Torah Reading
Bo: Exodus 10:1 Adonai said to Moshe, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have made him and his servants hardhearted, so that I can demonstrate these signs of mine among them, 2 so that you can tell your son and grandson about what I did to Egypt and about my signs that I demonstrated among them, and so that you will all know that I am Adonai.” 3 Moshe and Aharon went in to Pharaoh and said to him, “Here is what Adonai, God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How much longer will you refuse to submit to me? Let my people go, so that they can worship me. 4 Otherwise, if you refuse to let my people go, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory. 5 One won’t be able to see the ground, so completely will the locusts cover it. They will eat anything you still have that escaped the hail, including every tree you have growing in the field. 6 They will fill your houses and those of your servants and of all the Egyptians. It will be like nothing your fathers or their fathers have ever seen since the day they were born until today.’” Then he turned his back and left.
7 Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How much longer must this fellow be a snare for us? Let the people go and worship Adonai their God. Don’t you understand yet that Egypt is being destroyed?” 8 So Moshe and Aharon were brought to Pharaoh again, and he said to them, “Go, worship Adonai your God. But who exactly is going?” 9 Moshe answered, “We will go with our young and our old, our sons and our daughters; and we will go with our flocks and herds; for we must celebrate a feast to Adonai.” 10 Pharaoh said to them, “Adonai certainly will be with you if I ever let you go with your children! It’s clear that you are up to no good. 11 Nothing doing! Just the men among you may go and worship Adonai. That’s what you want, isn’t it?” And they were driven out of Pharaoh’s presence.
(ii) 12 Adonai said to Moshe, “Reach out your hand over the land of Egypt, so that locusts will invade the land and eat every plant that the hail has left.” 13 Moshe reached out with his staff over the land of Egypt, and Adonai caused an east wind to blow on the land all day and all night; and in the morning the east wind brought the locusts. 14 The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt and settled throughout Egypt’s territory. It was an invasion more severe than there had ever been before or will ever be again. 15 They completely covered the ground, so that the ground looked black. They ate every plant growing from the ground and all the fruit of the trees left by the hail. Not one green thing remained, not a tree and not a plant in the field, in all the land of Egypt.
16 Pharaoh hurried to summon Moshe and Aharon and said, “I have sinned against Adonai your God and against you. 17 Now, therefore, please forgive my sin just this once; and intercede with Adonai your God, so that he will at least take away from me this deadly plague!” 18 He went out from Pharaoh and interceded with Adonai. 19 Adonai reversed the wind and made it blow very strongly from the west. It took up the locusts and drove them into the Sea of Suf; not one locust remained on Egyptian soil. 20 But Adonai made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he didn’t let the people of Isra’el go.
21 Adonai said to Moshe, “Reach out your hand toward the sky, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness so thick it can be felt!” 22 Moshe reached out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in the entire land of Egypt for three days. 23 People couldn’t see each other, and no one went anywhere for three days. But all the people of Isra’el had light in their homes.
(iii) 24 Pharaoh summoned Moshe and said, “Go, worship Adonai; only leave your flocks and herds behind — your children may go with you.” 25 Moshe answered, “You must also see to it that we have sacrifices and burnt offerings, so that we can sacrifice to Adonai our God. 26 Our livestock will also go with us — not a hoof will be left behind — because we must choose some of them to worship Adonai our God, and we don’t know which ones we will need to worship Adonai until we get there.” 27 But Adonai made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he would not let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to them, “Get away from me! And you had better not see my face again, because the day you see my face, you will die!” 29 Moshe answered, “Well spoken! I will see your face no more.”
11:1 Adonai said to Moshe, “I’m going to bring still one more plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, and after that he will let you leave here. When he does let you go, he will throw you out completely! 2 Now tell the people that every man is to ask his neighbor and every woman her neighbor for gold and silver jewelry.” 3 Adonai made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people. Moreover, Moshe was regarded by Pharaoh’s servants and the people as a very great man in the land of Egypt.
(iv) 4 Moshe said, “Here is what Adonai says: ‘About midnight I will go out into Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the slave-girl at the handmill, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 6 There will be a horrendous wailing throughout all the land of Egypt — there has never been another like it, and there never will be again. 7 But not even a dog’s growl will be heard against any of the people of Isra’el, neither against people nor against animals. In this way you will realize that Adonai distinguishes between Egyptians and Isra’el. 8 All your servants will come down to me, prostrate themselves before me and say, “Get out! — you and all the people who follow you!” and after that, I will go out!’ ” And he went out from Pharaoh in the heat of anger. 9 Adonai said to Moshe, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that still more of my wonders will be shown in the land of Egypt.”
10 Moshe and Aharon did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but Adonai had made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he didn’t let the people of Isra’el leave his land.
12:1 Adonai spoke to Moshe and Aharon in the land of Egypt; he said, 2 “You are to begin your calendar with this month; it will be the first month of the year for you. 3 Speak to all the assembly of Isra’el and say, ‘On the tenth day of this month, each man is to take a lamb or kid for his family, one per household — 4 except that if the household is too small for a whole lamb or kid, then he and his next-door neighbor should share one, dividing it in proportion to the number of people eating it. 5 Your animal must be without defect, a male in its first year, and you may choose it from either the sheep or the goats.
6 “‘You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, and then the entire assembly of the community of Isra’el will slaughter it at dusk. 7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame at the entrance of the house in which they eat it. 8 That night, they are to eat the meat, roasted in the fire; they are to eat it with matzah and maror. 9 Don’t eat it raw or boiled, but roasted in the fire, with its head, the lower parts of its legs and its inner organs. 10 Let nothing of it remain till morning; if any of it does remain, burn it up completely.
11 “‘Here is how you are to eat it: with your belt fastened, your shoes on your feet and your staff in your hand; and you are to eat it hurriedly. It is Adonai’s Pesach [Passover]. 12 For that night, I will pass through the land of Egypt and kill all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both men and animals; and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt; I am Adonai. 13 The blood will serve you as a sign marking the houses where you are; when I see the blood, I will pass over [Exodus 12:13 Hebrew: pasach] you — when I strike the land of Egypt, the death blow will not strike you.
14 “‘This will be a day for you to remember and celebrate as a festival to Adonai; from generation to generation you are to celebrate it by a perpetual regulation.
15 “‘For seven days you are to eat matzah — on the first day remove the leaven from your houses. For whoever eats hametz [leavened bread] from the first to the seventh day is to be cut off from Isra’el. 16 On the first and seventh days, you are to have an assembly set aside for God. On these days no work is to be done, except what each must do to prepare his food; you may do only that. 17 You are to observe the festival of matzah, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you are to observe this day from generation to generation by a perpetual regulation. 18 From the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month until the evening of the twenty-first day, you are to eat matzah. 19 During those seven days, no leaven is to be found in your houses. Whoever eats food with hametz in it is to be cut off from the community of Isra’el — it doesn’t matter whether he is a foreigner or a citizen of the land. 20 Eat nothing with hametz in it. Wherever you live, eat matzah.’”
(v) 21 Then Moshe called for all the leaders of Isra’el and said, “Select and take lambs for your families, and slaughter the Pesach lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop leaves and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame. Then, none of you is to go out the door of his house until morning. 23 For Adonai will pass through to kill the Egyptians; but when he sees the blood on the top and on the two sides, Adonai will pass over the door and will not allow the Slaughterer to enter your houses and kill you. 24 You are to observe this as a law, you and your descendants forever.
25 “When you come to the land which Adonai will give you, as he has promised, you are to observe this ceremony. 26 When your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this ceremony?’ 27 say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Adonai’s Pesach [Passover], because [Adonai] passed over the houses of the people of Isra’el in Egypt, when he killed the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” The people of Isra’el bowed their heads and worshipped. 28 Then the people of Isra’el went and did as Adonai had ordered Moshe and Aharon — that is what they did.
(vi) 29 At midnight Adonai killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. 30 Pharaoh got up in the night, he, all his servants and all the Egyptians; and there was horrendous wailing in Egypt; for there wasn’t a single house without someone dead in it. 31 He summoned Moshe and Aharon by night and said, “Up and leave my people, both you and the people of Isra’el; and go, serve Adonai as you said. 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you said; and get out of here! But bless me, too.” 33 The Egyptians pressed to send the people out of the land quickly, because they said, “Otherwise we’ll all be dead!”
34 The people took their dough before it had become leavened and wrapped their kneading bowls in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 The people of Isra’el had done what Moshe had said — they had asked the Egyptians to give them silver and gold jewelry and clothing; 36 and Adonai had made the Egyptians so favorably disposed toward the people that they had let them have whatever they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
37 The people of Isra’el traveled from Ra‘amses to Sukkot, some six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting children. 38 A mixed crowd also went up with them, as well as livestock in large numbers, both flocks and herds. 39 They baked matzah loaves from the dough they had brought out of Egypt, since it was unleavened; because they had been driven out of Egypt without time to prepare supplies for themselves.
40 The time the people of Isra’el lived in Egypt was 430 years. 41 At the end of 430 years to the day, all the divisions of Adonai left the land of Egypt. 42 This was a night when Adonai kept vigil to bring them out of the land of Egypt, and this same night continues to be a night when Adonai keeps vigil for all the people of Isra’el through all their generations.
43 Adonai said to Moshe and Aharon, “This is the regulation for the Pesach lamb: no foreigner is to eat it. 44 But if anyone has a slave he bought for money, when you have circumcised him, he may eat it. 45 Neither a traveler nor a hired servant may eat it. 46 It is to be eaten in one house. You are not to take any of the meat outside the house, and you are not to break any of its bones. 47 The whole community of Isra’el is to keep it. 48 If a foreigner staying with you wants to observe Adonai’s Pesach, all his males must be circumcised. Then he may take part and observe it; he will be like a citizen of the land. But no uncircumcised person is to eat it. 49 The same teaching is to apply equally to the citizen and to the foreigner living among you.”
50 All the people of Isra’el did just as Adonai had ordered Moshe and Aharon. 51 On that very day, Adonai brought the people of Isra’el out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.
13:1 (vii) Adonai said to Moshe, 2 “Set aside for me all the firstborn. Whatever is first from the womb among the people of Isra’el, both of humans and of animals, belongs to me.” 3 Moshe said to the people, “Remember this day, on which you left Egypt, the abode of slavery; because Adonai, by the strength of his hand, has brought you out of this place. Do not eat hametz. 4 You are leaving today, in the month of Aviv. 5 When Adonai brings you into the land of the Kena‘ani, Hitti, Emori, Hivi and Y’vusi, which he swore to your ancestors to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you are to observe this ceremony in this month. 6 For seven days you are to eat matzah, and the seventh day is to be a festival for Adonai. 7 Matzah is to be eaten throughout the seven days; neither hametz nor leavening agents are to be seen with you throughout your territory. 8 On that day you are to tell your son, ‘It is because of what Adonai did for me when I left Egypt.’
9 “Moreover, it will serve you as a sign on your hand and as a reminder between your eyes, so that Adonai’s Torah may be on your lips; because with a strong hand Adonai brought you out of Egypt. 10 Therefore you are to observe this regulation at its proper time, year after year. 11 When Adonai brings you into the land of the Kena‘ani, as he swore to you and your ancestors, and gives it to you, 12 you are to set apart for Adonai everything that is first from the womb. Every firstborn male animal will belong to Adonai. 13 Every firstborn from a donkey, you are to redeem with a lamb; but if you choose not to redeem it, you must break its neck. But from people, you are to redeem every firstborn son. (Maftir) 14 When, at some future time, your son asks you, ‘What is this?’ then say to him, ‘With a strong hand Adonai brought us out of Egypt, out of the abode of slavery. 15 When Pharaoh was unwilling to let us go, Adonai killed all the firstborn males in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of humans and the firstborn of animals. This is why I sacrifice to Adonai any male that is first from the womb of an animal, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16 This will serve as a sign on your hand and at the front of a headband around your forehead that with a strong hand Adonai brought us out of Egypt.”
Jeremiah 46:13 This word Adonai spoke to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning how N’vukhadretzar king of Bavel would come and attack the land of Egypt:
14 “Proclaim in Egypt, announce in Migdol,
announce in Nof and Tachpanches;
say: ‘Take your stand! Get ready!
For all around you the sword is destroying.
15 Why has your strong one been overthrown?
He failed to stand because Adonai pushed him down.
16 He caused many to trip;
yes, they fell all over each other.’”
Then they said, “Let’s get up,
let’s return to our own people,
back to the land where we were born,
away from the sword that destroys.”
17 They cried there, “Pharaoh king of Egypt makes noise,
but he lets the right time [for action] slip by.”
18 “As I live,” says the king,
whose name is Adonai-Tzva’ot,
“when he comes, he will be [as mighty]
as Tavor among the mountains,
as Karmel next to the sea.
19 “Daughter living in Egypt,
prepare what you need for exile;
for Nof will become a ruin,
laid waste, without inhabitant.
20 Egypt is a beautiful female calf;
but a horsefly from the north has come to attack her.
21 Her mercenaries too, that she had with her,
were like well-fed calves in a stable;
but they too have withdrawn in retreat,
they all ran away without standing their ground.
For their day of disaster has come over them,
the time for them to be punished.
22 Egypt hisses like a snake,
as the enemy’s army marches ahead,
attacking her with their axes
like lumbermen chopping trees.
23 They cut down her forest,” says Adonai,
“for they cannot be numbered;
yes, there are more of them than locusts,
far too many to count.
24 The daughter of Egypt is put to shame,
handed over to the people from the north.”
25 Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Isra’el, says: “I will punish Amon from No, Pharaoh, and Egypt with her gods and kings — that is, Pharaoh and those who trust in him; 26 I will hand them over to those who seek their lives, to N’vukhadretzar king of Bavel and to his servants. But afterwards, Egypt will be inhabited, as in the past,” says Adonai.
27 “Yet don’t be afraid, Ya‘akov my servant;
don’t be distressed, Isra’el.
For I will save you from faraway places,
and your offspring from the lands where they are held captive.
Ya‘akov will return and be at peace,
quiet, with no one to make him afraid.
28 Don’t be afraid, Ya‘akov my servant,”
says Adonai, “for I am with you.
I will finish off all the nations
where I have scattered you.
However, you I will not finish off,
I will discipline you as you deserve,
but not completely destroy you.”
Today's Laws & Customs:
• "Yud Shevat" Yahrtzeit observances Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidim observe the special customs of the Shabbat prior to the yahrtzeit(anniversary of the passing) of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950), which occurs next week, on the 10th of Shevat.
Link: A Letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe outlining his suggested observances for the Shabbat preceding Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak's yahrtzeit.
Today in Jewish History:
• End of the “Elders Era” (1228 BCE) The last of the Elders (z'keinim) who were contemporaries of Joshua and outlived him, passed away in the year 2533 after creation. They were part of the chain of Torah transmission as listed at the beginning of Ethics of the Fathers: "Moses received the Torah from Sinai and gave it over to Joshua. Joshua gave it over to the Elders, the Elders to the Prophets..."
In ancient times, this day was marked as a fast day.
[Some are of the opinion that this occurred on the 5th of Shevat].Today's Study:
• "Yud Shevat" Yahrtzeit observances Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidim observe the special customs of the Shabbat prior to the yahrtzeit(anniversary of the passing) of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950), which occurs next week, on the 10th of Shevat.
Link: A Letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe outlining his suggested observances for the Shabbat preceding Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak's yahrtzeit.
Today in Jewish History:
• End of the “Elders Era” (1228 BCE) The last of the Elders (z'keinim) who were contemporaries of Joshua and outlived him, passed away in the year 2533 after creation. They were part of the chain of Torah transmission as listed at the beginning of Ethics of the Fathers: "Moses received the Torah from Sinai and gave it over to Joshua. Joshua gave it over to the Elders, the Elders to the Prophets..."
In ancient times, this day was marked as a fast day.
