponge69or scoop up oil with his hands.70 [These restrictions were instituted, because] were one allowed to follow one's ordinary weekday practice, there is the possibility that one would squeeze [the liquids from it].
How must he save [the liquid]? He should bring a container and place it under [the liquid].71 He may not bring one container to catch [the liquid] in the air, and another into which to collect [the liquid]. This [restriction] is a decree, lest one carry a container through the public domain.
[An exception is made] if guests unexpectedly arrive. [In this instance,] he may bring one container to catch [the liquid] in the air, another into which to collect [the liquid], and then combine it with the first. He should not collect [the liquid] and then invite guests. Instead, he should invite guests and then collect [the liquid]. If one acts with guile in this matter,72 it is permitted.73
טז
נשברה לו חבית בשבת מציל ממנה מה שהוא צריך לשבת לו ולאורחיו ובלבד שלא יספוג ביין או יטפח בשמן שאם יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול שמא יבוא לידי סחיטה. וכיצד מציל ממנה מביא כלי ומניח תחתיה. ולא יביא כלי אחר ויקלוט כלי אחר ויצרף גזירה שמא יביא כלי דרך רשות הרבים. נזדמנו לו אורחים מביא כלי אחר וקולט כלי אחר ומצרפו לראשון. ולא יקלוט ואחר כך יזמין אלא יזמין ואח"כ יקלוט. ואם הערים בדבר זה מותר:
17
יז
טיט שעל גבי בגדו מכסכסו מבפנים ואינו מכסכסו מבחוץ גזירה שמא יכבס. ומותר לגרדו בצפורן ואינו חושש שמא ילבנו. המכסכס את הסודר אסור מפני שהוא מלבנו אבל החלוק מותר מפני שאין כוונתו אלא לרככו:
18
יח
מנעל או סנדל שנתלכלך בטיט ובצואה מותר לשכשכו במים אבל לכבסו אסור. ואין מגרדין לא מנעלים ולא סנדלים חדשים אבל סכין (אותם) ומקנחין את הישנים. כר או כסת שהיה עליהן צואה או טנוף מקנחו בסמרטוט. ואם היתה על של עור נותנין עליה מים עד שתכלה:
19
A person whose hands have become soiled with mud may clean them with a horse's tail, a cow's tail, or a firm cloth used to hold thorns.85 [One may] not, [however, use a] cloth that is used to clean one's hands. [These restrictions were instituted] so that one will not follow one's weekday practice and come to launder the cloth.86
יט
מי שנתלכלכה ידו בטיט מקנחה בזנב הסוס ובזנב הפרה ובמפה הקשה העשויה לאחוז בה הקוצים. אבל לא במפה שמקנחין בה את הידים שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבוא לכבס את המפה:
20
A person who washes himself in water may dry himself with a towel and carry it by hand; we do not suspect that he might wring [water from it].87
Similarly, a person whose clothes become soaked with water88 may continue walking in them; we do not suspect that he might wring [water from them].89 [When he removes them,] he may not, however, hang them out to dry even within his home, lest an observer suppose that he laundered his garment on the Sabbath and hung it out to dry.90 Whenever the Sages instituted a prohibition because of the impression it might create,91 the act is forbidden even in one's private chambers.92
כ
מי שרחץ במים מסתפג באלונטיתו ומביאה בידו ואין חוששין שמא יסחוט. וכן מי שנשרו כליו במים מהלך בהן ואין חוששין שמא יסחוט. ואסור לו לשטחן ואפילו בתוך ביתו גזירה שמא יאמר הרואה הרי זה כבס כסותו בשבת ושטחה ליבשה. וכל מקום שאסרו חכמים מפני מראית העין אפילו בחדרי חדרים אסור:
21
When two mikvaot are located one on top of the other, one may remove the plug between them and connect them. Afterwards, one may return the plug to its place. There is no concern that one might squeeze out water [in the process of doing so], since one's intent is that the water should flow out.93
One may plug a drain with clothes or with any article that can be carried so that water will not inundate food and utensils.94 We may not, however, plug a drain so that water will descend into a cistern.95 The plug is resting in water and the possibility exists that one may squeeze [water from the plug] when one presses it into place.96
כא
שתי מטהרות זו על גב זו נוטל את הפקק מבנתים ומשיקן ומחזיר את הפקק למקומו מפני שאינו בא לידי סחיטה שהרי דעתו שיצאו המים.ופוקקין את הביב בסודרין ובכל דבר המיטלטל כדי שלא יצופו המים על האוכלים ועל הכלים. אבל אין פוקקין את הביב כדי שירדו המים לבור שמא יסחוט בעת שדוחק שהרי הפקק שרוי במים:
22
It is forbidden to fix the sleeves of garments, adjusting them to form layers of cuffs97 as is one's ordinary practice during the week after washing clothes.98
Similarly, we may not fold clothes on the Sabbath in the same way as we fold clothes during the week after laundering them. If one does not possess a change of clothes, one may fold a garment,99stretch it out, and wear it so that one will [be dressed] attractively on the Sabbath.100 The above [restrictions] apply only to a new white garment that may become wrinkled and soiled immediately.101
Only one person may fold [a garment]; folding it by two people [together] is forbidden.102
כב
אסור לתקן בית יד של בגדים ולשברם שברים שברים כדרך שמתקנין בחול הבגדים כשמכבסין אותן. וכן אין מקפלים הבגדים בשבת כדרך שעושין בחול בבגדים כשיכבסו אותן. ואם לא היה לו כלי אחר להחליפו מותר לקפלו ולפשטו ולהתכסות בו כדי שיתנאה בו בשבת. והוא שיהיה בגד חדש לבן שהרי הוא מתמעך ומתלכלך מיד. וכשיקפל לא יקפל אלא איש אחד אבל לקפל בשנים אסור:
23
כג
הצובע מאבות מלאכות לפיכך אסור לאשה להעביר סרק על פניה מפני שהיא כצובעת. והתופר מאבות מלאכות לפיכך אסור למלאות הכר והכסת החדשים במוכין גזרה שמא יתפור. אבל מוכין שנשרו מן הכר או מן הכסת מחזירין אותן בשבת:
24
Tearing is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.108Accordingly, a person whose garments catch onto thorns should separate them carefully109 and patiently, so that they do not tear. If they tear, he is not liable, for this is not his intent.110
It is permitted to wear new clothes; if they tear, it is of no consequence. We may crack open a nut in a piece of cloth without concern that [the cloth] might tear.
כד
הקורע מאבות מלאכות. לפיכך מי שנסתבכו בגדיו בקוצים מפרישן בצנעה ומתמהמה כדי שלא יקרע. ואם נקרעו אינו חייב כלום שהרי לא נתכוין. ומותר ללבוש בגדים חדשים ואם נקרעו נקרעו. פוצעין את האגוז במטלית ואין חוששין שמא תקרע:
25
A person who attaches [building materials to each other] is liable for performing a derivative [of the forbidden labor] of building.111 Therefore, all doors that are attached to the ground should not be removed, nor should they be returned to their place, lest one attach them.112
The doors of a cabinet, chest, or closet, or the doors of other utensils may be removed, but they may not be returned to their place.113 If their bottom hinge slips [partially out of place], it may be pushed back into place.114 In the Temple, it may be returned to its place.115 If, however, the upper hinge slips [out of place], it is forbidden to return it. [This is] a decree [applying] in all places,116[enacted] lest one attach it.117
כה
התוקע חייב משום בונה לפיכך כל הדלתות המחוברות לקרקע לא נוטלין אותן ולא מחזירין גזירה שמא יתקע. אבל דלת שידה תיבה ומגדל ושאר דלתות הכלים נוטלין ולא מחזירין. ואם נשמט ציר התחתון שלהן דוחקין אותו למקומו. ובמקדש מחזירין אותו. אבל ציר העליון שנשמט אסור להחזירו בכל מקום גזירה שמא יתקע:
26
One may not braid one's hair, or set one's hair around one's forehead,118 for this would appear to resemble building.
A candelabrum made up of separate pieces may not be reassembled on the Sabbath, nor may a chair or a table made up of pieces be reconstructed,119 for this resembles building.120 If, however, one does reassemble these objects, one is not liable,121since [the forbidden labors] of building and demolishing do not apply regarding utensils.122 If [the parts of such a utensil] remain loosely put together, one may [complete] its assembly.123
We may not adjust the vertebra in a child's backbone [so that they are aligned] one above the other,124 since this resembles building.
כו
אין גודלין את שער הראש ואין פוקסין אותו מפני שנראה כבונה. ואין מחזירין מנורה של חוליות ולא כסא המפוצל ולא שולחן המפוצל וכיוצא בהן מפני שנראה כבונה. ואם החזיר פטור שאין בנין בכלים ואין סתירה בכלים. ואם היה רפוי מותר להחזירו. ואין מתקנין חוליות של שדרה של קטן זו בצד זו מפני שנראה כבונה:
27
A person who erects a permanent tent is liable for performing a derivative [of the forbidden labor] of building.125 Accordingly, at the outset, it is forbidden to erect or demolish a temporary126 tent, lest one erect or demolish a permanent tent. If, however, one erects or demolishes a temporary tent, he is not liable.
One may add to a temporary tent on the Sabbath. What is implied? If a cloth was spread over pillars or over walls and was rolled up before the Sabbath, [the following rule applies]: If there was a portion the size of a handbreadth extended before the Sabbath,127one may extend it until its full width on the Sabbath, causing it to become a large tent. The same applies in other similar situations.
כז
העושה אהל קבוע חייב משום בונה. לפיכך אין עושין אהל עראי לכתחלה ולא סותרין אהל עראי גזירה שמא יעשה או יסתור אהל קבוע. ואם עשה או סתר אהל עראי פטור. ומותר להוסיף על אהל עראי בשבת. כיצד טלית שהיתה פרוסה על העמודים או על הכתלים והיתה כרוכה קודם השבת אם נשאר ממנה גג טפח מתוח הרי זה מותח את כולה בשבת עד שיעשה אהל גדול וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
28
כח
אין תולין את הכילה שהרי נעשית תחתיה אהל עראי. ומותר להניח מטה וכסא וטרסקל ואף על פי שיעשה תחתיהן אהל שאין זה דרך עשיית אהל לא קבע ולא עראי:
29
כט
כט
כל אהל משופע שאין בגגו טפח ולא בפחות משלשה סמוך לגגו רוחב טפח הרי זה אהל עראי והעושה אותו לכתחלה בשבת פטור. טלית כפולה שהיו עליה חוטין שהיא תלויה בהן מערב שבת מותר לנטותה ומותר לפרקה וכן הפרוכת:
30
[The following rules apply to a bed over which is hung] a bridal canopy whose roof is not a handbreadth wide, nor is the span three handbreadths below its roof a handbreadth wide:138Since it was prepared to serve this purpose [before the commencement of the Sabbath], it may be spread out and rolled up [on the Sabbath].139 [This leniency is granted,] provided it does not hang more than a handbreadth above the bed.140
ל
כילת חתנים שאין בגגה טפח ואין בפחות משלשה סמוך לגגה רוחב טפח. הואיל שהיא מתוקנת לכך מותר לנטותה ומותר לפרקה והוא שלא תהא משולשלת מעל המטה טפח. פקק החלון בזמן שהוא מתוקן לכך אע"פ שאינו קשור ואינו תלוי מותר לפקוק בו החלון:
31
It is permitted to wear a hat with a brim that provides shade for the person wearing143 it.144 If, however, one extends the clothes one is wearing above one's head or in front of one's face like a tent and: a) [the clothes] are tightly fitted around one's head, and b) the brim that one extends is very firm like a roof,145 this is forbidden, because one is making a temporary tent.
לא
כובע שעושין על הראש ויש לו שפה מקפת שהיא עושה צל כמו אהל על לבושו מותר ללבשו. ואם הוציא מן הבגד סביב לראשו או כנגד פניו כמו אהל והיה מהודק על ראשו והיה השפה שהוציאה קשה ביותר כמו גג אסור מפני שהוא עושה אהל עראי:
32
A person who hangs a curtain or the like should take care not to create a tent while he is doing so.146 Therefore, a large curtain should be hung by two individuals and is forbidden to be hung by a single person.
[Moreover,] a canopy with a roof147 may not be extended even if ten people help in doing so. For it is impossible that it will not be lifted up slightly above the ground [in the process] and thus form a temporary tent.
לב
הנוטה פרוכת וכיוצא בה צריך להזהר שלא יעשה אהל בשעה שנוטה לפיכך אם היתה פרוכת גדולה תולין אותה שנים אבל אחד אסור ואם היתה כילה שיש לה גג אין מותחין אותה ואפילו עשרה שא"א שלא תגבה מעט מעל הארץ ותעשה אהל עראי:
33
לג
בגד שמכסה בו פי החבית לא יכסה בו את כולה מפני שנעשה אהל אבל מכסה הוא מקצת פיה. המסנן בכפיפה מצרית לא יגביה קרקעית הכפיפה מן הכלי טפח כדי שלא יעשה אהל עראי בשבת
FOOTNOTES
1.
