Daily Quote:
As the will of the infinite and unknowable G-d, every mitzvah is essentially beyond understanding. Yet G-d clothed His commandments in "garments" of reason, so that not only our hands and feet but also our minds and heart should be involved in their fulfillment. This is true of every mitzvah, from the most esoteric "decree" to the most logical "law". The difference is only in the subtlety of the garment.[The Lubavitcher Rebbe]
As the will of the infinite and unknowable G-d, every mitzvah is essentially beyond understanding. Yet G-d clothed His commandments in "garments" of reason, so that not only our hands and feet but also our minds and heart should be involved in their fulfillment. This is true of every mitzvah, from the most esoteric "decree" to the most logical "law". The difference is only in the subtlety of the garment.[The Lubavitcher Rebbe]
Today's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Parshat Vayeitzei, 3rd Portion (Genesis 29:18-30:13) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 29
18And Jacob loved Rachel, and he said, "I will work for you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter." יחוַיֶּֽאֱהַ֥ב יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־רָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֶֽעֱבָדְךָ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים בְּרָחֵ֥ל בִּתְּךָ֖ הַקְּטַנָּֽה:
I will work for you seven years: (Gen. Rabbah 67:10, 70:17) They are the few days of which his mother said, “And you shall dwell with him for a few days.” (27:44 above) You should know that this is so, because it is written: “and they appeared to him like a few days.” (verse 20) אעבדך שבע שנים: הם ימים אחדים שאמרה לו אמו (לעיל כז מד) וישבת עמו ימים אחדים. ותדע שכן הוא, שהרי כתיב (להלן פסוק כ) ויהיו בעיניו כימים אחדים:
for Rachel, your younger daughter: Why were all these signs necessary? Since he (Jacob) knew that he (Laban) was a deceiver, he said to him, “I will work for you for Rachel,” and lest you say [that I meant] another Rachel from the street, Scripture states: “Your daughter.” Now, lest you say, “I will change her name to Leah, and I will name her (Leah) Rachel,” Scripture states: “[your] younger [daughter].” Nevertheless, it did not avail him, for he (Laban) deceived him. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:17] ברחל בתך הקטנה: כל הסימנים הללו למה, לפי שיודע בו שהוא רמאי אמר לו אעבדך ברחל, ושמא תאמר רחל אחרת מן השוק, תלמוד לומר בתך, ושמא תאמר אחליף ללאה שמה ואקרא שמה רחל, תלמוד לומר הקטנה ואף על פי כן לא הועיל לו שהרי רמהו:
19And Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than I should give her to another man. Stay with me." יטוַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֗ן ט֚וֹב תִּתִּ֣י אֹתָ֣הּ לָ֔ךְ מִתִּתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ לְאִ֣ישׁ אַחֵ֑ר שְׁבָ֖ה עִמָּדִֽי:
20So Jacob worked for Rachel seven years, but they appeared to him like a few days because of his love for her. כוַיַּֽעֲבֹ֧ד יַֽעֲקֹ֛ב בְּרָחֵ֖ל שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים וַיִּֽהְי֤וּ בְעֵינָיו֙ כְּיָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֔ים בְּאַֽהֲבָת֖וֹ אֹתָֽהּ:
21And Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are completed, that I may come to her." כאוַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַֽעֲקֹ֤ב אֶל־לָבָן֙ הָבָ֣ה אֶת־אִשְׁתִּ֔י כִּ֥י מָֽלְא֖וּ יָמָ֑י וְאָב֖וֹאָה אֵלֶֽיהָ:
for my days are completed: [The days] of which my mother told me. Moreover, my days are completed, for I am already eighty-four years old. When will I raise up twelve tribes? This is what he [meant when he] said, “that I may come to her.” Now, isn’t it true that even the most degenerate person would not say this? But he (Jacob) meant [that he intended] to beget generations. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:18] מלאו ימי: שאמרה לי אמי. ועוד מלאו ימי, שהרי אני בן שמונים וארבע שנה ואימתי אעמיד שנים עשר שבטים, וזהו שאמר ואבואה אליה, והלא קל שבקלים אינו אומר כן, אלא להוליד תולדות אמר כן:
22So Laban gathered all the people of the place, and he made a feast. כבוַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֥ף לָבָ֛ן אֶת־כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַמָּק֖וֹם וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּֽה:
23And it came to pass in the evening that Laban took his daughter Leah, and he brought her to him, and he came to her. כגוַיְהִ֣י בָעֶ֔רֶב וַיִּקַּח֙ אֶת־לֵאָ֣ה בִתּ֔וֹ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֖הּ אֵלָ֑יו וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶֽיהָ:
24And Laban gave Zilpah his maidservant to his daughter Leah as a maidservant. כדוַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לָ֔הּ אֶת־זִלְפָּ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לְלֵאָ֥ה בִתּ֖וֹ שִׁפְחָֽה:
25And it came to pass in the morning, and behold she was Leah! So he said to Laban, "What is this that you have done to me? Did I not work with you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?" כהוַיְהִ֣י בַבֹּ֔קֶר וְהִנֵּה־הִ֖וא לֵאָ֑ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־לָבָ֗ן מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לִּ֔י הֲלֹ֤א בְרָחֵל֨ עָבַ֣דְתִּי עִמָּ֔ךְ וְלָ֖מָּה רִמִּיתָֽנִי:
And it came to pass in the morning, and behold she was Leah: But at night, she was not Leah, because Jacob had given signs to Rachel, but when she saw that they were bringing Leah, she (Rachel) said,“Now, my sister will be put to shame. So she readily transmitted those signs to her.” - [from Meg. 13b] ויהי בבקר והנה היא לאה: אבל בלילה לא היתה לאה, לפי שמסר יעקב לרחל סימנים, וכשראתה רחל שמכניסין לו לאה אמרה עכשיו תכלם אחותי, עמדה ומסרה לה אותן סימנים:
26And Laban said, "It is not done so in our place to give the younger one before the firstborn. כווַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֔ן לֹא־יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה כֵ֖ן בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּ לָתֵ֥ת הַצְּעִירָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י הַבְּכִירָֽה:
27Complete the [wedding] week of this one, and we will give you this one too, for the work that you will render me for another seven years." כזמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וְנִתְּנָ֨ה לְךָ֜ גַּם־אֶת־זֹ֗את בַּֽעֲבֹדָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּֽעֲבֹ֣ד עִמָּדִ֔י ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע־שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת:
Complete the [wedding] week of this one: Heb. שְׁבֻעַ. This is the construct state, because it is vocalized with a chataf (a sheva), [and means] the week of this one, which are the seven days of feasting [celebrated by a newly wedded couple]. [This appears in the] Talmud Yerushalmi , Mo’ed Katan (1:7). It is impossible to say [that it means] really a week [in the absolute state and should be rendered: this week,] because, if so, the “shin” would have to be vowelized with a “patach,” (he means to say a“kamatz” שָׁבֻעַ). Furthermore, שָׁבֻעַ is in the masculine gender, for it is written: (Deut. 16:9)“ You shall count seven weeks (שִׁבְעָה שָׁבֻעֹת) .” Therefore, it does not signify a week but seven [days], septaine in Old French. מלא שבוע זאת: דבוק הוא שהרי נקוד בחטף שבוע של זאת, והן שבעת ימי המשתה בתלמוד ירושלמי במועד קטן (א ז). ואי אפשר לומר שבוע ממש, שאם כן היה צריך לינקד בפתח השין. ועוד ששבוע לשון זכר, כדכתיב (דברים טז ט) שבעה שבועות תספר לך, לפיכך אין משמע שבוע אלא שבעה שייטיינ"א בלע"ז [קבוצה של שבעה]:
and we will give to you: [This is] a plural expression, similar to (above 11;3, 7), “Let us descend and confuse” ; “and let us fire them.” This, too, is an expression of giving. ונתנה לך: לשון רבים, כמו (לעיל יא ז) נרדה ונבלה, (שם ג) ונשרפה, אף זה לשון וניתן:
this one too: immediately after the seven days of feasting, and you will work after her marriage. — [from Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer , ch. 36] גם את זאת: [מיד לאחר שבעת ימי המשתה] ותעבוד לאחר נשואיה:
28And Jacob did so, and he completed the week of this one, and he gave his daughter Rachel to him as a wife. כחוַיַּ֤עַשׂ יַֽעֲקֹב֙ כֵּ֔ן וַיְמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וַיִּתֶּן־ל֛וֹ אֶת־רָחֵ֥ל בִּתּ֖וֹ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה:
29And Laban gave his daughter Rachel his maidservant Bilhah, for a maidservant. כטוַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לָ֖הּ לְשִׁפְחָֽה:
30And he came also to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah; and he worked with him yet another seven years. לוַיָּבֹא֙ גַּ֣ם אֶל־רָחֵ֔ל וַיֶּֽאֱהַ֥ב גַּם־אֶת־רָחֵ֖ל מִלֵּאָ֑ה וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ד עִמּ֔וֹ ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע־שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת:
yet another seven years: (Gen. Rabbah 70:20) Scripture compares the other ones to the first ones. Just as [he worked for him during] the first ones faithfully, so [did he work for him during] the other ones faithfully, although he (Laban) had dealt with him deceitfully. ויעבוד עמו עוד שבע שנים אחרות: הקישן לראשונות, מה ראשונות באמונה אף האחרונות באמונה, ואף על פי שברמאות בא עליו:
31And the Lord saw that Leah was hated, so He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. לאוַיַּ֤רְא יְהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־שְׂנוּאָ֣ה לֵאָ֔ה וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח אֶת־רַחְמָ֑הּ וְרָחֵ֖ל עֲקָרָֽה:
32And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, "Because the Lord has seen my affliction, for now my husband will love me." לבוַתַּ֤הַר לֵאָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה כִּֽי־רָאָ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּעָנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶֽאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי:
and she named him Reuben: (Ber. 7b) Our Sages explained: She said,“Look at the difference between my son and the son of my father-in-law, who sold the birthright to Jacob (above 25:33). This one (Reuben) did not sell it to Joseph, but he nevertheless did not contend against him but sought to take him out of the pit.” ותקרא שמו ראובן: רבותינו פירשו, אמרה ראו מה בין בני לבן חמי שמכר הבכורה ליעקב, וזה לא מכרה ליוסף ולא ערער עליו, ולא עוד שלא ערער עליו אלא שביקש להוציאו מן הבור:
33And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "Since the Lord has heard that I am hated, He gave me this one too." So she named him Simeon. לגוַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֘ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־שָׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־שְׂנוּאָ֣ה אָנֹ֔כִי וַיִּתֶּן־לִ֖י גַּם־אֶת־זֶ֑ה וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ שִׁמְעֽוֹן:
34And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "Now this time my husband will be attached to me, for I have borne him three sons; therefore, He named him Levi. לדוַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֘ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר עַתָּ֤ה הַפַּ֨עַם֙ יִלָּוֶ֤ה אִישִׁי֙ אֵלַ֔י כִּֽי־יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שְׁלשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָֽרָא־שְׁמ֖וֹ לֵוִֽי:
this time my husband will be attached: Heb. יִלָּוֶה. Since the Matriarchs were prophetesses, they knew that twelve tribes would emanate from Jacob, and that he would marry four wives, she said, “From now on, he will find no fault with me for I have contributed my share in (producing) sons.” - [from Bereishith Rabbathi, attributed to Rabbi Moshe Hadarshan, Midrash Aggadah] [I.e., three sons were thought to be each wife’s share of the twelve.] הפעם ילוה אשי: לפי שהאמהות נביאות היו ויודעות ששנים עשר שבטים יוצאים מיעקב וארבע נשים ישא, אמרה מעתה אין לו פתחון פה עלי, שהרי נטלתי כל חלקי בבנים:
therefore: Whoever is referred to with the expression עַל-כֵּן had a large population, except Levi, because the Ark destroyed many of them. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:4] על כן: כל מי שנאמר בו על כן מרובה באוכלוסין, חוץ מלוי שהארון היה מכלה בהם:
He named him Levi: [I wondered why] it is written concerning this one, “and he named,” while concerning all [the others], it is written, “and she named.” There is an aggadic midrash in Deuteronomy Rabbah, [which relates] how the Holy One, blessed be He, sent Gabriel and he brought him (Levi) before Him, and He gave him this name, and He gave him the twenty-four priestly gifts; and because he accompanied him (לִוָּהוּ) with gifts, he named him Levi. קרא שמו לוי: תמהתי שבכולם כתיב ותקרא, וזה כתב בו קרא, ויש מדרש אגדה באלה הדברים רבה ששלח הקב"ה גבריאל והביאו לפניו וקרא לו שם זה ונתן לו עשרים וארבע מתנות כהונה, ועל שם שלוהו במתנות קראו לוי:
35And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "This time, I will thank the Lord! Therefore, she named him Judah, and [then] she stopped bearing. להוַתַּ֨הַר ע֜וֹד וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֗ן וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַפַּ֨עַם֙ אוֹדֶ֣ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֔ה עַל־כֵּ֛ן קָֽרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ יְהוּדָ֑ה וַתַּֽעֲמֹ֖ד מִלֶּֽדֶת:
This time, I will thank: since I have taken more than my share. Consequently, I must offer up thanks. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:4] הפעם אודה: שנטלתי יותר מחלקי, מעתה יש לי להודות:
Genesis Chapter 30
1And Rachel saw that she had not borne [any children] to Jacob, and Rachel envied her sister, and she said to Jacob, "Give me children, and if not, I am dead." אוַתֵּ֣רֶא רָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽלְדָה֙ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב וַתְּקַנֵּ֥א רָחֵ֖ל בַּֽאֲחֹתָ֑הּ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶל־יַֽעֲקֹב֙ הָֽבָה־לִּ֣י בָנִ֔ים וְאִם־אַ֖יִן מֵתָ֥ה אָנֹֽכִי:
and Rachel envied her sister: She envied her good deeds. She said, “If she had not been more righteous than I, she would not have merited children” (Gen. Rabbah 71:5). ותקנא רחל באחותה: קנאה במעשיה הטובים, אמרה אלולי שצדקה ממני לא זכתה לבנים:
Give me: Did your father [not] do that for your mother? Did he not pray for her?- [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] הבה לי: וכי כך עשה אביך לאמך, והלא התפלל עליה:
I am dead: From here [we learn] that whoever has no children is counted as dead. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:6] מתה אנכי: מכאן למי שאין לו בנים שחשוב כמת:
2And Jacob became angry with Rachel, and he said, "Am I instead of God, Who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?" בוַיִּֽחַר־אַ֥ף יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב בְּרָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲתַ֤חַת אֱלֹהִים֙ אָנֹ֔כִי אֲשֶׁר־מָנַ֥ע מִמֵּ֖ךְ פְּרִי־בָֽטֶן:
Am I instead of God: Am I in His place? התחת א-להים אנכי: וכי במקומו אני:
Who has withheld from you: You say that I should do as my father did. I am not like my father. My father had no sons [at the time he prayed], but I have sons. [It is thus apparent that] He has withheld [children] from you, not from me. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] אשר מנע ממך: את אמרת שאעשה כאבא, אני איני כאבא, אבא לא היו לו בנים אני יש לי בנים, ממך מנע ולא ממני:
3So she said, "Here is my maidservant Bilhah; come to her, and she will bear [children] on my knees, so that I, too, will be built up from her." גוַתֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֛ה אֲמָתִ֥י בִלְהָ֖ה בֹּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יהָ וְתֵלֵד֙ עַל־בִּרְכַּ֔י וְאִבָּנֶ֥ה גַם־אָֽנֹכִ֖י מִמֶּֽנָּה:
on my knees: As the Targum renders: and I will rear [them]. על ברכי: כתרגומו ואנא ארבי:
so that I, too, will be built up: What is [the meaning of] “too” ? She said to him, “Your grandfather Abraham had sons from Hagar; yet he girded his loins (he prayed fervently) on Sarah’s behalf.” He replied, “My grandmother brought her rival into her house.” She said, “If this matter is holding things up (prevents me from having children), here is my maidservant.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] ואבנה גם אנכי: מהו גם, אמרה לו זקנך אברהם היו לו בנים מהגר, וחגר מתניו כנגד שרה, אמר לה זקנתי הכניסה צרתה לביתה, אמרה לו אם הדבר הזה מעכב, הנה אמתי בלהה:
so that I, too, will be built up from her: like Sarah. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] ואבנה גם אנכי ממנה: כשרה:
4So she gave him her maidservant Bilhah for a wife, and Jacob came to her. דוַתִּתֶּן־ל֛וֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָ֥ה שִׁפְחָתָ֖הּ לְאִשָּׁ֑ה וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶ֖יהָ יַֽעֲקֹֽב:
5And Bilhah conceived, and she bore Jacob a son. הוַתַּ֣הַר בִּלְהָ֔ה וַתֵּ֥לֶד לְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּֽן:
6And Rachel said, "God has judged me, and He has also hearkened to my voice and has given me a son"; so she named him Dan. ווַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֨ דָּנַ֣נִּי אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְגַם֙ שָׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֔י וַיִּתֶּן־לִ֖י בֵּ֑ן עַל־כֵּ֛ן קָֽרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ דָּֽן:
God has judged me: He judged me, declared me guilty, and then declared me innocent. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7]. דנני א-להים: דנני וחייבני וזכני:
7And Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. זוַתַּ֣הַר ע֔וֹד וַתֵּ֕לֶד בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחַ֣ת רָחֵ֑ל בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַֽעֲקֹֽב:
8And Rachel said, "[With] divine bonds I have been joined to my sister; I have also prevailed"; so she named him Naftali. חוַתֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י אֱלֹהִ֧ים | נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי עִם־אֲחֹתִ֖י גַּם־יָכֹ֑לְתִּי וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ נַפְתָּלִֽי:
divine bonds: Heb. נַפְתּוּלֵי אֱלֹהִים. Menachem ben Saruk (p. 147) classified it in the grouping of Num. 19:15,“a cover bound (פָּתִיל) .” With bonds from the Omnipresent, I have joined my sister to merit children. But I interpret it as an expression of“perverse and crooked (וּפְתַלְתֹּל).” (Deut. 32:5). I have stubbornly pleaded many tortuous pleas to the Omnipresent to be equal to my sister. נפתולי א-להים: מנחם בן סרוק פירשו במחברת (במדבר יט טו) צמיד פתיל, חבורים, מאת המקום נתחברתי עם אחותי לזכות לבנים. ואני מפרשו לשון (דברים לב ה) עקש ופתלתול, נתעקשתי והפצרתי פצירות ונפתולים הרבה למקום להיות שוה לאחותי:
I have also prevailed: He yielded to my importunities. Onkelos, however, rendered it as an expression of prayer (תְּפִלָּה) : נַפְתּוּלֵי אֱלֹהִים נִפְתַּלְתִּי. Requests beloved to Him were accepted on my behalf, and I was answered like my sister. גם יכלתי: הסכים על ידי. ואונקלוס תרגם לשון תפילה, כמו נפתולי א-להים, נתפללתי בקשות החביבות לפניו, נתקבלתי ונעתרתי כאחותי:
נִפְתַּלְתִּי: means my prayer was accepted. There are many aggadic midrashim that interpret this phrase with the method of notarikon, (i.e., each group of letters represents a word). נפתלתי: נתקבלה תפלתי. ומדרש אגדה יש רבים בלשון נוטריקון:
9When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing [children], she took her maidservant Zilpah, and gave her to Jacob for a wife. טוַתֵּ֣רֶא לֵאָ֔ה כִּ֥י עָֽמְדָ֖ה מִלֶּ֑דֶת וַתִּקַּח֙ אֶת־זִלְפָּ֣ה שִׁפְחָתָ֔הּ וַתִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛הּ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב לְאִשָּֽׁה:
10And Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, bore Jacob a son. יוַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּ֛ה שִׁפְחַ֥ת לֵאָ֖ה לְיַֽעֲקֹ֥ב בֵּֽן:
And Zilpah…bore: In the case of all of them (i.e., all Jacob’s wives), conception is mentioned, except for Zilpah, because she was the youngest of them all and so young in years that her pregnancy was not noticed. In order to deceive Jacob, Laban gave her to Leah, so that he would not perceive that they were bringing in Leah, for this was their custom, to give the older maidservant to the older [daughter] and the younger [maidservant] to the younger [daughter]. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71: 9] ותלד זלפה: בכולן נאמר הריון חוץ מזלפה לפי שהיתה בחורה מכולן ותינוקת בשנים ואין הריון ניכר בה, וכדי לרמות ליעקב נתנה לבן ללאה שלא יבין שמכניסין לו את לאה, שכך מנהג ליתן שפחה גדולה לגדולה וקטנה לקטנה:
11And Leah said, "Luck has come"; so she named him Gad. יאוַתֹּ֥אמֶר לֵאָ֖ה בָּ֣א גָ֑ד (כתיב בגד) וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ גָּֽד:
“Luck has come”: Heb. בָּא גָּד. Good luck has come [Targum Jonathan ben Uzziel] similar to (Shab. 67b)“ May my fate be lucky (גָד גַדִּי) and not fatigued,” and similar to this (Isa. 65:11), “who set a table for Gad.” According to the Aggadah [Midrash Aggadah in the name of“some say”], he was born circumcised גָּד, meaning “cut off”), like Dan. 4:11,“cut down (גֹּדוּ) the tree,” but I do not know why it is written as one word (בָּגָד) [in our verse]. Another explanation: Why is it read as one word? בָּגָד is like בָּגַדְתּ ָבִּי, you betrayed me when you came to my handmaid, as a man who has betrayed (בָּגַד) the wife of his youth. בא גד: בא מזל טוב, כמו (שבת סז ב) גד גדי וסנוק לא, ודומה לו (ישעיה סה יא) העורכים לגד שלחן. ומדרש אגדה שנולד מהול, כמו (דניאל ד כ) גדו אילנא, ולא ידעתי על מה נכתבה תיבה אחת. דבר אחר למה נקראת תיבה אחת בגד, כמו בגדת בי כשבאת אל שפחתי, כאיש שבגד באשת נעורים:
12And Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, bore Jacob a second son. יבוַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּה֙ שִׁפְחַ֣ת לֵאָ֔ה בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַֽעֲקֹֽב:
13And Leah said, "Because of my good fortune, for women have declared me fortunate"; so she named him Asher. יגוַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֔ה בְּאָשְׁרִ֕י כִּ֥י אִשְּׁר֖וּנִי בָּנ֑וֹת וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ אָשֵֽׁר:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 35-38
• Chapter 35
This psalm is an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer about David's enemies-that they be as chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of God. It also declares that everything comes about through God's help.
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
FOOTNOTES
1.These men flatter Saul in order to obtain free meals (Rashi).
Chapter 36
This psalm is a message to those who follow their evil inclination, that tells them, "Do not place the fear of God before you," and brings them to sin by beautifying evil deeds in their eyes. For so is his way: "He descends (to earth) and corrupts, then goes up (to the Heavenly Court) and prosecutes."
1. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
FOOTNOTES
1.In the very place they intended to persecute me (Metzudot).
Chapter 37
King David exhorts his generation not to be jealous of the prosperity of the wicked, for it may lead to falling into their ways. Rather, put your trust in God, conduct yourselves with integrity, and God will take care of everything.
1. By David. Do not compete with the wicked; do not envy doers of injustice.
2. For like grass they will be swiftly cut down; like green vegetation they will wither.
3. Trust in the Lord and do good; then will you abide in the land and be nourished by faith.
4. Delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
5. Cast your needs upon the Lord; rely on Him, and He will take care.
6. He will reveal your righteousness like the light, your justness like the high noon.
7. Depend on the Lord and hope in Him. Compete not with the prosperous, with the man who invents evil schemes.
8. Let go of anger, abandon rage; do not compete with [one who intends] only to harm.
9. For the evildoers will be cut down; but those who hope in the Lord, they will inherit the earth.
10. For soon the wicked one will not be; you will gaze at his place and he will be gone.
11. But the humble shall inherit the earth, and delight in abundant peace.
12. The wicked one plots against the righteous, and gnashes his teeth at him.
13. My Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day will come.
14. The wicked have drawn a sword and bent their bow to fell the poor and destitute, to slaughter those of upright ways.
15. But their sword shall enter their own hearts, and their bows shall break.
16. Better the little of the righteous, than the abundant wealth of the wicked.
17. For the strength of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.
18. The Lord appreciates the days of the innocent; their inheritance will last forever.
19. They will not be shamed in times of calamity, and in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20. For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord are as fattened sheep: consumed, consumed in smoke.
21. The wicked man borrows and does not repay; but the righteous man is gracious and gives.
22. For those blessed by Him will inherit the earth, and those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23. The steps of man are directed by God; He desires his way.
24. When he totters he shall not be thrown down, for the Lord supports his hand.
25. I have been a youth, I have also aged; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his offspring begging bread.
26. All day he is kind and lends; his offspring are a blessing.
27. Turn away from evil and do good, and you will dwell [in peace] forever.
28. For the Lord loves justice, he will not abandon his pious ones-they are protected forever; but the offspring of the wicked are cut off.
29. The righteous shall inherit the earth and dwell upon it forever.
30. The mouth of the righteous one utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31. The Torah of his God is in his heart; his steps shall not falter.