[Some are of the opinion that this occurred on the 5th of Shevat].Today's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Bo, 7th Portion Exodus 13:1-13:16 with Rashi
• Exodus Chapter 13
1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, אוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־משֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר:
2"Sanctify to Me every firstborn, every one that opens the womb among the children of Israel among man and among animals; it is Mine." בקַדֶּשׁ־לִ֨י כָל־בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל־רֶ֨חֶם֙ בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּֽאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֖י הֽוּא:
every one that opens the womb: Heb. פֶּטֶר כָּל-רֶחֶם, which opened the womb first, [פֶּטֶר meaning to open] as “in The beginning of strife is like letting out (פּוֹטֵר) water” (Prov. 17:14); “ יַפְטִירוּ בְשָׂפָה, they will open their lips” (Ps. 22:8). — [from Mechilta, targumim] פטר כל רחם: שפתח את הרחם תחלה, כמו (משלי יז יד) פוטר מים ראשית מדון, וכן (תהלים כב ח) יפטירו בשפה, יפתחו שפתים:
it is Mine: For Myself I have acquired them by smiting the firstborn of Egypt. — [from Mechilta] לי הוא: לעצמי קניתים על ידי שהכיתי בכורי מצרים:
3Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, when you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for with a mighty hand, the Lord took you out of here, and [therefore] no leaven shall be eaten. גוַיֹּ֨אמֶר משֶׁ֜ה אֶל־הָעָ֗ם זָכ֞וֹר אֶת־הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצָאתֶ֤ם מִמִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ מִבֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד הוֹצִ֧יא יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִזֶּ֑ה וְלֹ֥א יֵֽאָכֵ֖ל חָמֵֽץ:
Remember this day: This teaches us that we are to mention the Exodus from Egypt daily. — [from Mechilta] זכור את היום הזה: למד שמזכירין יציאת מצרים בכל יום:
4Today you are going out, in the month of spring. דהַיּ֖וֹם אַתֶּ֣ם יֹֽצְאִ֑ים בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִֽיב:
in the month of spring: Now do we not know in what month they went out? [Early editions read: Now did they not know in what month they went out?] Rather, this is what he [Moses] said to them, “See the lovingkindness that He bestowed upon you, that He took you out in a month in which it is suitable to go out, when there is neither heat nor cold nor rain,” and so it says: “He takes the prisoners out at the most opportune time (בַּכּוֹשָׁרוֹת) ” (Ps. 68:7), in the month when it is best suited (כָּשֵׁר) to go out. — [from Mechilta] בחדש האביב: וכי לא היו יודעין באיזה חדש, אלא כך אמר להם, ראו חסד שגמלכם שהוציא אתכם בחדש שהוא כשר לצאת, לא חמה ולא צנה ולא גשמים. וכן הוא אומר (תהלים סח ז) מוציא אסירים בכושרות, חדש שהוא כשר לצאת:
5And it will come to pass that the Lord will bring you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivvites, and the Jebusites, which He swore to your forefathers to give you a land flowing with milk and honey and you shall perform this service in this month. הוְהָיָ֣ה כִֽי־יְבִֽיאֲךָ֣ יְהֹוָ֡ה אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַ֠כְּנַֽעֲנִ֠י וְהַֽחִתִּ֨י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י וְהַֽחִוִּ֣י וְהַיְבוּסִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֤ע לַֽאֲבֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ לָ֣תֶת לָ֔ךְ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ וְעָֽבַדְתָּ֛ אֶת־הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַזֶּֽה:
into the land of the Canaanites, etc.: Although [Scripture] enumerated [here] only five nations, it means all seven [of the nations], for they are all included in the [term] Canaanites, [even though] there was one of the families of Canaan that had only the name Canaanite. — [from Mechilta; Tanchuma, Bo 12] אל ארץ הכנעני וגו': אף על פי שלא מנה אלא חמשה עממין, כל שבעה גוים במשמע, שכולן בכלל כנעני הם, ואחת ממשפחת כנען היתה שלא נקרא לה שם אלא כנעני:
swore to your forefathers, etc.: Concerning Abraham, it says: “On that day, the Lord formed a covenant with Abram, [saying, ‘To your seed I have given this land’]” (Gen. 15:18); and concerning Isaac it says: “Sojourn in this land […for to you and to your seed I will give all these lands, and I will set up the oath that I swore to Abraham your father]” (Gen. 26:3); concerning Jacob it says: “the land upon which you are lying [to you I will give it and to your seed]” (Gen. 28:13). — [from Mechilta] נשבע לאבתיך וגו': באברהם הוא אומר (בראשית טו יח) ביום ההוא כרת ה' את אברם וגו', וביצחק הוא אומר (שם כו ג) גור בארץ הזאת וגו', וביעקב הוא אומר (שם כח יג) הארץ אשר אתה שוכב עליה וגו':
flowing with milk and honey: Milk flows from the goats’ [udders], and honey flows from the dates and the figs. — [from Kethuboth 111b] זבת חלב ודבש: החלב זב מן העזים והדבש זב מן התמרים ומן התאנים:
this service: [that] of the Passover sacrifice (Mechilta, Pes. 96a, Mechilta d’Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai). Now was it not already stated above (12:25): “And it shall come to pass when you enter the land [that you should keep this service], etc.” Now why did [Scripture] repeat it? Because of the thing that was newly introduced in it. In the former chapter (12:26), it says: “And it will come to pass if your children say to you, ‘What is this service to you?’” [There,] Scripture refers to a wicked son, who excludes himself from the community [by saying “to you”], and here (verse 8), “And you shall tell your son,” refers to a son who does not know to ask. Scripture teaches you that you yourself should initiate the discourse for him (Mechilta 14) with words of the Aggadah, which draw his interest [lit., draw the heart]. — [from Mechilta 18:14] את העבדה הזאת: של פסח. והלא כבר נאמר למעלה (יב כה) והיה כי תבואו אל הארץ וגו', ולמה חזר ושנאה, בשביל דבר שנתחדש בה. בפרשה ראשונה נאמר (שם כו) והיה כי יאמרו אליכם בניכם מה העבודה הזאת לכם, בבן רשע הכתוב מדבר שהוציא את עצמו מן הכלל, וכאן (פסוק ח) והגדת לבנך, בבן שאינו יודע לשאול, והכתוב מלמדך שתפתח לו אתה בדברי אגדה המושכין את הלב:
6For seven days you shall eat unleavened cakes, and on the seventh day, there is a festival for the Lord. ושִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים תֹּאכַ֣ל מַצֹּ֑ת וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י חַ֖ג לַיהֹוָֽה:
7Unleavened cakes shall be eaten during the seven days, and no leaven shall be seen of yours [in your possession], and no leavening shall be seen of yours throughout all of your borders. זמַצּוֹת֙ יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת שִׁבְעַ֣ת הַיָּמִ֑ים וְלֹא־יֵֽרָאֶ֨ה לְךָ֜ חָמֵ֗ץ וְלֹא־יֵֽרָאֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ שְׂאֹ֖ר בְּכָל־גְּבֻלֶֽךָ:
8And you shall tell your son on that day, saying, "Because of this, the Lord did [this] for me when I went out of Egypt." חוְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ לְבִנְךָ֔ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּֽעֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לִ֔י בְּצֵאתִ֖י מִמִּצְרָֽיִם:
Because of this: In order that I fulfill His commandments, such as these [commandments of] the Passover sacrifice, matzah, and bitter herbs. — [from Jonathan, Passover Haggadah] בעבור זה: בעבור שאקיים מצותיו, כגון פסח מצה ומרור הללו:
the Lord did [this] for me: [Scripture] alluded to a reply to the wicked son, to say, “the Lord did [this] for me,” but not for you. Had you been there, you would not have been worthy of being redeemed. — [from Mechilta] עשה ה' לי: רמז תשובה לבן רשע לומר, עשה ה' לי ולא לך, שאלו היית שם לא היית כדאי ליגאל:
9And it shall be to you as a sign upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes, in order that the law of the Lord shall be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord took you out of Egypt. טוְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָֽדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם:
And it shall be to you as a sign: The Exodus from Egypt shall be to you as a sign. — [from Jonathan] והיה לך לאות: יציאת מצרים תהיה לך לאות:
upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes: This means that you shall write these passages [verses 1:10 and 11:16] and bind them on the head and on the arm. על ידך ולזכרון בין עיניך: שתכתוב פרשיות הללו ותקשרם בראש ובזרוע:
upon your hand: On the left hand. Therefore, in the second section, יָדְכָה is written with the full spelling, to explain thereby [that it means] the hand (יָד) that is weaker (כֵּהָה). — [from Men. 37b] על ידך: יד שמאל, לפיכך ידכה מלא בפרשה שניה (פסוק טז) לדרוש בה, יד שהיא כהה:
10And you shall keep this statute at its appointed time, from year to year. יוְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֛ אֶת־הַֽחֻקָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְמֽוֹעֲדָ֑הּ מִיָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָה:
from year to year: Heb. מִיָמִים יָמִימָה, from year to year. — [from Onkelos]. מימים ימימה: משנה לשנה:
11And it will come to pass when the Lord will bring you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and to your forefathers, and He has given it to you, יאוְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יְבִֽאֲךָ֤ יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֔י כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע לְךָ֖ וְלַֽאֲבֹתֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָֽךְ:
And it will come to pass when… will bring you: Some of our Sages learned from here that the firstborn that were born in the desert were not sanctified. The one who rules that they were sanctified explains this “entry” as saying: If you fulfill it [this commandment] in the desert, you will merit to fulfill it there [in the Holy Land]. — [from Bechoroth 4b] והיה כי יבאך: יש מרבותינו שלמדו מכאן שלא קדשו בכורות הנולדים במדבר, והאומר שקדשו מפרש ביאה זו לומר אם תקיימוהו במדבר תזכו ליכנם לארץ ותקיימוהו שם:
as He swore to you: Now where did He swear to you? “And I will bring you to the land, concerning which I raised, etc.” (Exod. 6:8). — [from Mechilta] נשבע לך: והיכן נשבע לך, והבאתי אתכם אל הארץ אשר נשאתי וגו' (שמות ו ח):
and He has given it to you: It should seem to you as if He gave it to you today, and it should not seem to you as an inheritance from your forefathers. — [from Mechilta] ונתנה לך: תהא בעיניך כאלו נתנה לך בו ביום, ואל תהי בעיניך כירושת אבות:
12that you shall give over to the Lord whatever opens the womb, and every miscarriage that opens the womb of an animal which will be yours, the males belong to the Lord. יבוְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֥ כָל־פֶּֽטֶר־רֶ֖חֶם לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה וְכָל־פֶּ֣טֶר | שֶׁ֣גֶר בְּהֵמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִֽהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ הַזְּכָרִ֖ים לַיהֹוָֽה:
That you shall give over: Heb. וְהַעִבַרְךְתָּ is only an expression of separation, and so [Scripture] states: “and you shall give over (וְהַעִבַרְךְתֶּם) his inheritance to his daughter” (Num. 27:8). — [from Mechilta] והעברת: אין והעברת אלא לשון הפרשה, וכן הוא אומר (במדבר כז ח) והעברתם את נחלתו לבתו:
and every miscarriage: Heb. שֶׁגֶר, an aborted fetus, which its mother ejected (ֹשֶֹשָגַּרְךְתּוֹ) and sent out before its time. The text teaches you that it is holy in regards to freeing the one that follows it. A fetus that is not aborted is also called שֶׁגֶר, like “the offspring (שְׁגַר) of your cattle” (Deut. 7:13), but this [verse] came only to teach [us] about the aborted fetus, because [Scripture] already stated: “whatever opens the womb.” If you say that the firstborn of an unclean animal is meant, [Scripture] came and explained elsewhere “of your cattle and of your flocks” (Deut. 15:19). In another way we can explain: “you shall give over to the Lord whatever opens the womb,” that the text speaks of the firstborn of man. — [from Mechilta] שגר בהמה: נפל ששגרתו אמו ושלחתו בלא עתו, ולמדך הכתוב שהוא קדוש בבכורה לפטור את הבא אחריו. ואף שאינו נפל קרוי שגר, כמו (דברים ז יג) שגר אלפיך. אבל זה לא בא אלא ללמד על הנפל שהרי כבר כתיב כל פטר רחם. ואם תאמר אף בכור בהמה טמאה במשמע בא ופירש במקום אחר (דברים טו יט) בבקרך ובצאנך. לשון אחר יש לפרש והעברת כל פטר רחם, בבכור אדם הכתוב מדבר:
13And every firstborn donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, and if you do not redeem [it], you shall decapitate it, and every firstborn of man among your sons, you shall redeem. יגוְכָל־פֶּ֤טֶר חֲמֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם־לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַֽעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֨ל בְּכ֥וֹר אָדָ֛ם בְּבָנֶ֖יךָ תִּפְדֶּֽה:
firstborn donkey: But not the firstborn of other unclean animals (Mechilta). This is a biblical edict [decreed that the firstling donkey be redeemed] because the firstborn of the Egyptians were likened to donkeys. Moreover, because they [the donkeys] assisted the Israelites in their departure from Egypt, (for there was not a single Israelite who did not take donkeys from Egypt) laden with the silver and gold of the Egyptians. — [from Bech. 5b] פטר חמר: ולא פטר שאר בהמה טמאה, וגזרת הכתוב היא לפי שנמשלו בכורי מצרים לחמורים. ועוד, שסייעו את ישראל ביציאתן ממצרים, שאין לך אחד מישראל שלא נטל הרבה חמורים טעונים מכספם ומזהבם של מצרים:
you shall redeem with a lamb: He must give the lamb to a kohen. The firstborn donkey is permitted to be used, and the lamb is the ordinary property [i.e., unconsecrated] of the kohen. — [from Bech. 9a, b] [I.e., the lamb has no sanctity and may be used by the kohen.] תפדה בשה: נותן שה לכהן ופטר חמור מותר בהנאה והשה חולין ביד כהן:
you shall decapitate it: He decapitates it with a cleaver from behind and kills it (Bech. 13a). He caused the kohen to lose his money [by neglecting to give him the redemption lamb]. Therefore, he must lose his own money [by decapitating his donkey]. — [from Bech. 10b] וערפתו: עורפו בקופיץ מאחוריו והורגו. הוא הפסיד ממונו של כהן, לפיכך יפסיד ממונו:
and every firstborn of man among your sons, you shall redeem: His redemption [price] is established elsewhere (Num. 18:16) as five selas. וכל בכור אדם בבניך תפדה: חמש סלעים פדיונו קצוב במקום אחר:
14And it will come to pass if your son asks you in the future, saying, "What is this?" you shall say to him, "With a mighty hand did the Lord take us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ידוְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָֽלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד הֽוֹצִיאָ֧נוּ יְהֹוָ֛ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים:
if your son asks you in the future: Heb. מָחָר מָחָר sometimes means “now” and מָחָר sometimes means “at a later time,” such as it does here and such as “In time to come מָחָר, your children might say to our children” (Josh. 22:24), which refers to the children of Gad and the children of Reuben. — [from Mechilta] כי ישאלך בנך מחר: יש מחר שהוא עכשיו, ויש מחר שהוא לאחר זמן, כגון זה וכגון (יהושע כב כד) מחר יאמרו בניכם לבנינו, דבני גד ובני ראובן:
“What is this?”: This is [the question of] the simple child, [referred to in the Haggadah,] who does not know how to pose his question in depth, and asks a general question: “What is this?” Elsewhere it [Scripture] says: “What are the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments, etc.?” (Deut. 6: 20). This is the question of the wise son. The Torah spoke regarding four sons: the wicked one (Exod. 12:26), the one who does not understand to ask (Exod. 13:8), the one who asks [a] general [question], and the one who asks in a wise manner. — [from Yerushalmi, Pes. 10:4] מה זאת: זה תינוק טפש שאינו יודע להעמיק שאלתו וסותם ושואל מה זאת, ובמקום אחר הוא אומר (דברים ו כ) מה העדות והחקים והמשפטים וגו', הרי זאת שאלת בן חכם. דברה תורה כנגד ארבעה בנים, רשע ושאינו יודע לשאול והשואל דרך סתומה והשואל דרך חכמה:
15And it came to pass when Pharaoh was too stubborn to let us out, the Lord slew every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I slaughter [for a sacrifice] all males that open the womb, and every firstborn of my sons I will redeem. טווַיְהִ֗י כִּֽי־הִקְשָׁ֣ה פַרְעֹה֘ לְשַׁלְּחֵ֒נוּ֒ וַיַּֽהֲרֹ֨ג יְהֹוָ֤ה כָּל־בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם מִבְּכֹ֥ר אָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּכ֣וֹר בְּהֵמָ֑ה עַל־כֵּן֩ אֲנִ֨י זֹבֵ֜חַ לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה כָּל־פֶּ֤טֶר רֶ֨חֶם֙ הַזְּכָרִ֔ים וְכָל־בְּכ֥וֹר בָּנַ֖י אֶפְדֶּֽה:
16And it shall be for a sign upon your hand and for ornaments between your eyes, for with a mighty hand did the Lord take us out of Egypt. טזוְהָיָ֤ה לְאוֹת֙ עַל־יָ֣דְכָ֔ה וּלְטֽוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד הֽוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם:
and for ornaments between your eyes: Heb. וּלְטוֹטָפֹת, tefillin. Since they are [composed of] four compartments, they are called טֹטָפֹת, טט in Coptic meaning two, and פת in Afriki (Phrygian) meaning two (Men. 34b) [thus 2+2=4 boxes of tefillin]. Menachem (Machbereth Menachem p. 99), however, classified it [טוֹטָפֹת] with “Speak (הַטֵף) to the south” (Ezek. 21:2) and “Preach not (אַל-תּטִּיפוּ)” (Micah 2:6), an expression of speech, like “and as a remembrance” (Exod. 13:9), for whoever sees them [the tefillin] bound between the eyes will recall the miracle [of the Exodus] and speak about it. ולטוטפת: תפילין, ועל שם שהם ארבעה בתים קרויין טטפת, טט בכתפי שתים, פת באפריקי שתים. ומנחם חברו עם (יחזקאל כא ב) והטף אל דרום, (מיכה ב ו) אל תטיפו, לשון דבור, כמו (לעיל פסוק ט) ולזכרון, שהרואה אותם קשורים בין העינים יזכור הנס וידבר בו:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 44 - 48
• Chapter 44
The psalmist cries and laments painfully over this bitter exile, where we and our Torah are shamed daily, when the nations say that God has exchanged us for another nation, and where we are considered as sheep for the slaughter, as a byword and taunt. It is therefore fitting that God redeem us, for the sake of His great Name that abides with us in exile.
1. For the Conductor, by the sons of Korach, a maskil.1
2. God, with our ears we have heard, our fathers have told us, of the deeds You wrought in their days, in the days of old.
3. You drove out nations with Your hand, and planted [Israel in their place]; You afflicted peoples and banished them.
4. For not by their sword did they inherit the land, and their own arm did not save them, but by Your right hand, Your arm and the light of Your countenance-for You favored them.
