Torah Reading
Vayak'hel-Pekudei: Exodus 35:1 Moshe assembled the whole community of the people of Isra’el and said to them, “These are the things which Adonai has ordered you to do. 2 On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a holy day for you, a Shabbat of complete rest in honor of Adonai. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death. 3 You are not to kindle a fire in any of your homes on Shabbat.”
4 Moshe said to the whole community of the people of Isra’el, “Here is what Adonai has ordered: 5 ‘Take up a collection for Adonai from among yourselves — anyone whose heart makes him willing is to bring the offering for Adonai: gold, silver and bronze; 6 blue, purple and scarlet yarn; fine linen, goat’s hair, 7 tanned ram skins and fine leather; acacia-wood; 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9 onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ritual vest and the breastplate.
10 “‘Then let all the craftsmen among you come and make everything Adonai has ordered: 11 the tabernacle with its tent, covering, fasteners, planks, crossbars, posts and sockets; 12 the ark with its poles, ark-cover and the curtain to screen it; 13 the table with its poles, all its utensils and the showbread; 14 the menorah for the light, with its utensils and lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 the incense altar with its poles; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entranceway at the entrance to the tabernacle; 16 the altar for burnt offerings, with its poles and all its utensils; the basin with its base; 17 the tapestries for the courtyard, with their posts and sockets; the screen for the gateway of the courtyard; 18 the tent pegs for the tabernacle; the tent pegs for the courtyard, with their ropes; 19 the garments for officiating, for serving in the Holy Place; and the holy garments for Aharon the cohen and the garments for his sons, so that they can serve in the office of cohen.’”
20 Then the whole community of the people of Isra’el withdrew from Moshe’s presence; (LY: ii) 21 and they came, everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit made him willing, and brought Adonai’s offering for the work on the tent of meeting, for the service in it and for the holy garments. 22 Both men and women came, as many as had willing hearts; they brought nose-rings, earrings, signet-rings, belts, all kinds of gold jewelry — everyone bringing an offering of gold to Adonai. 23 Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn; fine linen; tanned ram skins or fine leather brought them. 24 Everyone contributing silver or bronze brought his offering for Adonai, and everyone who had acacia-wood suitable for any of the work brought it. 25 All the women who were skilled at spinning got to work and brought what they had spun, the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and the fine linen. 26 Likewise the women whose heart stirred them to use their skill spun the goat’s hair. 27 The leaders brought the onyx stones and the stones to be set, for the ritual vest and the breasplate; 28 the spices; and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. 29 Thus every man and woman of the people of Isra’el whose heart impelled him to contribute to any of the work Adonai had ordered through Moshe brought it to Adonai as a voluntary offering.
(RY: ii, LY: iii) 30 Moshe said to the people of Isra’el, “See, Adonai has singled out B’tzal’el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God — with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry. 32 He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze, 33 cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft. 34 [Adonai] has also given him and Oholi’av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with the skill needed for every kind of work, whether done by an artisan, a designer, an embroiderer using blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, or a weaver — they have the skill for every kind of work and design.
36:1 “B’tzal’el and Oholi’av, along with all the craftsmen whom Adonai has endowed with the wisdom and skill necessary to carry out the work needed for the sanctuary, are to do exactly according to everything Adonai has ordered.”
2 Moshe summoned B’tzal’el, Oholi’av and every craftsman to whom Adonai had given wisdom, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come and take part in the work. 3 They received from Moshe all the offering which the people of Isra’el had brought for the work of building the sanctuary. But they still kept bringing voluntary offerings every morning, 4 until all the craftsmen doing the work for the sanctuary left the work they were involved with 5 to tell Moshe, “The people are bringing far more than is needed to do the work Adonai has ordered done.” 6 So Moshe gave an order which was proclaimed throughout the camp: “Neither men nor women are to make any further efforts for the sanctuary offering.” In this way, the people were restrained from making additional contributions. 7 For what they had already was not only sufficient for doing all the work, but too much!
(LY: iv) 8 All the skilled men among them who did the work made the tabernacle, using ten sheets of finely woven linen and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn. He made them with k’ruvim worked in that had been crafted by a skilled artisan. 9 Each sheet was forty-two feet long and six feet wide; all the sheets were the same size. 10 He joined five sheets one to another, and the other five sheets he joined one to another. 11 He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost sheet in the first set and did the same on the edge of the outermost sheet in the second set. 12 He made fifty loops on the one sheet, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the sheet in the second set; the loops were opposite one another. 13 He made fifty fasteners of gold and coupled the sheets to each other with the fasteners, so that the tabernacle formed a single unit.
14 He made sheets of goat’s hair to be used as a tent covering the tabernacle; he made eleven sheets. 15 Each sheet was forty-five feet long and six feet wide; all eleven sheets were the same size. 16 He joined five sheets together and six sheets together. 17 He made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost sheet in the first set and fifty loops on the outermost sheet in the second set. 18 He made fifty fasteners of bronze to join the tent together, so that it would be a single unit.
19 He made a covering for the tent of tanned ram skins and an outer covering of fine leather.
(LY: v) 20 He made the upright planks of acacia-wood for the tabernacle. 21 Each plank was fifteen feet long and two-and-a-quarter feet wide. 22 There were two projections on each plank, and the planks were joined one to another. This is how he made all the planks for the tabernacle.
23 He made the planks for the tabernacle as follows: twenty planks for the south side, facing southward. 24 He made forty silver sockets under the twenty planks, two sockets under one plank for its two projections and two sockets under another plank for its two projections. 25 For the second side of the tabernacle, to the north, he made twenty planks 26 and their forty silver sockets, two sockets under one plank and two under another. 27 For the rear part of the tabernacle, toward the west, he made six planks. 28 For the corners of the tabernacle in the rear he made two planks, 29 double from the bottom all the way to the top but joined at a single ring. He did the same with both of them at the two corners. 30 Thus there were eight planks with their silver sockets, sixteen sockets, two sockets under each plank.
31 He made crossbars of acacia-wood, five for the planks of the one side of the tabernacle, 32 five crossbars for the planks of the other side of the tabernacle, and five crossbars for the planks at the side of the tabernacle at the rear toward the west. 33 He made the middle crossbar so that it extended from one end of the planks to the other, halfway up. 34 He overlaid the planks with gold, made gold rings for them through which the crossbars could pass and overlaid the crossbars with gold.
35 He made the curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen. He made them with k’ruvim worked in that had been crafted by a skilled artisan. 36 He made for it four posts of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold, and gold hooks; and cast for them four silver sockets.
37 For the entrance to the tent he made a screen of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen, in colors, the work of a weaver; 38 with its five posts and their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their attached rings for hanging with gold, while their five sockets were of bronze.
37:1 B’tzal’el made the ark of acacia-wood three-and-three-quarters feet long, two-and-a-quarter feet wide and two-and-a-quarter feet high. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside and put a molding of gold for it around the top. 3 He cast four gold rings for it at its four feet, two rings on each side. 4 He made poles of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold. 5 He put the carrying-poles for the ark in the rings on the sides of the ark.
6 He made a cover for the ark of pure gold, three-and-three-quarters feet long and two-and-a-quarter feet wide. 7 He made two k’ruvim of gold; he made them of hammered work for the two ends of the ark-cover — 8 one keruv for one end and one keruv for the other end; he made the k’ruvim of one piece with the ark-cover at its two ends. 9 The k’ruvim had their wings spread out above, so that their wings covered the ark; their faces were toward each other and toward the ark-cover.
10 He made the table of acacia-wood, three feet long, eighteen inches wide and eighteen inches high. 11 He overlaid it with pure gold and put a molding of gold around the top of it. 12 He made around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a molding of gold around the rim. 13 He cast for it four gold rings and attached the rings to the four corners, near its four legs. 14 The rings to hold the carrying-poles for the table were placed close to the rim. 15 He made the carrying-poles for the table of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold. 16 He made the utensils to be put on the table — its dishes, pans, bowls and pitchers — of pure gold.
(RY: iii, LY: vi) 17 He made the menorah of pure gold. He made it of hammered work; its base, shaft, cups, rings of outer leaves and flowers were a single unit. 18 There were six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other. 19 On one branch were three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a ring of outer leaves and petals; likewise on the opposite branch three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a ring of outer leaves and petals; and similarly for all six branches extending from the menorah. 20 On the central shaft of the menorah were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its ring of outer leaves and petals. 21 Where each pair of branches joined the central shaft was a ring of outer leaves of one piece with the pair of branches — thus for all six branches. 22 Their rings of outer leaves and their branches were of one piece with the shaft. Thus the whole menorah was one piece of hammered work made of pure gold. 23 He made its seven lamps, its tongs and its trays of pure gold. 24 The menorah and its utensils were made of sixty-six pounds of pure gold.
25 He made the altar on which to burn incense of acacia-wood, eighteen inches square and three feet high; its horns were a single unit. 26 He overlaid it with pure gold — its top, all around its sides and its horns; and he put around it a molding of gold. 27 He made two gold rings for it under its molding at the two corners on both sides, to hold the carrying-poles. 28 He made the poles of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold.
29 He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of aromatic plant substances as would an expert perfume-maker.
38:1 (RY: iv, LY: vii) He made the altar for burnt offerings of acacia-wood, seven-and-a-half feet long and seven-and-a-half feet wide — it was square — and four-and-a-half feet high. 2 He made horns for it on its four corners, the horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze.
3 He made all the utensils for the altar — its pots, shovels, basins, meat-hooks and fire pans; all its utensils he made of bronze. 4 He made for the altar a grate of bronze netting, under its rim, reaching halfway up the altar. 5 He cast four rings for the four ends of the bronze grate to hold the poles. 6 He made the poles of acacia-wood and overlaid them with bronze. 7 He put the carrying-poles into the rings on the sides of the altar; he made it of planks and hollow inside.
8 He made the basin of bronze with its base of bronze from the mirrors of the women serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
9 He made the courtyard. On the south side, facing southward, the tapestries for the courtyard were made of finely woven linen, 150 feet long, 10 supported on twenty posts in twenty bronze sockets; the hooks on the posts and the attached rings for hanging were of silver. 11 On the north side they were 150 feet long, hung on twenty posts in twenty bronze sockets, with the hooks on the posts and their rings of silver. 12 On the west side were tapestries seventy-five feet long, hung on ten posts in ten sockets, with the hooks on the posts and their rings of silver. 13 On the east side were tapestries seventy-five feet long. 14 The tapestries for the one side [of the gateway] were twenty-two-and-a-half feet long, hung on three posts in three sockets; 15 likewise for the other side — on either side [of the gate] were tapestries twenty-two-and-a-half feet long on three posts in three sockets. 16 All the tapestries for the courtyard, all the way around, were of finely woven linen; 17 the sockets for the posts were of bronze; the hooks on the posts and their rings were of silver; the capitals of the posts were overlaid with silver; and all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.
(LY: Maftir) 18 The screen for the gateway to the courtyard was the work of a weaver in colors, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen. Its length was thirty feet and its height seven-and-a-half feet all the way along, like the tapestries of the courtyard. 19 It had four posts in four bronze sockets, with silver hooks, capitals overlaid with silver and silver fasteners.
20 The tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard around it were of bronze.
21 These are the accounts of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, recorded, as Moshe ordered, by the L’vi’im under the direction of Itamar the son of Aharon, the cohen.
22 B’tzal’el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah, made everything that Adonai ordered Moshe to make. 23 Assisting him was Oholi’av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, who was an engraver, a designer and a weaver in colors — in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and in fine linen.
24 All the gold used for the work in everything needed for the sanctuary, the gold of the offering, weighed 29 talents 730 shekels [1,930 pounds], using the sanctuary shekel.
25 The silver given by the community weighed 100 talents 1,775 shekels [6,650 pounds], using the sanctuary shekel. 26 This was a beka per person, that is, half a shekel [one-fifth of an ounce], using the sanctuary shekel, for everyone twenty years old or older counted in the census, 603,550 men. 27 The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the sockets for the sanctuary and the sockets for the curtain — one hundred sockets made from the hundred talents, one talent [sixty-six pounds] per socket. 28 The 1,775 shekels [fifty pounds] he used to make hooks for the posts, to overlay their capitals and to make fasteners for them.
29 The bronze in the offering came to 4,680 pounds. 30 He used it to make the sockets for the entrance to the tent of meeting, the bronze altar, its bronze grate, all the utensils for the altar, 31 the sockets for the courtyard around it, the sockets for the gateway to the courtyard, all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and all the tent pegs for the courtyard around it.
39:1 From the blue, purple and scarlet yarn they made the garments for officiating, for serving in the Holy Place; and they made the holy garments for Aharon, as Adonai had ordered Moshe. (RY: v, LY: ii) 2 He made the ritual vest of gold, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely woven linen. 3 They hammered the gold into thin plates and cut them into threads in order to work it into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and the fine linen crafted by the skilled artisan. 4 They made shoulder-pieces for it, joined together; they were joined together at the two ends. 5 The decorated belt on the vest, used to fasten it, was of the same workmanship and materials — gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely twined linen — as Adonai had ordered Moshe. 6 They worked the onyx stones, mounted in gold settings, engraving them with the names of the sons of Isra’el as they would be engraved on a seal. 7 Then he put them on the shoulder-pieces of the vest to be stones calling to mind the sons of Isra’el, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
8 He made the breastplate; it was crafted by a skilled artisan and made like the work of the ritual vest — of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen. 9 When folded double, the breastplate was square — doubled, it was a hand-span by a hand-span. 10 They set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald; 11 the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond; 12 the third row an orange zircon, an agate and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in settings of gold. 14 The stones corresponded to the names of the twelve sons of Isra’el; they were engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, each name representing one of the twelve tribes.
15 On the breastplate they made two pure gold chains, twisted like cords. 16 Also for the breastplate they made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and they put the two rings at the two ends of the breastplate. 17 They put the two twisted gold chains in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate 18 and attached the other two ends of the twisted chains to the front of the shoulder-pieces of the ritual vest. 19 They also made two gold rings and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, at its edge, on the side facing in toward the vest. 20 Also they made two gold rings and attached them low on the front part of the vest’s shoulder-pieces, near the join, above the vest’s decorated belt. 21 Then they bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the vest with a blue cord, so that it could be on the vest’s decorated belt, and so that the breastplate would not swing loose from the vest — as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
(RY: vi, LY: iii) 22 He made the robe for the ritual vest; it was woven entirely of blue, 23 with its opening in the middle, like that of a coat of mail, and with a border around the opening, so that it wouldn’t tear. 24 On the bottom hem they made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet, and woven linen; 25 and they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all the way around the hem of the robe — between the pomegranates, 26 that is, bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, all the way around the hem of the robe for service — as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
27 They made the tunics of finely woven linen for Aharon and his sons, 28 the turban of fine linen, the splendid headgear of fine linen, the linen shorts, 29 and the sash of finely woven linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, the work of a weaver in colors — as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
30 They made the ornament for the holy turban of pure gold; wrote on it the words, “Set apart for Adonai,” like the engraving on a seal; 31 and tied a blue cord on it to fasten it to the front of the turban — as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
32 Thus all the work for the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was finished, with the people of Isra’el doing everything exactly as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
(LY: iv) 33 Then they brought the tabernacle to Moshe — the tent and all its furnishings, clasps, planks, crossbars, posts and sockets; 34 the covering of tanned ram skins, the covering of fine leather and the curtain for the screen; 35 the ark for the testimony, its poles and the ark-cover; 36 the table, all its utensils and the showbread; 37 the pure menorah, its lamps and their arrangement for display, its accessories and the oil for the light; 38 the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entrance to the tent; 39 the bronze altar with its bronze grate, poles and all its utensils; the basin with its base; 40 the tapestries for the courtyard, with their posts and sockets; the screen for the entrance to the courtyard, with its ropes and tent pegs; all the utensils for the service in the tabernacle, the tent of meeting; 41 the garments for officiating, for serving in the Holy Place; the holy garments for Aharon the cohen; and the garments for his sons to serve in the office of cohen.
42 The people of Isra’el did all the work just as Adonai had ordered Moshe. 43 Moshe saw all the work, and — there it was! — they had done it! Exactly as Adonai had ordered, they had done it. And Moshe blessed them.
40:1 (RY: vii, LY: v) Adonai said to Moshe, 2 “On the first day of the first month, you are to set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting. 3 Put in it the ark for the testimony, and conceal the ark with the curtain. 4 Bring in the table, and arrange its display. Bring in the menorah, and light its lamps. 5 Set the gold altar for incense in front of the ark for the testimony, and set up the screen at the entrance to the tabernacle. 6 Place the altar for burnt offerings in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting. 7 Set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8 Set up the courtyard all the way around, and hang up the screen for the entrance to the courtyard.
