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.
Today in Jewish History:
• Majorcan Jews Guaranteed Protection (1393) The governor of Majorca issued an edict for the protection of the Jewish inhabitants, providing that any citizen who injures a Jew will be hanged.
The advantageous position of the islands, as well as their newly found protection, attracted many Jews from Provence, Sicily, Tunis, and Algiers, amongst other African cities. The Jews even had their own organizations and representatives by sanction of the King.Daily Quote:
One who studies Torah but does not review his learning, is like one who sows but doesn't reap[Yalkut Shimoni, Joshua 1]
Today's Study:
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.
Today in Jewish History:
• Majorcan Jews Guaranteed Protection (1393) The governor of Majorca issued an edict for the protection of the Jewish inhabitants, providing that any citizen who injures a Jew will be hanged.
The advantageous position of the islands, as well as their newly found protection, attracted many Jews from Provence, Sicily, Tunis, and Algiers, amongst other African cities. The Jews even had their own organizations and representatives by sanction of the King.Daily Quote:
One who studies Torah but does not review his learning, is like one who sows but doesn't reap[Yalkut Shimoni, Joshua 1]
Today's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Bo, 5th Portion Exodus 12:21-12:28 with Rashi
• Exodus Chapter 12
21Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Draw forth or buy for yourselves sheep for your families and slaughter the Passover sacrifice. כאוַיִּקְרָ֥א משֶׁ֛ה לְכָל־זִקְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ וּקְח֨וּ לָכֶ֥ם צֹ֛אן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם וְשַֽׁחֲט֥וּ הַפָּֽסַח:
Draw forth: Whoever has sheep shall draw from his own. משכו: מי שיש לו צאן ימשוך משלו:
or buy: Whoever has none shall buy from the market. — [from Mechilta] וקחו: מי שאין לו יקח מן השוק:
for your families: A lamb for a parental house. — [from Mechilta 3] למשפחתיכם: שה לבית אבות:
22And you shall take a bunch of hyssop and immerse [it] in the blood that is in the basin, and you shall extend to the lintel and to the two doorposts the blood that is in the basin, and you shall not go out, any man from the entrance of his house until morning. כבוּלְקַחְתֶּ֞ם אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב וּטְבַלְתֶּם֘ בַּדָּ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּסַּף֒ וְהִגַּעְתֶּ֤ם אֶל־הַמַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְאֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֔ת מִן־הַדָּ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּסָּ֑ף וְאַתֶּ֗ם לֹ֥א תֵֽצְא֛וּ אִ֥ישׁ מִפֶּֽתַח־בֵּית֖וֹ עַד־בֹּֽקֶר:
hyssop: Heb. אֵזוֹב. A species of herb that has thin stalks. אזוב: מין ירק שיש לו גבעולין:
a bunch of hyssop: Three stalks are called a bunch. — [Sukkah 13a] אגדת אזוב: שלושה קלחין קרויין אגודה:
that is in the basin: Heb. בַּסַּף, in the vessel, like “silver pitchers (סִפּוֹת) ” (II Kings 12:14). [from Mechilta] אשר בסף: בכלי, כמו (מלכים ב' יב יד) ספות כסף:
the blood that is in the basin: Why does the text repeat this? So that you should not say that [Scripture means] one immersion for [all] the three sprinklings. Therefore, it says again: “that is in the basin,” [to indicate] that every sprinkling shall be from the blood that is in the basin-for each touching an immersion [is necessary]. — [from Mechilta] מן הדם אשר בסף: למה חזר ושנאו, שלא תאמר טבילה אחת לשלש המתנות, לכך נאמר עוד אשר בסף, ושתהא כל נתינה ונתינה מן הדם אשר בסף, על כל הגעה טבילה:
and you shall not go out, etc.: This tells [us] that once the destroyer is given permission to destroy, he does not discriminate between righteous and wicked. And night is the time that destroyers are given permission, as it is said: “in which every beast of the forest moves about” (Ps. 104:20). — [from Mechilta] ואתם לא תצאו וגו': מגיד שמאחר שנתנה רשות למשחית לחבל אינו מבחין בין צדיק לרשע, ולילה רשות למחבלים הוא, שנאמר (תהלים קד כ) בו תרמוש כל חיתו יער:
23The Lord will pass to smite the Egyptians, and He will see the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, and the Lord will pass over the entrance, and He will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses to smite [you]. כגוְעָבַ֣ר יְהֹוָה֘ לִנְגֹּ֣ף אֶת־מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ וְרָאָ֤ה אֶת־הַדָּם֙ עַל־הַמַּשְׁק֔וֹף וְעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֑ת וּפָסַ֤ח יְהֹוָה֙ עַל־הַפֶּ֔תַח וְלֹ֤א יִתֵּן֙ הַמַּשְׁחִ֔ית לָבֹ֥א אֶל־בָּֽתֵּיכֶ֖ם לִנְגֹּֽף:
will pass over: Heb. וּפָסַח, and He will have pity. This may also be rendered: and He will skip over. See Rashi on verses 11 and 13. ופסח: וחמל, ויש לומר ודלג:
and He will not permit the destroyer: Heb. וְלֹא יִךְתֵּן, lit., and will not give. [I.e.,] He will not grant him the ability to enter, as in “but God did not permit him (נְתָנוֹ) to harm me” (Gen. 31:7). ולא יתן המשחית: ולא יתן לו יכולת לבא, כמו (בראשית לא ז) ולא נתנו א-להים להרע עמדי:
24And you shall keep this matter as a statute for you and for your children forever. כדוּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְחָק־לְךָ֥ וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ עַד־עוֹלָֽם:
25And it shall come to pass when you enter the land that the Lord will give you, as He spoke, that you shall observe this service. כהוְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־תָבֹ֣אוּ אֶל־הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֵּ֑ר וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת:
And it shall come to pass when you enter: Scripture makes this commandment contingent upon their entry into the land, but in the desert, they were obligated only to bring one Passover sacrifice, the one they performed in the second year, [which they did] by divine mandate. — [from Mechilta] והיה כי תבאו אל הארץ: תלה הכתוב מצוה זו בביאתם לארץ, ולא נתחייבו במדבר אלא בפסח אחד שעשו בשנה השנית ועל פי הדבור:
as He spoke: Now where did He speak? “And I will bring you to the land, etc.” (Exod. 6:8). — [from Mechilta] כאשר דבר: והיכן דבר, והבאתי אתכם אל הארץ וגו' (שמות ו ח):
26And it will come to pass if your children say to you, What is this service to you? כווְהָיָ֕ה כִּי־יֹֽאמְר֥וּ אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם מָ֛ה הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לָכֶֽם:
27you shall say, It is a Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for He passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, and He saved our houses. And the people kneeled and prostrated themselves. כזוַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֡ם זֶֽבַח־פֶּ֨סַח ה֜וּא לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּ֠סַ֠ח עַל־בָּתֵּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם בְּנָגְפּ֥וֹ אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ הִצִּ֑יל וַיִּקֹּ֥ד הָעָ֖ם וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲוֽוּ:
And the people kneeled and prostrated themselves: [in thanksgiving] for the tidings of the redemption, the entry into the land [of Israel], and the tidings of the children that they would have. — [from Mechilta] ויקד העם: על בשורת הגאולה וביאת הארץ ובשורת הבנים שיהיו להם:
28So the children of Israel went and did; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. כחוַיֵּֽלְכ֥וּ וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־משֶׁ֥ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ:
So the children of Israel went and did: Now did they already do [it]? Wasn’t this said to them on Rosh Chodesh? But since they accepted upon themselves [to do it], Scripture credits them for it as if they had [already] done [it]. — [from Mechilta] וילכו ויעשו בני ישראל: וכי כבר עשו, והלא מראש חודש נאמר להם, אלא מכיון שקבלו עליהם, מעלה עליהם כאלו עשו:
went and did: Scripture counts also the going, to give reward for the going and reward for the deed. — [from Mechilta] וילכו ויעשו: אף ההליכה מנה הכתוב, ליתן שכר להליכה ושכר לעשיה:
as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron: [This comes] to tell Israel’s praise, that they did not omit anything of all the commandments of Moses and Aaron. And what is the meaning of “so they did” ? Moses and Aaron also did so. — [from Mechilta] כאשר צוה ה' את משה ואהרן: להגיד שבחן של ישראל, שלא הפילו דבר מכל מצות משה ואהרן. ומהו כן עשו, אף משה ואהרן כן עשו:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 35 - 38
• Chapter 35
This psalm is an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer about David's enemies-that they be as chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of God. It also declares that everything comes about through God's help.
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
FOOTNOTES
1.These men flatter Saul in order to obtain free meals (Rashi).
Chapter 36
This psalm is a message to those who follow their evil inclination, that tells them, "Do not place the fear of God before you," and brings them to sin by beautifying evil deeds in their eyes. For so is his way: "He descends (to earth) and corrupts, then goes up (to the Heavenly Court) and prosecutes."
1. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
FOOTNOTES
1.In the very place they intended to persecute me (Metzudot).
Chapter 37
King David exhorts his generation not to be jealous of the prosperity of the wicked, for it may lead to falling into their ways. Rather, put your trust in God, conduct yourselves with integrity, and God will take care of everything.
1. By David. Do not compete with the wicked; do not envy doers of injustice.
2. For like grass they will be swiftly cut down; like green vegetation they will wither.
3. Trust in the Lord and do good; then will you abide in the land and be nourished by faith.
4. Delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
5. Cast your needs upon the Lord; rely on Him, and He will take care.
6. He will reveal your righteousness like the light, your justness like the high noon.
7. Depend on the Lord and hope in Him. Compete not with the prosperous, with the man who invents evil schemes.
8. Let go of anger, abandon rage; do not compete with [one who intends] only to harm.
9. For the evildoers will be cut down; but those who hope in the Lord, they will inherit the earth.
10. For soon the wicked one will not be; you will gaze at his place and he will be gone.
11. But the humble shall inherit the earth, and delight in abundant peace.
12. The wicked one plots against the righteous, and gnashes his teeth at him.
13. My Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day will come.
14. The wicked have drawn a sword and bent their bow to fell the poor and destitute, to slaughter those of upright ways.
15. But their sword shall enter their own hearts, and their bows shall break.
16. Better the little of the righteous, than the abundant wealth of the wicked.
17. For the strength of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.
18. The Lord appreciates the days of the innocent; their inheritance will last forever.
19. They will not be shamed in times of calamity, and in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20. For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord are as fattened sheep: consumed, consumed in smoke.
21. The wicked man borrows and does not repay; but the righteous man is gracious and gives.
22. For those blessed by Him will inherit the earth, and those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23. The steps of man are directed by God; He desires his way.
24. When he totters he shall not be thrown down, for the Lord supports his hand.
25. I have been a youth, I have also aged; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his offspring begging bread.
26. All day he is kind and lends; his offspring are a blessing.
27. Turn away from evil and do good, and you will dwell [in peace] forever.
28. For the Lord loves justice, he will not abandon his pious ones-they are protected forever; but the offspring of the wicked are cut off.
29. The righteous shall inherit the earth and dwell upon it forever.
30. The mouth of the righteous one utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31. The Torah of his God is in his heart; his steps shall not falter.
32. The wicked one watches for the righteous man, and seeks to kill him.
33. But the Lord will not abandon him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34. Hope in the Lord and keep His way; then He will raise you high to inherit the earth. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35. I saw a powerful wicked man, well-rooted like a vibrant, native tree.
36. Yet he vanished, behold he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found.
37. Watch the innocent, and observe the upright, for the future of such a man is peace.
38. But sinners shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked is cut off.
39. The deliverance of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of distress.
40. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they have put their trust in Him.
Chapter 38
A prayer for every individual, bewailing the length of the exile. One who is in distress should recite this psalm, hence its introduction, "A psalm... to remind" (to remind us to recite it in times of distress). One can also derive many lessons from it.
1. A psalm by David, to remind.
2. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chastise me in Your wrath.
3. For Your arrows have landed in me, Your hand descended upon me.
4. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your rage, no peace in my bones because of my sin.
5. For my iniquities have flooded over my head; like a heavy load, they are too heavy for me.
6. My wounds are rotted; they reek because of my foolishness.
7. I am bent and extremely bowed; all day I go about in gloom.
8. My sides are inflamed; there is no soundness in my flesh.
9. I am weakened and extremely depressed; I howl from the moaning of my heart.
10. My Lord, all that I desire is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You.
11. My heart is engulfed, my strength has left me; the light of my eyes they, too, are not with me.
12. My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction; my intimates stand afar.
13. The seekers of my life have laid traps; those who seek my harm speak destructiveness; they utter deceits all day long.
14. But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear; like a mute that does not open his mouth.
15. I was like a man that does not perceive, and in whose mouth there are no rebuttals.
16. Because for You, O Lord, I wait; You will answer, my Lord, my God.
17. For I said, "Lest they rejoice over me; when my foot falters they will gloat over me.”
18. For I am accustomed to limping, and my pain is constantly before me.
19. For I admit my iniquity; I worry because of my sin.
20. But my enemies abound with life; those who hate me without cause flourish.
21. Those who repay evil for good resent me for my pursuit of good.
22. Do not forsake me, O Lord; do not be distant from me, my God.
23. Hurry to my aid, O my Lord, my Salvation.
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 20
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Thursday, 6 Shevat, 5777 · 2 February 2017
• Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 20
• למשל כמו בנפש האדם כשמדבר דבור אחד, שדבור זה לבדו כלא ממש אפילו לגבי כללות נפשו המדברת
• Rambam - Thursday, 6 Shevat, 5777 · 2 February 2017
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 306 (Digest)
• Taking a Mother Bird together with Her Young
"Do not take the mother [bird] together with the children"—Deuteronomy 22:6.
When we encounter a bird's nest, it is forbidden to take the mother together with the chicks.
• Taking a Mother Bird together with Her Young
The 306th prohibition is that we are forbidden from taking the entire bird's nest — the mother and the chicks — when hunting.1
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,2 "You must not take the mother along with her young." This prohibition has a remedial positive commandment,3 "You must first chase away the mother." If one can no longer send her away and thereby fulfill the positive commandment — e.g. if the mother died before she could be sent away — the punishment is lashes.