32. The wicked one watches for the righteous man, and seeks to kill him.
33. But the Lord will not abandon him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34. Hope in the Lord and keep His way; then He will raise you high to inherit the earth. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35. I saw a powerful wicked man, well-rooted like a vibrant, native tree.
36. Yet he vanished, behold he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found.
37. Watch the innocent, and observe the upright, for the future of such a man is peace.
38. But sinners shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked is cut off.
39. The deliverance of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of distress.
40. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they have put their trust in Him.
Chapter 38
A prayer for every individual, bewailing the length of the exile. One who is in distress should recite this psalm, hence its introduction, "A psalm... to remind" (to remind us to recite it in times of distress). One can also derive many lessons from it.
1. A psalm by David, to remind.
2. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chastise me in Your wrath.
3. For Your arrows have landed in me, Your hand descended upon me.
4. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your rage, no peace in my bones because of my sin.
5. For my iniquities have flooded over my head; like a heavy load, they are too heavy for me.
6. My wounds are rotted; they reek because of my foolishness.
7. I am bent and extremely bowed; all day I go about in gloom.
8. My sides are inflamed; there is no soundness in my flesh.
9. I am weakened and extremely depressed; I howl from the moaning of my heart.
10. My Lord, all that I desire is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You.
11. My heart is engulfed, my strength has left me; the light of my eyes they, too, are not with me.
12. My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction; my intimates stand afar.
13. The seekers of my life have laid traps; those who seek my harm speak destructiveness; they utter deceits all day long.
14. But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear; like a mute that does not open his mouth.
15. I was like a man that does not perceive, and in whose mouth there are no rebuttals.
16. Because for You, O Lord, I wait; You will answer, my Lord, my God.
17. For I said, "Lest they rejoice over me; when my foot falters they will gloat over me.”
18. For I am accustomed to limping, and my pain is constantly before me.
19. For I admit my iniquity; I worry because of my sin.
20. But my enemies abound with life; those who hate me without cause flourish.
21. Those who repay evil for good resent me for my pursuit of good.
22. Do not forsake me, O Lord; do not be distant from me, my God.
23. Hurry to my aid, O my Lord, my Salvation.
Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Tuesday, 6 Kislev, 5777 · 6 December 2016
• Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
Chumash: Parshat Vayeitzei, 3rd Portion (Genesis 29:18-30:13) with Rashi
• Genesis Chapter 29
18And Jacob loved Rachel, and he said, "I will work for you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter." יחוַיֶּֽאֱהַ֥ב יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־רָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֶֽעֱבָדְךָ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים בְּרָחֵ֥ל בִּתְּךָ֖ הַקְּטַנָּֽה:
I will work for you seven years: (Gen. Rabbah 67:10, 70:17) They are the few days of which his mother said, “And you shall dwell with him for a few days.” (27:44 above) You should know that this is so, because it is written: “and they appeared to him like a few days.” (verse 20) אעבדך שבע שנים: הם ימים אחדים שאמרה לו אמו (לעיל כז מד) וישבת עמו ימים אחדים. ותדע שכן הוא, שהרי כתיב (להלן פסוק כ) ויהיו בעיניו כימים אחדים:
for Rachel, your younger daughter: Why were all these signs necessary? Since he (Jacob) knew that he (Laban) was a deceiver, he said to him, “I will work for you for Rachel,” and lest you say [that I meant] another Rachel from the street, Scripture states: “Your daughter.” Now, lest you say, “I will change her name to Leah, and I will name her (Leah) Rachel,” Scripture states: “[your] younger [daughter].” Nevertheless, it did not avail him, for he (Laban) deceived him. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:17] ברחל בתך הקטנה: כל הסימנים הללו למה, לפי שיודע בו שהוא רמאי אמר לו אעבדך ברחל, ושמא תאמר רחל אחרת מן השוק, תלמוד לומר בתך, ושמא תאמר אחליף ללאה שמה ואקרא שמה רחל, תלמוד לומר הקטנה ואף על פי כן לא הועיל לו שהרי רמהו:
19And Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than I should give her to another man. Stay with me." יטוַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֗ן ט֚וֹב תִּתִּ֣י אֹתָ֣הּ לָ֔ךְ מִתִּתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ לְאִ֣ישׁ אַחֵ֑ר שְׁבָ֖ה עִמָּדִֽי:
20So Jacob worked for Rachel seven years, but they appeared to him like a few days because of his love for her. כוַיַּֽעֲבֹ֧ד יַֽעֲקֹ֛ב בְּרָחֵ֖ל שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים וַיִּֽהְי֤וּ בְעֵינָיו֙ כְּיָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֔ים בְּאַֽהֲבָת֖וֹ אֹתָֽהּ:
21And Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are completed, that I may come to her." כאוַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַֽעֲקֹ֤ב אֶל־לָבָן֙ הָבָ֣ה אֶת־אִשְׁתִּ֔י כִּ֥י מָֽלְא֖וּ יָמָ֑י וְאָב֖וֹאָה אֵלֶֽיהָ:
for my days are completed: [The days] of which my mother told me. Moreover, my days are completed, for I am already eighty-four years old. When will I raise up twelve tribes? This is what he [meant when he] said, “that I may come to her.” Now, isn’t it true that even the most degenerate person would not say this? But he (Jacob) meant [that he intended] to beget generations. — [from Gen. Rabbah 70:18] מלאו ימי: שאמרה לי אמי. ועוד מלאו ימי, שהרי אני בן שמונים וארבע שנה ואימתי אעמיד שנים עשר שבטים, וזהו שאמר ואבואה אליה, והלא קל שבקלים אינו אומר כן, אלא להוליד תולדות אמר כן:
22So Laban gathered all the people of the place, and he made a feast. כבוַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֥ף לָבָ֛ן אֶת־כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַמָּק֖וֹם וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּֽה:
23And it came to pass in the evening that Laban took his daughter Leah, and he brought her to him, and he came to her. כגוַיְהִ֣י בָעֶ֔רֶב וַיִּקַּח֙ אֶת־לֵאָ֣ה בִתּ֔וֹ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֖הּ אֵלָ֑יו וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶֽיהָ:
24And Laban gave Zilpah his maidservant to his daughter Leah as a maidservant. כדוַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לָ֔הּ אֶת־זִלְפָּ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לְלֵאָ֥ה בִתּ֖וֹ שִׁפְחָֽה:
25And it came to pass in the morning, and behold she was Leah! So he said to Laban, "What is this that you have done to me? Did I not work with you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?" כהוַיְהִ֣י בַבֹּ֔קֶר וְהִנֵּה־הִ֖וא לֵאָ֑ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־לָבָ֗ן מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לִּ֔י הֲלֹ֤א בְרָחֵל֨ עָבַ֣דְתִּי עִמָּ֔ךְ וְלָ֖מָּה רִמִּיתָֽנִי:
And it came to pass in the morning, and behold she was Leah: But at night, she was not Leah, because Jacob had given signs to Rachel, but when she saw that they were bringing Leah, she (Rachel) said,“Now, my sister will be put to shame. So she readily transmitted those signs to her.” - [from Meg. 13b] ויהי בבקר והנה היא לאה: אבל בלילה לא היתה לאה, לפי שמסר יעקב לרחל סימנים, וכשראתה רחל שמכניסין לו לאה אמרה עכשיו תכלם אחותי, עמדה ומסרה לה אותן סימנים:
26And Laban said, "It is not done so in our place to give the younger one before the firstborn. כווַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֔ן לֹא־יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה כֵ֖ן בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּ לָתֵ֥ת הַצְּעִירָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י הַבְּכִירָֽה:
27Complete the [wedding] week of this one, and we will give you this one too, for the work that you will render me for another seven years." כזמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וְנִתְּנָ֨ה לְךָ֜ גַּם־אֶת־זֹ֗את בַּֽעֲבֹדָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּֽעֲבֹ֣ד עִמָּדִ֔י ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע־שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת:
Complete the [wedding] week of this one: Heb. שְׁבֻעַ. This is the construct state, because it is vocalized with a chataf (a sheva), [and means] the week of this one, which are the seven days of feasting [celebrated by a newly wedded couple]. [This appears in the] Talmud Yerushalmi , Mo’ed Katan (1:7). It is impossible to say [that it means] really a week [in the absolute state and should be rendered: this week,] because, if so, the “shin” would have to be vowelized with a “patach,” (he means to say a“kamatz” שָׁבֻעַ). Furthermore, שָׁבֻעַ is in the masculine gender, for it is written: (Deut. 16:9)“ You shall count seven weeks (שִׁבְעָה שָׁבֻעֹת) .” Therefore, it does not signify a week but seven [days], septaine in Old French. מלא שבוע זאת: דבוק הוא שהרי נקוד בחטף שבוע של זאת, והן שבעת ימי המשתה בתלמוד ירושלמי במועד קטן (א ז). ואי אפשר לומר שבוע ממש, שאם כן היה צריך לינקד בפתח השין. ועוד ששבוע לשון זכר, כדכתיב (דברים טז ט) שבעה שבועות תספר לך, לפיכך אין משמע שבוע אלא שבעה שייטיינ"א בלע"ז [קבוצה של שבעה]:
and we will give to you: [This is] a plural expression, similar to (above 11;3, 7), “Let us descend and confuse” ; “and let us fire them.” This, too, is an expression of giving. ונתנה לך: לשון רבים, כמו (לעיל יא ז) נרדה ונבלה, (שם ג) ונשרפה, אף זה לשון וניתן:
this one too: immediately after the seven days of feasting, and you will work after her marriage. — [from Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer , ch. 36] גם את זאת: [מיד לאחר שבעת ימי המשתה] ותעבוד לאחר נשואיה:
28And Jacob did so, and he completed the week of this one, and he gave his daughter Rachel to him as a wife. כחוַיַּ֤עַשׂ יַֽעֲקֹב֙ כֵּ֔ן וַיְמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וַיִּתֶּן־ל֛וֹ אֶת־רָחֵ֥ל בִּתּ֖וֹ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה:
29And Laban gave his daughter Rachel his maidservant Bilhah, for a maidservant. כטוַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לָ֖הּ לְשִׁפְחָֽה:
30And he came also to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah; and he worked with him yet another seven years. לוַיָּבֹא֙ גַּ֣ם אֶל־רָחֵ֔ל וַיֶּֽאֱהַ֥ב גַּם־אֶת־רָחֵ֖ל מִלֵּאָ֑ה וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ד עִמּ֔וֹ ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע־שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת:
yet another seven years: (Gen. Rabbah 70:20) Scripture compares the other ones to the first ones. Just as [he worked for him during] the first ones faithfully, so [did he work for him during] the other ones faithfully, although he (Laban) had dealt with him deceitfully. ויעבוד עמו עוד שבע שנים אחרות: הקישן לראשונות, מה ראשונות באמונה אף האחרונות באמונה, ואף על פי שברמאות בא עליו:
31And the Lord saw that Leah was hated, so He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. לאוַיַּ֤רְא יְהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־שְׂנוּאָ֣ה לֵאָ֔ה וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח אֶת־רַחְמָ֑הּ וְרָחֵ֖ל עֲקָרָֽה:
32And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, "Because the Lord has seen my affliction, for now my husband will love me." לבוַתַּ֤הַר לֵאָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה כִּֽי־רָאָ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּעָנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶֽאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי:
and she named him Reuben: (Ber. 7b) Our Sages explained: She said,“Look at the difference between my son and the son of my father-in-law, who sold the birthright to Jacob (above 25:33). This one (Reuben) did not sell it to Joseph, but he nevertheless did not contend against him but sought to take him out of the pit.” ותקרא שמו ראובן: רבותינו פירשו, אמרה ראו מה בין בני לבן חמי שמכר הבכורה ליעקב, וזה לא מכרה ליוסף ולא ערער עליו, ולא עוד שלא ערער עליו אלא שביקש להוציאו מן הבור:
33And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "Since the Lord has heard that I am hated, He gave me this one too." So she named him Simeon. לגוַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֘ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־שָׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־שְׂנוּאָ֣ה אָנֹ֔כִי וַיִּתֶּן־לִ֖י גַּם־אֶת־זֶ֑ה וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ שִׁמְעֽוֹן:
34And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "Now this time my husband will be attached to me, for I have borne him three sons; therefore, He named him Levi. לדוַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֘ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר עַתָּ֤ה הַפַּ֨עַם֙ יִלָּוֶ֤ה אִישִׁי֙ אֵלַ֔י כִּֽי־יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שְׁלשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָֽרָא־שְׁמ֖וֹ לֵוִֽי:
this time my husband will be attached: Heb. יִלָּוֶה. Since the Matriarchs were prophetesses, they knew that twelve tribes would emanate from Jacob, and that he would marry four wives, she said, “From now on, he will find no fault with me for I have contributed my share in (producing) sons.” - [from Bereishith Rabbathi, attributed to Rabbi Moshe Hadarshan, Midrash Aggadah] [I.e., three sons were thought to be each wife’s share of the twelve.] הפעם ילוה אשי: לפי שהאמהות נביאות היו ויודעות ששנים עשר שבטים יוצאים מיעקב וארבע נשים ישא, אמרה מעתה אין לו פתחון פה עלי, שהרי נטלתי כל חלקי בבנים:
therefore: Whoever is referred to with the expression עַל-כֵּן had a large population, except Levi, because the Ark destroyed many of them. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:4] על כן: כל מי שנאמר בו על כן מרובה באוכלוסין, חוץ מלוי שהארון היה מכלה בהם:
He named him Levi: [I wondered why] it is written concerning this one, “and he named,” while concerning all [the others], it is written, “and she named.” There is an aggadic midrash in Deuteronomy Rabbah, [which relates] how the Holy One, blessed be He, sent Gabriel and he brought him (Levi) before Him, and He gave him this name, and He gave him the twenty-four priestly gifts; and because he accompanied him (לִוָּהוּ) with gifts, he named him Levi. קרא שמו לוי: תמהתי שבכולם כתיב ותקרא, וזה כתב בו קרא, ויש מדרש אגדה באלה הדברים רבה ששלח הקב"ה גבריאל והביאו לפניו וקרא לו שם זה ונתן לו עשרים וארבע מתנות כהונה, ועל שם שלוהו במתנות קראו לוי:
35And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, "This time, I will thank the Lord! Therefore, she named him Judah, and [then] she stopped bearing. להוַתַּ֨הַר ע֜וֹד וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֗ן וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַפַּ֨עַם֙ אוֹדֶ֣ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֔ה עַל־כֵּ֛ן קָֽרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ יְהוּדָ֑ה וַתַּֽעֲמֹ֖ד מִלֶּֽדֶת:
This time, I will thank: since I have taken more than my share. Consequently, I must offer up thanks. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:4] הפעם אודה: שנטלתי יותר מחלקי, מעתה יש לי להודות:
Genesis Chapter 30
1And Rachel saw that she had not borne [any children] to Jacob, and Rachel envied her sister, and she said to Jacob, "Give me children, and if not, I am dead." אוַתֵּ֣רֶא רָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽלְדָה֙ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב וַתְּקַנֵּ֥א רָחֵ֖ל בַּֽאֲחֹתָ֑הּ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶל־יַֽעֲקֹב֙ הָֽבָה־לִּ֣י בָנִ֔ים וְאִם־אַ֖יִן מֵתָ֥ה אָנֹֽכִי:
and Rachel envied her sister: She envied her good deeds. She said, “If she had not been more righteous than I, she would not have merited children” (Gen. Rabbah 71:5). ותקנא רחל באחותה: קנאה במעשיה הטובים, אמרה אלולי שצדקה ממני לא זכתה לבנים:
Give me: Did your father [not] do that for your mother? Did he not pray for her?- [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] הבה לי: וכי כך עשה אביך לאמך, והלא התפלל עליה:
I am dead: From here [we learn] that whoever has no children is counted as dead. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:6] מתה אנכי: מכאן למי שאין לו בנים שחשוב כמת:
2And Jacob became angry with Rachel, and he said, "Am I instead of God, Who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?" בוַיִּֽחַר־אַ֥ף יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב בְּרָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲתַ֤חַת אֱלֹהִים֙ אָנֹ֔כִי אֲשֶׁר־מָנַ֥ע מִמֵּ֖ךְ פְּרִי־בָֽטֶן:
Am I instead of God: Am I in His place? התחת א-להים אנכי: וכי במקומו אני:
Who has withheld from you: You say that I should do as my father did. I am not like my father. My father had no sons [at the time he prayed], but I have sons. [It is thus apparent that] He has withheld [children] from you, not from me. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] אשר מנע ממך: את אמרת שאעשה כאבא, אני איני כאבא, אבא לא היו לו בנים אני יש לי בנים, ממך מנע ולא ממני:
3So she said, "Here is my maidservant Bilhah; come to her, and she will bear [children] on my knees, so that I, too, will be built up from her." גוַתֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֛ה אֲמָתִ֥י בִלְהָ֖ה בֹּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יהָ וְתֵלֵד֙ עַל־בִּרְכַּ֔י וְאִבָּנֶ֥ה גַם־אָֽנֹכִ֖י מִמֶּֽנָּה:
on my knees: As the Targum renders: and I will rear [them]. על ברכי: כתרגומו ואנא ארבי:
so that I, too, will be built up: What is [the meaning of] “too” ? She said to him, “Your grandfather Abraham had sons from Hagar; yet he girded his loins (he prayed fervently) on Sarah’s behalf.” He replied, “My grandmother brought her rival into her house.” She said, “If this matter is holding things up (prevents me from having children), here is my maidservant.” - [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] ואבנה גם אנכי: מהו גם, אמרה לו זקנך אברהם היו לו בנים מהגר, וחגר מתניו כנגד שרה, אמר לה זקנתי הכניסה צרתה לביתה, אמרה לו אם הדבר הזה מעכב, הנה אמתי בלהה:
so that I, too, will be built up from her: like Sarah. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7] ואבנה גם אנכי ממנה: כשרה:
4So she gave him her maidservant Bilhah for a wife, and Jacob came to her. דוַתִּתֶּן־ל֛וֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָ֥ה שִׁפְחָתָ֖הּ לְאִשָּׁ֑ה וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶ֖יהָ יַֽעֲקֹֽב:
5And Bilhah conceived, and she bore Jacob a son. הוַתַּ֣הַר בִּלְהָ֔ה וַתֵּ֥לֶד לְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּֽן:
6And Rachel said, "God has judged me, and He has also hearkened to my voice and has given me a son"; so she named him Dan. ווַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֨ דָּנַ֣נִּי אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְגַם֙ שָׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֔י וַיִּתֶּן־לִ֖י בֵּ֑ן עַל־כֵּ֛ן קָֽרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ דָּֽן:
God has judged me: He judged me, declared me guilty, and then declared me innocent. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71:7]. דנני א-להים: דנני וחייבני וזכני:
7And Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. זוַתַּ֣הַר ע֔וֹד וַתֵּ֕לֶד בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחַ֣ת רָחֵ֑ל בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַֽעֲקֹֽב:
8And Rachel said, "[With] divine bonds I have been joined to my sister; I have also prevailed"; so she named him Naftali. חוַתֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י אֱלֹהִ֧ים | נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי עִם־אֲחֹתִ֖י גַּם־יָכֹ֑לְתִּי וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ נַפְתָּלִֽי:
divine bonds: Heb. נַפְתּוּלֵי אֱלֹהִים. Menachem ben Saruk (p. 147) classified it in the grouping of Num. 19:15,“a cover bound (פָּתִיל) .” With bonds from the Omnipresent, I have joined my sister to merit children. But I interpret it as an expression of“perverse and crooked (וּפְתַלְתֹּל).” (Deut. 32:5). I have stubbornly pleaded many tortuous pleas to the Omnipresent to be equal to my sister. נפתולי א-להים: מנחם בן סרוק פירשו במחברת (במדבר יט טו) צמיד פתיל, חבורים, מאת המקום נתחברתי עם אחותי לזכות לבנים. ואני מפרשו לשון (דברים לב ה) עקש ופתלתול, נתעקשתי והפצרתי פצירות ונפתולים הרבה למקום להיות שוה לאחותי:
I have also prevailed: He yielded to my importunities. Onkelos, however, rendered it as an expression of prayer (תְּפִלָּה) : נַפְתּוּלֵי אֱלֹהִים נִפְתַּלְתִּי. Requests beloved to Him were accepted on my behalf, and I was answered like my sister. גם יכלתי: הסכים על ידי. ואונקלוס תרגם לשון תפילה, כמו נפתולי א-להים, נתפללתי בקשות החביבות לפניו, נתקבלתי ונעתרתי כאחותי:
נִפְתַּלְתִּי: means my prayer was accepted. There are many aggadic midrashim that interpret this phrase with the method of notarikon, (i.e., each group of letters represents a word). נפתלתי: נתקבלה תפלתי. ומדרש אגדה יש רבים בלשון נוטריקון:
9When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing [children], she took her maidservant Zilpah, and gave her to Jacob for a wife. טוַתֵּ֣רֶא לֵאָ֔ה כִּ֥י עָֽמְדָ֖ה מִלֶּ֑דֶת וַתִּקַּח֙ אֶת־זִלְפָּ֣ה שִׁפְחָתָ֔הּ וַתִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛הּ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב לְאִשָּֽׁה:
10And Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, bore Jacob a son. יוַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּ֛ה שִׁפְחַ֥ת לֵאָ֖ה לְיַֽעֲקֹ֥ב בֵּֽן:
And Zilpah…bore: In the case of all of them (i.e., all Jacob’s wives), conception is mentioned, except for Zilpah, because she was the youngest of them all and so young in years that her pregnancy was not noticed. In order to deceive Jacob, Laban gave her to Leah, so that he would not perceive that they were bringing in Leah, for this was their custom, to give the older maidservant to the older [daughter] and the younger [maidservant] to the younger [daughter]. — [from Gen. Rabbah 71: 9] ותלד זלפה: בכולן נאמר הריון חוץ מזלפה לפי שהיתה בחורה מכולן ותינוקת בשנים ואין הריון ניכר בה, וכדי לרמות ליעקב נתנה לבן ללאה שלא יבין שמכניסין לו את לאה, שכך מנהג ליתן שפחה גדולה לגדולה וקטנה לקטנה:
11And Leah said, "Luck has come"; so she named him Gad. יאוַתֹּ֥אמֶר לֵאָ֖ה בָּ֣א גָ֑ד (כתיב בגד) וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ גָּֽד:
“Luck has come”: Heb. בָּא גָּד. Good luck has come [Targum Jonathan ben Uzziel] similar to (Shab. 67b)“ May my fate be lucky (גָד גַדִּי) and not fatigued,” and similar to this (Isa. 65:11), “who set a table for Gad.” According to the Aggadah [Midrash Aggadah in the name of“some say”], he was born circumcised גָּד, meaning “cut off”), like Dan. 4:11,“cut down (גֹּדוּ) the tree,” but I do not know why it is written as one word (בָּגָד) [in our verse]. Another explanation: Why is it read as one word? בָּגָד is like בָּגַדְתּ ָבִּי, you betrayed me when you came to my handmaid, as a man who has betrayed (בָּגַד) the wife of his youth. בא גד: בא מזל טוב, כמו (שבת סז ב) גד גדי וסנוק לא, ודומה לו (ישעיה סה יא) העורכים לגד שלחן. ומדרש אגדה שנולד מהול, כמו (דניאל ד כ) גדו אילנא, ולא ידעתי על מה נכתבה תיבה אחת. דבר אחר למה נקראת תיבה אחת בגד, כמו בגדת בי כשבאת אל שפחתי, כאיש שבגד באשת נעורים:
12And Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, bore Jacob a second son. יבוַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּה֙ שִׁפְחַ֣ת לֵאָ֔ה בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַֽעֲקֹֽב:
13And Leah said, "Because of my good fortune, for women have declared me fortunate"; so she named him Asher. יגוַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֔ה בְּאָשְׁרִ֕י כִּ֥י אִשְּׁר֖וּנִי בָּנ֑וֹת וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ אָשֵֽׁר:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 35-38
• Chapter 35
This psalm is an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer about David's enemies-that they be as chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of God. It also declares that everything comes about through God's help.
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
FOOTNOTES
1.These men flatter Saul in order to obtain free meals (Rashi).
Chapter 36
This psalm is a message to those who follow their evil inclination, that tells them, "Do not place the fear of God before you," and brings them to sin by beautifying evil deeds in their eyes. For so is his way: "He descends (to earth) and corrupts, then goes up (to the Heavenly Court) and prosecutes."
1. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
FOOTNOTES
1.In the very place they intended to persecute me (Metzudot).
Chapter 37
King David exhorts his generation not to be jealous of the prosperity of the wicked, for it may lead to falling into their ways. Rather, put your trust in God, conduct yourselves with integrity, and God will take care of everything.