See Chapter 3, Halachah 18, and Chapter 5, Halachah 19, where this subject is discussed at length. As the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 254:5) states, if one places the loaf of bread into the oven in time for it to form a crust, there is no prohibition against removing it on the Sabbath. When, however, there was not enough time for a crust to form, one must follow the instructions mentioned by the Rambam.
2.
Note the parallel in Chapter 23, Halachah 24.
3.
I.e., according to the Torah, there is no prohibition against bathing.
4.
Even one without attendants (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:1).
5.
As Shabbat 40a relates, a series of Rabbinic decrees were passed regarding bathhouses. When the Sages saw that the bath attendants would heat up water on the Sabbath, they forbade bathing, but allowed the people to enter a bathhouse to use as a steam bath. Afterwards, they saw that because of this leniency their original prohibition was not being observed, and they forbade entering a bathhouse altogether.
The Rambam permits bathing in cold water, and this ruling is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 326:1). Nevertheless, most of the later Ashkenazic halachic authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:6; Mishnah Berurah 326:21) state that it is customary not to bathe on the Sabbath at all, even in cold water. As is mentioned in Chapter 23, Halachah 8, an exception to the above rules is made regarding immersion in the mikveh.
6.
I.e., even when one does not enter a bath.
7.
Or other select portions of the body. A woman may wash her vaginal area in preparation for a hefsek taharah.
8.
Similarly, leniency is granted regarding open bodies of water that have been heated by the sun, as stated in Halachah 9.
9.
Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:2 and the Mishnah Berurah 326:11, which favor opinions that do not accept this restriction.
10.
See the following halachah and notes, which deal with the question whether this restriction applies after rinsing, not only one's entire body, but even a single limb.
11.
The Maggid Mishneh emphasizes that in this instance, it is not heating the water in itself that is forbidden, since one is heating it to a minimal temperature. (See the following halachah.) Rather, the problem stems from the resemblance to bathing in warm water.
12.
I.e., a duct or pipe containing cold water passes through a body of hot water and thus becomes warm. Even if one does not take the water from the duct itself, but has the duct flow into a pool, the water is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:3). Shabbat 3:3 relates that the inhabitants of Tiberias actually had such a heating system constructed, but the Sages forbade its use.
13.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) mentions that even if the pipe was brought into the hot water on Friday, the water may not be used on the Sabbath.
14.
The Rambam's intent is that the water or the oil may be heated to the point that it becomes hot enough to burn a infant's belly.
This decision is questioned by the Rabbis. Rashi and the Rambam interpret the Talmudic passage (Shabbat 40b) that serves as the source for this halachah as meaning that one may not allow the temperature of the liquid to reach the point where it could burn an infant's belly. The Rashba, Tosafot and others, however, follow a more stringent ruling and forbid placing a liquid in a place where the potential exists for it to become hot enough to burn a infant's belly, even if one removes it before that time. The Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 318:14) accepts the latter view.
15.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 326:5) mentions opinions that differ and maintain that the restriction mentioned in the previous halachah applies not only after rinsing one's entire body, but after washing a single limb. For example, a person who washes his hands should not warm them by a fire. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:4 counsels following this stringency.
16.
This is the halachic definition of the term יד סולדת בו. In contemporary measure, this is defined as 42 to 45 degrees centigrade by contemporary authorities.
17.
With this statement, the Rambam emphasizes that the tub is very hot and contains a large amount of water. Therefore, even though it is a כלי שני - i.e., not a vessel that was itself heated on a fire, but a vessel into which hot water was poured - there are still restrictions, as the Rambam explains. Implied is that even though we generally follow the rule that the heat of a כלי שני is not sufficient to cook something placed within, a tub in a bathhouse is an exception.
The above represents the interpretation of the Maggid Mishneh. In the Kessef Mishneh, by contrast, Rav Yosef Karo explains that the tub we are speaking about is a כלי ראשון, a vessel in which water was heated. Were it to be a כלי שני, there would be no restrictions. His ruling in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 318:11), appears to reflect this same view. The Ramah differs and clarifies in his gloss that the tub here is a כלי שני, adopting the explanation of the Maggid Mishneh.
18.
The Ramah 318:12 states that if the amount of cold water the person adds at one time is so great that the it will not become hot, there is no prohibition against adding it, even to a כלי ראשון.
19.
Shabbat 40b mentions that oil that is placed in a כלי שני does not cook. The Kessef Mishneh thus uses this as a support for his thesis that the Rambam is speaking about a tub that is a כלי ראשון. Others explain that, as stated above, even though in most instances we follow the rule that the heat of a כלי שני is not sufficient to cook something placed within, a tub in a bathhouse is an exception.
See also Hilchot Ma'aser 3:15, where it appears that the Rambam maintains that if a כלי שני is hot enough to burn a person's hand, oil that is placed inside will be cooked. The Radbaz, however, explains that the laws applying to cooking on the Sabbath are different from those applying to cooking regarding ma'aser.
20.
Even according to the opinions that the Rambam is referring to a כלי ראשון, this is permitted. Although there are restrictions against pouring water from a כלי ראשון onto spices and the like, these restrictions do not apply when water is poured into other water. The rationale is that the waters mix and there is no time when the heat of the water from the כלי ראשון will be concentrated in a single space (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:20; Mishnah Berurah318:78).
21.
According to Rav Yosef Karo (in the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch318:12), this refers to a heating urn that was emptied entirely of hot water. One might think that pouring cold water in it would be forbidden, since the possibility exists that by doing so one will refine the metal of the urn. (See Chapter 12, Halachah 2, and notes.) Nevertheless, since this is not one's intent (אינו מתכוין), nor is it absolutely certain that this will take place (i.e., it is not a פסיק רישא), this is permitted (Chapter 1, Halachah 6).
The Maggid Mishneh and the Ramah accept this law, but they explain that it is also possible to interpret the Rambam's words as referring to an urn that was partially emptied of the water that was cooked in it, and then cold water was added. Even though the urn is a כלי ראשון, as long as so much cold water is poured in that it cannot become hot enough to burn an infant's belly, there is no prohibition involved.
22.
I.e., even hot water that is in a כלי ראשון.
23.
Which is in a כלי שני.
24.
The Mishnah Berurah 318:82 emphasizes that if there is a small quantity of cold water, the restriction against using water from a כלי ראשון applies in both instances. One may not pour a small amount of cold water into a large amount of hot water, nor may one pour a large amount of hot water into a small amount of cold water. This ruling is not, however, accepted by all authorities. As mentioned above, according to the Ramah, one may pour hot water into a large amount of cold water, and a large amount of cold water into hot water, even if the hot water is in a כלי ראשון.
25.
This law applies to most other substances, for most substances will cook in a כלי ראשון even after it is removed from a fire.
26.
There is a difference of opinion concerning this matter among the Rabbis. The Tur(Orach Chayim 318) and Tosafot (Shabbat40b) differ and maintain that salt requires only a minimal amount of cooking and should not even be placed in a כלי שני. The later authorities emphasize that this depends on the type of salt used. In many communities, it is common to follow the more stringent ruling.
27.
It must be emphasized that our Sages mention that there are certain substances that do not require much cooking and can be cooked even in a כלי שני. For that reason, some authorities maintain that we should be stringent and not place any uncooked articles in a כלי שני, for we are unsure of which substances are included in the category of foods that do not require much cooking. See Ramah, Orach Chayim318:5.
28.
See Chapter 21, Halachah 22.
29.
From the Rambam's placement of this halachah in this chapter, it would appear that he sees this as falling into the category of prohibitions instituted as a safeguard against cooking on the Sabbath, and not as one of the prohibitions instituted because it is forbidden to prepare remedies on the Sabbath.
30.
Since soaking chiltit in cold water is forbidden only because of a Rabbinic prohibition, this prohibition is overridden because of the possibility of the person's becoming ill.
31.
This law touches on the principle, אין בישול אחר בישול, "One is not liable for cooking something that is already cooked." Although this principle is accepted by all authorities, the scope of its application varies. To focus on the approach of the Rambam and to compare it to the perspective of other authorities, it is worthy to focus on each point in particular:
When food has been cooked before the Sabbath - According to the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 318:4), this refers only to food that has been thoroughly cooked.
or soaked in hot water before the Sabbath - In contrast to the Rambam's decision, the Mishnah Berurah 318:31 rules that food that was soaked in hot water before the Sabbath may be placed in hot water in a כלי שני, but should not be placed in hot water in a כלי ראשון.
one is permitted to soak it in hot water -This refers to water in a כלי ראשון that was removed from its cooking surface. It is forbidden to place any food in a pot on a cooking surface after the Sabbath has commenced (Shulchan Aruch HaRav318:9; Mishnah Berurah 318:33).
on the Sabbath even though it is presently cold. - The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) states that this leniency applies only to cooked food that is dry. If the food is liquid, placing it in a כלי ראשון that is hot is considered to be cooking. From the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:2), it would appear that he also accepts this limitation. The Beit Yosef(Orach Chayim 318), however, maintains that the Rambam does not hold one liable, even when one reheats foods that are not dry.
32.
From the Rambam's wording, it is unclear if this refers to water that was in a כלי ראשון or in a כלי שני. From his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 3:4), it would appear that he maintains that it is permitted to pour water from a כלי ראשון directly on foods.
According to the Ashkenazic authorities, we are permitted to pour hot water on uncooked foods only from a כלי שני (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:11; Mishnah Berurah 318:35). Hot water from a כלי ראשון will cook the surface of the food onto which it is poured.
33.
This clause comes to eliminate foods like aged salted fish or sole, whose preparation is completed by washing them with hot water. As the Rambam writes in Chapter 9, Halachah 2, one is liable for violating the forbidden labor of cooking merely by rinsing these foods with hot water.
34.
The prohibition applies only to soaking the food in hot water. One may soak it in cold water (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:11; Mishnah Berurah 318:37).
35.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 3. This prohibition was instituted lest one err and think that just as it is permitted to cook using articles heated by the sun, it is permitted to cook using articles heated by fire.
36.
I.e., the leniency of placing water in the sun will not cause one to think that it is permitted to place food on a fire.
37.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:4), the Rambam emphasizes that this law is mentioned because one might think that placing the water in the sun is forbidden, lest one place food in hot ashes.
On this basis, many authorities allow the use of water that has been heated by solar energy units on the Sabbath. Even the more stringent opinions, which object to such use, have no difficulty with the concept of using water heated by the sun. They base their objections on other rationales, among them:
That water heated by the solar energy units is heated by an object heated by the sun and not by the sun itself.
The water in the urn of the solar energy unit is very hot. When cold water enters that unit, it will be heated by the water and produce a situation resembling that of the tub mentioned in Halachah 5.
38.
The bracketed additions are taken from Rashi's commentary (Shabbat 146b).
39.
Rashi (loc. cit.) explains that were the food left in the sun, it might spoil. By placing it in the cistern, one preserves it.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit., based on Shabbat 146b), the Rambam emphasizes that this law is mentioned because one might think that placing the food in the cistern is forbidden lest one smooth out the cistern's floor.
40.
Enough for one meal (Ba'er Heteiv 321:4).
41.
Significantly, Rashi (Shabbat 108b) explains that the rationale for all the laws in this halachah is that salting or pickling foods is comparable to processing leather. This rationale is mentioned by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:2). The Rambam, however, maintains that the forbidden labor of processing does not apply with regard to food (Chapter 11, Halachah 5).
42.
In the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.), Rav Yosef Karo states that it is forbidden to make even a small amount of such a mixture.
43.
In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo explains that usually fish-brine is preserved. Hence, it would appear that one is pickling food.
44.
Included in the latter category are any vegetables that salt softens or makes less bitter. This includes onions, cucumbers, and most vegetables used for salads (Magen Avraham 321:7).
45.
The Rambam's intent is not that pickling is forbidden as a derivative of cooking, but that there is a Rabbinic prohibition against doing so (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:3; Mishnah Berurah 321:16). Note, however, Karti Ufalti 105:2, which maintains that the Rambam considers that there is a Torah prohibition involved.
46.
Similarly, a mixture of salt, vinegar, and oil (or other substances used for salad dressings) may be placed on these vegetables, because it no longer appears that one is salting the vegetables to pickle them (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:4; Mishnah Berurah 321:14).
47.
Note the Mishnah Berurah 321:69, which permits making this mixture only when one does not undertake much effort in doing so.
48.
Hence, this mixture, like any other remedy, may not be drunk on the Sabbath even if it was prepared before the Sabbath.
49.
The Rambam appears to be saying that one may stir the mixture. The Mishnah Berurah 321:58, however, quotes this law as meaning that one may add water or wine to the mixture. Although the Rambam would probably accept that ruling as well, based on his conception of the Rabbinic prohibitions against kneading (see Chapter 21, Halachot 33-34 and notes), this is not likely his intent here.