5. You are my king, O God; decree the salvation of Jacob.
6. Through You will we gore our adversaries; with Your Name we will trample our opponents.
7. For I do not trust in my bow, and my sword cannot save me.
8. For You have delivered us from our foes, and You shamed those who hate us.
9. In God we glory all day, and forever thank Your Name, Selah.
10. Though You abandon and disgrace us, and do not go forth with our armies;
11. You cause us to retreat from the oppressor, and those who hate us plunder for themselves;
12. You deliver us like sheep to be devoured, and scatter us among the nations;
13. You sell Your nation without gain, and do not set a high price upon them;
14. You make us a disgrace to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us;
15. You make us a byword among the nations, [a cause for] nodding the head among the peoples;
16. all day long my humiliation is before me, and the shame of my face covers me
17. at the voice of the reviler and blasphemer, because of the foe and avenger-
18. all this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten You, nor have we been false to Your covenant.
19. Our hearts have not retracted, nor have our steps strayed from Your path.
20. Even when You crushed us in the place of serpents, and shrouded us in the shadow of death-
21. did we forget the Name of our God, and extend our hands to a foreign god?
22. Is it not so that God can examine this, for He knows the secrets of the heart.
23. For it is for Your sake that we are killed all the time; we are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.
24. Arise! Why do You sleep, my Lord? Wake up! Do not abandon [us] forever!
25. Why do You conceal Your countenance and forget our affliction and distress?
26. For our souls are bowed to the dust, our bellies cleave to the earth.
27. Arise! Be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your kindness.
FOOTNOTES
1.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge(Metzudot).
Chapter 45
The psalmist composed this psalm referring to Moshiach. He describes his greatness, his attributes, his glory, his wealth, and his reign; and states that Israel anticipates him, remembering and saying in every generation, "When will King Moshiach come?"
1. For the Conductor, upon the shoshanim,1 By the sons of Korach; a maskil,2 a song of love.
2. My heart is astir with a noble theme; I say, "My composition is for the king;3 my tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe.”
3. You are the most handsome of men, charm is poured upon your lips; therefore has God blessed you forever.
4. Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one-it is your majesty and splendor.
5. And with your splendor, succeed and ride on for the sake of truth and righteous humility; and your right hand will guide you to awesome deeds.
6. Your arrows are sharpened-nations fall beneath you-[the arrows fall] into the hearts of the king's enemies.
7. Your throne, O ruler, is forever and ever, [for] the scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.
8. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore has God, your God, anointed you with oil of joy above your peers.
9. Myrrh, aloes and cassia are [the fragrance] of all your garments, which are from ivory palaces that bring you joy.
10. Daughters of kings visit you, and the queen stands erect at your right hand, adorned in the fine gold of Ophir.
11. Hear, O daughter, and observe, incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house.
12. Then the king will desire your beauty. He is your master-bow to him.
13. The daughter of Tyre, the wealthiest of nations, will seek your favor with a gift.
14. All the glory of the princess is within; her clothing surpasses settings of gold.
15. In embroidered garments she will be brought to the king; the maidens in her train, her companions, will be led to you.
16. They will be brought with gladness and joy, they will enter the palace of the king.
17. Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will appoint them ministers throughout the land.
18. I will cause Your Name to be remembered throughout the generations; therefore will the nations praise You forever and ever.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument shaped like a shoshana, a rose (Metzudot).
2.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge(Metzudot).
3.Reffering to the Messiah. (Metzudot).
Chapter 46
This psalm tells of the Gog and Magog era (the Messianic age), when man will cast aside his weapons, and warfare will be no more.
1. For the Conductor, by the sons of Korach, on the alamot,1 a song.
2. God is our refuge and strength, a help in distress, He is most accessible.
3. Therefore, we will not be afraid when the earth is transformed, when mountains collapse in the heart of the seas;
4. when its waters roar and are muddied, and mountains quake before His grandeur, Selah.
5. The river2-its streams will bring joy to the city of God, the sacred dwelling of the Most High.
6. God is in her midst, she will not falter; God will help her at the approach of morning.
7. Nations clamor, kingdoms stumble; He raises His voice and the earth dissolves.
8. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold forever.
9. Go and see the works of the Lord, Who has wrought devastation in the land.
10. To the end of the earth He causes wars to cease; He breaks the bow, snaps the spear, and burns the wagons in fire.
11. Stop [waging war]! And know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, exalted upon the earth.
12. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold forever.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument (Rashi)
2.Flowing from Eden (Rashi)
Chapter 47
Following the battle of Gog and Magog (in the Messianic era), war will be no more. God will grant us salvation, and we will merit to go up to the Holy Temple for the festivals, Amen.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by the sons of Korach.
2. All you nations, clap hands; sound [the shofar] to God with a sound of jubilation.
3. For the Lord is most high, awesome; a great King over all the earth.
4. He subdues peoples under us, nations beneath our feet.
5. He chooses our heritage for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves eternally.
6. God ascends through teruah, the Lord-through the sound of the shofar.
7. Sing, O sing to God; sing, O sing to our King.
8. For God is King over all the earth; sing, O man of understanding.
9. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.
10. The most noble of the nations are gathered, the nation of the God of Abraham; for the protectors of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.
Chapter 48
The psalmist prophesies about the Messianic era, singing the praises of a rebuilt Jerusalem and the sacrifices brought there. At that time Israel will say, "As we heard from the mouths of the prophets, so have we merited to see!"
1. A song, a psalm by the sons of Korach.
2. The Lord is great and exceedingly acclaimed in the city of God, His holy mountain.
3. Beautiful in landscape, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, on the northern slopes, the city of the great King.
4. In her citadels, God became known as a tower of strength.
5. For behold, the kings assembled, they advanced in concert [to invade her].
6. They saw [the wonders of the Almighty] and were astounded; they were terror-stricken, they hastened to flee.
7. Trembling seized them there, pangs as of a woman in the throes of labor;
8. [they were crushed as] by an east wind that shatters the ships of Tarshish.
9. As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; may God establish it for all eternity.
10. God, we have been hoping for Your kindness [to be revealed] within Your Sanctuary.
11. As Your Name, O God, [is great,] so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
12. Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the towns of Judah exult, because of Your judgments.
13. Walk around Zion, encircle her, count her towers.
14. Consider well her ramparts, behold her lofty citadels, that you may recount it to a later generation.
15. For this God is our God forever and ever; He will lead us eternally.
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 21
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Shabbat, 8 Shevat, 5777 · 4 February 2017
• Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 21
• וככה ממש, דרך משל, מיוחדות דבורו ומחשבתו של הקב״ה בתכלית היחוד במהותו ועצמותו יתברך גם אחר שיצא דבורו יתברך אל הפועל בבריאות העולמות, כמו שהיה מיוחד עמו קודם בריאת העולמות
• Rambam - Shabbat, 8 Shevat, 5777 · 4 February 2017
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 61
Violating Oaths
"Do not swear falsely by My Name"—Leviticus 19:12.
It is forbidden to violate an oath which one makes obligating himself to do or not to do a certain action (unless the fulfillment of the oath involves violating a religious precept).
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Violating Oaths
Negative Commandment 61
Translated by Berel Bell
The 61st prohibition is that we are forbidden from violating the type of oath called a sh'vuas bitui.1
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "Do not swear falsely in My name."
A sh'vuas bitui is an oath to do something (or to refrain from doing something) that the Torah does not prohibit (or require).3 We are required to fulfill such an oath4 and are prohibited from violating it by virtue of His statement, "Do not swear falsely in My name."
Our Sages said in tractate Sh'vuos,5
"What is a sh'vuas sheker?6 When one swears to change [the truth."]7
The Gemara amends this, "It should read, 'When one swears and changes,'" i.e. swearing to do something, and then doing the opposite of the oath. 8
In the third chapter of Sh'vuos, as well as in tractate T'murah,9 it is explained that a sh'vuas sheker is the non-fulfillment of a sh'vuas bitui. There our Sages say, "What kind of sh'vuas sheker is meant?" This refers to the Gemara's previous statement regarding a sh'vuas sheker where no action was performed [and the punishment is nevertheless lashes]. "If you say [it refers to a case where the person swore,] 'I will not eat,' and the person ate, then an action was performed. [Therefore, that case could not be what the Gemara was referring to.] If you say [it refers to a case where the person swore,] 'I will eat,' and the person didn't eat, is he punished by lashes? [This cannot be, for] it says explicitly..." [that there are no lashes in such a case.]10
One who transgresses this prohibition intentionally is punished by lashes. If it was done unintentionally, he must bring an offering of adjustable value, as explained in positive commandment 72. The source for this is the statement in the third chapter of Sh'vuos,11 "This is a sh'vuas bitui, which, if one violates intentionally, is punished by lashes, and if unintentionally, must bring an offering of adjustable value." The details of this mitzvah are explained there.
You should be aware that when I said that this prohibition is punished by lashes if done intentionally, this does not mean that there is another prohibition for which there is lashes even if done unintentionally. Rather, you should keep in mind that every time I say that a certain prohibition is punishable by lashes (whether it was said in a previous mitzvah or in a following mitzvah), this is only when done intentionally, in the presence of witnesses, and after being warned — the conditions regarding the witnesses and the warning being found in tractate Sanhedrin.12
If, however, the transgression was done unintentionally, or if the person was forced, or if he made an error, he is not punished by lashes or kares, and certainly not by execution. You should keep this in mind, for it applies to all the mitzvos.
In those few mitzvos where we say explicitly that the punishment is lashes or execution when done intentionally, this is said in order to distinguish from the case where an unintentional violation necessitates a sacrifice. [This must be said] because not every unintentional prohibition entails a sacrifice.13
But every case of punishment by kares, lashes, or execution is carried out only where there were witnesses and a warning. You should keep this principle in mind so that it will not necessary to repeat it.
FOOTNOTES
1.As defined immediately below. This is in contrast to a sh'vuas shav, discussed in the next mitzvah.
2.Lev. 19:12.
3.If, however, someone swears to eat pork, or not to wear tefillin, the oath is called a sh'vuas shav rather than a sh'vuas bitui. See N62.
4.See P94.
5.21a.
6.Although the commandment speaks of a sh'vuas bitui, and this passage speaks of a sh'vuas sheker, the Rambam soon explains that they are identical.
7.I.e. swearing that he did something in the past, although he really did not (for example, swearing that he ate, when in fact he did not.
8.The Rambam's intention in quoting this passage seems to be providing Talmudic proof for the definition he just gave for a sh'vuas bitui, i.e. swearing to do something in the future. The final conclusion is that swearing falsely about the past is also called a sh'vuas bitui. See Hilchos Shavuos 1:3, Kesef Mishneh ibid.
9.3b.
10.The Gemara concludes that the case referred to is where he swore that he ate, although in reality he had not. As mentioned previously, although this oath deals with the past, the Gemara concludes that this too is a sh'vuas sheker.
In any case, the point of this quote is to prove that the term, sh'vuas sheker , refers to violating a sh'vuas bitui.
11.21a.
12.81b.
13.Therefore, when no sacrifice is involved, the Rambam does not need to mention that lashes, etc. is for an intentional violation.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Ten
• Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Ten
• Shvuot - Chapter 1
• Shabbat, 8 Shevat, 5777 · 5 February 2017
• "Today's Day"
• Thursday, Sh'vat 8, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Bo, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 44-48.
Tanya: The explanation (p. 75)...Sefer Ha-Gilgulim. (p. 77).
In these days especially, when by G-d's kindness we stand at the threshold of redemption, we must make every conceivable effort to strengthen every facet of our religion. Mitzvot must be observed b'hidur, with "beauty," beyond minimal requirements. Customs must be kept scrupulously, nothing compromised. It is a Mitzva and duty of every Rabbi in Israel to inform his congregation that the current tribulations and agonies are the "birth-pangs of Mashiach." G-d is demanding that we return to Torah and mitzvot, that we not hinder the imminent coming of our righteous Mashiach.
• Daily Thought:
Not With Toil
Not by toil, nor by struggle did the world come into being. G‑d spoke and it was, a world created by words.
Not by toil, nor by struggle is the world sustained. We speak words of Torah, of prayer, of wisdom and of kindness, and the world endures.
If so, what is the effort He demands from us?
That we invest our very essence in those words, as He invested His very essence within this world He made.[11 Nisan 5732.]
Chumash: Bo, 7th Portion Exodus 13:1-13:16 with Rashi
• Exodus Chapter 13
1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, אוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־משֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר:
2"Sanctify to Me every firstborn, every one that opens the womb among the children of Israel among man and among animals; it is Mine." בקַדֶּשׁ־לִ֨י כָל־בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל־רֶ֨חֶם֙ בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּֽאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֖י הֽוּא:
every one that opens the womb: Heb. פֶּטֶר כָּל-רֶחֶם, which opened the womb first, [פֶּטֶר meaning to open] as “in The beginning of strife is like letting out (פּוֹטֵר) water” (Prov. 17:14); “ יַפְטִירוּ בְשָׂפָה, they will open their lips” (Ps. 22:8). — [from Mechilta, targumim] פטר כל רחם: שפתח את הרחם תחלה, כמו (משלי יז יד) פוטר מים ראשית מדון, וכן (תהלים כב ח) יפטירו בשפה, יפתחו שפתים:
it is Mine: For Myself I have acquired them by smiting the firstborn of Egypt. — [from Mechilta] לי הוא: לעצמי קניתים על ידי שהכיתי בכורי מצרים:
3Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, when you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for with a mighty hand, the Lord took you out of here, and [therefore] no leaven shall be eaten. גוַיֹּ֨אמֶר משֶׁ֜ה אֶל־הָעָ֗ם זָכ֞וֹר אֶת־הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצָאתֶ֤ם מִמִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ מִבֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד הוֹצִ֧יא יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִזֶּ֑ה וְלֹ֥א יֵֽאָכֵ֖ל חָמֵֽץ:
Remember this day: This teaches us that we are to mention the Exodus from Egypt daily. — [from Mechilta] זכור את היום הזה: למד שמזכירין יציאת מצרים בכל יום:
4Today you are going out, in the month of spring. דהַיּ֖וֹם אַתֶּ֣ם יֹֽצְאִ֑ים בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִֽיב:
in the month of spring: Now do we not know in what month they went out? [Early editions read: Now did they not know in what month they went out?] Rather, this is what he [Moses] said to them, “See the lovingkindness that He bestowed upon you, that He took you out in a month in which it is suitable to go out, when there is neither heat nor cold nor rain,” and so it says: “He takes the prisoners out at the most opportune time (בַּכּוֹשָׁרוֹת) ” (Ps. 68:7), in the month when it is best suited (כָּשֵׁר) to go out. — [from Mechilta] בחדש האביב: וכי לא היו יודעין באיזה חדש, אלא כך אמר להם, ראו חסד שגמלכם שהוציא אתכם בחדש שהוא כשר לצאת, לא חמה ולא צנה ולא גשמים. וכן הוא אומר (תהלים סח ז) מוציא אסירים בכושרות, חדש שהוא כשר לצאת:
5And it will come to pass that the Lord will bring you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivvites, and the Jebusites, which He swore to your forefathers to give you a land flowing with milk and honey and you shall perform this service in this month. הוְהָיָ֣ה כִֽי־יְבִֽיאֲךָ֣ יְהֹוָ֡ה אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַ֠כְּנַֽעֲנִ֠י וְהַֽחִתִּ֨י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י וְהַֽחִוִּ֣י וְהַיְבוּסִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֤ע לַֽאֲבֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ לָ֣תֶת לָ֔ךְ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ וְעָֽבַדְתָּ֛ אֶת־הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַזֶּֽה:
into the land of the Canaanites, etc.: Although [Scripture] enumerated [here] only five nations, it means all seven [of the nations], for they are all included in the [term] Canaanites, [even though] there was one of the families of Canaan that had only the name Canaanite. — [from Mechilta; Tanchuma, Bo 12] אל ארץ הכנעני וגו': אף על פי שלא מנה אלא חמשה עממין, כל שבעה גוים במשמע, שכולן בכלל כנעני הם, ואחת ממשפחת כנען היתה שלא נקרא לה שם אלא כנעני:
swore to your forefathers, etc.: Concerning Abraham, it says: “On that day, the Lord formed a covenant with Abram, [saying, ‘To your seed I have given this land’]” (Gen. 15:18); and concerning Isaac it says: “Sojourn in this land […for to you and to your seed I will give all these lands, and I will set up the oath that I swore to Abraham your father]” (Gen. 26:3); concerning Jacob it says: “the land upon which you are lying [to you I will give it and to your seed]” (Gen. 28:13). — [from Mechilta] נשבע לאבתיך וגו': באברהם הוא אומר (בראשית טו יח) ביום ההוא כרת ה' את אברם וגו', וביצחק הוא אומר (שם כו ג) גור בארץ הזאת וגו', וביעקב הוא אומר (שם כח יג) הארץ אשר אתה שוכב עליה וגו':
flowing with milk and honey: Milk flows from the goats’ [udders], and honey flows from the dates and the figs. — [from Kethuboth 111b] זבת חלב ודבש: החלב זב מן העזים והדבש זב מן התמרים ומן התאנים:
this service: [that] of the Passover sacrifice (Mechilta, Pes. 96a, Mechilta d’Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai). Now was it not already stated above (12:25): “And it shall come to pass when you enter the land [that you should keep this service], etc.” Now why did [Scripture] repeat it? Because of the thing that was newly introduced in it. In the former chapter (12:26), it says: “And it will come to pass if your children say to you, ‘What is this service to you?’” [There,] Scripture refers to a wicked son, who excludes himself from the community [by saying “to you”], and here (verse 8), “And you shall tell your son,” refers to a son who does not know to ask. Scripture teaches you that you yourself should initiate the discourse for him (Mechilta 14) with words of the Aggadah, which draw his interest [lit., draw the heart]. — [from Mechilta 18:14] את העבדה הזאת: של פסח. והלא כבר נאמר למעלה (יב כה) והיה כי תבואו אל הארץ וגו', ולמה חזר ושנאה, בשביל דבר שנתחדש בה. בפרשה ראשונה נאמר (שם כו) והיה כי יאמרו אליכם בניכם מה העבודה הזאת לכם, בבן רשע הכתוב מדבר שהוציא את עצמו מן הכלל, וכאן (פסוק ח) והגדת לבנך, בבן שאינו יודע לשאול, והכתוב מלמדך שתפתח לו אתה בדברי אגדה המושכין את הלב:
6For seven days you shall eat unleavened cakes, and on the seventh day, there is a festival for the Lord. ושִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים תֹּאכַ֣ל מַצֹּ֑ת וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י חַ֖ג לַיהֹוָֽה:
7Unleavened cakes shall be eaten during the seven days, and no leaven shall be seen of yours [in your possession], and no leavening shall be seen of yours throughout all of your borders. זמַצּוֹת֙ יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת שִׁבְעַ֣ת הַיָּמִ֑ים וְלֹא־יֵֽרָאֶ֨ה לְךָ֜ חָמֵ֗ץ וְלֹא־יֵֽרָאֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ שְׂאֹ֖ר בְּכָל־גְּבֻלֶֽךָ:
8And you shall tell your son on that day, saying, "Because of this, the Lord did [this] for me when I went out of Egypt." חוְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ לְבִנְךָ֔ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּֽעֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לִ֔י בְּצֵאתִ֖י מִמִּצְרָֽיִם:
Because of this: In order that I fulfill His commandments, such as these [commandments of] the Passover sacrifice, matzah, and bitter herbs. — [from Jonathan, Passover Haggadah] בעבור זה: בעבור שאקיים מצותיו, כגון פסח מצה ומרור הללו:
the Lord did [this] for me: [Scripture] alluded to a reply to the wicked son, to say, “the Lord did [this] for me,” but not for you. Had you been there, you would not have been worthy of being redeemed. — [from Mechilta] עשה ה' לי: רמז תשובה לבן רשע לומר, עשה ה' לי ולא לך, שאלו היית שם לא היית כדאי ליגאל:
9And it shall be to you as a sign upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes, in order that the law of the Lord shall be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord took you out of Egypt. טוְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָֽדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם:
And it shall be to you as a sign: The Exodus from Egypt shall be to you as a sign. — [from Jonathan] והיה לך לאות: יציאת מצרים תהיה לך לאות:
upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes: This means that you shall write these passages [verses 1:10 and 11:16] and bind them on the head and on the arm. על ידך ולזכרון בין עיניך: שתכתוב פרשיות הללו ותקשרם בראש ובזרוע:
upon your hand: On the left hand. Therefore, in the second section, יָדְכָה is written with the full spelling, to explain thereby [that it means] the hand (יָד) that is weaker (כֵּהָה). — [from Men. 37b] על ידך: יד שמאל, לפיכך ידכה מלא בפרשה שניה (פסוק טז) לדרוש בה, יד שהיא כהה:
10And you shall keep this statute at its appointed time, from year to year. יוְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֛ אֶת־הַֽחֻקָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְמֽוֹעֲדָ֑הּ מִיָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָה:
from year to year: Heb. מִיָמִים יָמִימָה, from year to year. — [from Onkelos]. מימים ימימה: משנה לשנה:
11And it will come to pass when the Lord will bring you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and to your forefathers, and He has given it to you, יאוְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יְבִֽאֲךָ֤ יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֔י כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע לְךָ֖ וְלַֽאֲבֹתֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָֽךְ:
And it will come to pass when… will bring you: Some of our Sages learned from here that the firstborn that were born in the desert were not sanctified. The one who rules that they were sanctified explains this “entry” as saying: If you fulfill it [this commandment] in the desert, you will merit to fulfill it there [in the Holy Land]. — [from Bechoroth 4b] והיה כי יבאך: יש מרבותינו שלמדו מכאן שלא קדשו בכורות הנולדים במדבר, והאומר שקדשו מפרש ביאה זו לומר אם תקיימוהו במדבר תזכו ליכנם לארץ ותקיימוהו שם:
as He swore to you: Now where did He swear to you? “And I will bring you to the land, concerning which I raised, etc.” (Exod. 6:8). — [from Mechilta] נשבע לך: והיכן נשבע לך, והבאתי אתכם אל הארץ אשר נשאתי וגו' (שמות ו ח):
and He has given it to you: It should seem to you as if He gave it to you today, and it should not seem to you as an inheritance from your forefathers. — [from Mechilta] ונתנה לך: תהא בעיניך כאלו נתנה לך בו ביום, ואל תהי בעיניך כירושת אבות:
12that you shall give over to the Lord whatever opens the womb, and every miscarriage that opens the womb of an animal which will be yours, the males belong to the Lord. יבוְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֥ כָל־פֶּֽטֶר־רֶ֖חֶם לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה וְכָל־פֶּ֣טֶר | שֶׁ֣גֶר בְּהֵמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִֽהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ הַזְּכָרִ֖ים לַיהֹוָֽה:
That you shall give over: Heb. וְהַעִבַרְךְתָּ is only an expression of separation, and so [Scripture] states: “and you shall give over (וְהַעִבַרְךְתֶּם) his inheritance to his daughter” (Num. 27:8). — [from Mechilta] והעברת: אין והעברת אלא לשון הפרשה, וכן הוא אומר (במדבר כז ח) והעברתם את נחלתו לבתו:
and every miscarriage: Heb. שֶׁגֶר, an aborted fetus, which its mother ejected (ֹשֶֹשָגַּרְךְתּוֹ) and sent out before its time. The text teaches you that it is holy in regards to freeing the one that follows it. A fetus that is not aborted is also called שֶׁגֶר, like “the offspring (שְׁגַר) of your cattle” (Deut. 7:13), but this [verse] came only to teach [us] about the aborted fetus, because [Scripture] already stated: “whatever opens the womb.” If you say that the firstborn of an unclean animal is meant, [Scripture] came and explained elsewhere “of your cattle and of your flocks” (Deut. 15:19). In another way we can explain: “you shall give over to the Lord whatever opens the womb,” that the text speaks of the firstborn of man. — [from Mechilta] שגר בהמה: נפל ששגרתו אמו ושלחתו בלא עתו, ולמדך הכתוב שהוא קדוש בבכורה לפטור את הבא אחריו. ואף שאינו נפל קרוי שגר, כמו (דברים ז יג) שגר אלפיך. אבל זה לא בא אלא ללמד על הנפל שהרי כבר כתיב כל פטר רחם. ואם תאמר אף בכור בהמה טמאה במשמע בא ופירש במקום אחר (דברים טו יט) בבקרך ובצאנך. לשון אחר יש לפרש והעברת כל פטר רחם, בבכור אדם הכתוב מדבר:
13And every firstborn donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, and if you do not redeem [it], you shall decapitate it, and every firstborn of man among your sons, you shall redeem. יגוְכָל־פֶּ֤טֶר חֲמֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם־לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַֽעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֨ל בְּכ֥וֹר אָדָ֛ם בְּבָנֶ֖יךָ תִּפְדֶּֽה:
firstborn donkey: But not the firstborn of other unclean animals (Mechilta). This is a biblical edict [decreed that the firstling donkey be redeemed] because the firstborn of the Egyptians were likened to donkeys. Moreover, because they [the donkeys] assisted the Israelites in their departure from Egypt, (for there was not a single Israelite who did not take donkeys from Egypt) laden with the silver and gold of the Egyptians. — [from Bech. 5b] פטר חמר: ולא פטר שאר בהמה טמאה, וגזרת הכתוב היא לפי שנמשלו בכורי מצרים לחמורים. ועוד, שסייעו את ישראל ביציאתן ממצרים, שאין לך אחד מישראל שלא נטל הרבה חמורים טעונים מכספם ומזהבם של מצרים:
you shall redeem with a lamb: He must give the lamb to a kohen. The firstborn donkey is permitted to be used, and the lamb is the ordinary property [i.e., unconsecrated] of the kohen. — [from Bech. 9a, b] [I.e., the lamb has no sanctity and may be used by the kohen.] תפדה בשה: נותן שה לכהן ופטר חמור מותר בהנאה והשה חולין ביד כהן:
you shall decapitate it: He decapitates it with a cleaver from behind and kills it (Bech. 13a). He caused the kohen to lose his money [by neglecting to give him the redemption lamb]. Therefore, he must lose his own money [by decapitating his donkey]. — [from Bech. 10b] וערפתו: עורפו בקופיץ מאחוריו והורגו. הוא הפסיד ממונו של כהן, לפיכך יפסיד ממונו:
and every firstborn of man among your sons, you shall redeem: His redemption [price] is established elsewhere (Num. 18:16) as five selas. וכל בכור אדם בבניך תפדה: חמש סלעים פדיונו קצוב במקום אחר:
14And it will come to pass if your son asks you in the future, saying, "What is this?" you shall say to him, "With a mighty hand did the Lord take us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ידוְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָֽלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד הֽוֹצִיאָ֧נוּ יְהֹוָ֛ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים:
if your son asks you in the future: Heb. מָחָר מָחָר sometimes means “now” and מָחָר sometimes means “at a later time,” such as it does here and such as “In time to come מָחָר, your children might say to our children” (Josh. 22:24), which refers to the children of Gad and the children of Reuben. — [from Mechilta] כי ישאלך בנך מחר: יש מחר שהוא עכשיו, ויש מחר שהוא לאחר זמן, כגון זה וכגון (יהושע כב כד) מחר יאמרו בניכם לבנינו, דבני גד ובני ראובן:
“What is this?”: This is [the question of] the simple child, [referred to in the Haggadah,] who does not know how to pose his question in depth, and asks a general question: “What is this?” Elsewhere it [Scripture] says: “What are the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments, etc.?” (Deut. 6: 20). This is the question of the wise son. The Torah spoke regarding four sons: the wicked one (Exod. 12:26), the one who does not understand to ask (Exod. 13:8), the one who asks [a] general [question], and the one who asks in a wise manner. — [from Yerushalmi, Pes. 10:4] מה זאת: זה תינוק טפש שאינו יודע להעמיק שאלתו וסותם ושואל מה זאת, ובמקום אחר הוא אומר (דברים ו כ) מה העדות והחקים והמשפטים וגו', הרי זאת שאלת בן חכם. דברה תורה כנגד ארבעה בנים, רשע ושאינו יודע לשאול והשואל דרך סתומה והשואל דרך חכמה:
15And it came to pass when Pharaoh was too stubborn to let us out, the Lord slew every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I slaughter [for a sacrifice] all males that open the womb, and every firstborn of my sons I will redeem. טווַיְהִ֗י כִּֽי־הִקְשָׁ֣ה פַרְעֹה֘ לְשַׁלְּחֵ֒נוּ֒ וַיַּֽהֲרֹ֨ג יְהֹוָ֤ה כָּל־בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם מִבְּכֹ֥ר אָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּכ֣וֹר בְּהֵמָ֑ה עַל־כֵּן֩ אֲנִ֨י זֹבֵ֜חַ לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה כָּל־פֶּ֤טֶר רֶ֨חֶם֙ הַזְּכָרִ֔ים וְכָל־בְּכ֥וֹר בָּנַ֖י אֶפְדֶּֽה:
16And it shall be for a sign upon your hand and for ornaments between your eyes, for with a mighty hand did the Lord take us out of Egypt. טזוְהָיָ֤ה לְאוֹת֙ עַל־יָ֣דְכָ֔ה וּלְטֽוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד הֽוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם:
and for ornaments between your eyes: Heb. וּלְטוֹטָפֹת, tefillin. Since they are [composed of] four compartments, they are called טֹטָפֹת, טט in Coptic meaning two, and פת in Afriki (Phrygian) meaning two (Men. 34b) [thus 2+2=4 boxes of tefillin]. Menachem (Machbereth Menachem p. 99), however, classified it [טוֹטָפֹת] with “Speak (הַטֵף) to the south” (Ezek. 21:2) and “Preach not (אַל-תּטִּיפוּ)” (Micah 2:6), an expression of speech, like “and as a remembrance” (Exod. 13:9), for whoever sees them [the tefillin] bound between the eyes will recall the miracle [of the Exodus] and speak about it. ולטוטפת: תפילין, ועל שם שהם ארבעה בתים קרויין טטפת, טט בכתפי שתים, פת באפריקי שתים. ומנחם חברו עם (יחזקאל כא ב) והטף אל דרום, (מיכה ב ו) אל תטיפו, לשון דבור, כמו (לעיל פסוק ט) ולזכרון, שהרואה אותם קשורים בין העינים יזכור הנס וידבר בו:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 44 - 48
• Chapter 44
The psalmist cries and laments painfully over this bitter exile, where we and our Torah are shamed daily, when the nations say that God has exchanged us for another nation, and where we are considered as sheep for the slaughter, as a byword and taunt. It is therefore fitting that God redeem us, for the sake of His great Name that abides with us in exile.
1. For the Conductor, by the sons of Korach, a maskil.1
2. God, with our ears we have heard, our fathers have told us, of the deeds You wrought in their days, in the days of old.
3. You drove out nations with Your hand, and planted [Israel in their place]; You afflicted peoples and banished them.
4. For not by their sword did they inherit the land, and their own arm did not save them, but by Your right hand, Your arm and the light of Your countenance-for You favored them.
5. You are my king, O God; decree the salvation of Jacob.
6. Through You will we gore our adversaries; with Your Name we will trample our opponents.
7. For I do not trust in my bow, and my sword cannot save me.
8. For You have delivered us from our foes, and You shamed those who hate us.
9. In God we glory all day, and forever thank Your Name, Selah.
10. Though You abandon and disgrace us, and do not go forth with our armies;
11. You cause us to retreat from the oppressor, and those who hate us plunder for themselves;
12. You deliver us like sheep to be devoured, and scatter us among the nations;
13. You sell Your nation without gain, and do not set a high price upon them;
14. You make us a disgrace to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us;
15. You make us a byword among the nations, [a cause for] nodding the head among the peoples;
16. all day long my humiliation is before me, and the shame of my face covers me
17. at the voice of the reviler and blasphemer, because of the foe and avenger-
18. all this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten You, nor have we been false to Your covenant.
19. Our hearts have not retracted, nor have our steps strayed from Your path.
20. Even when You crushed us in the place of serpents, and shrouded us in the shadow of death-
21. did we forget the Name of our God, and extend our hands to a foreign god?
22. Is it not so that God can examine this, for He knows the secrets of the heart.
23. For it is for Your sake that we are killed all the time; we are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.
24. Arise! Why do You sleep, my Lord? Wake up! Do not abandon [us] forever!
25. Why do You conceal Your countenance and forget our affliction and distress?
26. For our souls are bowed to the dust, our bellies cleave to the earth.
27. Arise! Be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your kindness.
FOOTNOTES
1.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge(Metzudot).
Chapter 45
The psalmist composed this psalm referring to Moshiach. He describes his greatness, his attributes, his glory, his wealth, and his reign; and states that Israel anticipates him, remembering and saying in every generation, "When will King Moshiach come?"
1. For the Conductor, upon the shoshanim,1 By the sons of Korach; a maskil,2 a song of love.
2. My heart is astir with a noble theme; I say, "My composition is for the king;3 my tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe.”
3. You are the most handsome of men, charm is poured upon your lips; therefore has God blessed you forever.
4. Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one-it is your majesty and splendor.
5. And with your splendor, succeed and ride on for the sake of truth and righteous humility; and your right hand will guide you to awesome deeds.
6. Your arrows are sharpened-nations fall beneath you-[the arrows fall] into the hearts of the king's enemies.
7. Your throne, O ruler, is forever and ever, [for] the scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.
8. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore has God, your God, anointed you with oil of joy above your peers.
9. Myrrh, aloes and cassia are [the fragrance] of all your garments, which are from ivory palaces that bring you joy.
10. Daughters of kings visit you, and the queen stands erect at your right hand, adorned in the fine gold of Ophir.
11. Hear, O daughter, and observe, incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house.
12. Then the king will desire your beauty. He is your master-bow to him.
13. The daughter of Tyre, the wealthiest of nations, will seek your favor with a gift.
14. All the glory of the princess is within; her clothing surpasses settings of gold.
15. In embroidered garments she will be brought to the king; the maidens in her train, her companions, will be led to you.
16. They will be brought with gladness and joy, they will enter the palace of the king.
17. Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will appoint them ministers throughout the land.
18. I will cause Your Name to be remembered throughout the generations; therefore will the nations praise You forever and ever.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument shaped like a shoshana, a rose (Metzudot).
2.A psalm intended to enlighten and impart knowledge(Metzudot).
3.Reffering to the Messiah. (Metzudot).
Chapter 46
This psalm tells of the Gog and Magog era (the Messianic age), when man will cast aside his weapons, and warfare will be no more.