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the end of tractate Chulin.4
Rabbi Berel Bell is a well-known educator, author and lecturer. He and his family reside in Montreal, Canada.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by Sichos in English.
FOOTNOTES
1.According to Kapach, 5731, note 81, the Rambam means to exclude the case where one is merely passing by and doesn't need them for food. In such a case, one should leave them alone, as the Rambam writes in Guide to the Perplexed, Part 3, Chapter 48.
2.Deut. 22:6.
3.Ibid. 22:7. See P148.
4.138ff.
Translation of (the unabridged text of) Sefer Hamitzvot by Rabbi Berel Bell, member of the Rabbinical Court of Montreal and director of Teacher Training for the Jewish Learning Institute.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by Sichos in English.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Eight
• Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Eight
• Shechitah - Chapter 9
• Thursday, 6 Shevat, 5777 · 2 February 2017
• "Today's Day"
• Tuesday, Sh'vat 6, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Bo, Shlishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 35-38.
Tanya: This is the (p. 73)...as is explained elsewhere. (p. 75).
My father wrote that he heard in the name of the Alter Rebbe that all rabbinic authors until and including the Taz1 and Shach,2 composed their works with ruach hakodesh, the Divine Spirit. An individual's ruach hakodesh, as explained by Korban Ha'eida in Tractate Sh'kalim (Talmud Yerushalmi), end of ch. 3, means that the mysteries of Torah are revealed to him. This comes from the aspect of chochma in its pre-revelation state.3
Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory.
FOOTNOTES
1.Acronym of Turei Zahav on Torah law by R. David Halevi, d. 1667.
2.Acronym of Siftei Kohein on Torah law by R. Shabtai Hacohen, 1622-1663.
3.See "On Learning Chassidus," Kehot, p. 18.
• Daily Thought:
Above As Below
Looking at your world from Above, all is good.
Looking at your world from within, things don’t always look so nice.
Until you connect your world from within to the world above. Then the goodness flows downward without distortion.
How do you make that connection? By clinging tightly above. By putting all your trust in G‑d.[Tanya, Igeret Hakodesh 11 (pg. 232). Likutei Torah Chukat 62a.]
Chumash: Bo, 5th Portion Exodus 12:21-12:28 with Rashi
• Exodus Chapter 12
21Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Draw forth or buy for yourselves sheep for your families and slaughter the Passover sacrifice. כאוַיִּקְרָ֥א משֶׁ֛ה לְכָל־זִקְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ וּקְח֨וּ לָכֶ֥ם צֹ֛אן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם וְשַֽׁחֲט֥וּ הַפָּֽסַח:
Draw forth: Whoever has sheep shall draw from his own. משכו: מי שיש לו צאן ימשוך משלו:
or buy: Whoever has none shall buy from the market. — [from Mechilta] וקחו: מי שאין לו יקח מן השוק:
for your families: A lamb for a parental house. — [from Mechilta 3] למשפחתיכם: שה לבית אבות:
22And you shall take a bunch of hyssop and immerse [it] in the blood that is in the basin, and you shall extend to the lintel and to the two doorposts the blood that is in the basin, and you shall not go out, any man from the entrance of his house until morning. כבוּלְקַחְתֶּ֞ם אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב וּטְבַלְתֶּם֘ בַּדָּ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּסַּף֒ וְהִגַּעְתֶּ֤ם אֶל־הַמַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְאֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֔ת מִן־הַדָּ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּסָּ֑ף וְאַתֶּ֗ם לֹ֥א תֵֽצְא֛וּ אִ֥ישׁ מִפֶּֽתַח־בֵּית֖וֹ עַד־בֹּֽקֶר:
hyssop: Heb. אֵזוֹב. A species of herb that has thin stalks. אזוב: מין ירק שיש לו גבעולין:
a bunch of hyssop: Three stalks are called a bunch. — [Sukkah 13a] אגדת אזוב: שלושה קלחין קרויין אגודה:
that is in the basin: Heb. בַּסַּף, in the vessel, like “silver pitchers (סִפּוֹת) ” (II Kings 12:14). [from Mechilta] אשר בסף: בכלי, כמו (מלכים ב' יב יד) ספות כסף:
the blood that is in the basin: Why does the text repeat this? So that you should not say that [Scripture means] one immersion for [all] the three sprinklings. Therefore, it says again: “that is in the basin,” [to indicate] that every sprinkling shall be from the blood that is in the basin-for each touching an immersion [is necessary]. — [from Mechilta] מן הדם אשר בסף: למה חזר ושנאו, שלא תאמר טבילה אחת לשלש המתנות, לכך נאמר עוד אשר בסף, ושתהא כל נתינה ונתינה מן הדם אשר בסף, על כל הגעה טבילה:
and you shall not go out, etc.: This tells [us] that once the destroyer is given permission to destroy, he does not discriminate between righteous and wicked. And night is the time that destroyers are given permission, as it is said: “in which every beast of the forest moves about” (Ps. 104:20). — [from Mechilta] ואתם לא תצאו וגו': מגיד שמאחר שנתנה רשות למשחית לחבל אינו מבחין בין צדיק לרשע, ולילה רשות למחבלים הוא, שנאמר (תהלים קד כ) בו תרמוש כל חיתו יער:
23The Lord will pass to smite the Egyptians, and He will see the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, and the Lord will pass over the entrance, and He will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses to smite [you]. כגוְעָבַ֣ר יְהֹוָה֘ לִנְגֹּ֣ף אֶת־מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ וְרָאָ֤ה אֶת־הַדָּם֙ עַל־הַמַּשְׁק֔וֹף וְעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֑ת וּפָסַ֤ח יְהֹוָה֙ עַל־הַפֶּ֔תַח וְלֹ֤א יִתֵּן֙ הַמַּשְׁחִ֔ית לָבֹ֥א אֶל־בָּֽתֵּיכֶ֖ם לִנְגֹּֽף:
will pass over: Heb. וּפָסַח, and He will have pity. This may also be rendered: and He will skip over. See Rashi on verses 11 and 13. ופסח: וחמל, ויש לומר ודלג:
and He will not permit the destroyer: Heb. וְלֹא יִךְתֵּן, lit., and will not give. [I.e.,] He will not grant him the ability to enter, as in “but God did not permit him (נְתָנוֹ) to harm me” (Gen. 31:7). ולא יתן המשחית: ולא יתן לו יכולת לבא, כמו (בראשית לא ז) ולא נתנו א-להים להרע עמדי:
24And you shall keep this matter as a statute for you and for your children forever. כדוּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְחָק־לְךָ֥ וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ עַד־עוֹלָֽם:
25And it shall come to pass when you enter the land that the Lord will give you, as He spoke, that you shall observe this service. כהוְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־תָבֹ֣אוּ אֶל־הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֵּ֑ר וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת:
And it shall come to pass when you enter: Scripture makes this commandment contingent upon their entry into the land, but in the desert, they were obligated only to bring one Passover sacrifice, the one they performed in the second year, [which they did] by divine mandate. — [from Mechilta] והיה כי תבאו אל הארץ: תלה הכתוב מצוה זו בביאתם לארץ, ולא נתחייבו במדבר אלא בפסח אחד שעשו בשנה השנית ועל פי הדבור:
as He spoke: Now where did He speak? “And I will bring you to the land, etc.” (Exod. 6:8). — [from Mechilta] כאשר דבר: והיכן דבר, והבאתי אתכם אל הארץ וגו' (שמות ו ח):
26And it will come to pass if your children say to you, What is this service to you? כווְהָיָ֕ה כִּי־יֹֽאמְר֥וּ אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם מָ֛ה הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לָכֶֽם:
27you shall say, It is a Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for He passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, and He saved our houses. And the people kneeled and prostrated themselves. כזוַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֡ם זֶֽבַח־פֶּ֨סַח ה֜וּא לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּ֠סַ֠ח עַל־בָּתֵּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם בְּנָגְפּ֥וֹ אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ הִצִּ֑יל וַיִּקֹּ֥ד הָעָ֖ם וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲוֽוּ:
And the people kneeled and prostrated themselves: [in thanksgiving] for the tidings of the redemption, the entry into the land [of Israel], and the tidings of the children that they would have. — [from Mechilta] ויקד העם: על בשורת הגאולה וביאת הארץ ובשורת הבנים שיהיו להם:
28So the children of Israel went and did; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. כחוַיֵּֽלְכ֥וּ וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־משֶׁ֥ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ:
So the children of Israel went and did: Now did they already do [it]? Wasn’t this said to them on Rosh Chodesh? But since they accepted upon themselves [to do it], Scripture credits them for it as if they had [already] done [it]. — [from Mechilta] וילכו ויעשו בני ישראל: וכי כבר עשו, והלא מראש חודש נאמר להם, אלא מכיון שקבלו עליהם, מעלה עליהם כאלו עשו:
went and did: Scripture counts also the going, to give reward for the going and reward for the deed. — [from Mechilta] וילכו ויעשו: אף ההליכה מנה הכתוב, ליתן שכר להליכה ושכר לעשיה:
as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron: [This comes] to tell Israel’s praise, that they did not omit anything of all the commandments of Moses and Aaron. And what is the meaning of “so they did” ? Moses and Aaron also did so. — [from Mechilta] כאשר צוה ה' את משה ואהרן: להגיד שבחן של ישראל, שלא הפילו דבר מכל מצות משה ואהרן. ומהו כן עשו, אף משה ואהרן כן עשו:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 35 - 38
• Chapter 35
This psalm is an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer about David's enemies-that they be as chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of God. It also declares that everything comes about through God's help.
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
FOOTNOTES
1.These men flatter Saul in order to obtain free meals (Rashi).
Chapter 36
This psalm is a message to those who follow their evil inclination, that tells them, "Do not place the fear of God before you," and brings them to sin by beautifying evil deeds in their eyes. For so is his way: "He descends (to earth) and corrupts, then goes up (to the Heavenly Court) and prosecutes."
1. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
FOOTNOTES
1.In the very place they intended to persecute me (Metzudot).
Chapter 37
King David exhorts his generation not to be jealous of the prosperity of the wicked, for it may lead to falling into their ways. Rather, put your trust in God, conduct yourselves with integrity, and God will take care of everything.
1. By David. Do not compete with the wicked; do not envy doers of injustice.
2. For like grass they will be swiftly cut down; like green vegetation they will wither.
3. Trust in the Lord and do good; then will you abide in the land and be nourished by faith.
4. Delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
5. Cast your needs upon the Lord; rely on Him, and He will take care.
6. He will reveal your righteousness like the light, your justness like the high noon.
7. Depend on the Lord and hope in Him. Compete not with the prosperous, with the man who invents evil schemes.
8. Let go of anger, abandon rage; do not compete with [one who intends] only to harm.
9. For the evildoers will be cut down; but those who hope in the Lord, they will inherit the earth.
10. For soon the wicked one will not be; you will gaze at his place and he will be gone.
11. But the humble shall inherit the earth, and delight in abundant peace.
12. The wicked one plots against the righteous, and gnashes his teeth at him.
13. My Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day will come.
14. The wicked have drawn a sword and bent their bow to fell the poor and destitute, to slaughter those of upright ways.
15. But their sword shall enter their own hearts, and their bows shall break.
16. Better the little of the righteous, than the abundant wealth of the wicked.
17. For the strength of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.
18. The Lord appreciates the days of the innocent; their inheritance will last forever.
19. They will not be shamed in times of calamity, and in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20. For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord are as fattened sheep: consumed, consumed in smoke.
21. The wicked man borrows and does not repay; but the righteous man is gracious and gives.
22. For those blessed by Him will inherit the earth, and those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23. The steps of man are directed by God; He desires his way.
24. When he totters he shall not be thrown down, for the Lord supports his hand.
25. I have been a youth, I have also aged; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his offspring begging bread.
26. All day he is kind and lends; his offspring are a blessing.
27. Turn away from evil and do good, and you will dwell [in peace] forever.
28. For the Lord loves justice, he will not abandon his pious ones-they are protected forever; but the offspring of the wicked are cut off.
29. The righteous shall inherit the earth and dwell upon it forever.
30. The mouth of the righteous one utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31. The Torah of his God is in his heart; his steps shall not falter.
32. The wicked one watches for the righteous man, and seeks to kill him.
33. But the Lord will not abandon him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34. Hope in the Lord and keep His way; then He will raise you high to inherit the earth. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35. I saw a powerful wicked man, well-rooted like a vibrant, native tree.
36. Yet he vanished, behold he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found.
37. Watch the innocent, and observe the upright, for the future of such a man is peace.
38. But sinners shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked is cut off.
39. The deliverance of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of distress.
40. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they have put their trust in Him.
Chapter 38
A prayer for every individual, bewailing the length of the exile. One who is in distress should recite this psalm, hence its introduction, "A psalm... to remind" (to remind us to recite it in times of distress). One can also derive many lessons from it.
1. A psalm by David, to remind.
2. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chastise me in Your wrath.
3. For Your arrows have landed in me, Your hand descended upon me.
4. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your rage, no peace in my bones because of my sin.
5. For my iniquities have flooded over my head; like a heavy load, they are too heavy for me.
6. My wounds are rotted; they reek because of my foolishness.
7. I am bent and extremely bowed; all day I go about in gloom.
8. My sides are inflamed; there is no soundness in my flesh.
9. I am weakened and extremely depressed; I howl from the moaning of my heart.
10. My Lord, all that I desire is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You.
11. My heart is engulfed, my strength has left me; the light of my eyes they, too, are not with me.
12. My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction; my intimates stand afar.
13. The seekers of my life have laid traps; those who seek my harm speak destructiveness; they utter deceits all day long.