50.
The Hebrew word כלי can be rendered as either "utensil" or "container." On this basis, the Kessef Mishneh mentions the interpretation of Terumat HaDeshen(Responsum 53), which explains that one may shake a container to blend the mixture, but one may not stir it by hand. He does not, however, accept this as reflecting the Rambam's intent.
51.
I.e., whip it forcefully by hand to produce a smooth, evenly flowing mixture.
52.
A leafy vegetable that is used as a spice or dip when mixed with the abovementioned substances.
53.
As explained in Chapter 9, Halachot 8-9.
54.
A fragrant spice, noted for its cleansing powers.
55.
This follows the principle of פסיק רישא stated in Chapter 1, Halachah 6 - i.e., since one's act will surely result in the performance of a prohibited act, it is considered as if this is one's intent. Although a Rabbinic prohibition is involved here, the same principle still holds.
56.
This decision is based on the principle of אינו מתכוין, that an act that results in the performance of a forbidden labor is permitted if it is not a certainty that the forbidden labor will indeed come about. Indeed, the Rambam uses this law to exemplify this principle in Chapter 1, Halachah 5.
57.
This is the version in the standard published texts of the Mishneh Torah. The Maggid Mishneh notes that there is another version of the text which reverses the order in this clause, stating, "If the majority was a substance that will not necessarily remove hair, it is permitted." There is a difference in the rulings resulting from these two versions of the text when the amount of both substances is equal. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 326:9) follows the version of the standard text.
Sefer HaKovetz questions why such a leniency is allowed, and explains that all prohibitions based on the principle of פסיק רישא are merely Rabbinic in origin. Accordingly, since the substances that undoubtedly remove hair are not in the majority, leniency is granted. (It must be noted that it is difficult to reconcile the statements of Sefer HaKovetz with the Rambam's own statements, Chapter 1, Halachah 6, that one is liable for performing such an act.)
58.
I.e., as Shabbat 149b emphasizes, the difficulty is because a metal mirror can serve as a cutting article itself.
59.
The Sages desired that their decrees be applied uniformly.
60.
This includes a glass mirror, as is used today (Maggid Mishneh; Mishnah Berurah302:63).
61.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 11.
62.
Rav Moshe Cohen of Lunil questions the Rambam's ruling, since one's intent is not to wring out the liquid, but to plug the flask. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:22 states that when one plugs the opening firmly, one will certainly squeeze water from it. Hence, this is considered a פסיק רישא. Furthermore, our Sages forbade plugging the opening loosely, lest one plug it firmly.
63.
The Kessef Mishneh (in the gloss on Chapter 9, Halachah 11) uses this law to refute the Maggid Mishneh's thesis that, according to the Rambam, the prohibition against wringing out liquids applies only to water, since it is generally beverages other than water that are contained in a flask.
64.
As evident from his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 21:3), the Rambam explains that if the sponge does not have a handle, it is a פסיק רישא that one will squeeze water from it when cleaning with it. If it has a handle, that is not a certainty. This interpretation is also reflected in Rashi's commentary, Shabbat 143a.
Although the Ra'avad accepts the law, he objects to this explanation, maintaining that whether or not the sponge has a handle, one will squeeze water out when cleaning with it. Why then is one allowed to use it? Once the handle is attached, it is no longer considered to be a piece of fabric, but rather a container that is made to hold water. By using it, one is not squeezing the water directly, but merely causing it to be squeezed.
65.
Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:21, which states that this decree applies only to a jug of water, but not to one containing other beverages. See, however, the Kessef Mishneh's statements cited in note 63.
66.
I.e., unless the cloth was designated for this purpose, it is possible that if it gets wet, one will wring out the water so that one can use it for another purpose. If, however, one has set aside the cloth for this use, one will not be concerned with its getting wet.
67.
Based on the ruling of Tosafot (Shabbat143b), the Ramah (Orach Chayim 335:1) emphasizes that this law applies only when the cask breaks. If it has a slow leak, there are no restrictions. Since there is no possibility of the person's losing the entire contents of the cask at once, our Sages did not fear that he would panic and violate the Sabbath laws to save his property.
The Ramah also mentions the ruling of Terumat HaDeshen (Responsum 196) that these restrictions apply only when one desires to bring containers from one courtyard to another. There are, however, no restrictions on using different containers within one's own property. This leniency is accepted by the later Ashkenazic authorities.
68.
According to the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 335:1), one may save enough for one's Sabbath needs and the needs of one's guests, even if it is necessary to use several containers. As Rabbi Akiva Eiger notes in his gloss, the Rambam's wording does not appear to fit this interpretation.
69.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) states that this restriction applies even when a sponge has a handle. (See the previous halachah.) Since the person is distressed about the loss of his property, our Sages fear that he might violate the Sabbath laws in this instance.
70.
I.e., there are two restrictions: that one may save only a limited amount of wine or oil, and that the manner in which one saves these liquids must differ from one's ordinary practice.
71.
According to the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.), there is no restriction on the size of this container. Any container may be used, regardless of the amount it can hold. As mentioned, the Rambam's wording does not appear to fit this interpretation.
72.
I.e., invite guests who he knows will not want to partake of the liquids. In this way, he will be able to save the liquids because of them, even though they will not partake of them. (See Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov3:17, where the Rambam mentions a similar instance where the Sages permitted one to act with guile.)
73.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:3) states that it is forbidden to invite guests with this intent. If, however, one does so, it is permitted to use the wine. It is possible that this is the Rambam's intent. (The Shulchan Aruch's leniency is actually even more encompassing, and allows one to use the wine if one invites the guests after collecting it.) Based on the Maggid Mishneh, the Magen Avraham 335:2, however, states that according to the Rambam, one is permitted to act with guile in this manner.
(Kinat Eliyahu objects to this interpretation, noting the difference in the Rambam's wording in this halachah, "If one acted with guile in this matter, it is permitted," and his wording in Chapter 23, Halachah 3, "It is permitted to act with guile in this matter.")
74.
Since the person rubs it from the inside, it is not obvious that his intent is to launder the garment (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim302:7).
75.
Even from the outside.
76.
Or with a knife (Shulchan Aruch HaRav302:17; Mishnah Berurah 302:34).
77.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) quotes the opinion of the Tur, which states that both rubbing the inside of a garment and scraping off mud are permitted only when the mud is moist. When the mud has dried, these acts are forbidden, because it is as if one is grinding the mud.
78.
The Ramban and the Ra'avad follow a different version of the text of Shabbat140a, and therefore rule that it is also permitted to rub a scarf. The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit:5) follows the Rambam's decision, explaining that when rubbing a scarf, one's intent is to make it glistening clean.
The Be'ur Halachah cites support for the Rambam's ruling from Mo'ed Katan 10b, which states that it is permitted to rub clean one's garments on Chol HaMo'ed (see Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 8:14). This indicates that such an act is forbidden on the Sabbath.
79.
I.e., a cloak becomes stiff after being laundered, and before putting it on one generally rubs it (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
80.
Note Chapter 9, Halachah 11, where the Rambam states that one is not liable for wringing out leather. Similarly, the fact that he mentions the prohibition against laundering leather in this chapter appears to indicate that he considers it to be merely a Rabbinic prohibition. This perspective is also quoted by Shulchan Aruch HaRav302:19. The Be'ur Halachah 302, however, explains that one is liable for laundering leather.
81.
The Rambam appears to allow one to scrape old shoes. The Ra'avad and the Maggid Mishneh object to this ruling, based on Shabbat 141a-b, which states that it is forbidden to scrape both new and old shoes.
The commentaries offer several resolutions of this difficulty. Some point to manuscript copies of the Mishneh Torah that omit the word "new" entirely (Radbaz, Vol. V, Responsum 1628). Others explain that the Rambam mentions "new" shoes for specific reasons, but not to imply that scraping old shoes is permitted (Rabbenu Meir of Padua). Others find sources to substantiate the Rambam's ruling (Sefer HaKovetz).
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 302:8) forbids scraping both old and new shoes. Significantly, however, the prohibition is associated with the forbidden labor of removing hair. Note also the Magen Avraham 302:17 who emphasizes that the prohibition applies only when using a knife. Using dull metal is permitted.
82.
See Chapter 23, Halachah 10, which appears to contradict this ruling. Similarly, the Ra'avad and others question the text here. Significantly, Rav Kapach mentions that the Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah follow an alternate version of the text, which does not present a difficulty.
83.
Care must be taken not to press the rag firmly, lest one squeeze out water from it (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:9).
84.
One may not, however, rub them under water to remove the stain (Maggid Mishneh). Washing a cloth in water would be considered as laundering, even according to Torah law (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:20).
85.
The Mishnah Berurah 302:57 states that one may also use a rag that is of no importance.
86.
I.e., the prohibition was not instituted because of the act of washing one's hands with the cloth, but because one might wash the cloth later.
87.
The Magen Avraham 301:58 focuses on this law as an example of the relation of the principles of Rabbinic authority to the changes in the cultural conditions under which Jews lived. Originally, this leniency was granted, because in the Talmudic era washing every day was considered a necessity, and a person who washes himself must dry himself. In his own time, washing was not considered as great a necessity. Hence, some thought of ruling that using a towel would be prohibited. Nevertheless, since the Sages of the Talmud did not institute a prohibition in this regard, the later Rabbis left the status quo unchanged. The Magen Avraham, however, concludes that it is preferable to dry oneself with a towel that one would not normally wring out during the week.
88.
I.e., from rain, or because he fell into a body of water.
89.
He must, however, be careful not to shake the water from them.
90.
We are not, however, obligated to remove clothes that were hanging on a clothesline before the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 301:45).
91.
The Mishnah Berurah 301:165 cites authorities who maintain that this applies only with respect to a safeguard instituted because of the possibility that an observer might think a prohibition from the Torah was violated. When the question revolves around a Rabbinic prohibition, there is room for leniency.
92.
For the Sages wanted to established a uniform standard, applicable at all times.
93.
The Kessef Mishneh explains that since the person desires to connect the two mikvaot, he will not insert the plug firmly to the extent that he will squeeze water from it.
94.
In this instance, the person's concern is to prevent the food and utensils from being inundated by the flow of water. Accordingly, his intent will be to plug the drain in a manner that will prevent a great flow. He, however, is not concerned that there will be a slight leak and will not necessarily plug the drain tightly (Kessef Mishneh).
Merkevet HaMishneh offers a different interpretation. The Rambam is referring to a plug for a hole in a cistern. The person sees that the drain pipes leading to the cistern are full and soon the water level will reach the hole. He therefore plugs the hole so that the water will not flow out and flood the courtyard. Although he plugs the hole tightly, since the water level has not yet reached this height, there is no possibility that he will squeeze out water in the process.
95.
I.e., there is a drain-pipe that leads in two directions. By plugging one end, the water can be directed into a cistern.
96.
Since in this instance, the person wants to direct the flow of the water and preserve all of it, he will plug the other end of the pipe tightly. When doing so, the possibility exists that he will squeeze water from the plug.
97.
Our translation is based on Rashi's commentary, Beitzah 23a.
98.
See Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 8:14, which states that this is forbidden on Chol HaMo'ed because it requires professional expertise.
99.
This appears to refer to folding a garment with the intent of smoothing out wrinkles that already exist. Similarly, one may fold a garment after removing it, in order that it remain uncreased so it can be worn again on the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch HaRav302:8).
100.
One may fold and refold a garment several times on the Sabbath (Shabbat 15:3). If, however, there is no need to wear a garment again on the Sabbath, one may not fold it so that it will remain uncreased for the following day. For this reason, it is forbidden to fold one's tallit on the Sabbath after the morning prayers (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:8; Mishnah Berurah 302:13).
101.
Note Rashi (Shabbat 113a), who offers a different explanation of the Talmudic passage that serves as the source for the Rambam's ruling.
102.
When two people fold a garment, the possibility exists that one will smooth out the creases by hand. This is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:9).
103.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 13.
104.
Similarly, the application of other forms of makeup is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 303:25 and commentaries).
105.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 9.
106.
Note Rashi (Shabbat 48a), who offers a different rationale for this restriction: that this resembles making a utensil.
107.
The Mishnah Berurah 340:32 emphasizes that one may return them to the same pillow or blanket, but may not transfer them to another one on the Sabbath.
108.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 10.
109.
Our translation has parallels in the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, D'mai 6:6 and Kilayim 9:5. The Merkevet HaMishneh, however, renders this word as "modestly" - i.e., so others will not see him and think that he is tearing.
110.
As mentioned several times, a person is not liable for performing a forbidden labor without intention. In this instance, there is an even greater reason for leniency, since the concept of intent is particularly important regarding this category of forbidden labor. As the Rambam mentions in Chapter 10, the forbidden labor of tearing consists of tearing for the sake of resewing.
111.
See Chapter 10, Halachot 12-14.
112.