1. By David. Do not compete with the wicked; do not envy doers of injustice.
2. For like grass they will be swiftly cut down; like green vegetation they will wither.
3. Trust in the Lord and do good; then will you abide in the land and be nourished by faith.
4. Delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
5. Cast your needs upon the Lord; rely on Him, and He will take care.
6. He will reveal your righteousness like the light, your justness like the high noon.
7. Depend on the Lord and hope in Him. Compete not with the prosperous, with the man who invents evil schemes.
8. Let go of anger, abandon rage; do not compete with [one who intends] only to harm.
9. For the evildoers will be cut down; but those who hope in the Lord, they will inherit the earth.
10. For soon the wicked one will not be; you will gaze at his place and he will be gone.
11. But the humble shall inherit the earth, and delight in abundant peace.
12. The wicked one plots against the righteous, and gnashes his teeth at him.
13. My Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day will come.
14. The wicked have drawn a sword and bent their bow to fell the poor and destitute, to slaughter those of upright ways.
15. But their sword shall enter their own hearts, and their bows shall break.
16. Better the little of the righteous, than the abundant wealth of the wicked.
17. For the strength of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.
18. The Lord appreciates the days of the innocent; their inheritance will last forever.
19. They will not be shamed in times of calamity, and in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20. For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord are as fattened sheep: consumed, consumed in smoke.
21. The wicked man borrows and does not repay; but the righteous man is gracious and gives.
22. For those blessed by Him will inherit the earth, and those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23. The steps of man are directed by God; He desires his way.
24. When he totters he shall not be thrown down, for the Lord supports his hand.
25. I have been a youth, I have also aged; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his offspring begging bread.
26. All day he is kind and lends; his offspring are a blessing.
27. Turn away from evil and do good, and you will dwell [in peace] forever.
28. For the Lord loves justice, he will not abandon his pious ones-they are protected forever; but the offspring of the wicked are cut off.
29. The righteous shall inherit the earth and dwell upon it forever.
30. The mouth of the righteous one utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31. The Torah of his God is in his heart; his steps shall not falter.
32. The wicked one watches for the righteous man, and seeks to kill him.
33. But the Lord will not abandon him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34. Hope in the Lord and keep His way; then He will raise you high to inherit the earth. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35. I saw a powerful wicked man, well-rooted like a vibrant, native tree.
36. Yet he vanished, behold he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found.
37. Watch the innocent, and observe the upright, for the future of such a man is peace.
38. But sinners shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked is cut off.
39. The deliverance of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of distress.
40. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they have put their trust in Him.
Chapter 38
A prayer for every individual, bewailing the length of the exile. One who is in distress should recite this psalm, hence its introduction, "A psalm... to remind" (to remind us to recite it in times of distress). One can also derive many lessons from it.
1. A psalm by David, to remind.
2. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chastise me in Your wrath.
3. For Your arrows have landed in me, Your hand descended upon me.
4. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your rage, no peace in my bones because of my sin.
5. For my iniquities have flooded over my head; like a heavy load, they are too heavy for me.
6. My wounds are rotted; they reek because of my foolishness.
7. I am bent and extremely bowed; all day I go about in gloom.
8. My sides are inflamed; there is no soundness in my flesh.
9. I am weakened and extremely depressed; I howl from the moaning of my heart.
10. My Lord, all that I desire is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You.
11. My heart is engulfed, my strength has left me; the light of my eyes they, too, are not with me.
12. My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction; my intimates stand afar.
13. The seekers of my life have laid traps; those who seek my harm speak destructiveness; they utter deceits all day long.
14. But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear; like a mute that does not open his mouth.
15. I was like a man that does not perceive, and in whose mouth there are no rebuttals.
16. Because for You, O Lord, I wait; You will answer, my Lord, my God.
17. For I said, "Lest they rejoice over me; when my foot falters they will gloat over me.”
18. For I am accustomed to limping, and my pain is constantly before me.
19. For I admit my iniquity; I worry because of my sin.
20. But my enemies abound with life; those who hate me without cause flourish.
21. Those who repay evil for good resent me for my pursuit of good.
22. Do not forsake me, O Lord; do not be distant from me, my God.
23. Hurry to my aid, O my Lord, my Salvation.
Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Tuesday, 6 Kislev, 5777 · 6 December 2016
• Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• ועוד זאת
• Rambam - Tuesday, 6 Kislev, 5777 · 6 December 2016
In addition:
The Alter Rebbe will now state that beyond the above-discussed superior quality of mitzvot requiring action (as well as the study of their laws), they are also essentially superior to the source of the soul, by virtue of their source.
Thus, the love and awe experienced by the soul, though spiritual in nature, pale in comparison to these mitzvot (even though they are performed with physical entities), not only because these mitzvot and the extraction of the sparks accomplished thereby are the ultimate purpose of creation, but in essence too they are superior to the source of the soul.
שבאמת הבירורין שבבריאה יצירה עשיה מרפ״ח, על ידי תורה ומצות, במחשבה דבור ומעשה
For the truth is that the purifications in Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah of the 288 [sparks of Tohu] by means of the Torah and mitzvot that man fulfills in thought, speech and deed,
גבוהין בשרשן מנפש רוח נשמה שבאדם
are superior in their source to the Nefesh-Ruach-Neshamah of man that possess the love and fear of G‑d.
כי הן מס״ג שבפנימיות אדם קדמון
For they derive from the Divine Name Sa’g of the internal aspect of Adam Kadmon,
ונפש רוח נשמה שכבר נתקנו על ידי מ״ה הוא יוצא מהמצח, הארה בעלמא
while the Nefesh-Ruach-Neshamah that has already been corrected through the Divine Name Ma’h issues (i.e., this Name issues) from the “forehead” [of Adam Kadmon], being a mere reflection [of it], but not of its essence.
The Divine Names Sa’g and Ma’h are two of the four Names that echo the varying numerical values which result when the names of the four letters that comprise the Name Havayah are spelled out in any of four different ways. For example, one possible spelling entails the repeated use of the letter vav, while another possible spelling entails the repeated use of the letter alef.
When the Hebrew names of the four letters yud and hei and vav and hei are written out with the full complement (milui) of the letter vav, the numerical equivalent of the letters used totals 63 (hence the Divine Name ס״ג). When it is written with the full complement of the letter alef, the numerical equivalent of the letters used totals 45 (hence the Divine Name מ״ה).
The Kabbalah explains how the Name Sa’g is related to the World of Tohu, while the Name Ma’h is related to the World of Tikkun, which is inferior to it.
The Alter Rebbe is thus stating here that the purifications of the action-related mitzvot find their source in the Divine Name Sa’g that derives from the internal aspect of Adam Kadmon, the primal Divine thought of creation that encompasses all subsequent stages and levels of creation.
By contrast, since the souls of Jews derive from the World of Tikkun (lit., “correction”), the Nefesh or Ruach or Neshamahis of a level at which it was already corrected by means of the Divine Name Ma’h. And this Name is but a glimmer that derives from the “forehead” of Adam Kadmon.
וזהו שכתוב: לפני מלוך מלך כו׳
Hence it is written,1 “...before a king ruled [over the Children of Israel].”
The verse reads thus: “These are the kings who ruled in the land of Edom before a king ruled over the Children of Israel.” The Kabbalah understands these “kings” as a reference to the Sefirot in the World of Tohu who reigned before (i.e., on a superior level to) “a king who ruled over the Jews,” i.e., the World of Tikkun, which is the source of their souls. For the World of Tikkun is merely a glimmer of Adam Kadmon, while Tohu (from whence derive the exiled sparks and their purification) stems from the Divine Name Sa’g, which is rooted in the internal level of Adam Kadmon.
והאי טעמא שהאדם חי במזונות דומם צומח חי, ומבררן במ״ה שבו
For this reason man is sustained by food of the inorganic, vegetative, and living classes, and purifies them by the Ma’h within him,
Since the soul derives from the World of Tikkun and incorporates the Divine Name Ma’h, it is thereby able to extract and purify the sparks found within the inorganic, vegetative and living classes.
וחי בהם
and lives through them,
Having refined these sparks that are found within the inorganic, vegetative, and living classes, and having drawn Divine energy upon them from their lofty source in Tohu, man in turn is then invigorated by them with an additional measure of spiritual vitality.
לפי שהם מס״ג
because they derive from Sa’g.
But is it not paradoxical that man, who is so far superior to the inorganic, vegetative and living classes, should derive his sustenance from them?
The teachings of Chassidut find the answer in the verse,2 “Not on bread alone does a man live, but on all that comes forth from G‑d’s mouth does a man live.” It is not the physical, vegetative bread alone that sustains man, but the creative Divine utterance that is found within the bread.
However, since man is provided with his ongoing existence by his own creative Divine utterance, viz.,3 “Let us make man,” why does he need to be sustained by the creative word that sustains vegetative growth (or, for that matter, the inorganic and living classes of existence)?
The answer lies in the fact that the creative utterance that animates bread derives from a loftier source (the World of Tohu) than the source of the creative utterance that animates man (the World of Tikkun). In terms of the Divine Names, Sa’gtranscends Ma’h.
ועוד זאת
Another point in which the mitzvot requiring action are superior to the love and awe experienced by the soul:
The Alter Rebbe will now explain that since love and fear are essentially spiritual in nature, they resemble the mere glimmer (and not the essence) of the master’s own intellectual illumination that he imparts to his disciple. In contrast, a physical seminal drop is capable of creating a child — it imparts the entire essence. So much so, in fact, that it is possible for the4 “power of the child to outshine the power of his father,” so that gifts dormant within the father can become manifest in the child.
The Alter Rebbe will now use this analogy to explain the difference between love and awe, which are spiritual, and the action-related mitzvot, which are physical. Love and awe are “illuminations” (orot), like the illumination of intellect, while the practical mitzvot are “vessels” (kelim) that give forth the essence, similar to the physical drop that gives forth the entire essence of its source.
שהרי הדבור מדברי חכמה עילאה אינו מוליד
For verbalizing any phrase of the Supreme Wisdom does not procreate — imparting wisdom does not create any being ex nihilo,
והטפה שנמשכה מהכלי דחכמה עילאה, יש בה כח המוליד ומהווה יש מאין
whereas the drop drawn from the vessel of the Supreme Wisdom, like the drop that derives from the father’s brain,5 has the power to procreate and bring about existence ex nihilo.
וגם המשכת חכמה עילאה כלולה בה
Also, a flow of the Supreme Wisdom — an illumination which is paralleled by a person’s capacity for wisdom — is incorporated within it (i.e., within the drop that derives from the vessel of Supernal Wisdom).
והטעם, מפני שבה נמשך מהותה ועצמותה דחכמה עילאה
The reason is that into it there is drawn the essence and nature of the Supreme Wisdom.
All the above refers to the drop that derives from the vessels of wisdom.
מה שאין כן בדבור ומחשבה
This is not the case with thought and speech, where the intellect they draw forth does not possess the essence of the original wisdom,
ואפילו בהשכלת השכל באיזו חכמה
even in intellectual conception in any field of wisdom,
Though this is a rarefied level of conceptualization, transcending even the subtle articulation sketched by “letters of thought,” nevertheless:
הרי חכמה זו, רק הארה מתפשטת ממהות השכל שבנפש ועצמותו
this wisdom is a mere reflection that extends from the essence of intellect in the soul.
והארה זו היא רק לבוש למהותו ועצמותו של השכל
Then, too, this reflection is a mere garment for the very essence of the intellect,
והשכל הוא הארה ולבוש למהות הנפש
and the intellect in turn is but a reflection and garment for the essence of the soul.
Thus, the soul’s essence is not to be found even within intellectual conception — unlike the drop, which, though physical, comprises within it the essence of the soul, as the Alter Rebbe now goes on to say.
מה שאין כן, הטפה נמשך בה גם ממהות הנפש ועצמותה המלובשת במוחין
In contrast, there is also drawn into the drop something of the very essence of the soul which is clothed within the brain.
ולכן מולידה בדומה לה ממש
Hence it begets offspring precisely similar to itself, to the soul itself.
וזהו ההפרש בין עבודת המלאכים היוצאין מנשיקין
This is the difference between the divine service of angels, which are born of a spiritual kiss, and hence their divine service is likewise spiritual,
להנשמות היוצאין מהכלים
and that of souls, which issue from the “vessels” that contain an element of the “essence”, and which thus resemble the tangible product of the seminal drop which incorporates the entire essence of its source.
According to the above, however, it would seem that within the love and awe of souls as well, there should be an element of essence — whereas we learned above that the love and awe of souls are likened to the mere reflection (and not the essence) of his own illumination which a master imparts to his disciple.
The Alter Rebbe anticipates this query by explaining that since the vessels of Atzilut become a Neshamah to Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah, there are therefore two forms of issue from the soul itself: one is a radiation, which is intellectual love and fear; the other is an issue of essence, that finds expression in action-related mitzvot.
אך הכלים דאצילות נעשו נשמה לבריאה יצירה עשיה
But the vessels of Atzilut become the soul of Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah — and from this soul emanate two manners of issue.
והלכך, דחילו ורחימו שכליים הן כמלאכים דנשיקין, מהארת חיצוניות דחב״ד בבריאה יצירה עשיה
Therefore intellectual love and awe are comparable to the angels that issue from the spiritual kiss, which irradiates only the external aspect of ChaBaD — Chochmah, Binah and Daat, the three intellective Sefirot — in Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah.
Though it derives from the vessels of Atzilut, it is still not of the degree of essence.
והטעם, משום דפנימיות חב״ד ומהותו ועצמותו של אור פנימי אינו יכול להתגלות אלא על ידי הארת הכלים דוקא, היורדים למטה
The reason is that the innermost dimension of ChaBaD and the essential nature of the indwelling light (or pnimi) cannot be revealed except through the radiance of the vessels that descend below,
כטפת האדם ממוחין
as does the seminal drop of man issuing from the brain.
וכמו שכתוב: ופני לא יראו
As it is written,6 “My Face — My innermost dimension — shall not be seen.”
Not being manifest, it must therefore descend in a concealed manner, similar to the drop.
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Bereishit 36:31. |
| 2. | Devarim 8:3. |
| 3. | Bereishit 1:26. |
| 4. | Shevuot 48a, and sources cited there. |
| 5. | Tanya, ch. 2. |
| 6. | Shmot 30:23. |
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Positive Commandment 155
Sanctifying the Shabbat
"Remember the Shabbat to keep it holy"—Exodus 20:8.
We are commanded to honor the Shabbat when it enters and when it leaves by pronouncing words that proclaim the greatness and holiness of the day, and its distinctness from the weekdays that precede and follow it. This mitzvah – commonly known as kiddush and havdalah – is performed over a cup of wine.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Sanctifying the Shabbat
Positive Commandment 155
Translated by Berel Bell
The 155th mitzvah is that we are commanded to make a verbal declaration when Shabbos enters and when it leaves. We must mention the greatness and exalted character of this day, and how it is distinct from the other days of the week which precede it and follow it.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statementex1 (exalted be He), "Remember the Shabbos day to sanctify it." This means that one should commemorate it through mentioning its holiness and greatness. This is the mitzvah of Kiddush.
The Mechilta says the following: " 'Remember the Shabbos day to sanctify it,' — this means one should sanctify it through reciting a blessing." The Sages said explicitly,2 "Remember [Kiddush] over wine."
The Sages also said,3 "Sanctify it when it enters and when it leaves," [the phrase, "when it leaves"] referring to Havdalah, which is also part of our commandment to remember Shabbos.
The details of this commandment are explained in the end of tractate Pesachim4, and in many places in Berachos5 and Shabbos6.
FOOTNOTES
1.Shmos 20:8.
2.Pesachim 106a.
3.See Kapach, 5731, note 71, that the apparent source is Sh'iltos D'Rav Achai, parshas Zos HaBerachah.
4.. 106a.
5.. 51b.
6.. 150b.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Mikvaot Mikvaot - Chapter 10
• Mikvaot - Chapter 10
• Rambam - 3 Chapters: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Four, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Five, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Six
• Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Four
• Hayom Yom: Today's Hayom Yom
• Tuesday, 6 Kislev, 5777 · 6 December 2016
• "Today's Day"
• My father said that the reciting of sh'ma before retiring at night (p. 118-124) is, in miniature form, like the Confession before death. But then one leaves the marketplace permanently, and the commerce of "Today to perform them"1 is finished. With the Bedside Sh'ma every night, however, one is still in the middle of the "market" and can still accomplish and achieve.
FOOTNOTES
1.I.e. the mitzvot. See Devarim 7:11, Eiruvin 22a.
• Daily Thought:
Preconception
Standing at the cusp of existence, before its very conception, when anything could have been but nothing was; He declared, “It should be light.”
The truth of all darkness is its mandate to become light; the truth of all conscious beings is their mandate to perceive that light; the truth of all existence is to know that it emerges out of that which stands beyond existence.
“How great are Your works, O G‑d! How very deep are Your thoughts!” (Psalms 92:6)[Likutei Sichot vol. 10, pp. 7–12.]
-------
1
What is meant by an unresolved doubt regarding drawn water that our Sages ruled as pure? A mikveh about which one was unsure whether drawn water fell into it. Or even if one was certain that drawn water fell into it, but was in doubt whether there were three lugim or not. Or even when one was certain that there were three lugim of drawn water, but there was a doubt whether the mikveh into which the water fell contained 40 se'ah or not. In all instances, the mikveh is acceptable.
א
ספק מים שאובין שטהרו חכמים כיצד מקוה שנסתפק לו אם נפלו לתוכו מים שאובים או לא ואפילו ידע בודאי שנפלו ספק יש בהן שלשת לוגין ספק אין בהן ואפילו ידע בודאי שיש בהן שלשת לוגין ספק שהיה במקוה שנפלו בו ארבעים סאה ספק לא היה הרי זה כשר:
2
The following law applies when there are two mikveot, one containing 40 se'ah and one containing a lesser amount. Three lugim of drawn water fell into one of them, but it is not known into which they fell. Because of the doubt, we rule that the acceptable mikveh is pure, because there is a factor on which one can rely.
If they both contained less than 40 se'ah and three lugim fell into one of them, they are both disqualified, because there is no factor on which one can rely. If the drawn water fell into one, it would be disqualified and if it fell into the other, it would be disqualified.
ב
שני מקואות אחד יש בו ארבעים סאה ואחד אין בו נפלו שלשת לוגין מים שאובין לאחד מהן ואין ידוע לאיזה מהן נפלו ספיקו טהור מפני שיש לו במה יתלה היו שניהן פחותין מארבעים סאה ונפלו לאחד מהן ואין ידוע לאיזה מהן כל אחד משניהן פסול שאין לו במה יתלה אם לזה נפלו נפסל ואם לזה נפלו נפסל:
3
When one left a mikveh empty, and returned and found it full, it is acceptable, for there is an unresolved doubt whether the water for this mikveh was drawn.
ג
מקוה שהניחו ריקן ובא ומצאו מלא כשר מפני שזה ספק מים שאובין למקוה זה:
4
When a pipe carried water into a mikveh, but there is a mill next to it, if there is a doubt whether water flowed into the mikveh from the pipe or from the mill, it is unacceptable, because the disqualifying factor is evident. If, however, the mikveh contains a majority of acceptable water, it is acceptable because the doubt involves drawn water and there is an acceptable mikveh whose presence had been established.
ד
צינור שמקלח למקוה והמכתשת נתונה בצדו ספק מן הצינור למקוה ספק מן המכתשת למקוה הרי זה פסול מפני שהפסול מוכח ואם יש במקוה רובו מים כשרים הרי זה כשר שזה ספק מים שאובים הוא שהרי יש שם מקוה כשר קבוע:
5
All of the mikveot found in the lands of the nations are invalid for immersion, for we operate under the presumption that the water is drawn. All of the mikveot found in Eretz Yisrael, in the cities, within the gates are assumed to be invalid, because the inhabitants of the cities wash their garments in them and pour drawn water into them at all times. All of the mikveot found in Eretz Yisrael outside the gates of a city are presumed to be pure. For it is assumed that they came from rainwater.
ה
כל המקואות הנמצאים בארץ העמים פסולין שחזקתן שאובין וכל המקואות הנמצאים בארץ ישראל במדינות לפנים מן המפתח בחזקת פסולין שאנשי המדינה מכבסים בהן ומטילין לתוכן מים שאובים תמיד וכל המקואות הנמצאים בארץ ישראל חוץ למפתח בחזקת טהרה שחזקתן מן הגשמים:
6
In all the following situations, when an impure person descends to purify himself and:
a) there is a doubt whether he immersed or did not immerse,
b) even if it was known that he immersed, but there is a doubt whether the mikveh contained 40 se'ah or not, or
c) there were two mikveot, one containing 40 se'ah and one that did not contain 40 se'ah, he immersed in one of them and did not know in which one he immersed, he is impure because of the doubt. The rationale is that we presume that the impure person is impure until it is certain that he immersed in the proper manner.
Similarly, if a mikveh was measured and it was discovered that it did not contain the required amount of water, whether the mikvehwas located in the public domain or a private domain, all of the pure articles that were immersed in it are considered as impure retroactively until a time when it was measured and it was complete.
When does the above apply? When the immersion was intended to purify the person or the article from severe impurity. When, however, the immersion was because of a light impurity, e.g., one ate impure foods or drank impure beverages, his head and the majority of his body entered drawn water, or three lugim of drawn water fell on his head and on the majority of his body, since the primary aspect of these types of impurity are Rabbinical in origin, he is pure despite the doubt, as we explained. Even though the person is in doubt whether he immersed or not, the mikveh in which he immersed was discovered to be lacking afterwards, or other doubts of this nature arise, he is pure.
ו
הטמא שירד לטבול ספק טבל ספק לא טבל ואפילו טבל ספק יש בו ארבעים סאה ספק אין בו שני מקואות אחד יש בו ארבעים סאה ואחד אין בו וטבל באחד מהן ואין ידוע באיזה מהן טבל ספיקו טמא לפי שהטמא בחזקתו עד שיוודע שטבל כראוי וכן מקוה שנמדד ונמצא חסר בין שהיה המקוה ברה"ר בין שהיה ברה"י כל הטהרות שנעשו על גביו למפרע טמאות עד שיודע זמן שנמדד בו והיה שלם במה דברים אמורים כשהיתה הטבילה מטומאה חמורה אבל אם טבל מטומאה קלה כגון שאכל אוכלין טמאין או שתה משקין טמאין או בא ראשו ורובו במים שאובין או שנפלו על ראשו ועל רובו שלשת לוגין מים שאובין הואיל ועיקר דברים אלו מדבריהן הרי ספיקו טהור כמו שביארנו ואף על פי שנסתפק לו אם טבל או לא טבל או שנמצא המקוה חסר לאחר זמן וכיוצא בספיקות אלו ה"ז טהור:
7
When there were two mikveot, one kosher and one unacceptable, a person immersed in one to purify himself from a severe type of impurity, and touched pure foods, their status is questionable. If he immersed in the second mikveh as well and touched pure foods, the status of the first remains questionable as before and the second ones are pure. If these two batches of foods touch each other, the status of the first remain questionable and the second should be consigned to fire. This ruling also applies if in the interim he contracted impurity from a light source of impurity, as we explained, immersed in the second mikveh and touched pure foods.
If, however, he immersed in one of the mikveot because of a light impurity and then touched pure foods and then contracted a severe type of impurity, immersed in the second, and then touched pure foods, the first batch are pure and the status of the second is questionable. If these two batches of foods touch each other, the first should be consigned to fire and the status of the second remains the same as before.
The following rules apply if one of two mikveot contained 40 se'ahof acceptable water and the other was filled entirely with drawn water and two people immersed in them without knowing which one immersed in the acceptable mikveh and which immersed in the unacceptable one. One of the two had contracted a severe type of impurity and one had contracted a light type of impurity. They both touched pure foods. The status of the foods touched by the one who immersed because of a severe type of impurity is questionable, but those touched by the one who immersed because of the light type of impurity are pure.
In the situation described in the above clause, if one person was impure and descended to immerse and the other was pure and descended merely to cool off, pure foods touched by the one who descended to immerse in one of them are of questionable status, as we explained. And the one who descended to cool off is pure as he was previously. The rationale is that this is a doubt concerning drawn water, for the question is: perhaps he immersed in the pool of drawn water when he cooled off and thus contracted impurity.
ז
שני מקואות אחד כשר ואחד פסול וטבל באחד מהן מטומאה חמורה ועשה טהרות הרי אלו תלויות טבל בשני ועשה טהרות הראשונות תלויות כשהיו והשניות טהורות ואם נגעו אלו באלו ראשונות תלויות ושניות ישרפו וכן אם נטמא באמצע טומאה קלה שביארנו וטבל בשני ועשה טהרות אבל אם טבל באחד מהן מטומאה קלה ועשה טהרות ונטמא טומאה חמורה וטבל בשני ועשה טהרות הראשונות טהורות והשניות תלויות ואם נגעו אלו באלו ראשונות ישרפו והשניות תלויות כשהיו היה באחד מהן ארבעים סאה ואחד כולו שאוב וטבלו בהן שנים אחד מטומאה חמורה ואחד מטומאה קלה ועשו טהרות הטובל מטומאה חמורה טהרותיו תלויות והטובל מטומאה קלה טהרותיו טהורות היה אחד טמא וירד לטבול והשני ירד להקר זה שירד לטבול באחד מהן טהרותיו תלויות כמו שביארנו וזה שירד להקר טהור כשהיה שזה ספק מים שאובין הוא שמא בשאוב טבל כשהקר ונטמא:
8
The following rules apply when there are two mikveot, each containing 20 se'ah, one of drawn water and one of acceptable water. If a person cooled off in one of them and then touched pure foods, they are considered pure. If afterwards, he cooled off in the second and touched pure foods, they should be consigned to fire. For his head and the larger greater of his body certainly entered drawn water, as we explained.