9 “Take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it — consecrate it with all its furnishings; then it will be holy. 10 Anoint the altar for burnt offerings with all its utensils — consecrate the altar; then the altar will be especially holy. 11 Anoint the basin and its base, and consecrate it.
12 “Then bring Aharon and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 13 Put the holy garments on Aharon, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he can serve me in the office of cohen. 14 Bring his sons, put tunics on them, 15 and anoint them as you anointed their father, so that they can serve me in the office of cohen. Their anointing will signify that the office of cohen is theirs through all their generations.”
16 Moshe did this — he acted in accordance with everything Adonai had ordered him to do.
(LY: vi) 17 On the first day of the first month of the second year, the tabernacle was set up. 18 Moshe erected the tabernacle, put its sockets in place, put up its planks, put in its crossbars and set up its posts. 19 He spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent above it, as Adonai had ordered Moshe. 20 He took and put the testimony inside the ark, put the poles on the ark, and set the ark-cover above, on the ark. 21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, set up the curtain as a screen and concealed the ark for the testimony, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
22 He put the table in the tent of meeting on the side of the tabernacle facing north, outside the curtain. 23 He arranged a row of bread on it before Adonai, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
24 He put the menorah in the tent of meeting across from the table, on the side of the tabernacle facing south. 25 Then he lit the lamps before Adonai, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
26 He set the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the curtain 27 and burned on it incense made from aromatic spices, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
(LY: vii) 28 He set up the screen at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29 The altar for burnt offerings he placed at the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
30 He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing, 31 so that Moshe and Aharon and his sons could wash their hands and feet there — 32 so that they could wash when entering the tent of meeting and when approaching the altar, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.
33 Finally, he erected the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar and set up the screen for the entrance to the courtyard.
(Maftir) 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of Adonai filled the tabernacle. 35 Moshe was unable to enter the tent of meeting, because the cloud remained on it, and the glory of Adonai filled the tabernacle.
36 Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Isra’el continued with all their travels. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not travel onward until the day when it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of Adonai was above the tabernacle during the day, and fire was in [the cloud] at night, so that all the house of Isra’el could see it throughout all their travels.
Parshat Hachodesh: Exodus 12:1 Adonai spoke to Moshe and Aharon in the land of Egypt; he said, 2 “You are to begin your calendar with this month; it will be the first month of the year for you. 3 Speak to all the assembly of Isra’el and say, ‘On the tenth day of this month, each man is to take a lamb or kid for his family, one per household — 4 except that if the household is too small for a whole lamb or kid, then he and his next-door neighbor should share one, dividing it in proportion to the number of people eating it. 5 Your animal must be without defect, a male in its first year, and you may choose it from either the sheep or the goats.
6 “‘You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, and then the entire assembly of the community of Isra’el will slaughter it at dusk. 7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame at the entrance of the house in which they eat it. 8 That night, they are to eat the meat, roasted in the fire; they are to eat it with matzah and maror. 9 Don’t eat it raw or boiled, but roasted in the fire, with its head, the lower parts of its legs and its inner organs. 10 Let nothing of it remain till morning; if any of it does remain, burn it up completely.
11 “‘Here is how you are to eat it: with your belt fastened, your shoes on your feet and your staff in your hand; and you are to eat it hurriedly. It is Adonai’s Pesach [Passover]. 12 For that night, I will pass through the land of Egypt and kill all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both men and animals; and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt; I am Adonai. 13 The blood will serve you as a sign marking the houses where you are; when I see the blood, I will pass over [Exodus 12:13 Hebrew: pasach] you — when I strike the land of Egypt, the death blow will not strike you.
14 “‘This will be a day for you to remember and celebrate as a festival to Adonai; from generation to generation you are to celebrate it by a perpetual regulation.
15 “‘For seven days you are to eat matzah — on the first day remove the leaven from your houses. For whoever eats hametz [leavened bread] from the first to the seventh day is to be cut off from Isra’el. 16 On the first and seventh days, you are to have an assembly set aside for God. On these days no work is to be done, except what each must do to prepare his food; you may do only that. 17 You are to observe the festival of matzah, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you are to observe this day from generation to generation by a perpetual regulation. 18 From the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month until the evening of the twenty-first day, you are to eat matzah. 19 During those seven days, no leaven is to be found in your houses. Whoever eats food with hametz in it is to be cut off from the community of Isra’el — it doesn’t matter whether he is a foreigner or a citizen of the land. 20 Eat nothing with hametz in it. Wherever you live, eat matzah.’”
Hachodesh: Ezekiel 45:18 “Adonai Elohim says this: ‘On the first day of the first month you are to take a young bull without defect and purify the sanctuary. 19 The cohen will take some of the blood from the sin offering and put it on the door-frames of the house, on the four corners of the altar’s ledge and on the supports of the gate of the inner courtyard. 20 You are also to do this on the seventh day of the month for everyone who has sinned inadvertently or through ignorance. Thus you will make atonement for the house.
21 “‘On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to have the Pesach, a feast seven days long; matzah will be eaten. 22 On that day the prince will provide, for himself and for all the people of the land, a young bull as a sin offering. 23 On the seven days of the feast he is to provide a burnt offering for Adonai, seven young bulls and seven rams without defect daily for the seven days, and a male goat daily as a sin offering. 24 He is to provide as a grain offering a bushel [of grain] for a young bull and a bushel for a ram, and for each bushel [of grain] a gallon of olive oil.
25 “‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, during the feast [of Sukkot] he is to do the same thing for those seven days in regard to the sin offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings and olive oil.’
46:1 “This is what Adonai Elohim says: ‘The east gate of the inner courtyard is to be shut on the six working days, but on Shabbat it is to be opened, and on Rosh-Hodesh it is to be opened. 2 The prince is to enter by way of the outer vestibule of the gate and stand by the support of the gate. The cohanim are to prepare his burnt offering and peace offerings. Then he is to prostrate himself in worship at the threshold of the gate, after which he is to leave; but the gate is not to be shut until evening. 3 The people of the land are also to prostrate themselves in worship before Adonai at the entrance to that gate on Shabbat and on Rosh-Hodesh.
4 “‘The burnt offering the prince is to offer Adonai on Shabbat is to consist of six lambs without defect and a ram without defect. 5 The grain offering is to be a bushel for the ram, while for the lambs it can be as much as he wants to give; with a gallon of olive oil per eifah. 6 On Rosh-Hodesh it is to be a young bull, six lambs and a ram, all without defect. 7 He is to prepare a grain offering consisting of a bushel for the bull, a bushel for the ram, and for the lambs as his means allow; with a gallon of olive oil per bushel.
8 “‘When the prince enters, he is to go in by way of the vestibule of the gate, and he is to leave the same way. 9 But when the people of the land come before Adonai at the designated times, whoever comes in to worship by way of the north gate is to leave by way of the south gate, and whoever comes in by way of the south gate is to leave by way of the north gate; he is not to go back out through the gate by which he entered but is to exit straight ahead of him. 10 [On these occasions,] the prince is to be among them when they enter; and when they leave, they are to leave together.
11 “‘At the festivals and at designated times, the grain offering is to be a bushel for a young bull and a bushel for a ram, while for the lambs it can be as much as he wants to give, with a gallon of olive oil per bushel.
12 “‘When the prince provides a voluntary offering, whether it is a burnt offering or peace offerings that he offers voluntarily to Adonai, someone is to open the east gate for him; and he is to provide his burnt offering and peace offerings as he does on Shabbat. Then he will leave; and after he leaves, the gate is to be shut.
13 “‘You are to provide a lamb in its first year that has no defect for a daily burnt offering to Adonai; do this each morning. 14 Also each morning, provide with it a grain offering, one-sixth of a bushel, and one-third of a gallon of olive oil to moisten the fine flour; this is the ongoing grain offering for Adonai, by a permanent regulation. 15 Thus they will offer a lamb, a grain offering and oil each morning as the ongoing burnt offering.’
Today's Laws & Customs:• Parshat Hachodesh
On the Shabbat that falls on or before the 1st of Nissan, a special reading called "Hachodesh" (Exodus 12:1-20) is added to the regular Shabbat Torah reading. Hachodesh recounts G-d's historic communication to Moses in Egypt on the 1st of Nissan (2 weeks before the Exodus) regarding the Jewish calendar, the month of Nissan and the Passover offering.
Links: The Reading for Hachodesh
From the teachings of the Chassidic masters on Hachodesh
About the Jewish calendar
Haftorah in a Nutshell
• Blessing the New Month This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevarchim ("the Shabbat that blesses" the new month): a special prayer is recited blessing the Rosh Chodesh ("Head of the Month") of upcoming month of Nissan, which falls on Tuesday of next week.
Prior to the blessing, we announce the precise time of the molad, the "birth" of the new moon. Click here for molad times.
It is a Chabad custom to recite the entire book of Psalms before morning prayers, and to conduct farbrengens (chassidic gatherings) in the course of the Shabbat.
Links: On the Significance of Shabbat Mevarchim; Tehillim (the Book of Psalms); The Farbrengen
Today in Jewish History:
• Passing of Zedekiah (397 BCE) Zedekiah was the last king of the royal house of David to reign in the Holy Land. He ascended the throne in 434 BCE, after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia (to whom the kingdom of Judah was then subject) exiled King Jeconiah (Zedekiah's nephew) to Babylonia . In 425 BCE Zedekiah rebelled against Babylonian rule, and Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem (in Tevet 10 of that year); in the summer of 423 BCE the walls of Jerusalem were penetrated, the city conquered, the (first) Holy Temple destroyed, and the people of Judah exiled to Babylonia. Zedekiah tried escaping through a tunnel leading out of the city, but was captured; his sons were killed before his eyes, and then he was blinded. Zedekiah languished in the royal dungeon in Babylonia until Nebuchadnezzar's death in 397 BCE; Evil Meroduch -- Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor -- freed him (and his nephew Jeconiah) on the 27th of Adar, but Zedikiah died that same day.
• Rebbe Falls Ill (1992) On the 27th of Adar I, 5752 (Monday, March 2, 1992), the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, suffered a disabling stroke while praying at the gravesite of the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch. On the same date two years later, the Rebbe lost consciousness following another stroke; three months later, on the 3rd of Tammuz 5754 (June 12, 1994), the Rebbe's soul ascended on high, orphaning a generation.
Links: A Gathering with the Rebbe
A Silence Louder Than WordsToday's Study:
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Vayak'hel-Pekudei, 7th Portion Exodus 40:1-40:38 with Rashi
• Exodus Chapter 40
1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: אוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־משֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר:
2"On the day of the first month, on the first of the month, you shall set up the Mishkan of the Tent of Meeting. בבְּיֽוֹם־הַחֹ֥דֶשׁ הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ תָּקִ֕ים אֶת־מִשְׁכַּ֖ן אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד:
3There you shall place the Ark of the Testimony, and you shall spread the dividing curtain toward the ark. גוְשַׂמְתָּ֣ שָׁ֔ם אֵ֖ת אֲר֣וֹן הָֽעֵד֑וּת וְסַכֹּתָ֥ עַל־הָֽאָרֹ֖ן אֶת־הַפָּרֹֽכֶת:
and you shall spread… toward the ark: Heb. וְסַכֹּתָ, an expression denoting protection, for this [dividing curtain] was a partition [not a covering]. וסכת על הארן: לשון הגנה, שהרי מחיצה היתה:
4You shall bring in the table and set its arrangement; you shall bring in the menorah and kindle its lamps. דוְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן וְעָֽרַכְתָּ֖ אֶת־עֶרְכּ֑וֹ וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙ אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָ֔ה וְהַֽעֲלֵיתָ֖ אֶת־נֵֽרֹתֶֽיהָ:
and set its arrangement: [I.e., arrange] the two stacks of the [loaves of] showbread (Lev. 24:6). וערכת את ערכו: שתי מערכות של לחם הפנים:
5You shall place the golden altar for incense before the Ark of the Testimony, and you shall place the screen of the entrance to the Mishkan. הוְנָֽתַתָּ֞ה אֶת־מִזְבַּ֤ח הַזָּהָב֙ לִקְטֹ֔רֶת לִפְנֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן הָֽעֵדֻ֑ת וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ אֶת־מָסַ֥ךְ הַפֶּ֖תַח לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן:
6You shall place the altar of the burnt offering in front of the entrance of the Mishkan of the Tent of Meeting. ווְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה אֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָֽעֹלָ֑ה לִפְנֵ֕י פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֥ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵֽד:
7You shall place the washstand between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and there you shall put water. זוְנָֽתַתָּ֙ אֶת־הַכִּיֹּ֔ר בֵּֽין־אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּבֵ֣ין הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְנָֽתַתָּ֥ שָׁ֖ם מָֽיִם:
8And you shall set up the courtyard all around, and you shall put up the screen for the gate to the courtyard. חוְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אֶת־הֶֽחָצֵ֖ר סָבִ֑יב וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ אֶת־מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֥עַר הֶֽחָצֵֽר:
9You shall take the anointing oil and anoint the Mishkan and everything within it, and you shall sanctify it and all its furnishings; thus it will become a holy thing. טוְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙ אֶת־שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן וְאֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־בּ֑וֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ אֹת֛וֹ וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָ֖יו וְהָ֥יָה קֹֽדֶשׁ:
10You shall anoint the altar for the burnt offering and all its implements; you shall sanctify the altar; thus the altar will become a holy of holies. יוּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֛ אֶת־מִזְבַּ֥ח הָֽעֹלָ֖ה וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָ֑יו וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֙ אֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְהָיָ֥ה הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִֽׁים:
11You shall anoint the washstand and its base and sanctify it. יאוּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֶת־הַכִּיֹּ֖ר וְאֶת־כַּנּ֑וֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֖ אֹתֽוֹ:
12And you shall bring Aaron and his sons near the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and you shall bathe them in water. יבוְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤ אֶת־אַֽהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְרָֽחַצְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּמָּֽיִם:
13And you shall clothe Aaron with the holy garments, and you shall anoint him and sanctify him so that he may serve Me [as a kohen]. יגוְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֙ אֶת־אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֖ת בִּגְדֵ֣י הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֹת֛וֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ אֹת֖וֹ וְכִהֵ֥ן לִֽי:
14And you shall bring his sons near and clothe them with tunics. ידוְאֶת־בָּנָ֖יו תַּקְרִ֑יב וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם כֻּתֳּנֹֽת:
15And you shall anoint them, as you have anointed their father, so that they may serve Me [as kohanim]. And this shall be so that their anointment shall remain for them an everlasting kehunah throughout their generations." טווּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֗ם כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר מָשַׁ֨חְתָּ֙ אֶת־אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וְכִֽהֲנ֖וּ לִ֑י וְ֠הָֽיְתָ֠ה לִֽהְיֹ֨ת לָהֶ֧ם מָשְׁחָתָ֛ם לִכְהֻנַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם:
16Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did. טזוַיַּ֖עַשׂ משֶׁ֑ה כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה:
17It came to pass in the first month, in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the Mishkan was set up. יזוַיְהִ֞י בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָֽרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ הוּקַ֖ם הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן:
18Moses set up the Mishkan, placed its sockets, put up its planks, put in its bars, and set up its pillars. יחוַיָּ֨קֶם משֶׁ֜ה אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶת־אֲדָנָ֔יו וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־קְרָשָׁ֔יו וַיִּתֵּ֖ן אֶת־בְּרִיחָ֑יו וַיָּ֖קֶם אֶת־עַמּוּדָֽיו:
19He spread the tent over the Mishkan, and he placed the cover of the tent over it from above, as the Lord had commanded Moses. יטוַיִּפְרֹ֤שׂ אֶת־הָאֹ֨הֶל֙ עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן וַיָּ֜שֶׂם אֶת־מִכְסֵ֥ה הָאֹ֛הֶל עָלָ֖יו מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
He spread the tent: They are the curtains of goat hair (Exod. 26:7, 36:14). ויפרש את האהל: הן יריעות העזים:
20He took and placed the testimony into the ark, put the poles upon the ark, and placed the ark cover on the ark from above. כוַיִּקַּ֞ח וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת־הָֽעֵדֻת֙ אֶל־הָ֣אָרֹ֔ן וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת־הַבַּדִּ֖ים עַל־הָֽאָרֹ֑ן וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת עַל־הָֽאָרֹ֖ן מִלְמָֽעְלָה:
the testimony: [I.e.,] the tablets [of the testimony]. את העדות: הלוחות:
21He brought the ark into the Mishkan and placed the screening dividing curtain so that it formed a protective covering before the Ark of the Testimony as the Lord had commanded Moses. כאוַיָּבֵ֣א אֶת־הָֽאָרֹן֘ אֶל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֒ וַיָּ֗שֶׂם אֵ֚ת פָּרֹ֣כֶת הַמָּסָ֔ךְ וַיָּ֕סֶךְ עַ֖ל אֲר֣וֹן הָֽעֵד֑וּת כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
22He placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the northern side of the Mishkan, outside the dividing curtain. כבוַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן צָפֹ֑נָה מִח֖וּץ לַפָּרֹֽכֶת:
on the northern side of the Mishkan: In the northern half of the width of the Temple [i.e., the Mishkan]. -[from Yoma 33b] על ירך המשכן צפונה: בחצי הצפוני של רוחב הבית:
side: Heb. יֶרֶ, lit., thigh, as the Targum [Onkelos renders it]: צִדָּא, the side, like the thigh that is on a person’s side. ירך: כתרגומו צדא, כירך הזה שהוא בצדו של אדם:
23He set upon it an arrangement of bread before the Lord as the Lord had commanded Moses. כגוַיַּֽעֲרֹ֥ךְ עָלָ֛יו עֵ֥רֶךְ לֶ֖חֶם לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
24He placed the menorah in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the southern side of the Mishkan. כדוַיָּ֤שֶׂם אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד נֹ֖כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן נֶֽגְבָּה:
25He kindled the lamps before the Lord as the Lord had commanded Moses. כהוַיַּ֥עַל הַנֵּרֹ֖ת לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָה֑ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
26He placed the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting in front of the dividing curtain. כווַיָּ֛שֶׂם אֶת־מִזְבַּ֥ח הַזָּהָ֖ב בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לִפְנֵ֖י הַפָּרֹֽכֶת:
27He made the incense go up in smoke upon it as the Lord had commanded Moses. כזוַיַּקְטֵ֥ר עָלָ֖יו קְטֹ֣רֶת סַמִּ֑ים כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
He made the incense go up in smoke upon it: in the morning and in the evening, as it is said: “every morning when he sets the lamps in order [he shall make it go up in smoke]” (Exod. 30:7). ויקטר עליו אהרון קטרת: שחרית וערבית, כמו שנאמר (שמות ל ז) בבקר בבקר בהיטיבו את הנרות וגו':
28He placed the screen for the entrance of the Mishkan. כחוַיָּ֛שֶׂם אֶת־מָסַ֥ךְ הַפֶּ֖תַח לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן:
29The altar of the burnt offering he placed in front of the entrance of the Mishkan of the Tent of Meeting, and he offered up the burnt offering and the meal offering upon it as the Lord had commanded Moses. כטוְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָֽעֹלָ֔ה שָׂ֕ם פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֣ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֑ד וַיַּ֣עַל עָלָ֗יו אֶת־הָֽעֹלָה֙ וְאֶת־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
and he offered up the burnt offering and the meal offering upon it: Even on the eighth day of the investitures-which was the day of the setting up of the Mishkan-Moses officiated and offered up the communal sacrifices, with the exception of those that Aaron was commanded [to offer up] on that day, as it is said: “Approach the altar” (Lev. 9:7). ויעל עליו וגו': אף ביום השמיני למלואים, שהוא יום הקמת המשכן, שמש משה והקריב קרבנות צבור, חוץ מאותן שנצטוו בו ביום, שנאמר (ויקרא ט ז) קרב אל המזבח וגו':
the burnt offering: The daily burnt offering. את העלה: עולת התמיד:
and the meal offering: [This refers to] the meal offering of the libations of the daily burnt offering, as it is said: “And one-tenth of fine flour, thoroughly mixed with… oil” (Exod. 29:40). ואת המנחה: מנחת נסכים של תמיד, כמו שנאמר (שמות כט מ) ועשרן סלת בלול בשמן וגו':
30He placed the washstand between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and there he put water for washing, לוַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־הַכִּיֹּ֔ר בֵּֽין־אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּבֵ֣ין הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן שָׁ֛מָּה מַ֖יִם לְרָחְצָֽה:
31and Moses, Aaron, and his sons would wash their hands and their feet from it. לאוְרָֽחֲצ֣וּ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ משֶׁ֖ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֣ן וּבָנָ֑יו אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם וְאֶת־רַגְלֵיהֶֽם:
and Moses, Aaron, and his sons would wash: On the eighth day, they were all equal in respect to the kehunah. Its [Aramaic] translation is וִיקַדְּשׁוּן מִנֵּיהּ, and shall wash from it, for on that day Moses washed with them. ורחצו ממנו משה ואהרן ובניו: יום שמיני למלואים הושוו כולם לכהונה, ותרגומו ומקדשין מניה, בו ביום קדש משה עמהם:
32When they entered the Tent of Meeting and when they approached the altar they would wash as the Lord had commanded Moses. לבבְּבֹאָ֞ם אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד וּבְקָרְבָתָ֛ם אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יִרְחָ֑צוּ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־משֶֽׁה:
and when they approached: Heb. וּבְקָרְבָתָם, like וּבְקָרְבָם, when they will approach (sic). ובקרבתם: כמו ובקרבם כשיקרבו:
33He set up the courtyard all around the Mishkan and the altar, and he put up the screen at the entrance to the courtyard; and Moses completed the work. לגוַיָּ֣קֶם אֶת־הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר סָבִיב֙ לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ן וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּתֵּ֕ן אֶת־מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֣עַר הֶֽחָצֵ֑ר וַיְכַ֥ל משֶׁ֖ה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָֽה:
34And the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Mishkan. לדוַיְכַ֥ס הֶֽעָנָ֖ן אֶת־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וּכְב֣וֹד יְהֹוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן:
35Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud rested upon it and the glory of the Lord filled the Mishkan. להוְלֹֽא־יָכֹ֣ל משֶׁ֗ה לָבוֹא֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד כִּֽי־שָׁכַ֥ן עָלָ֖יו הֶֽעָנָ֑ן וּכְב֣וֹד יְהֹוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן:
Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting: But one [other] passage says: “And when Moses would enter the Tent of Meeting” (Num. 7:89), [which is an apparent contradiction]. The third passage [verse 35] came and reconciled them: “because the cloud rested upon it.” You may henceforth say that as long as the cloud was upon it, he could not enter, [but when] the cloud withdrew, he would enter and [God] would speak with him. -[from Torath Kohanim, Shalosh Esrei Middoth, Thirteen methods, Section 8] ולא יכול משה לבוא אל אהל מועד: וכתוב אחד אומר (במדבר ז פט) ובבא משה אל אהל מועד, בא הכתוב השלישי והכריע ביניהם, כי שכן עליו הענן, אמור מעתה כל זמן שהיה עליו הענן לא היה יכול לבוא, נסתלק הענן נכנס ומדבר עמו:
36When the cloud rose up from over the Mishkan, the children of Israel set out in all their journeys. לווּבְהֵֽעָל֤וֹת הֶֽעָנָן֙ מֵעַ֣ל הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן יִסְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּכֹ֖ל מַסְעֵיהֶֽם:
37But if the cloud did not rise up, they did not set out until the day that it rose. לזוְאִם־לֹ֥א יֵֽעָלֶ֖ה הֶֽעָנָ֑ן וְלֹ֣א יִסְע֔וּ עַד־י֖וֹם הֵעָֽלֹתֽוֹ:
38For the cloud of the Lord was upon the Mishkan by day, and there was fire within it at night, before the eyes of the entire house of Israel in all their journeys. לחכִּי֩ עֲנַ֨ן יְהֹוָ֤ה עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְאֵ֕שׁ תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה לַ֖יְלָה בּ֑וֹ לְעֵינֵ֥י כָל־בֵּֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּכָל־מַסְעֵיהֶֽם:
before the eyes of the entire house of Israel in all their journeys: On every journey (מַסָּע) that they were traveling, the cloud would rest in that place where they encamped. The place of their encampment is also called a journey (מַסָּע). Likewise, “And he went to his stations (לְמַסָּעָיו) ” (Gen. 13:3) [i.e., to the stops along his journey], and likewise, “These are the journeys (מַסְעֵי) ” (Num. 33:1). Since from the place of their encampment they resumed their journeys, they are all called “journeys” (מַסָעוֹת). לעיני כל בית ישראל בכל מסעיהם: בכל מסע שהיו נוסעים היה הענן שוכן במקום אשר יחנו שם. מקום חנייתן אף הוא קרוי מסע, וכן (בראשית יג ג) וילך למסעיו, וכן (במדבר לג א) אלה מסעי לפי שממקום החנייה חזרו ונסעו, לכך נקראו כולן מסעות:
• Daily Tehillim: Psalm Chapters 120 - 134
• Chapter 120
This psalm rebukes slanderers, describing how the deadly effect of slander reaches even further than weapons.
1. A song of ascents. I have called out to the Lord in my distress, and He answered me.
2. O Lord, rescue my soul from the lips of falsehood, from a deceitful tongue.
3. What can He give you, and what [further restraint] can He add to you, O deceitful tongue?
4. [You resemble] the sharp arrows of a mighty one, and the coals of broom-wood.1
5. Woe unto me that I sojourned among Meshech, that I dwelt beside the tents of Kedar.
6. Too long has my soul dwelt among those who hate peace.
7. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.
FOOTNOTES
1.Which remain hot on the inside while appearing cool to the touch (Rashi).
Chapter 121
This psalm alludes to the Lower Paradise, from which one ascends to the Higher Paradise. It also speaks of how God watches over us.
2. My help will come from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.
3. He will not let your foot falter; your guardian does not slumber.
4. Indeed, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.
5. The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your protective shade at your right hand.
6. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7. The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will guard your soul.
8. The Lord will guard your going and your coming from now and for all time.
Chapter 122
The psalmist sings the praises of Jerusalem and tells of the miracles that happened there.
1. A song of ascents by David. I rejoiced when they said to me, "Let us go to the House of the Lord.”
2. Our feet were standing within your gates, O Jerusalem;
3. Jerusalem that is built like a city in which [all Israel] is united together.
4. For there the tribes went up, the tribes of God-as enjoined upon Israel-to offer praise to the Name of the Lord.
5. For there stood the seats of justice, the thrones of the house of David.
6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you have peace.
7. May there be peace within your walls, serenity within your mansions.
8. For the sake of my brethren and friends, I ask that there be peace within you.
9. For the sake of the House of the Lord our God, I seek your well-being.
Chapter 123
The psalmist laments the length of time we have already suffered in exile.
1. A song of ascents. To You have I lifted my eyes, You Who are enthroned in heaven.
2. Indeed, as the eyes of servants are turned to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so are our eyes turned to the Lord our God, until He will be gracious to us.
3. Be gracious to us, Lord, be gracious to us, for we have been surfeited with humiliation.
4. Our soul has been overfilled with the derision of the complacent, with the scorn of the arrogant.
Chapter 124
1. A song of ascents by David. Were it not for the Lord Who was with us-let Israel declare-
2. were it not for the Lord Who was with us when men rose up against us,
3. then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning rage against us.
4. Then the waters would have inundated us, the torrent would have swept over our soul;
5. then the raging waters would have surged over our soul.
6. Blessed is the Lord, Who did not permit us to be prey for their teeth.
7. Our soul is like a bird which has escaped from the fowler's snare; the snare broke and we escaped.
8. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Chapter 125
1. A song of ascents. Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion which never falters, but abides forever.
2. Mountains surround Jerusalem, and the Lord surrounds His people from this time and forever.
3. For the rod of wickedness will never come to rest upon the lot of the righteous; therefore the righteous need not stretch their hand to iniquity.
4. Be beneficent, O Lord, to the good and to those who are upright in their hearts.
5. But as for those that turn to their perverseness, may the Lord lead them with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel.
Chapter 126
The psalmist speaks of the future, comparing our Divine service in exile to one who sows arid land, then cries and begs God to send rain upon it so that the seed not be wasted. When he merits to reap the crop, he offers thanks to God.
1. A song of ascents. When the Lord will return the exiles of Zion, we will have been like dreamers.
2. Then our mouth will be filled with laughter, and our tongue with songs of joy; then will they say among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for these.”
3. The Lord has done great things for us; we were joyful.
4. Lord, return our exiles as streams to arid soil.
5. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6. He goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed; he will surely return with songs of joy, carrying his sheaves.
Chapter 127
King David instructs his generation, and especially his son Solomon, to be sure that all one's actions be for the sake of Heaven. He also criticizes those who toil day and night in pursuit of a livelihood.
1. A song of ascents for Solomon. If the Lord does not build a house, then its builders labor upon it in vain. If the Lord will not guard a city, the vigilance of its watchman is in vain.
2. It is in vain for you, you who rise early, who sit up late, and who eat the bread of tension, for in fact He gives His loved ones sleep.
3. Behold, the heritage of the Lord is children; the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.
5. Fortunate is the man who has his quiver full of them; they will not find themselves shamed when they speak with enemies in public places.
Chapter 128
This psalm extols one who enjoys the fruits of his own labor, avoiding theft and deception, even refusing gifts. It also describes behavior appropriate to the God-fearing.
1. A song of ascents. Fortunate is every man who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.
2. When you eat of the labor of your hands, you will be happy, and you will have goodness.
3. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine in the inner chambers of your house; your children will be like olive saplings around your table.
4. Behold, so will be blessed the man who fears the Lord.
5. May the Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the goodness of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6. And may you see children [born] to your children; peace upon Israel.
Chapter 129
The psalmist laments the troubles of Israel.
1. A song of ascents. Much have they persecuted me from my youth on. Let Israel declare it now-
2. "Much have they persecuted me from my youth on, [but] they have not prevailed against me.”
3. The plowmen plowed upon my back; they wished to make their furrow long.
4. But the Lord is just; He cut the cords of the lawless.
5. They will be humiliated and will be turned back, all the haters of Zion.
6. They will be as grass upon the rooftops that withers before one plucks it,
7. wherewith the reaper has never filled his hand, nor the sheaf-binder his arm;
8. and of which the passers-by never have said: "The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the name of the Lord."
Chapter 130
The psalmist prays for an end to this long exile.
1. A song of ascents. Out of the depths I call to You, O Lord.
2. My Lord, hearken to my voice; let Your ears be attentive to the sound of my pleas.
3. God, if You were to preserve iniquities, my Lord, who could survive?
4. But forgiveness is with You, that You may be held in awe.
5. I hope in the Lord; my soul hopes, and I long for His word.
6. My soul yearns for the Lord more than those awaiting the morning wait for the morning.
7. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is kindness; with Him there is abounding deliverance.
8. And He will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Chapter 131
In this prayer, David declares that never in the course of his life was he haughty, nor did he pursue greatness or worldly pleasures.
1. A song of ascents, by David. O Lord, my heart was not proud, nor were my eyes haughty; I did not seek matters that were too great and too wondrous for me.
2. Surely I put my soul at peace and soothed it like a weaned child with his mother; my soul was like a weaned child.
3. Let Israel hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.
Chapter 132
David composed this psalm while he and the elders of Israel wore sackcloth, in mourning over the plague that had descended upon the land, and their being distant from the Holy Temple. David therefore offers intense prayers, entreating God to remember the hardship and sacrifice he endured for the sake of the Temple.
1. A song of ascents. O Lord, remember unto David all his suffering,
2. how he swore to the Lord, and vowed to the Mighty Power of Jacob:
3. "I will not enter into the tent of my house; I will not go up into the bed that is spread for me;
4. I will not give sleep to my eyes, nor slumber to my eyelids;
5. until I will have found a place for the Lord, a resting place for the Mighty Power of Jacob.”
6. Lo, we heard of it in Ephrath; we found it in the field of the forest.
7. We will come to His resting places; we will prostrate ourselves at His footstool.
8. Ascend, O Lord, to Your resting place, You and the Ark of Your might.
9. May Your priests clothe themselves in righteousness, and may Your pious ones sing joyous songs.
10. For the sake of David Your servant, turn not away the face of Your anointed.
11. For the Lord has sworn to David a truth from which He will never retreat: "From the fruit of your womb will I set for you upon the throne.
12. If your sons will keep My covenant and this testimony of mine which I will teach them, then their sons, too, will sit on the throne for you until the end of time.
13. For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation.
14. This is My resting place to the end of time. Here will I dwell, for I have desired it.
15. I will abundantly bless her sustenance; I will satisfy her needy with bread.
16. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her pious ones will sing joyous songs.