14. But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear; like a mute that does not open his mouth.
15. I was like a man that does not perceive, and in whose mouth there are no rebuttals.
16. Because for You, O Lord, I wait; You will answer, my Lord, my God.
17. For I said, "Lest they rejoice over me; when my foot falters they will gloat over me.”
18. For I am accustomed to limping, and my pain is constantly before me.
19. For I admit my iniquity; I worry because of my sin.
20. But my enemies abound with life; those who hate me without cause flourish.
21. Those who repay evil for good resent me for my pursuit of good.
22. Do not forsake me, O Lord; do not be distant from me, my God.
23. Hurry to my aid, O my Lord, my Salvation.
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 20
• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Thursday, 6 Shevat, 5777 · 2 February 2017
• Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 20
• למשל כמו בנפש האדם כשמדבר דבור אחד, שדבור זה לבדו כלא ממש אפילו לגבי כללות נפשו המדברת
To illustrate from the soul of a human being: When a man utters a word, this single word is as absolutely nothing even when compared only to his articulate soul (i.e., power of speech) as a whole,
שהוא בחינת לבוש האמצעי שלה, שהוא כח הדבור שלה
which is the soul’s middle “garment” i.e., organ of expression, namely its faculty of speech.
The soul has three “garments” — thought, speech, and action, of which speech is the middle one, with action being lower than it, and thought, higher; one word has no value even in comparison with this faculty,
שיכול לדבר דבורים לאין קץ ותכלית
since this faculty can produce an infinite number of words — and next to infinity, one word has no value whatever.
In actual practice, there is a limit to the number of words one can speak. However, this is only because the physical organs involved in speech have a limited functional ability. The soul’s capacity for speech is limitless.
וכל שכן לגבי בחינת לבוש הפנימי שלה שהוא המחשבה, שממנה נמשכו הדבורים והיא חיותם
Surely, then, this word has no value when compared to the soul’s innermost “garment” i.e., that “garment” which is closest to the soul itself,namely, its faculty of thought, which is the source of speech and its life-force.
Since thought is higher and closer to the soul than is speech, this one word surely has no value in comparison with it.
ואין צריך לומר לגבי מהות ועצמות הנפש, שהן עשר בחינותיה הנ״ל, חכמה בינה דעת כו׳
It goes without saying, that this word is as naught when compared with the essence and entity as opposed to the “garments” of the soul, these being its ten attributes mentioned above:1 Chochmah, Binah, Daat, and so on, i.e., the seven emotional attributes
שמהן נמשכו אותיות מחשבה זו המלובשות בדבור זה כשמדבר
from which are derived the “letters” of thought that are clothed in one’s speech, when it is uttered.
Since all of man’s thoughts are either of an intellectual or an emotional nature, they derive from the soul’s intellectual or emotional faculties. When one speaks, the letters of his thought descend to a lower level.
כי המחשבה היא גם כן בחינת אותיות כמו הדבור, רק שהן רוחניות ודקות יותר
For thought too, like speech, consists of letters, except that the letters of thought are more spiritual and refined — thus thought and speech share a common characteristic.
אבל עשר בחינות, חכמה בינה דעת כו׳, הן שרש ומקור המחשבה ואין בהם בחינת אותיות עדיין קודם שמתלבשות בלבוש המחשבה
But the ten attributes — Chochmah, Binah, Daat, and so on, are the root and source of thought and, before being clothed in the garment of thought, they as yet lack the element of letters.
The letters are formed only when one applies his thoughts to a particular idea or a feeling, as explained further.
Since the intellectual and emotional soul-powers are so subtle and amorphous that they cannot be defined even in terms of the spiritual thought-letters, they are obviously of an altogether different, more spiritual, order than thought, and the spoken word is surely without value in comparison to them. What follows is a description of the process whereby the letters of thought are formed.
למשל כשנופלת איזו אהבה וחמדה בלבו של אדם קודם שעולה מהלב אל המוח לחשב ולהרהר בה
For example, when a man suddenly becomes conscious of a certain love or desire in his heart, before it has risen from the heart to the brain to meditate on it and ponder it,
אין בה בחינת אותיות עדיין, רק חפץ פשוט וחשיקה בלב אל הדבר ההוא הנחמד אצלו
it has not yet acquired the element of letters; it is only a pure desire and longing for the object of his affection.
וכל שכן קודם שנפלה התאוה והחמדה בלבו לאותו דבר, רק היתה בכח חכמתו ושכלו וידיעתו
All the more so before he began to feel in his heart a craving and desire for that thing, when it was yet confined within the realm of his intellect (Chochmah), understanding (corresponding to Binah), and knowledge (Daat),
שהיה נודע אצלו אותו דבר שהוא נחמד ונעים וטוב ויפה להשיגו ולידבק בו, כגון ללמוד איזו חכמה או לאכול איזה מאכל ערב
meaning that the thing was known to him to be desirable and gratifying, something good and pleasant to attain and to cling to; as for instance, to study a certain discipline or to eat some delicacy — then, in this state of intellectual appreciation of the desirable object, before the appreciation has even developed into an emotion, there are certainly no “letters” present in one’s mind.
רק לאחר שכבר נפלה החמדה והתאוה בלבו בכח חכמתו ושכלו וידיעתו
Only after the desire and craving have already descended into his hearti.e., after they have developed into emotions through the stimulus of his wisdom, understanding and knowledge,
ואחר כך חזרה ועלתה מהלב למוח לחשב ולהרהר בה איך להוציא תאותו מכח אל הפועל, להשיג המאכל או למידת החכמה בפועל
and only after they have ascended once again from the heart back to the brain, to think and meditate on how to implement his desire by actually obtaining that food or actually studying that subject,
הרי בכאן נולדו בחינת אותיות במוחו, שהן אותיות כלשון עם ועם המדברים ומהרהרים בהם כל עניני העולם
it is only at this point — when one applies his thoughts to implementing his desire — that “letters” are born in one’s mind, corresponding to the language of each of the nations, who employ these letters when speaking and thinking about everything in the world; i.e., each of us thinks in his own language.
“Pure” feeling, however, that is feeling that has not yet reached the “applied”, implemental stage of thought, transcends differences of nation and language, since it does not express itself in “letters”.
From all this we may understand the Alter Rebbe’s earlier statement that a spoken word is utterly without value in comparison with the soul’s intellectual and emotional powers (which are described here, for our purposes, as the essence of the soul). Surely, then, the Divine “Word” by which G‑d creates and animates all the worlds has no value at all next to G‑d, Who is truly and absolutely infinite. Thus all the worlds created and sustained by the Divine Word are as if nonexistent, from G‑d’s perspective, and their presence does not effect any change in His unity. This theme will be further discussed in the following chapter.
——— ● ———
FOOTNOTES
1.
Ch. 3.
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 306 (Digest)
• Taking a Mother Bird together with Her Young
"Do not take the mother [bird] together with the children"—Deuteronomy 22:6.
When we encounter a bird's nest, it is forbidden to take the mother together with the chicks.
• Taking a Mother Bird together with Her Young
The 306th prohibition is that we are forbidden from taking the entire bird's nest — the mother and the chicks — when hunting.1
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,2 "You must not take the mother along with her young." This prohibition has a remedial positive commandment,3 "You must first chase away the mother." If one can no longer send her away and thereby fulfill the positive commandment — e.g. if the mother died before she could be sent away — the punishment is lashes.
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the end of tractate Chulin.4
Rabbi Berel Bell is a well-known educator, author and lecturer. He and his family reside in Montreal, Canada.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by Sichos in English.
FOOTNOTES
1.According to Kapach, 5731, note 81, the Rambam means to exclude the case where one is merely passing by and doesn't need them for food. In such a case, one should leave them alone, as the Rambam writes in Guide to the Perplexed, Part 3, Chapter 48.
2.Deut. 22:6.
3.Ibid. 22:7. See P148.
4.138ff.
Translation of (the unabridged text of) Sefer Hamitzvot by Rabbi Berel Bell, member of the Rabbinical Court of Montreal and director of Teacher Training for the Jewish Learning Institute.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by Sichos in English.
• Rambam - 1 Chapter: Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Eight
• Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter Eight
1
It is a positive commandment to set aside cities of refuge, as Deuteronomy 19:2 states: "You shall set aside three cities." The practice of setting aside cities of refuge applies only in Eretz Yisrael.
א
מצות עשה להפריש ערי מקלט שנאמר שלש ערים תבדיל לך. ואין ערי מקלט נוהגת אלא בארץ ישראל:
2
There were six cities of refuge. Three Moses our teacher set aside in TransJordan, and three Joshua set aside in the land of Canaan.
ב
ושש ערים היו. שלש הבדיל משה רבינו בעבר הירדן. ושלש הבדיל יהושע בארץ כנען:
3
None of the cities of refuge served as a haven until they were all set aside, as implied by Numbers 35:13: "There shall be six cities of refuge for you." And so, Moses informed us that the three cities of refuge in TransJordan did not serve as a haven until the three in the land of Canaan were set aside.
If so, why did Moses set them aside? He said: "Since a mitzvah came to my hand, I will fulfill it."
ג
אין אחת מערי מקלט קולטת עד שיובדלו כולן. שנאמר שש ערי מקלט תהיינה לכם. והודיענו משה רבינו שאין שלש שבעבר הירדן קולטות עד שיובדלו שלש שבארץ כנען. ולמה הבדילן אמר הואיל ובאה מצוה לידי אקיימנה:
4
In the era of the King Mashiach, three other cities will be added to these six, as Deuteronomy 19:9 states: "And you shall add three other cities to these three cities."
Where are these cities added? In the cities of the Keni, K'nizi, and the Kadmoni, concerning which a covenant was made with Abraham,but which have not yet been conquered. Concerning these cities, the Torah ibid.:8 says: "And if God, your Lord, will expand your boundaries...."
ד
בימי המלך המשיח מוסיפין שלש אחרות על אלו השש. שנאמר ויספת לך עוד שלש ערים על השלש האלה. והיכן מוסיפין אותן בערי הקיני והקנזי והקדמוני שנכרת לאברהם אבינו ברית עליהן ועדיין לא נכבשו ועליהן נאמר בתורה ואם ירחיב ה' אלהיך את גבולך:
5
The Jewish court is obligated to construct roads leading to the cities of refuge; they should be maintained and widened. Any stumbling block and obstacle should be removed from them.
On these roads neither a hill, a valley, nor a river should be left. Instead, a bridge should be built across so as not to impede a person fleeing there. This is all implied by Deuteronomy 19:3, which states: "You shall prepare the road for yourselves."
The width of the road to the city of refuge should not be less than 32 cubits. Signs stating "Refuge, refuge," should be written at intersections, so that killers would be aware of the way and turn there.
ה
וחייבין בית דין א לכוין הדרכים לערי מקלט לתקנם ולהרחיבן. ומסירין מהן כל מכשול וכל תקלה. ואין מניחין בדרך לא תל ולא גיא ולא נהר. אלא עושין עליו גשר כדי שלא לעכב את הבורח לשם. שנאמר תכין לך הדרך. ורוחב דרך ערי מקלט אין פחות משלשים ושתים אמות. ומקלט מקלט היה כתוב על פרשת דרכים כדי שיכירו הרצחנים ויפנו לשם:
6
Every year, on the fifteenth of Adar, the court would send out emissaries to inspect the roads leading to the cities of refuge. Wherever they found flaws, they would have them repaired. If a court was dilatory regarding this matter, it is considered as if they shed blood.
ו
בחמשה עשר באדר בכל שנה בית דין מוציאין שלוחים לתקן הדרכים וכל מקום שמצאוהו שנתקלקל מתקנים אותו. ובית דין שנתרשלו בדבר זה מעלה עליהן הכתוב כאילו שפכו דמים:
7
When the cities of refuge were first set aside, they would measure from one city to another to determine whether they were set aside in equal measures. This is also implied by the verse: "You shall prepare the road for yourselves."
ז
וכן מושחין בין כל עיר ועיר מערי מקלט בתחילת הפרשתן עד שהיו משולשות בשוה. שנאמר תכין לך הדרך:
8
The cities of refuge that are designated should not be big cities or metropolises, nor should they be small villages. Instead, they should be cities of intermediate size.
They should be located solely in trading places, where water is found. If there is no water near them, water should be diverted toward them. They should located solely in a populated area. If the surrounding populace is reduced, it should be increased. If the number of inhabitants of the city of refuge decrease, priests, Levites, and Israelites should be brought to live there.
Snares may not be set in such a city, nor may rope traps be set there, so that the blood redeemer will not come there.
ח
ערי מקלט אין עושין אותן לא עיירות גדולות ולא כרכים גדולים ולא קטנים אלא עיירות בינוניות. ואין מושיבין אותן אלא במקום שווקים ובמקום המים. ואם אין שם מים מכניסין לתוכן מים. ואין מושיבין אותן אלא במקום אוכלוסין. נתמעטו אוכלוסיהן מוסיפין עליהן. נתמעטו דיוריהן מכניסין לתוכן כהנים לויים וישראלים. ואין פורשין בתוכן מצודות ואין מפשילין בתוכן חבלים כדי שלא יהיה רגל גואל הדם מצויה שם:
9
All of the cities of the Levites serve as a haven; each is a city of refuge. This is indicated by Numbers 35:6-7: "And in addition to them, you shall give them 42 cities. All the cities that you shall give the Levites shall be 48 in number." The verse thus established an association between them; all of them serve as havens.
ט
כל ערי הלוים קולטות וכל אחת מהן עיר מקלט היא. שנאמר ועליהן תתנו ארבעים ושתים עיר כל הערים אשר תתנו ללוים ארבעים ושמונה עיר. הקישן הכתוב כלן זו לזו לקלוט:
10
What then is the difference between those cities that are set aside as cities of refuge, and the other cities of the Levites?
The cities of refuge serve as havens whether one enters them with the intent of taking refuge or one enters them without that intent; since a killer enters their confines, they serve as a haven for him. The other cities of the Levites serve as a haven only when one enters with that intent in mind.
Also, a killer who lives in a designated city of refuge does not have to pay rent. If, by contrast, he lives in another one of the cities of the Levites, he must pay his landlord rent.
י
ומה הפרש יש בין ערי מקלט שהובדלו למקלט ובין שאר ערי הלוים. שערי מקלט קולטות בין לדעת בין שלא לדעת הואיל ונכנס בהן נקלט. ושאר ערי הלוים אינן קולטות אלא לדעת. ורוצח הדר בערי מקלט אינו נותן שכר ביתו. והדר בשאר ערי הלויים נותן שכר לבעל הבית:
11
Whenever a city serves as a haven, the surrounding area also serves as a haven.