1. For the Conductor, by the sons of Korach, on the alamot,1 a song.
2. God is our refuge and strength, a help in distress, He is most accessible.
3. Therefore, we will not be afraid when the earth is transformed, when mountains collapse in the heart of the seas;
4. when its waters roar and are muddied, and mountains quake before His grandeur, Selah.
5. The river2-its streams will bring joy to the city of God, the sacred dwelling of the Most High.
6. God is in her midst, she will not falter; God will help her at the approach of morning.
7. Nations clamor, kingdoms stumble; He raises His voice and the earth dissolves.
8. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold forever.
9. Go and see the works of the Lord, Who has wrought devastation in the land.
10. To the end of the earth He causes wars to cease; He breaks the bow, snaps the spear, and burns the wagons in fire.
11. Stop [waging war]! And know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, exalted upon the earth.
12. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold forever.
FOOTNOTES
1.A musical instrument (Rashi)
2.Flowing from Eden (Rashi)
Chapter 47
Following the battle of Gog and Magog (in the Messianic era), war will be no more. God will grant us salvation, and we will merit to go up to the Holy Temple for the festivals, Amen.
1. For the Conductor, a psalm by the sons of Korach.
2. All you nations, clap hands; sound [the shofar] to God with a sound of jubilation.
3. For the Lord is most high, awesome; a great King over all the earth.
4. He subdues peoples under us, nations beneath our feet.
5. He chooses our heritage for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves eternally.
6. God ascends through teruah, the Lord-through the sound of the shofar.
7. Sing, O sing to God; sing, O sing to our King.
8. For God is King over all the earth; sing, O man of understanding.
9. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.
10. The most noble of the nations are gathered, the nation of the God of Abraham; for the protectors of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.
Chapter 48
The psalmist prophesies about the Messianic era, singing the praises of a rebuilt Jerusalem and the sacrifices brought there. At that time Israel will say, "As we heard from the mouths of the prophets, so have we merited to see!"
1. A song, a psalm by the sons of Korach.
2. The Lord is great and exceedingly acclaimed in the city of God, His holy mountain.
3. Beautiful in landscape, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, on the northern slopes, the city of the great King.
4. In her citadels, God became known as a tower of strength.
5. For behold, the kings assembled, they advanced in concert [to invade her].
6. They saw [the wonders of the Almighty] and were astounded; they were terror-stricken, they hastened to flee.
7. Trembling seized them there, pangs as of a woman in the throes of labor;
8. [they were crushed as] by an east wind that shatters the ships of Tarshish.
9. As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; may God establish it for all eternity.
10. God, we have been hoping for Your kindness [to be revealed] within Your Sanctuary.
11. As Your Name, O God, [is great,] so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
12. Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the towns of Judah exult, because of Your judgments.
13. Walk around Zion, encircle her, count her towers.
14. Consider well her ramparts, behold her lofty citadels, that you may recount it to a later generation.
15. For this God is our God forever and ever; He will lead us eternally.
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 21
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Shabbat, 8 Shevat, 5777 · 4 February 2017
• Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 21
• וככה ממש, דרך משל, מיוחדות דבורו ומחשבתו של הקב״ה בתכלית היחוד במהותו ועצמותו יתברך גם אחר שיצא דבורו יתברך אל הפועל בבריאות העולמות, כמו שהיה מיוחד עמו קודם בריאת העולמות
Precisely so, by way of analogy, are G‑d’s “speech” and “thought” absolutely united with His essence and being even after His “speech” has already become materialized in the creation of the worlds, just as it was united with Him before the worlds were created.
ואין שום שינוי כלל לפניו יתברך אלא אל הברואים המקבלים חיותם מבחינת דבורו יתברך בבחינת יציאתו כבר אל הפועל בבריאת העולמות
Thus, for G‑d, nothing whatever was changed by the revelation of His creative power in Creation. The change wrought by Creation exists only with regard to the created beings, who receive their life-force from G‑d’s Word when it proceeds (from concealment) to actualization, with the creation of the worlds.
For the created beings, the revelation of the creative power contained in G‑d’s Word represents the greatest possible change — the passage from nonexistence to existence, since they come into being only when the Divine Word begins to actually create worlds.
שמתלבש בהם להחיותם
at which time it clothes itself in these worlds, to give them life.
על ידי השתלשלות מעלה לעלול, וירידת המדרגות בצמצומים רבים ושונים
This process takes place through a gradual descent from level to level (with the higher level referred to as the עילה, the “cause”, and the lower level — theעלול, the “effect”), and a downward gradation by means of numerous and various contractions (tzimtzumim, i.e., a progressive decrease in the intensity of the revealed Divine powers).
עד שיוכלו הברואים לקבל חיותם והתהוותם ממנו ולא יתבטלו במציאות
G‑d’s Word descends and is contracted to the point where the created beings can derive their life-force and existence from it, without losing their identity.
An undimmed revelation of the G‑dly life-force would create beings whose identity would be utterly nullified within their life-force. It was G‑d’s intention that His creations perceive themselves to be separate from Him, and that through their own efforts they achieve a spirit of self-nullification vis-à-vis their Creator. To this end, G‑d revealed His creative power only through a series of contractions, whose effect the Alter Rebbe now goes on to explain:
וכל הצמצומים הם בחינת הסתר פנים, להסתיר ולהעלים האור והחיות הנמשך מדבורו יתברך, שלא יתגלה בבחינת גילוי רב שלא יוכלו התחתונים לקבל
All the contractions constitute a “veiling of the [Divine] Countenance”; that is, they veil and conceal the “face,” i.e., the essential aspects of the light and life-force that are derived from G‑d’s Word, so that it should not reveal itself with an intense radiance which the lower worlds would be incapable of receiving.
ולכן גם כן נדמה להם אור וחיות הדבור של מקום ברוך הוא המלובש בהם, כאלו הוא דבר מובדל ממהותו ועצמותו יתברך
Therefore too, because it is thus obscured through tzimtzum, the light and life-force of G‑d’s Word that is clothed in them appears to them as if it is something separate from G‑d Himself,
רק שנמשך ממנו יתברך כמו דבור של אדם מנפשו
and as though it only issues from Him, just as the speech of a human being issues from him but then becomes separated from him.
This false perception of the G‑dly life-force as something separate from G‑d is possible only because the life-force is hidden from creation by means of the tzimtzumim.
אך לגבי הקב״ה אין שום צמצום והסתר והעלם מסתיר ומעלים לפניו, וכחשכה כאורה
Yet, in regard to G‑d, no concealment or veil hides or obscures anything from Him; to Him,1 “‘darkness’ (concealment) and ‘light’ (revelation) are alike,”
כדכתיב: גם חשך לא יחשיך ממך וגו׳
as it is written:2 “Even the darkness does not obscure [anything] from You.”
This may also be interpreted: “Even the darkness does not obscure because it derives from You”; i.e., the veil of tzimtzum is itself of divine origin, and therefore it cannot obscure G‑dliness. For as the Alter Rebbe goes on to say, only a foreign body can constitute an obstruction; one cannot hide from his own self.
משום שאין הצמצומים והלבושים דבר נפרד ממנו יתברך, חס ושלום, אלא כהדין קמצא, דלבושיה מיניה וביה
For the tzimtzumim and the “veils” are not things distinct from Him, heaven forfend, since nothing is separate from G‑d, but are3 “like the turtle(or: ’snail‘), whose garment i.e., its shell is part of its body”; so too, the very “shell” — the process of tzimtzum — that hides G‑dliness is itself G‑dly.
כמו שכתוב: כי ה׳ הוא האלקים, וכמו שכתוב במקום אחר
In Hebrew: “Yud-hei-vav-hei — He is Elokim.” The Four-Letter Name of G‑d denotes Divine revelation and transcendence, while the Name Elokim refers to G‑d’s power of self-concealment by which he vests Himself in creation. The equation points out that they are one; Elokim is G‑dly just as is the level of G‑dliness signified by the other Name. Thus, Elokim does not act as a veil obscuring G‑d, since it is essentially one with Yud-hei-vav-hei, the power of revelation.
ולכן קמיה כולא כלא חשיב ממש
Therefore, in His presence, all else is of absolutely no account.
Since G‑d is not affected by the tzimtzumim which make it possible for a created being to feel separate from Him, He perceives all the creations brought into being by His Word as being still within their source — Himself. There they are in a state of absolute nullification. From His perspective they are still nonentities, and the fact of their creation in no way detracts from His absolute unity — He is One alone after Creation just as He was before Creation.
——— ● ———
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 61
Violating Oaths
"Do not swear falsely by My Name"—Leviticus 19:12.
It is forbidden to violate an oath which one makes obligating himself to do or not to do a certain action (unless the fulfillment of the oath involves violating a religious precept).
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• Violating Oaths
Negative Commandment 61
Translated by Berel Bell
The 61st prohibition is that we are forbidden from violating the type of oath called a sh'vuas bitui.1
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "Do not swear falsely in My name."
A sh'vuas bitui is an oath to do something (or to refrain from doing something) that the Torah does not prohibit (or require).3 We are required to fulfill such an oath4 and are prohibited from violating it by virtue of His statement, "Do not swear falsely in My name."
Our Sages said in tractate Sh'vuos,5
"What is a sh'vuas sheker?6 When one swears to change [the truth."]7
The Gemara amends this, "It should read, 'When one swears and changes,'" i.e. swearing to do something, and then doing the opposite of the oath. 8
In the third chapter of Sh'vuos, as well as in tractate T'murah,9 it is explained that a sh'vuas sheker is the non-fulfillment of a sh'vuas bitui. There our Sages say, "What kind of sh'vuas sheker is meant?" This refers to the Gemara's previous statement regarding a sh'vuas sheker where no action was performed [and the punishment is nevertheless lashes]. "If you say [it refers to a case where the person swore,] 'I will not eat,' and the person ate, then an action was performed. [Therefore, that case could not be what the Gemara was referring to.] If you say [it refers to a case where the person swore,] 'I will eat,' and the person didn't eat, is he punished by lashes? [This cannot be, for] it says explicitly..." [that there are no lashes in such a case.]10
One who transgresses this prohibition intentionally is punished by lashes. If it was done unintentionally, he must bring an offering of adjustable value, as explained in positive commandment 72. The source for this is the statement in the third chapter of Sh'vuos,11 "This is a sh'vuas bitui, which, if one violates intentionally, is punished by lashes, and if unintentionally, must bring an offering of adjustable value." The details of this mitzvah are explained there.
You should be aware that when I said that this prohibition is punished by lashes if done intentionally, this does not mean that there is another prohibition for which there is lashes even if done unintentionally. Rather, you should keep in mind that every time I say that a certain prohibition is punishable by lashes (whether it was said in a previous mitzvah or in a following mitzvah), this is only when done intentionally, in the presence of witnesses, and after being warned — the conditions regarding the witnesses and the warning being found in tractate Sanhedrin.12
If, however, the transgression was done unintentionally, or if the person was forced, or if he made an error, he is not punished by lashes or kares, and certainly not by execution. You should keep this in mind, for it applies to all the mitzvos.
In those few mitzvos where we say explicitly that the punishment is lashes or execution when done intentionally, this is said in order to distinguish from the case where an unintentional violation necessitates a sacrifice. [This must be said] because not every unintentional prohibition entails a sacrifice.13
But every case of punishment by kares, lashes, or execution is carried out only where there were witnesses and a warning. You should keep this principle in mind so that it will not necessary to repeat it.
FOOTNOTES
1.As defined immediately below. This is in contrast to a sh'vuas shav, discussed in the next mitzvah.
2.Lev. 19:12.
3.If, however, someone swears to eat pork, or not to wear tefillin, the oath is called a sh'vuas shav rather than a sh'vuas bitui. See N62.
4.See P94.
5.21a.
6.Although the commandment speaks of a sh'vuas bitui, and this passage speaks of a sh'vuas sheker, the Rambam soon explains that they are identical.
7.I.e. swearing that he did something in the past, although he really did not (for example, swearing that he ate, when in fact he did not.
8.The Rambam's intention in quoting this passage seems to be providing Talmudic proof for the definition he just gave for a sh'vuas bitui, i.e. swearing to do something in the future. The final conclusion is that swearing falsely about the past is also called a sh'vuas bitui. See Hilchos Shavuos 1:3, Kesef Mishneh ibid.
9.3b.
10.The Gemara concludes that the case referred to is where he swore that he ate, although in reality he had not. As mentioned previously, although this oath deals with the past, the Gemara concludes that this too is a sh'vuas sheker.
In any case, the point of this quote is to prove that the term, sh'vuas sheker , refers to violating a sh'vuas bitui.
11.21a.
12.81b.
13.Therefore, when no sacrifice is involved, the Rambam does not need to mention that lashes, etc. is for an intentional violation.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Ten
• Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Ten
1
The law of the decapitated calf is practiced only in Eretz Yisrael. It is also practiced in TransJordan.
א
אין דין עגלה ערופה נוהג אלא בארץ ישראל וכן בעבר הירדן:
2
The calf that is decapitated may be two years old or younger. If, however, it is two years and one day old, it is not acceptable. Physical blemishes do not disqualify it. Nevertheless, if it is taref, it is unacceptable. For "atonement" is mentioned with regard to it, as it is mentioned with regard to sacrificial offerings.
ב
עגלה ערופה בת שתי שנים או פחות [א] אבל אם היתה בת שתי שנים ויום אחד פסולה. ואין המומין פוסלין ואעפ"כ אם היתה טריפה פסולה. כפרה נאמר בה כקדשים:
3
Deuteronomy 21:3 states: "that has never been worked, and that has never carried a yoke." Accordingly, all types of work disqualify the calf, just as they disqualify a red heifer.
Why is "a yoke" then singled out; seemingly it is included with the other tasks in the expression "that has never been worked"? To teach that a yoke disqualifies a calf whether or not it carries it while working. If a calf carries a yoke for a distance of a handbreadth, it is disqualified even though it did not plow with it or perform any work. With regard to other tasks, by contrast, they do not disqualify a calf unless work was actually performed.
ג
כל העבודות פוסלות את העגלה כמו שפוסלין בפרה אדומה שנאמר אשר לא עובד בה. ולמה נאמר עול אחר שנאמר אשר לא עובד בה שהוא כולל העול עם שאר עבודות. שהעול פוסל בין בשעת מלאכה בין שלא בשעת מלאכה כיון שמשכה בעול טפח נפסלה אע"פ שלא חרש בה ולא עשה בה מלאכה ושאר עבודות אין פוסלין אלא עד שעת מלאכה:
4
Whenever the calf performs a task for its own benefit, that does not disqualify it; for example, the owner spread his garment over it to protect it from flies. Any task that is not for its own benefit - e.g., the owner spread his garment over it, so that it should carry it - disqualifies it. The same applies in all analogous situations, as we have explained in Hilchot Parah.
ד
כל מלאכה שהיא לצרכה כגון פירש טליתו עליה מפני הזבובים אינו פוסלה. וכל שהיא שלא לצרכה כגון שפירש טליתו עליה לנושאה פסולה וכן כל כיוצא בזה כמו שביארנו בהלכות פרה אדומה:
5
The calf should be decapitated only during the daytime, for "atonement" is mentioned with regard to it, as it is mentioned with regard to sacrificial offerings.
It is acceptable to decapitate it any time during the entire day. Two calves should not be decapitated at the same time, for mitzvot should not be performed in bundles.
ה
אין עורפין את העגלה אלא ביום לפי שנאמר בה כפרה כקדשים. וכל היום כשר לעריפתה. ואין עורפין שתי עגלות כאחת שאין עושין מצות חבילות חבילות:
6
It is forbidden to benefit from a calf that is decapitated. It should be buried at the place where it was decapitated.
Once it is taken down to the river, benefiting from it becomes forbidden, even though it has not yet been decapitated. Thus, if it dies there or was slaughtered after it was decapitated, one is forbidden to benefit from it, and it should be buried.
ו
עגלה ערופה אסורה בהנאה ונקברת במקום עריפתה ומשתרד לנחל תיאסר בהנאה אע"פ שעדיין לא נערפה. ואם מתה או נשחטה אחר ירידתה הרי זו אסורה בהנאה ותקבר:
7
If, however, the witnesses are found to be lying, it is permitted to benefit from the calf.
What is implied? One witness testified that he saw the murderer, and two witnesses come and negate his testimony, telling him: "You did not see him." If on this basis, the court set aside a calf and brought it down to the river to decapitate it because of their testimony, and these witnesses were disqualified afterwards as lying witnesses, it is permitted to benefit from the calf.
ז
נמצאו העדים זוממין הרי זו מותרת בהנאה. כיצד כגון שאמר עד אחד אני ראיתי את ההורג ובאו שנים והכחישוהו ואמרו לו לא ראית. והפרישו את העגלה והורידוה לנחל לעורפה על פיהם. ואחר כך הוזמו השנים הרי זו מותרת בהנאה:
8
If the murderer was discovered before the calf was decapitated, it should be released and allowed to pasture with the herd. If he was discovered after the calf was decapitated, before it was buried, it should be buried in its place. For at the outset, it was brought because of a doubt. It atoned for this lack of knowledge and served its purpose.
Even when the murderer is discovered after the decapitation of the calf, he should be executed, as Deuteronomy 21:9 states: "You shall thus rid yourselves of the guilt for the shedding of innocent blood."