17. There I will cause David's power to flourish; there I have prepared a lamp for My anointed.
18. His enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon him, his crown will blossom."
Chapter 133
1. A song of ascents, by David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together.
2. Like the precious oil [placed] upon the head, flowing [in abundance] down the beard, the beard of Aaron which rests upon his garments.
3. Like the dew of Hermon which comes down upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord has commanded blessing, life unto eternity.
Chapter 134
The psalmist exhorts the scholarly and pious to rise from their beds at night, and go to the House of God.
1. A song of ascents. Behold: Bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand in the House of the Lord in the nights.
2. Lift up your hands in holiness and bless the Lord.
3. May the Lord, Who makes heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 37• Lessons in Tanya
• Today's Tanya Lesson
• Shabbat, 27 Adar, 5777 · 25 March 2017
• Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 37
• ובזה יובן מה שהפליגו רז״ל במאד מאד במעלת הצדקה, ואמרו ששקולה כנגד כל המצות
In light of the above, where it was explained that the advantage of the “active” mitzvot lies in their elevating effect on the body and vital soul, we can understand why our Sages so greatly extolled the virtue of charity,1 declaring it equal to all the other mitzvot together.
ובכל תלמוד ירושלמי היא נקראת בשם מצוה סתם, כי כך היה הרגל הלשון לקרוא צדקה בשם מצוה סתם
In all of the Talmud Yerushalmi charity is called simply “The Commandment,” for such was the idiomatic expression commonly used to refer to charity: “The Commandment,”
מפני שהיא עיקר המצות מעשיות, ועולה על כולנה
because charity is the core of all the mitzvot of action and surpasses them all.
שכולן הן רק להעלות נפש החיונית לה׳, שהיא היא המקיימת אותן ומתלבשת בהן
For the purpose of all these mitzvot is only to elevate one’s animal soul to G‑d, since it is this vital soul that performs them and clothes itself in them,
ליכלל באור אין סוף ברוך הוא המלובש בהם
so as to be absorbed into the blessed Ein Sof-light clothed in them.
ואין לך מצוה שנפש החיונית מתלבשת בה כל כך כבמצות הצדקה
Now, you will find no other mitzvah in which the vital soul is clothed to the same extent as in the mitzvahof charity.
שבכל המצות אין מתלבש בהן רק כח אחד מנפש החיונית, בשעת מעשה המצוה לבד
For in all other mitzvot only one faculty of the vital soul is clothed (e.g., the faculty of action in the hand donning Tefillin or holding an etrog); and even this one faculty is clothed in the mitzvah only while the mitzvah is being performed.
אבל בצדקה, שאדם נותן מיגיע כפיו
In the case of charity, however, which one gives from the proceeds of the toil of his hands,
הרי כל כח נפשו החיונית מלובש בעשיית מלאכתו, או עסק אחר שנשתכר בה מעות אלו
surely all the strength of his vital soul is clothed in (i.e., applied to) the effort of his labor, or in any other occupation by which he earned this money which he now distributes for charity.
וכשנותנן לצדקה, הרי כל נפשו החיונית עולה לה׳
Thus when he gives to charity this money to which he applied all the strength of his vital soul, his entire vital soul ascends to G‑d. Hence the superiority of charity over other mitzvot.
But this seems to imply that if one does not invest all his strength into earning his livelihood, his charity lacks this quality; to which the Alter Rebbe rejoins:
וגם מי שאינו נהנה מיגיעו, מכל מקום הואיל ובמעות אלו היה יכול לקנות חיי נפשו החיונית, הרי נותן חיי נפשו לה׳
Even he who does not earn his livelihood from his labors, nevertheless, since he could have purchased with this money that he gave for charity, sustenance for the life of his vital soul, he is actually giving his soul’s life to G‑d in the form of charity. Thus, charity comprises and therefore elevates more energy of the vital soul than any other mitzvah.
ולכן אמרו רז״ל שמקרבת את הגאולה
This is why our Sages have said2 that charity hastens the Messianic redemption:
לפי שבצדקה אחת מעלה הרבה מנפש החיונית, מה שלא היה יכול להעלות ממנה כל כך כחות ובחינות בכמה מצות מעשיות אחרות
For with one act of charity one elevates a great deal of the vital soul; more of its faculties and powers, in fact, than he might elevate through many other active mitzvot [combined]. As mentioned earlier in this chapter, the Messianic Era is a result of our efforts in purifying and elevating the vital soul; charity, which effects this elevation in such great measure, thus hastens the redemption.
We see, at any rate, that charity is superior to all other mitzvot, including Torah study. But here one may object:
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Bava Batra 9a. |
| 2. | Ibid. 10a. |
• Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
• Negative Commandment 68• Off-Limits Areas for the Priests
"That he may not come at all times into the holy place"—Leviticus 16:2.
The high priest is forbidden from entering the Holy of Holies any time other than Yom Kippur, and only when he is then performing the special Yom Kippur service.
The regular priest is forbidden from entering the Holy Temple's sanctuary unless he is discharging a service there [e.g., kindling the menorah, offering incense, or simply entering to prostrate himself before G‑d].
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Off-Limits Areas for the Priests
Negative Commandment 68
Translated by Berel Bell
The 68th prohibition is that [even] a kohen gadol may not always enter the Temple, due to its exalted status and the awe of the Divine Presence.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "He [Aaron] may not always enter the Sanctuary."
There are various categories within this prohibition: a kohen gadol may not enter the Holy of Holies even on Yom Kippur, expect for times designated for the service.2 Similarly, a regular kohen may not enter the Temple building (heichal) the entire year, expect for when he is performing the Temple service.
In summary, this prohibition says that if not performing the Temple service, a kohen may not even enter an area he would be allowed to enter, and at a time he would be allowed to enter, unless he is performing a Temple service — whether a kohen gadol inside the Holy of Holies or a kohen outside.3
The punishment for entering such an area without performing the Temple service [varies]: if he entered the Holy of Holies, there is a [Divine] death penalty. If he entered the Temple building (heichal), he receives lashes.
In the words of the Sifra: "The phrase 'He may not always enter' refers to Yom Kippur [— that he may not enter except for the designated times]. The phrase 'the Sanctuary' comes to include the rest of the year. The phrase 'from inside the partition' comes to include the rest of the Temple.4 One might think that the death penalty applies to the entire Temple — therefore the verse adds '[from inside the partition] which faces the Ark, so that he shall not die.' This means that [for entering the area] which faces the Ark [i.e. the Holy of Holies] the penalty is death, but [entering] the rest of the Temple is only a prohibition." Our Sages stated clearly in tractate Menachos,5 "One who enters the Temple building receives 40 lashes."
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev. 16:2.
2.The kohen gadol entered the Holy of Holies four times on Yom Kippur. Entering a fifth time is prohibited by this commandment.
3.By this statement, the Rambam evidently wishes to explain why this counts as just one commandment rather than two. See Yad Halevi, footnote 4.
4.See Hilchos Bi'as HaMikdash, 2:2 and commentaries. Heller, footnote 13.
5.27b.
• Negative Commandment 165• A Priest Leaving the Holy Temple Mid-Service
"And you shall not go out the door of the Tent of Meeting"—Leviticus 10:7.
It is forbidden for a priest to leave the Temple while he is in middle of performing his service.
A high priest may not leave the Temple even if he is an onen, i.e. he is informed that one of his next of kin has passed away.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• A Priest Leaving the Holy Temple Mid-Service
Negative Commandment 165
Translated by Berel Bell
The 165th prohibition is that the kohanim are forbidden from leaving the Temple when they are in the middle of performing the Temple service.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,1 "Do not go out from the entrance of the Communion Tent (pesach ohel moed)." The prohibition is repeated in reference to the kohen gadol in the verse,2 "He may not leave the Temple."
In the words of the Sifra: "From the phrase 'from the entrance of the ohel moed' I would think that the prohibition applies regardless of whether or not the Temple service was being performed. The verse,3 'He may not leave the Temple in order that he not profane' [the Temple service] teaches that the prohibition applies only when the Temple service is being performed. [What is the significance of the conclusion of the verse] 'because G‑d's anointing oil is upon you'? One might think that the death penalty for one who leaves while in the middle of the Temple service is only for Aaron and his sons — who were anointed with this special oil. What is the source to apply this law for all kohanim and for all generations? This verse 'because G‑d's anointing oil is upon you.' "
This law contains an extra stringency for a kohen gadol in that he may not [leave the Temple even to] attend the burial [of a close relative]. This is the meaning of the verse, "He may not leave the Temple." This is explained in the second chapter of Sanhedrin,4 which clearly derives the law that he may not attend a relative's burial from this verse, "He may not leave the Temple."
From here we learn that he may perform the Temple service even on the day of the relative's death. To quote the statement of our Sages from tractate Sanhedrin:5 "The verse states, 'He may not leave the Temple in order that he not profane' [the Temple service] — however there is someone else who would profane the Temple service if he would not leave [and instead continue the Temple service]." This refers to a regular kohen, who may not perform the Temple service when an onen. This law which prohibits an onen from performing the service is derived as mentioned above. This principle that a regular kohen is not allowed to perform the service when an onen, while a kohen gadol is allowed is explained in the end of tractate Horios.6
It7 has been made clear that the phrase v'lo y'chalel ("[he may not leave the Temple] in order that he not profane") is a statement that something will not happen [sh'lilah] rather than a prohibition, because his service is not profaned although he is an onen.8
On the simple level, the phrase v'lo y'chalel [has another interpretation: it] gives the reason for the prohibition which immediately precedes it — "He may not leave" in order that "he not profane." According to both interpretations9 this phrase is not counted as a separate commandment, as is clear to all who understand the principles which were given as the introduction to this work.10
We have explained that these three prohibitions — not to grow long hair, wear torn clothing, or leave the Temple — are repeated regarding the kohen gadol in order to convey a particular idea. This is similar to the verses which prohibit [a kohen from marrying] a divorcee, chalalah, or zonah, which are repeated [in reference to the kohen gadol] in order to convey a particular idea.
The three areas prohibited by these three laws are the same ones referred to in the verses, "Your heads al tifrau," "Your clothing lo tifromu," and "Do not go out from the entrance of the ohel moed." Moshe Rabbeinu, may he rest in peace, gave them over to Elazar and Isamar, saying, "in spite of your shock over this frightening event [i.e. the death of Nadav and Avihu], those things which are normally forbidden to you do not become permitted. Rather, you remain forbidden from doing all the things you were forbidden from doing beforehand, i.e. allowing the hair to grow long, wearing torn clothing, and leaving the Temple during the Temple service."
The repetition in reference to the kohen gadol teaches that the prohibition applies [only] at the time that the Temple service is being performed, and that only at such a time is the [Divine] death penalty in effect. This is similar to the way that the commandment, "Do not go out from the entrance of the ohel moed" is explained by the verse, "He may not leave the Temple."11
Although each repetition of these prohibitions in reference to the kohen gadol is used to derive an additional law, as explained above, nevertheless, they do not increase the total number of mitzvos — as is understood by anyone who understands our introduction.12 This is because each repeated verse is used to teach you that the act is prohibited specifically during the time of the Temple service. One should understand this well.
FOOTNOTES
1.Lev. 10:7.
2.Ibid. 21:12.
3.Ibid.
4.18a.
5.84a.
6.12b.
7.The Rambam now proves that the phrase "he not profane" does not count as a separate prohibition, i.e. to not profane the Temple service.
8.Therefore, the verse means to say, "He may not leave the Temple, and may continue to perform the Temple service, and he still does not profane the service, although he is an onen."
9.1 — that it is a sh'lilah; 2 — that it gives the reason.
10.See Principle 8.
11.See Sifra, beginning of this mitzvah.
12.See the Ninth Introductory Principle.
• Positive Commandment 31• Ejecting the Ritually Impure from the Temple Area
"They shall send out from the camp all those afflicted with tzara'at or with a male discharge, and all those unclean through [contact with] the dead"—Numbers 5:2.
We are commanded to expel from the Temple area all those who are ritually impure.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• Ejecting the Ritually Impure from the Temple Area
Positive Commandment 31
Translated by Berel Bell
The 31st mitzvah is that we are commanded to remove from the Temple people who are tameh.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "Send out of the camp everyone who has a leprous mark or a male discharge, and all who are ritually defiled by the dead."
The camp referred to [in the desert] is the machaneh Shechinah, which in later generations corresponds to the Temple courtyard, as we explained in our commentary on the Mishneh, at the beginning of Seder Taharos.2 In the words of the Sifri, "The verse 'Send out of the camp' is a prohibition to those who are tameh, that they may not enter the Temple when still in a state of tumah."
This mitzvah is repeated in another form in G‑d's statement3 (exalted be He), "If a man is tameh because of a nocturnal emission, he must go outside the camp." The camp referred to in this phrase is the machaneh Shechinah, just as in [the passage quoted above as the source for] this same mitzvah,4 "Send them out of the camp." In tractate Pesachim,5 it is explained, "The verse 'he must go outside the camp' refers to the machaneh Shechinah." In the words of the Mechilta,6 "The verse 'Command the Jewish people to send out of the camp,' constitutes a positive commandment. What is the source for the prohibition? The verse, '[Send them out of the camp] and they shall not defile their camp.' "
The Sifra7 states, "The phrase 'he must go outside the camp' constitutes a positive commandment."
FOOTNOTES
1.Num. 5:2.
2.Keilim 1:8. There were three levels of holiness in the Mishkan that accompanied the Jewish people in the desert. The lowest was the machaneh Yisroel, the next, the machaneh Leviyah, and the highest, the machaneh Shechinah. In later generations they corresponded to the city of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, and the Temple courtyard, respectively.
3.Deut. 23:11.
4.Num. 5:3.
5.68a.
6.See Kapach, 5731, footnote 62, that our versions of Mechilta do not have this passage. It can be found in Sifri Zuta.
7.Deut. 23:11.
• Negative Commandment 77• A Ritually Impure Person Entering the Holy Temple
"They shall not defile their camp"—Numbers 5:3.
All ritually impure individuals are forbidden from entering the Holy Temple—i.e., any area in [the sanctuary and] the Holy Temple Courtyard, starting from the Nikanor Gate.
Full text of this Mitzvah »• A Ritually Impure Person Entering the Holy Temple
Negative Commandment 77
Translated by Berel Bell
The 77th prohibition is that anyone who is tameh is forbidden from entering anywhere in the Temple. In later generations, this corresponds to the entire Temple courtyard, from the Gate of Nikanor and inward, which is the beginning of the Courtyard of the Israelites.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "[Send them out of the camp] and they shall not defile their camp," i.e. the machaneh Shechinah.
In tractate Makkos2 it is explained, "Regarding a person who enters the Temple when he is tameh, both the punishment and the prohibition are written. The punishment is from the verse,3 '[Any person who touches the corpse of a dead person...] shall receive kares if he defiles G‑d's Temple [by entering it].' The prohibition is derived from the verse, '[Send them out of the camp] and they shall not defile their camp.' "
The Mechilta4 says, "The verse 'Command the Jewish people to send out of the camp' constitutes a positive commandment. What is the source for the prohibition? The verse, 'and they shall not defile their camp.' "
This prohibition is repeated with different wording regarding a woman who has recently given birth, "She shall not enter the Temple."5
The Sifra says, "From the verse6 'You must warn the Jewish people about their impurity, so that it not cause them to die [if they defile the Temple that I have placed among them]' I would think that the same applies both from the inside and the outside," i.e. that if he is tameh, he receives kares even if he touches the Temple from the outside. [The Sifra concludes,] "The Torah therefore says regarding a woman who recently gave birth, 'She shall not enter the Temple.' "
There it is explained that the law regarding a woman who has given birth is identical to that of other individuals who are tameh as far as this law is concerned.7
The Sifra also comments on G‑d's statement8 (exalted be He), "If he does not immerse his clothing and body, then he will bear his guilt" — "What does this mean? For not immersing his body, he is punished with kares; for not immersing his clothing, he is punished by receiving 40 lashes. How do we know that this speaks exclusively about someone who is tameh and either enters the Temple or consumes holy offerings? From the fact that it warns, and then indicates the punishment."
We have already explained that one who intentionally transgresses this prohibition is punished with kares. If done unintentionally, the person must bring an offering of adjustable value, as we explained in P72.
The details of this mitzvah are explained in the beginning of tractate Shavuos, in Horios,9 Kerisus,10 and a number of passages in Zevachim.
FOOTNOTES
1.Num. 5:3.
2.14b.
3.Num. 19:13.
4.See footnote to P31 above regarding our versions of the Mechilta.
5.Lev.12:4.
6.Ibid., 15:31.