ח
שני מקואות של עשרים עשרים סאה אחד שאוב ואחד כשר הקר באחד מהן ועשה טהרות הרי אלו טהורות הקר בשני ועשה טהרות הרי אלו ישרפו שהרי ודאי בא ראשו ורובו במים שאובין כמו שביארנו:
• Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Four
1
There are activities that are forbidden on the Sabbath despite the fact that they do not resemble the [forbidden] labors, nor will they lead to [the performance of] the [forbidden] labors.1
Why then are [these activities] forbidden? Because it is written [Isaiah 58:13], "If you restrain your feet, because of the Sabbath, and [refrain] from pursuing your desires on My holy day..." and it is written [ibid.], " And you shall honor it [by refraining] from following your [ordinary] ways, attending to your wants, and speaking about [mundane] matters."
Therefore, it is forbidden for a person to go2 and tend to his [mundane] concerns on the Sabbath, or even to speak about them3- e.g., to discuss with a partner which merchandise should be sold on the morrow or which should be bought, how this building should be constructed, or which merchandise should be taken to a particular place. Speaking about all matters of this like is included in the prohibition [against] "...speaking about [mundane] matters."
It is speaking that is forbidden. Thinking [about such matters] is permitted.4
א
יש דברים שהן אסורין בשבת אף על פי שאינם דומין למלאכה ואינם מביאין לידי מלאכה. ומפני מה נאסרו משום שנאמר אם תשיב משבת רגלך עשות חפציך ביום קדשי ונאמר וכבדתו מעשות דרכיך ממצוא חפצך ודבר דבר. לפיכך אסור לאדם להלך בחפציו בשבת ואפילו לדבר בהן כגון שידבר עם שותפו מה ימכור למחר או מה יקנה או היאך יבנה בית זה ובאי זה סחורה ילך למקום פלוני. כל זה וכיוצא בו אסור שנאמר ודבר דבר דבור אסור הרהור מותר:
2
It is forbidden for a person to check his gardens and fields on the Sabbath to see what they require or to see how their fruit is growing, for this involves going to "pursue your desires."5
ב
אסור לאדם לפקוד גנותיו ושדותיו בשבת כדי לראות מה הן צריכין או היאך הן פירותיהן. שהרי זה מהלך לעשות חפצו. וכן אסור לאדם שיצא בשבת עד סוף התחום וישב שם עד שתחשך כדי שיהיה קרוב לעשות חפציו במוצאי שבת. שהרי נמצא הלוכו בשבת לעשות חפציו:
3
When does the above apply? When one goes to the end of the Sabbath boundary to wait until nightfall to perform an activity that is forbidden on the Sabbath itself. It is, however, permitted to [go to the boundary and] wait until nightfall in order to perform a task that is permitted on the Sabbath.
What is implied? We may not go to the boundary and wait until nightfall in order to bring produce that is still attached to the ground or to hire workers. One may, however, go and wait until nightfall in order to guard one's produce, since it is permitted to guard [produce] on the Sabbath.8
Similarly, one may go and wait until nightfall in order to bring an animal or fruit that has already been detached. For one calls to an animal and it will come even if it is outside the [Sabbath] boundary,9and had there been enclosures, one would have been able to bring the detached produce on the Sabbath.
ג
במה דברים אמורים בשהחשיך על התחום לעשות דבר שאסור בשבת לעשותו. אבל אם החשיך לעשות דבר שמותר לעשותו בשבת הרי זה מותר. כיצד אין מחשיכין על התחום להביא פירות מחוברין או לשכור פועלין. אבל מחשיך הוא לשמור פירות שהרי מותר לשמור בשבת. ומחשיך להביא בהמה או פירות תלושין. שהבהמה קורא לה והיא באה אף על פי שהיא חוץ לתחום. ופירות תלושין אילו היו שם מחיצות היה מותר להביאן בשבת. וכן אומר אדם לחבירו לכרך פלוני אני הולך למחר שאם היו שם בורגנים היה הולך לשם בשבת וכן כל כיוצא בזה"
4
It is permitted for a person to tell a worker whom he sees [on the Sabbath], "Stand near me in the evening."12 One may not, however, tell him, "Be prepared for me in the evening," since by doing so," the person is attending to his wants on the Sabbath.
It is forbidden to run and jump on the Sabbath, as [Isaiah, loc. cit.] states, "[Refraining] from following your [ordinary] ways" - i.e., the manner in which you walk on the Sabbath should not resemble the manner in which you walk during the week. A person may, however, descend to a cistern, pit, or cave, even if they are 100 cubits deep, climb down to drink and then climb up.
It is forbidden to speak extensively about idle matters, as it is written [ibid.], "...speaking about [mundane] matters" - i.e., the manner in which you speak on the Sabbath should not resemble the manner in which you speak during the week.13
ד
מותר לאדם לומר לפועל הנראה שתעמוד עמי לערב. אבל לא יאמר לו היה נכון לי לערב שנמצא עושה חפצו בשבת. ואסור לרוץ ולדלג בשבת שנאמר מעשות דרכיך שלא יהא הלוכך של שבת כהלוכך של חול. ויורד אדם לבור ושיח ומערה אפילו הן מאה אמה ומטפס ויורד ושותה ומטפס ועולה. ואסור להרבות בשיחה בטלה שנאמר ודבר דבר שלא יהא דבורך של שבת כדבורך של חול:
5
It is permitted to run on the Sabbath for matters involved with a mitzvah14 - e.g., to run to the synagogue or the house of study.
We are permitted to calculate accounts associated with a mitzvah,15 to make measurements concerning a mitzvah - e.g., to measure a mikveh to see if it contains [the required] quantity,16 or a cloth to see if it is [large enough to] contract ritual impurity.17
Charity may be pledged to the poor.18 We may go to synagogues and houses of study - and even to theaters and halls of gentiles - to take care19 of matters of public interest on the Sabbath.
One may speak about arranging a marriage for a girl, or arranging study - whether the study of Torah or the study of a profession20 - for a boy.21 We may visit the sick and comfort mourners.22 A person who goes to visit a sick person should say, "It is the Sabbath [when it is forbidden] to plead;23 healing will come soon."24
One may go to the end of the Sabbath boundary to wait until nightfall to take care of the needs of a bride or to take care of the needs of a deceased person [- e.g.], to bring a coffin or shrouds.
[When involved in these matters,] one may tell [a colleague,] "Go to.... If you don't find [the required object] there, bring it from...." "If you can't find it at one hundred, bring it [even] at two hundred." [This is permitted] as long as one does not mention the [maximum] sum he is willing to pay.25
[The rationale for] all these and similar [leniencies] is that [they concern] a mitzvah. And the [verse from which the prohibitions against mundane activity is derived] states, "pursuing your desires." "Your desires" are forbidden; God's desires are permitted.
ה
מותר לרוץ בשבת לדבר מצוה כגון שירוץ לבית הכנסת או לבית המדרש. ומחשבין חשבונות של מצוה ומודדין מדידה של מצוה כגון מקוה לידע אם יש כשיעור או בגד לידע אם מקבל טומאה ופוסקין צדקה לעניים. והולכין לבתי כנסיות ולבתי מדרשות. ואפילו לטרטיאות וטרקלין של כותים. לפקח על עסקי רבים בשבת. ומשדכין על התינוקת ליארס ועל התינוק ללמדו ספר וללמדו אומנות. ומבקרין חולין ומנחמים אבלים. והנכנס לבקר את החולה אומר שבת היא מלזעוק ורפואה קרובה לבוא. ומחשיכין על התחום לפקח על עסקי כלה ועל עסקי המת להביא לו ארון ותכריכין. ואומר לו לך למקום פלוני לא מצאת שם הבא ממקום פלוני לא מצאת במנה הבא במאתים. ובלבד שלא יזכיר לו סכום מקח. שכל אלו וכיוצא בהן מצוה הן ונאמר עשות חפציך וכו' חפציך אסורין חפצי שמים מותרין:
6
One may set out on a ship on the Mediterranean Sea on Friday for the sake of the fulfillment of a mitzvah.26 One [must] make an agreement with [the captain] to halt [the journey] on the Sabbath. If, [however,] he does not halt [the journey, it is of no consequence].27
We may nullify28 vows on the Sabbath, both vows that must be nullified for the sake of the Sabbath and vows whose nullification is not related to the Sabbath.29 One may ask a wise man to absolve [a person] of a vow if this is necessary for the sake of the Sabbath.30This is possible despite the fact that the person had the opportunity to have [himself] absolved [of the vow] before the Sabbath. [This license is granted] because all of the above matters concern a mitzvah.
ו
מפליגין בים הגדול בערב שבת לדבר מצוה ופוסק עמו לשבות ואינו שובת. ומפירין נדרים בשבת בין לצורך שבת בין שלא לצורך שבת. ונשאלין לחכם על הנדרים שהן לצורך השבת ומתירין אף על פי שהיה להן פנאי להתירן קודם השבת שדברים אלו מצוה הן:
7
Punishments may not be administered [by the court] on the Sabbath. Although [administering] punishment fulfills a positive command [of the Torah], the observance of a positive commandment does not supersede [the observance of] the Sabbath [laws].
What is implied? A person who was sentenced to be lashed or executed by [the court] should not be lashed or executed on the Sabbath, as [Exodus 35:3] states: "Do not kindle a fire in all of your dwellings on the Sabbath."31 This [verse serves as] a warning to the court not to [execute a person by] burning on the Sabbath. The same principle applies regarding other punishments [administered by the court].32
ז
אין עונשין בשבת אף על פי שהעונש מצות עשה אינה דוחה שבת. כיצד הרי שנתחייב בבית דין מלקות או מיתה אין מלקין אותו ואין ממיתין אותו בשבת שנאמר לא תבערו אש בכל מושבותיכם ביום השבת זו אזהרה לבית דין שלא ישרפו בשבת מי שנתחייב שריפה והוא הדין לשאר עונשין:
8
A person is permitted to guard his produce on the Sabbath regardless of whether it is detached from the earth or not. If another person comes to take it, or an animal or a wild beast comes to eat it, he may shout at them and beat them to drive them away.
[One might ask:] This involves tending to one's own concerns. Why is it permitted? Because33 one is prohibited only against acquiring new property that one does not possess, earning a wage, making a profit, or seeking to accrue [new] benefits. It is, however, permitted for a person to protect the interests that he already possesses. To what can this be compared? To locking one's house [to prevent] thieves [from entering].
ח
מותר לאדם לשמור פירותיו בשבת בין תלושים בין מחוברין. ואם בא אדם ליטול מהן או בהמה וחיה לאכול מהן גוער בהן ומכה בהם ומרחיקן. והלא דבר זה מחפציו הוא ולמה הוא מותר. מפני שלא נאסר אלא לקנות לעצמו חפצים שאינן עתה מצויים או להשתכר ולהרויח ולהטפל בהנאה שתבוא לידו. אבל לשמור ממונו שכבר בא לידו עד שיעמוד כמות שהוא מותר הא למה זה דומה לנועל ביתו מפני הגנבים:
9
A person who protects his grains from birds or who protects his cucumbers and squash from beasts should not clap his hands and dance as he does during the week. [This is] a decree, [instituted] lest one pick up a pebble and throw it four cubits in the public domain.34
ט
המשמר זרעיו מפני העופות ומקשאיו ומדלעיו מפני החיה לא יספק ולא ירקד כדרך שעושה בחול גזירה שמא יטול צרור ויזרוק ארבע אמות ברשות הרבים:
10
All the actions that are forbidden as [part of the category of] sh'vut are not forbidden beyn hash'mashot,35[between sunset and the appearance of the stars].36 They are forbidden only on the Sabbath itself, and they are permitted during beyn hash'mashot,37 provided that [the activity] is necessary because of a mitzvah or a pressing matter.38
What is implied? During beyn hash'mashot it is permitted to climb a tree39 or to swim across water40 to bring a lulav or a shofar. Similarly, one may take an eruv that one has made down from a tree or out from a carmelit.41
Similarly, if one is concerned, anxious, and pressed concerning a matter, [an activity forbidden as] a sh'vut is permitted during beyn hash'mashot. If, however, the matter is not pressing, nor does it concern a mitzvah, it is forbidden. Therefore, one may not tithe produce that definitely has not been tithed,42 although the prohibition against tithing produce on the Sabbath was instituted as a sh'vut.43 One may, however, tithe produce of which one is unsure whether or not it has been tithed.44
י
כל הדברים שהן אסורין משום שבות לא גזרו עליהן בין השמשות אלא בעצמו של יום שהן אסורין אבל בין השמשות מותרין. והוא שיהיה שם דבר מצוה או דוחק. כיצד מותר לו בין השמשות לעלות באילן או לשוט על פני המים להביא לולב או שופר. וכן מוריד מן האילן או מוציא מן הכרמלית עירוב שעשה. וכן אם היה טרוד ונחפז ונצרך לדבר שהוא משום שבות בין השמשות הרי זה מותר. אבל אם לא היה שם דוחק ולא דבר מצוה אסור. לפיכך אין מעשרין את הודאי בין השמשות אף על פי שאיסור הפרשת המעשר בשבת משום שבות. אבל מעשרים את הדמאי:
11
When a minor performs an activity on the Sabbath that is forbidden as a sh'vut - e.g., he plucks from [a plant growing in] a flower pot that does not have a hole, or he carries in a carmelit- the court is not obligated to prevent him from doing so. Similarly, if his father allows him to act in this manner, [the father] need not be rebuked.45
יא
קטן שעשה בשבת דבר שהוא משום שבות כגון שתלש מעציץ שאינו נקוב או טלטל בכרמלית אין בית דין מצווין להפרישו. וכן אם הניחו אביו אין ממחין בידו:
12
The Sages forbade the carrying of certain objects on the Sabbath in the same manner as [one carries] during the week. Why was this prohibition instituted?46 [Our Sages] said: If the prophets warned that the manner in which a person walks on the Sabbath should not resemble the manner in which he walks during the week, and similarly, one's conversation on the Sabbath should not resemble one's conversation during the week, as it is written, "[refraining from]... speaking about [mundane] matters," surely the manner in which one carries on the Sabbath should not resemble the manner in which one carries during the week.
In this manner, no one will regard [the Sabbath] as an ordinary weekday and lift up and repair articles, [carrying them] from room to room, or from house to house, or set aside stones and the like. [These restrictions are necessary] for since the person is idle and sitting at home, [it is likely that] he will seek something with which to occupy himself. 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."47
יב
אסרו חכמים לטלטל מקצת דברים בשבת כדרך שהוא עושה בחול. ומפני מה נגעו באיסור זה. אמרו ומה אם הזהירו נביאים וצוו שלא יהיה הילוכך בשבת כהילוכך בחול ולא שיחת השבת כשיחת החול שנאמר ודבר דבר קל וחומר שלא יהיה טלטול בשבת כטלטול בחול כדי שלא יהיה כיום חול בעיניו ויבוא להגביה ולתקן כלים מפינה לפינה או מבית לבית או להצניע אבנים וכיוצא בהן שהרי הוא בטל ויושב בביתו ויבקש דבר שיתעסק בו ונמצא שלא שבת ובטל הטעם שנאמר בתורה למען ינוח:
13
Furthermore, when one searches for and carries articles that are used for a forbidden activity, it is possible that one will use them and thus be motivated to perform a [forbidden] labor.
[Another reason for this prohibition is] that there are some people who are not craftsmen and are always idle - e.g., tourists and those that stand on the street corners. These individuals never perform labor. Were they to be allowed to walk, talk, and carry as they do during the week, the result would be that their cessation of activity on [the Sabbath] would not be discernible. For this reason, [our Sages instituted] refraining from such activities,48 for the cessation of such activities is universally applicable.
יג
ועוד כשיבקר ויטלטל כלים שמלאכתן לאיסור אפשר שיתעסק בהן מעט ויבא לידי מלאכה. ועוד מפני שמקצת העם אינם בעלי אומניות אלא בטלין כל ימיהן כגון הטיילין ויושבי קרנות שכל ימיהן הן שובתים ממלאכה ואם יהיה מותר להלך ולדבר ולטלטל כשאר הימים נמצא שלא שבת שביתה הניכרת. לפיכך שביתה מדברים אלו היא שביתה השוה בכל אדם. ומפני דברים אלו נגעו באיסור הטלטול. ואסרו שלא יטלטל אדם בשבת אלא כלים הצריך להם כמו שיתבאר
FOOTNOTES
1.
As stated in Chapter 21, Halachah 1, these two reasons are the source for the prohibitions placed in the category of sh'vut.
2.
This restriction stems from the fact that the verse mentions, "Restraining your feet."
3.
Rabbenu Asher, in his gloss on Shabbat150a, associates this prohibition with discussing matters that are forbidden to be performed on the Sabbath itself. This thrust is reflected in the decisions of Shulchan Aruch HaRav 307:1 and the Mishnah Berurah 307:1.
The Rambam mentions these principles in Halachah 3. In this context, it can be noted that all the examples the Rambam gives in this halachah reflect activities forbidden on the Sabbath.
4.
For the verse specifically mentions speech, thus excluding thought from the prohibition. Nevertheless, as the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 306:8) emphasizes, "It is a mitzvah not to think of these matters at all. Instead, one's attitude should be that all of one's work has been completed."
5.
According to the later authorities, this prohibition applies only when it is obvious that one's intent is to take care of one's own needs. If, however, it appears that one is merely taking a pleasure stroll, there is no prohibition (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 306:2; Mishnah Berurah 306:1). See, however, the notes on the following halachah.
6.
2000 cubits from one's place at the commencement of the Sabbath. (See Chapter 27, where this concept is discussed at length.)
The Maggid Mishneh states that by mentioning "the end of the Sabbath boundary," the Rambam alludes to a concept stated by Tosafot (Shabbat 150a) - i.e., that if one's field is within the Sabbath boundary, there is no difficulty and one may walk to it on the Sabbath so that one can begin work on Saturday night. If the field is at the end of the Sabbath boundary, it is obvious that one is walking to proceed to one's field. When the field is within the Sabbath limits, by contrast, it is not obvious that one's intent is to perform forbidden labor.
Although the Shulchan Aruch 307:9 quotes this law, the Magen Avraham 307:13 questions the rationale, for the verse from Isaiah quoted above appears to prohibit walking to facilitate the performance of any activity forbidden on the Sabbath, regardless of the appearance created.
7.
As explained in the following halachah, this refers to a task that is prohibited on the Sabbath itself.
8.
See Halachah 8.
9.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim306:1), which states that this refers only to an animal that is able to walk on its own. If the animal is too young to walk on its own, it is forbidden to go and wait for it, since even if there were houses, one would be forbidden to carry the animal, because of the prohibition of muktzeh.
10.
One may not, however, say, "I am riding," for riding is forbidden on the Sabbath (Mishnah Berurah 307:30).
11.
Similarly, he may ask the colleague to accompany him (Maggid Mishneh, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 307:8).
12.
Although both the employer and the employee understand the implication, since the employer is not making a direct statement - but merely an allusion - this is permitted. The Maggid Mishneh associates this with the concept mentioned at the conclusion of the first halachah: speaking about forbidden matters is prohibited, but not thought. Since no forbidden matters are discussed, the fact that they are implied is of no consequence.
13.
The Ramah (Orach Chayim 307:1) mentions that a person who enjoys talking about news and matters of this nature may engage in such discussions on the Sabbath, since this brings him pleasure. Needless to say, Torah scholars are encouraged to direct their attention to loftier matters (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 307:2).
14.
The Maggid Mishneh equates activities which involve a mitzvah with matters of communal interest. He emphasizes that it is only the prohibitions against involvement with mundane matters that are relaxed because of the performance of a mitzvah. Other prohibitions - e.g., telling a gentile to perform a forbidden activity, or performing an act that resembles or that may lead to the performance of a forbidden labor (i.e., shvut) - are never relaxed, even for the sake of a mitzvah .
As the Rambam mentions (Chapter 6, Halachot 9-10), the prohibition against instructing a gentile to perform an act that is forbidden as a sh'vut is relaxed when a mitzvah is involved, but only when the prohibition is Rabbinic in origin.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 307:5) mentions an opinion permitting us to instruct a gentile to perform a forbidden act for matters of serious communal need, and also a more stringent opinion, that even forbids giving a gentile such instructions. The Ramah also notes a more lenient approach that allows one to tell a gentile to perform a task forbidden by the Torah. In practice, the Rambam's view, as interpreted by the Maggid Mishneh, is accepted by most authorities except in cases where a great loss is involved. In those instances, the leniency mentioned by the Shulchan Aruch is accepted.
15.
The Magen Avraham 306:10 gives as an example, calculating the cost of a feast associated with a mitzvah.
16.
A mikveh must contain 40 seah to be halachically acceptable.
17.
As mentioned in Hilchot Keilim, Chapter 22, a piece of cloth is susceptible to contracting ritual impurity only if it is of a specific size. There are different sizes, depending on the type of cloth.
18.
Or for the benefit of a synagogue or other charitable cause.
19.
From the discussion of this matter by the later Rabbis, it appears that this phrase has two meanings: a) to examine and inspect a situation where the communal interest is involved; b) to plan out a course of action to deal with questions of this nature, and even to execute that plan, provided the only prohibition being violated is involvement in mundane affairs - for example, to speak to the gentile communal authorities.
20.
For earning one's livelihood is a mitzvah of great esteem. (See also Hilchot Matnot Ani'im 10:18 and the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Avot 4:5.)
21.
The details of financial arrangements involved in the marriage or the instructions should not, however, be discussed on the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim306:6).
22.
See Shabbat 12b, which states that permission to visit the sick and comfort mourners on the Sabbath was granted "with difficulty," because it runs contrary to the mood of pleasure that should characterize the Sabbath (Rashi). Significantly, the treatment of this subject in Shulchan Aruch HaRav 287:1-3 appears to reflect a different emphasis from that of the Rambam.
23.
In this context, note one of the Rambam's responsa (208), which emphasizes the importance of refraining from reciting any prayers containing requests whether of a communal or an individual nature on the Sabbath or on festivals.
24.
As the Rambam writes in Hilchot Eivel 14:6, one of the fundamental aspects of the mitzvah of visiting the sick is to arouse divine mercy on their behalf. Nevertheless, since it is forbidden to plead on the Sabbath, one makes a statement that acknowledges God's kindness. The phrase cited by the Rambam is also used as the basis of the Mi Sheberach prayers recited for a sick person in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
25.
Our translation is based on the commentary of the Maggid Mishneh, which is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 306:3).
26.
As the Rambam mentions in Chapter 30, Halachah 13, generally one is not allowed to set out on a sea journey less than three days before the Sabbath so that one will have already acclimated oneself to the travails of sea travel by the Sabbath. Nevertheless, because of the person's involvement in the performance of a mitzvah, this restriction is waived.
27.
The later authorities maintain that particularly because a mitzvah is involved, if the gentile does not agree to halt the journey at the outset, one need not refrain from traveling with him (Mishnah Berurah248:2).
28.
The Torah gives a husband and a father the right to nullify vows made by his wife and daughter. (See Numbers, Chapter 30.)
29.
The reason that all vows may be nullified on the Sabbath is that a vow can be nullified by a husband or father only on the day that he hears it. Therefore, if he were not able to nullify it on the Sabbath, he would never be able to nullify it in the future. To preserve this right, our Sages did not forbid nullifying vows on the Sabbath (Maggid Mishneh).
30.
In this instance, only the vows that are necessary to be absolved for the sake of the Sabbath may be absolved on the Sabbath, since there is nothing preventing one from absolving the other vows on the following day (Maggid Mishneh).
31.
Sefer HaMitzvot (Negative Commandment 322) and Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 114) count this commandment as one of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
Note the Magen Avraham 339:3, which questions the Rambam's statements, asking why lashes that do not involve the violation of the Sabbath laws ares included in this prohibition. He explains that it is inevitable that the administration of lashes will result in bleeding.
Alternatively, the commandment teaches us that no cases of this nature may be judged on the Sabbath. The Minchat Chinuch(Mitzvah 114) favors this answer, for it also resolves another problem: Why is this restriction given the status of a separate mitzvah? Since the principle that the observance of a positive commandment does not supersede the observance of the Sabbath laws is already known, why is it necessary for the Torah to give us this commandment?
32.
In his gloss on the Mishneh Torah, Rabbi Akiva Eiger notes that there is a principle that a person who refrains from performing a positive commandment should be beaten until he agrees to perform it. Since these blows are not given as punishment, but rather as a prod to motivate the person to observe the commandments, they may be administered on the Sabbath.
33.
The Maggid Mishneh states that this explanation is an original thought developed by the Rambam.
34.
The Tzafenat Paneach notes that when considering the minimum size of a pebble one is liable for carrying, Shabbat 81a mentions two opinions: a pebble large enough to throw at an animal and a pebble large enough to throw at a bird. He questions why in Chapter 18, Halachah 11, the Rambam follows the opinion that requires a pebble large enough to throw at an animal, when in this halachah the Rambam mentions a purpose to be served by a pebble large enough to scare away a bird.
In resolution, the Tzafenat Paneachexplains that a pebble large enough to scare away a bird can serve a purpose as mentioned in this halachah. Nevertheless, as stated in Shabbat 79a, a person will not take the trouble of carrying an article that is tiny. Hence, the minimum measure for which one is liable for carrying must be more substantial.
35.