When a tree is standing within the limits of a city of refuge and its leaves extend beyond those limits, once a killer comes below its leaves they serve as a haven for him. If a tree stands outside the limits and its leaves extend within those limits, as soon as he reaches its trunk it serves as a haven for him. If the blood redeemer kills him there, he should be executed.
Even though the surrounding area of a city serves as a haven, a killer should not dwell there, as [implied by Numbers 35:25: "He shall dwell in it," i.e., not in its surrounding area.
יא
כל עיר הקולטת תחומה קולט כמוה. אילן שעומד בתוך תחום ערי מקלט ונופו נוטה חוץ לתחום משיגיע תחת הנוף נקלט. היה עומד חוץ לתחום ונופו נוטה לתוך התחום משיגיע לעיקרו נקלט וההורג שם נהרג עליו. ואע"פ שהתחום קולט אין הרוצח דר בו שנאמר וישב בה ולא בתחומה:
• Shechitah - Chapter 9
1
What is meant by the termpesukah?1 If the skin that covers the marrow2 of the spinal cord is severed, [the animal] is trefe. [This applies] provided the majority of the circumference [of the skin] is severed. If, however, the skin is split lengthwise or perforated, [the animal] is permitted. Similarly, if the backbone was broken, but the spinal cord was not split or the marrow within the cord was crushed and it would wobble, [the animal] is permitted because its skin is still intact.
א
פסוקה כיצד, חוט השדרה שנפסק העור החופה את המוח טרפה, ובלבד שיפסק רוב היקפו, אבל אם נסדק העור לארכו או ניקב מותרת, וכן אם נשברה השדרה ולא נפסק החוט שלה או שנתמעך המוח שבתוך החוט ונתנדנד הואיל ועורו קיים הרי זו מותרת.
2
If the marrow decomposes and it can be poured like water or like molten wax to the extent that the spinal cord cannot stand when it is lifted up, [the animal] is trefe. If [the reason] it cannot stand is because of its weight, [the animal's] status is doubtful.3
ב
הומרך המוח ונשפך כמים או כדונג שנמס עד שימצא החוט כשמעמידו אינו עומד הרי זו טרפה, ואם אינו יכול לעמוד מפני כבדו הרי זו ספק.
3
To where does the spinal cord extend? It begins behind the two glands at the beginning of the neck and extends until the second divider.4 Thus nothing remains after it except the third divider which is close to the beginning of the tail.
ג
עד היכן חוט השדרה, תחלתו מבחוץ לפולין שבתחלת העורף עד סוף פרשה שניה, שלא ישאר אחריה אלא פרשה שלישית הסמוכה לתחלת האליה.
4
ד
ושלש פרשיות הן ואלו הן: שלשה עצמות דבוקין זה בזה למטה מחליות של שדרה, וחוט השדרה בעוף עד בין אגפיים, אבל למטה ממקומות אלו אין משגיחין על החוט הנמשך לשם בין שנפסק עורו בין שנמרך המוח.
5
What is meant by the term keru'ah?7 [This concerns] the flesh which covers the majority of [the animal's] belly. If it is ripped open, the belly will [fall] out. If this flesh is ripped open, [the animal] is trefe. [This applies] even if the tear did not reach the belly itself to the extent that it is seen. Instead, since the majority of the thickness of this flesh was ripped open8 or removed, [the animal] is trefe.
What is the measure of the tear? It must be a handbreadth long. If the animal was small and the majority of the length9 of the flesh covering the belly was torn, it is trefe even though the tear is not a handbreadth long. For the majority [of its length] was torn.
ה
קרועה כיצד, בשר החופה את רוב הכרס והוא המקום מן הבטן שאם יקרע יצא הכרס אם נקרא בשר זה טרפה, אע"פ שלא הגיע הקרע לכרס עד שנראית, אלא כיון שנקרע רוב עובי הבשר הזה או ניטל טרפה, וכמה שיעור הקרע בארכו אורך טפח, ואם היתה בהמה קטנה ונקרע רוב אורך הבשר החופה את הכרס אע"פ שאין באורך הקרע טפח טריפה הואיל ונקרע רובה.
6
ו
נקדר הבשר הזה בעגול או באורך אם היה יתר מכסלע והוא כדי שיכנס בו שלש גרעיני תמרה זו בצד זו בדוחק הרי זו טרפה, שאם ימתח קרע זה יעמוד על טפח.
7
When the skin of an animal was removed from it entirely - whether it was torn off by hand or [decomposed due to] sickness - the animal is trefe. This is called geludah. If a [portion of] skin as wide as a sela remained on the entire backbone, one as wide as a sela remained on the navel, and one as wide as a sela remained on the tips of the limbs, [the animal] is permitted.13
ז
בהמה שנפשט העור שעליה כולו בין שנקרע ביד או בחולי ונמצא בשר בלא עור הרי זו טרפה, וזו היא שנקראת גלודה, ואם נשאר מן העור רוחב סלע על פני כל השדרה ורוחב סלע על הטבור ורוחב סלע על ראשי איבריה הרי זו מותרת, ואם ניטל כרוחב סלע מעל כל פני השדרה או מעל הטבור או מעל ראשי איבריה ושאר כל העור קיים הרי זו ספק ויראה לי שמתירין אותה.
8
What is meant by the termnefulah?16 When an animal fell from a high place - at least ten handbreadths high17 - and one of its organs was crushed, it is trefe.
To what extent must it be crushed? It must be smashed and become ailing because of the fall to the extent that its form and appearance have been destroyed. Even though [the organ] is not perforated, cracked, or broken, [the animal] is trefe. Similarly, if one struck it with a stone or a staff and crushed one of its organs, it is trefe.18
To which organs are we referring? To those in the body's inner cavity.19
ח
נפולה כיצד הרי שנפלה הבהמה ממקום גבוה שגובהו עשרה טפחים או יתר ונתרסק אבר מאיבריה הרי זו טרפה, וכיצד הוא הריסוק שיתרוצץ האבר ויחלה מחמת הנפילה עד שתפסד צורתו ותארו, אע"פ שלא ניקב ולא נסדק ולא נשבר הרי זו טרפה, וכן אם הכה אותה באבן או במטה ורצץ אבר מאיבריה טרפה, באי זה איברים אמרו באיברים שבחלל הגוף. 57
9
If an animal walks after falling from a roof, we do not suspect [that it became trefe].20 If it stood, but did not walk, we harbor such suspicions.21 If it jumped [from the roof] on its own [initiative], we do not harbor suspicions.22 If [a person] left his animal on the roof and found it on the ground, we do not suspect that it fell.23
ט
בהמה שנפלה מן הגג אם הלכה אין חוששין לה, ואם עמדה ולא הלכה חוששין לה, קפצה מחמת עצמה אין חוששין לה, הניחה למעלה ומצאה למטה אין חוששין לה שמא נפלה.
10
י
זכרים המנגחין זה את זה אין חוששין להן, נפלו לארץ חוששין להן, וכן בהמה שהיתה מגררת רגליה אין חוששין לה שמא נתרסקו איבריה או שמא נפסק החוט של שדרה.
11
When thieves steal lambs and throw them outside the corral, we do not suspect that their organs were crushed, because they throw them only with the intent that they will not be broken.27 If they returned them and threw them back to the corral because of fear,28 we suspect that they [may have become trefe].29If they returned them out of a desire to repent, we do not harbor suspicions about [the lambs], because [the thieves] have the intent of returning them intact and therefore they will be careful when throwing them back.
יא
גנבים שגונבין הטלאים ומשליכין אותן לאחורי הדיר אין חוששין להן משום ריסוק איברים, מפני שאין משליכין אותן אלא בכונה שלא ישתברו, ואם החזירום והשליכום לדיר מחמת יראה חוששין להן, מחמת תשובה אין חוששין להן, מפני שמתכוין להחזירם שלמים ויזהרו בהשלכתן.
12
When an ox was forced to lie down for slaughter, we do not suspect [that its internal organs were crushed]. [This applies] even if it fell considerably to the extent that it made a great noise30 when it was fell. [The rationale is that] it implants its hoofs into it and strengthens itself until it falls to the ground.31
יב
שור שהרביצוהו לשחיטה אע"פ שנפל נפילה גדולה שיש לה קול בעת שמפילין אותו אין חוששין לו מפני שנועץ צפרניו ומתחזק עד שמגיע לארץ.
13
If one struck an animal on its head and the blow extended toward its tail or [one hit it] on its tail and the blow extended toward its head - even if one struck it on the entire backbone - we do not suspect [that it became trefe]. If the staff had bulges at different points, we harbor suspicions [concerning the animal].32 If the head of the staff reached a portion of the backbone,33 we harbor suspicions. Similarly, we harbor suspicions if he struck the animal across the breadth of the backbone.34
יג
הכה הבהמה על ראשה והלכה לה המכה כלפי זנבה או על זנבה והלכה לה כלפי ראשה ואפילו הכה אותה במטה על כל השדרה אין חוששין לה, ואם יש במטה חליות חליות חוששין לה, ואם הגיע ראש המטה למקצת השדרה חוששין לה וכן אם הכה לרוחב השדרה חוששין לה.
14
יד
עוף שנחבט על דבר קשה כגון כרי של חטים או קופה של שקדים וכיוצא בהן חוששין לריסוק אברים, ואם נחבט על דבר רך כגון כסות כפולה והתבן והאפר וכיוצא בהן אין חוששין לו.
15
טו
נדבקו כנפיו בדבק בשעת צידה ונתחבט, אם בכנף אחת נאחז אין חוששין לו, ואם נאחז בשתי כנפיו ונתחבט בגופו חוששין לו.
16
[The following rules apply if] it is knocked against water.40If it swam for its full height upriver, against the current, we do not suspect [that it became trefe].41 If, however, it swims downriver, with the current, we harbor suspicions, for perhaps the water is carrying it.42 If it advances toward straw or hay that is floating on the river, it is swimming on its own power and we do not harbor suspicions.
טז
נחבט על פני המים אם שט מלא קומתו ממטה למעלה לעומת המים אין חוששין לו, אבל אם שט ממעלה למטה עם הלוך המים חוששין לו שמא המים הם המוליכין אותו, ואם קדם לתבן או קש שמהלכין על גבי המים הרי זו שט מחמת עצמו ואין חוששין לו.
17
In all situations where we said: "We do not harbor suspicions," it is permitted to slaughter [the animal] immediately and it is not necessary to check whether an organ was crushed. In all situations where we said: "We harbor suspicions," if one slaughters the animal, one must check its entire internal category from the head to the hind-thigh.43 If any of the factors that render an animal trefe mentioned above were discovered or one of the inner organs was crushed to the extent that its form was destroyed, [the animal] is trefe. Even if one of the organs whose removal does not render the animal trefe,44e.g., the spleen or the kidneys, is crushed, [the animal] is trefe. [There is] an exception, the uterus; if it is crushed, the animal is permitted.
יז
כל מקום שאמרנו אין חוששין לה מותר לשחוט מיד, ואינו צריך לבדוק שמא נתרסק אבר, וכל מקום שאמרנו חוששין לה אם שחטה צריך לבדוק כנגד כל החלל כולו מקדקד הראש עד הירך, אם מצא בה טרפה מן הטרפות שמנינו או שנתרסק אבר מן האיברים שבפנים ונפסדה צורתו הרי זו טרפה, אפילו נתרסק אבר מן האיברים שאם ניטלו כשרה כגון טחול וכליות הרי זו טרפה חוץ מבית הרחם שאם נתרסק הרי זו מותרת. 58
18
[The gullet and the windpipe] do not require examination in these situations, for a fall will not crush them.
יח
והסימנין אינן צריכין בדיקה בכאן שאין הנפילה ממעכת אותן.
19
יט
נפלה מן הגג ולא עמדה אסור לשחוט אותה עד שתשהא מעת לעת, ואם שחט בתוך זמן זה הרי זו טרפה, וכששוחט אותה אחר מעת לעת צריכה בדיקה כמו שביארנו.
20
כ
וכן מי שדרס ברגלו על העוף או שדרסתו בהמה או שטרפו לכותל והרי הוא מפרכס משהין אותו מעת לעת אחר כך שוחטין אותו ובודקין אותו כדרך שביארנו.
21
When the majority of [the windpipe and the gullet were separated50 and] hang loosely, [the animal] is trefe. [This applies] even if [this condition occurs] due to reasons other than a fall.51 Similarly, if they became folded over,52 [the animal is unacceptable,] because they are no longer fit for ritual slaughter.53If, by contrast, [even though] the majority54 of the throat55 was set loose from the jaw-bone, [the animal] is permitted, for the throat area is not fit for ritual slaughter, as we explained.56
כא
סימנים שנדלדלו רובן טרפה ואפילו שלא מחמת נפילה, וכן אם נתקפלו שהרי אינן ראויין לשחיטה, אבל אם נתפרק רוב תרבץ הושט מן הלחי הרי זו מותרת שאין התרבץ ראוי לשחיטה כמו שביארנו..
FOOTNOTES
1.
Pesukah is also one of the eight categories of trefot mentioned in Chapter 5, Halachah 2. The term literally means "severed."
2.
We are using this term to translate the Hebrew term moach. It is a loose term that means the material inside a bone. Chullin 45b states that this marrow is no of significance with regard to the category of pesukah. Therefore the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 32:1) rules that if the skin is severed, even if the marrow is entirely intact, the animal is trefe.
3.
And hence, forbidden. This ruling is granted because this question is left unresolved by Chullin 45b. The Kessef Mishneh quotes Rashi who explains that this is speaking about a situation where the spine has become thick and heavy, but has not become soft inside. The question is whether this state results from sickness or not.
4.
See the following halachah for a definition of this term.
5.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 32:5) interprets this as meaning the place where the wings are attached to the body. The Rama follows the opinion of Tosafot who state that the term refers to the place where the wings lie on the body, a point somewhat lower on the fowl's back.
6.
For these portions are not fundamental for the body's functioning.
7.
Keru'ah is also one of the eight categories of trefot mentioned in Chapter 5, Halachah 2. The term literally means "ripped apart."
8.