7.We see from this that the law regarding a woman who recently gave birth is included in this commandment, and does not count as a separate commandment.
8.Ibid. 17:16.
9.9a.
10.2a
• Negative Commandment 78• A Ritually Impure Person Entering the Temple Mount
"He may not enter this camp"—Deuteronomy 23:11.
All ritually impure individuals [with the exception of individuals impure due to contact with a corpse] are forbidden from entering the Temple Mount.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
• A Ritually Impure Person Entering the Temple Mount
Negative Commandment 78
Translated by Berel Bell
The 78th prohibition is that a person who is tameh is forbidden from entering the machaneh Leviyah, which later corresponded to the Temple Mount, as we explained in our commentary on the beginning of tractate Keilim.1 The prohibition against people who are tameh entering the Temple Mount is explained there.
The verse which serves as the source of this prohibition refers to a man who is tameh because of a nocturnal emission, "He may not enter inside the camp."2
The3 passage in tractate Pesachim4 reads: "The phrase 'he must go outside the camp' refers to the machaneh Shechinah," as we explained in positive commandment 31. [Pesachim continues,] "The phrase 'he must go outside the camp' refers to the machaneh Leviyah."
"Ravina then asked, 'perhaps both phrases refer to the machaneh Shechinah, and the repetition serves to cover both the positive and negative commandments?!'"
[The Gemara answers,] "If so, it could have just written, 'he may not enter inside,'" i.e. "he may not enter inside it."5 [The Gemara continues,] "Why is the word 'camp' repeated? To refer to a second type of camp, i.e. the machaneh Leviyah." This means that even this camp he may not enter.
The Sifri6 says [clearly that this phrase counts as a separate commandment]: "The phrase, 'He may not enter inside the camp, 'is a negative commandment."
The details of this mitzvah are also explained in our commentary to the beginning of tractate Keilim.
FOOTNOTES
1.See footnote to P31.
2.Deut. 23:11.
3.The full verse reads, "He must go outside the camp; he may not enter inside the camp." The Rambam proves that the "camp" referred to in the beginning of the verse refers to the machaneh Shechinah, which is positive commandment 31; while the second "camp" refers to the machaneh Leviyah, which is this commandment.
4.68a.
5.The Rambam makes this clarification because in Hebrew, removing the word hamachaneh ("the camp") would make the phrase non-sensical.
6.Deut. 23:11.
• Rambam • 1 Chapter: Shechenim Shechenim - Chapter Four
• Shechenim - Chapter Four
1
The following rules apply when a person owns a loft that is situated above a house belonging to a colleague. If one of the walls of the house falls, the owner of the loft is not required to pay any of the costs incurred by the owner of the house in repairing it. And he may compel the owner of the house to repair it as it was originally. If, by contrast, one of the walls of the loft falls, the owner of the house cannot compel the owner of the loft to repair it.
The ceiling is the responsibility of the owner of the house. The plaster above it is the responsibility of the owner of the loft.
א
מי שהיתה לו עלייה למעלה מביתו של חבירו ונפל כותל מכותלי הבית אין בעל העלייה נותן לו כלום ביציאותיו וכופה את בעל הבית לבנותו כשהיה אבל אין בעל הבית כופה לבעל העלייה לבנות כותל עלייה שנפל והתקרה של בית הרי היא של בעל הבית והמעזיבה שעל התקרה הרי היא של בעל העלייה:
2
If both the house and the loft fall, both owners share equally in the wood, the stones and the sand.
If some of the stones are broken, we determine which of the stones were more likely to have broken, the stones of the house or the stones of the loft. This can be determined by the manner in which the stones fell: whether the upper stones fell on the lower stones and destroyed them or the lower stones slipped out and the upper stones fell and were destroyed. If it cannot be determined how the stones fell, both the whole stones and the broken stones should be divided equally.
ב
נפלו שניהם הבית והעלייה הרי שניהם חולקין בעצים ובאבנים ובעפר ואם נשתברו מקצת האבנים רואין אי זו ראויה להשתבר אם אבני הבית או אבני העלייה ודבר זה ידוע מדרך הנפילה אם נפל העליון על התחתון והרסו או נשמט התחתון ונפל העליון ונהרס ואם אינן יודעין כיצד נפל חולקין האבנים השלימות והשבורות:
3
The following rule applies when both structures fall, and the owner of the loft tells the owner of the house to rebuild his home so that he can build his loft upon it, but the owner of the home refuses to do so. The owner of the loft may rebuild the home to its original size and live inside it until the owner of the home reimburses him for all his costs. Then he must leave, and he may build his loft upon it if he desires.
ג
אמר בעל העלייה לבע"ה לבנות כדי שיבנה עלייתו על גביו והוא אינו רוצה הרי בעל העלייה בונה את הבית כשהיה ויושב ודר בתוכו עד אשר יתן כל יציאותיו ואח"כ יצא ויבנה עלייתו אם רוצה:
4
If neither of them is able to rebuild the building, the owner of the loft receives one third of the land, and the owner of the house receives two thirds of the land.
ד
ואם אין אחד מהן יכול לבנות בעל העלייה נוטל שליש הקרקע ובעל הבית שני שלישים:
5
If the owner of the house desires to rebuild his home, he should rebuild it as it was originally. The following laws apply if he desires to change the structure of the walls: If he desires to strengthen them and increase their width beyond their previous measures, his desire is heeded. If he desires to make them narrower or weaker - e.g., originally, they had been made from stone, and now he wants to make them from bricks - his desire is not heeded.
If he desires to build the ceiling with heavier and stronger beams, his desire is heeded. If he desires to make them narrower than they were originally, his desire is not heeded.
If he desires to add more windows or increase the height of the house, his desire is not heeded. If he desires to reduce the number of windows or diminish the height of the house, his desire is heeded.
Similarly, the owner of the loft should rebuild it as it was originally. If he desires to change the structure of the walls, to increase their width and strengthen them, his desire is not heeded, because he places an additional burden on the lower walls. If he desires to make them narrower, his desire is heeded.
Similar laws apply with regard to the beams of the ceiling of the loft. If he desires to exchange them for lighter ones, his desire is heeded. If he desires to use heavier beams, his desire is not heeded.
If he desires to add more windows or diminish the height of the loft, his desire is heeded. If he desires to reduce the number of windows or increase the height of the house, his desire is not heeded.
ה
רצה בעל הבית לבנות ביתו בונה כשהיה ואם בא לשנות בכותלים אם חיזק אותן והרבה ברחבן יותר ממה שהיו שומעין לו רצה למעט ברחבן או לפחות מחזקן כגון שהיו אבנים וביקש להחזיר לבנים וכיוצא בהן אין שומעין לו בא לשנות את התקרה לקורות כבדין וחזקין שומעין לו לפחות ברחבן פחות ממה שהיו אין שומעין לו הרבה בחלונות או שהוסיף בגובה הבית אין שומעין לו מיעט בחלונות או שמיעט בגובה הבית שומעין לו וכן בעל העלייה בונה אותה אם רצה כשהיתה ואם בא לשנות הכותלים להרחיב ולהחזיק אין שומעין לו מפני שהוא מכביד על כותל התחתון אבל למעט שומעין לו וכן בקורות תקרה העליונה אם שינה אותם לקלים ממה שהיו שומעין לו לכבדים מהן אין שומעין לו הרבה בחלונות או שמיעט בגובה העלייה שומעין לו אבל אם מיעט בחלונות או הרבה בגבהה אין שומעין לו:
6
The following rules apply when the beams of the ceiling sink lower and descend into the space of the house. If they reach within ten handbreadths of the ground, the owner of the house may destroy and rebuild the entire structure. If they do not reach that low, the owner of the loft may prevent him from doing so. Even if the owner of the house tells the owner of the loft: "I will rent you another place to live until I repair the ceiling," his desire is not heeded. For the owner of the loft will tell him: "I do not want the difficulty of moving from place to place so that you can repair your home."
ו
נתדלדלו קורות הבית וירדו לאויר הבית אם הגיעו לתוך עשרה טפחים סותר ובונה ואם לא הגיעו יכול בעל העלייה לעכב עליו ואפילו אמר לו בעל הבית אני אשכור לך מקום כדי שתדור בו עד שאתקן התקרה אין שומעין לו שהרי אומר לו איני רוצה שאטרח ממקום למקום כדי שתתקן את ביתך:
7
If an agreement was made between the two of them that as long as the house is high enough that a person can enter while carrying an ordinary sized burden on his head despite the fact that the beams have bent lower, the owner may not tear it down. If, however, he cannot enter while carrying such a burden unless he bends his head, he may tear it down, repair it and rebuild it, then the owner of the loft may not prevent him. For this was the agreement they made at the outset.
ז
התנו ביניהם דבר זה אם נשאר בגובה הבית כדי שיקח אדם חבילה בינונית על ראשו ויכנס בה תחת קורות אלו שנעקמו אינו סותר ואם אינו יכול להכנס בה עד שיכוף את ראשו סותר ומתקן ובונה ואין בעל העלייה יכול לעכב שהרי התנו ביניהם תחלה:
8
The following rule applies when an olive press is built in the midst of a mountain, a garden is located upon it, and then the top of the olive press becomes opened four handbreadths or more. The owner of the garden may descend and sow the earth of the olive press until the owner of the olive press makes a covering for the olive press, so that the owner of the higher property can restore the earth of his garden and sow it.
ח
בית הבד שהוא בנוי בעובי ההר וגינה אחת על גביו ונפחתו שמי בית הבד כארבעה טפחים או יותר הרי בעל הגינה יורד וזורע למטה עד שיעשה זה לבית בדו כיפין ויתקן העליון קרקע גינתו ויזרע כל גינתו:
9
The following rules apply when there are two gardens, one on top of the other on the slope of a mountain, and there are vegetables growing on the surface of the earth between them. Any vegetables to which the owner of the higher property can extend his hand and pull out by their roots belong to him, provided he does not strain himself. The remainder belong to the owner of the lower property.
If the owner of the higher property can reach the leaves of the vegetables, but cannot reach their roots, he should not take them. If, however, he does take them, they should not be expropriated from his possession.
Different laws apply with regard to a tree that stands on the boundary line between two properties. Even though it leans into the field belonging to one of them, both of them may divide the fruits.
ט
שתי גנות זו על גב זו והירק בינתיים בגובה עובי הארץ שביניהם כל שהעליון יכול לפשוט את ידו וליטול אותו מעיקרו הרי הוא שלו ובלבד שלא יאנוס את עצמו והשאר של תחתון היה מגיע לנופו ואינו מגיע לעיקרו לא יטול העליון ואם נטל אין מוציאין אותו מידו אבל האילן העומד על המצר אע"פ שהוא נוטה לתוך שדה אחת מהן הרי שניהם חולקין בפירותיו:
10
The following rules apply if a river washes away olive trees belonging to one person and plants them in a field belonging to another. If the owner of the trees says: "I want to take my olive trees, his desire is not heeded, in order that the land be settled. Instead, they should remain in their place.
If the river uproots the trees together with their earth when it replants them, the owner of the field and the owner of the olive trees should divide the fruit for the first three years. After three years, all the produce belongs to the owner of the field. If they were not uprooted together with their earth, the owner of the field is entitled to the entire benefit immediately.
י
שטף נהר את זיתיו ושתלם בתוך שדה חבירו ואמר הלה זיתי אני נוטל אין שומעין לו משום יישוב הארץ אלא יעמדו במקומן ואם עקרן הנהר בגושיהן כששתלן יחלקו הפירות בעל השדה עם בעל הזיתים כל ג' שנים ולאחר ג' הכל לבעל השדה ואם לא נעקרו בגושיהן הכל לבעל הקרקע מיד:
11
Similar concepts apply when a person sells his olive trees to be used as wood. If the agreement was that he would cut them down immediately, all the fruit they produce belongs to the owner of the land. If the agreement was that he could cut them down whenever he desires, all the fruit they produce belongs to the owner of the trees.
The following rules apply when the trees were sold without a specific agreement. If they produce no more than a revi'it per se'ahbeyond the costs involved, they belong to the owner of the olive trees. If they produce more than a revi'it per se'ah beyond the costs involved, they should be divided.
יא
כיוצא בו המוכר זיתיו לעצים אם פסק עמו לקוץ מיד כל הפירות שיעשו הרי הן לבעל הקרקע ואם התנה עמו לקוץ כל זמן שירצה כל הפירות שיוציאו לבעל העצים מכר סתם אם עשו פחות מרביעית לסאה חוץ מן ההוצאה הרי אלו של בעל הזיתים עשו רביעית לסאה חוץ מן ההוצאה הרי אלו יחלוקו:
• Biat Hamikdash - Chapter 2
1
א
אין כהן גדול נכנס לקדש הקדשים אלא מיוה"כ ליום הכפורים וכהן הדיוט נכנס לקדש לעבודה בכל יום:
2
The priests were all3 warned not to enter the Sanctuary or the Holy of Holies when they are not in the midst of the service,4as [Leviticus 16:2] states: "He shall not come to the Holy Chamber at all time" - this refers to the Holy of Holies. "...Within the curtain" - this warns [the priests against unwarranted entry] into the entire Temple.5
ב
והוזהרו כל הכהנים שלא יכנסו לקדש או לקדש הקדשים שלא בשעת עבודה שנאמר ואל יבוא בכל עת אל הקדש זה קדש הקדשים מבית לפרוכת להזהיר על כל הבית:
3
A priest - whether an ordinary priest or a High Priest - who enters the Holy of Holies on any of the other days of the year, or a High Priest who enters there on Yom Kippur outside the time of service, he is liable for death at the hand of heaven, as [ibid.] states: "And he shall not die."
How many times does he enter on Yom Kippur? Four, as will be explained in the appropriate place.6 If he enters a fifth time, he is liable for death at the hand of heaven.
ג
כהן שנכנס לקדש הקדשים בשאר ימות השנה בין כהן הדיוט בין כ"ג או כהן גדול שנכנס לו ביוה"כ שלא בשעת העבודה חייב מיתה בידי שמים שנאמר ולא ימות וכמה פעמים הוא נכנס לשם ביום הכפורים ארבע כמו שיתבאר במקומו ואם נכנס חמישית חייב מיתה בידי שמים:
4
One - whether an ordinary priest of a High priest - who enters the Sacred Chamber outside the Holy of Holies not for the sake of service, nor prostrating oneself7 is liable for lashes, but is not liable for death. [This is derived from the above verse which states:] "Before the covering [that is upon the Ark] so that he will not die." [Implied is that] for [unauthorized entry into] the Holy of Holies, he is liable for death, but [entering] the remainder of the Sanctuary is merely the violation of a negative commandment and is punishable by lashes.
ד
והנכנס לקדש חוץ לקדש הקדשים שלא לעבודה או להשתחוות בין הדיוט בין גדול לוקה ואינו חייב מיתה שנאמר אל פני הכפורת ולא ימות על קדש הקדשים במיתה ועל שאר הבית בלאו ולוקה:
5
A priest - whether an ordinary priest of a High priest - who departs from the Temple is liable for death8 [at the hand of heaven] only in the midst of his service,9 as [ibid 10:7] states: "From the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, you shall not depart, lest you die." Implied is that you should not abandon the service and leave hastily and in panic because of this decree.10 Similarly, the charge [issued to] the High Priest [ibid. 21:12]: "He shall not depart from the Temple," applies only in the midst of his service, i.e., that he should not abandon his service and depart.
ה
כהן שיצא מן המקדש בשעת העבודה בלבד חייב מיתה בין כהן גדול בין כהן הדיוט שנאמר ומפתח אהל מועד לא תצאו פן תמותו כלומר לא תניחו עבודה ותצאו מבוהלים ודחופים מפני גזירה זו וכן זה שנאמר בכהן גדול ומן המקדש לא יצא אינו אלא בשעת העבודה בלבד שלא יניח עבודתו ויצא:
6
If so, why was this warning repeated for the High Priest? [Because there is a difference between the laws that apply to him and those which apply to an ordinary priest]. When an ordinary priest was in the midst of his service in the Temple and he heard that a person for whom he is obligated to mourn has died, he should not perform sacrificial service, even though he does not leave the Temple,11 because he is in an acute state of mourning.12if he performed service while in an acute state of mourning, he profanes his service, whether he is offering an individual sacrifice or a communal offering. A High Priest, by contrast, performs sacrificial service while he is in a state of acute mourning, as [implied by ibid.]: "From the Temple, he should not depart and not profane." Implied is that he should remain [in the Temple] and perform the service with which he was involved and it does not become profaned.