The Maggid Mishneh questions the Rambam's statements here, noting that from the halachot cited above, it would appear that by returning the doors to their place one would be liable for performing the forbidden labor of building.
113.
According to the Ramah (Orach Chayim314:1), this law applies only to small cabinents and chests, those smaller than 40 seah, approximately .375 square meters in modern measure.
In a related matter, Shulchan Aruch HaRav308:34-35 emphasizes that in contrast to the doors of a building, the doors of cabinets, chests, and the like are not considered muktzeh on the Sabbath. Since they were part of a utensil before they were removed, they are still considered to be utensils afterwards. In contrast, the doors of a building were not considered utensils before the commencement of the Sabbath. Hence, if they are removed on the Sabbath, it is forbidden to carry them.
114.
If, however, it slips off entirely, it may not be returned outside the Temple (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 313:5).
115.
Since the prohibitions in the category of sh'vut need not be observed in the Temple.
116.
I.e., even in the Temple. This is an exception to the principle mentioned in the previous note, because, in this instance it is very likely that one will perform a forbidden labor (Tosafot, Eruvin 102b).
117.
There is a greater concern that one will attach the upper hinge firmly, because if it becomes detached the door will fall. If, by contrast, the upper hinge remains attached but the lower hinge slips off, the door will still remain hanging.
118.
Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat10:7). Rashi interprets this term to refer to "parting the hair." Note also the Mishnah Berurah 303:83, which discusses whether this restriction applies regarding only a woman's natural hair, or also regarding a wig.
119.
See also Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim315:5), which - albeit in a different context - allows the use of folding chairs on the Sabbath. One may add a leaf to a table, but one may not construct a table by placing the table board on its legs.
120.
Many other authorities differ and explain that the prohibition was instituted lest one firmly attach the parts to each other. Were one to do so, one would be liable for performing the forbidden labor of מכה בפטיש, completing a utensil (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 313:6).
121.
It appears that, accordingly to the Rambam, even if a person were to attach the parts firmly to each other, he would not be liable. As mentioned, others differ.
122.
The Rambam's perspective on this issue requires clarification: Beitzah 22a states, "There is no [concept of] building regarding utensils."
The Rambam explains that this refers only to putting together a utensil that is made up of several component parts. Fashioning a new utensil, by contrast, is surely considered building, as explained in Chapter 10, Halachah 13 and notes. As mentioned, others differ and maintain that a person who fashions a new utensil is liable for performing the forbidden labor of מכה בפטיש, completing a utensil.
123.
According to the Rambam, the rationale for the leniency appears to be that since the parts hang loosely, one would not confuse assembling such a structure with erecting a building. According to the other authorities, the rationale is that since the parts of the utensil hang loosely, there is little likelihood that one will attach the parts firmly to each other.
124.
This refers to adjusting the child's limbs by hand. As mentioned in Chapter 21, Halachah 31, one may tie clothes around the child to adjust his limbs. Furthermore, on the day of a child's birth, it is permitted to adjust his limbs (Shulchan Aruch HaRav330:10; Mishnah Berurah 330:34). Even afterwards, many authorities allow the adjustment of other limbs, with the exception of the backbone.
125.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 13.
126.
In this context, the word "temporary" is defined as "not constructed to remain for a prolonged period" (Shulchan Aruch HaRav315:1). It would appear that, according to the Rambam, even if a tent has a roof that is a handbreadth wide, its classification as permanent or temporary depends on the intent of the person who erects it. (See the Noda BiY'hudah, Vol. II, Orach Chayim, Responsum 30.)
Based on this restriction, the Noda BiY'hudah (loc. cit.) forbids opening an umbrella on the Sabbath. Similarly, because of the appearance that might be created, he forbids carrying an umbrella on the Sabbath even when: a) it was opened before the Sabbath, and b) the community possesses an eruv that makes it permitted to carry.
127.
If, however, the overhang was not at all extended before the commencement of the Sabbath, it may not be extended on the Sabbath. Although it was suspended above the wall before the Sabbath, since it was completely rolled up, it may not be used.
128.
Similarly, it is permitted to place a table-top on its legs (Maggid Mishneh). Note, however, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 315:3), which forbids placing a table-top on legs that appear as walls.
129.
I.e., a space is covered by a surface supported by four legs.
130.
Since one does not use the space below them (Maggid Mishneh).
Note the apparent contradiction between the Rambam's ruling here and his ruling in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:15, and the resolution offered by the Lechem Mishnehthere.
131.
I.e., the walls of the tent slant downward, and it does not have a straight roof that is a handbreadth wide.
132.
Based on the principle of l'vud, the space within three handbreadths is considered to be a single entity. Thus, were it to be a handbreadth wide, the tent would be considered as having a roof of significant size (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:15).
133.
This follows the opinion of Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Chanan'el. Rashi and Rabbenu Asher, by contrast, maintain that since the tent does not have a roof that is a handbreadth wide, it can never be considered even a temporary tent, and there is no prohibition in constructing it. The Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 315:8) follows the Rambam's ruling.
134.
I.e., there is a beam in the middle of a room on which a cloth is rolled that will be spread out to serve as a cover for a bed. Cords are attached to the cloth, and when they are pulled it is extended to form the canopy. Needless to say, such a canopy must meet the criteria mentioned in the first clause of this halachah regarding the width of its roof (Shulchan Aruch HaRav315:16; Mishnah Berurah 315:37).
135.
As implied by the first clause, had the cloth not been hanging before the commencement of the Sabbath, hanging it on the Sabbath itself would have been forbidden. Nevertheless, since it was hanging before the Sabbath and the cords that extend it are already in place, it is considered already to have been extended the length of a handbreadth. Therefore, extending it further is permitted, as mentioned in Halachah 27 (ibid.).
136.
Since spreading out the cloth is not considered to be building a tent, closing it is not considered to be demolishing one (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:16; Mishnah Berurah 315:38). This and all the other leniencies associated with a temporary tent apply when the roof of the temporary tent is less than a handbreadth wide (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:17; Mishnah Berurah 315:38). This ruling is also reflected in the following halachah.
137.
Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 315:1), who states that one may hang a curtain on the Sabbath, even if one intends to leave it hanging permanently, provided there is no halachic significance to its being hung - e.g., to hang a curtain in front of a toilet so that one could pray in that same room.
Note also the Mishnah Berurah 315:38, which states that the wording of this halachah indicates that the cords from which a curtain hangs must be prepared before the commencement of the Sabbath, as the cords of the cloth mentioned immediately before. There are, however, other authorities who do not accept this view. (See also Halachah 32, which describes the manner in which a curtain may be hung.)
138.
Thus, it meets the criteria of a temporary tent mentioned in the previous halachah.
139.
This represents a greater leniency than the previous halachah. In that halachah, leniency was granted only because the ends of the canopy were hanging from the curtain rods and attached by strings. In this instance, the canopy was not hanging before the Sabbath. Nevertheless, since it was prepared to serve this purpose, it is permitted.
140.
The Maggid Mishneh cites the interpretation of the Rashba, who explains that this refers to a canopy that hangs down a handbreadth below the bed. The part that hangs down is thus considered to be a wall - and the slanted portion of the canopy, a roof.
Based on this interpretation, he finds it necessary to differentiate between such a canopy and a sheet or blanket extended over a bed that is used at present. In the latter instance, even though the sheet or blanket extends more than a handbreadth on either side of the bed, it is not considered a tent, since it was not spread out with the purpose of enclosing space. The canopy, by contrast, was spread out for that purpose and hence is considered a tent in certain instances.
Although this interpretation is accepted by the later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:18; Mishnah Berurah 315:42), Rav Kapach notes that it does not fit the wording used by the Rambam, "provided it does not hang more than a handbreadth above the bed." He thus explains that if the canopy hangs more than a handbreadth above the bed, that open space is considered a wall, and the canopy, its roof.
141.
Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:7). Others render this as "a shutter." It would, however, appear that the Rambam would not object to the use of a shutter for this purpose. Indeed, as indicated by Shabbat 24:5, it is permitted to use any utensil for this purpose. Compare also to Chapter 26, Halachah 10.
142.
The rationale for this leniency is that this is considered equivalent to closing a window or a door which is permitted on the Sabbath (Shabbat 125b).
The same rules apply regarding an aperture in the roof (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 313:1; Mishnah Berurah 313:1).
143.
In this instance, we have adopted the version of this halachah found in the Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah. The version of the standard published texts would be rendered "on one's garments."
144.
The Maggid Mishneh and similarly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:40), interpret this as referring to a hat with a brim less than a handbreadth. According to their interpretation, putting on such a hat is forbidden even in one's home. The Noda BiY'hudah (Vol. II, Orach Chayim, Responsum 30), however, explains that there is no prohibition against putting on a hat, regardless of how wide its brim is.
145.
Note the Radbaz (Vol. V, Responsum 1450), who explains that both of these stipulations are derived from the Hebrew word מהודק used in Shabbat 138b, the source for this halachah. מהודק means "firm," and in this context, the use of the word implies both "firmly attached" and that the brim is firm. When both these stipulations are fulfilled, the garment resembles a tent.
Note Rashi, however, who explains that the head-covering must be firmly attached to one's head. Otherwise, one may not wear it in the public domain, lest the wind blow it from one's head. Rashi's interpretation is followed by most later commentaries and accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:41).
146.
I.e., there is no prohibition against hanging the curtain if one holds it upright. This, however, is difficult when hanging a large curtain. Inevitably, one will hold one portion of the curtain with one's left hand and fold at least a handbreadth or more over with one's right hand while hanging it. Thus, a temporary tent will have been created.
This represents the Rambam's conception of the passage in Shabbat 138b, the source for this halachah. Although the Ra'avad and others interpret that passage differently, the Rambam's view is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim315:12). (See also the final clause of Halachah 29 and notes.)
147.
I.e., in contrast to the canopy described in Halachah 29.
148.
Similarly, removing the cover is forbidden, since it is considered to be demolishing a tent (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:19).
149.
The Maggid Mishneh mentions that this restriction applies only when there is a handbreadth or more of empty space in the jug. This qualification is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim315:13).
The Maggid Mishneh also mentions that the Rashba and the Ra'avad interpret Shabbat 139b, the source for this halachah, differently, and therefore reach a more lenient decision. Although their view is mentioned by the later authorities, the general consensus is to follow the Rambam's ruling.
150.
See Chapter 21, Halachah 17, and notes.
151.
Rashi (Shabbat, loc. cit.) interprets the passage that serves as the source for this halachah as the Rambam does. Others, however, explain that this restriction was instituted to make one deviate from one's ordinary practice as a safeguard associated with the forbidden labor of sifting.
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Three
1
A person who makes a hole that can be used as an entrance and as an exit - e.g., a hole in a chicken coop that is used to allow light to enter and to allow foul air to leave - is liable [for performing the forbidden labor] of dealing [the final] hammer blow.1
Accordingly, [the Sages instituted] a decree [forbidding] the opening of any hole, even one intended to be used only as an outlet or only as an inlet, lest one open a hole for which one is liable.2 For this reason, it is forbidden to make a new hole in a cask or to widen an existing one.3 One may, however, open an existing hole [that has been plugged].4
א
העושה נקב שהוא עשוי להכניס ולהוציא כגון נקב שבלול התרנגולין שהוא עשוי להכניס האורה ולהוציא ההבל הרי זה חייב משום מכה בפטיש. לפיכך גזרו על כל נקב אפילו היה עשוי להוציא בלבד או להכניס בלבד שמא יבוא לעשות נקב שחייבין עליו. ומפני זה אין נוקבין בחבית נקב חדש ואין מוסיפין בו. אבל פותחין נקב ישן. והוא שלא יהיה הנקב למטה מן השמרים שאם היה למטה מן השמרים הרי זה עשוי לחזק ואסור לפתחו:
2
One may make a hole in the seal7 of a cask in order to pour out wine from it, provided one opens it from the top.8 It is, however, forbidden to open it from the side [of the seal],9 for this resembles making a utensil.
A person may break a barrel10 to eat dried figs contained in it, provided he does not intend to make a utensil.11 Similarly, a person may bring a cask of wine and slash its top off with a sword12 for his guests13 without any concern [about the above restrictions], for his intent is [not to make a utensil, but solely] to show his feelings of generosity.