Note the Mishnah Berurah 342:1, which states that this applies only when a person has not accepted the Sabbath. If, however, the person or the community in which he is living has accepted the Sabbath, these activities are forbidden even if a mitzvah is involved.
36.
See Chapter 5, Halachah 4, which states that, "There is a doubt whether beyn hash'mashot is considered as part of the day or as part of the night." Although, as mentioned there, we act stringently regarding the observance of Torah prohibitions during this time, certain leniencies are granted regarding Rabbinic prohibitions, as the Rambam explains.
37.
See S'deh Chemed (K'lalim, Pe'at HaSadeh2:2) and others, who question whether or not the leniencies mentioned by the Rambam apply both beyn hash'mashot on Friday and beyn hash'mashot on Saturday. There is room to differentiate between them, because during beyn hash'mashot on Friday, the prohibition against these activities has not yet taken effect. On Saturday evening, by contrast, since the prohibitions have been in effect throughout the Sabbath, one might think that they need not be relaxed until the Sabbath has definitely concluded. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 342:1 rules that one may follow the more lenient view. See also the Be'ur Halachah 342 who mentions this issue.
38.
Significantly, most manuscript copies of the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 3:3) state that the prohibitions in the category of sh'vut do not apply during beyn hash'mashot, without mentioning the qualification that the matter must be pressing or involve a mitzvah. In one of his responsa (Birkat Avraham, Responsum 14), Rabbenu Avraham, the Rambam's son, explains that the Rambam changed his perspective when composing the Mishneh Torah and adopted a more stringent view than he had originally held.
39.
This is forbidden as a sh'vut, as stated in Chapter 21, Halachah 6.
40.
This is forbidden as a sh'vut, as stated in Chapter 23, Halachah 5.
41.
This refers to an eruv t'chumim (which allows a person to extend his Sabbath boundary), as stated in Hilchot Eruvin 6:9-10. Hilchot Eruvin 6:13, the Rambam states that during beyn hash'mashot, only an eruv chatzerot (which allows a person to carry in an enclosed area) may be made, but not an eruv t'chumim). The present ruling does not, however, represent a change of opinion. It is referring to an instance where the eruv was made before the commencement of the Sabbath, and the person merely desired to move it on the Sabbth.
42.
Note the Birkat Avraham, loc. cit.,, which states that, even though tithing is itself a mitzvah, there is no obligation to tithe at a particular time. Here, the intent is that carrying out the activity beyn hash'mashotwill allow the performance of a mitzvah that could not otherwise be performed. If that is true regarding tithing produce that definitely has not been tithed - e.g., to provide one with food for the Sabbath - one may separate tithes beyn hash'mashot.
43.
As mentioned in Chapter 23, Halachot 9 and 14.
44.
See Chapter 23, Halachah 15. Although tithing this produce involves a shvut and there is no mitzvah involved, this tithing is permitted, because the prohibition against using the produce is not that severe.
45.
The Rambam's rulings here have aroused the attention of the commentaries. To understand his perspective, it is worthy to quote Chapter 12, Halachah 7:
Should a child desire to extinguish [a fire], he should not be allowed if he is acting on his father's behalf. If he is acting on his own initiative, the court is not obligated to restrain him.
Relevant concepts are also reflected in the Rambam's rulings, Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 17:27- 28:
[When] a minor eats a forbidden food or performs a [forbidden] labor on the Sabbath, the court is not obligated to restrain him, for he is not of intellectual maturity.When does the above apply? When [the child] acts on his own initiative. We may not, however, feed him [forbidden food] ourselves. This applies even to foods that are forbidden because of Rabbinic decree. Similarly, it is forbidden to accustom him to desecrating the Sabbath, even regarding matters that are forbidden as a sh'vut.Although the court is not obligated to restrain a child [from eating forbidden foods], the [child's] father is obligated to rebuke him... to train him [to conduct himself] in a holy manner.
According to the Rambam, the court is never obligated to restrain a child from performing a prohibited act, regardless of whether it originates from the Torah itself, or from Rabbinic decree. The child's father, however, is obligated to educate him. If the father fails to do so, the court should rebuke the father if he allows his child to violate prohibitions that stem from the Torah. If, however, the prohibitions stem from Rabbinic law, the court is not obligated to rebuke the father.
This explanation of the Rambam's approach is based on the statements of Rav Yosef Karo in the Kessef Mishneh and on his rulings in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 343:1). The Ramah (based on Tosafot, Shabbat 121a) introduces a different perspective: that when a child has reached an age when it is fit to educate him in the performance of the mitzvot, the obligation to educate him falls on the court as well. Therefore, they are obligated to restrain him from transgressing Jewish law.
46.
In this and in the following halachah, the Rambam sets the conceptual basis for the prohibitions described as muktzeh. The particular laws that result from these principles are described in the following two chapters.
47.
See the notes on the beginning of Chapter 21, which use this halachah as a support for the principle that the positive commandment to rest on the Sabbath is more than just a restatement of the negative commandment not to perform forbidden labor.
48.
Walking, talking, and carrying.
49.
The three reasons mentioned by the Rambam are the product of his own original thought. The Ra'avad notes that the Talmud (Shabbat 124b) mentions a further reason: lest one come to carry articles from one domain to another.
The Maggid Mishneh explains that the Rambam did not intend to negate the reason mentioned by the Talmud. Nevertheless, as Shabbat 123b mentions, the prohibition originally instituted was partially relaxed. The reasons why it was not relaxed entirely are stated by the Rambam.
50.
The Rambam's wording implies that it is forbidden for a person to carry an article unless his act is purposeful. (See Chapter 25, Halachah 3 regarding which purposes are acceptable.) One may not carry a utensil, even one that is used for a permitted activity, without a purpose. (See also the gloss of the Maggid Mishneh on that halachah.)
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Five
1
There are utensils that are used for permitted purposes - i.e., a utensil that may be used on the Sabbath for the same purpose for which it is used during the week - e.g., a cup to drink from, a bowl to eat from, a knife to cut meat or bread, a hatchet to crack open nuts,1 and the like.
א
יש כלי שמלאכתו להיתר והוא הכלי שמותר לעשות בו בשבת דבר שנעשה לו בחול. כגון כוס לשתות בו וקערה לאכול בה וסכין לחתוך בו בשר ופת וקורנס לפצוע בו אגוזים וכיוצא בהן:
2
There are utensils that are used for forbidden purposes - i.e., a utensil that is forbidden to be used on the Sabbath for the same purpose that it is [ordinarily] used - e.g., a grinder, a mill, and the like - for it is forbidden to crush or grind on the Sabbath.
ב
ויש כלי שמלאכתו לאיסור והוא הכלי שאסור לעשות בו בשבת דבר שנעשה בו. כגון מכתשת וריחים וכיוצא בהן שאסור לכתוש ולטחון בשבת:
3
All utensils used for purposes that are permitted may be carried on the Sabbath, whether they are made of wood, earthenware, stone, or metal. [They may be moved] for the sake of the utensil, for the use of the place [it occupies], or to use it [for a purpose that is permitted].2
All utensils used for purposes that are forbidden, whether they are made of wood, earthenware, stone, or metal may be moved [with certain restrictions]. [Such a utensil may be moved] for the use of the place [it occupies], or to use it [for a purpose that is permitted]. It is, however, forbidden [to move it] for its own sake.3
ג
כל כלי שמלאכתו להיתר בין היה של עץ או של חרס או של אבן או של מתכת מותר לטלטלו בשבת. בין בשביל עצמו של כלי בין לצורך מקומו בין לצורך גופו. וכל כלי שמלאכתו לאיסור בין היה של עץ או של חרס או של אבנים או של מתכת מותר לטלטלו בשבת בין לצורך גופו בין לצורך מקומו אבל בשביל עצמו של כלי אסור:
4
What is implied? One may move a wooden bowl to eat from it, to sit in the place [where it is located], or so that it will not be stolen. The latter is [what is meant by the expression] "for the sake of [the utensil] itself."
Similarly, [a utensil] may be taken out of the sun so that it will not become parched and break. It may also be removed from the rain so that it will not become saturated with water and deteriorate. These are considered "for the sake of [the utensil] itself" and are permitted, since the tasks performed with this utensil are permitted.
ד
כיצד מטלטל הוא את הקערה של עץ לאכול בה או לישב במקומה או כדי שלא תגנב. וזה הוא בשביל עצמה. וכן אם טלטל אותה מן החמה כדי שלא תתייבש ותשבר או מן הגשמים כדי שלא תתפח ותפסד הרי זה מטלטל בשביל עצמה ומותר מפני שמלאכתה להיתר:
5
Similarly, one may move a mill or a grinder4 in order to crack nuts open on it5 or to climb up to a couch on it. This is [what is meant by the expression] "to use it [for a purpose that is permitted]."
[Similarly, one may move it] to sit in the place where it is located. One may not, however, move it so that it will not break, so that it will not be stolen, or the like.
ה
וכן מטלטל הוא הריחים או המכתשת לשבר עליה אגוזים או לעלות עליה למטה. וזה הוא לצורך גופו או לישב במקומו. אבל אינו מטלטלה כדי שלא תשבר ולא כדי שלא תגנב וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
6
Any entity that is not a utensil - e.g., stones, money, rods, beams, and the like - is forbidden to be carried.6[Nevertheless,] even a large stone or a large beam that requires ten people to carry it, if it is deemed a utensil7 it may be carried.8
ו
וכל שאינו כלי כגון אבנים ומעות וקנים וקורות וכיוצא בהן אסור לטלטלן. אבן גדולה או קורה גדולה אף על פי שהיא ניטלת בעשרה בני אדם אם יש תורת כלי עליה מטלטלים אותה. דלתות הבית אע"פ שהן כלים לא הוכנו לטלטל לפיכך אם נתפרקו אפילו בשבת אין מטלטלין אותן. וכן העפר והחול והמת אין מזיזין אותן ממקומן. ובן שמנה חי הרי הוא כאבן ואסור לטלטלו:
7
It is permitted to carry a utensil to perform tasks other than those for which it is intended to be used. What is implied? One may take a hammer to crack nuts, a hatchet to cut a dried fig, a saw to cut cheese, a rake to collect dried figs, a winnowing shovel or a pitchfork to feed a child, a spindle or a weaver's shuttle to pierce with, a sack-maker's needle to pick a lock,13 or a mill-stone to sit on.14 The same principle applies in other similar situations.
ז
מותר לטלטל הכלי אפילו שלא לצורך תשמישו אלא לעשות בו מלאכה שלא נעשה לתשמישה. כיצד נוטל אדם קורנס לפצוע בו אגוזים. קורדום לחתוך בו דבילה. מגירה לגרר בה את הגבינה. מגרפה לגרוף בה את הגרוגרות. את הרחת ואת המזלג לתת עליו אוכל לקטן. את הכוש ואת הכרכר לתחוב בו. מחט של סקאין לפתוח בו את הדלת. את המכתשת לישב עליה וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
8
ח
ומטלטל אדם מחט של יד השלימה ליטול בה את הקוץ. אבל אם ניטל הקצה הנקוב שלה או הקצה החד שלה אין מטלטלין אותה. ואם היתה גולם ועדיין לא ניקבה מותר לטלטלה:
9
Whenever a person is careful [not to use] a utensil lest its value depreciate - e.g., utensils that are set aside as merchandise,18 or very expensive utensils of which one is extremely careful lest they spoil - carrying it is forbidden on the Sabbath.19 This [category] is referred to as muktzeh [lest] financial loss [be caused].
[Included in this category are] a large saw, the knife-like point of a plow, a butcher's knife, a leather-worker's knife, a carpenter's plane, a perfume-maker's mortar,20 and the like.
ט
כל כלי שמקפיד עליו שמא יפחתו דמיו כגון כלים המוקצים לסחורה וכלים היקרים ביותר שמקפיד עליהן שמא יפסדו אסור לטלטלן בשבת וזה הוא הנקרא מוקצה מחמת חסרון כיס. כגון המסר הגדול ויתד של מחרישה וסכין של טבחים וחרב של אושכפים וחצין החרשים וקורנס של בשמים וכיוצא בהן:
10
All utensils that were set aside because of [an association with] a prohibited [activity] are forbidden to be carried. For example, it is forbidden [to move] a lamp that was kindled for the Sabbath,21 a candelabra upon which a lamp was placed, or a table on which money was lying.22
[Moreover,] even if the candle is extinguished or if the money falls, [the prohibition remains intact]. Whenever an article is forbidden to be carried beyn hash'mashot [on Friday], it remains forbidden to be carried throughout the entire Sabbath23, even though the factor that caused it to become forbidden is no longer present.
י
כל כלי שהוקצה מחמת האיסור אסור לטלטלו. כגון נר שהדליקו בו בשבת והמנורה שהיה הנר עליה ושלחן שהיו עליו מעות אף על פי שכבה הנר או שנפלו המעות אסור לטלטלן. שכל כלי שהיה אסור לטלטלו בין השמשות נאסר לטלטלו כל השבת כלה אף על פי שהלך הדבר שגרם לו האיסור:
11
יא
אבל כלי המוקצה מחמת מיאוסו כגון נר ישן של נפט וכלי הצואה וכיוצא בהן מותר לטלטלן בשבת אם הוצרך להן:
12
The doors of any utensil28 that may be carried on the Sabbath - e.g., the doors of a box, a chest, or a cabinet - may themselves be carried [on the Sabbath], regardless of whether they were removed on the Sabbath or before the Sabbath.29
Similarly, whenever a utensil that can be carried on the Sabbath breaks, whether before the Sabbath or on the Sabbath,30 its broken pieces may be carried on the Sabbath, provided these pieces can be used for a purpose that resembles the purpose for which they could be used [originally].31
What is implied? The broken pieces of a kneading trough can be used to cover the opening of a jug. Broken pieces of glass can be used to cover the opening of a flask. The same rules apply in other similar situations. If, by contrast, the broken pieces are unfit for any purposeful use, it is forbidden to carry them.32
יב
כל הכלים הניטלין בשבת שנתפרקו דלתותיהן כגון דלתות שידה תיבה ומגדל בין שנתפרקו בשבת בין שנתפרקו קודם השבת מותר לטלטל אותן דלתות. וכן כל הכלים הניטלין בשבת שנשברו בין קודם השבת בין בשבת שבריהן נטלין והוא שיהיו שבריהן עושין מעין מלאכתן. כיצד שברי עריבה לכסות בהן את פי החבית. שברי זכוכית לכסות בהן את פי הפך וכן כל כיוצא בזה. אבל אם אין השברים ראויין למלאכה כלל אסור לטלטלן:
13
All the covers of utensils may be carried on the Sabbath, provided they, themselves, are considered to be utensils.33
[The following rules apply regarding] utensils that are attached to the ground - e.g., a barrel imbedded in the earth:34 If its cover has a handle, it may be carried. If not, it may not be carried. Similarly, the coverings of cisterns and ditches should not be carried35 unless they have a handle.36 The covering of an oven [by contrast] may be carried, even though it does not have a handle.37
יג
כל כסויי הכלים נטלים בשבת והוא שיש תורת כלי עליהן. היה כלי מחובר בקרקע כגון חבית הטמונה בארץ. אם יש בכיסוי שלה בית אחיזה מטלטלין אותו ואם לאו אין מטלטלין אותו. וכן כסויי הקרקעות כגון בורות וחריצין אין מטלטלין כסוי שלהן אלא אם כן יש לו בית אחיזה. כיסוי התנור אף על פי שאין לו בית אחיזה מותר לטלטלו:
14
[The following rules apply when] there are two entities, one permitted to be carried and one forbidden to be carried - one adjacent to the other, one on top of the other, or one within the other - and when one is moved the other will also be moved:38 If a person requires the article that is permitted [to be carried], he may move it, even though the forbidden article is drawn after it. If he requires to move the forbidden article, he should not move it by moving the permitted article.
יד
שני דברים אחד אסור לטלטלו ואחד מותר לטלטלו והן סמוכים זה לזה או זה על זה או זה בזה ובזמן שמטלטלין אחד מהן יטלטל השני. אם היה צריך לדבר שמותר לטלטלו מטלטלו ואף על פי שדבר האסור מיטלטל עמו. ואם צריך לטלטל דבר האסור לא יטלטלנו באותו דבר המותר:
15
What is implied? When a fig39 is buried in straw40 or a cake is lying upon coals, one may pierce them with a spindle or a weaver's shuttle and remove them, even though the straw or the coals41 will be moved on the Sabbath when one removes them.
Similarly, if a turnip or a radish42 is buried in [loose] earth and a portion of its leaves is protruding,43 one may pull out [the vegetables] on the Sabbath, even though the earth is dislodged. Conversely, however, if a loaf of bread or a child is [located] on a stone or beam, one may not carry the stone or beam because of the child or the loaf of bread.44 Similar rules apply in other analogous situations.
טו
כיצד פגה שהיתה טמונה בתבן וחררה שהיתה על גבי גחלים תוחבן בכוש או בכרכר ונוטלן ואף על פי שהתבן והגחלים ננערים בשבת בשעת נטילה. וכן לפת או צנונות שהיו טמונים בעפר ומקצת העלים מגולים שומטן בשבת בעלה שלהן ואף על פי שהעפר ננער. אבל אם היה ככר או תינוק על גבי האבן או על גבי הקורה לא יטלטל האבן או הקורה בככר או בתינוק שיש עליה וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
16
A person may pick up his son if [the son] yearns for [his father],45 despite the fact that the son is holding a stone.46This, however, is not [permitted] if [the son] is holding a dinar,47 lest it fall and the father [pick it up and] carry it.48
When a basket has a hole and a stone has been used to plug the hole,49 [the basket] may be carried, because the stone is considered as its wall.
[The following rules apply when] a basket is filled with fruit and a stone [is discovered] among the fruit:50 If the fruit is soft - e.g., grapes or berries - the basket may be carried as it is.51 If one spills out the fruit, it would be spoiled by the earth, and [our Sages] did not [apply] their decree in an instance where a loss would be caused.52
טז
נוטל אדם את בנו שיש לו געגועין עליו והאבן בידו אבל לא דינר שאם יפול הדינר יטלנו האב בידו. כלכלה שהיתה נקובה וסתם נקב שלה באבן מותר לטלטלה שהרי האבן נעשית כדופן. היתה הכלכלה מלאה פירות והאבן בתוך הפירות אם היו הפירות רטובים כגון ענבים ותותים נוטל אותה כמות שהיא שאם ינער הפירות יטנפו בעפר ובמקום הפסד לא גזרו:
17
When a person forgets a stone on the opening of a jug, he may tilt the jug to the side [so that the stone] falls.53 If the jug with the stone upon it is standing among other jugs,54 it should be lifted to another place, and then tilted to the side [so that the stone] falls. Similarly, if one forgets money on a pillow that one needs, one may shake the pillow [so that the money] falls.55 If one needs [to use] the place where the pillow [is located], one may remove the pillow [although] the money is upon it.
יז
חבית ששכח אבן על פיה מטה על צדה והיא נופלת. היתה בין החביות והאבן עליה מגביהה למקום אחר ומטה על צדה שם והאבן נופלת. וכן השוכח מעות על הכר וצריך לכר נוער את הכר והן נופלות. ואם צריך למקום הכר נוטל את הכר והמעות עליו. אבל אם הניח המעות מערב שבת על הכר או הניח האבן על פי החבית הרי אלו אסורין לטלטלן ואפילו ניטלו המעות והאבן שהרי נעשו בסיס לדבר האסור:
18
[The following rule applies to] a stone that is placed in an earthenware59 bucket [as a weight]:60 If it does not fall out when one draws water [with the bucket], it is considered part of the bucket and one is permitted to draw water with it. If not, one may not draw water with it.61 A garment that is [hanging] on a reed62may be slipped off the reed.63
יח
האבן שבקרויה אם ממלאין בה ואינה נופלת הרי היא כמקצת הקרויה ומותר למלאת בה ואם לאו אין ממלאין בה. בגד שעל הקנה שומטו מעל הקנה:
19
It is forbidden to carry produce that is forbidden to eat - e.g., produce that has not been tithed, even if the obligation to tithe is only Rabbinic,64 produce separated as the first tithe, from which terumat [ma'aser] has not been separated,65terumah that has contracted ritual impurity,66 produce separated as the second tithe67 or produce that has been consecrated68 and has not been redeemed.
יט
פירות שאסור לאכול כגון פירות שאינם מעושרין אפילו הן חייבין במעשר מדבריהם או מעשר ראשון שלא ניטלה תרומתו או תרומה טמאה או מעשר שני והקדש שלא נפדו כהלכתן אסור לטלטלן. אבל הדמאי הואיל וראוי לעניים וכן מעשר שני והקדש שפדאן אף על פי שלא נתן החומש מותר לטלטלן:
20
An Israelite is allowed to carry terumah, even though it is not appropriate for him. One may carry terumah that has contracted ritual impurity together with terumah that is pure, or together with ordinary produce, if both of them are contained in a single receptacle.71
When does the above apply? When the pure terumah is below [the impure],72 and the [terumah consists of] produce that would be soiled by the ground. Thus, if the container were overturned, it would be spoiled. If, by contrast, the produce is nuts, almonds, or the like, one must overturn the container, take the terumah and the ordinary produce, and leave the impure [terumah].
If one requires the place where the container is located, one may take all the produce at once, regardless of whether the pure [terumah] is located at the top or at the bottom.
כ
מטלטל ישראל התרומה אף על פי שאינה ראויה לו. ומטלטלין תרומה טמאה עם הטהורה או עם החולין אם היו שניהם בכלי אחד. במה דברים אמורים בשהיתה הטהורה למטה והיו פירות המתטנפין בקרקע שאם ינער אותן יפסדו. אבל אם היו אגוזים ושקדים וכיוצא בהן נוער הכלי ונוטל הטהורה או החולין ומניח הטמאה. ואם היה צריך למקום הכלי בין שהטהורה למעלה בין שהיתה למטה מטלטל הכל כאחד
21
[The following rules apply when] a person has in mind [to sit on] a row of stones73 before the commencement of the Sabbath: If he prepares them,74 he is permitted to sit on them on the morrow; if not, that is forbidden.75
When a person gathers the branches of a date palm [to use as kindling] wood, but changes his mind on Friday and decides to use them to sit on [in place of mats], he is allowed to carry them.76Similarly, if he actually sat upon them77 before the commencement of the Sabbath, it is permitted to carry them.
כא
נדבך של אבנים שחשב עליו מבעוד יום אם למדום מותר לישב עליהן למחר ואם לאו אסור. חריות של דקל שגדרן לעצים ונמלך עליהן מערב שבת לישיבה מותר לטלטלן. וכן אם ישב עליהן מבעוד יום מותר לטלטלן:
22
One may not move straw that is on a bed with one's hands;78one may, however, move it with one's body.79[Moreover,] if it is [useful as] animal fodder, one is permitted to carry it [by hand]. Similarly, if a pillow or a sheet is placed upon it, it is considered as if one had sat on it before the commencement of the Sabbath,80 and one may move it by hand.
כב
הקש שעל המטה לא ינענענו בידו אבל מנענעו בגופו. ואם הוא מאכל בהמה מותר לטלטלו. וכן אם היה עליו כר או סדין וכיוצא בהן מנענעו בידו שהרי נעשה כמי שישב עליו מבעוד יום. המכניס קופה של עפר בביתו אם ייחד לה קרן זוית מערב שבת מטלטלו בשבת ועושה בו כל צרכיו:
23
It is forbidden to negate the possibility of using a utensil, since this is comparable to destroying [it]. What is implied? A person should not place a receptacle below a lamp on the Sabbath to receive any oil that drips. For the oil in the lamp is forbidden to be carried, and when it falls into the receptacle it will cause the receptacle that had been permitted to become forbidden.84 The same applies in all analogous situations.
For this reason, a receptacle may not be placed below a chicken to receive the eggs it lays.85 One may, however, cover [the eggs] with an [overturned] utensil.86 Similarly, one may use an overturned utensil to cover any article that is forbidden to be carried, for by doing so one has not negated its use.87 Should one desire to take [the overturned article], one may.
כג
אסור לבטל כלי מהיכנו מפני שהוא כסותר. כיצד לא יתן כלי תחת הנר בשבת לקבל את השמן הנוטף. שהשמן שבנר אסור לטלטלו וכשיפול לכלי יאסר טלטול הכלי שהיה מותר וכן כל כיוצא בזה. לפיכך אין נותנין כלי תחת התרנגולת לקבל ביצתה. אבל כופה הוא הכלי עליה. וכן כופה הכלי על כל דבר שאסור לטלטלו שהרי לא בטלו שאם יחפוץ יטלנו.
24
One may place a receptacle under dripping water88 to collect it.89 If the receptacle becomes full, one may pour out the water and return [the receptacle to its place] without hesitation.90
[The above applies] only when the dripping water is fit to use for bathing.91 If the water is not fit [for washing], one should not place a receptacle there.92 [Nevertheless, after the fact,] should one have placed a receptacle there, one may carry it together with the repulsive water it contains.93 [The reason for the restriction against placing the receptacle there is] that we do not create a repulsive situation94 at the outset.95
כד
נותנין כלי נותנין כלי תחת הדלף ואם נתמלא הכלי שופך ושונה ואינו נמנע. והוא שיהיה הדלף ראוי לרחיצה אבל אם אינו ראוי אין נותנין ואם נתן מותר לטלטלו במים המאוסין שבו. שאין עושין גרף של רעי לכתחלה:
25
Should a barrel containing [wine or oil] that is tevel,96 be broken [on the Sabbath], one may bring a receptacle and place it under [the barrel]. [By doing so, one is not considered to have nullified the possibility of using the receptacle,] since were one to transgress and separate [the terumah and tithes as required], the produce would be permitted for use.97.