ו
אם כן מפני מה נשנית אזהרה זו בכהן גדול שכהן הדיוט שהיה במקדש בעבודתו ושמע שמת לו מת שהוא חייב להתאבל עליו אף על פי שאינו יוצא מן המקדש אינו עובד מפני שהוא אונן ואם עבד והוא אונן של תורה חילל עבודתו בין בקרבן יחיד בין בקרבן ציבור אבל כ"ג עובד כשהוא אונן שנאמר ומן המקדש לא יצא ולא יחלל כלומר ישב ויעבוד עבודה שהיה עוסק בה ואינה מתחללת:
7
What is the source that teaches that the service of one in an acute state of mourning is invalid? [It is derived from] an inference from a less severe situation to a more severe one.13 A priest disqualified because of a physical deformity may partake of sacrificial foods.14 Nevertheless, if he performs service, he profanes it.15 How much more so should one who is in acute mourning and thus forbidden to partake of sacrificial foods16 - as [Deuteronomy 26:14] states: "I did not eat from it in a state of acute morning" - profane his service [if he performs it].
ז
ומניין שעבודת האונן פסולה מקל וחומר אם בעל מום שאוכל בקדשים אם עבד חילל אונן שהוא אסור בקדשים שנאמר לא אכלתי באוני ממנו דין הוא שיחלל:
8
Although a High Priest may perform service while he is in a state of acute mourning, he is forbidden to partake of sacrificial food, as [Leviticus 10:19] states: "If I had partaken of the sin-offering today, would it have found favor in God's eyes."17Similarly, he does not participate in the division of the sacrificial foods so that he could partake of the food in the evening.
When a person in an acute state of mourning performs sacrificial service, he is not liable for lashes. He is permitted to touch sacrificial foods even though he did not immerse himself [in a mikveh], for this safeguard was enforced only with regard to eating. With regard to touching [objects], he is considered as pure, as will be explained in the appropriate place.18
ח
ואף על פי שכהן גדול עובד אונן אסור לאכול בקדשים שנאמר ואכלתי חטאת היום הייטב בעיני י"י וכן אינו חולק לאכול בערב אונן שעבד אינו לוקה ומותר ליגע בקדשים אע"פ שלא טבל שלא עשו מעלה אלא באכילה אבל בנגיעה הרי זה טהור כמו שיתבאר במקומו:
9
What is meant by a person in an acute state of mourning? One who lost one of the relatives19 for whom he is required to mourn. On the day of the person's death, he is considered in acute mourning according to Scriptural Law. And at night, he is in acute mourning according to Rabbinic Law.
ט
אי זהו אונן זה שמת לו מת מן הקרובים שהוא חייב להתאבל עליהן ביום המיתה בלבד הוא הנקרא אונן דין תורה ולילה הוא אונן מדברי סופרים:
10
When [it was necessary] to wait several days and [only] afterwards, a corpse was buried, for all those days after the day of the deceased's passing, [his relative] is considered in an acute state of mourning according to Rabbinic Law. This also [applies] with regard to the day of burial, but not the following night.
Therefore if [a close relative of a priest] dies and he buries him after the day of his death, throughout the day of the burial, he may not offer or partake of sacrifices according to Rabbinic Law. He should then immerse himself and partake of sacrifices at night. The day on which a person hears a report that a relative of his died within 30 days20 and the day on which he gathers his bones21 is considered as the day of one's burial, but [the restrictions] do not apply at night. On the day of [a close relative's] death, by contrast, just as it is forbidden to partake of sacrificial foods during the day according to Scriptural Law, so too, it is forbidden for him to partake of them that night according to Rabbinic Law. [The only] exception is the Paschal sacrifice which he may eat at night, as will be explained in the appropriate place.22
י
ומת ששהה ימים ואחר כך נקבר כל אותם הימים שאחר יום המיתה הוא אונן מדבריהם וכן יום הקבורה ואינו תופש לילו לפיכך מי שמת לו מת (וקברו) לאחר יום המיתה כל יום הקבורה אינו מקריב ואינו אוכל בקדשים מדבריהם וטובל ואוכל לערב ויום שמועה קרובה ויום ליקוט עצמות הרי הוא כיום קבורה שאינו תופש לילו ואפילו מדבריהם לפיכך טובל ואוכל בקדשים לערב אבל יום המיתה כשם שאסור לאכול בו קדשים מן התורה כך אסור לאכול בלילו מדבריהם חוץ מן הפסח בלבד שהוא אוכל לערב כמו שיתבאר במקומו:
11
Throughout the seven days of mourning, a mourner should not send sacrifices [to be offered in the Temple].23[Indeed, he should not send] even wine, wood, or frankincense. Similarly, a person afflicted with tzara'at24 should not send his sacrifices [to be offered in the Temple]. For as long as he is not fit to enter the camp [of the Levites],25 he is not fit for his sacrifices to be offered. There is an unresolved question whether a person under a ban of ostracism26 may send his sacrifices [to be offered] or not.27 Hence, if they were offered on his behalf, [his obligation] is satisfied.
יא
האבל אינו משלח קרבנותיו כל שבעה אפילו יין או עצים או לבונה וכן מצורע אינו משלח קרבנותיו כל זמן שאינו ראוי לביאה אל המחנה אינו ראוי להקרבה אבל המנודה יש בו ספק אם משלח אם אינו משלח לפיכך אם הקריבו עליו נרצה:
12
A person who is impure because of contact with a dead lizard or the like and an uncircumcised person may send their sacrifices28 and they are offered with the exception of the Paschal sacrifice. That sacrifice may not be offered for a person who is impure because of contact with a dead lizard.29 Nor may a Paschal sacrifice be offered for an uncircumcised person, as will be explained.30 No sacrifices at all are offered for a person who is impure because of contact with a corpse until he becomes ritually pure.31
יב
טמא שרץ וכיוצא בו והערל משלחין את קרבנותיהם ומקריבין עליהן חוץ מפסח שאין שוחטין אותו על טמא שרץ ואין שוחטין על הערל פסח כמו שיתבאר אבל טמא מת אין מקריבין עליו קרבן כלל עד שיטהר:
FOOTNOTES
1.
As explained in Halachah 3.
2.
I.e., to offer incense, kindle the menorah, or to bow.
3.
According to its simple meaning, the prooftext cited below refers only to Aaron. Nevertheless, through the Biblical exegesis, the Sifra interprets it as referring to all priests (Kessef Mishneh).
4.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 68) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 184) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. In Sefer HaMitzvot, the Rambam explains that this mitzvah is an expression of honor and reverence toward the Temple.
5.
The Kessef Mishneh questions the Rambam's interpretation of the verse, for seemingly, "within the curtain" refers to the Holy of Holies. On the surface, the opposite would be more appropriate: "The Holy Chamber" could be interpreted as referring to the entire Temple and "within the curtain" to the Holy of Holies. He explains the verse as follows: Were the verse to have mentioned "the Holy Chamber" alone, we would have thought that it refers only to the Holy of Holies and not to the Temple at large. Since, however, the verse adds "within the curtain," we understand that it refers to the Holy of Holies" and "the Holy Chamber" refers to the entire Sanctuary.
There is, however, a difference in the punishments for which one is liable for the violation of the two aspects of this commandment, as the Rambam states in Halachah 4.
6.
Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim, ch. 4.
7.
With regard to the priests' prostrating themselves, see Hilchot K'lei HaMikdash 5:11. The Kessef Mishneh explains that the priests were not allowed to enter the Sanctuary to prostrate themselves at all times. Instead, they would enter only at a specific time, when the service of the morning was completed.
8.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 165) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 151) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
9.
If, however, he is not involved in the Temple service, he is not required to remain in the Temple.
10.
The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam, maintaining that the prooftext the Rambam cites was directed to Aaron's sons and applied only at the time of the death of Nadav and Avihu at the dedication of the Sanctuary. In other instances, there is no prohibition for an ordinary priest to leave the Temple. The prohibition applies to the High Priest alone. The Kessef Mishneh refers to the Sifra which - as interpreted by the Ramban - serves as support for the Rambam's ruling.
11.
The Ra'avad amplifies his difference of opinion with the Rambam, maintaining that the ordinary priest should certainly leave the Temple to participate in the funeral of a close relative. Indeed, he is forced to become impure to take part in the burial. Indeed, since he cannot complete the service, what value is there in him remaining?
The Kessef Mishneh justifies the Rambam's ruling, explaining that were he to depart from the Temple, it would be demeaning to the service that he had performed. The implication would be that it was not of serious importance to him. Also, there is a practical dimension; if he would depart, there might not be anyone to see that the service is in fact completed.
12.
See Halachah 9 for a definition of this term. See also Hilchot Evel 4:6, 9, for particulars with regard to the state of aninut, acute mourning.
13.
The Rambam's statements are taken from Zevachim 17b. The Talmud there offers another derivation. Significantly, in his Sefer HaMitzvot, loc. cit., the Rambam uses that derivation and not the one mentioned here.
14.
See Chapter 6, Halachah 12.
15.
See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 10:17.
16.
See Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 3:7.
17.
Aaron asked this rhetorical question to Moses after serving in the Sanctuary, but not partaking of the offerings, on the day his sons died.
18.
As explained in Hilchot Shaar Avot HaTuma'ah 12:15, since a person who was in a state of acute mourning was forbidden to partake of holy objects, it is possible that he diverted his attention from his hands and touched a source of impurity unknowingly. Nevertheless, this is only a safeguard and applies only with regard to partaking of food and not to touching it.
[It must be emphasized that there is a difference in the versions of the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Zevachim 12:1). Some versions of the text follow the ruling here, but others state that it is forbidden for a person to touch sacred food.]
19.
A person's mother, father, son, daughter, brother, and sister. One must mourn for his or her spouse according to Rabbinic Law (Hilchot Evel 2:1).
20.
I.e., the person died beforehand and the priest heard the report within 30 days of his death. In that instance, he is required to observe a full week of shivahmourning (Hilchot Evel 7:1).
21.
I.e., unearths his grave for the sake of reburying him in another place.
22.
Hilchot Korban Pesach 6:9. There it is explained that our Sages did not wish to enforce their decree in a situation that would lead to the violation of a transgression punishable by karet.
23.
See Mo'ed Kattan 16b which states that this is derived from the term shelamim ("peace-offerings"). That name implies that these offerings may only be brought when a person is at peace with himself.
24.
A physical ailment similar to leprosy which causes one to become ritually impure.
25.
I.e., the Temple Mount; see Chapter 3, Halachah 2, which explains these concepts.
26.
See Hilchot Talmud Torah, ch. 7, for a definition of this term.
27.
Mo'ed Kattan 15b explains this question as follows: During the 40 years between the sin of the spies and the entry of the Jews into Eretz Yisrael, they were considered as if they were under a ban of ostracism from God. Nevertheless, their sacrifices were offered. Hence one might conclude that even though a person is under a ban of ostracism, his sacrifices may be offered. That conclusion is not accepted unquestionably, however, because it is possible to make a distinction between one who is ostracized by God (as the Jews were in the desert) and one ostracized by man. It is possible that the latter situation is more severe.
28.
They may not, however, enter the Temple themselves to take part in the offering.
The Kessef Mishneh raises a question for it is necessary to perform semichah (leaning on the sacrificial animal with all one's strength; see Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot, ch. 3) on sacrifices. Since these individuals may not enter the Temple Courtyard, because of their impurity, they cannot perform semichah. Hence, seemingly, the sacrifices should not be offered. The Kessef Mishneh states that perhaps the Rambam is speaking only of certain sacrifices where semichah is not required.
29.
Unless he has already immersed himself. See Hilchot Korban Pesach 6:1.
30.
For as explained in Hilchot Korban Pesach 2:3, 5-6, the Paschal sacrifice should be sacrificed only on behalf of individuals who are fit to partake of it and a person who is ritually impure and an uncircumcised person are forbidden to do so.
31.
I.e., he must have the ashes of the red heifer sprinkled upon him, and he must immerse in the mikveh.
Biat Hamikdash - Chapter 3
1
It is a positive commandment to send all impure persons away from the Temple,1 as [Numbers 5:2] states: "And they shall send away from the camp all those with tzara'at and zav2 [afflictions] and all those who are impure because of contact with a corpse.
א
מצות עשה לשלח כל הטמאים מן המקדש שנאמר וישלחו מן המחנה כל צרוע וכל זב וכל טמא לנפש:
2
"The camp" cited refers to "the camp of the Divine presence," i.e., from the entrance to the Courtyard of the Israelites onward.3 Should one infer that a person with tzaraat or zavailments and one impure due to contact with a corpse are all three sent to the same place? With regard to one inflicted with tzara'at, [Leviticus 13:46] states: "He shall abide alone outside the camp where he dwells." [The camp from which he is sent] refers to the camp of the Israelites which parallels the area from the entrance to Jerusalem and beyond.4 [From this we conclude,]5 just like a person who is afflicted with tzara'at, because his impurity is more severe, is sent away in a more severe manner than others,6 so too, any individuals whose state of impurity is more severe than others should be sent out in a more sever manner.7
Therefore a person afflicted with tzara'at is sent outside of all three camps, i.e., outside of Jerusalem. [His impurity is considered more severe,] because he causes [a house] to be considered impure when he enters it.8 This does not apply with regard to a zav.
ב
זה המחנה האמור כאן הוא מחנה שכינה שהוא מפתח עזרת ישראל ולפנים שומע אני שהמצורע והזב וטמא מת שלשתן במקום אחד ת"ל במצורע בדד ישב מחוץ למחנה מושבו זה מחנה ישראל שהוא מפתח ירושלים ולפנים מה מצורע שטומאתו חמורה חמור שילוחו משילוח חבירו אף כל שטומאתו חמורה חמור שילוחו משילוח חבירו לפיכך משלחין את המצורע חוץ לג' מחנות שהוא חוץ לירושלים מפני שהוא מטמא בביאה מה שאין הזב מטמא:
3
Men with a zav condition,9 women with a zavah condition,10niddot,11 and women who gave birth12 are sent outside two camps, i.e., outside the Temple Mount.13 [The rationale for this severity is that] they cause an entity upon which they are seated or upon which they are lying to become ritually impure,14even if it is under a stone.15 [This does not apply] with regard to impurity [contracted] from a corpse.16
ג
ומשלחין זבין וזבות נדות ויולדות חוץ לשתי מחנות שהוא חוץ להר הבית מפני שהן מטמאין המשכב והמושב אפילו מתחת האבן מה שאין המת מטמא:
4
A person who is impure because of contact with a human corpse - and even a corpse itself - is permitted to enter the Temple Mount. [This is derived from Exodus 13:19]: "And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him."17 "With him" [implies] into the camp of the Levites.18
ד
טמא מת אפילו המת עצמו מותר להכנס להר הבית שנאמר ויקח משה את עצמות יוסף עמו עמו במחנה הלויה:
5
ה
החיל משלחין ממנו עכו"ם וטמאי מת ובועלי נדות אבל טבול יום נכנס לשם שכבר טבל:
6
From the Women's Courtyard,23 one who immersed himself that day is sent away,24 but not one who has not completed the purification process.25 For [the day on which] a person who has not completed the purification process [immersed himself] has already passed.26 The prohibition against a person who has immersed himself entering [this portion of] the camp of the Levites is Rabbinic in origin.27
ו
עזרת הנשים משלחין ממנו טבול יום אבל לא מחוסר כיפורים שמחוסר כיפורים העריב שמשו ואסור טבול יום במחנה לויה מד"ס:
7
From the Courtyard of the Israelites28 and onward even one who has not completed his process of purification should not enter, because his process of purification is not yet consummated. [This is evident from Leviticus 12:8 which, with regard to a woman who seeks purification after childbirth,]29 states: "And the priest will bring atonement for her and she will become pure." One can infer that until then, she was not pure.30
ז
מעזרת ישראל ולפנים אפי' מחוסר כיפורים לא יכנס לשם שעדיין לא טהר טהרה גמורה שנאמר וכפר עליה הכהן וטהרה מכלל שעדיין לא גמרה טהרתה:
8
An impure person who [must be] sent away from the Temple Mount, violates a negative commandment31 if he enters there, as [can be inferred from Deuteronomy 23:11 which] states: "And he shall go outside the camp" - this refers to the camp of the Shechinah - "and he shall not enter the midst of the camp" - this refers to the camp of the Levites.32 Similarly, a person afflicted by tzara'at who enters Jerusalem is liable for lashes.33 If, however, he enters any of the other walled cities34 [in Eretz Yisrael], although he is not allowed to,35 as [implied by the verse]: "He shall abide alone, he is not liable for lashes."