ב
נוקבין מגופה של חבית להוציא ממנה יין ובלבד שינקבנה מלמעלה אבל מצדה אסור מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי. שובר אדם את החבית לאכול ממנה גרוגרות ובלבד שלא יתכוין לעשות כלי. ומביא אדם חבית של יין ומתיז את ראשה בסייף לפני האורחין ואינו חושש. שאין כוונתו אלא להראות נדיבת לבו:
3
Just as it is forbidden to open any hole, so too, is it forbidden to close any hole.14 Therefore, it is forbidden to close a hole in a barrel, even when one employs an article that need not be spread,15 or one that will not lead to squeezing - 16 e.g., to plug it with a piece of wood or with a small stone.17
One may, however, store food [by placing it the opening of the barrel]. This is permitted even though, in the process, the barrel is stopped up. It is permitted to act with guile in this matter.18
ג
וכשם שאסור לפתוח כל נקב כך אסור לסתום כל נקב. לפיכך אסור לסתום נקב החבית ואפילו בדבר שאינו מתמרח ואינו בא לידי סחיטה כגון שיסתום בקיסם או בצרור קטן. אבל אם הניח שם אוכל כדי להצניעו ונמצא הנקב נסתם מותר. ומותר להערים בדבר זה:
4
[Performing] any action that completes the fashioning [of an object] causes one to be liable for [the forbidden labor of] dealing the final blow. For this reason, a person who files [the smallest amount of an object] or who repairs an article in any way is liable.19
Accordingly, it is forbidden to sound musical tones on the Sabbath, whether using a musical instrument - e.g., a harp or a lyre - or using another object. It is even forbidden to tap with one's fingers on the ground or on a board,20 to snap one's fingers rhythmically21as singers do,22 to shake a nut [like a rattle] for a child, or to ring a bell to quiet [a child]. All of these [restrictions were instituted as] a decree, lest one repair a musical instrument.
ד
כל דבר שהוא גמר מלאכה חייב עליו משום מכה בפטיש. ומפני זה הגורר כל שהוא או המתקן כלי באיזה דבר שיתקן חייב. לפיכך אסור להשמיע קול של שיר בשבת בין בכלי שיר כגון כנורות ונבלים בין בשאר דברים. אפילו להכות באצבע על הקרקע או על הלוח או אחת כנגד אחת כדרך המשוררים או לקשקש את האגוז לתינוק או לשחק בו בזוג כדי שישתוק כל זה וכיוצא בו אסור גזירה שמא יתקן כלי שיר:
5
We may not drum, nor dance, nor clap hands on the Sabbath.23 [These are] decrees, [instituted] lest one repair a musical instrument. One may, however, clap using the back of one's hands.
ה
אין מספקין ולא מרקדין ואין מטפחין בשבת גזירה שמא יתקן כלי שיר ולספק כלאחר יד מותר. אין שטין על פני המים גזירה שמא יתקן חבית של שייטין. בריכה שבחצר מותר לשוט בתוכה שאינו בא לעשות חבית של שייטין והוא שיהיה לה שפה מוקפת שלא יעקר ממנה המים. כדי שיהיה היכר והפרש בינה ובין הים:
6
ו
ו
אין חותכין שפופרת של קנה מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי. היתה חתוכה אף על פי שאינה מתוקנת מותר להכניסה בנקב החבית בשבת להוציא ממנה יין ואין חוששין שמא יתקן. ואסור להניח עלה של הדס וכיוצא בו בתוך הנקב של חבית כדי שיקלח את היין מפני שהוא כעושה מרזב בשבת. ואין שוברין את החרס ואין קורעין את הנייר מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי:
7
One may draw water using a branch that is tied to the cup [used to draw water from the well]. If it is not tied to the cup, we may not draw water with it. [This is] a decree, [instituted] lest one trim [the branch] and adjust it.
It is forbidden to polish silverware with greitikon,32 because this makes it shine as if it had been treated by a craftsman. Thus, it appears as if one is repairing a utensil and completing one's work on the Sabbath.33 One may, however, polish it with sand34 and neter.35 Similarly, all [other] utensils may be polished with any substance.
It is forbidden to wash plates, cooking dishes, or the like, because it is as if one is improving them,36 unless one washes them for the sake of using them to eat another meal on this Sabbath.37 Utensils used for drinking, by contrast - e.g., glasses and pitchers - may be washed at any time, for there is no limit to [the number of times a person may desire to] drink.38
One may not make beds on the Sabbath in order to sleep on them on Saturday night.39 One may, however, make the beds [after sleeping on them] Friday night in order to use them again on the Sabbath.
ז
זמורה שהיא קשורה בטפיח ממלאין בה בשבת. ואם אינה קשורה אין ממלאין בה גזירה שמא יקטום אותה ויתקעה. אסור לחוף כלי כסף בגרתקון מפני שהוא מלבנן כדרך שהאומנין עושין ונמצא כמתקן כלי וגומר מלאכתו בשבת. אבל חופפין אותו בחול ובנתר. וכן כל הכלים חופפין אותן בכל דבר. ואסור להדיח קערות ואלפסין וכיוצא בהן מפני שהוא כמתקן אא"כ הדיחן לאכול בהן סעודה אחרת באותה שבת. אבל כלי שתיה כגון כוסות וקיתונות מותר להדיחן בכל עת שאין קבע לשתיה. ואין מציעין את המטות בשבת כדי לישן עליהן למוצאי שבת אבל מציעין מלילי שבת לשבת:
8
On the Sabbath, it is forbidden to immerse [in a mikveh] utensils that are ritually impure, because it resembles repairing the utensil.40 An impure person, by contrast, may immerse himself,41 because it appears [as if his intent] is to cool off. One may not sprinkle [ashes from the red heifer] on the Sabbath.42
A person who immerses utensils on the Sabbath without knowing of the prohibition involved may use them [on the Sabbath]. If [by contrast,] he violates the prohibition intentionally, he should not use them until Saturday night.
It is permitted to immerse impure water on the Sabbath. What should be done? The water should be placed in a container that is not susceptible to contracting ritual impurity43 - e.g., a container made of stone44 - and the container should be immersed until it is submerged in the waters of the mikveh and thus purified.
ח
אסור להטביל כלים טמאין בשבת מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי. אבל אדם טמא מותר לטבול מפני שנראה כמיקר. ואין מזין עליו בשבת. המטביל כלים בשבת בשוגג ישתמש בהן. במזיד לא ישתמש בהן עד למוצ"ש. ומותר להטביל את המים הטמאים בשבת. כיצד יעשה נותנן בכלי שאינו מקבל טומאה כגון כלי אבנים ומטביל הכלים במקוה עד שיעלה מי המקוה עליהן ויטהרו:
9
ט
אין מגביהין תרומות ומעשרות בשבת מפני שנראה כמתקן דבר שלא היה מתוקן:
10
Processing leather is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.47 A person who softens a hide with oil as the leather-workers do is liable for processing leather.48 Therefore, a person should not anoint his foot49 with oil while wearing a new shoe or sandal.50 He may, however, anoint his foot with oil and put on his shoes or sandals, even though they are new. Similarly, he may apply oil to his entire body and roll on a new bed cover51 without any concern.
When does the above apply? When only a small amount [of oil] is used, enough merely to polish the leather. If, however, he has a large quantity of oil on his skin that would soften the leather, this is forbidden, since this resembles processing it. All [the above restrictions] apply with regard only to new items. It is permitted to do so with old ones.52
י
מעבד מאבות מלאכות הוא. והמרכך עור בשמן כדרך שהעבדנים עושים הרי זה מעבד וחייב. לפיכך לא יסוך אדם רגלו בשמן והוא בתוך המנעל או בתוך הסנדל החדשים. אבל סך הוא את רגלו שמן ולובש מנעלו או סנדלו אע"פ שהן חדשים. וסך כל גופו שמן ומתעגל על גבי קטבליא חדשה ואינו חושש. במה דברים אמורים כשהיה השמן מועט כדי שיצחצח העור בלבד אבל אם היה בבשרו שמן הרבה כדי שירכך העור הרי זה אסור מפני שהוא כמעבדו. והכל בחדשים אבל בישנים מותר:
11
A person who spreads a plaster on the Sabbath is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] smoothing a hide.53 Therefore, it is forbidden to close a hole with wax and the like, lest one spread it.54 It is even forbidden to close a hole with fat. [This is] a decree, [enacted] lest [one use] wax.
יא
הממרח רטיה בשבת חייב משום מוחק את העור. לפיכך אין סותמין נקב בשעוה וכיוצא בה שמא ימרח ואפילו בשומן אין סותמין את הנקב גזירה משום שעוה:
12
Writing is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.55Accordingly, it is forbidden to apply eye-paint with a brush and the like on the Sabbath, because this resembles writing.56
יב
כותב מאבות מלאכות. לפיכך אסור לכחול בפוך וכיוצא בו בשבת מפני שהוא ככותב. ואסור ללוות ולהלוות גזירה שמא יכתוב. וכן אסור לקנות ולמכור ולשכור ולהשכיר גזירה שמא יכתוב. לא ישכור אדם פועלים בשבת ולא יאמר לחבירו לשכור לו פועלין. אבל לשאול ולהשאיל מותר. שואל אדם מחבירו כדי יין וכדי שמן ובלבד שלא יאמר לו הלויני:
13
יג
אחד המוכר בפה או במסירה אסור. (ואסור לשקול) בין במאזנים בין שלא במאזנים. וכשם שאסור לשקול כך אסור למנות ולמדוד בין בכלי מדה בין ביד בין בחבל:
14
Court is not convened on the Sabbath, nor are [the rites of] chalitzah66 or yibbum67 conducted, nor are women betrothed,68 lest one write.69
[Property] may not be consecrated,70 nor may endowment evaluations be made,71 nor may [property] be set aside,72 because this resembles a sale.
Nor may terumah and the tithes be separated, for this resembles consecrating the produce one has separated, and also because, [through this ritual,] one makes [the produce] fit [for use] on the Sabbath.73
One may not tithe one's animals.74 [This is] a decree, [instituted] lest one mark [the animal] with red paint.75 A person may consecrate his Paschal sacrifice on the Sabbath76 and his festive offering on a holiday, for this is the mitzvah associated with that day.77
Just as property may not be consecrated, so too, water may not be consecrated for use [in sprinkling the ashes of the red heifer].78
יד
אין דנין בשבת ולא חולצין ולא מיבמין ולא מקדשין גזירה שמא יכתוב. ואין מקדישין ולא מעריכין ולא מחרימין מפני שהוא כמקח וממכר. ואין מגביהין תרומות ומעשרות שזה דומה למקדיש אותן פירות שהפריש. ועוד מפני שהוא כמתקן אותן בשבת. ואין מעשרין את הבהמה גזירה שמא ירשום בסיקרא. ומקדיש אדם פסחו בשבת וחגיגתו ביום טוב שזו מצות היום היא. וכשם שאין מקדישין כך אין מקדשין מי חטאת:
15
When a person separates terumot and tithes on the Sabbath or on a holiday without intentionally desiring to transgress the prohibition involved, he may partake of the produce that he made fit to eat. If he intentionally desired to violate the prohibition, [the produce] is forbidden until Saturday night.79 The separation is, nevertheless, effective.
Similarly, when a person consecrates [an object], makes an endowment evaluation, or sets property aside on the Sabbath, with or without the intention to violate the prohibition, the act he performs is effective. Needless to say, this applies on a holiday. Similarly, a business transaction that a person makes with a colleague on the Sabbath is effective.80
טו
המגביה תרומות ומעשרות בשבת או ביום טוב בשוגג יאכל ממה שהתקין. במזיד לא יאכל עד מוצאי שבת. ובין כך ובין כך תיקן את הפירות. וכן המקדיש או המעריך או המחרים בשבת בין בשוגג בין במזיד מה שעשה עשוי ואין צריך לומר ביום טוב. וכן המקנה לחבירו בשבת קנה. מעשרין את הדמאי בין השמשות אבל לא את הודאי:
16
A person who designates83 [a portion of produce] that is d'mai as terumat ma'aser,84 or [who designates a portion of produce as] the tithe for the poor85 should not take these portions [and give them to the individuals entitled to receive them]86 on the Sabbath. [This restriction applies] despite the fact that the place [of these portions] is designated before the Sabbath and they are placed in a known location at the side of [the remainder of] the produce.
If, however, a priest or a poor person is accustomed to be hosted by this person, he may come and partake [of these designated portions,] provided the person informs87 the priest that he is feeding him from terumat ma'aser, or the poor person that he is feeding him from the tithe of the poor.
טז
מי שקרא שם לתרומת מעשר של דמאי או למעשר עני של ודאי לא יטלם בשבת אע"פ שייחד מקומן מקודם השבת והרי הן ידועין ומונחין בצד הפירות. ואם היה כהן או עני למודים לאכול אצלו יבאו ויאכלו. ובלבד שיודיע לכהן שזו שאני מאכילך תרומת מעשר ויודיע לעני שזו שאני מאכילך מעשר עני:
17
יז
אסור להפיס ולשחק בקוביא בשבת מפני שהוא כמקח וממכר. ומפיס אדם עם בניו ועם בני ביתו על מנה גדולה כנגד מנה קטנה מפני שאין מקפידין:
18
On the Sabbath a person is forbidden to calculate accounts that he requires, whether concerning matters of the past or matters of the future. [This is] a decree, [enacted] lest one write.