A receptacle may be placed below a candle to collect the sparks that fall, for [the sparks] have no substance. In such an instance, it is permissible to move the receptacle.98
When a beam breaks, we should not support it with a bench or a bed post99 unless there is ample space [between the beams] and one can remove [the bench or the bed post] whenever one desires,100 so that one will not nullify a utensil from the possibility of being used.
One may spread a mat over stones or over a beehive on the Sabbath in the summer, [as protection] from the sun, and in the rainy season, [as protection] from the rain, provided that one has no intention of snaring [the bees].101 [By doing so, one is not considered to have nullified the possibility of using the receptacle] because one may remove [the mat] whenever one desires.
כה
חבית של טבל שנשברה מביא כלי ומניח תחתיה הואיל ואם עבר ותקנו מתוקן הרי הוא כמתוקן. ונותנין כלי תחת הנר לקבל ניצוצות מפני שאין בהן ממש ומותר לטלטל הכלי. קורה שנשברה אין סומכין אותה בספסל או בארוכות המטה אלא אם כן היו רווחים וכל זמן שיחפוץ יטלם כדי שלא יבטל כלי מהיכנו. פורסין מחצלת על גבי אבנים בשבת או על גבי כוורת דבורים בחמה מפני החמה ובגשמים מפני הגשמים ובלבד שלא יתכוין לצוד שהרי נוטלה בכל עת שירצה. וכופין את הסל בשבת לפני האפרוחים בשביל שיעלו עליו וירדו שהרי מותר לטלטלו כשירדו מעליו וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
26
[The following rules apply when] an animal falls into a cistern or into a water conduit [from which it cannot ascend on its own]: If one can supply it with its needs while it is there, one should do so until Saturday night. If not, one may bring cushions and blankets and place them beneath it. If this [enables the animal] to ascend, there is no difficulty. Although one is nullifying the possibility of using a utensil - for one is throwing it into a cistern [filled with] water105 - [our Sages did] not institute a decree [in this instance], because of the suffering [the] animal endures.
[Regardless of the circumstances,] it is forbidden to lift the animal up by hand.106 Similarly, one may not lift up an animal, beast, or fowl in a courtyard.107 One may, however, push them until they enter.
One may support108 calves and ponies as they walk. One may not, however, hold a chicken that fled [as one directs] it [to return to its coop]. [This prohibition was instituted] because [the chicken tries] to free itself from [the person's] hand, and [in the process, causes] its wings to be torn off.109 One may, however, push it until it enters [its coop].
כו
בהמה שנפלה לבור או לאמת המים אם יכול ליתן לה פרנסה במקומה מפרנסין אותה עד מוצאי שבת ואם לאו מביא כרים וכסתות ומניח תחתיה ואם עלתה עלתה. ואף על פי שמבטל כלי מהיכנו שהרי משליכו לבור לתוך המים מפני צער בעלי חיים לא גזרו. ואסור להעלותה בידו. וכן אין עוקרין בהמה וחיה ועוף בחצר אבל דוחין אותן עד שיכנסו. ומדדין עגלים וסייחים. תרנגולת שברחה אין מדדין אותן מפני שהיא נשמטת מן היד ונמצאו אגפיה נתלשין אבל דוחין אותה עד שתכנס
FOOTNOTES
1.
In many manuscript copies of the Mishneh Torah, the text reads "a hammer to crack open nuts." A blacksmith's hammer is considered as a utensil that is used for purposes that are forbidden (see Halachah 7). Nevertheless, a hammer specifically used to crack nuts is placed in a different category. The need to make this distinction is avoided by our version of the text which refers to a hatchet.
2.
As mentioned in the conclusion of the previous chapter, the Maggid Mishnehinterprets the Rambam's statements as meaning that we are not allowed to carry a utensil for no purpose at all, even one that is generally used for a permitted purpose. This law is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 308:4).
3.
There are, however, several leniencies suggested by the later authorities - e.g., using such a utensil for a permitted purpose and then placing it down where one desires (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 308:12; Mishnah Berurah 308:16). Alternatively, one may move it with one's feet or in a manner that is considered irregular (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 308:15).
4.
I.e., utensils that are used for a forbidden purpose, as mentioned in Halachah 2.
5.
After one picks up such a utensil and uses it for a permitted purpose, one may continue carrying it and place it wherever one desires (Maggid Mishneh).
6.
They may not be moved at all, even if one desires to use them for a purpose that is permitted, or one requires the place that they are occupying (Ramah, Orach Chayim308:7).
7.
I.e., as indicated in the subsequent halachot, if a person set aside or prepared a stone or board for a specific purpose, it is considered a utensil and may be moved on the Sabbath.
8.
No matter how large a utensil is, it is permitted to be carried it on the Sabbath if one would ordinarily carry such a utensil during the week (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 308:2). (See, however, Chapter 26, Halachah 11, and notes.)
9.
Shabbat 122b differentiates between the doors of a chest - which are permitted to be carried if removed on the Sabbath (see Halachah 12) - and the doors of a house, which are not. The Rambam explains that the reason for this distinction is that, even though the doors of a house are considered utensils, it is unlikely that before the Sabbath commenced, one considered using them on the Sabbath. Therefore, they are considered muktzeh, as is explained in Halachah 9 and notes.
Rashi, by contrast, maintains that these doors are not utensils, and that is the reason it is forbidden to carry them.
10.
The Rambam uses the word "even" both here and in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:1). It would appear that his intent is that it is taken for granted that doors that were removed before the Sabbath and were not prepared to be used for another purpose may not be used on the Sabbath. Even doors that were removed on the Sabbath and had been used as doors on this Sabbath may not be carried if they are removed.
11.
See the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim311), which mentions certain leniencies regarding moving a corpse if one fears that it will begin to decompose.
12.
Yevamot 80b states that a child born after only eight months will surely die. Therefore, even while he is still living, it is forbidden to carry him on the Sabbath.
Tosafot, Shabbat 135a, states that this ruling is no longer followed, since at present it is impossible to determine exactly when a child was conceived. Therefore, we cannot be certain of the length of time the mother was pregnant. Furthermore, the advances in medical technology have enabled us to save the lives of many babies who would surely not have survived in previous generations. At present, it is a mitzvah to attempt to save the lives of all premature babies, even if doing so involves performing a forbidden labor on the Sabbath.
13.
Our translation of the above terms is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:2).
14.
Significantly, this is the only one of the examples given by the Rambam that is not mentioned in the Mishnah (op. cit.). The Rabbis cite Eruvin 102b or Shabbat 124b as possible sources.
15.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), the Rambam uses this statement as proof that there is no prohibition against removing a splinter on the Sabbath.
16.
Because it is no longer useful as a utensil (Shabbat 123a). Thus it resembles a stone which cannot be carried on the Sabbath. See Halachah 12.
17.
Since there are times when it is preserved in this state for the purpose of removing thorns and the like (Rashi, Shabbat, loc. cit.).
18.
Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 308:3, which states that not all utensils that are set aside as merchandise are intended solely for that purpose. Many storekeepers consider making personal use of the wares in their shops. In such an instance, one would be allowed to move the article on the Sabbath.
19.
The word muktzeh means "set aside." Since a person would ordinarily have no thought of using such a utensil on the Sabbath, it is placed in this category. Even if he changes his mind afterwards and decides to use it on the Sabbath, this is forbidden. Since at the commencement of the Sabbath it was not his intent to use it, it may not be moved for the entire day.
The commentaries compare this law regarding merchandise to Chapter 26, Halachah 14, which states that food, even when set aside to be sold, is never considered muktzeh.
20.
All these utensils are used for professional purposes that are forbidden on the Sabbath. Since they are delicate instruments, their owners will not use them for other purposes, lest they become damaged.
21.
For these same reasons, it is forbidden to use the oil in the lamp, as stated in Chapter 5, Halachah 12.
It must be emphasized that, because the articles mentioned in this halachah were involved with the performance of a forbidden activity on the Sabbath itself, the prohibitions governing it are more severe than those applying to an article used for a forbidden labor. It is forbidden to move the articles mentioned in this halachah, even when it is necessary to use the place where they are located or one desires to use them for a permitted purpose.
22.
As evident from Halachah 17, the present halachah refers to an instance when money was intentionally placed on the table. If it was forgotten there, more lenient rules apply.
23.
Rashi, Beitzah 26b, derives this concept from Exodus 16:5, "On Friday, they will prepare what they have brought," which implies that the Sabbath preparations are completed on Friday, before the Sabbath's commencement. An article that is not prepared for use at that time may not be used throughout the Sabbath.
24.
Kerosene produces an unpleasant odor. Therefore, even a metal lamp that uses it for fuel is considered repulsive.
25.
This halachah grants permission to carry the repulsive article for other purposes. One is allowed to remove an article that contains filth from a room regardless, as stated in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 279:6, 308:34-35).
26.
Although one would generally not think of using such a utensil because it is repulsive, since its use is not totally out of the question, it is not forbidden as muktzeh. According to the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 308:35), however, this leniency does not apply to a chamber pot. It is considered as too repulsive to use for other purposes.
27.
Note the gloss of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, which states that it appears that such entities may be moved only when one desires to use them for a purpose and not when one merely desires to use the place in which they are being kept. The Mishnah Beruah279:19, however, differs and also permits moving the article when one desires to use its place.
28.
Compare to Halachah 6.
29.
The Merkevet HaMishneh notes that in this clause the Rambam mentions "before the Sabbath" after "on the Sabbath," because it is the greater inclusion. Since the doors were not fixed before the Sabbath, one might think that they are no longer considered part of a utensil, and hence it would be forbidden to carry them on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, since they are fit to be attached to their original utensil, they may be moved.
In the following clause, the Rambam mentions "on the Sabbath" after "before the Sabbath," because it is the greater inclusion, as explained in the following note.
30.
When an article breaks on the Sabbath and it is no longer fit to be used for its original purpose, there is a difficulty. There is a difference of opinion among the Sages whether an object that is nolad - i.e., "comes into existence initially" on the Sabbath - is permitted or not. Since it was on the Sabbath that it first became possible to use the broken pieces of the utensils for this new purpose, it is possible to consider them as nolad (Magen Avraham 308:14).
The prevailing view is that objects that are nolad are permitted to be moved on the Sabbath. They are, however, forbidden to be moved on a festival. Accordingly, if an article breaks on a festival, it would be forbidden to move its broken pieces even if they were fit to be used for a constructive (other than one resembling the article's original) purpose Shulchan Aruch HaRav308:24].
It must, however, be noted that the Magen Avraham's conception is not accepted by all authorities. Many maintain that since these pieces were always fit for use - either as part of the larger utensil or in their own right - they should not be considered nolad(Be'ur Halachah 308).
31.
Our translation follows the standard printed text of the Mishneh Torah, even though there appears to be a printing error. To explain: In the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:5), there is a difference of opinion between the Sages. The first opinion of the Mishnah states that the broken pieces of a utensil may be carried provided they can be used for any constructive purpose. Rabbi Yehudah differs and maintains that the broken pieces may be carried only when they can be used for a purpose that resembles the intent for which they had originally been used.
Although the wording of the standard printed text follows Rabbi Yehudah's opinion, the examples he gives and the continuation of the halachah follow the other view. Significantly, many manuscripts and early printings of the Mishneh Torahstate "provided the pieces can be used for a constructive purpose."
Although the Baal Halachot Gedolot and other sages of the early generations follow Rabbi Yehudah's opinion, in the later generations almost all the authorities accept the other view.
32.
For they are no longer a utensil, and hence may not be carried, as stated in Halachah 6. Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 308:6), who mentions that if the broken pieces of the utensil present a danger, they may be moved.
33.
With the latter clause, the Rambam excludes objects that were never used as the coverings of utensils before the Sabbath, nor were they prepared for to be used for this purpose. Furthermore, if it is not common practice to use an object for this purpose - e.g., a stone - it may not be moved on the Sabbath despite the fact that it was used as a covering several times during the week (Shulchan Aruch HaRav308:36).
(See also Rashi (Shabbat 126b), who states that we may carry a cover only when it is fit to be used as a utensil in its own right. His opinion is not shared by other authorities.)
34.
According to the Maggid Mishneh, this refers to a utensil that is buried entirely within the ground and does not protrude at all. Since it is built in this manner, the Sages apply the laws governing pits and vats to it, lest people be unable to distinguish between them. If, however, a utensil that is attached to the ground projects from the ground, its cover does not require a handle, as will be explained (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 308:10).
35.
This refers to covers that are not attached with a hinge, as is obvious from Chapter 10, Halachah 14.
36.
By mentioning this law in this context, it would appear that the Rambam considers the rationale for the prohibition to be that without handles, the cover is not considered a utensil (Rav David Arameah).
Other authorities explain that when a cover lacks handles, its removal or placement resembles building. If, however, the cover has a handle, it is clearly distinguished as a separate entity that is intended to be handled (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 308:37; Mishnah Berurah 308:42). The Rambam touches on the latter prohibition, albeit in a slightly different manner, in Chapter 22, Halachah 25.
37.
In Talmudic times, an oven was a separate utensil whose base was attached to the ground, but which protruded from the ground entirely. Therefore, it could not be confused with a pit or a vat (Maggid Mishneh). As the structure of ovens has changed throughout the ages, there has also been a variation in the laws governing their covers.
38.
Based on Tosafot, Shabbat 43b, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 311:8) describes these laws with the term טלטול מן הצד, "carrying in an indirect manner."
39.
An article that is permitted to be carried.
40.
An article that is forbidden to be carried, because it is used for construction. More precisely, the term פגה refers to an unripe fig that is placed in the straw to ripen.
41.
The commentaries question whether or not this refers to an instance where the coals are burning. Were the coals to be burning, there is the possibility that by removing the cake, one will extinguish the upper coals and cause the lower coals to burn. The Maggid Mishneh quotes Rashi (Eruvin 77a) as explaining that the coals have already been extinguished.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that the wording chosen by the Rambam differs slightly from that of the Talmud. The Talmud states "a cake buried in coals," while the Rambam speaks of a cake "lying on coals." Therefore, he maintains that the law stated by the Rambam applies even when the coals are burning.
Rabbenu Avraham, the Rambam's son (Birkat Avraham, Responsum 9), also shares that opinion, explaining that it is not absolutely necessary that the person will cause the coals to move, and this is not his intention. Therefore, there is no prohibition involved, as stated in Chapter 1, Halachah 5. (See also Hilchot Shegagot, Chapter 7.) Significantly, however, when Rav Yosef Karo mentions these laws in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 311:9), he cites the example of the fig and the straw, but omits mention of the cake and the coals entirely.
42.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 311:8) emphasizes that this refers to an instance where the vegetables were placed in the earth for storage purposes and they had not yet become rooted there. Were they to have taken root in the earth, it would be forbidden to remove them.
43.
If, however, a portion of its leaves is not protruding, it is not permitted to pierce them with a spindle and remove them. By doing so, one would appear to be creating a pit in the earth.
This is the opinion of the Maggid Mishneh. The Magen Avraham 311:21, however, mentions the opinion of the Tosafot, Shabbat 50b, from which it appears that this leniency would be allowed.
44.
This is an example of the second principle mentioned in the previous halachah, that one may not carry a forbidden object because of a permitted object lying upon it. Note Chapter 26, Halachah 21, which mentions that exceptions to this principle are made to save a corpse from the heat or from a fire.
45.
The bracketed additions were made on the basis of Shabbat 141b.
46.
Shabbat 141b explains that this refers to a situation where the son might become sick if his father does not pick him up. If there is no danger of the child's becoming sick, the father is forbidden to pick him up (Magen Avraham 309:1).
47.
A coin of the Talmudic period.
48.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 309:2 mentions that it is even forbidden to hold the child by the hand that is not holding the coin.
49.
The Magen Avraham 309:3 states that this refers to an instance where one firmly attached the stone in the hole, making it a permanent part of the basket. Otherwise, carrying the stone in the basket is forbidden.
Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 21:1), where the Rambam interprets this law and the one that follows as a single concept (as the Ra'avad does in his notes). According to that understanding, the leniency of using the stone as part of a container is permitted only when the basket contains fruit that will spoil if the container is overturned. Thus, the Rambam's decision here reflects a change of mind in favor of a more lenient ruling.
50.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 309:3) mentions the converse of this principle. When the fruits are firm and will not be spoiled if the basket is overturned and they are spilled to the earth, the basket should be overturned before it is carried.
51.
As mentioned above, the Ra'avad objects to this decision, based on his interpretation of Shabbat 142a. The Maggid Mishnehstates that according to the text of the Talmud we have, the Ra'avad's interpretation must be accepted. It is, however, possible that the Rambam's text of the Talmud had a different version of this passage. Both the Tur and the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 309:3) follow the Rambam's approach.
52.
The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) also mentions that if one needs to use the place where the basket with the stone is placed, one may move it without overturning it, even though it contains fruit that will not be spoiled. (See Halachot 17 and 20).
53.
Shabbat 142b emphasizes that we are required to tilt the jug only when it is moved for the sake of its wine. If one moves it to use the place where it is located, there is no need to dislodge the stones. This ruling is quoted in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 309:5).
54.
Were he to tilt the jug there, the falling stone might break other jugs.
55.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 309:6 and the Mishnah Berurah 309:14 emphasize that if one's intent is only that the money should not be stolen, it is forbidden to shake it from the pillow.
56.
The Ramah (Orach Chayim 309:4) states that the following restrictions apply only when one places a forbidden article on an article of one's own, and not when one places a forbidden article on an article belonging to a colleague. For a person cannot cause an article belonging to a colleague to become forbidden.
57.
Note the Magen Avraham 309:6, which states that the word "intentionally" must be interpreted to mean "for a useful purpose." If, however, a person put down an article on another object intentionally, but with no particular purpose in mind, it is considered as if he forgot it there.
58.
Since the article is forbidden beyn hash'mashot, the time of the commencement of the Sabbath, it remains forbidden for the entire Sabbath.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 309:4) also mentions the opinion of Tosafot, who maintain that a base for a forbidden object is created only when one's intent was that the forbidden object remain on the base for the entire Sabbath. If one intended to shake it off the base, or have it transferred by a gentile over the course of the Sabbath, it is not considered a base.
Although the Rambam's opinion is accepted by the later authorities, the more lenient view may be followed if there is a possibility that a loss will be caused - e.g., a lamp falls on a table (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 309:7).
59.
Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat17:6) and Hilchot Keilim 20:1. Rashi and others render the Hebrew קרויה as a "gourd."
60.
I.e., since the bucket is made of earthenware, it is not necessarily heavy enough to sink. Therefore, the stone is used as a weight.
61.
In such an instance, the bucket itself becomes forbidden, because it serves as a base for a forbidden object (Mishnah Berurah 309:8).
62.
This refers to a reed that was not altered to serve as a hanger. It is not considered a utensil and is therefore deemed muktzeh.
63.
The intent is that one must hold the garment that is not muktzeh, and not the reed that is (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 308:16). The Mishnah Berurah308:64 mentions that one must remove the garment without moving the reed. It is questionable, however, whether the Rambam would agree to that stringency, for this appears to resemble the other instances of טלטול מן הצד, "carrying in an indirect manner," described above.
64.
I.e., produce other than grain, wine, or olive oil.
65.
After the tithes have been given to the Levites, they are required to separate a tenth of the produce that they have been given. This produce is given to the priests and is governed by same laws as terumah.(See Numbers 18:25-32.)
66.
Once terumah has contracted ritual impurity, the priests are forbidden to partake of it and it must be burnt.
67.
The produce separated as the second tithe must be eaten in Jerusalem. When a person lives far from Jerusalem, produce that has been separated as the second tithe can be redeemed by exchanging it for money (Deuteronomy 14:24-27).
68.
With the exception of the first fruits (bikkurim), produce is not offered in the Temple. If a person consecrates produce, his intent is that it be sold, and the proceeds given to the Temple.
69.
Produce purchased from an individual on whom we cannot depend to have separated tithes.
70.
When one redeems the second tithe or consecrated property, it is necessary to add a fifth of its value to the sum. (One pays 125%.) Nevertheless, as long as one has given the value of the produce, it is considered to have been redeemed, and the additional fifth is considered a debt. Note a parallel in Hilchot Eruvin 1:15.
It must, however, be noted that in Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 5:12, the Rambam writes that the sacred dimension of the second tithe is considered to have departed from the produce after it has been redeemed, even though one has not paid the additional fifth. Nevertheless, one should not partake of this produce, even on the Sabbath, unless one pays that fifth.
In contrast, in Hilchot Arachin 7:3, the Rambam writes that one is permitted to partake of consecrated produce after it has been redeemed, despite the fact that one has not paid the additional fifth.
71.
The presence of an article that is forbidden to be carried does not cause the entire container to become forbidden.
72.
Our translation follows the standard published text of the Mishneh Torah. The Kessef Mishneh mentions that the version of this halachah in the texts of the Mishneh Torah commonly available in his time read: "When does the above apply? When the impure [terumah] was below...." He, however, prefers the version found in our standard texts, because it parallels the text of Shabbat 141b. Significantly, Rav Kapach notes that both versions appear in ancient manuscripts.
The Maggid Mishneh explains that if the pure terumah is above, one should remove the pure terumah by hand, and then leave the remainder.
73.
That were not cemented in place. Hence, there is a possibility that one will move them when one sits down.
The Magen Avraham 308:41 emphasizes that if one will not move the stones when sitting, there is no prohibition. Moreover, the Magen Avraham emphasizes that the prohibition against muktzeh pertains only to carrying objects with one's hands, and not to moving it with one's body. (See the following halachah.) Therefore, the intent in both clauses of this halachah is to carry the stones or the branches in order to sit on them.
74.
I.e., performed a deed preparing them.
75.
Although the Ramah (Orach Chayim308:21) desires to equate the row of stones with the date branches, the Magen Avraham (loc. cit.) justifies the Rambam's ruling.
76.
In contrast to the previous law, thought is sufficient to change the status of the date branches. This leniency is granted because date branches are often used to sit on. It was the person's thought to use the branches for kindling that caused them to be forbidden. Hence, his thought itself is sufficient to remove that prohibition.
By contrast, a row of stones is generally used for construction and not as a seat. Therefore, one must perform a deed that indicates one's desire to use the row to sit upon. Consequently, in the present era, when it is no longer customary to sit on date branches, in this instance as well one must perform a deed to indicate one's intent (Magen Avraham 306:40).
77.
The person did not intend to use them as a mat in the future when he sat upon them. Nevertheless, since date branches are commonly used for that purpose, that is sufficient to cause them to be considered as a useful object (Shulchan Aruch HaRav308:51).
78.
In the Talmudic era, straw was generally used for the purpose of kindling. Therefore, it is classified as muktzeh. The Magen Avraham 308:53 notes that in his era, straw was used most commonly for animal fodder. Therefore it should not be classified as muktzeh.
79.
For the prohibition against moving muktzehapplies only when one moves it with one's hands.
80.
I.e., placing the pillow or sheet on it is a clear indication that one intends to use it as a mattress. Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav311:15 and the Mishneh Berurah 311:31, which state that if one puts straw on a bed with the intention of sleeping on it, one may spread it out by hand.
81.
The bracketed addition is made on the basis of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim308:35), which states that unless the person sets aside a corner of the house for the earth, it is considered part of the floor of the house. This implies that the person emptied out the container, for otherwise the earth would remain a distinct entity.
82.
This act indicates that the person plans to use the earth on the Sabbath. Therefore it is considered a designated article (מוכן). (See Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 2:18.)
83.
In the ages prior to household plumbing, earth was necessary to cover urine, feces, and other wastes.
84.
This law has already been explained in Chapter 5, Halachah 13. Were one to place the receptacle there before the commencement of the Sabbath, it would be permitted.
85.
According to most authorities, nolad, an article that first comes into existence on the Sabbath, is not forbidden. Nevertheless, an egg laid on the Sabbath is forbidden to be moved. This is a decree enacted as a safeguard, lest one move an egg laid on a festival, as explained in the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Beitzah 1:1).
86.
One must, however, be careful not to move the forbidden article when covering it (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 310:6; note the gloss of the Ra'avad to this halachah).
87.
Although there is an opinion in Shabbat 43a that states that one may carry an article only for the sake of an object that may itself be carried, this opinion is not accepted as halachah (Maggid Mishneh). (Note, however, the gloss of the Kessef Mishnehon Chapter 26, Halachah 22.)
88.
I.e., water dripping from a leaking roof or the like.
89.
There is no prohibition against carrying rainwater. Thus, in placing the receptacle there one does not nullify the possibility of using the receptacle later (Mishnah Berurah338:30).
90.
This pattern may be repeated any number of times.
91.
Water with which one bathes need not be as clean as water that one drinks. Nevertheless, one will not bathe with water that is soiled. Although the Tur (Orach Chayim 338) differs with the Rambam and does not require the water to be clear, the Rambam's view is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 338:8) and the later authorities.
92.
The reason for the prohibition against placing a receptacle to collect the water is that one is invalidating the utensil for future use. The commentaries question this decision, noting that ultimately, when the receptacle becomes full, one is permitted to move it because it is repulsive. They explain that this restriction was instituted because, at the outset, it is forbidden to cause an article to become repulsive (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 339:9, Be'ur Halachah 339).