ח
נמצא ההורג עד שלא תערף העגלה תצא ותרעה בעדר. נמצא אחר שנערפה תקבר במקומה. שעל הספק באה מתחילתה כיפרה ספיקה והלכה לה. ואע"פ שנמצא הרוצח אחר עריפתה הרי זה יהרג שנאמר [ב] ואתה תבער הדם הנקי:
9
It is forbidden ever to sow seeds or till the river in which the calf was decapitated, as Deuteronomy 21:4 states: "that must never be worked or sown." Whoever performs work with the land itself - e.g., he plowed, he dug, he seeded, he planted, or the like - should be punished with lashes.
It is, however, permitted to comb flax there, or to drill stones, for this is similar to weaving a garment there or sewing it there, for these are tasks that are not performed with the land itself. To emphasize this concept, the verse states: "that must never be worked or sown." Implied is that just as sowing involves the land itself, similarly all work that is forbidden there involves the land itself.
ט
הנחל שנערפה בו העגלה אסור בזריעה ועבודה לעולם. שנאמר אשר לא יעבד בו ולא יזרע. וכל העובד שם עבודה בגופה של קרקע כגון שחרש או חפר או זרע או נטע וכיוצא באלו הרי זה לוקה. ומותר לסרוק שם פשתן ולנקר שם אבנים שזה כמי שארג שם בגד או תפרו שאינה מלאכה בגוף הקרקע. לכך נאמר לא יעבד ולא יזרע מה זריעה בגופה של קרקע אף כל העבודה שנאסרה שם אינה אלא בגופה של קרקע:
10
When the inhabitants of a city that was closest to a corpse have delayed and have not brought a calf for decapitation, they should be compelled to bring it even though several years have passed. For those who are liable to bring a calf for decapitation remain liable despite the fact that Yom Kippur has passed.
י
אנשי עיר קרובה שנתאחרו ולא הביאו עגלה ערופה. כופין אותן ומביאין ואפילו לאחר כמה שנים. שחייבי עגלה ערופה שעבר עליה יום הכפורים חייבים להביא אחר יום הכפורים:
• Shvuot - Chapter 1
Introduction to Hilchos Shvuot
They contain 5 mitzvot: one positive commandment and four negative commandments. They are:
1. Not to swear falsely in [God’s] name,
2. Not to take [God’s] name in vain,
3. Not to deny [having received] an entrusted object,
4. Not to swear [falsely] when denying financial obligations,
5. To swear truly in [God’s] name.
2. Not to take [God’s] name in vain,
3. Not to deny [having received] an entrusted object,
4. Not to swear [falsely] when denying financial obligations,
5. To swear truly in [God’s] name.
These mitzvot are explained in the ensuing chapters.
רמב"ם הלכות שבועות - הקדמה
הלכות שבועות. יש בכללן חמש מצות, אחת מצות עשה, וארבע מצות לא תעשה. וזה הוא פרטן
(א) שלא לישבע בשמו לשקר.
(ב) שלא לישא את שמו לשוא.
(ג) שלא לכפור בפקדון.
(ד) שלא לישבע על כפירת ממון.
(ה) לישבע בשמו באמת.
(ב) שלא לישא את שמו לשוא.
(ג) שלא לכפור בפקדון.
(ד) שלא לישבע על כפירת ממון.
(ה) לישבע בשמו באמת.
וביאור מצות אלו בפרקים אלו.
1
There are four types of oaths [for which one may be liable]: sh'vuat bitui, sh'vuat shav, sh'vuat hapikadon, and sh'vuat ha'edut.1
Sh'vuat bitui2 is referred to in the Torah [by Leviticus 5:4]: "When a soul will take an oath, expressing with his lips, whether he will do harm3 or do good." [This category] subdivides into four groupings: two4 [involving statements made] concerning the future and two [involving statements made] concerning the past. For example, he took an oath concerning a past event that it occurred or did not occur, or concerning a future event, that he will do it or that he will not do it.
א
ארבעה מיני שבועות הן: שבועת ביטוי ושבועת שוא ושבועת הפקדון ושבועת העדות, שבועת ביטוי הוא שנאמר בתורה או נפש כי תשבע לבטא בשפתים להרע או להיטיב, והיא נחלקת לארבעה חלקים, שתים להבא, ושתים לשעבר, כגון שנשבע על דבר שעבר שנעשה או שלא נעשה, ועל דבר שעתיד להיות שיעשה ושלא יעשה.
2
[The concept of] a sh'vuat bitui applies with regard to deeds that a person could perform5 whether in the past or in the future.
What is implied? With regard to the past: "I ate," "I cast a stone into the sea," or "So-and-so spoke with so-and-so"; "I did not eat," "I did not cast a stone into the sea," or "So-and-so did not speak with so-and-so." With regard to the future: "I will eat" or "I will not eat," "I will..." or "I will not cast a stone into the sea."6 Thus there are two groupings7 concerning the past and two groupings concerning the future.
ב
ואין שבועת ביטוי נוהגת אלא בדברים שאפשר לו לעשותן בין להבא בין לשעבר, כיצד לשעבר, שאכלתי, או שזרקתי אבן לים, או שדבר פלוני עם פלוני, או שלא אכלתי, או שלא זרק אבן לים, או שלא דבר פלוני עם פלוני, כיצד להבא, שאוכל או שלא אוכל, או שאזרוק או שלא אזרוק אבן לים, הרי אלו שתים לשעבר ושתים להבא.
3
If a person takes an oath concerning one of these four categories and does the opposite, he has taken a false oath. For example, he took an oath not to eat and he ate, that he would eat and he did not eat, that he ate, when he did not or that he did not eat, when he had eaten. With regard to these matters, [Leviticus 19:12] states: "Do not swear falsely in My name."8 If he willfully swears falsely, he is liable for lashes.9 If he does so inadvertently, he must bring an adjustable guilt offering,10 as [ibid. 5:4] states: "And it became concealed from him and he did not know and became guilty."
ג
נשבע אחת מארבע מחלוקות אלו והחליף כגון שנשבע שלא יאכל ואכל או שיאכל ולא אכל או שאכלתי והוא לא אכל שלא אכלתי ואכל הרי זו שבועת שקר, ועל זה וכיוצא בו נאמר לא תשבעו בשמי לשקר, ואם נשבע לשקר במזיד לוקה, בשוגג מביא קרבן עולה ויורד שנאמר ונעלם ממנו והוא ידע ואשם וגו'.
4
[The prohibition against taking] a sh'vuat shav, an oath taken in vain,11 also subdivides into four categories: the first, a person took an oath concerning a known matter12 that was not true, e.g., he took an oath that a man was a woman, a woman was a man, that a marble pillar was gold, or concerning other similar factors.
ד
שבועת שוא נחלקת לארבע מחלוקות, האחת שנשבע על דבר הידוע שאין כן, כיצד כגון שנשבע על האיש שהוא אשה, ועל האשה שהוא איש, ועל עמוד של שיש שהוא של זהב, וכן כל כיוצא בזה. 41
5
The second: that one takes an oath on a known matter concerning which no one has a doubt, e.g., one took an oath that the sky was the sky, that a stone is a stone, on two [objects] that they are two, and the like. Even though there is no doubt about the matter for a person of sound mind, one takes an oath to strengthen [the appreciation of] the matter.13
ה
השניה שנשבע על דבר ידוע שאין בו ספק לאדם שהוא כן, כגון שנשבע על השמים שהוא שמים, ועל האבן זו שהיא אבן, ועל השנים שהם שנים וכן כל כיוצא בזה, שזה הדבר אין בו ספק לאדם שלם כדי לצדק הדבר בשבועה.
6
The third is one who takes an oath to nullify a mitzvah.14 What is implied? One took an oath not to wrap himself in tzitzit,15 not to put on tefilin, not to dwell in a sukkah throughout the holiday of Sukkot,16 not to eat matzah on Pesach night, that he would fast on the Sabbaths and the festivals,17 or concerning other analogous instances.
ו
שלישית שנשבע לבטל את המצוה, כיצד כגון שנשבע שלא יתעטף בציצית, שלא ילבש תפילין, ושלא ישב בסוכה בחג הסוכות, ולא יאכל מצה בלילי הפסח, או שיתענה בשבתות ובימים טובים וכן כל כיוצא בזה.
7
The fourth - that one took an oath concerning a matter that he is unable to perform.18 What is implied? He took an oath that he would not sleep for three consecutive days and nights,19 he would not eat for seven consecutive days or concerning any analogous matter.
Whenever a person takes an oath in vain by taking one of these four types of oaths, he transgresses a negative commandment,20as [Exodus 20:7] states: "And you shall not take the name of God your Lord in vain." If he [takes the oath] willfully, he is liable for lashes.21 If he does so inadvertently, he is exempt entirely.
ז
רביעית שנשבע על דבר שאין כח בו לעשות, כיצד כגון שנשבע שלא יישן שלשה ימים לילה ויום רצופים, או שלא יטעום כלום שבעה ימים רצופים וכן כל כיוצא בזה, כל הנשבע שבועת שוא מארבע שבועות אלו עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תשא את שם ה' אלהיך לשוא, ואם היה מזיד לוקה ואם היה שוגג פטור מכלום.
8
What is meant by a sh'vuat hapikadon, [an oath concerning an entrusted object]?22 [It applies] when a person has money belonging to a colleague in his possession - whether it be an entrusted article or a loan, he stole from him, withheld his wages, he found a loss object belonging to him and did not return it, or any similar situation. If his colleague claims the money that he has in his possession and he denies the claim, he violates a negative commandment,23 as [Leviticus 19:11] states: "You shall not deny..."; this is a warning [not to] deny a monetary [claim]. One is not liable for lashes for this transgression.24
ח
שבועת הפקדון כיצד, כל מי שיש ממון חבירו בידו בין פקדון בין מלוה או שגזלו או עשקו או מצא לו אבדה ולא החזירה וכיוצא בזה ותבע ממנו ממון שיש לו בידו וכפר בו הרי זה עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר לא תכחשו זו אזהרה לכפירת ממון, ואין לוקין על לאו זה, ואם נשבע לו על שקר על ממון שכפר בו הרי זה עובר בלאו אחר ועל זה נאמר לא תשקרו איש בעמיתו זו אזהרה לנשבע על כפירת ממון, ושבועה זו היא הנקראת שבועת הפקדון.
9
What is a person's liability for taking a false sh'vuat hapikadon? He must pay the principle that he denied plus an additional fifth27 and bring a definite28 guilt offering as a sacrifice. [This applies] whether he [transgressed] intentionally or unintentionally,29 as indicated by Leviticus 5:21-23 which] states: "And he will deny his [obligation to] a colleague concerning an entrusted object, a [financial] deposit, a robbery... when he sin and become guilty." [The verse] does not say: "And it will become concealed from him,"30 indicating that one who transgresses willfully is liable just as [one who transgresses] inadvertently.
ט
ומה הוא חייב על שבועת הפקדון ששקר בה, משלם את הקרן שכפר בו עם תוספת חומש, ומקריב אשם ודאי בין שהיה מזיד בין שהיה שוגג שנאמר וכחש בעמיתו בפקדון או בתשומת יד או בגזל וגו' והיה כי יחטא ואשם ולא נאמר בו ונעלם ממנו לחייב מזיד כשוגג.
10
The above applies when the person willfully accepted the entrusted object or the money that he was obligated and knew about it at the time of the oath. If, however, he acted unintentionally, forgot that he had the money in his possession, therefore denied it and took an oath, and then discovered the matter, he is considered [to have transgressed because of] factors beyond his control and is not liable at all.31 Similarly, if the person did not know that it was forbidden to take a false oath in denial of a financial claim, he is considered [to have transgressed because of] factors beyond his control and is not liable.32
י
והוא שיזיד בפקדון או בממון שנתחייב בו וידע בו בשעת שבועה, אבל אם שגג ושכח שיש לו אצלו ממון וכפר ונשבע ואחר כך ידע הרי זה אנוס ופטור מכלום, וכן אם לא ידע שאסור לישבע לשקר על כפירת ממון הרי זה אנוס ופטור.
11
If so, what is meant by acting inadvertently with regard to a sh'vuat hapikadon? For example, he forgot that one is liable to bring a sacrifice for [taking such a false oath], but knew that it was forbidden to do so and that he has the other person's money in his possession. This is considered the inadvertent transgression [of this prohibition].33 Willful transgression is when he knows that he is liable to bring a sacrifice [because of the transgression].
יא
אם כן היאך היא שגגת שבועת הפקדון, כגון שנעלם ממנו אם חייבין עליה קרבן אם לאו וידע שהיא אסורה ושיש לו אצלו ממון זו הוא שגגתה, וזדונה שידע שחייבין עליה קרבן.
12
What is meant by sh'vuat ha'edut?34 Witnesses know testimony associated with a monetary claim35 and the person affected by the testimony demanded that they testify on his behalf. The witnesses deny knowledge of testimony, do not testify, and take an oath36 that they do not know any testimony concerning him. This is referred to as a sh'vuat ha'edut. For taking a [false] oath of this nature, one is liable for an adjustable guilt offering,37[This applies] whether he [transgressed] intentionally or unintentionally, as [indicated by Leviticus 5:1 which] states: "When a person will sin: If he heard a demand for an oath and he had witnessed...." [The verse] does not say: "And it will become concealed from him,"38 indicating that one who transgresses willfully is liable just as [one who transgresses] inadvertently.
יב
שבועת העדות כיצד, העדים שידעו עדות ממון ותבעם בעל העדות להעיד לו וכפרו בעדותן ולא העידו ונשבעו שאינן יודעין לו עדות זו היא נקראת שבועת העדות, וחייבין על שבועה זו קרבן עולה ויורד בין שהיו מזידין בין שהיו שוגגים שנאמר נפש כי תחטא ושמעה קול אלה והוא עד ולא נאמר בה ונעלם לחייב על הזדון כשגגה.
13
What is meant by acting inadvertently with regard to a sh'vuat ha'edut? For example, he forgot that one is liable to bring a sacrifice for [taking such a false oath], but knew that this oath was forbidden and that he would be swearing falsely. Willful transgression is when he knows that he is liable to bring a sacrifice [because of the transgression]. If he did not know that [taking such an oath] is forbidden or forgot the testimony and took an oath39 and later it was discovered that he knew testimony and took a false oath, he is considered [to have transgressed because of] forces beyond his control and he is not liable to bring a sacrifice.40
יג
כיצד שגגת שבועת העדות, כגון שנעלם ממנו שחייבין עליה קרבן וידע ששבועה זו אסורה ושהיא שקר, וזדונה שידע שחייבין עליה קרבן, אבל אם לא ידע שהיא אסורה או ששכחו העדות ונשבעו ואח"כ נודע להם שהן יודעין לו עדות ושנשבעו על שקר הרי אלו אנוסין ופטורין אף מן הקרבן..
FOOTNOTES
1.
The Rambam proceeds to explain these four types of oath in this chapter.
2.
Bitui literally means "expression." I.e., this oath is taken expressing statements concerning the past or the future. See Chapters 4 and 5 where this subject is discussed in detail.
3.
As evident from Chapter 5, Halachot 16-17, this applies when he takes an oath to harm himself, but not to harm others.
4.
I.e., one positive and one negative. The concept that a sh'vuat bitui has both these forms is derived from the prooftext cited which states: "Whether he will do harm or do good." See Chapter 9, Halachah 18.
5.
But not with regard to something which he cannot perform. As stated in Halachah 7, that is included in the category of an oath taken in vain.
6.
An oath he takes concerning the future that involves another person is not included in this category, because he has no way of controlling that person's conduct. See Chapter 5, Halachot 1-2.
7.
One positive and one negative.
8.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 61) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 227) include this prohibition among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
9.
This is somewhat of a new concept, because one does not receive lashes for violating a transgression that does not involve a deed and ordinarily, speech is not considered a deed. Nevertheless, taking a false oath is an exception to this principle, for Exodus 20:7 states: "God will not absolve anyone who takes His name in vain." Sh'vuot 21a interprets that to mean that a person who takes an oath in vain is liable for lashes. See also Chapter 4, Halachot 20-21 for more factors concerning this concept.
10.
In contrast to an ordinary sin-offering, the sacrifice a person liable for such an offering must bring is adjusted according to his financial status as stated in Leviticus, ch. 5. See Chapter 3, Halachot 6-7 for details concerning when one is held liable for such a sacrifice and when he is not.
11.
See Chapter 6 where this subject is discussed in detail.
12.
The Ra'avad explains that the term "a known matter" refers to something known to three people. The Radbaz notes that the Rambam mentions this point in Chapter 5, Halachah 22. See Chapter 3, Halachah 5, and notes from which it is evident that here, the person taking the oath is not speaking facetiously. Although it is known that what he is saying is false, he intends that his words be taken at face value. See also Chapter 5, Halachah 21, and notes.
13.
Thus since no one else but a fool will have any doubt concerning the matter, there is no need to take an oath. Hence, the oath is considered to have been taken in vain (Radbaz).
14.
Since he is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah and the matter is not dependent on his choice or consent, his oath is considered to be in vain. See also Chapter 5, Halachot 14-15.
15.
The Radbaz clarifies that we are not speaking about taking an oath not to wear a tallit, for a person is not obligated to wear a tallit by Scriptural Law (see Hilchot Tzitzit 3:11). Instead, the intent is to take an oath that he will wear a four-cornered garment and not put tzitzit on it.
16.
See Chapter 5, Halachah 18.
17.
For one must take pleasure in food and drink on these days. It is forbidden to fast (Hilchot Shabbat 30:12; Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 6:17).
18.
Since he is unable to perform the matter, the oath he took is obviously in vain.
19.
See Chapter 5, Halachah 20.
20.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 62) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 30) include this prohibition among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
21.
See the notes to Halachah 3.
22.