I.e., but some flesh remained. The animal is deemed trefe, because in such a condition, ultimately, the entire flesh will tear open.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that many others authorities interpret Chullin 50b, the Rambam's source, as implying that if the cut extends over the majority of the animal's belly, the animal is trefe. In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro quotes the Rashba as explaining that the Rambam does not accept this approach because if so, there would be no difference between the categories of pesukah and keru'ah. The Rashba himself does not require such a distinction and instead, maintains that these categories overlap. In his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 48:3), he quotes the Rambam's view. The Turei Zahav 48:5 and the Siftei Cohen 48:4 mention the other positions.
9.
The dissenting perspectives also maintain that the same ruling applies with regard to the majority of the breadth of the belly (Siftei Cohen 48:6).
10.
The previous halachah was speaking about a slit where the flesh was not necessarily cut away. This halachah speaks about a situation where a portion of flesh was removed (Kessef Mishneh).
11.
A coin of the Talmudic era with a diameter that is a third of a handbreadth, i.e., 2.6 cm. According to Shiurei Torah.
12.
I.e., a sela is a little more than a third of a handbreadth. Hence the circumference of the cut is a handbreadth.
13.
Chullin 55b mentions a tradition that maintains that if an animal's entire skin is removed except for a portion the size of a sela, the animal is acceptable. [For from this portion, the entire skin will be regenerated (Rashi).] The Talmud continues mentioning three views, concerning where the skin must remain. Since the matter remains unresolved and we do not know which of these views should be followed, the Rambam rules that all of the different views must be respected and a portion of skin the size of a sela must remain in each place (Kessef Mishneh).
(Significantly, in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Chullin 3:2), the Rambam mentions only the view that requires skin on the backbone and not the other opinions.)
14.
This question is left unresolved by Chullin, loc. cit. Hence there is a doubt concerning the ruling.
15.
Many authorities question the Rambam's ruling. Seemingly, if the question was left unresolved by the Talmud, on what basis does the Rambam permit it?
In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro offers two explanations for the Rambam's ruling:
a) As the Rambam states in Chapter 5, Halachah 3, since all the categories of trefot aside from a derusah are not mentioned explicitly in the Torah, we rule leniently concerning doubts.
b) Since the skin was removed from only one of three places mentioned, there is a multiple doubt (sefek s'feikah) involved. Perhaps the place from which the skin was removed was in fact not the vital area (for the halachah could follow one of the other views). Even if it was the vital area, perhaps the fact that the skin on the remainder of the body is intact is enough for the animal to be permitted.
In his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 59:1), Rav Yosef Caro quotes the Rambam's ruling. The Siftei Cohen 59:2 mentions the opinions that differ with the Rambam. The Rama adds that if the skin is removed from all three places, the animal is trefe.
16.
Nefulah is also one of the eight categories of trefot mentioned in Chapter 5, Halachah 2. The term literally means "one which fell."
17.
In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro quotes Chullin 50b which states that this refers to a height of four handbreadths above the ground, for there are six handbreadths from the bottom of an animal's belly until the ground. He also cites this view in his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 58:1).
Moreover, in both those sources, Rav Yosef Caro also quotes views that state that this law applies only when the animal fell on its own or knew that it was being pushed by others. If, however, it was pushed suddenly by others, it is considered trefe even if it fell from a lesser height.
18.
In this instance, the distance of ten handbreadths is not significant. Instead, if it was thrown with enough force to cause mortal damage, it can cause the animal to be rendered trefe.
19.
Therefore all of those organs must be inspected (Chullin 51a). The Ra'avad states that every organ that would render the animal trefe if crushed must be inspected.
The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 58:6) writes that in the present era, we are not knowledgeable with regard to conducting these examinations and an animal that falls should be permitted only if it walks, as stated in the next halachah.
20.
Walking is adequate proof that the animal was not injured by the fall to the extent that it would no longer survive. Since it walks, we assume that it is healthy and do not require an internal examination, as stated in Halachah 17. The Kessef Mishneh emphasizes that this applies only when the animal stood up on its own and then walk. If it was lifted up by others, we harbor suspicions. Similarly, he quotes authorities who maintain that it must walk in an ordinary manner. If it limps as it proceeds, an inspection is required. See Rama (Yoreh De'ah 58:6).
In his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 58:5), Rav Yosef Caro quotes the opinion of the Rashba who writes that even if an obvious change was seen in its organs, as long as it was able to stand and walk, we do not suspect that it has become trefe.
21.
And require an inspection.
22.
For we assume that it prepared itself and jumped in a manner that would not cause injury. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 58:11) states that this applies even if the animal is not able to walk afterwards.
23.
We assume that it jumped intentionally, as explained above.
24.
We do not assume that their inner organs were crushed, because this is ordinary behavior.
25.
Chullin 51a states that we harbor suspicions, not because of the butting, but because the animal fell and we fear that it was injured by the fall.
26.
I.e., if we do not know that it fell.
27.
Otherwise, the stolen animal will not be of any benefit to them.
28.
I.e., the fear of being caught.
29.
For the thieves will not show any care for the animal while throwing it back into the corral.
30.
Rashi (Chullin, loc. cit.) interprets this as meaning that the ox bellowed, but this does not appear to be the Rambam's understanding.
31.
I.e., it is aware that they are trying to push it to the ground and it fights against them, thus lessening the impact of its fall. The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 58:10) writes that if the ox's feet are tied when it is pushed to the ground, we do suspect that it may have become trefe. For when its feet are tied, it cannot control its fall.
32.
For the blows dealt by the bulges will be far more severe. Hence the backbone must be inspected to see that it is intact. See Turei Zahav 32:4.
33.
In the previous clauses, the head of the staff did not carry with the brunt of the blow, because the lower portion of the staff struck the animal's body first. Here we are speaking about a situation where the first and primary focus of the blow is delivered to the backbone by the top of the staff. This is a far more dangerous situation.
34.
For the entire blow is focused on one point of the spinal cord.
35.
Or conversely, if a firm article like a stone falls upon it [Rama (Yoreh De'ah 58:2)].
36.
I.e., a mound of loose straw. Straw that has been bundled, by contrast, is considered as a firm article (Chullin 51b).
37.
One of the techniques with which hunters would trap wild fowl would be to set traps for them which would glue their wings to boards or other articles that prevented them from flying.
38.
For by flapping the other wing, it will slow its fall and lessen the impact.
39.
For there is nothing to soften the blow.
40.
It was snared and fell unto a river.
41.
For this exertion indicates that the animal is fundamentally healthy. It is equivalent to - or exceeds - the walking mentioned in Halachah 9.
42.
In a still body of water that has no current, any swimming is a sign of health (see Siftei Cohen 58:10).
43.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 58:3) quotes the Rambam's ruling. As mentioned above, the Rama (Yoreh De'ah 58:6) states that in the present age, we are not knowledgeable with regard to conducting these examinations and an animal is permitted only if it walks after falling or receiving a blow.
44.
The Ra'avad differs and maintains that there is an unresolved doubt with regard to the ruling in this instance. As mentioned, the Shulchan Aruch follows the Rambam's position.
The Kessef Mishneh explains the Rambam's ruling as follows: Since Chullin 51a states that if the uterus is crushed, it is not significant, we conclude that the crushing of all other internal organs is significant. Otherwise, it would not be necessary to single out the uterus. Moreover, he explains that crushing an organ can be more painful and more injurious to an animal than removing it.
45.
I.e., if it stands - even if it does not walk - it can be slaughtered immediately and deemed acceptable through an examination, as above.
46.
For sometimes the effects of a fall are not immediately evident. It is possible that an animal would be inspected and no difficulty found, but in truth, the effects of the fall would be enough to kill it. To reduce the possibility of such an occurrence, Chullin 51b requires waiting an entire day before slaughtering the animal. See Kessef Mishneh.
47.
See Halachah 17.
48.
Chullin 56a describes such a situation with regard to an animal. The Rambam speaks of a fowl instead, for this is a more commonplace possibility.
49.
Lest its organs have been crushed.
50.
This addition is made on the basis of the Kessef Mishneh and the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 33:10).
51.
Nevertheless, the Rambam mentions this condition here in connection with an animal that has fallen, because this is the most frequent situation in which this condition will occur.
52.
They came loose from the place where they are attached within the throat area. See Chapter 3, Halachah 14, and Chapter 8, Halachah 23.
53.
The Kessef Mishneh states that the Rambam rules that the animal is unacceptable, not because it would die because of this condition, but because it is impossible to slaughter it correctly.
54.
If, however, the entire throat became loose from the jaw, the animal is trefe. For the gullet and the windpipe themselves, however, must remain taut and this is impossible if the entire throat has become loose (Kessef Mishneh).
55.
I.e., the area referred to by the halachic term "the entrance to the gullet."
56.
Chapter 1, Halachah 6.
57.
באי זה איברים אמרו באיברים שבחלל הגוף. א"א אומר אני בכל אבר שאם נשבר תהיה בו טרפה אפילו נתרסק אבר מן האיברים שאם ניטלו כשרין, עכ"ל.
58.
כגון טחול וכליות, א"א זה ספק.
Shechitah - Chapter 10
1
What is meant by the termsheburah?1 That the majority of [an animal's] ribs are broken. An animal has eleven ribs2 on either side of its body. If six were broken on one side and six on the other, or eleven were broken on one side and one on the other, [the animal] is trefe. [This applies] provided it is the half that faces the backbone3 and not the half that faces the chest.
א
שבורה כיצד, הוא שנשתברו רוב צלעותיה, וצלעות הבהמה הן אחת עשרה מיכן ואחת עשרה מיכן, נשתברו שש מיכן ושש מכאן או אחת עשרה מכאן ואחת מכאן טרפה, והוא שנשברו מחציין של מול השדרה.
2
When six [ribs] were broken on either side, [the animal] is trefe [only] when they are large ribs that have marrow. If not, even though they represent the majority of the animal's ribs and they were broken facing the backbone, [the animal] is permitted.
Similarly, if the majority of the ribs were uprooted, [the animal] is trefe. [Moreover,] if even one rib is uprooted together with half of the vertebra in which it is lodged, it is trefe. Similarly, if even one vertebra was uprooted from the backbone, it is trefe, even if was a vertebra that is below the flanks where there are no ribs.
ב
נשברו שש מכאן ושש מכאן אם היו צלעות גדולות שיש בהן מוח טרפה, ואם לאו אע"פ שהן רוב ואע"פ שנשברו כלפי השדרה מותרת, וכן אם נעקרו רוב צלעותיה טרפה, ואם נעקרה אפילו צלע אחת וחצי חולייתה עמה שהצלע תקועה בה הרי זו טרפה, וכן אם נעקרה מן השדרה חוליא אחת אפילו היתה מן החליות שלמטה מן הכסלים שאין בהן צלעות הרי זו טרפה.
3
[The following rules apply when] the thigh of an animal has slipped from its place and has left its socket. If its sinews, i.e., the peg-like projections from the bones of the socket which extend toward the bone that enters the socket4 and holds it have degenerated, [the animal] is trefe.5 If they have not degenerated, it is permitted.6
ג
בהמה שנשמט הירך שלה מעיקרו ויצא מן הכף שלו אם נתאכלו ניביו והן היתדות שבעצם הכף שיוצאת על העצם הזכר ואוחזת אותו הרי זו טרפה, ואם לא נתאכלו מותרת. 94
4
Similarly, with regard to a fowl, if its hip is dislocated,7 it is trefe. If its wing is dislocated from its socket, we fear that it perforated the lung.8 Therefore we conduct an examination.9Afterwards, it may be eaten. When the foreleg of an animal is dislocated from its socket, it is permitted. We do not harbor any suspicions.10
ד
וכן בעוף אם נשמט ירכו טרפה, נשמט כנפו מעיקרו חוששין שמא ניקבה הריאה שלו ולפיכך בודקין אותה ואחר כך יאכל, ובהמה שנשמטה ידה מעיקרה מותרת ואין חוששין לה.
5
When a portion of the skull of a domesticated animal or wild beast the size of a sela11 was removed, [the animal] is trefe even though the membrane was not perforated. If a skull was perforated by a number of small holes that [detract from the skull's] substance, they are all added together [to see if their combined size equals] a sela.
ה
גולגולת בהמה או חיה שניטל ממנה כסלע אע"פ שלא ניקב הקרום טרפה ואם ניקבו נקבים שיש בהן חסרון כולן מצטרפין לכסלע.
6
Similarly, if the majority of the height12 and the majority of the circumference of a skull was crushed, [the animal] is trefe, even though its membrane is intact and it is not lacking any substance. If the majority of its height was crushed, but the majority of its circumference was intact or the majority of its circumference was crushed, but the majority of its height was intact, there is an unresolved doubt whether [the animal] is trefe or not.13 It appears to me that we forbid it.14
ו
וכן גולגולת שנחבס רוב גבהה ורוב היקפה טרפה, אע"פ שהקרום שלם ולא חסר ממנה כלום, נחבס רוב גבהה והרי רוב היקפה קיים או שנחבס רוב היקפה והרי רוב גבהה קיים הרי זו ספק טרפה ויראה לי שאוסרין אותה.
7
When the bones of the skull of a water fowl, e.g., a goose, is perforated,15 [the fowl] is trefe even though the membrane has not been perforated. [The rationale is that] the membrane is soft.16
[The following procedure should be adhered to when] a weasel struck17 a land fowl on the head or it was struck by a stone or a piece of wood. One places his hand next to the hole and applies pressure or he inserts his hand into the fowl's mouth and applies pressure upward. If [the fowl's] brain emerged from the hole, it can be concluded that the membrane has been perforated and it is trefe. If not, it is permitted.18
ז
עוף של מים כגון אווזים אם ניקב עצם גולגולתו אע"פ שלא ניקב קרום של מוח טריפה מפני שקרומו רך, עוף היבשה שהכתו חולדה על ראשו או שנגף באבן או בעץ מניח ידו בצד הנקב ונועץ או מכניס ידו לתוך פיו דוחק למעלה אם יצא המוח מן הנקב בידוע שניקב הקרום וטריפה ואם לאו מותר.