93.
These leniencies are granted only within a person's permanent dwelling, as reflected in the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim308:34.
94.
Literally, "a chamber pot."
95.
Leniency is granted if there is a possibility of loss involved (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.308:37).
96.
Produce from Eretz Yisrael from which the agricultural requirements (terumah and the tithes) have not been separated. Until these requirements are separated, the produce is not fit to eat and it is considered as muktzeh as explained in Halachah 19.
97.
See Chapter 23, Halachah 15.
98.
See Chapter 5, Halachah 13.
99.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 313:7) emphasizes that one may use these utensils only to prevent the beam from falling further. It is forbidden to raise the beam to its original position, because that would be considered as if one were building.
100.
Unless there is ample space, we fear that the pressure will be so great that it will be impossible to remove them later. Therefore, one will have nullified all future possibilities of using them (Shabbat 43a).
101.
Based on Chapter 1, Halachah 6, one must add that the person must place down the mat in a manner that will not inevitably cause the bees to be snared (פסיק רישא). Were that to be the case, the person who places down the mat would be liable for snaring.
102.
Which are muktzeh like all animals and fowl.
103.
Although one is forbidden to carry the basket while the chicks are in it, one is not considered to have invalidated the possibility of using the receptacle, because one may move it after the chicks descend.
104.
If, however, the chicks are in the basket throughout beyn hash'mashot on Friday, the basket becomes muktzeh (Mishnah Berurah 308:148).
105.
Rashi and the Rashba (Shabbat 128b) explain the problem differently from the Rambam: that while the animal is standing on the cushions, it is impossible to move them. This interpretation is difficult, because one may move them after the animal departs,. According to the Rambam's interpretation, by contrast, there is no difficulty, because once the cushions are wet, they cannot be used. The Rambam's interpretation is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim305:19).
106.
Although the prohibition against carrying an animal by hand is also Rabbinic in origin, it is more severe. Therefore, our Sages did not nullify it despite the suffering caused to the animal.
There are authorities who are more lenient and maintain that even the latter prohibition is waived because of the animal's suffering. The later authorities rule that one may rely on this decision in a situation where a great loss will be incurred. Moreover, they add that all agree that one may instruct a gentile to lift the animal from the cistern. This is preferable to placing the cushions and blankets there (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:26; Mishnah Berurah 305:70).
107.
Needless to say, this is forbidden in the public domain, because it is forbidden to carry an animal there (Shabbat, loc. cit).
108.
I.e., hold them by the necks or shoulders and direct them (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.308:40).
109.
This is the Rambam's interpretation of Shabbat (loc. cit.). Rashi and the Ra'avad offer a different rationale for the prohibition against lifting a chicken: that the chicken will lift up its legs from the ground, causing one to carry it. This interpretation is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.).
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Six
1
All the utensils used for weaving, including the cords and the reeds, may be carried [according to the rules governing] other utensils that are used for forbidden tasks.1 An exception is made regarding the upper weaver's beam and the lower weaver's beam. They may not be carried, because they are [usually] fixed [within the loam].2
Similarly, the pillars [of the loam] may not be moved, lest one fill the hole [in the earth created when they are removed]. It is permitted to move the other utensils of a weaver.3
א
כל כלי האורג וחבליו וקנים שלו מותר לטלטלן ככלי שמלאכתו לאיסור חוץ מכובד העליון וכובד התחתון לפי שאין ניטלין מפני שהן תקועין. וכן העמודים של אורג אסור לטלטלן שמא יתקן הגומות שלהן. ושאר כלי האורג מותרין:
2
Brooms made of date branches and the like, which are used to sweep the ground, are considered utensils that are used for a permitted purpose, since sweeping is permitted on the Sabbath.4
Bricks that remain after a building [was completed] are considered utensils that are used for a permitted purpose, for they are fit to recline upon,5, as is obvious from the fact that they are filed and adjusted for this purpose.6 If, however, one collects them, [it is evident] that they have been set aside [for building], and it is forbidden to carry them.7
ב
מכבדות של תמרה וכיוצא בהן שמכבדין בהן את הקרקע הרי הן ככלי שמלאכתו להיתר שהרי מותר לכבד בשבת. לבנים שנשארו מן הבנין הרי הן ככלי שמלאכתו להיתר מפני שראויין להסב עליהן שהרי שפין אותן ומתקנין אותן. ואם צבר אותן הרי הקצם ואסור לטלטלם:
3
A small shard may be carried, even in the public domain.8[This leniency is granted] because it is fit to be used in a courtyard to cover the opening of a small utensil.9 [When] the stopper of a barrel has been cut off, both it and its broken pieces are permitted to be carried. If one threw it into a garbage dump10 before the commencement of the Sabbath,11 carrying it is forbidden.
When a utensil has been broken [but not shattered into pieces], one should not remove a shard from it to use to cover [another utensil] or to use as a support.
ג
חרס קטנה מותר לטלטלה אפילו ברשות הרבים הואיל וראויה היא בחצר לכסות בה פי כלי קטן. מגופת חבית שנתכתתה היא ושבריה מותר לטלטלה ואם זרקה לאשפה מבעוד יום אסור לטלטלה. כלי שנתרועע לא יתלוש ממנו חרס לכסות בו או לסמוך בו:
4
It is permitted to bring three rounded12 stones into a lavatory to clean oneself.13 Of what size may they be? A fistful.14A clod of earth, by contrast, which is likely to crumble, is forbidden to be taken to clean oneself.15
It is permitted to take these stones up to a roof [so that one will be able] to clean oneself with them.16 When rain descends upon them and they sink in the mud, they may be taken if there is a distinct mark [showing their location].17
[When] a stone has filth on it, one can be certain that it is used to clean oneself. Therefore, carrying it is permitted it even though it is large.18
ד
מותר להכניס לבית הכסא שלש אבנים מקורזלות לקנח בהן וכמה שיעורן כמלוא היד. אבל אדמה שהיא קרובה להתפרך אסור לטלטלה לקנח בה. ומותר להעלות אבנים לגג לקנח בהן. ירדו עליהן גשמים ונשתקעו בטיט אם רישומן ניכר מותר לטלטל. אבן שיש עליה טנוף שודאי לקנח היא מותר לטלטלה ואפילו היא גדולה:
5
ה
היה לפניו צרור וחרש מקנח בצרור ואם היה החרש מאוגני כלים מקנח בחרש. היו לפניו צרור ועשבים אם היו עשבים רכים מקנח בהן ואם לאו מקנח בצרור:
6
The remnants of mats that have become tattered are considered utensils that may be used for a permitted purpose, for they are fit to be used to cover filth.23 In contrast, the remnants of clothes24 that are less than three [thumbbreadths] by three [thumbbreadths],25 and have become tattered may not be carried, for they are not fit - neither for the poor nor for the rich.26
ו
שירי מחצלאות שבלו הרי הן ככלי שמלאכתו להיתר מפני שראויין לכסות בהן הטינוף. אבל שירי בגדים שבלו שאין בהן שלשה על שלשה אסור לטלטלן שאינן ראויין לא לעניים ולא לעשירים. שברי התנור מותר לטלטלן והרי הן ככל הכלים שמלאכתן להיתר. כירה שנשמטה אחת מירכותיה אסור לטלטלה שמא יתקע:
7
A ladder leading to a loft is forbidden to be carried [on the Sabbath], since it is not considered to be a utensil.29 [A ladder leading] to a dovecote [by contrast, is not considered muktzeh30and] is permitted to be tilted. One should not, however, carry it from one dovecote to another, lest one follow one's ordinary course of conduct and come to snare [the doves].
[The following rule governs the use of] a rod that is used to harvest olives:31 When it is categorized as a utensil,32 it is considered to be a utensil that is used for a forbidden purpose. [The following rule governs the use of] a reed that is adjusted by a homeowner to open and lock [his door]:33 When it is categorized as a utensil,34 it is considered to be a utensil that is used for a permitted purpose.
ז
סולם של עליה אסור לטלטלו שאין עליו תורת כלי. ושל שובך מותר להטותו. אבל לא יוליכו משובך לשובך שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא לצוד. קנה שמוסקין בו הזיתים אם יש עליו תורת כלי הרי הוא ככלי שמלאכתו לאיסור. קנה שהתקינו בעל הבית להיות פותח ונועל בו אם יש תורת כלי עליו הרי הוא ככלי שמלאכתו להיתר:
8
[The following rules apply to] a door35 that once had a hinge - though at present it does not have a hinge36 - which is prepared to close a yard,37 but which drags on the ground when it is opened and closed: If the door is attached to and hanging on the wall, it may be used to close the space and may be locked.38 If not, it may not be used to close the space. If the door is [suspended] above the ground, it may be used to close the space.39 The same rules apply to a [partition made from] brambles or a mat that drags on the floor.
ח
דלת שהיה לה ציר אף על פי שאין לה עתה ציר שהכינה לסתום בה מקום מוקצה והיא נגררת שנוטלין אותה וסותמין בה. וכן חדקים שסותמין בהן הפרצה. וכן מחצלת הנגררת. בזמן שקשורין ותלויין בכותל סותמין בהן ונועלים בהם ואם לאו אין נועלין בהן. ואם היו גבוהים מעל הארץ נועלין בהן:
9
[The following rules apply to] a door that is made from a single piece of wood and which is placed in [a doorway] to close it and removed [to open it]. If [the doorway] does not have a base at the bottom that resembles a doorstep that would indicate that [the door] is a utensil that is used for [opening and] closing, [the door] may not be used to close [the doorway].40 If [the doorway] has a doorstep, one may use [the door].41
Similarly, a bolt that has a bulb at its end that indicates that it is a utensil used to bolt a door, and is not merely an ordinary beam, may be used to bolt a door on the Sabbath.42
ט
דלת שהיה לה לוח אחד ששומטין אותה ונועלין בה אם לא היה לה למטה כן כמו אסקופה שמוכיח עליה שהיא כלי מוכן לנעילה אין נועלין בה. ואם יש למטה אסקופה נועלים בה. וכן נגר שיש בראשו קלוסטרא שמוכחת עליו שהוא כלי מוכן לנעילה ואינו קורה כשאר כל הקורות נועלין בו בשבת:
10
[The following rules apply to] a bolt that does not have a bulb at its end: If it is tied to the door and suspended from it, we may use it to bolt the door on the Sabbath.43 [This ruling] also applies when it is carried together with the rope attaching it to the door.44
If, by contrast, the rope attaching it is fixed permanently to the door and the bolt is removed like a beam, placed in a corner, and then reattached when one desires, its use as a bolt is forbidden [on the Sabbath].45 This is forbidden because [the bolt] is not considered to be a utensil, nor is there any indication [that it is being used as a utensil], for it is not attached to the door, nor is it connected to a rope.46
י
נגר שאין בראשו קלוסטרא אם היה קשור ותלוי בדלת נועלין בו. וכן אם היה ניטל ואגדו עמו. אבל אם היה אגדו קבוע בדלת והיה הנגר נשמט כמו קורה ומניחין אותו בזוית וחוזרין ונועלין בו בעת שרוצין הרי זה אסור לנעול בו שאין עליו תורת כלי ואינו אגוד ואין בו אגד להוכיח עליו:
11
יא
מנורה של חוליות בין גדולה בין קטנה אין מטלטלין אותה שמא יחזירנה בשבת. היו בה חדקים והיא נראית כבעלת חוליות. אם היתה גדולה הניטלת בשתי ידים אסור לטלטלה מפני כובדה. היתה קטנה מזו מותר לטלטלה:
12
We may remove a shoe from a shoemaker's block on the Sabbath.51 We may release a clothes press belonging to an ordinary person on the Sabbath. We may not, however, set the press in place.52 A press belonging to a launderer should not be touched at all; it is set aside not to be used, because of the financial loss [that might be incurred through its improper use].53
Similarly, unprocessed rolls of wool may not be carried,54 because [their owner] objects [to their use for purposes other than spinning fabric].55 Therefore, if they have been set aside for a particular purpose,56 it is permitted to use them. Unprocessed hides - regardless of whether they belong to a private person or to a [leather] craftsman - may be carried,57 because [their owner] does not object to their [use].58
יב
מנעל שעל גבי האמום שומטין אותו בשבת. מכבש של בעלי בתים מתירין אבל לא כובשין. ושל כובסין לא יגע בו מפני שהוא מוקצה מחמת חסרון כיס. וכן גיזי צמר אין מטלטלין אותן מפני שהוא מקפיד עליהן. לפיכך אם ייחדן לתשמיש מותרין. והשלחין מותר לטלטלן בין שהיו של בעה"ב או של אומן מפני שאינו מקפיד עליהם:
13
All filth - e.g., feces, vomit, excrement, and the like - that is located in a courtyard where [people] are dwelling may be removed to a dung heap or to a latrine.59 Such entities are referred to as a chamber pot.60 If it is located in another courtyard, it should be covered by a utensil so that a child will not become soiled by it.
One may step on spittle that is lying on the ground without taking any notice of it.61 One may carry a warming-pan because of its ash. [This leniency is granted] despite the fact that it contains chips of wood,62 because it is equivalent to a chamber pot.
At the outset, we may not bring about the creation of a repulsive entity63 on the Sabbath. If, however, [such an entity] comes about as a natural process, or one transgresses and creates it, it may be removed.
יג
כל דבר מטונף כגון רעי וקיא וצואה וכיוצא בהן אם היו בחצר שיושבין בה מותר להוציאן לאשפה או לבית הכסא וזה הוא הנקרא גרף של רעי. ואם היו בחצר אחרת כופין עליהן כלי כדי שלא יצא הקטן ויתלכלך בהן. רוק שעל הקרקע דורסו לפי תומו והולך. מטלטלין כנונא מפני אפרו אף על פי שיש עליו שברי עצים מפני שהוא כגרף של רעי ואין עושין גרף של רעי לכתחלה בשבת. אבל אם נעשה מאליו או שעבר ועשהו מוציאין אותו:
14
It is permitted to partake of oil that flows from beneath the beam of an olive press on the Sabbath64 and from dates and almonds that are prepared to be sold.65 One may even begin to take grain from a storehouse66 or from a grain pile on the Sabbath, for food never becomes muktzeh on the Sabbath at all. On the contrary, all [types of food] are [always] prepared for use.67
[There is, however, one] exception: figs and raisins that have been set aside to dry. Since they pass through an intermediate stage when they become repulsive and are unfit to eat,68 they are considered muktzeh and are forbidden [to be carried] on the Sabbath.69
A barrel [of wine] or a watermelon that was opened may be carried and stored away, even though it is no longer fit to eat.70 Similarly, an amulet that has not proven its efficacy may be moved, although one is forbidden to go out [into the public domain] wearing it.71
The oil that remains in a lamp or in a bowl that was kindled on a particular Sabbath may not be used on that Sabbath. It is muktzehbecause of the forbidden [labor with which it was associated beyn hash'mashot].72
יד
שמן שיוצא מתחת הקורה של בית הבד בשבת וכן תמרים ושקדים המוכנים לסחורה מותר לאוכלם בשבת. ואפילו אוצר של תבואה או תבואה צבורה מתחיל להסתפק ממנה בשבת שאין שום אוכל שהוא מוקצה בשבת כלל אלא הכל מוכן הוא. חוץ מגרוגרות וצמוקין שבמוקצה בזמן שמייבשים אותם הואיל ומסריחות בינתים ואינם ראויין לאכילה הרי הן אסורין בשבת משום מוקצה. חבית שנתגלתה ואבטיח שנשברה אף על פי שאינן ראויין לאכילה נוטלן ומניחן במקום המוצנע. כיוצא בו קמיע שאינו מומחה אף על פי שאין יוצאין בו מטלטלין אותו. מותר השמן שבנר ושבקערה שהדליקו בהן באותה שבת אסור להסתפק ממנו באותה שבת מפני שהוא מוקצה מחמת איסור:
15
Although taking [produce] from a storehouse of grain or of barrels of wine is permitted, it is forbidden to begin73 to empty [the storehouse]74 unless this is being done for a purpose associated with a mitzvah - e.g., emptying it to host guests or to establish a hall of study.
[In the latter situations,] how should the storehouse be emptied? Every person should take [out] four or five75 containers until it has been completely [cleared].76 We may not sweep the floor of the storehouse, as has been explained.77
[Even when one is forbidden to empty the storehouse,] one may enter and leave and create a path with one's feet by entering and leaving.
טו
אוצר של תבואה או של כדי יין אע"פ שמותר להסתפק ממנו אסור להתחיל בו לפנותו אלא לדבר מצוה. כגון שפינהו להכנסת אורחין או לקבוע בו בית המדרש וכיצד מפנין אותו כל אחד ואחד ממלא ארבע או חמש קופות עד שגומרין. ולא יכבדו קרקעיתו של אוצר כמו שבארנו אלא נכנס ויוצא בו ועושה שביל ברגליו בכניסתו וביציאתו.
16
Any substance that is fit to be used as food for an animal, beast, or fowl that is commonly found may be carried on the Sabbath. What is implied? One may carry dry turmos beans78because they are food for goats. Fresh [turmos beans,] by contrast, may not [be carried].79 [One may carry] chatzav80 because it is food for deer, mustard seed because it is food for doves,81and bones because they are food for dogs.
Similarly, we may carry all the shells and seeds [of produce] that are fit to serve as animal fodder. Concerning those that are not fit to be eaten: One should eat the food and throw [the shells or seeds] behind one's back;82 carrying them is forbidden.
טז
כל שהוא ראוי למאכל בהמה וחיה ועוף המצויין מטלטלין אותו בשבת. כיצד מטלטלין את התורמוס היבש מפני שהוא מאכל לעזים אבל לא את הלח. את החצב מפני שהוא מאכל לצבאים. את החרדל מפני שהוא מאכל ליונים. את העצמות מפני שהן מאכל לכלבים. וכן כל הקליפין והגרעינין הראויין למאכל בהמה מטלטלין אותן. ושאינן ראויין אוכל את האוכל וזורקן לאחריו ואסור לטלטלן. מטלטלין בשר תפוח מפני שהוא מאכל לחיה. ומטלטלין בשר חי בין תפל בין מליח מפני שראוי לאדם. וכן דג מליח אבל התפל אסור לטלטלו:
17
We may not carry broken pieces of glass even though they are edible by ostriches,86 nor bundles of twigs from a vine even though they are edible by elephants, nor luf,87 even though it is edible by ravens. [These restrictions were instituted] because these and similar [species] are not commonly found among most people.88
יז
אין מטלטלין שברי זכוכית אף על פי שהן מאכל לנעמיות. ולא חבילי זמורות אף על פי שהן מאכל לפילים. ולא את הלוף אף על פי שהן מאכל לעורבים. מפני שאין אלו וכיוצא בהן מצויין אצל רוב בני אדם:
18
[The following rules apply to] bundles of straw, bundles of wood, and bundles of twigs: If they were prepared89 to be used as animal fodder, one may carry them. If not, one may not carry them.
יח
חבילי קש וחבילי זרדין אם התקינן למאכל בהמה מטלטלין אותן ואם לאו אין מטלטלין אותן. חבילי סיאה פואה ואיזוב וקורנית. הכניסן לעצים אין מסתפק מהן בשבת. למאכל בהמה מסתפק מהן. וכן באמינתא וכן בפיגם וכן בשאר מיני תבלין:
19
We may not rake food that was placed before an ox that is being fattened for slaughter. [This applies regardless of whether the food has been placed] in a feeding trough that is a [separate] utensil92 or in an earthen feeding trough. [Similarly,] one may not shift [the food] to the side so that [it does not become mixed with] feces. [These restrictions are] decrees, [instituted] lest one level grooves [in the floor].93
One may take food that had been placed before a donkey and place it before an ox.94 One may not, by contrast, take food that had been placed before an ox and place it before a donkey. [This restriction was instituted] because the food that is before an ox becomes soiled by its spittle95 and is not fit to be eaten by another animal.96
Leaves that produce a foul and repulsive odor and are not eaten by animals may not be carried. For similar reasons, carrying the hook on which fish are hung is forbidden.97 By contrast, the hook on which meat is hung is permitted to be carried. The same applies in all similar situations.
יט
אין גורפין מאכל מלפני הפטם בין באבוס של כלי בין באבוס של קרקע. ואין מסלקין לצדדין מפני הרעי גזירה שמא ישוה גומות. נוטלין מלפני החמור ונותנין לפני השור. אבל אין נוטלין מלפני השור ונותנין לפני החמור מפני שהמאכל שלפני השור מטונף ברירו ואין ראוי למאכל בהמה אחרת. וכן עלים שריחם רע ומאוסין ואין הבהמה אוכלתן אסור לטלטלן. לפיכך תלאי של דגים אסור לטלטלו ושל בשר מותר וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
20
Although carrying a corpse on the Sabbath is forbidden, one may anoint it and wash it, provided one does not move any of its limbs.98 We may slip out a pillow from underneath it99 so that it will be lying on the ground100 to enable it to remain without decomposing.
We may bring a utensil that will cool [a corpse] or a metal utensil and place it on the belly [of the corpse] so that [the corpse] will not swell. We may stop up [the corpse's] orifices so that air will not enter them. We may tie its jaw - not so that it will close101 - but so that it will not [open] further. We may not close [a corpse's] eyes on the Sabbath.102
כ
אף על פי שאסור לטלטל את המת בשבת סכין אותו ומדיחין אותו ובלבד שלא יזיזו בו אבר. ושומטין את הכר מתחתיו כדי שיהיה מוטל על החול בשביל שימתין ולא יסריח. ומביאין כלי מיקר וכלי מתכות ומניחין לו על כריסו כדי שלא יתפח. ופוקקין את נקביו שלא יכנס בהן הרוח. וקושרין את הלחי לא שיעלה אלא שלא יוסיף. ואין מעמצין את עיניו בשבת:
21
When a corpse is lying in the sun, we may place a loaf of bread103 or a baby on it and carry it [into the shade]. Similarly, if a fire breaks out in a courtyard where a corpse is lying, we may place a loaf of bread or a baby on it104 and carry it [out from the fire].105
Indeed, even if a loaf of bread or a baby are not available, one may save a corpse from a fire. [This leniency is granted] lest one extinguish the fire out of apprehension that the corpse not be consumed [by the flames].
[The leniency of carrying an entity with] a loaf of bread or a baby upon it is granted only in the case of a corpse, because a person is distraught over the corpse [of his loved ones].106
כא
מת המוטל בחמה מניח עליו ככר או תינוק ומטלטלו. וכן אם נפלה דליקה בחצר שיש בה מת מניח עליו ככר או תינוק ומטלטלו. ואם אין שם ככר ולא תינוק מצילין אותו מן הדליקה מכל מקום שמא יבא לכבות מפני שהוא בהול על מתו שלא ישרף. ולא התירו לטלטל בככר או תינוק אלא למת בלבד מפני שאדם בהול על מתו:
22
[The following procedure should be adhered to when] a corpse is lying in the sun and there is no place to carry it, or [the people] do not desire to move it from its place: Two people should come and sit, one on either side [of the corpse]. If it is [too] warm for them [to sit on the ground], they may both bring couches and sit on them. If it is [too] warm for them [to sit in the sun], they may both bring mats and spread them over the couches.107
[Afterwards,] they both may [depart], overturn their couches, and remove them [leaving the mats suspended over the corpse]. In this manner, the covering is created on its own accord, [as it were], for the two mats are next to each other and their two ends are located on the ground on either side of the corpse.
כב
היה מוטל בחמה ואין להם מקום לטלטלו או שלא רצו להזיזו ממקומו באין שני בני אדם ויושבים משני צדדיו. חם להם מלמטה זה מביא מטתו ויושב עליה וזה מביא מטתו ויושב עליה. חם להם מלמעלה זה מביא מחצלת ופורש על גביו. וזה מביא מחצלת ופורש על גביו. זה זוקף מטתו ונשמט והולך לו וזה זוקף מטתו ונשמט והולך לו ונמצא מחיצה עשויה מאליה. שהרי מחצלת זה ומחצלת זה גגיהן סמוכות זו לזו ושני קצותיהם על הקרקע משני צדי המת:
23
When a corpse has decomposed108 in a house [to the extent that it produces a foul odor] and thus is being disgraced in the eyes of the living, and their honor is being compromised because of it, carrying it109 into a carmelit is permitted.110
[This leniency was granted because] the honor of the creatures is great enough to supersede [the observance of] a negative commandment of the Torah, namely: "Do not swerve right or left from the words they tell you" [Deuteronomy 17:11].111
If [the people in the home] have an alternative place to go, they may not remove the corpse. Instead, the corpse should be left in its place and they should depart.112
כג
מת שהסריח בבית ונמצא מתבזה בין החיים והם מתבזים ממנו מותר להוציאו לכרמלית. גדול כבוד הבריות שדוחה את לא תעשה שבתורה שהוא לא תסור מן הדבר אשר יגידו לך ימין ושמאל. ואם היה להן מקום אחר לצאת בו אין מוציאין אותו אלא מניחין אותו במקומו ויוצאין הם
FOOTNOTES
1.
I.e., the object may be carried to perform a permitted task or because the place in which it is lying is needed (Chapter 25, Halachah 3).
2.
The Maggid Mishneh writes that, for this reason, it is as though they are not considered to be utensils.
3.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 3, and the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 15:2, which mention the use of a weaver's rope.
4.