ח
הטמא המשולח מהר הבית אם נכנס עובר בלא תעשה שנאמר ויצא מחוץ למחנה זה מחנה שכינה ולא יבוא אל תוך המחנה זה מחנה לויה וכן מצורע שנכנס לירושלים לוקה אבל אם נכנס לשאר הערים המוקפות חומה אף על פי שאינו רשאי לפי שנאמר בדד ישב אינו לוקה:
9
If one afflicted with tzara'at entered the Temple Mount, he is liable for 80 lashes.36 If, however, one who is impure because of contact with a human corpse or one who immersed himself that day entered the Women's Courtyard,37 or one who has not completed his process of purification entered the Israelites' Courtyard,38 he is not given lashes.39 He is, however, given stripes for rebellious conduct.40
ט
נכנס המצורע להר הבית לוקה שמונים אבל טמא מת או טבול יום שנכנס לעזרת נשים או מחוסר כפורים שנכנס לעזרת ישראל אע"פ שאינו לוקה מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
10
Just as there is a positive commandment to send impure persons out from the Temple, so too, if they enter, they violate a negative commandment,41 as [Numbers 5:3] states: "They shall not make your camp impure." This refers to the camp of the Shechinah.42
י
וכשם ששילוח טמאים מן המקדש בעשה כך אם נכנסו עוברים בלא תעשה שנאמר ולא יטמאו את מחניהם זה מחנה שכינה:
11
What source teaches that one does not violate the prohibition unless he enters [the Temple], but that he he is exempt43 if he touches the Temple Courtyard from the outside? [Leviticus 12:4] states with regard to a woman who gives birth: "She shall not enter the Sanctuary."44
יא
ומניין שאינו עובר אא"כ נכנס אבל אם נגע בעזרה מאחוריה פטור שנאמר ביולדת ואל המקדש לא תבוא:
12
When an impure person willfully enters the Temple, he is punishable by karet,45 as [Leviticus 17:16] states: "If he will not clean [his garments] or wash his flesh, he will bear his iniquity."46 [If he enters] unknowingly, he is liable for an adjustable guilt offering,47 as [ibid. 5:2] states: "Or a soul that will touch any impure entity." One is liable for karet or a sacrifice only when one enters from the Israelites' Courtyard or onward or into an addition to the Courtyard that was sanctified in a consummate manner, as we explained.48
יב
טמא שנכנס למקדש במזיד ענוש כרת שנאמר ואם לא יכבס ובשרו לא ירחץ ונשא עונו בשוגג מביא קרבן עולה ויורד שנאמר או נפש אשר תגע בכל דבר טמא ואין חייבין כרת או קרבן אלא מעזרת ישראל ולפנים או על תוספת העזרה שנתקדשה קדושה גמורה כמו שביארנו:
13
What are the types of impurity for which one is liable [for entering] the Temple [while impure]?
a) Anyone who became impure through contact with a human corpse in a manner which would require a nazirite to shave [his head] because of them; these are explained in [Hilchot] Nizirut;49
b) one who touched a person or a utensil that became impure through those types of impurity for which a nazirite must shave [his head]; for such a person is considered as a second level of impurity to a primary object of impurity that touched a corpse;50
יג
ואי זהו הטמא שחייב כרת על המקדש כל שנטמא בטומאה מן המת שהנזיר מגלח עליה שכבר נתפרש בנזירות או שיגע באדם או בכלים שנטמאו באותן הטומאות שהנזיר מגלח עליהם שהרי הוא שני לראשון שנגע במת או שנטמא בשאר אבות הטומאות של תורה שיתפרשו במקומן:
14
The general principle is: Anyone who is required to immerse himself in water53 according to Scriptural Law is liable for karet for entering the Temple [while impure] even after he immersed himself until nightfall [that day].54 If, however, one became impure due to impurity stemming from a human corpse that does not require a nazirite to shave [his head], he is exempt for entering the Temple, even though his impurity lasts for seven days.55
יד
כללו של דבר כל הטעון ביאת מים מן התורה חייב כרת על ביאת המקדש ואפילו אחר שטבל עד שיעריב שמשו אבל המתטמא בטומאות מן המת שאין הנזיר מגלח עליהן אף על פי שהוא טמא טומאת שבעה הרי זה פטור על ביאת המקדש:
15
Similarly, if one touches utensils that touched a human corpse or touches a person who is touching utensils that touch a corpse, even though he is considered as impure to the first degree with regard to terumah56 and with regard to imparting impurity to sacrificial foods, he is exempt for entering the Temple. For these matters are laws received through the Oral Tradition.57 Although he is exempt, he is given stripes for rebellious conduct.58
טו
וכן הנוגע בכלים שנגעו באדם שנגע במת או שנגע באדם שנגע בכלים הנוגעים במת אע"פ שהוא טמא ראשון לענין תרומה ולטמא בשר קדשים הרי זה פטור על ביאת המקדש שדברים אלו הלכה מפי הקבלה ואף על פי שהוא פטור מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
16
A person who brings a dead teeming animal59 or the like60 into the Temple or when he brings an impure person into the Temple, he is liable for karet, because he made God's sanctuary impure. If, however, he threw impure utensils into the Temple - even if they were utensils that touched a corpse61 - he is exempt from karet, but liable for lashes, as [implied by the prooftext cited above]: "If he will not clean [his garments]...."62According to the Oral Tradition, [for entering the Temple without] washing his body, he is liable forkaret. [For entering without] cleaning his garments, he receives 40 lashes.
טז
המכניס שרץ וכיוצא בו במקדש או שהכניס אדם טמא למקדש הרי זה חייב כרת שהרי טימא מקדש יי' אבל הזורק כלים טמאים למקדש אפילו היו כלים שנגעו במת פטור מן הכרת אבל חייב מלקות שנאמר ואם לא יכבס וגו' מפי השמועה למדו על רחיצת גופו ענוש כרת ועל כיבוס בגדיו לוקה ארבעים:
17
It appears to me63 that he is liable for lashes only for his clothes that are a source of ritual impurity, i.e., clothes that were touched by a person who became impure through contact with a corpse that themselves become a source for ritual impurity, as will be explained.64 If, by contrast, one brings a garment which is of first degree impurity65 into the Temple, he is not liable for lashes.66 He does, however, receive stripes for rebellious conduct.
יז
יראה לי שאינו לוקה אלא על בגדים שהן אב טומאה כגון בגדים שנגע בהן זה הטמא למת שהן אב הטומאה כמו שיתבאר אבל בגד שהוא ראשון אם הכניסו למקדש אינו לוקה עליו אבל מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
18
Similarly, when an impure person inserts his hand [alone] into the Temple,67 he is given stripes for rebellious conduct. Similarly, anyone who purposely enters the Temple before immersing himself68 while he is impure because of contact with objects that are sources of ritual impurity by virtue of Rabbinic decree, because he ate impure foods, or because he drank impure beverages is given stripes for rebellious conduct.
יח
וכן טמא שהכניס ידו למקדש מכין אותו מכת מרדות וכן כל טמא באב מאבות הטומאות של דבריהם או שאכל אוכלין טמאים ושתה משקין טמאין ונכנס למקדש במזיד קודם שיטבול מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
19
When an impure person enters the Temple through the rooftops, he is exempt.69 [This is derived from the prooftext cited above:] "He shall not enter the Temple." [Implied is that] the Torah held him liable [only when he entered in] the way one usually enters.70Although he is exempt for karet, he is given stripes for rebellious conduct.
[This exemption applies] even if he enters in a compartment flying in the air,71 whether he entered the Temple in this compartment through the roofs or through the entrances.
יט
טמא שנכנס למקדש דרך גגות פטור שנאמר ואל המקדש לא תבוא דרך ביאה חייבה תורה ואע"פ שהוא פטור מכרת מכין אותו מכת מרדות [ואפילו נכנס במגדל הפורח באויר] בין שנכנס למקדש [במגדל] דרך גגות בין שנכנס בו דרך פתחים:
20
In all places where one is liable for karet72 for a willful transgression or a sacrifice for an unknowing transgression, should an impure object be found there on the Sabbath, it should be removed.73 In other places,74 it should be covered with a utensil until after the Sabbath.75 When it is removed, it should be removed only with flat wooden utensil which do not contract ritual impurity,76 so that there should not be an increase in ritual impurity.77
כ
כל מקום שחייבים על זדונו כרת ועל שגגתו קרבן אם נמצאת שם טומאה בשבת מוציאין אותה ושאר המקומות כופין עליו כלי עד אחר שבת וכשהן מוציאין אין מוציאין אותה אלא בפשוטי כלי עץ שאין מקבל טומאה שלא לרבות את הטומאה:
21
Both an impure person who entered the Temple when it was pure78 and a pure person who entered the Temple when there was impurity within it - e.g., a corpse was lying under a shelter in the Temple and he entered under that shelter - are liable for karet. [In the latter situation,] his entrance and his impurity occur at one time.
כא
אחד טמא שנכנס למקדש טהור או טהור שנכנס למקדש שיש בו טומאה כגון שהיה מת תחת אהל במקדש ונכנס הוא תחת האהל ה"ז חייב כרת שהרי ביאתו וטומאה באין כאחת נכנס למקדש ונטמא שם אחר שנכנס אפילו טימא עצמו שם במזיד ימהר ויבהל ויצא בדרך קצרה:
22
It is forbidden for him to tarry, to bow, or to depart via a longer way. If he tarried or departed via a longer way even though he did not tarry, or he turned his face to the Sanctuary and bowed even if he did not tarry, he is liable for karet. If he acted unknowingly, he must bring a sacrifice.81
כב
ואסור לו לשהות או להשתחוות או לצאת בדרך ארוכה ואם שהה או שיצא בארוכה אף על פי שלא שהה או שהחזיר פניו להיכל והשתחוה אע"פ שלא שהה חייב כרת ואם היה שוגג מביא קרבן:
23
If he did not turn his face [toward the Sanctuary], but bowed as he was departing toward the outside area, he is not liable unless he tarrys.
How long a delay [creates a liability]? Enough time to read the verse:82 "And they bowed with their faces to the ground on the floor, prostrating themselves and giving thanks to God who is good and whose kindness is everlasting." This is the measure of the delay [for which one is liable].
כג
לא החזיר פניו אלא השתחוה דרך יציאתו כלפי חוץ אינו חייב אלא א"כ שהה כשיעור וכמה שיעור שהייתו כדי לקרות ויכרעו אפים ארצה על הרצפה וישתחוו והודות ליי' כי טוב כי לעולם חסדו וזהו שיעור השתחוויה:
24
What is meant by [departing] via longer way? Any way for which it is possible to depart from the Temple via a shorter way.
If one departed via a shorter way, even if he did not run, but instead walked [slowly], positioning his heel by his toes,83 although it takes the entire day, he is exempt. If he took a longer path, even though he ran and pressed himself with all of his power and thus the amount of time it took for him to leave in this manner was less than it would take other men via the shorter way, he is liable, because he departed via the longer path.
If he departed via the shorter path, but walked some, then stood, tarried some, [and continued this pattern] until all of his delays together amount to the time it takes to bow, he is not liable for lashes if he acted willfully, nor is he liable for a sacrifice if he acted unknowingly, because there is an unresolved question concerning the matter.84 He is, however, given stripes for rebellious conduct.85
כד
ואי זו היא דרך ארוכה כל שאפשר לו לצאת מן המקדש בדרך קצרה ממנה יצא בקצרה אף על פי שלא רץ אלא הלך עקב בצד גודל אפילו כל היום פטור יצא בארוכה אע"פ שרץ ודחק עצמו בכל כחו ונמצא שיעור זמן שהלך בו הארוכה פחות משיעור הזמן שמהלך כל אדם בקצרה הואיל ויצא בארוכה חייב יצא בקצרה והלך מעט ועמד ושהה מעט עד שנצטרף מכל השהיות כדי השתחוויה במזיד אינו לוקה בשוגג אינו מביא קרבן מפני שהדבר ספק אבל מכין אותו מכת מרדות:
FOOTNOTES
1.
Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 31) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 362) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
2.
A physical affliction somewhat similar to gonorrhea that renders one ritually impure.
3.
See Hilchot Beit HaBechirah7:11 which states:
The [encampment of the Jewish people] in the desert [was divided into] three areas:the camp of Israel... the camp of the Levites about which [Numbers 1:50] states: "They shall camp around the Sanctuary;", and the camp of the Shechinah [which included the area] beginning at the entrance to the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting inwards.Correspondingly, for [future] generations: [The area] from the entrance to Jerusalem to the Temple Mount is comparable to the camp of Israel. [The area] from the entrance to the Temple Mount until the entrance to the Temple Courtyard, the gate of Nicanor, is comparable to the camp of the Levites. And [the area] from the entrance to the Temple Courtyard inward, is comparable to the camp of the Shechinah.
See also the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Keilim 1:8).
4.
The verse implies that he must abide in a place where others do not dwell.
5.
The Sifra understands this to be an example of the principle of Biblical exegesis: A subject (a person impure because of tzara'at) was included in a general category (impure people) and then was singled out to teach us a new law (that he must dwell separate from all others). This does not only teach us about this instance, but about the entire category (that there are distinctions in the extent people with impurity must distance themselves).
6.
For in no other instance is an impure person required to depart from the camp of the Israelites. See also Halachah 8.
7.
Thus as the Rambam proceeds to explain in the following halachot, there are differences in the extent people with various types of impurities are forced to distance themselves.
8.
Hilchot Tuma'at Tzara'at 10:12.
9.
A physical affliction somewhat similar to gonorrhea that renders one ritually impure.
10.
I.e., they experience vaginal bleeding at times other than their ordinary monthly cycle. This causes them to be considered ritually impure.
11.
Women who are impure because of menstrual bleeding.
12.
This - or a miscarriage - renders a woman as ritually impure.
13.
Since there is an added dimension to the severity of their impurity, they must distance themselves in a more sever manner.
14.
See Hilchot Metamei Mishkav UMoshav 1:1.
15.
See ibid. 6:5, 7:1, which explains that even if there is a stone - which itself never contracts ritual impurity - intervening between the person's body and the entity, the entity becomes impure.
16.
See Hilchot Tuma'at Meit 5:14.
17.
Joseph had asked the Jewish people to bring his body from Egypt to be buried in Eretz Yisrael. Moses brought his body with him from Egypt, transporting it on the entire journey through the desert.
18.
For that is where Moses had his personal dwelling.
19.
The rampart surrounding the walls of the courtyard (see Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 5:3).
20.
For through that act, the man also becomes ritually impure.
21.
This is a Rabbinic restriction. According to Scriptural Law, these places are not on a different rung of holiness than the other portions of the Temple Mount. This and the restrictions mentioned in the next two halachot are also found in Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 7:16-18.
22.
When a person must immerse himself to ascend from ritual impurity, according to Scriptural Law, he does not achieve that status until nightfall. Nevertheless, since he has already immersed, our Sages relaxed this and several other of the prohibitions that they had placed upon such individuals.
23.
A square courtyard outside the Temple Courtyard, as described in Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 5:7-9.
24.
For he is still impure, as stated in Chapter 4, Halachah 4.
25.
This term refers to a zav,, a zavah, a woman who gave birth or miscarried, or a convert, who even after immersing themselves in the mikveh, must bring a sacrifice before their purification process is complete. See Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah 1:1.
26.
The Sifri brings proof that one who has not yet completed the purification process is in a different category than a person who has immersed himself from the fact that the former is permitted to partake of terumah, while the latter is not.
27.
Zevachim 32b relates that this restriction was imposed by Yehoshefat, King of Judah.
28.
The first eleven cubits of the Temple Courtyard (see Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 5:11). This area begins "the camp of the Shechinah" into which all of those who are impure may not enter according to Scriptural Law.
29.
And from this example, we extrapolate with regard to others in that category.
30.
Even though she had already immersed herself. Hence, she and others in the same category may not enter an area which is reserved for those who are ritually pure. This is a Scriptural restriction.
31.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 78) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 565) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. Its violation is punishable by lashes.
32.
Which, as mentioned above, parallels the camp of the Levites.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that the Rambam's interpretation of the verse reverses the order found in Pesachim 68a and the Sifri. He suggests that perhaps the Rambam had a different version of that text.
33.
Significantly, in Hilchot Sanhedrin 19:4 where the Rambam lists those who are punished by lashes, he does not mention this instance.
34.
See Hilchot Megilah 1:4 and Hilchot Shemitah VeYovel 12:15 which explain that this term applies only to a city surrounded by a wall at the time when Joshua conquered the land. Even if the wall of such a city is destroyed, the city is still placed in that category. Moreover, if a city was not walled at the time of Joshua's conquest, even if it was walled afterwards, it is not placed in this category.
35.