8
When an animal's blood pressure causes it to choke,19 it was affected by a black gall bladder secretion20 or a white gall bladder secretion,21 it ate a poison which kills animals, or drank fowl water, it is permitted.22 If it ate a poison that could kill a human or it was bitten by a snake or the like, it is permitted with regard to the laws of trefe, but it is forbidden because of the mortal danger [partaking of it could cause].23
ח
בהמה שאחזה דם או שהיתה מעושנת או מצוננת או שאכלה סם שהורג הבהמה או שתתה מים הרעים הרי זו מותרת, אכלה סם שהורג את האדם או שנשכה נחש וכיוצא בו מותרת משום טריפה ואסורה מפני סכנת נפשות.
9
Thus the total number of conditions that cause a domesticated animal or a wild beast to be deemed trefe when singled out are seventy.24 They are: 1) an animal that has been attacked;24
2) the perforation of the entrance to the gullet;25
3) the perforation of the membrane of the brain;26
4) the degeneration of the brain itself;27
5) the perforation of the heart itself to its cavities;28
6) the perforation of the arteries leading from the heart;29
7) the perforation of the gall-bladder;30
8) the perforation of the arteries of the liver;31
9) the perforation of the maw;32
10) the perforation of the stomach;33
11) the perforation of the abdomen;34
12) the perforation of the gut;35
13) the perforation of the digestive organs;36
14) the digestive organs protruded outside the animal's body and became overturned;37
15) the perforation of the thick portion of the spleen;38
16) a lack of a gall-bladder;39
17) being born with two gall-bladders;40
18) a lack of a maw;
19) being born with two maws;
20) a lack of a stomach;
21) being born with two stomachs;
22) a lack of an abdomen
23) being born with abdomens;
24) a lack of a gut;
25) being born with two guts;
26) a lack of one of the digestive organs;
27) being born with an extra digestive organ;
28) the perforation of the lung;41
29) the perforation of the windpipe in a place where it is not fit for ritual slaughter;42
30) the perforation of the bronchioles of the lungs, even if it is covered by another one;43
31) a portion of the lungs has become closed;44
32) the degeneration of one of the bronchioles of the lungs;45
33) the discovery of putrid fluid in the lungs;46
34) the discovery of putrid liquid in the lungs;47
35) the discovery of murky liquid in [the lungs] even if it has not become putrid;48
36)the degeneration of the lung;49
37) a change in the lung's appearance;50
38) the reversal of the gullet's appearance;51
39) a lack of one of the required number of lobes of the lung;52
40) a change in the order of the lobes;53
41) the addition of a lobe on the back [of the lung];54
42) the attachment of one lobe to another out of the ordinary order;55
43) the discovery of a lung without division into lobes:56
44) the lack of a portion of the lung;57
45) a portion of the body of the lung is dried out;58
46) the discovery of the lung in an inflated state;59
47) a lung became shriveled because of fear of humans;60
48) the lack of a hindleg; whether from birth or because it was cut off;61
49) the possession of an extra leg;62
50) the removal of the junction of the sinews;63
51) the removal of the liver;64
52) the removal of the upper jaw-bone;65
53) a kidney that became extremely undersized;66
54) a kidney that has become afflicted;67
55) the discovery of fluid in the kidney;68
56) the discovery of murky liquid in the kidney, even if it is not putrid;69
57) the discovery of putrid liquid in the kidney;70
58) the severance of the spinal cord;71
59) the softening and degeneration of the spinal cord;72
60) the ripping open of the majority of the flesh that covers the belly;73
61) the removal of [an animal's] skin;74
62) the crushing of [an animal's] organs due to a fall;75
63) the slippage of the gullet and windpipe;76
64) the breaking of the majority of [the animal's] ribs;77
65) the uprooting of the majority of the ribs;78
66) the uprooting of one rib together with its vertebra;79
67) the uprooting of one vertebra; 80
68) the slippage of the thigh from its socket;81
69) the lack of a portion of the skull the size of a sela;82
70) the crushing and smashing of the majority of the skull;83
ט
נמצאו כל הטריפות המנויות כשיפרטו ואפשר שימצאו בבהמה וחיה שבעים, ואלו הן על הסדר שנתבארו בחבור זה: (א) דרוסה. (ב) ניקב תרבץ הושט. (ג) ניקב קרום של מוח. (ד) נתמסמס המוח עצמו. (ה) ניקב הלב עצמו לבית חללו. (ו) ניקב קנה הלב. (ז) ניקבה המרה. (ח) ניקבו קני הכבד. (ט) ניקבה הקיבה. (י) ניקב הכרס. (יא) ניקב המסס. (יב) ניקב בית הכוסות. (יג) ניקבו מעיה. (יד) יצאו המעים לחוץ ונהפכו. (טו) ניקב הטחול בעביו. (טז) חסרה המרה. (יז) נמצאו שתי מררות. (יח) חסרה הקיבה. (יט) נמצאו שתי קיבות. (כ) חסר הכרס. (כא) נמצאו שני כרסים. (כב) חסר המסס. (כג) נמצאו שני מססים. (כד) חסר בית הכוסות. (כה) נמצאו שני בתי הכוסות. (כו) חסר אחד מן המעים. (כז) נמצאו שני מעים. (כח) ניקבה הריאה. (כט) ניקב הקנה למטה במקום שאינו ראוי לשחיטה. (ל) ניקב סימפון מסימפוני ריאה אפילו לחבירו. (לא) נאטם מקום מן הריאה. (לב) נימוק סמפון מסמפוני הריאה. (לג) נמצאה ליחה סרוחה בריאה. (לד) נמצאו בה מים סרוחים. (לה) נמצאו בה מים עכורין אע"פ שלא הסריחו. (לו) נתמסמסה הריאה. (לז) נשתנו מראיה. (לח) נהפך הושט במראיו. (לט) חסרה הריאה ממנין האונות. (מ) נתחלפו האונות. (מא) הותירו האונות מגבה. (מב) נסרכה אונה לאונה שלא כסדרן. (מג) נמצאה הריאה בלא חיתוך אזנים. (מד) חסר מקצת הריאה. (מה) יבש מקצת גופה. (מו) נמצאה הריאה נפוחה ועומדת. (מז) צמקה הריאה מפחד אדם. (מח) חסר הרגל בין מתחלת ברייתו בין שנחתך. (מט) או שהיתה יתירה רגל. (נ) ניטלה צומת הגידים. (נא) ניטלה הכבד. (נב) ניטל לחי העליון. (נג) כוליא שהקטינה ביותר. (נד) כוליא שלקתה. (נה) כוליא שנמצאת בה ליחה. (נו) כוליא שנמצאו בה מים עכורין אע"פ שאינן סרוחין. (נז) כוליא שנמצאו בה מים סרוחין. (נח) נפסק חוט השדרה. (נט) נמרך מוח חוט השדרה ונתמסמס. (ס) נקרע רוב הבשר החופה את הכרס. (סא) נגלד העור שעליה. (סב) נתרסקו איבריה מנפילה. (סג) נדלדלו הסימנין. (סד) נשתברו רוב צלעותיה. (סה) נעקרו רוב צלעותיה. (סו) נעקרה צלע אחת בחלייתה. (סז) נעקרה חוליה אחת. (סח) נשמט הירך מעיקרו. (סט) חסרה הגולגולת כסלע. (ע) נחבס רוב הגולגולת ונתרוצץ.
10
These seventy conditions of infirmity which cause a domesticated animal or a wild beast to be forbidden as a trefe were each explained together with all the particular laws. All of the possible parallels that can be found with regard to a fowl in the organs that are common to an animal and a fowl are the same with regard to an animal and a fowl. The only exceptions are the conditions that render an animal trefe in the kidneys, the spleen, and the lobes of the lung. For a fowl does not have a division of lobes like an animal does. If there is such a division, there is no fixed number. The spleen of a fowl is round like a grape and is not the same shape as that of an animal.84 [The conditions of infirmity] concerning the kidneys and the spleen [that render] an animal trefe were not mentioned in order to find parallels with regard to a fowl. Therefore no set measure was given concerning a fowl with regard to a kidney whose size was reduced. Similar concepts apply in other analogous situations.85
י
אלו השבעים חוליים שאוסרין את הבהמה ואת החיה משום טריפה כבר נתבאר כל אחד מהן ומשפטיו, וכל שאפשר מהן שימצא בעוף באיברין המצויין לעוף ולבהמה דינו בבהמה ובעוף אחד הוא, חוץ מטריפות שבכוליא ושבטחול ושבאונות הריאה, מפני שהעוף אין לו חיתוך אונות כבהמה, ואם ימצא אין לו מנין ידוע, וטחול העוף עגול כמו עינב ואינו כטחול בהמה, וטריפות שבכוליא ושבטחול לא מנו אותן בבהמה כדי שיהיה כנגדן בעוף ולפיכך לא נתנו לכוליא שהקטינה שיעור בעוף וכן כל כיוצא בזה.
11
There are two conditions that render a fowl trefe in addition to those that render an animal [trefe] despite the fact that [an animal] also possesses these organs. They are: a) a fowl whose digestive organs have changed color because of [exposure to] fire;86
b) a water fowl whose skull bone has been perforated.87
יא
ושתי טריפות יש בעוף יתר על הבהמה ואע"פ שיש לה אותן האיברים, ואלו הן: עוף שנשתנו מראה בני מעיו מחמת האור, ועוף המים שניקב עצם ראשו. 95
12
One should not add to these conditions that render an animal trefe at all.88 For any condition that occurs with regard to a domesticated animal, wild beast, or fowl aside from those listed by the Sages of the early generations and which were agreed upon by the courts of Israel can possibly live. [This applies] even if it is known to us according to medical wisdom that ultimately it will not live.89
יב
ואין להוסיף על טריפות אלו כלל, שכל שאירע לבהמה או לחיה או לעוף חוץ מאלו שמנו חכמי דורות הראשונים והסכימו עליהן בבתי דיני ישראל אפשר שתחיה, ואפילו נודע לנו מדרך הרפואה שאין סופה לחיות.
13
Similarly, with regard to those [conditions] which [our Sages] listed as [causing an animal to be] deemed trefe even though it appears from the medical knowledge we possess that some of them will not kill and it is possible for the animal to live - we follow only what the Torah says,90 as [Deuteronomy 17:11] states: "According to the Torah in which they will instruct you."91
יג
וכן אלו שמנו ואמרו שהן טריפה אף על פי שיראה בדרכי הרפואה שבידינו שמקצתן אינן ממיתין ואפשר שתחיה מהן אין לך אלא מה שמנו חכמים שנאמר על פי התורה אשר יורוך.
14
Whenever a butcher is knowledgeable about these [conditions that cause an animal to be deemed] trefe and he has established a reputation for observance, he may slaughter [animals], inspect them himself, and sell them without any suspicion. [The rationale is the word of] one witness is accepted with regard to the Torah's prohibition whether his testimony will lead to benefit for him or not.
We already explained92 that we do not purchase meat from a butcher who slaughters and inspects [the animal] himself in the Diaspora or [even] in Eretz Yisrael in the present age unless he established a reputation as an expert. If he sold an animal that was trefe, we place him under a ban of ostracism and remove him from his position.93 He cannot reestablish his credibility until he goes to a place where his identity is not recognized and he returns a lost article that is very valuable or [slaughters an animal] for himself and declares it trefe even though it involves a significant loss.
יד
כל טבח שהוא יודע הטריפות האלו והרי הוא בחזקת כשרות מותר לו לשחוט ולבדוק לעצמו ולמכור ואין בזה חשש, שעד אחד נאמן באיסורין בין יש לו הנייה בעדותו בין אין לו הנייה בעדותו, וכבר ביארנו שאין לוקחין בשר מטבח ששוחט ובודק לעצמו בחוצה לארץ או בארץ ישראל בזמן הזה, אלא אם כן היה מומחה, ואם יצאת טריפה מתחת ידו מנדין אותו ומעבירין אותו ואינו חוזר לכשרותו עד שילך למקום שאין מכירים אותו ויחזיר אבידה בדבר חשוב או יוציא טריפה לעצמו בדבר חשוב..
FOOTNOTES
1.
Sheburah is also one of the eight categories of trefot mentioned in Chapter 5, Halachah 2. The term literally means "broken."
2.
An animal also has several smaller ribs, but they're being broken does not impair the animal's functioning.
3.
I.e., the portion close to the backbone. If the ribs are broken there, the animal's functioning can be impaired. If they are broken closer to the chest, the impairment will be less severe.
4.
Speaking in analogy, the Rambam refers to this as "the male" bone.
5.
The Ra'avad states that if the thigh is dislocated from its upper socket, the animal is trefe even if the sinews have not degenerated. According to the Ra'avad, the law stated by the Rambam applies when the thigh is dislocated from its lower socket. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 55:2) follows the Rambam's perspective. The Rama mentions that there are opinions that maintain that in the present age, we are not knowledgeable with regard to the determination of whether the sinews have degenerated and we should rule an animal trefe whenever its thigh has dislocated. He advises following these views whenever there is not a significant loss involved.
6.
Similarly, even if they have degenerated, but the bone has not slipped out of its socket, the animal is permitted. As long as the bone is in its socket, we assume that the sinews will regenerate [Maggid Mishneh; Rama (Yoreh De'ah 55:2)].
7.
And the sinews have degenerated (Kessef Mishneh).
8.
I.e., the dislocation of the wing is not sufficient to render the fowl trefe in its own right. Nevertheless, we fear that perhaps it perforated the lung and hence require an examination.
9.
And inflate the lung [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 53:3)].
10.
For the shoulder socket is substantial and will prevent the arm bone from perforating the lung (Kessef Mishneh). The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 52:1) quotes views that rule that an animal is trefe if its arm is broken close to its body and there are signs of internal bleeding.
11.
As mentioned above, a sela is one third of a handbreadth wide. Thus its diameter is 2.6 cm according to Shiurei Torah and 3.2 cm according to Chazon Ish.
12.
I.e., the majority of the portion of the skull from the eyes up (Rashi, Chullin 52b).
13.
This question is left unresolved by Chullin, loc. cit.
14.
The Kessef Mishneh clarifies why it is necessary for the Rambam to make this statement, seemingly, it is obvious. Whenever there is an unresolved question concerning a Torah prohibition, we rule stringently. He explains that it is possible to interpret the Talmud's question is implying that in one circumstance, when the majority of the skull's height alone is crushed or the majority of its circumference alone is crushed, the animal is kosher, but we are unsure of which one. Therefore the Rambam must clarify that because of the doubt, both situations are forbidden.