See Chapter 21, Halachah 3, which states that one may sweep a floor on the Sabbath only if it is paved. Since sweeping is permitted in that instance, however, it is considered a permitted activity.
Nevertheless, according to the Ramah (Orach Chayim 337:2), who forbids sweeping with these brooms even on a paved floor, a broom would be considered a utensil used for a forbidden purpose. The notes on that halachah mention the views of the later authorities.
5.
Rashi, Shabbat 124b, states "to sit upon."
6.
For this reason, a more lenient ruling is given than with regard to the row of stones mentioned in Chapter 25, Halachah 21, where one must indicate one's desire to use them on the Sabbath. (See Mishnah Berurah 306:73.)
7.
Since they are not considered to be utensils. (See Chapter 25, Halachah 6.)
8.
Although there is no utensil to cover there, since it is fit to cover a utensil one may take it to use for another purpose (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 306:7). Needless to say, one may carry it only less than four cubits.
9.
As the Maggid Mishneh and the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) emphasize, this leniency applies only to the broken pieces of a utensil. Since it was originally considered a utensil, it remains in this category as long as it can serve a useful purpose. In contrast, a stone is not considered a utensil, even though it is fit to cover another utensil, unless it is designated for this purpose.
10.
Although it is useful, since its owner discarded it before the commencement of the Sabbath, there was no intent of using it at the time the Sabbath commenced. Therefore, it becomes forbidden. (See Ramah, Orach Chayim 308:7.)
11.
If, however, it is discarded on the Sabbath itself, its use is permitted, since at the time of the commencement of the Sabbath it was still deemed to be a useful article (Maggid Mishneh).
12.
Our translation is taken from the dictionary of Rabbi Tanchum of Jerusalem. The Maggid Mishneh renders the term מקורזלות as "sharp."
13.
Although stones are not considered to be utensils and therefore may not ordinarily be carried, an exception is made in order to allow a person to take care of his basic hygienic needs.
Because of the advances in civilization, the situations described in this and the following halachah are no longer common practice. Nevertheless, the motivating principle behind these laws - that our Sages allowed certain leniencies for the sake of human dignity and hygiene - is pertinent at all times.
In this context, it is worthy to note the difference of opinion mentioned by the Ramah (Orach Chayim 312:1): According to one opinion, it is permitted to carry these stones only in one's own courtyard; i.e., only the prohibition against carrying stones is lifted. A second opinion, however, maintains that the prohibition against bringing an article from a carmelit into the private domain is also lifted in this instance. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 312:4 and the Mishnah Berurah 312:8 favor the latter view.
14.
I.e., the size of all three together may not exceed a fistful (Maggid Mishneh).
15.
Rashi (Shabbat 81a) relates that since the earth is likely to crumble - and then it will no longer be useful for this purpose - the prohibition against carrying it was never lifted.
16.
Rashi (loc. cit.) and the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 312:1) explain that carrying the stones might entail extraordinary difficulty, which is normally forbidden on the Sabbath. An exception is made in this instance, however, for the reasons mentioned above.
17.
There is no concern that one might be performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of grinding, nor of the forbidden labor of demolishing.
18.
As a corollary to this principle, the Mishnah Berurah 312:6 mentions that it is permitted to carry toilet paper. Although paper is generally considered to be muktzeh, since the purpose for which this paper is used is clearly designated, it is not placed in this category. The Mishnah Berurah, however, emphasizes that tearing the paper on the Sabbath is forbidden.
19.
Since a shard is sharp and might tear one's membranes (Rashi, Shabbat 82a).
20.
Because in this instance the shard is smooth and will not tear one's membranes. Since the shard comes from a useful article, it is not muktzeh, as the stones are.
21.
Since the grass is useful as animal fodder, it is not considered muktzeh. Therefore, using it is preferable to using the stone. Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim312:6), which states that one may use grasses that are still attached to the ground, provided one does not uproot them.
22.
If the grasses are firm, there is a possibility that their sharp edges will perforate one's membranes (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:5).
23.
The Ramban states that if they were discarded before the commencement of the Sabbath, they are considered to be muktzeh. This ruling is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 308:12).
24.
The Maggid Mishneh cites the Ra'avad who states that this refers to the remnants of a tallit used for prayer, which are inappropriate to be used to clean filth. The Rambam, however, interprets this as referring to the remnants of all garments. Although the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:13) quotes both views, Shulchan Aruch HaRav308:41 favors the Rambam's opinion, explaining that even though smaller pieces of cloth are fit to be used to clean filth, this does not cause them to be considered to be a כלי, "useful article," unless they are explicitly designated for this purpose. Therefore, they are placed in the category of muktzeh like stones.
25.
The minimum size of a piece of cloth that is susceptible to ritual impurity (Hilchot Keilim22:20).
26.
Hilchot Keilim (op. cit.) mentions that a cloth three thumbbreadths by three thumbbreadths is fit only for the poor. A rich person, by contrast, will not consider a cloth valuable until it is a minimum of three handbreadths by three handbreadths. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 308:41 and the Mishnah Berurah 308:52 also apply these concepts with regard to our present halachah.
27.
See Chapter 25, Halachah 12.
28.
And thus perform a forbidden labor. The Ramah (Orach Chayim 308:16) applies this concept to other articles - e.g., a bench that has one leg broken off.
29.
Hence, moving it at all is forbidden. (See Hilchot Eruvin 3:7, from which one can derive the following: A ladder leading to a loft is usually left there permanently. Therefore, it is a heavy structure that is not considered to be a כלי, a utensil, but rather a permanent part of the building's structure.)
30.
Since it is usually moved from dovecote to dovecote, it is light and is therefore considered to be a כלי. Accordingly, if there were no room for suspicion that one would snare doves, one would be allowed to move it.
The Maggid Mishneh draws attention to Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 5:4, which states that the only reason the Sages permitted moving such a ladder on a holiday was to allow for festive joy (i.e., to permit one to bring doves to slaughter). Therefore, on the Sabbath, when slaughtering is forbidden, there is no reason to allow one to move such a ladder. A household ladder, by contrast, may be moved (Mishnah Berurah308:78).
31.
The Rambam describes the construction and use of such a rod in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:3).
32.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim313:1), which states that for a reed to be "categorized as a utensil," it is not sufficient merely to think about using it for that purpose; one must actually adapt the article to fit the purpose for which it is intended to be used.
33.
I.e., it is used as a door stop. Thus, it resembles slightly the bolt mentioned in the following halachah.
34.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 313:1) mentions two perspectives on this matter. Rashi states that one must prepare the reed for use as a utensil that can be employed for other purposes. Otherwise, using it as a door stop will be considered to be building. Rabbenu Tam explains that as long as the reed is prepared for use as a door stop, it is sufficient.
Although in this halachah, the Rambam's perspective appears to follow that of Rashi, in his gloss to Chapter 23, Halachah 13, the Maggid Mishneh states that the Rambam follows the position of Rabbenu Tam. The later authorities agree that one may rely on Rabbenu Tam's view (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 313:2; Mishnah Berurah 313:7).
35.
Rashi and others explain that the difficulty with the doors mentioned in this halachah is that since they do not meet all the criteria of ordinary doors, closing an opening with them resembles building. The Rambam, by contrast, appears to maintain that the difficulty is whether doors of this nature are considered to be כלים, useful articles, or not. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim313:3) follows Rashi's view.
36.
If the board used as a door lacks any sign of a hinge, it is not considered a כלי, a useful article, and carrying it is forbidden. In this instance, since it has the mark of a hinge, it was obviously used as a door in the past. Therefore, if it meets either of the other conditions mentioned by the Rambam, it may be moved on the Sabbath.
37.
Our translation is based on Rashi (Eruvin101a) and the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.). More precisely, in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Eruvin 10:8), the Rambam defines the Hebrew term מוקצה as "a distinct place that is not used for any purpose, nor is it required by its owner - e.g., a barn or stable."
The Shulchan Aruch emphasizes that the ruling concerning moving the partition used as a door is dependent on the fact that this enclosure is used infrequently. If an entrance that is frequently used were closed with such a partition, it would be considered as having been set aside for this purpose. However, since this is not the case, there is reason for the restrictions mentioned.
38.
According to the Rambam, the fact that they were attached to the wall before the Sabbath indicates that they were intended to be used as a door. According to Rashi, it is sufficient to indicate that one is not building on the Sabbath.
39.
The Maggid Mishneh states that the Rambam's wording appears to indicate that two criteria must be met: The partition used as a door must have at least the remnant of a hinge, and it must either be attached to the wall or be suspended above the ground. He objects to this conception, explaining that based on Eruvin 101a, it would appear that if a partition is suspended above the ground, it is considered to be a door even if it never had a hinge.
The Maggid Mishneh states, however, that it is possible that the Rambam also shares this conception. (Merkevet HaMishnehpostulates that he surely does. Otherwise, the Rambam's words would be redundant, since it is impossible for a door to be suspended above the ground unless it hangs from the wall or is attached by a hinge.) The Maggid Mishneh's view is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 313:3).
40.
As in the previous halachah, Rashi and others explain that the reason the prohibition was instituted is that this door does not resemble an ordinary door. Hence, one appears to be building when closing it. The Rambam, by contrast, explains that the prohibition stems from the fact that the door is not prepared to serve as a כלי, a useful article. Therefore, moving it is forbidden, as explained in the previous chapter.
41.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim313:4), which states that even if the entrance has a doorstep, since it is uncommon to use a door made of a single piece of wood, such a door may not be used on the Sabbath. Moreover, the Shulchan Aruch continues, this prohibition applies even when the door has a hinge.
The Magen Avraham 313:8 and other later authorities, however, maintain that one may rely on the Rambam's opinion if a door is used frequently as an entrance and an exit. This is surely true in the present age, when it is very common for doors to be made from a single piece of wood.
42.
Eruvin 10:10 relates that there was a synagogue in Tiberias that had such a bolt. Its congregants refrained from using it on the Sabbath until Rabban Gamliel and the elders ruled that using it was permitted.
In this instance as well, the Shulchan Aruch(loc. cit:1) is more stringent and requires the bolt to be tied to the door even when it has a bulb at the end. (See the following halachah and notes.)
43.
For the fact that it is tied to the door clearly indicates that it has been set aside for a purpose.
44.
This refers to an instance where the bolt is attached to a rope that is, in turn, attached to the door. If the bolt is removed by detaching the rope from the door and carrying the bolt and the rope together, the presence of the rope serves as an indication that the bolt has been set aside to be used for a significant purpose. Therefore, there is no prohibition involved. If, as in the following clause, the bolt is detached from the rope, there is nothing to indicate that it is a useful article. Hence, it is forbidden (Kessef Mishneh).
The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's interpretation of the Hebrew ניטל באגדו. Instead, he offers a different explanation: that the rope with which the beam is attached to the door with a knot that is strong enough to hold the beam when it is removed. This is the interpretation that Rav Yosef Karo follows in the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 313:1).
45.
It was permitted to use such a bolt in the Temple, because none of the Rabbinic prohibitions in the category of sh'vut were in effect there. Outside of the Temple, using such a bolt was prohibited for the reasons mentioned by the Rambam (or according to others, because this resembles building, Eruvin 102a).
46.
Rav Moshe Cohen of Lunil and others question the distinction between this halachah and Chapter 22, Halachah 30, which mentions a piece of wood that is used to close a window. The Maggid Mishneh explains that in that instance, leniency was granted only when the piece of wood is prepared for that purpose. In the present halachah, by contrast, nothing has been done to indicate that the bolt is set aside for purposeful use.
It must be emphasized that the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) takes a different perspective and maintains that the restrictions were instituted lest it appear that one is building when using such a door. According to this perspective, unless the conditions mentioned above are met, it is forbidden to use this bolt, even if it was prepared for this purpose before the Sabbath.
47.
This applies even when one has not lit this candelabrum at the commencement of the particular Sabbath in question. Had the candelabrum been lit at that time, carrying it would have been forbidden, as reflected by Chapter 25, Halachah 23.
48.
See Chapter 22, Halachah 26.
49.
The Kessef Mishneh questions the phrase "because of its weight," for seemingly Shabbat 46a considers that as another rationale for stringency, not at all dependent on the fact that the candelabrum has grooves. Indeed, these rationales offered by two separate sages seem to be mutually exclusive. He and other commentators attempt to resolve this difficulty. Rav Kapach notes that many authoritative manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah omit this problematic phrase.
50.
In the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim279:7), Rav Yosef Karo follows the reasoning he mentions in his Kessef Mishneh and forbids the use of all candelabra with grooves, whether large or small.
51.
A new shoe will most likely be firmly fixed on the shoemaker's block, and removing it would necessitate moving the block. This is, nevertheless, permitted, because the shoemaker's block is considered to be a utensil that is used for a forbidden intent. Accordingly, it may be moved when one desires to use the space it takes up - in this instance, the space within the shoe where one puts one's foot [Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 308:14)].
52.
Rashi (Shabbat 141a) explains that putting clothes in a press is forbidden, because it appears to be an activity performed for the sake of the weekdays that follow, and not for sake of the Sabbath itself.
53.
Rashi (loc. cit.) offers a different rationale for this prohibition: that setting up a professional press resembles building and opening it resembles the labor of demolishing. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 302:4) quotes Rashi's view.
54.
Shabbat 49a,b mentions the use of such wool for the purpose of insulating food to keep it warm.
55.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim259:1), which follows the ruling of Rabbenu Asher (in his gloss on Shabbat 49a), who permits picking up such rolls if they are used as insulation, unless they are explicitly set aside for sale. Although these rolls are generally used for spinning wool, since they are not very valuable, the fact that they are employed for the purpose of insulation is sufficient for them to be considered to have been set aside for that purpose (Mishnah Berurah 259:6).
56.
Note the Magen Avraham 259:2, which states that they must be set aside to be used for this purpose - e.g., insulation - forever. It is not sufficient that one decide to use them for this purpose on merely one Sabbath.
57.
These are likely to be used as mats to sit on (Shabbat, loc. cit.).
58.
The Ramah (Orach Chayim 308:25) mentions an opinion that states that this leniency applies only to cow hides, but not to sheep hides. The later authorities, however, do not accept this view (Mishnah Berurah 308:107).
59.
It would appear that the Rambam's intent is that although these repulsive entities should be forbidden to be removed since they are not כלים, it is permitted to remove them because of the discomfort their presence causes.
60.
I.e., this term is used as an idiom to describe all repulsive entities.
61.
Note Chapter 11, Halachah 4, for a more specific definition of the Hebrew wording used.
62.
The Ra'avad accepts the Rambam's ruling only when the warming-pan has coals that had turned to ash before the commencement of the Sabbath. The Ra'avad offers a different explanation of the leniency, stating that it is granted because the warming-pan is the base for a permitted article (the ash that existed before the commencement of the Sabbath) and a forbidden article (the remainder of the ash and the chips of wood). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 310:8) quotes the Ra'avad's interpretation.
63.
Our translation is based on the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 308:36).
64.
Although the oil had not been separated before the commencement of the Sabbath, one is allowed to partake of it on the Sabbath. As mentioned previously, the Rambam follows the view of Rabbi Shimon (Shabbat 19b) who permits the use of nolad(objects that come into existence on the Sabbath).
65.
In contrast to utensils that are forbidden in this instance, as mentioned in Chapter 25, Halachah 9.
66.
See, however, the following halachah.
67.
As examples of this principle, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 310:2) states that one may pick up seeds from the ground which fell before the Sabbath that have not become rooted or eggs that were laid before the Sabbath from beneath a chicken. (See also Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov1:18.)
68.
I.e., fresh grapes and figs and dried grapes and figs are desirable foods. In the process by which these fruits dry out, they pass through a stage when they become repulsive.
69.
The Shulchan Aruch (ibid.) states that there are two drawbacks to such fruit: a) it is unfit to be eaten; b) the owners intentionally set it aside, not to be used until it became dried. Therefore, the restriction is placed upon it.
70.
See Hilchot Rotzeach 11:9, which explains that partaking of such foods is forbidden, because it is possible that a poisonous snake deposited venom there.
71.
See Chapter 19, Halachah 14.
72.
See Chapter 5, Halachah 12 and Chapter 25, Halachah 10.
73.
From the use of the word "begin," the Beis Yosef (Orach Chayim 331) derives the following ruling: If one begins emptying the storehouse before the commencement of the Sabbath, one may complete the removal of its contents on the Sabbath, even if one's purpose is not directly associated with a mitzvah.
The Turei Zahav 331:1 objects to this leniency, however, for this appears to be unnecessary work that should not be permitted on the Sabbath.
74.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 18:1, based on Shabbat 127a), the Rambam explains the reason that this restriction was instituted. It is very likely that there are grooves or cavities in the floor of a storeroom, and a person would be tempted to level the floor if he were allowed to empty the entire room. The Turei Zahav333:1 explains that the prohibition was instituted to prevent a person from exerting himself excessively.
Significantly, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 331:1 quotes both rationales, indicating that they are not mutually exclusive.
75.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), the Rambam explains that this number is not intended as a limitation. Indeed, every person may take out as many containers as he needs at one time.
It must be emphasized that this interpretation is dependent on a version of Shabbat 126b-127a that is not accepted by many other authorities, including the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 333:1).
76.
I.e., a single individual is not allowed to clear out the entire storehouse. Instead, each individual - or a substitute for him - must clear out the area he needs. Although one person may remove as many containers as he can carry at one time, he may not, however, return to take more (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit.). See also the Shulchan Aruch(Orach Chayim 333:3).
77.
See Chapter 21, Halachah 2.
78.
See the notes on Chapter 3, Halachah 12, for a more specific definition of the type of bean referred to.
79.
Because they are very bitter, they are not eaten at all (Maggid Mishneh).
80.
A shrub whose roots penetrate deeply into the ground.
81.
The Maggid Mishneh objects to the mention of mustard seed. Although it is used as food for doves, it is also commonly used to prepare food for humans. There is a general principle that whenever a substance is considered to be food both for animals and for humans, it is considered to be set aside for use for humans and not for animals. The Kessef Mishneh, however, justifies the Rambam's ruling.
82.
A person should throw the shells - and similarly, any other waste left after eating - over his shoulder so that he will not create a repulsive situation on the table before him. For, as mentioned above (Halachah 13), at the outset creating a repulsive situation is forbidden (Maggid Mishneh). Significantly, this point is not emphasized by the later authorities.
83.
Or dogs (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim308:31).
84.
According to most authorities, although meat must be salted to remove the blood before cooking, there is no prohibition against eating uncooked unsalted meat. (See Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 67:2.) Nevertheless, according to the Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 6:12), it is necessary to salt raw meat before one eats it. From the juxtaposition of these two rulings, Rav Kapach derives that, according to the Rambam, it is permitted to salt meat on the Sabbath to remove its blood.
85.
For it is unfit for both human and animal consumption.
86.
Rav Kapach explains that the intent is not that the broken glass is actually considered to be food by the ostriches. Instead, the intent is that ostriches have strong digestive organs, which will not be torn by the glass. As such, the glass will assist them in the process of digestion, because it will help shred the other food that they have consumed.
87.
A wild vegetable of the onion family (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 18:1).
88.
Nevertheless, a person who owns a species of animal that is rarely found may carry whatever food is necessary for it, even though it is not usually consumed by other animals (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 308:29).
89.
Preparation is necessary, because we assume that these substances would ordinarily be used for kindling (Maggid Mishneh). Note the Magen Avraham308:53, which states that straw is usually employed at present as a mattress or for animal fodder. Hence, it is permitted to be carried even though it was not prepared before the Sabbath.
90.
At times these substances are used for kindling, at times for animal fodder, and at times for other purposes that serve humans.
91.
Since these substances are less likely to be used for kindling, everything depends on the person's intent when he brought them home. Note the Magen Avraham 321:1, which states that if one brings them home without any specific intent, they are considered to be animal fodder. (See also Chapter 21, Halachah 19.)
92.
This is forbidden, lest one follow the same practice in an earthen feeding trough.
93.
Note the Mishneh Berurah 324:41, which gives another reason for the prohibition against shifting food to the side: Some of the straw has surely become repulsive and is no longer fit to be carried.
94.
For an ox will not hesitate to eat food from before a donkey.
95.
Because oxen chew their cud.
96.
The Mishnah Berurah 324:37 emphasizes that the intent is that an animal of another species will not eat food that is soiled with the spittle of an ox. One ox will, however, eat food that is soiled with the spittle of another ox.
97.
The Maggid Mishneh explains that, in contrast to a meat hook, a fish hook is not a proper utensil and will be discarded after use. Hence, it may not be carried on the Sabbath. Rav Kapach objects to this interpretation, noting that if this explanation were correct, it would have been more appropriate to state this halachah in Chapter 25, which differentiates between entities that are considered utensils and those that are not.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 310:1) states that it is permitted to carry a fish hook, because it is not considered too repulsive to move.
98.
All the leniencies mentioned in this halachah are intended to inhibit the process of the corpse's decomposition.
99.
Moving the pillow, and not the corpse, by hand. Although the corpse will also be moved, this is of no consequence.
100.
If a corpse is covered by blankets or sheets, it is possible that they will serve as insulator and keep heat from diffusing, thus causing the corpse to decompose more quickly.
101.
For this would involve moving a limb (Rashi, Shabbat 151b).
102.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 311:13 and the Mishnah Berurah 311:22 relate that, based on the Zohar, it has become customary to close a corpse's eyes and straighten its limbs on the Sabbath, for the failure to do so will lead to danger.
103.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim311:4), which mentions an opinion that allows a corpse to be carried if it is dressed in the clothes it wore while it was alive. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 311:10 accepts this ruling; the Mishnah Berurah311:16, by contrast, does not.
104.
Thus, it is as if the corpse were merely a medium to enable one to carry the bread or the baby.
105.
This refers to carrying a corpse within a private domain. (See also Halachah 23 and notes.)
106.
If a baby or a loaf of bread is not available, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 311:1) allows one to move a corpse by shifting it from one bed to another. The Ramah (loc. cit.:2) offers another alternative - to have a gentile carry the corpse.
107.
Spreading the mats constitutes the construction of a temporary tent. This is permitted only because of the discomfort suffered by a living person, and not for the sake of preserving the corpse. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake all the stages in this process, so that it will not be obvious that this is being done for the sake of the corpse (Kessef Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch HaRav 311:11; Mishnah Berurah 311:19).
108.
Or will shortly reach that state (Ramah, Orach Chayim 311:2).
109.
The Maggid Mishneh notes that the Rambam does not mention carrying the corpse with a baby or a loaf of bread on it, as in Halachah 21. The commentaries differ on whether this is necessary. The Rashba maintains that it is desirable to place another article on the corpse, so that one will be carrying the corpse for the sake of a permitted article.
The Ramban, by contrast, explains that since one is carrying the corpse into a carmelit and violating a Rabbinic prohibition associated with a forbidden labor, it is preferable to minimize the violation of that prohibition by not carrying another article. Although the prohibition against carrying an entity (the corpse) that is muktzeh will be violated in a more serious way, it is preferable to violate that prohibition (which is associated with a sh'vut) than the prohibition against carrying into a carmelit, which has its source in the forbidden labor of transferring articles.
Although the Rashba's view is accepted by the later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 311:2; Mishnah Berurah 311:9), one may rely on the Ramban's view if there is not another useful article available, and carry the corpse out without anything else.
110.
The corpse may be carried into a carmelit, but not into a public domain (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 311:5; Mishnah Berurah311:10).
The Tur allows carrying a corpse even into the public domain; since one does not intend to use the corpse, carrying it is a מלאכה שאינה צריכה לגופה, and the prohibition against performing such an activity is waived in this instance. The Rambam would surely not accept this premise, for he maintains that one is liable according to the Torah for performing a מלאכה שאינה צריכה לגופה. Even the later Ashkenazic authorities who accept the basic principle of the Tur do not accept this leniency.
111.
See Hilchot Mamrim 1:2, which interprets this as a commandment prohibiting us from transgressing a directive instituted by the Rabbis. All the Rabbinic commandments have their source in this mitzvah from the Torah. See also Hilchot Kilayim 10:29.
112.
The commentaries emphasize that this ruling indicates that according to the Rambam, the main source for leniency is the regard for the honor of the living, that they are forced to remain in a house permeated by the odor of a decaying corpse.
[It is possible to explain that according to the view of the Ramah cited in Note 106, the honor of the corpse is also considered, and removing it is allowed even if the people in the home have an alternative place to spend the Sabbath (Mishnah Berurah 311:7)].
• Tuesday, 6 Kislev, 5777 · 6 December 2016
• "Today's Day"
• My father said that the reciting of sh'ma before retiring at night (p. 118-124) is, in miniature form, like the Confession before death. But then one leaves the marketplace permanently, and the commerce of "Today to perform them"1 is finished. With the Bedside Sh'ma every night, however, one is still in the middle of the "market" and can still accomplish and achieve.
FOOTNOTES
1.I.e. the mitzvot. See Devarim 7:11, Eiruvin 22a.
• Daily Thought:
Preconception
Standing at the cusp of existence, before its very conception, when anything could have been but nothing was; He declared, “It should be light.”
The truth of all darkness is its mandate to become light; the truth of all conscious beings is their mandate to perceive that light; the truth of all existence is to know that it emerges out of that which stands beyond existence.
“How great are Your works, O G‑d! How very deep are Your thoughts!” (Psalms 92:6)[Likutei Sichot vol. 10, pp. 7–12.]
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