The latter is the literal translation of the term pikadon. Nevertheless, as the Rambam continues to explain, the term has a broader halachic meaning in this context. The Radbaz explains that the mishnah uses the term sh'vuat hapikadon, because it is most common that such a claim will be made with regard to an entrusted object. Alternatively, because the prooftext (Leviticus 5:21) mentions an entrusted object first. See Chapters 7 and 8 where this subject is discussed in detail.
23.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 248) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 225) include this prohibition among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
24.
Either because the transgression does not involve a deed, or because financial compensation must be given and a person is not held liable both for financial restitution and lashes (Hilchot Sanhedrin 18:2).
25.
He also violates the commandment against taking a false oath [Sh'vuot 20b; Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 249)].
26.
Sefer HaMitzvot (loc. cit.) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 226) include this prohibition among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
27.
As the Rambam explains in several instances, the intent is one fifth of the new total. For example, if he denied a debt of 20 zuz, he must pay 25 in restitution.
28.
This term is used to distinguish this offering from the conditional guilt offering brought by a person who is unsure whether or not he committed a sin.
29.
In contrast, an ordinary sin offering is brought only when one transgresses inadvertently.
30.
As Leviticus 5:4 states with regard to a sh'vuat bitui.
31.
Neither for a sacrifice, nor for the payment of an additional fifth of the object's value.
32.
The Radbaz states that although such an individual is not liable for a sacrifice or the additional fifth, he is liable for transgressing the prohibition against denying property.
33.
Since he is unaware of the fact that he must bring a sacrifice and thus does not know the full severity of his act, he is considered to have transgressed inadvertently. Nevertheless, because he is conscious of the transgression and the fact that he has the other person's money in his possession, he is not considered to have transgressed due to forces beyond his control.
34.
The term literally means "an oath [associated with] testimony." See Chapters 9 and 10 where this subject is discussed in detail.
35.
See Chapter 9, Halachot 3-5.
36.
This oath is not required by the court, but rather is demanded by the person affected by their testimony. See Chapter 9, Halachah 6.
37.
See the notes to Halachah 3.
38.
See Chapter 9, Halachot 3-5.
39.
In translation, we have used the singular for continuity. The Rambam, however, uses plural forms, because testimony brings about a monetary obligation only when given by two witnesses.
40.
I.e., they are not considered to have transgressed at all.
41.
וכן כל כיוצא בזה. כתב הראב"ד ז"ל /א"א/ שנשבע בדבר הידוע לשלשה שאינו כן כמו שנשבע עכ"ל.
Shvuot - Chapter 2
1
Whether one takes one of these four oaths [falsely] on his own initiative or he is placed under oath by another person and answers Amen to his statements, he is liable.1 [This applies] even if he is placed under oath by a gentile2 or a minor3 and responds Amen.
[The rationale is that] anyone who responds Amen or makes a statement equivalent to responding Amen, e.g., he says "Yes," "I am obligated in this oath," "I accept this oath upon myself," or the like in any language4 is considered to have taken an oath with regard to all matter,5 whether it be liability for lashes6 or for a sacrifice.7
א
אחד הנשבע אחד מארבעה מיני שבועות אלו מפי עצמו, ואחד המושבע מפי אחרים וענה אמן, אפילו השביעו עכו"ם או קטן וענה אמן חייב, שכל העונה אמן אחר שבועה כמוציא שבועה מפיו, ואחד העונה אמן או האומר דבר שענינו כענין אמן, כגון שאמר הן או מחוייב אני בשבועה זו, קיבלתי עלי שבועה זו, וכל כיוצא בזה בכל לשון הרי זה כנשבע לכל דבר בין לחייבו מלקות בין לחייבו קרבן.
2
[The same laws apply whether] one took an oath - or another person administered an oath to him - with God's ineffable name8 - or with one of the descriptive terms used to refer to Him,9e.g., he took an oath "on He whose name is Gracious," "on He whose name is Merciful," or "on He whose name is Patient," regardless of the language he used.10 The statement is considered an oath in the full sense of the term.11
Similarly, a statement with the terms eleh or erur12 is considered as an oath,13 provided one mentions one of God's names or one of the terms used to describe Him. What is implied? When a person said: "May one who eats this-and-this entity be cursed unto God," or "...cursed unto He whose name is Gracious," "...cursed unto He whose name is Merciful" and then ate that entity, he has taken a false oath.14 Similar concepts apply with regard to the other types of oaths.
ב
אחד הנשבע, או שהשביעו אחר בשם המיוחד, או באחד מן הכינוין כגון שנשבע במי ששמו חנון, ובמי ששמו רחום, ובמי ששמו ארך אפים, וכיוצא בהן בכל לשון הרי זו שבועה גמורה, וכן אלה וארור הרי הן שבועה, והוא שיזכיר שם מן השמות או כינוי מן הכינויין, כיצד כגון שאמר באלה או ארור לה', או למי ששמו חנון, או למי ששמו רחום, מי שיאכל דבר פלוני ואכלו הרי זה נשבע לשקר, וכן בשאר מיני שבועות.
3
Similarly, one who says: "[I am taking] an oath by God...," or "...by One whose name is Gracious that I will not eat," and he ate, "...that this is a woman," and it was a man, "...that I do not owe you anything," and he does, "that I do not know any testimony involving you," and he does,15 he is liable.
ג
וכן האומר שבועה בה' או במי ששמו חנון שלא אוכל ואכל, שזו אשה והוא איש, שאין לך בידי כלום ויש לו, שאיני יודע לך עדות והוא יודע ה"ז חייב. 41
4
If a person uses the term eleh or erur or an oath and does not mention God's name or a term describing Him, he is bound by a prohibition with regard to the entity concerning which he [desired to] take the oath. He is not, however, liable for lashes or for a sacrifice if he violated his oath unless it included one of God's names16 or a term describing Him as explained.
ד
אמר אלה או ארור או שבועה ולא הזכיר שם ולא כינוי הרי זה אסור בדבר שנשבע עליו, אבל אינו לוקה ולא מביא קרבן אם עבר על שבועתו עד שיהיה בה שם מן השמות המיוחדים או כינוי מן הכינויין כמו שבארנו.
5
Not only the term sh'vuah, but [the use of] any idiom used to refer to an oath is considered as [taking] an oath. For example, people in a given place were inarticulate and would call an oath shabutah or shakukah, or they were Aramites for whom the term for oath in their language is momata, and the inarticulate idiomatically refer to it is mohah. When a person makes a statement whose intent and meaning is that he is taking an oath, he is liable as if he used the term [in Lashon Hakodesh].17
ה
ולא השבועה בלבד אלא כל כינויי שבועה כשבועה, כגון שהיו אנשי אותו מקום עלגים והיו קוראים לשבועה שבותה או שקוקה, או שהיו ארמיים שלשון שבועה בלשונם מומתא, והעלגים מכנין אותה ואומרים מוהא, כיון שאמר לשון שמשמעו וענינו שבועה הרי זה חייב כמי שהוציא לשון שבועה.
6
Similarly, when a person says: "No, no," repeating the negative twice as if he is taking an oath or "Yes, yes," and mentions God's name or a term used to describe Him, it is considered an oath.18 Similarly, if he says: "[By God's] right hand," it is an oath, or "[By God's] left hand," it is an oath, as [implied by Isaiah 62:5] "God swore by His right hand and by the arm of His strength."19 Similarly, when someone says "Mivtah20 that I will not do such-and-such," and mentions God's name or a term used to describe Him, it is considered an oath.
ו
וכן האומר לאו לאו שתי פעמים דרך שבועה או הן הן והזכיר שם או כנוי הרי זה כנשבע, וכן ימין שבועה, ושמאל שבועה, שנאמר נשבע ה' בימינו ובזרוע עוזו, וכן האומר מבטא שלא אעשה כך וכך, והזכיר שם או כינוי הרי זו שבועה.
7
When one says: "It is forbidden for God's [sake]" or "...for [the sake of] He whose name is Gracious that I will do..." or "...that I will not do [such-and-such]," it is considered an oath, because the wording he used has that implication.
ז
אמר איסר לה' או למי ששמו חנון שאעשה או שלא אעשה הואיל והוציאו בלשון שבועה הרי היא כשבועה.
8
חח
שמע חבירו נשבע ואמר ואני כמותך הואיל ולא הוציא שבועה מפיו ולא השביעו חבירו הרי זה פטור, וזהו מתפיס בשבועה שהוא פטור.
9
Similarly, if he took an oath and said: "I will not eat this meat," and then said: "This bread is like this meat," he is not liable for the bread, because he did not explicitly take an oath regarding it. Instead, he appended [the prohibition concerning it to his existing oath]. Although he is exempt from lashes and from a sacrifice, he is forbidden to partake of the bread that he appended to his oath.23
ט
וכן אם נשבע שלא אוכל בשר זה, וחזר ואמר והרי הפת זו כבשר הזה הרי הוא פטור על הפת, שהרי לא הוציא שבועה מפיו עליה אלא התפיסה, ואע"פ שהוא פטור מן המלקות או מן הקרבן אסור לו לאכול אותה הפת שהתפיס בשבועה.
10
[Although] a person has the intent to take an oath and resolves in his heart not to eat on that day or not to drink and has the intent for that activity to forbidden for him by oath, [if] he does not actually make such a statement, he is permitted [to eat or drink], as [implied by Leviticus 5:4]: "expressing with his lips." [Implied is that] a person who takes an oath is not liable until he explicitly states the matter the oath concerns with his lips.
י
מי שנתכוון לשבועה וגמר בלבו שלא יאכל היום או שלא ישתה ושדבר זה אסור עליו בשבועה ולא הוציא בשפתיו הרי זה מותר שנאמר לבטא בשפתים, אין הנשבע חייב עד שיוציא ענין שבועה בשפתיו.
11
Similarly, if he resolved within his heart to take an oath and erred and uttered a statement that did not fit the intent in his heart, [the activity] is permitted.24
What is implied? A person had the intent that he would not eat in Reuven's [home], but when he actually came to state the oath explicitly, he swore not to eat in [Shimon's] home. [In such a situation,] he is permitted to eat in Reuven's [home] for he did not explicitly [swear not to eat there]. [And he is permitted to eat] in Shimon's [home] for he did not have the intent [to prohibit that].
יא
וכן אם גמר בלבו להשבע וטעה והוציא בשפתיו דבר שלא היה בלבו הרי זה מותר, כיצד המתכוין להשבע שלא יאכל אצל ראובן וכשבא להוציא שבועה נשבע שלא יאכל אצל שמעון, הרי זה מותר לאכול עם ראובן שהרי לא הוציאו בשפתיו, ועם שמעון שהרי לא היה שמעון בלבו.
12
Similarly, with regard to the other types of oaths, one is not liable until his mouth and his heart are in concord.25Therefore [the following law applies if] a person took an oath in our presence that he would not eat and ate. He was given a warning [before he ate] and he responded: "My intent was that I would not depart today. I had a slip of the tongue and mentioned eating although that was not my intent."26 is not liable for lashes unless, before he eats, he admits in the presence of witnesses that [his intent in] taking the oath was [not] to eat. Alternatively, [he is liable for lashes] if he accepted the warning and did not protest that he erred at the time of the warning. Even though he protested afterwards, we do not pay attention to him.27 Similarly, [he is liable] if they warned him and he said: "I never took an oath - or a vow - concerning this matter." Despite the fact that after they give testimony that he took an oath or vow, he says: "Yes, that is true, but my mouth and heart were not in concord," or "In my heart, I had a stipulation in mind concerning the vow,"28 we do not heed him29and he is liable for lashes.
יב
וכן שאר מיני שבועות אינו חייב עד שיהיה פיו ולבו שוין, לפיכך אם נשבע אחד בפנינו שלא יאכל היום ואכל, והתרו בו ואמר אני לא היה בלבי אלא שלא אצא היום וטעה לשוני והוציא אכילה שלא היתה בלבי הרי זה אינו לוקה, עד שיודה בפני עדים קודם שיאכל שעל אכילה נשבע, או שקבל עליו התראה ולא טען שטעה בעת התראה אע"פ שטען אחר כך אין שומעין לו, וכן אם התרו בו ואמר מעולם לא נשבעתי או לא נדרתי אלא על דבר זה ואחר שהעידו עליו שנשבע או נדר אמר כן היה אבל לא היה פי ולבי שוין או תנאי היה בלבי על הנדר אין שומעין לו ולוקה.
13
Similarly, if [witnesses] told him: "Your wife took a vow," and he said: "My intent was to nullify the vow and I did so,"30 we heed his statements. If he is told, "She took a vow," and he denies it, but when he saw them testify against him, he said: "My intent was to nullify [the vow]," his word is not heeded.
יג
כיוצא בו אמרו לו אשתך נדרה, ואמר בלבי היה להפר לה והפרתי שומעין לו, אמרו לו נדרה והוא אומר לא נדרה וכיון שראה אותם העידו עליו אמר בלבי היה להפר אין שומעין לו.
14
If he resolved within his heart not to partake of bread made from wheat, but took an oath not to partake of bread without qualifying his statement, he is forbidden to partake of bread from wheat. For when bread [is mentioned without qualification, the meaning] is bread from wheat.31
יד
גמר בלבו שלא לאכול פת חטין ונשבע שלא יאכל פת סתם אסור בפת חטים שפת חטים פת שמה.
15
When a person takes an oath, saying: "[I am taking] an oath that I will not eat today and my oath is dependent on your intent,"32 he cannot [later] say: "I had these-and-these thoughts in my heart." [The rationale is] that the person did not take the oath dependent on his own intent, but rather on the intent of others. Since his statements did concur with the intent of those on whose intent he took the oath he is liable. [The intent in] the heart of those individuals takes the place of his own intent. [This concept also applies] with regard to other types of oaths.
טו
מי שנשבע ואמר שבועה שלא אוכל היום ועל דעתכם אני נשבע, אין זה יכול לומר כך וכך היה בלבי, שלא נשבע זה על דעתו אלא על דעת אחרים וכיון שהיה פיו ולבם של אחרים שנשבע על דעתם שוים חייב מפני שלבם של אלו במקום לבו קם, וכן בשאר מיני שבועות.
16
טזט
לפיכך כשמשביעין הדיינין את הנשבע אומרים לו לא על דעתך אנו משביעים אותך אלא על דעתנו.
17
[The following law applies when a person] took an oath and his statements and his intent concurred at the time he took the oath, but after he becomes forbidden [in the particular activity mentioned in the oath], he changes his mind immediately, directly after he spoke. [The latter term has a specific halachic definition]: the time it takes a student to tell his teacher: Shalom Elecha Rabbi.35 [If, in this interim, the person says:] "This is not an oath," "I changed my mind," "I retract," or the like, i.e., statements that imply that he seeks to release the prohibition he took on [himself], it is permitted.36 The oath is eradicated, for this resembles on who made a statement in error.
יז
מי שנשבע והיה פיו ולבו שוין בשבועה, ואחר שנאסר חזר בו מיד בתוך כדי דיבור והוא כדי שיאמר תלמיד לרב שלום עליך רבי, ואמר אין זו שבועה או נחמתי או חזרתי בי וכיוצא בדברים אלו שענינם שהתיר מה שאסר הרי זה מותר ונעקרה השבועה שזה דומה לטועה.
18
יח
וכן אם אמרו לו אחרים חזור בך או מותר לך וכיוצא בדברים אלו וקבל מהן בתוך כדי דיבור ואמר הן או חזרתי בי וכיוצא בזה הרי זה מותר, ואם אחר כדי דיבור אינו יכול לחזור בו. 42
19
If a person took an oath and retracted within his heart39within the above measure of time, it is of no consequence. Similarly, if others told him: "Retract," "It is permitted for you," or "It is absolved for you," and he accepted their words in his heart within the above measure of time, it is of no consequence. He must state his retraction explicitly like his oath.40
יט
נשבע וחזר בו בתוך כדי דיבור בלבו אין זה כלום, וכן אם אמרו לו אחרים חזור בך או מותר לך או מחול לך וקבל דבריהם בלבו בתוך כדי דיבור אין זה כלום עד שיוציא החזרה בפיו כמו השבועה..
FOOTNOTES
1.
The concept that a person is considered to have taken an oath when he responds Amen to the statements is derived from the Torah's statements with regard to a sotah, a woman suspected of adultery (Numbers 5:22). For she is required to answer Amen to the oath administered to her by the priest and yet, it is considered as if she took the oath herself.
2.
Although in most instances, statements made by such gentiles are of no significance according to Jewish Law, this is an acceptance. Here also there is an allusion to this concept in the Torah itself. Ezekiel 17:13 and II Chronicles 36:13 speak of Nebuchadnetzar having King Tzidkayahu take an oath. Nedarim 65a states that this oath was binding. Similarly, Sh'vuot 36a speaks of an oath Moses took to Jethro, his gentile father-in-law (Kessef Mishneh).
3.
This is derived through a comparison to gentiles.
4.
I.e., not only in lashon hakodesh, the Hebrew used in the Bible and by the Sages.
5.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 1, Chapter 8, Halachah 7, and Chapter 9, Halachah 1, which mentions instances where a person is considered to have taken an oath even if he does not respond Amen.
6.
If he takes a false sh'vuat bitui or takes an oath in vain.
7.
If he takes a false sh'vuat hapikadon or sh'vuat ha'edut.
8.
I.e., the name Yud-Hei-Vav-Hei. See Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:7 which states that this term also refers to the name Adonai. The same law holds true for any other of God's names.
9.