15.
Even the smallest perforation can render the fowl trefe (Kessef Mishneh).
16.
If it is not protected by the skull, it will most likely be perforated in the near future (Rashi, Chullin 56a).
17.
The Kessef Mishneh explains that we are speaking about a situation where the weasel bit the fowl on the skull. If it struck it with its paws, the fowl is trefe, because it is a derusah, as stated in Chapter 5, Halachah 6.
18.
According to the Rambam, both of these procedures are equally effective (Kessef Mishneh). The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 30:2) writes that in the present age, we are not knowledgeable with regard to this process of examination and should rule that a fowl is trefe whenever its skull is perforated.
19.
Our translation is based on Rav Kapach's translation of the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Chullin 3:5).
20.
Here also our translation follows the above source. Rav Kapach draws support for his interpretation from Psalms 74:1.
21.
Which when is not released according to the proper measure causes the animal to become very heavy and to have difficulty moving (ibid.). It must be emphasized that other commentaries offer different interpretations of all three of these conditions.
22.
In this context, the commentaries have cited Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 4:11: "When an animal is sick because it is weakened and is on the verge of death, it is permitted, because it did not suffer a wound in any one of the limbs and organs that will cause it to die. For the Torah forbade only those situations resembling an animal mortally wounded by a preying wild beast. In that situation, the animal wounded it with a blow that caused it to die."
23.
For the poison or the venom could kill the person who partakes of the animal's meat. See Hilchot Rotzeach UShemirat Nefesh 12:1. 24. The Kessef Mishneh explains the basis for the Rambam's reckoning: Whenever a condition that causes an animal to be deemed trefe is mentioned explicitly by the Talmud, it is considered as being in a separate category even though it is a derivative of another category. For example, the degeneration of the bronchioles is considered a separate category even though it is a derivative of the category of the perforation of the bronchioles.
24.
See Chapter 5, Halachah 4 ff.
25.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 2.
26.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 3.
27.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 4.
28.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 5.
29.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 4.
30.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 6.
31.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 8.
32.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 10.
33.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 11.
34.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 10.
35.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 10.
36.
See Chapter 6, Halachot 13-14.
37.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 15.
38.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 19.
39.
This - and the instances mentioned in situations 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 - are derived from the principle stated in Chapter 6, Halachah 20, that whenever the perforation of an organ causes an animal to be deemed trefe, the animal is also deemed trefe if that organ is lacking.
The Kessef Mishneh explains that the Rambam's mentions a lack of only those organs that an animal could exist for a brief time without. If, however, it is impossible for an animal to exist at all without these organs, e.g., the brain and the heart, it is improper to call the animal trefe. Instead a more severe term is appropriate.
40.
This - and the instances mentioned in situations 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27 - are derived from the principle stated in Chapter 6, Halachah 20, that whenever an animal to be deemed trefe if organ is lacking, the animal is also deemed trefe if it possesses two of that organ.
41.
See Chapter 7, Halachot 1-2.
42.
This - and the instances mentioned in situations 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27 - are derived from the principle stated in Chapter 6, Halachah 20, that whenever an animal to be deemed trefe if organ is lacking, the animal is also deemed trefe if it possesses two of that organ.
43.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 3.
44.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 6.
45.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 9.
46.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 10.
47.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 9.
48.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 9.
49.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 12.
50.
See Chapter 7, Halachot 15-19.
51.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 21.
52.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 1-2.
53.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 3.
54.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 4.
55.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 5.
56.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 7.
57.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 5.
58.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 5.
59.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 8.
60.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 9-10.
61.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 11-12.
62.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 11.
63.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 13, 15-18.
64.
See Chapter 8, Halachot 21-22.
65.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 23.
66.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 26.
67.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 23.
68.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 23.
69.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 23.
70.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 23.
71.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 1.
72.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 2.
73.
See Chapter 9, Halachot 5-6.
74.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 7.
75.
See Chapter 9, Halachot 8-9.
76.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 21.
77.
Halachah 1 of the present chapter.
78.
Halachah 2 of the present chapter.
79.
Halachah 1 of the present chapter.
80.
Halachah 1 of the present chapter.
81.
Halachah 3 of the present chapter.
82.
Halachah 5 of the present chapter.
83.
Halachah 5 of the present chapter.
84.
Therefore the distinction between its thick and thin end that applies with regard to an animal does not apply with regard to a fowl. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 43:6) rules that a perforation of the spleen does not render a fowl trefe. The Siftei Cohen 43:10, however, quotes opinions that rule that a perforation does render it trefe.
85.
I.e., other factors concerning a kidney which render an animal trefe, as mentioned in Chapter 8, Halachah 26. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 44:10) states bluntly: "There are no factors involving the kidneys of a fowl that render it trefe."
86.
See Chapter 7, Halachot 20-21. An animal will not be affected in this way, because his ribs will protect him and the skin of his digestive organs are stronger than that of a fowl. The Ra'avad differs and states that if an animal is subjected to heat and it burns its internal organs to this degree, it will surely die immediately. Therefore, our Sages did not mention it as a trefe. The Kessef Mishneh notes that there are two other conditions that render a fowl trefe. They involve perforations in the stomachs. Since parallel - albeit not identical - conditions apply with regard to an animal, the Rambam does not list them as separate categories.
87.
See Halachah 7 of this chapter. This stringency applies only to a water fowl, because its membrane is very soft.
88.
Chullin 54a makes this statement, implying that in the Talmudic era, these rulings were already established.
89.
Kin'at Eliyahu cites Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 17:24 which states:
Nevertheless, since these concepts can be proven in an unshakable manner, leaving no room for question, the identity of the author, be he a prophet or a gentile, is of no concern. For when the rationale of a matter has been revealed and has proven truth..., we do not rely on [the personal authority of] the individual who made the statement... but on the proofs he presented.
From that perspective, it would appear that the empirical evidence with which science presents us should be followed. Nevertheless, in this source, the Rambam is very adamant in following the Rabbinic perspective. See Chapter 8, Halachah 25, as a clear example.
90.
The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 57:18) states that even if the animal survives for over a year, it is still deemed trefe and it is forbidden to partake of it.
91.
Kin'at Eliyahu cites Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 17:24 which states:
Nevertheless, since these concepts can be proven in an unshakable manner, leaving no room for question, the identity of the author, be he a prophet or a gentile, is of no concern. For when the rationale of a matter has been revealed and has proven truth..., we do not rely on [the personal authority of] the individual who made the statement... but on the proofs he presented.
From that perspective, it would appear that the empirical evidence with which science presents us should be followed. Nevertheless, in this source, the Rambam is very adamant in following the Rabbinic perspective. See Chapter 8, Halachah 25, as a clear example.
92.
Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 8:7-9.
93.
The Maggid Mishneh writes that although he is not permitted to sell meat on his own, he is permitted to sell under the supervision of a trustworthy expert.
The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 2:2) rules leniently concerning this manner and allows such a person to continue slaughtering in certain situations. The Siftei Cohen 2:11 questions this leniency.
94.
בהמה שנשמט הירך שלה וכו'. א"א דומה שהוא סובר היינו בוקא דאטמא דשף מדוכתיה ולא כלום הוא אלא שבעצם נאמרו שניהם והוא הכף עצמו שנשמט ראשו העליון מן השדרה וזהו שמוטת ירך אבל בוקא דאטמא הוא הראש התחתון שנשמט מן הקולית הוא כעין בוקא ונכנס למכתשת שבכף וזהו בוקא דאטמא דשף מדוכתיה והוא דאיעכול ניביה אבל השמוטה שאמרנו אין צורך עכול עכ"ל.
95.
ואלו הן עוף שנשתנו מראה בני מעיו. א"א אין זה מחוור שי"ל לא מנו אותה בבהמה משום דלא שכיחא שכשיגיע החום לבני מעיה לחמם אותם כבר היא מתה מפני שחמימותה מרובה משל עוף ויש מקצת ראיה בגמרא.
Shechitah - Chapter 11
1
[The following principles apply] whenever a situation arises that creates a doubt that an animal or fowl should be deemed trefe because of one of the above conditions - e.g., an animal that fell and did not walk, it was attacked by a wild beast and we do not know whether the flesh near the intestines turned red or not, its skull was crushed and we do not know if the majority of the skull was crushed or not, or other similar circumstances: If the animal was male and it remained alive for twelve months, we operate on the assumption that it is intact like all other animals. If it was female, [we wait] until it gives birth.1
With regard to a fowl: If it is male, [we wait] twelve months. If it is female, [we wait] until it lays all the eggs that it is carrying, spawns a new load, and lays them.
א
כל בהמה או עוף שנולד בהן ספק טרפות מטריפות אלו, כגון בהמה שנפלה ולא הלכה, או שנדרסה בידי חיה ואין ידוע אם האדים בשר כנגד בני מעים או לא האדים, או שנחבסה גולגלתה ואין ידוע אם רובה או מיעוטה וכיוצא בדברים אלו, אם היה זכר ושהה שנים עשר חדש הרי זו בחזקת שלימה כשאר כל הבהמות, ואם היתה נקבה עד שתלד, ובעוף בזכר שנים עשר חדש, ובנקבה עד שתלד כל הביצים של טעינה הראשונה ותטעון טעינה שנייה ותלד.
2
During this course of time, it is forbidden to sell an animal concerning which doubt has arisen whether it is a trefe to a gentile lest he sell it to a Jew.2
ב
ואסור למכור ספק טריפה זו לנכרי בתוך זמן זה שמא ימכרנה לישראל.
3
We operate under the presumption that all domesticated animals, wild beasts, or fowl are healthy3 and we do not suspect that they possess conditions that would render them trefe. Therefore when they are slaughtered in the proper manner, they do not require an examination to see whether they possess a condition that would render them trefe. Instead, we operate under the presumption that they are permitted unless a situation arises that arouses suspicion.4 Afterwards, we inspect it with regard to that condition alone.
ג
כל בהמה חיה ועוף בחזקת בריאים הם ואין חוששין להם שמא יש בהן טריפה, לפיכך כשישחטו שחיטה כשירה אינן צריכין בדיקה שמא יש בהן אחת מן הטריפות, אלא הרי הן בחזקת היתר עד שיולד להן דבר שחוששין לו ואח"כ בודקין על אותו דבר בלבד.
4
What is implied? For example if the wing of a fowl is displaced, we check the lung to see if it was perforated.5 If an animal fell, we check it to see if its organs were crushed.6 If the skull was crushed, we check the membrane of the brain to see if it was perforated.7 If it was struck by a thorn or shot by an arrow, a javelin, or the like and it entered its inner cavity, our suspicions are aroused and we require an inspection of the entire inner cavity lest it have perforated one of the organs whose perforation renders an animal trefe. Similar laws apply in all analogous situations.
ד
כיצד כגון שנשמט הגף של עוף בודקין את הריאה שמא ניקבה, נפלה הבהמה בודקין אותה שמא נתרסקו איבריה, נתרצץ עצם הראש בודקין קרום של מוח שמא ניקב, הכה אותה קוץ או נזרק בה חץ או רומח וכיוצא בהן ונכנס לחללה חוששין לה וצריכה בדיקה כנגד כל החלל שמא ניקב אחד מן האיברין שתטרף בנקיבתן, וכן כל כיוצא בזה.
5
Therefore when there are growths on a lung or sirchos upon it - i.e., strands or adhesions - hanging from it to the ribcage, the heart, or the diaphragm, we suspect that it was perforated and require an inspection.8 Similarly, if a swelling was found that contained fluid, we fear that a bronchiole below it was perforated and [the lung] must be inspected.9
ה
לפיכך ריאה שהעלתה צמחין או שנמצאו סירכות כמו חוטין תלויין ממנה ולדופן או ללב או לטרפש הכבד חוששין לה שמא ניקבה וצריכה בדיקה, וכן אם נמצא בה אבעבוע מלא לחה חוששין שמא נקב סימפון שתחתיו וצריכה בדיקה. 33
6
[Following the logic] of this law, [the following rules] would apply if it was discovered that sirchos like strands were hanging from the lung, whether they extended from the body of the lung to the ribcage or to the heart or to the diaphragm. We cut the sirchah, take out the lung, and [place it] in lukewarm water, and blow it up.10 If it is discovered to be perforated,11 [the animal] is trefe. If the water does not bubble, it is intact, without any perforations, and [the animal] is permitted. For [the sirchah] was not at the place of a perforation12 or perhaps only the outer membrane [of the lung] was perforated. Nevertheless, I never saw anyone who ruled in this manner, nor did I hear of a place that follows such practice.13
ו
מן הדין היה על דרך זו שאם נמצאת הריאה תלויה בסירכות כמו חוטין, אם היו מן האום של ריאה ולדופן או שהיו ללב או לטרפש הכבד שחותכים את הסירכא ומוציאין את הריאה ונופחין אותה בפושרין, אם נמצאת נקובה טריפה, ואם לא נתבעבע המים הרי היא שלימה מכל נקב ומותרת וסירכא זו לא היתה במקום נקב או שמא ניקב קרום העליון בלבד, ומעולם לא ראינו מי שהורה כך ולא שמענו מקום שעושין בו כך.
7
Even though this is what appears [to be the ruling] from the words of the Sages of the Gemara, the widespread custom among the Jewish people is as follows: When a domesticated animal or a wild beast is slaughtered, we tear open the diaphragm and check the lung in its place.14 If a sirchah is not discovered hanging between the one of the lobes and the flesh where it lies, whether on the flesh that is between the ribs or the flesh on the breastbone,15 or a sirchah was found, extending from one lobe to the other in order,16 or from the body of the lung to the lobe which is next to it,17 we permit [the animal].18
ז
ואע"פ שאלו הן הדברים הנראין מדברי חכמי הגמרא, המנהג הפשוט בישראל כך הוא, כששוחטין את הבהמה או את החיה קורעין את הטרפש של כבד ובודקין את הריאה במקומה, אם לא נמצאה תלויה בסרכא, או שנמצאה סרכא בין אוזן מאזני הריאה ולבשר שבמקום רביצתה בין בשר שבין הצלעות בין בשר שבחזה, או שנמצאה סירכא מאזן לאזן על הסדר או מן האום לאזן הסמוכה לה הרי אלו מתירין אותה. 34
8
If a strand is discovered leading from the lung to any place which it is extended, even if it is thin as a hair, we forbid [the animal].19
ח
ואם נמצא חוט יוצא מן האום של ריאה לאיזה מקום שימשך ואפילו היה כחוט השערה אוסרין אותה.