Therefore, calculations that are of no practical benefit may be performed on the Sabbath. What is implied? [A person may calculate] how many seah of grain he possessed in a particular year, how many dinarim his son's wedding cost, or the like. [Since] these are insignificant matters with no usefulness, there is no difference between making these calculations on the Sabbath or during the week.91
יח
אסור לחשב חשבונות שהוא צריך להן בשבת בין שעבר בין שעתיד להיות גזירה שמא יכתוב. לפיכך חשבונות שאין בהן צורך מותר לחשבן. כיצד כמה סאין תבואה היה לנו בשנה פלונית. כמה דינרין הוציא בחתנות בנו וכיוצא באלו שהן בכלל שיחה בטילה שאין בהן צורך כלל המחשב אותן בשבת כמחשב בחול:
19
It is forbidden to read mundane documents92 on the Sabbath, lest one conduct oneself in an ordinary manner and be provoked to make an erasure.93
A person may verbally count his guests and the desserts [he will serve them],94 but may not read a written list, lest he read a mundane document. Therefore, if the names were engraved into a tablet or into the wall, one is allowed to read them, for [such writing] will not be interchanged with a [written] document.
It is forbidden to read the writing under a figure or an image95on the Sabbath. It is even forbidden to read the Sacred Writings96 during the time the House of Study is in session, lest this lead to the neglect of the House of Study - i.e., so that no one should stay home and read the Sacred Writings and thus be held back from attending the House of Study.97
יט
אסור לקרות בשטרי הדיוטות בשבת שלא יהא כדרך חול ויבא למחוק. מונה אדם פרפרותיו ואת אורחיו מפיו אבל לא מן הכתב כדי שלא יקרא בשטרי הדיוטות. לפיכך אם היו השמות חקוקין על הטבלא או על הכותל מותר לקרותן מפני שאינו מתחלף בשטר. ואסור לקרות בכתב המהלך תחת הצורה ותחת הדיוקני בשבת. אף לקרות בכתובים בשבת בשעת בית המדרש אסור גזירה משום ביטול בית המדרש שלא יהיה כל אחד יושב בביתו וקורא וימנע מבית המדרש:
20
[When] a fire breaks out in a courtyard on the Sabbath, a person may not save all [his possessions] in the courtyard98[by transferring them] to another courtyard99 in the same lane, despite the fact [that carrying is permitted because] of an eruv. [This is a] decree, [instituted] lest a person extinguish the fire in order to save his property. [This is necessary because] a person panics when his property [is in danger of] being lost.100
For this reason, [our Sages] decreed that a person may save only the food he needs for that Sabbath,101 the utensils he needs to use on that Sabbath,102 and the clothes that he can wear.103 Thus, he will despair of saving his property and he will not be motivated to extinguish the fire.
If there is no eruv, one may not even save one's food and one's utensils.104
כ
נפלה דליקה בחצר בשבת אינו מציל כל מה שיש בחצר לחצר אחרת שבאותו המבוי אף על פי שעירבו גזירה שמא יכבה הדליקה כדי שיציל מפני שאדם בהול על ממונו. לפיכך גזרו שלא יציל אלא מזון שהוא צריך לו לאותו שבת וכלים שצריך להשתמש בהן בשבת ובגדים שיכול ללבוש. שנמצא מתייאש מן הכל ואינו בא לידי כיבוי. ואם לא עירבו אף מזונו וכליו אינו מציל:
21
What food may a person save? If a fire breaks out on Friday night, one may save enough food for three meals.105Foodstuffs that are fit for human consumption may be saved for humans, and fodder that is fit for animals may be saved for animals.
If the fire breaks out in the morning, one may save enough for two meals; in the afternoon, enough for one meal.
כא
ומה הוא מציל למזונו. אם נפלה דליקה בלילי שבת מצילין מזון שלש סעודות. הראוי לאדם לאדם והראוי לבהמה לבהמה. נפלה בשחרית מצילין מזון שתי סעודות. במנחה מצילין מזון סעודה אחת:
22
When does the [restriction] on taking only the food for one's needs apply? When one uses many containers to save [the food] or one uses a single container, removes it, empties it, and fills it again. If, however, one removes a single container at one time, it is permitted to remove it even though it contains enough food for many meals.
כב
במה דברים אמורים במציל בכלים הרבה או שהיה ממלא כלי ומוציאו ומערה וחוזר וממלא אותו שנית הוא שאין מציל אלא מה שהוא צריך לו. אבל אם הוציא כלי אחד בהוצאה אחת אע"פ שיש בו כמה סעודות מותר:
23
What is implied? One may save a basket filled with loaves of bread, even though it contains enough for several meals. [One also may save] a cake of dried figs and a cask of wine.106Similarly, it is permitted to spread out a garment, collect all [the food]107 one can within it, and remove it at one time.
כג
כיצד מציל סל מלא ככרות אף על פי שיש בו כמה סעודות. ועגול של דבילה וחבית של יין. וכן אם פרש טליתו וקבץ בה כל מה שיכול להוציא והוציאה מלאה בבת אחת מותר:
24
One may tell others, "Come and save for yourselves."108Every individual is allowed to save enough food for his needs or a single container that holds a large amount. [The food that] these individuals save belongs to them.109
If the person who saves it does not want to take it and returns it to its [original] owner,110 it is permitted for him to take payment for his efforts after [the conclusion of] the Sabbath.111 It is not considered a wage [paid for working on] the Sabbath,112since no [forbidden] labor was [performed], nor was a prohibition [transgressed], for one [merely] removed the food into a place [enclosed in the same] eruv.
כד
ואומר לאחרים בואו והצילו לכם וכל אחד ואחד מציל מזון שהוא צריך לו או כלי אחד שמחזיק אפילו דבר גדול והרי הוא של מציל. ואם לא רצה המציל לקחתו ונתנו לבעליו מותר לו ליטול ממנו אחר השבת שכר עמלו ואין זה שכר שבת שהרי אין שם מלאכה ולא איסור שלא הוציאו אלא במקום מעורב:
25
A person who saves a loaf of fine flour may not return and save a loaf of coarse flour. If, however, one saved a loaf of coarse flour, one may return and save a loaf of fine flour.113
When Yom Kippur falls on Friday,114 a person may save [food] on Yom Kippur that he needs for the Sabbath.115 One may not, however, save [food] on the Sabbath for Yom Kippur. Needless to say, one may not [save food on the Sabbath] for a holiday, nor may one save on one Sabbath for the following Sabbath.
Which garments may one save? One may put on all the clothes one can wear and wrap oneself in all the cloaks one can and remove them.116 [Similarly,] one may tell others, "Come and save for yourselves." Every individual [who desires] may put on all the clothes he can wear and wrap himself in all the cloaks he can and remove them. The clothes he saves belong to him, like the food [described above], for he is acquiring an ownerless object.117
כה
הציל פת נקיה אינו חוזר ומציל פת שאינה נקיה. אבל אם הציל פת שאינה נקיה חוזר ומציל פת נקיה. ומציל ביום הכפורים מה שהוא צריך לשבת אם היה יום הכפורים בערב שבת אבל אינו מציל בשבת ליום הכפורים. ואין צריך לומר ליום טוב. ולא משבת זו לשבת הבאה. ומה שהוא מציל ללבוש לובש כל מה שהוא יכול ללבוש ועוטף כל מה שהוא יכול לעטוף ומוציא ואומר לאחרים בואו והצילו לכם. וכל אחד ואחד לובש ומתעטף בכליו ומוציא. והרי הוא שלו כמו המאכל שהרי מן ההפקר הן זוכין:
26
It is permitted to save118 all sacred writings119 that are found in one courtyard [by transferring them] to another courtyard in the same lane, even though an eruv was not made, provided the lane has three walls and a pole [in the place of the fourth wall].120
[The above leniencies apply] provided that the [sacred writings] are written in the Assyrian script121 and in Hebrew.122 If, by contrast, they are written in any other language or using any other script, we should not save them even if there is an eruv.123[Indeed,] even during the week, we are forbidden to read124 from such texts. Rather, they should be left in an open place125 where they will become spoiled as a matter of course.
כו
מותר להציל כל כתבי הקדש שיש בחצר לחצר אחרת שבאותו המבוי ואע"פ שלא עירבו. ובלבד שיהיה למבוי שלש מחיצות ולחי אחד. והוא שיהיו כתובין אשורית ובלשון הקדש אבל אם היה כתובין בכל לשון או בכתב אחר אין מצילין אותן אפילו היה שם עירוב. ובחול אסור לקרות בהם אלא מניחן במקום התורף והן מתאבדין מאליהן:
27
Even if [these sacred texts] are written with other tints or with red ink,126 or even if the writing is not permanent, since they are written in the Assyrian script and in Hebrew, we should save them.
כז
היו כתובין בסם ובסיקרא אף על פי שאינו כתב של קיימא הואיל והן כתובין אשורית ובלשון קדש מצילין אותן. גליון של ספרים שלמעלה ושלמטה ושבין פרשה לפרשה ושבין דף לדף ושבתחלת הספר ושבסוף הספר אין מצילין אותן. הברכות והקמיעין אף על פי שיש בהן אותיות של שם ומעניינות הרבה של תורה אין מצילין אותן מפני הדליקה:
28
We should save from fire a [worn] Torah scroll that has a total of 85 letters131 from complete words,132 even if this includes [words like] יגר שהדותא.133 Similarly, [we should save a scroll] that contains a passage that has fewer than 85 letters if it contains God's name - e.g., ויהי בנסוע הארון.134
כח
ספר תורה שיש בו ללקט שמונים וחמש אותיות מתוך תיבות שלימות ואפילו בכללן יגר שהדותא. וכן אם היתה בה פרשה שאין בה שמונים וחמש אותיות ויש בה הזכרות כגון ויהי בנסוע הארון. מצילין אותן מפני הדליקה. ומצילין תיק הספר עם הספר ותיק תפילין עם התפילין אף על פי שיש בתוכן מעות
FOOTNOTES
1.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 16. Note, however, Halachah 14 of that chapter, which mentions making a hole in a chicken coop in connection with the forbidden labor of building.
2.
Accordingly, many authorities forbid opening cans or bags on the Sabbath. The more lenient opinions, which allow this, base themselves on the concept that after the contents are removed from the can or bag, it is no longer considered a useful article. Alternatively, these opinions maintain that the can is considered to be a utensil even before it is opened, and the cover is not at all significant.
3.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 314:1) states that this restriction applies only when the person has the intent to widen the hole. If he does not have this intent, there is no prohibition. As an example, that text mentions a knife inserted into a barrel, even though the hole may be widened when the knife is removed; since that is not one's intent, there is no prohibition involved. The Ramah emphasizes, however, that this leniency applies only when it is not a certainty (פסיק רישא) that the hole will be opened further.
4.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:3) quotes the opinion of the Kolbo, which states that this leniency applies only regarding barrels of earthenware. A hole made in a wooden barrel which is tightly plugged may not be opened.
5.
Shabbat 146a mentions three levels where holes might be made: a) a hole above the level of the wine. This is intended merely to protect the fragrance of the wine.
b) a hole in the middle of the wine. Since the wine is not entirely above the hole, it needed not be fastened so tightly. This is the subject of the present clause.
c) a hole below the dregs. This is the subject of the following clause.
6.
Since the entire weight of the wine rests on this hole, it must be fastened very tightly. Accordingly, opening it is considered tantamount to opening a new hole.
7.
Barrels would be sealed closed with clay that was spread out and hardened at their opening.
8.
Opening the seal in this irregular manner clearly indicates that one did not intend to fashion an opening. An opening is generally not located on the top of a cask (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:6).
9.
A careful reading of the Rambam's wording indicates the need for this bracketed addition (Maggid Mishneh). Significantly, this represents a reversal of the Rambam's approach in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:3), where he mentions making a hole in the side of the barrel.
10.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:1) states that it is forbidden to break a complete barrel. Just as one is liable for performing the forbidden labor of building when fashioning a vessel, one is liable for performing the forbidden labor of demolishing when destroying one. Although one is not liable unless one breaks the barrel as a constructive act, even when one's intent is destructive, doing so is forbidden by Rabbinic decree (Shulchan Aruch HaRav314:1; Mishnah Berurah 314:7). There are, however, later authorities who follow the Rambam's ruling, which permits destroying a utensil if one does not fashion it into a different utensil in the process.
11.
Were one to make a carefully perforated hole, one would be fashioning it into a utensil (Rashi, Shabbat 146a).
12.
Although a sword may not usually be carried on the Sabbath, it may be handled to perform a task that is permitted (Mishnah Berurah 314:24).
13.
The Mishnah Berurah 314:25 states that this leniency applies only when guests are present.
14.
This is also a restriction imposed, lest one complete the construction of a utensil.
15.
See Halachah 11 of this chapter and also Chapter 11, Halachah 6.
16.
See Chapter 22, Halachah 15.
17.
Significantly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 314:11) follows the opinion of Rabbenu Asher and others, who maintain that one is allowed to close a barrel with a stone or a piece of wood, provided that one does not close it when wine is flowing out. The later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 314:20; Mishnah Berurah 314:47), however, differ, and rule that the Rambam's decision should be followed.