Note, however, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 6:5, which states that even when these descriptions are used to refer to Him, they are not considered to have the same holiness as one of His names.
10.
I.e., not only in lashon hakodesh, the Hebrew used in the Bible and by the Sages.
11.
The Rambam uses the expression "in the full sense of the term" to differentiate between this instance and the law mentioned in Halachah 4. Note the Kessef Mishneh and the Radbaz who explains that there is a difference of opinion among the Rishonim if a sh'vuat bitui must contain God's name for one to be liable as appears to be the Rambam's opinion or whether His name need not be mentioned as is the view of the Ramban, Rabbenu Asher, and others. The Ra'avad takes an intermediate view, stating that one transgresses by taking a false oath and is liable to bring a sacrifice, but he is not liable for lashes unless he mentions one of God's names.
All authorities agree that God's name must be mentioned for one to be liable with regard to a sh'vuat haedut or a sh'vuat hapikadon. On that basis, the Radbaz supports the Rambam's position, asking why a differentiation should be made between one type of oath and another. See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 237:1) and commentaries.
12.
Both these terms mean "curse."
13.
Sh'vuot 36a derives this concept from the verses cited above with regard to Tzidkayahu's oath, for there he used the term "curse." See also I Samuel 14, 24, 27 which indicate that saying that one will be cursed is equivalent to an oath.
14.
And is liable for taking a false sh'vuat bitui, as indicated by Chapter 1, Halachah 3.
15.
I.e., the Rambam is giving an example of all four types of oaths.
16.
See Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 6:2 for a list of the seven names of God.
17.
For that reason, when called to take an oath in a secular court or the like, one should refuse. Instead of saying "I swear," he should say, "I affirm."
18.
The repetition and the mention of God's name indicate that he is not merely making a statement, but intending that it have the severity of an oath. The Kessef Mishneh states that since the person mentioned God's name, seemingly, it is not necessary for him to repeat yes or no, the mention of His name alone should be sufficient for his statement to be considered an oath. He explains that we are speaking about an instance when God's name was not mentioned in direct connection with the statement. Nevertheless, the fact that he repeated no, or yes while mentioning God's name, albeit indirectly, is sufficient for his statements to be considered an oath.
19.
2Nazir 3a states that "the arm of His strength" refers to His left arm. Otherwise, the verse would be redundant.
20.
Sh'vuot 20a notes that Numbers 30:7 understands this term as referring to an oath.
21.
In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro states that the Rambam's choice of wording - "He is not liable" rather than "It is permitted" - implies that although he is not liable, he is forbidden to break the commitment he made. Although other Rishonim differ, he follows this interpretation in his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 239:9-10). See the following halachah.
22.
This is one of the distinctions between oaths and vows. One who "appends" - i.e., says "And I will be like him" - to a colleague's vow is liable. See Hilchot Nedarim 3:3-4.
23.
The Radbaz explains that the Rambam elaborates here - in contrast to the previous halachah - for here there is greater reason to think that he will not be obligated. The explanation is based on a fundamental understanding of the difference between a sh'vuah - oath - and a neder - vow. When a person takes an oath, he places a prohibition upon his person - he is forbidden to perform the activity concerning which he took the oath. When he takes a vow, the article becomes forbidden for him. Hence, since he spoke about the article and not himself, one might think that his statement has no effect at all.
24.
For as Sh'vuot 26b implies, one's heart and one's lips must be in concord.
25.
In some authoritative manuscripts and early printings of the Mishneh Torah, this sentence is the conclusion of the previous halachah. The present halachah begins: "Therefore..." Compare to Halachot 15-16.
26.
I.e., if he makes this statement when given the warning, we accept his word and do not hold him liable (Tosefta, Taharot 6:9).
27.
As stated in Hilchot Sanhedrin 12:2, to be liable for lashes, a transgressor must acknowledge the warning. Since, at that time, he did not mention the lack of concurrence between his intent and his statements, we assume that he is fabricating the matter.
28.
And since the stipulation was not met, the vow is not binding.
29.
For he has already lied concerning this oath.
30.
There is a difference of opinion among the commentaries with regard to the interpretation of the Rambam's statements. Some explain that the intent is that the husband used the halachic convention of hafarah and made the statement nullifying his wife's vow in a hushed tone. If, however, he did not make a statement of hafarah at all, the vow is not nullified, as stated in Hilchot Nedarim 13:7). The Tzaphnat Paneach states that the intent is that he used the halachic convention of bittul. In such in instance, a statement need not be made (Hilchot Nedarim 13:4).
31.
Thus the person cannot claim that his statement did not reflect his intent.
32.
I.e., this law applies even if the person takes the oath on his own volition, not only if it is administered by others.
33.
I.e., require an oath of a person who denies a plaintiff's claim. See Chapter 11, Halachah 18.
34.
Thus afterwards the person cannot claim that he had these-and-these thoughts in mind when taking the oath (Radbaz). See also Nedarim 25a.
35.
"Greetings to you, my teacher." We have cited the term in transliteration for we are speaking about the amount of time it takes to say these three Hebrew words.
36.
Nedarim 87a states that this principle applies with the exception of four situations: a blasphemer, one who accepts a false deity, one who consecrates a woman as a wife, and one who divorces her. Rabbenu Nissim explains that when taking an oath, a person has in mind that he might change his mind in this brief amount of time. Hence, his oath is not binding until this time passes.
37.
The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's ruling, saying that the objections of others cannot by connected to his oath. In his Kessef Mishneh and in his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 210:3), Rav Yosef Caro and also the Radbaz explain that since the others protested immediately after his oath and his acceptance also came immediately afterwards, it is as if he never completed taking the oath.
38.
This applies even if the oath has not taken effect as of yet (Radbaz).
39.
I.e., without verbalizing his retraction.
40.
The Radbaz emphasizes that he must also make his statements with intent. Just as his mouth and heart must concur when making an oath, so, too, they must concur when retracting it.
41.
וכן האומר שבועה בה' וכו'. א"א לא נתחוור אצלי דבר זה שלא מצאתי שם מן השמות ולא כינוי מהכינויים בשבועת ביטוי ולא מצינו שם אלא בעדות ובפקדון לפי שנאמר בעדות אלה וקול וילפינן אלה אלה מסוטה ופקדון תחטא תחטא מעדות אבל בשבועת ביטוי אפילו מבטא או איסר שבועה אם אמר מבטא לא אוכל לך שבועה וכן איסר אע"פ שלא אמר לא שם ולא כינוי אם אמר לשם שבועה אע"פ שלא הזכיר שם שבועה היא וכן לאו לאו והן הן אם נתכוון ללאו והן שאמר הבורא שבועה היא וכן ימין ושמאל אם נתכוון לימין ושמאל הבורא שבועה היא וה"מ לקרבן וכן נמי לבל יחל אבל למלקות בעינן שם דכתיב לא תשא את שם ה' אלהיך לשוא ושבועת שקר נמי נאמר לא תשבעו בשמי לשקר וגו'.
42.
וכן אם אמרו לו אחרים חזור בך וכו'. א"א דבר זה אינו מחוור שאין אחרים מוזקקין לנדרו שתהא מחאה שלהן סומכת נדרו לחזרתו.
Shvuot - Chapter 3
1
Whenever a person takes one of these four types of oaths under compulsion, he is exempt from all liability. This applies to a person who at the outset took a false oath because of factors beyond his control as we explained, one who took an oath and then was subjected to compulsion and was not given the opportunity to fulfill his oath, or he was compelled to take an oath by a man of force. Therefore one may take an oath when compelled to by robbers, potential murders, and tax collectors.
א
כל הנשבע שבועה מארבע מיני שבועות אלו באונס הרי זה פטור מכלום, ואחד הנשבע מתחלתו באונס כמו שבארנו, או שנשבע ונאנס ולא הניחוהו לקיים שבועתו, או שהשביעו אנס, לפיכך נשבעין לחרמין ולהורגין ולמוכסין.
2
To which tax collector did we refer? To a tax collector that assumed the position on his own, who takes money without the license of the king or who takes money with the king's license, but takes more for himself than the fixed measure, as explained in Hilchot Gezelah.
ב
באי זה מוכס אמרו, במוכס העומד מאליו שלוקח ממון שלא ברשות מלך המדינה, או שלוקח ברשות המלך אבל מוסיף לעצמו על הדבר הקצוב כמו שיתבאר בהלכות גזלה.
3
When a person is compelled to take an oath, to be exempt, while taking the oath, he must have the intent in his heart for the oath to apply to something for which he is exempt. Although generally, words in a person's heart are of no consequence, since he cannot express his intent because of the forces beyond his control, he can rely on the intent in his heart.
ג
וצריך הנשבע באונס להיות כונתו בלבו בעת השבועה לדבר הפוטרו, ואע"פ שהדברים אלו שבלב אינן דברים, הואיל ואינו יכול להוציא בשפתיו מפני האונס, הרי זה סומך על דברים שבלבו.
4
What is implied? One took an oath to a man of force that would not eat meat without qualifying his statement, it is permitted if in his heart, he had the intent that he was saying that he would not eat the meat of pigs, or that he would not eat meat that day. Similar laws apply in all analogous situations.
ד
כיצד כגון שנשבע לאנס שלא יאכל בשר סתם, ובלבו שלא יאכל היום או שלא יאכל בשר חזיר הרי זה מותר וכן כל כיוצא בזה.
5
Similarly, one is not liable for oaths involving exaggerations or unintentional oaths. What is meant by oaths involving exaggerations? A person saw vast armies and tall walls and he took an oath that "I saw the armies of King So-and-So and they are as vast as those who left Egypt," "I saw the wall of this-and-this city and it was as high as the heavens," or the like. He is exempt, because he did not resolve within his heart that this was the measure of the subject in question, no more and no less. His intent was only to describe the height of the wall or the multitude of the people.
ה
וכן שבועת הבאי ושל שגגות פטור עליהן, שבועת (של) הבאי כיצד כגון שראה חיילות גדולות וחומה גבוהה ונשבע שראיתי חיל פלוני המלך והם כיוצאי מצרים, ושראיתי חומת עיר פלונית גבוהה עד לרקיע וכיוצא בדברים אלו, שזה לא גמר בלבו שהדבר כך בלא פחות ולא יותר ולא נתכוון אלא לספר את גובה החומה או רוב העם. 1
6
What is meant by an oath taken inadvertently? With regard to a sh'vuat hapikadon or a sh'vuat ha'edut, it refers to a situation where the person forgot about the entrusted article or the testimony. He is entirely exempt, as we explained.
With regard to an oath taken in vain, it refers to a situation where the person took an oath not to wear tefilin, but did not know that tefilin are a mitzvah. With regard to a false oath, it refers to a situation where the person took an oath that he did not eat and then remembered that he did in fact eat, he took an oath that he would not eat and then forgot and ate, he took an oath that he would not give any satisfaction to his wife because she stole his wallet or beat his son and afterwards, he found out that she did not steal it or beat him. Similar concepts apply in all analogous situations.
ו
שבועה של שגגות כיצד, אם שבועת העדות או הפקדון היא כגון ששגג בפקדון ובעדות שהוא פטור מכלום כמו שבארנו, ואם שבועת שוא היא כגון שנשבע שלא ילבש תפילין ולא ידע שהתפילין מצוה, ואם שבועת שקר היא כגון שנשבע שלא אכל ונזכר שאכל, או שנשבע שלא יאכל ושכח ואכל, או שלא תהנה אשתו לו מפני שגנבה כיסו או שהכתה את בנו ונודע שלא גנבה ושלא הכתה וכן כל כיוצא בזה.
7
If so, what is a sh'vuat bitui taken inadvertently for which one is liable to bring an adjustable guilt offering with regard to the past? One took an oath that he did not eat although he knew that he in fact had eaten and he knew that it is forbidden to have taken this false oath, but he did not know that he is liable to bring a sacrifice for it. This is the inadvertent violation for which one is liable to bring an adjustable guilt offering for taking a sh'vuat bitui with regard to the past.
ז
אם כן אי זהו שגגת שבועת בטוי שחייבין עליה קרבן עולה ויורד לשעבר, כגון שנשבע שלא אכל והוא יודע שאכל, וששבועת שקר זו שנשבע אסורה אבל לא ידע שחייבין עליה קרבן, זו היא השגגה שחייבין עליה קרבן עולה ויורד בשבועת בטוי לשעבר.
8
What is meant by an inadvertent violation for which one is liable for an adjustable guilt offering for breaking an oath involving the future? For example, one took an oath that he would not eat bread from wheat and forgot and thought that he had taken an oath that he would eat bread from wheat and then ate it. In this instance, he became unaware of the content of the oath although he remembered the article concerning which he took the oath. This is an inadvertent violation of a sh'vuat bitui involving the future which obligates him to bring a sacrifice.
ח
וכיצד היא השגגה שחייבין עליה קרבן להבא, כגון שנשבע שלא יאכל פת חטים ושגג ודמה שנשבע שיאכל פת חטים ואכלה שזה נעלמה ממנו השבועה היאך היתה והרי הוא זוכר את החפץ שנשבע עליו, זו היא שגגת שבועת ביטוי להבא שחייבין עליה קרבן.
9
If, however, he took an oath that he would not eat bread from wheat and he ate bread from wheat thinking that it was made from barley, he is considered to have transgressed due to forces beyond his control and he is exempt. For he did not become unaware of the oath, but instead of the article concerning which he took the oath.
ט
אבל אם נשבע שלא יאכל פת חטים ואכל פת חטים על דעת שהוא פת שעורים הרי זה אנוס ופטור, שהרי לא נעלמה ממנו שבועה ולא נעלם ממנו אלא חפץ שנשבע עליו.
10
If he lost awareness of the oath he took and he lost awareness of the article concerning which he took the oath, he is not liable for a sacrifice.
What is implied? For example, one took an oath that he would not eat bread from wheat and thought that he had taken an oath that he would eat bread from wheat and ate bread from wheat thinking it was barley. He is not liable, because he became unaware of both the oath and the article it concerned. It is considered as if he he transgressed due to forces beyond his control.
י
נעלמה ממנו שבועה היאך היתה, ונעלם ממנו חפץ שנשבע עליו הרי זה פטור מן הקרבן, כיצד כגון שנשבע שלא לאכול פת חטים ודמה שנשבע שיאכל פת חטים ואכל פת חטים על דעת שהוא פת שעורים שהרי העלם שבועה וחפץ בידו הרי זה כאנוס ופטור.
11
The following laws apply if a person took an oath concerning a loaf of bread, swearing that he would not eat it and then suffered discomfort because of it. Should he eat the loaf because of his discomfort, because he thought that it is permitted for him to eat it because of discomfort, he is considered to have transgressed inadvertently. He is exempt from bringing a sacrifice, because he is not repenting because of his new knowledge. Instead, he knew that it was forbidden and ate it in error.
יא
נשבע על ככר שלא יאכלנו ונצטער עליו ואכלו מפני הצער והוא שוגג שהרי דמה שמותר לו לאכלו מפני הצער הרי זו פטור מן הקרבן לפי שאינו שב מידיעתו אלא ידע שאסורה היא ואכלה בטעות.
FOOTNOTES
1.
וכן שבועת הבאי ושל שגגות פטור עליהן. א"א לא הוצרכו חכמים לומר שהוא פטור מקרבן אלא שאמרו כשם שנדרי שגגות ונדרי הבאי מותרין כך שבועת שגגות ושבועת הבאי מותרין, שבועת שגגות שמותרין כגון שאמר לאשתו שבועה שלא אוכל היום שגנבת את כיסי ונודע שלא גנבה וכל כיוצא בזה שאם נשבע שלא יאכל ככר אחד אם שתה היום ונזכר ששתה היום מותר לאכול הככר, ושבועות הבאי שהן מותרות כגון שאמר יאסרו עלי פירות העולם בשבועה אם לא ראיתי גמל פורח באויר וכיוצא בו שלא נתכוין לאסור פירות העולם על עצמו אלא לחזק הדבר שיאמינו בו מפני שהוא דבר תימה ושבועת הבאי ענין שבועת שוא היא, נעלמה ממנו שבועה כו' שהרי העלם שבועה וחפץ בידו הרי זה כאנוס ופטור, נשבע על הככר שלא יאכלנו ונצטער עליו ואכלו והוא שוגג ששכח שבועתו פטור לפי שאינו שב מידיעתו שהרי דמה שמותר לו לאכלו מפני הצער ולא ידע שאסורה היא.
• Shabbat, 8 Shevat, 5777 · 5 February 2017
• "Today's Day"
• Thursday, Sh'vat 8, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Bo, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 44-48.
Tanya: The explanation (p. 75)...Sefer Ha-Gilgulim. (p. 77).
In these days especially, when by G-d's kindness we stand at the threshold of redemption, we must make every conceivable effort to strengthen every facet of our religion. Mitzvot must be observed b'hidur, with "beauty," beyond minimal requirements. Customs must be kept scrupulously, nothing compromised. It is a Mitzva and duty of every Rabbi in Israel to inform his congregation that the current tribulations and agonies are the "birth-pangs of Mashiach." G-d is demanding that we return to Torah and mitzvot, that we not hinder the imminent coming of our righteous Mashiach.
• Daily Thought:
Not With Toil
Not by toil, nor by struggle did the world come into being. G‑d spoke and it was, a world created by words.
Not by toil, nor by struggle is the world sustained. We speak words of Torah, of prayer, of wisdom and of kindness, and the world endures.
If so, what is the effort He demands from us?
That we invest our very essence in those words, as He invested His very essence within this world He made.[11 Nisan 5732.]
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