9
Similarly, if there was a strand extending from the lung to the heart, the diaphragm, the protective covering of the heart, or the rose,20 we forbid [the animal]. [This applies] whether the strand came from the body of the lung or whether it came from a lobe and [applies regardless of its size], even if it was a hairsbreadth.21
Similarly, when the rose is attached to its pocket or a strand extends from it to its pocket, we forbid it. And when a strand extends from lobe to lobe in improper order, we forbid [the animal].22
ט
וכן אם היה מן הריאה חוט משוך ללב או לטרפש הכבד או לכיס הלב או לורדא, בין שהיה החוט מן האום של ריאה בין שהיה מן האוזן ואפילו היה כחוט השערה אוסרין אותה, וכן ורדא שנמצאת דבוקה בכיסה או חוט יוצא ממנה לכיסה אוסרין אותה, וחוט היוצא מאזן לאזן שלא על הסדר אוסרין אותה. 35
10
There are places where the custom is that if a sirchah is from the lobe to the flesh and the bones of the ribs and the sirchah is attached to both of them, they forbid it.23 My father and teacher is from those who forbid it. I, by contrast, am one of those who permit it.24 In a small number of places, they permit it even when it is attached to the bone alone, and I forbid it.25
י
יש מקומות שמנהגן אם מצאו סירכא מן האוזן לבשר ולעצם שבצלעות והסרכא דבוקה בשתיהן אוסרין אותה, ואבא מרי מן האוסרין ואני מן המתירין, ומיעוט מקומות מתירין אפילו נדבקה בעצם לבדו ואני אוסר. 36
11
There are places where a lung is [always] blown up to see whether or not it is perforated. In most places, however, it is not blown up, because there is no factor that raised a suspicion [concerning it]. In Spain and in the West, we never blew up a lung unless there was a factor that caused suspicion.26
יא
ויש מקומות שנופחין הריאה שמא יש בה נקב, ורוב המקומות אין נופחין שהרי לא נולד דבר שגורם לחשש, ומעולם לא נפחנו ריאה בספרד ובמערב אלא אם נולד לנו דבר שחוששים לו.
12
יב
ודברים האלו כולן אינן על פי הדין אלא על פי המנהג כמו שביארנו, ומעולם לא שמענו במי שבדק עוף אלא אם נולד לו חשש.
13
If, [after] a person slaughtered an animal and cut open its belly, a dog or a gentile came, took the lung, and departed before [the slaughterer] checked the lung, [the animal] is permitted. We do not say that perhaps it was perforated or perhaps it was attached [to the bone], for we do not presume that [an animal] was forbidden.30 Instead, we operate under the presumption that the animal is kosher unless we know what factor caused it to become trefe. Just like we do not suspect that the membrane of the brain was perforated, the backbone [was severed], or the like, we do not raise suspicions over a lung that has been lost. There are no customs regarding such a situation, because customs are not instituted with regard to factors that are not commonplace.
יג
מי ששחט את הבהמה וקרע את הבטן, וקודם שיבדוק את הריאה בא כלב או עכו"ם ונטל את הריאה והלך לו הרי זו מותרת, ואין אומרים שמא נקובה היתה או שמא דבוקה היתה, שאין מחזיקין איסור, אלא הרי זו בחזקת היתר עד שיודע במה נטרפה, וכשם שאין חוששין לקרום מוח ולשדרה וכיוצא בהן כך לא נחוש לריאה שאבדה, ואין בזה מנהג שדבר שאינו מצוי אין בו מנהג. 37
14
If a gentile or a Jew comes and takes out a lung before the lung was inspected, but the lung [still] exists, we blow it up.31 [This applies] even if we do not know whether there were growths or not, because of the widespread custom.
יד
בא העכו"ם או הישראל והוציא הריאה קודם שתבדק והרי היא קיימת נופחין אותה ואף על פי שאין אנו יודעין אם היו שם צמחין או לא היו, מפני פישוט המנהג.
15
There are places who rule that we forbid [an animal] if there are sirchot hanging from the lung, even if they are not attached to the chest or to another place. This practice causes great loss and the forfeit of Jewish money. This was never the custom in France or in Spain and it was never heard in the West. It is not proper to follow this custom. Instead, all that is necessary is to blow up [the lung]. If it is discovered to be intact without a perforation, [the animal] is permitted.32
טו
יש מקומות שאם נמצאו סרכות מדולדלות מן הריאה אע"פ שאינן דבוקות לא לדופן ולא למקום אחר אוסרין אותה, ודבר זה הפסד גדול הוא ואיבוד ממון לישראל, ומעולם לא נהגו זה לא בצרפת ולא בספרד ולא נשמע זה במערב, ואין ראוי לנהוג במנהג זה, אלא נופחין אותה בלבד אם נמצאת שלימה מן הנקב הרי זו מותרת.
FOOTNOTES
1.
I.e., if it gives birth successfully, that is a sign that it is intact. There is no need for an inspection or waiting twelve months. Even the Rama who maintains that in the present age, we are not knowledgeable with regard to inspections will consider an animal acceptable if it lives this amount of time (Yoreh De'ah 57:18).
2.
Without informing him of the doubt involved.
The Rama quotes the Sha'arei Dura who writes that if a condition that renders an animal trefe is obvious, we permit its sale to a gentile. For a Jew who seeks to purchase it will immediately become aware of the difficulty.
The Rama also mentions the ruling of the Terumat HaDeshen that if there is merely a question of whether an animal is trefe, it may be sold to a gentile. The Siftei Cohen 57:51 accepts this leniency only with regard to an animal regarding which there is a question whether or not it was attacked, but not with regard to other conditions.
3.
Chullin 11b explains that this is based on the principle that we follow the majority. Since most animals are healthy we assume that this is an animal's condition unless there is reason to suspect otherwise. Note, however, Halachah 7.
4.
Based on Chullin 51a, the Kessef Mishneh goes further and states that even if the animal possesses a condition that is somewhat problematic, if we can find a commonplace explanation for it that will not render an animal trefe and the factor that will render it trefe is uncommon, we do not require an examination.
5.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 4.
6.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 17.
7.
See Chapter 10, Halachah 7.
8.
I.e., the strands and similarly, the other conditions the Rambam proceeds to mention, are abnormal factors that lead us to the supposition that there was a perforation in the lung. See Chapter 7, Halachot 5-11 that mention several situations of this nature.
9.
The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's ruling, maintaining that even if the swelling is an indication that the bronchiole has been perforated, that does not disqualify the animal, for it is possible that it is sealed by flesh. The Radbaz explains that the Rambam would also accept that ruling and one of the points that one must inspect is whether there is flesh under the swelling or not.
10.
See Chapter 7, Halachah 8. As mentioned in the notes to that halachah, there is a difference of opinion among the Rishonim concerning this issue.
The Ra'avad also mentions that the Rambam's ruling here appears to contradict his ruling in Chapter 7, Halachah 5. For there, the Rambam differentiates between whether or not there is a bruise on the chest, and there he does not speak of inspecting the lung in warm water. In a lengthy discussion in his gloss to Chapter 7, the Kessef Mishneh explains that there is no contradiction between the two rulings.
11.
I.e., if the water bubbles.
12.
There is a difference of opinion among the halachic authorities if this situation is possible or not.
13.
I.e., as the Rambam proceeds to explain in the following halachah, the common custom is more stringent.
14.
See the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 39:1) which states that we must check the lungs for sirchot and concludes: "Whoever breaks ranks and eats without checking [the lung] should be bitten by a snake."
15.
For as stated in Chapter 7, Halachot 3-4, even a perforation found in this place does not render the animal trefe.
16.
For as stated in Chapter 8, Halachah 5, an adhesion of such a type does not render the animal trefe.
17.
See the notes to Halachah 9. Depending on the version of that text, the Rambam's ruling concerning this matter may be questioned.
18.
The Rama 39:18 writes that it is common custom in the Ashkenazic community to rule that all sirchot in the lung cause an animal to be deemed forbidden except those extending from a lobe to the lobe next to it or those from the body of the lung to the lobe next to it. He does, however, permit leniency if it is possible to rub out the sirchah and then examine it to see that there is no perforation.
19.
I.e., except to the lobe that is near it (Radbaz).
20.
See Chapter 8, Halachah 1, which explains that this is a tiny lobe found on the right side of the lung.
21.
For we fear that it will cause a perforation in the lung. See the gloss of the Radbaz to Halachah 6.
22.
The text of the Mishneh Torah which the Ra'avad had seemed to apply that even a strand extending from the body of the lung to the lobe is unacceptable. The Ra'avad therefore protests and maintains it is acceptable. The Migdal Oz states that he also saw texts of the Mishneh Torah with this version, but that the authoritative manuscripts do not follow that reading. This is also the position of the Kessef Mishneh.
23.
If the sirchah is attached to the flesh alone, it does not cause an animal to be considered trefe (see Chapter 7, Halachah 4). Here, however, it is attached to both the flesh and the bone and that creates the problem.
24.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 39:18) cites the Rambam's position.
Parenthetically, the commentaries have questioned the Rambam's statements here from the standpoint of kibud av, "honoring one's father." Seemingly, after mentioning his father, he should have stated - as he himself rules in Hilchot Mamrim 6:5 - "May he be remembered for the life of the world to come." Also, that same source (Halachah 3) forbids "offering an opinion that outweighs [that of his father]."
25.
The Ra'avad follows the more lenient view. Here also the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) cites the Rambam's position.
26.
The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 39:1) mentions both the custom of blowing up the lung in all cases and the Rambam's position that it is not necessary to blow up all lungs. He concludes that the Rambam's position should be given primacy.
27.
I.e., the stringencies forbidding an animal because of certain sirchot and requiring the lungs to be blown up.
28.
Halachot 6 and 7.
29.
At present, there are certain Rabbinic authorities who require that the lungs of a chicken be inspected, because in the present age, since chickens are raised in a manner very different from their natural circumstances, it is common for there to be difficulties with regard to their lungs.
30.
If there is no evidence that a factor existed that caused the animal to become trefe, we do not assume that one existed. Even according to the custom that requires an animal to be checked, we are assuming only the possibility that it might have a disqualifying factor. If there is no way to check it, we assume that the animal is kosher.
The Ra'avad differs and maintains that since disqualifying factors involving the lung are common, if a lung was not inspected, we cannot consider the animal as kosher. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 39:2) quotes the Rambam's view. The Rama mentions the position of the Ra'avad and states that the Rambam's position may be followed only when there is a possibility of severe financial loss.
31.
Normally, we would not blow up a lung unless there was a factor that aroused suspicion. Nevertheless, in this instance, since we did not see it in its natural situation - and the possibility exists that there were such factors there - we require an examination. The Turei Zahav 39:2 states that, according to our custom [see Rama (Yoreh De'ah 39:4)] that we do not rely on an examination in a situation where there is a clearly problematic situation, we do not rely on an examination in this instance as well.
32.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 39:8) rules that such an animal is permitted without the lung being inspected. The Turei Zahav 39:12 states that an examination must be conducted to see whether the lung is perforated or not.
This represents the difference between glatt meat and meat that is not glatt. Glatt means "smooth," i.e., i.e., there are no sirchot, adhesions, or growths, extending from the animal's lungs. Thus there is no need to inspect it. When meat is not glatt, there were sirchot and/or the like extending from the lungs. They were inspected and no perforation was discovered. Hence, the meat is kosher. Nevertheless, there are many who follow the stringency of not partaking of it.
(It must be emphasized that, at present, glatt is sometimes used as a general term to connote a higher level of punctilious observance of the details of kashrus in general without specifically referring to questions concerning the lungs.)
33.
וכן אם נמצא בה אבעבוע כו'. א"א ברוב דברים לא יחדל פשע ואם ניקב סימפון שתחתיו מה בכך והלא לא אמרו אלא סמפון שניקב לחבירו טרפה.
34.
ואע"פ שאלו הן הדברים וכו'. א"א אינן נראין והרי הוא חוזר ממה שאמר למעלה.
35.
אפילו במקום רביצתה או על הסדר שלא במקום רביצתה אוסרין אותה. א"א זהו אומא לאונא ואין שומעין לו שהגדולים מהגאונים התירוה.
36.
ומיעוט מקומות מתירין אותה וכו'. א"א אני מתיר וכבר כתבתי למעלה מה שראוי לסמוך עליו.
37.
ואין אומרים שמא נקובה היתה או שמא דבוקה. א"א יש שחולקין על הריאה.
• Thursday, 6 Shevat, 5777 · 2 February 2017
• "Today's Day"
• Tuesday, Sh'vat 6, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Bo, Shlishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 35-38.
Tanya: This is the (p. 73)...as is explained elsewhere. (p. 75).
My father wrote that he heard in the name of the Alter Rebbe that all rabbinic authors until and including the Taz1 and Shach,2 composed their works with ruach hakodesh, the Divine Spirit. An individual's ruach hakodesh, as explained by Korban Ha'eida in Tractate Sh'kalim (Talmud Yerushalmi), end of ch. 3, means that the mysteries of Torah are revealed to him. This comes from the aspect of chochma in its pre-revelation state.3
Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory.
FOOTNOTES
1.Acronym of Turei Zahav on Torah law by R. David Halevi, d. 1667.
2.Acronym of Siftei Kohein on Torah law by R. Shabtai Hacohen, 1622-1663.
3.See "On Learning Chassidus," Kehot, p. 18.
• Daily Thought:
Above As Below
Looking at your world from Above, all is good.
Looking at your world from within, things don’t always look so nice.
Until you connect your world from within to the world above. Then the goodness flows downward without distortion.
How do you make that connection? By clinging tightly above. By putting all your trust in G‑d.[Tanya, Igeret Hakodesh 11 (pg. 232). Likutei Torah Chukat 62a.]
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