18.
Based on Shabbat 139b, many other authorities, including the Shulchan Aruch(loc. cit.), grant this leniency only to a Torah Sage, but not to a common person. Moreover, since Torah Sages of the caliber of those of the Talmudic era do not exist at present, there are authorities who do not permit this leniency at all in the present era.
19.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 16.
20.
See the Hagahot Maimoniot, which states that one may knock on a door, because this is not a musical tone. Although there are stringent opinions, common practice is to follow the more lenient view.
21.
Our translation is taken from the Mishnah Berurah 339:9. (See also the Be'ur Halachah, which mentions that some versions of the Mishneh Torah omit the Hebrew word או. According to this version, the meaning would be "to bang rhythmically on a board as singers do.")
22.
Note the Mishnah Berurah (ibid.), which cites authorities who interpret the phrase "rhythmically as singers do" as an exclusion. These opinions maintain that snapping one's fingers to catch a colleague's attention is not forbidden. Nevertheless, it is common practice to act stringently and not to snap one's fingers at all.
23.
Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 339:3), who states that it is customary to allow clapping one's hands and dancing on the Sabbath and holidays. The rationale for this leniency is that today most people are not able to repair a musical instrument, and thus the rationale for our Sages' decree is no longer applicable.
It must, however, be noted that this leniency is granted only with regard to dancing and clapping hands, not playing drums or performing any of the activities mentioned in the previous halachah. Even dancing and clapping hands is allowed only in rejoicing associated with a mitzvah (Mishnah Berurah 339:10).
24.
Although bathing is permitted, as above (Chapter 22, Halachah 20), swimming is not.
25.
If the pool is located in the public domain, it is forbidden to swim within it for another reason: It is possible that one will spray water for more than four cubits (Mishnah Berurah 339:4).
26.
As the Rambam continues to mention, the reed serves as a spigot through which water flowing from a cask can be directed.
27.
Opened at the ends so that the wine can flow through it like a pipe.
28.
Measured and trimmed to fit the barrel. This leniency is granted even if this reed has never been used for this purpose before (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 314:5).
29.
In contrast to the reed mentioned above, which must merely be inserted into the barrel, it is necessary to fold the leaf and adjust it so that the wine will flow through (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
30.
Rabbenu Asher and others follow the opinion of other Sages (Shabbat 146b), who explain that the reason for this decree is concern that one might pick a leaf on the Sabbath to use for this purpose. According to that opinion, if before the commencement of the Sabbath one has available many leaves that have been picked, one may use them for this purpose.
In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo defends the Rambam's ruling, and he quotes it in the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.). The Ramah, however, quotes Rabbenu Asher's view.
31.
The Maggid Mishneh and others cite Beitzah 4:4, which states that these items were used as makeshift frying pans. (Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah and Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:8.) Rav Kapach, however, raises the question: Since frying is forbidden on the Sabbath, of what use would these articles be?
32.
A white powder, referred to as alum or tartar which serves as a natural polish.
33.
Rashi (Shabbat 50a) and other commentaries differ and state that the prohibition stems from the forbidden labor of removing hair.
34.
See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 323:11 and the Mishnah Berurah 323:38, which mention several restrictions regarding the use of sand for this purpose.
35.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Keilim2:1), the Rambam describes neter as a blue pumice stone used for detergent purposes. (See also Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 9:37.) It must noted that sodium is called natrium in Latin. This has led some to think that the intent is sodium bicarbonate, a natural cleanser.
36.
The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam concerning the rationale for this restriction, explaining that it is not associated with the forbidden labor of dealing the final blow. Instead, it is prohibited so that one does not prepare on the Sabbath for a weekday. This opinion is also quoted by Shulchan Aruch HaRav 323:6.
37.
The intent is that one may wash only those utensils that one intends to use again. Even when a person will serve another meal on the Sabbath, if he is not intending to use certain utensils, he may not wash them. One may, however, wash utensils on Friday night, even though one does not intend to use them until Saturday afternoon (Mishnah Berurah 323:27-28).
38.
I.e., one may wash the glasses at any time, because it may be assumed that one will desire to drink later. If, however, a person knows that he will not drink again on the Sabbath, it is forbidden for him to wash pitchers and glasses as well (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 323:6; Mishnah Berurah323:29).
39.
Note, however, the Magen Avraham 302:6, who states that one may make a bed if the disorder in the room makes one extremely uncomfortable.
40.
I.e., since the utensil was unfit for use before it was immersed, immersing it is equivalent to repairing it (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Beitzah 2:2; compare to Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:17). Based on Beitzah 18a, Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Asher offer other rationales for this prohibition.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim323:7), which mentions a difference of opinion among the Rabbis whether it is permitted on the Sabbath to immerse a vessel that one has purchased from gentiles. The Maggid Mishneh states that according to the Rambam, this would be forbidden. Accordingly, the Pri Megadimquestions why the Shulchan Aruch ignores the Rambam's ruling. The Be'ur Halachah, however, differentiates between the immersion of vessels purchased from a gentile and the immersion of impure vessels.
41.
The Mishneh Torah also contains laws that will be relevant when the Temple is rebuilt, and the observance of all the laws of ritual impurity will be restored. At present this halachah is relevant in the following contexts: Women are permitted to immerse themselves in the mikveh on Friday night (with certain restrictions) and men are allowed to immerse themselves on the Sabbath for the sake of holiness (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:7; Mishnah Berurah326:24). Care, however, must be taken when toweling oneself dry not to squeeze water from the towel.
Originally, the license to immerse oneself in the mikveh on the Sabbath was given before it was customary to heat mikvaot. At present, the leniency is continued in most communities, even when the mikveh has been heated.
42.
This activity is necessary as part of the purification process for a person who became impure because of contact with a human corpse. Rashi (Pesachim 65b) explains that this is forbidden because it is obvious that one's intent is to purify oneself. Rav Kapach, however, points to Pesachim69a, which states that the prohibition was instituted lest one carry in the public domain.
43.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Beitzah2:2), the Rambam explains that if the utensil contracted ritual impurity, its immersion would be forbidden, since one would be purifying not only the water it contains, but also the utensil itself.
44.
See Hilchot Keilim 1:6.
45.
The Ra'avad mentions that terumah may not be separated even if one's intent is to give it to the priest to use on the Sabbath itself.
46.
See Halachah 14, where the Rambam offers another reason for this same prohibition.
47.
The Merkevet HaMishneh notes that the Rambam does not mention Rabbinic prohibitions in connection with the forbidden labors of hunting, slaughtering, and skinning. The commentaries do note, however, that in Chapter 10 the Rambam mentions Rabbinic prohibitions in connection with hunting, and in Chapter 11 Rabbinic prohibitions in connection with slaughtering.
48.
See Chapter 11, Halachot 5-6.
49.
As mentioned in the notes on Chapter 21, Halachah 23, the Ramah (Orach Chayim327:1) writes that at present, it is not common for healthy people to apply oil to themselves. Therefore, it is forbidden to apply any type of oil to oneself on the Sabbath for therapeutic purposes.
50.
See Chapter 22, Halachah 18, and notes.
51.
Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Keilim 26:5). Obviously, this bed-cover is made of leather. The Maggid Mishneh offers a different interpretation.
52.
Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah327:12, which cites opinions that prohibit applying oil to used leather.
53.
See Chapter 11, Halachah 6.
54.
See Halachah 3, which prohibits closing a hole in connection with the forbidden labors of dealing the final blow or of building.
55.
See Chapter 11, Halachah 9.
56.
It must be emphasized that according to the text of Shabbat 94b, it would appear that applying eye-paint is associated with the forbidden labor of dyeing. Nevertheless, it would appear that the Rambam and many other Rishonim had a different version of the text, upon which he based his ruling in this halachah.
57.
See the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim323), which mentions several leniencies and restrictions regarding the acquisition of foodstuffs on the Sabbath.
58.
One may, however, give a present to a colleague. (See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Sukkah3:11.)
59.
Note, however, Hilchot Eruvin 2:12, which allows one to rent a gentile's property on the Sabbath in order to complete an eruv.
60.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 307:2) offers another rationale for the restriction against hiring workers, the prohibitions stemming from Isaiah 58:13, "If you refrain... from [ordinary] speech" - i.e., that our speech on the Sabbath be distinguished from our speech during the week. The Rambam mentions prohibitions of this nature in Chapter 24.
61.
See related matters in Chapter 6.
62.
The difference between borrowing such commodities and lending objects is that when one borrows an object, one intends to return the same object. When one borrows a commodity, by contrast, one intends to use it and return a different one. Thus, it bears a far greater resemblance to a loan.
63.
Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi explains that "Give me as a loan" implies that the loan will be for an extended period. Hence, it is more likely that one will write it down.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim307:11) notes that in languages other than Hebrew, the difference between offering a loan and lending appears as one of semantics. Rather than say "Lend me" or "Give me as a loan," one should say merely "Give me."
64.
The Shulchan Aruch and the Ramah (Orach Chayim 323) follow a slightly more lenient approach and allow certain products to be sold by number and in vessels from which a measure can be obtained.
65.
Compare to similar laws mentioned in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:19-24.
66.
The ceremony through which a childless widow frees her brother-in-law from the obligation of yibbum. (See the following note and Deuteronomy 25:7-10.)
67.
This refers to the rite in which the brother-in-law of a childless widow marries her in order to perpetuate the name of her dead husband. (See Deuteronomy 25:5-6.)
68.
According to Torah law, marriage is a two-staged process, including erusin (betrothal) - when a bond between a husband and wife is established, but the two still live separately - and nisuin (marriage) - when the couple begin their lives together.
Betrothal is initiated by the act of kiddushin. At present, this is effected by the groom's giving the wedding ring to his wife. It must be added that it is also forbidden to carry out nisuin on the Sabbath, but for a different reason: lest one violate the Sabbath laws when preparing for the wedding feast. (See Hilchot Ishut 10:14.)
69.
When quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 339:4) states that divorce proceedings may not generally be carried out on the Sabbath, even if the bill of divorce was written beforehand.
70.
This refers to the dedication of property to the Temple treasury or the consecration of an animal to be offered as a sacrifice.
71.
See Leviticus 27:1-27.
72.
See Leviticus 27:28-29.
73.
See Halachah 9, where this reason is mentioned in connection with this prohibition.
74.
See Leviticus 27:32.
75.
For this was the common practice, as the Rambam mentions in Hilchot Bechorot 7:1. As mentioned in Chapter 11, Halachah 17, making a mark is considered a derivative of the forbidden labor of writing. Rabbenu Chanan'el, by contrast, explains that the prohibition against making this mark stems from the forbidden labor of dyeing.
Rav Moshe HaCohen of Lunil notes that, in contrast to produce, the Rambam does not mention the prohibition against tithing animals in connection with the forbidden labor of dealing the final blow. Unlike produce, according to Torah law, one is allowed to partake of meat from an animal even if it has not been tithed. Although there is a Rabbinic prohibition against partaking of such meat, tithing a herd is not considered as making an object fit for use.
76.
When the fourteenth of Nisan falls on the Sabbath.
77.
Since these offerings are associated with a fixed time, they will stand out distinctly in one's mind and will not cause one to forget the Sabbath prohibitions (Shabbat 148b, Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:19).
78.
The laws associated with sprinkling the water that has been mixed with the ashes of the red heifer are described in Numbers 19:11-21.
79.
Note the Lechem Mishneh (in the gloss on Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 6:10), which states that this prohibition applies even when one has no other produce available. See also Sha'ar HaMelech, which questions whether the prohibition applies to others besides the person who violated the prohibition. Note also Chapter 3, Halachah 9, and Chapter 6, Halachah 23.
80.
The participants in the transaction are, however, given stripes for rebelliousness, the prohibition instituted for the violation of a Rabbinic prohibition (Hilchot Mechirah30:7).
81.
Although the Rabbis forbade partaking of such produce before tithing it, they considered this as merely a safeguard, for the majority of the common people did separate the tithes. Therefore, one is not considered to be making an article fit for use to the same extent as when one separates tithes from produce that has surely not been tithed (Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro, Shabbat 2:7). This law is also mentioned in Chapter 24, Halachah 10.
82.
Produce purchased from a common person, which we are unsure whether or not it has been tithed.
83.
But did not separate these portions (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, D'mai 4:5).
84.
The tenth of the tithe, which the Levites were required to give to the priests.
85.
Which was given instead of the second tithe in the third and sixth years of the seven-year cycle.
86.
The bracketed additions are based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.). There the Rambam emphasizes that the prohibition centers on giving the designated portions. This is borne out by his rulings in Hilchot Ma'aser 9:8-11, where he mentions leniencies in regard to the separation of the designated portions on the Sabbath if one makes a condition before the commencement of the Sabbath.
87.
If he does not inform them, it is as if he were using the designated gifts for his own personal purposes (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit.).
88.
This is forbidden even during the week, because the Rabbis deemed gambling to be theft, and also because this reflects conduct that does not contribute to the stability of society (Hilchot Gezeilah 6:7,11).
89.
But not with outsiders, as reflected in the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 23:2) and his rulings in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:20.
90.
In the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 322:6), Rav Yosef Karo follows the interpretation of Shabbat148b by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Asher, and forbids casting lots, even among one's own household, unless the portions are equal.
91.
See, however, Chapter 24, Halachah 4, which states that one should minimize one's involvement in such idle matters on the Sabbath. Indeed, as is evident from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Avot 1:16) and Hilchot De'ot 2:4, the Rambam frowns on such conversation during the week as well. To quote Hilchot Gezeilah 6:11: "It is not for a person to spend any of his days involved in anything other than the words of wisdom and the matters that lead to the settlement of the world."
92.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim307:13) renders the Hebrew שטרי הדיוטות as "account sheets." Rashi (Shabbat 149a) interprets this as also referring to social correspondence. Based on the Rambam's commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat23:2), the Maggid Mishneh states that the Rambam follows Rashi's view.
[The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:14) permits reading a social letter on the Sabbath only if one is unaware of its contents.]
93.
Erasing is one of the categories of forbidden labor, as the Rambam explains in Chapter 11, Halachah 9. Rabbenu Asher (in his gloss to Shabbat 149b) differs and explains that the restriction mentioned stems from the prohibitions derived from Isaiah 58:13, which distinguish between one's conduct on the Sabbath and one's involvement in mundane, weekday concerns.
94.
Regarding this ruling, the Rambam writes (Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit.), "On the Sabbath, it is forbidden to read anything other than the words of prophecy and their explanations [i.e., the Oral Law]. Among the matters excluded are [works of secular] wisdom and science."
95.
Rashi (Shabbat 149a) and the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:15) interpret this as referring to descriptions written under works of art. Others explain that this refers to images of false deities. (In the Talmudic period, these two interpretations could easily be interrelated, because the subject matter of most gentile art was the false deities they worshiped.)
96.
I.e., the Holy Writings, in contrast to the Torah and the prophets. This interpretation is obvious from the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:1). Rashi (Shabbat 115a) mentions other opinions which forbid reading the works of the prophets as well.
97.
See Chapter 30, Halachah 10, where the Rambam describes the attendance at the House of Study on the Sabbath.
98.
The Maggid Mishneh states that the wording used by the Rambam indicates that a person in an adjoining courtyard where the fire has not yet caught may transfer all his property to a further removed courtyard if an eruv has been made. This concept is also mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 334:1).
99.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:11) mentions a further leniency: One may transfer property from a house to an adjoining house or to another courtyard that one owns. There is, however, a difference of opinion among the Rabbis whether this leniency is accepted or not.
100.
Another example of a leniency granted because of this principle is found in Chapter 6, Halachah 22.
101.
The particular laws stemming from this principle are described in Halachot 21-25.
102.
As examples, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:7) mentions cups and pitchers. From the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:8 and the Mishnah Berurah 334:17, it would appear that permission is granted only to save utensils one needs for eating, but not other articles - e.g., pillows and blankets - that might be required on the Sabbath.
103.
See Halachah 25.
104.
This restriction applies even according to the authorities who maintain that the prohibition against carrying in a lane is Rabbinic in origin. Shulchan Aruch HaRav334:10 and the Mishnah Berurah 334:26 mention that these restrictions do not apply with regard to saving clothes. Since one must wear them as garments, one may take them out to the public domain as well.
105.
One may save enough for three meals for every member of his household. Regardless of whether a person eats a large amount or a small amount, a standard measure - and only that standard measure - of food may be saved for him (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 334:5).
106.
This indicates that one may save several different containers containing different types of food.
107.
The bracketed additions are made on the basis of Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:6 and the Mishnah Berurah 334:16, which emphasize that, even though one may pour the contents of several containers into a garment, one must empty the containers. It is forbidden to place the containers themselves in a garment and remove them.
108.
I.e., even though the person who owns the property may not save more than his household needs, all of his food stores need not be left to the flames. Other people may be invited to save for themselves.
109.
Since our Sages forbade the person from saving it, he despairs of ever recovering it and relinquishes his ownership.
The above applies only when the person makes an explicit statement inviting others to save the property. If he does not issue such an invitation, we cannot assume that he has relinquished ownership. Although he is forbidden from saving more himself, others are not allowed to take for themselves, for the owner may yet hope to find friends who will save the food and return it to him at no cost (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:7; Mishnah Berurah 334:22).
110.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah [Shabbat 16:3 (based on Shabbat 120a)], the Rambam describes this as "God-fearing conduct," for it reflects an unwillingness to benefit from property that is not one's own. In this instance, this is particularly true, for the owner does not willingly abandon ownership of his property.
111.
It is, however, pious conduct not to accept payment (Shabbat, loc. cit.).
112.
The Maggid Mishneh and others draw attention to the Rambam's statements at the conclusion of Chapter 6, which forbid taking payment even for activities that are permitted on the Sabbath unless the wage is paid for a larger span of time. Rav David Arameah explains that the prohibition against taking payment for one's Sabbath activities is Rabbinic in origin. In this instance, because of the positive nature of the activity involved, the Sages did not impose any restrictions.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav (loc. cit.) explains that the article rightfully belongs to the person who saved it. Although he relinquishes ownership in favor of his original owner, he does not relinquish ownership of that portion of the article that is equivalent to his wage. What he is receiving from the owner is, in fact, payment for property that he was entitled to take possession of.
113.
Since one is required to partake of the finest foods on the Sabbath, one is permitted to return and take the loaf baked with fine flour. It is possible to explain that because of the confusion caused by the fire, one forgot to take the better loaf originally.
The Rabbis explained that one may act with guile in this matter and, at the outset, take a loaf of lesser quality so that one can return and take a better loaf afterwards. Since one is not even transgressing a Rabbinic prohibition and will always be able to excuse oneself afterwards that this choice was due to confusion, no restrictions were imposed.
This leads to a further leniency. One may save, for example, a meal of fish, and then return and save a meal of meat, excusing oneself saying, "At first, I desired to partake of the fish. Afterwards, my appetite changed and I preferred the meat" (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:3; Mishnah Berurah 334:12).
114.
According to the fixed calendar we follow at present, Yom Kippur will not fall on either a Friday or a Sunday. This law, as many of the other laws in the Mishneh Torah, will apply only after the coming of the Redemption.
115.
If Yom Kippur falls on Thursday and one knows that it will be impossible to prepare one's Sabbath needs on Friday, one is permitted to save food on Yom Kippur for the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch HaRav334:4; Mishnah Berurah 334:13). Similarly, one may save food on Yom Kippur for the meal following the fast, regardless of the day of week (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 334:4).
116.
It appears that, according to the Rambam, one may not return and save other clothes. This is the subject of a difference of opinion among the Sages in the Mishnah (Shabbat 16:4). Rabbi Yosse maintains that one may return and put on a second set of clothes. Since one is not carrying the garments, but wearing them, we rule more leniently than regarding foodstuffs. This ruling is followed by the Rashba and the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 334:8).
117.
Since our Sages forbade a person from saving any more clothes, we assume that he despaired of recovering any more of his property. As mentioned above, many authorities accept this rationale only when the person actually invites others to save the clothes.
118.
Although the Rambam is speaking about saving sacred texts from fire, the same laws apply to another factor - e.g., a flood - that might cause their ruin (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 334:19).
119.
This term refers to the books of the Bible.
There is somewhat of a difficulty with the Rambam's ruling. He is quoting the Mishnah (Shabbat 16:1). Nevertheless, the teachings of the Mishnah were appropriate in the beginning of the Talmudic era, when it was only the Written Law and not the Oral Law that was written down. The composition of the Mishnah marked a turning point in Jewish history, and from that point onward, it was permitted to write down the teachings of the Oral Law. (See the Rambam's Introduction to the Mishneh Torah.) Texts containing such teachings are also considered sacred articles and may be saved from a fire, just like the books of the Bible (Shulchan Aruch HaRav334:12; Mishnah Berurah 334:31). Since the Rambam wrote the Mishneh Torahafter it became permitted to write down the Oral Law, seemingly, it would have been appropriate for him to refer to texts of the Oral Law as well.
120.
According to the Rambam, such an lane is considered a private domain according to Torah law, and the prohibition against carrying within it is only Rabbinic in origin (Chapter 17, Halachah 2). Accordingly, this restriction is relaxed in order to save the sacred articles. Although some authorities differ with the Rambam regarding the above halachah, they also require an lane to have three walls and a pole in this instance (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:17; Mishnah Berurah 334:48).
121.
I.e., the script in which tefillin, mezuzot, and Torah scrolls are written. (See Sanhedrin 22a; the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Yadayim4:5; and the Moznaim Mishneh Torahseries, Hilchot Tefillin 1:19.)
122.
I.e., and not a transliteration of other languages.
123.
As explained above, the Rambam's ruling applied in the Talmudic period, before it became acceptable to write the Oral Law. Once that was permitted, translations of the Bible were also permitted, and the same laws apply to them. Similarly, siddurim and other similar texts may be saved.
124.
As mentioned above, after permission was granted to write the Oral Law, this prohibition no longer applies.
125.
Our translation is based on Rashi (Shabbat 115a) and the Ramah (Orach Chayim 334:12).
126.
Which are not acceptable for writing a Torah scroll (Hilchot Tefillin 1:5).
127.
See Hilchot Sefer Torah, Chapters 8 and 9, which mention how much empty parchment must be left for each of the situations mentioned by the Rambam.
128.
This refers to an instance where these blank portions of parchment had been cut from the Torah scroll. When a portion of a scroll does not contain 85 letters (see the following halachah), it is no longer considered to be sacred articles (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:20; Mishnah Berurah334:50). Surely this applies to the margins of the scroll that the Rambam is referring to in this halachah.
129.
I.e., a text similar to our siddurim (Rashi, Shabbat 115b).
130.
As mentioned above, after permission was granted to write the Oral Law, siddurimwere also accorded the status of sacred articles (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:12).
Regarding amulets containing verses, there is a difference of opinion among the Rabbis. The Tur (Orach Chayim 334) differs with the Rambam and maintains that in the present age, such amulets may be saved. Even though most of the later authorities follow the Rambam's ruling, the Pri Megadim suggests saving amulets with verses that contain God's name.
131.
The expression "a total" implies that the letters need not be in the same word, but may be scattered throughout the scroll (Rashi, Shabbat 115b).
In certain contexts, the passage ויהי בנסוע הארון is considered a separate book of the Torah. (See Rashi's commentary on the verse.) Since that passage contains 85 letters, any parchment with 85 letters can be considered a scroll.
132.
I.e., the scroll may contain more letters, but if the letters are in words that are partially torn or rubbed out, they are not included in this sum.
133.
I.e., words whose origin is not Hebrew.
134.
The commentaries question the Rambam's statements, since as stated above, the passage ויהי בנסוע הארון contains 85 letters. See also the Shulchan Aruch HaRav334:15 which states that if a scroll contains God's name, it should be saved even though it contains less than 85 letters.
135.
I.e., the carrying case is considered as subordinate to the scroll. Therefore, it is not considered an independent entity, but is rather governed by the more lenient laws that govern the Torah scroll.
136.
Although the money is muktzeh, there is no need to shake it from the carrying case, and it may be taken to the same place as the tefillin. This leniency was granted so that a person would not be required to delay in saving the property that he was entitled to save (Shulchan Aruch HaRav334:18).
• Monday, 5 Kislev, 5777 · 5 December 2016
• "Today's Day"
• Thursday, Kislev 5, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayeitsei, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 29-34.
Tanya: Here we speak (p. 607)...within those worlds. (p. 607).
"A ladder was standing on the ground.1" Prayer is the ladder that connects souls and G-dhood. And although it stands "...on the ground," the start of davening being no more than acknowledgement, yet "its top2 reaches the Heavens"3 - a state of total bitul, self-nullification. But one reaches this level through the prior attainment of comprehension and understanding4 inherent in p'sukei d'zimra,5 in the b'rachot of sh'ma and in sh'ma proper.
FOOTNOTES
1.Bereishit 28:12, Yaakov's dream.
2.I.e. the "peak" of davening, which is the silent devotional amida (or shemona essrei).
3.This is the concluding phrase of the verse "A ladder etc...".
4.Of G-dliness.
5."Verses of praise," second section of Shacharit. Siddur pp. 30-42.
• Daily Thought:
Life Lives On
Why is there death in the world?
So that evil will not live forever.
Because, since we ate of the Tree of Knowledge, no one walks forward without stumbling, no one climbs without falling, no one does good all his life without causing some damage along the way.
Until, at the end, our lives are an absurd muddle of good and evil, inextricably bound.
With death, evil dies as well. The failures, the ugly acts and the damage done—all these wither and eventually perish. But the good we have accomplished—and that we truly are—this lives forever.[Maamar Tziyon b’Mishpat 5736]
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