See Hilchot Beit HaBechirah7:13; Hilchot Tuma'at Tzara'at10:7. Based on Tosafot(Berachot 5b), Rabbi Akiva Eiger states that these restrictions apply only during the era when the Jubilee year was observed.
36.
I.e., he violated two negative commandments: he entered Jerusalem and he entered the Temple Mount. Therefore he is liable for two sets of lashes. Significantly, in his Commentary to the Mishnah (Keilim 1:8, based on the Tosefta to Keilim), the Rambam states these concepts slightly differently.
The Kessef Mishneh adds that if the person afflicted with tzara'atenters the Temple Courtyard, he is liable for an addition set of lashes.
37.
As mentioned in Halachot 5-6, this constitutes the violation of a Rabbinical commandment. The Kessef Mishneh adds that if the person enters the Temple Courtyard, he is liable for 120 lashes.
38.
And thus violates a positive commandment, as indicated by Halachah 1.
39.
For he does not violate a Scriptural prohibition.
The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam and maintains that since the person is impure, his entry into the Temple Courtyard violates a Scriptural prohibition and is punishable by karet. The Kessef Mishneh cites a passage from Zevachim 17b which appears to support the Ra'avad's objection. To resolve the Rambam's ruling, the Kessef Mishneh, however, quotes Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim18:14, where the Rambam distinguishes between an impure person who has immersed and one who has not done so as of yet. He also quotes other opinions in support of the distinction the Rambam makes.
40.
A punishment instituted by the Rabbis for the violation of their decrees or positive commandments.
41.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 77) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 363) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
42.
I.e., the area encompassed by the Temple Courtyard.
43.
I.e., the act is forbidden, but one is not liable for lashes or a sin-offering for its violation.
44.
Implying that entry into the Temple area is what is forbidden.
45.
Literally, the soul's being cut off. This involves premature death in this world (before the age of 50, Mo'ed Kattan 28a) and the soul not meriting a portion in the world to come (Hilchot Teshuvah8:1).
46.
Har HaMoriah explains that the Rambam quotes this verse rather than Numbers 19:13-20 which is more explicit, because the latter passage speaks only about one who became impure due to contact with a human corpse and the prohibition applies even when one became impure for other reasons.
47.
See Hilchot Shegagot 1:3 and ch. 10, which explains that there are certain transgressions for which the atonement offering required varies according to the transgressor's financial capacity.
48.
See Hilchot Beit HaBechirah6:10-14 which describes the manner in which additions are made to the Temple Courtyard.
49.
See Hilchot Nizirut 7:1-6 which describes this subject in detail. As stated in Hilchot Tumat Meit3:3: "All ritual impurity resulting from a corpse for which a nazirite is not required to shave does not stem from Scriptural Law." Implied is that since a nazirite is forbidden to cut his hair according to Scriptural Law, when he contracts ritual impurity stemming from a human corpse that is only Rabbinic in origin, he should not cut his hair, because then the Rabbinic safeguard would lead to the violation of Scriptural Law. Note also the commentary to Hilchot Nizirutwhich explains that the Rambam is referring to ritual impurity that is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, but could be considered of Scriptural origin, because it was derived through the laws of Biblical exegesis.
50.
A person or an object that touches a human corpse becomes a source of impurity that can cause other people or objects to become ritually impure (see Hilchot Tuma'at Meit 5:4-5).
The Ra'avad states however that a nazirite is not obligated to shave his head if he touched a utensil or a person that became impure due to contact with a corpse. Hence, he concludes, one should not be liable for entering the Temple after having contracted impurity in this manner. The Kessef Mishnehmaintains that the simple meaning of the passage in Nazir54a appears to support the Ra'avad's understanding. Nevertheless, he cites a passage from the Jerusalem Talmud (Nazir 7:4) which could be interpreted as supporting the Rambam's ruling.
51.
There are entities that are considered sources of impurity according to Rabbinic Law. They do not make a person impure to the extent that he is liable for entering the Temple.
52.
See Sefer Taharah.
53.
I.e., in a mikveh.
54.
For as stated in Halachah 6, one who has immersed himself to emerge from ritual impurity is still impure until nightfall of that day. The Ra'avad differs and maintains that such a person is not liable for karet. The Radbaz cites the Rambam's ruling in Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim18:14 which would seem to support the Ra'avad's ruling. It states that a person who was ritually impure, then immersed himself, and then partook of sacrificial foods before nightfall is liable for lashes, but is not liable for karet. Nevertheless, the Radbaz explains that a distinction can be made between these two situations.
55.
Although he is required to observe the strictures of someone who is ritually impure, he is not liable for entering the Temple.
56.
In Hilchot Tuma'at Meit 5:4, the Rambam describes the impurity caused by such situations.
57.
In ibid.:5, the Rambam continues: "Even though according to the Oral Tradition [one is rendered impure for such matters], this is not Scriptural Law. For it is not explicitly stated in the Torah that one who becomes impure through contact with a human corpse becomes a source of impurity and one who touches him becomes impure to the first degree." In this instance, however, the Rambam is probably following his renown approach that any concept that is not explicitly stated in the Torah is considered as "from the Oral Tradition" even though it was also conveyed to Moses at Sinai.
58.
For the Rabbis instituted decrees to insure that the prohibitions established by the Oral Tradition were observed.
59.
This is speaking about a situation where he brought the dead teeming animal into the Temple without touching it, since, as stated in Hilchot Shaar Avot HaTuma'ah 4:1, a dead teeming animal imparts ritual impurity only when one touches it and not when one carries it. For if the person had touched it, he would become impure and be liable for karet entering the Temple in that state.
60.
I.e., another source of impurity that imparts impurity through touch, but not when carried.
61.
And thus serve as a source of impurity.
62.
The verse concludes: "He will bear his iniquity." "Clean[ing] his garments" refers to immersing them to remove their impurity.
63.
This expression implies that there is no Talmudic source for this ruling, but instead, it was derived by deduction.
64.
Hilchot Tuma'at Meit 5:2. There the Rambam states that if a person touching the corpse touches any other utensil at the same time, that utensil is considered as if it touched the corpse itself.
65.
I.e., the person touched the garments after he let go of the corpse.
66.
Since the object brought into the Temple is not a source for ritual impurity, the person is not liable for karet. The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam and maintains that even bringing an object that is not a source for ritual impurity into the Temple causes one to be liable for lashes. The Kessef Mishneh supports the Rambam's view, explaining that there is a logical basis for his conclusion. Since the Torah was lenient with regard to utensils (and garments), absolving one from karet even when the utensil was a source of impurity, we can conclude that leniency would also be shown with regard to lashes.
67.
I.e., he stands outside the Temple Courtyard and inserts only his hand. He is not given lashes, because his entire body has not entered the Temple Courtyard. Even the Rambam would agree that he is forbidden by Rabbinic decree to insert his hand. The Ra'avad is more stringent and rules that inserting part of one's body is equivalent to entering entirely. The Kessef Mishneh supports the Rambam's ruling.
68.
The Rambam's words imply that once he immersed himself, he is not liable for stripes for rebellious conduct for entering the Temple even if night has not yet fallen. Since his impurity is only Rabbinic in origin and he has immersed himself, he is not given punishment. See Hilchot Shaar Avot HaTuma'ah 9:1.
69.
Such entry is, nevertheless, forbidden (Kessef Mishneh).
70.
I.e., on foot through the gate. The Mishneh LiMelechemphasizes that if he remains in the Temple for the amount of time for which he is liable (see Halachah 22), he is liable for karet even if he entered through the rooftops.
71.
For this also is not the usual way of entry.
72.
I.e., in the Temple Courtyard.
73.
An object for which one has no purpose is muktzeh and there is a Rabbinic prohibition against transporting it on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, Rabbinic prohibitions of this nature are not applied in the Temple (Rashi, Eruvin 104b).
74.
I.e., in the chambers that are considered as being separate entities from the Temple Courtyard.
75.
So that it will not be touched.
76.
See Hilchot Keilim 1:10. See also Hilchot Temidim UMusafim3:6.
77.
I.e., if a priest would carry it out in his garment, he would be causing his garment to become impure. Hence, it was desirable to use a flat wooden utensil even if it takes time to find such a utensil (Eruvin, loc. cit.).
78.
As stated in Halachah 12.
79.
There is an unresolved question concerning whether such a person is liable in Sh'vuot 17a. Hence, the Rambam rules leniently (Kessef Mishneh).
80.
If he departs in this manner, he is not liable for karet.
81.
An adjustable guilt offering.
82.
The Rambam is citing Sh'vuot16b which quotes the description of the people's bowing in II Chronicles 7:3.
83.
I.e., taking very short steps. As long as he does not stop for the amount of time mentioned in the previous halachah, he is not liable.
84.
See Sh'vuot 17a. Hence we rule leniently.
85.
See Hilchot Sanhedrin 16:3, 18:5, and notes for a definition of this punishment and the situations where it is applied.
Biat Hamikdash - Chapter 4
1
When an impure person serves in the Temple,1 he desecrates his service and is liable for death at the hand of heaven for [performing] this service even if he did not tarry there,2 as [indicated by Leviticus 22:2]: "so that they draw back for the sanctified objects of the children of Israel and not desecrate My holy name." This is a warning for a person who serves while ritually impure.3
Further on,4 [ibid.:9] states: "They will die because of it, because they desecrated it." Just as in the latter instance, desecration makes one liable for death at the hands of heaven, so too, with regard to [offering sacrifices while impure, desecration] makes one liable for death at the hand of heaven. Lashes are given for [the violation of] all negative commandments punishable by death at the hand of heaven.5
א
טמא שעבד במקדש חילל עבודתו וחייב מיתה בידי שמים על עבודתו אף על פי שלא שהה שם שנאמר וינזרו מקדשי בני ישראל ולא יחללו את שם קדשי ה"ז אזהרה לעובד בטומאה ולהלן הוא אומר ומתו בו כי יחללוהו מה חילול האמור [שם] חייב מיתה בידי שמים אף כאן מיתה בידי שמים וכל לאו שחייבין עליו מיתה בידי שמים לוקין עליו:
2
ב
אע"פ שאם עבד בטומאה אינו חייב בבית דין אלא מלקות אחיו הכהנים לא היו מביאין אותו לבית דין אלא מוציאין אותו לחוץ ופוצעין את מוחו ואין ממחין עליהן בכך:
3
How is it possible for a priest to perform service without tarrying so that he will be liable only for death at the hand of heaven and not karet? For example, he contracted impurity in the Temple Courtyard10 and departed in the shortest way possible,11 but as he was leaving, he used a cylinder in his hand to turn over a limb [from a sacrifice] on the fire of the altar and thus hasten its consumption by the flames.12 [The rationale is that] any contribution to the Temple service13 is considered as equivalent to that service.
ג
והיאך אפשר לו לעבוד ולא ישהה עד שלא יתחייב כרת אלא מיתה בידי שמים בלבד כגון שנטמא בעזרה ויצא בקצרה וביציאתו היה צנור בידו והפך בו אבר על האש במזבח וקירב שרפתו שכל קירוב עבודה הרי הוא כעבודה:
4
Similarly, if one who was impure immersed in the mikveh and then performed service before nightfall of that day,14 his service is invalid and he is liable for death at the hand of heaven, as [ibid 21:6] states: "They shall not desecrate the name of their God."15 According to the Oral Tradition, we learned that this is a warning to a person who [was impure, but] immersed himself that day who performs service [in the Temple], for he is still impure. [This is derived from ibid. 22:7]: "And the sun sets and he will become pure." Implied is that until then, he was not pure.16 A person whose atonement process was not completed17 who performs service [in the Temple] is exempt [from punishment]18even though his service is invalid and it desecrates [the sacrifice].
ד
וכן טמא שטבל ועבד קודם שיעריב שמשו עבודתו פסולה וחייב מיתה בידי שמים שנאמר ולא יחללו שם אלהיהם מפי השמועה למדו שזו אזהרה לטבול יום שעבד שעדיין טמא הוא שנאמר ובא השמש וטהר מכלל שעדיין לא טהר אבל מחוסר כיפורים שעבד אף על פי שעבודתו פסולה וחילל ה"ז פטור:
5
What is the source that teaches that such service is impure? [With regard to a woman impure due to childbirth, Leviticus 12:8] states: "And the priest shall atone for her and she shall become pure." Implied is that until now, she was not pure. The same applies to all others whose atonement process is not complete.19
ה
ומניין שעבודתו פסולה שנאמר וכפר עליה הכהן וטהרה מכלל שעדיין לא נגמרה טהרתה והוא הדין לכל מחוסרי כיפורים:
6
[The following laws apply if] a priest performed service and afterwards, it became known that he was impure. If the source of impurity was known,20 all of the sacrifices that he offered are invalid, for his work is defiled. If, however, he became impure due to the impurity [likened to] the depths,21 the forehead plate brings about appeasement and all the sacrifices he offered are accepted.22 Even if he became aware of the fact that he was impure before the blood was sprinkled on the altar and then he sprinkled the blood, it brings about appeasement. For the forehead plate brings about appeasement for the impurity [likened to] the depths even though he [transgresses] intentionally.23 We have already explained the impurity [likened to] the depths in Hilchot Nizirut.
ו
כהן שעבד ואח"כ נודע שהיה טמא אם היא טומאה ידועה כל הקרבנות שהקריב פסולין שהרי עבודתו חולין ואם היא טומאת התהום הציץ מרצה וכל הקרבנות שהקריב נרצו ואפילו נודע לו שהוא טמא קודם שיזרוק הדם וזרק הורצה שהציץ מרצה על טומאת התהום אע"פ שהוא מזיד וכבר ביארנו טומאת התהום בנזירות:
7
Similarly, the forehead plate brings atonement if the objects being sacrificed are impure,24 as [Exodus 28:38] states: "And it shall be on the forehead of Aaron and Aaron will bear the sins of the sacred objects." It does not, however, bring about appeasement if the portions of the sacrifices that are eaten are impure or if the one [offering the sacrifice] is impure when he became impure because of a known source of impurity unless the impurity was superseded by a communal obligation,25 in which instance the forehead plate generates appeasement for it.
ז
וכן הציץ מרצה על טומאת דברים הקרבין שנאמר והיה על מצח אהרן ונשא אהרן את עון הקדשים אבל אינו מרצה על טומאת הנאכלין ולא על טומאת האדם שנטמא בטומאה ידועה אלא אם כן היתה הטומאה הדחויה בציבור שהציץ מרצה עליה:
8
The forehead plate does not bring about appeasement unless it is on the High Priest's forehead,26 as [the above verse] continues: "It will be on his forehead at all times, for appeasement before God."
ח
ואין הציץ מרצה אלא בזמן שהוא על מצחו שנאמר והיה על מצחו תמיד לרצון להם לפני י"י:
9
[The offering of] any sacrifice that does not have a set time does not supersede [the observance of] the Sabbath27 or [the laws of] ritual impurity. [The rationale is that] if it is not sacrificed today, it will be sacrificed tomorrow or afterwards. [The offering of] any sacrifice that does have a set time, whether it be a communal offering or an individual offering,28 supersedes [the observance of] the Sabbath and [the laws of] ritual impurity. It does not supersede all types of ritual impurity, however, only those stemming from contact with a human corpse.29
ט
כל קרבן שאין קבוע לו זמן אינו דוחה לא את השבת ולא את הטומאה שאם לא יקריב היום יקרב למחר ולמחרת מחר וכל קרבן שקבוע לו זמן בין קרבן ציבור בין קרבן יחיד דוחה את השבת ודוחה את הטומאה ולא כל הטומאות הוא דוחה אלא טומאת המת לבדה:
10
י
כל קרבנות הציבור קבוע זמנם לפיכך כולן דוחין את השבת ואת טומאת המת:
11
All of the sacrifices that were brought in a state of ritual impurity are not eaten.32 Instead, the elements of the sacrifice that are fit to be consumed by fire are offered on the fire [of the altar].33 The remaining portions that would [ordinarily] be eaten34 are burnt in the same manner35 as are other sacrifices that became impure.36
יא
וכל קרבן מהן שקרב בטומאה אינו נאכל אלא מקטירין ממנו דברים הראויין להקטרה והשאר הראוי לאכילה נשרף כשאר קדשים שנטמאו:
12
What is meant by saying it supersedes [the laws of] ritual impurity? If the time when that sacrifice is to be offered arrives and the majority37 of the people offering it were impure due to contact with a human corpse,38 or the people at large were pure, but the priests offering it were impure39 due to contact with a human corpse, or both of these were pure, but the Temple utensils were impure due to contact with a human corpse, [the sacrifice] should be offered in a state of impurity. Both the impure and the pure should be involved in its offering together40and enter the Temple Courtyard.41
Those who are impure because of other reasons, zavim, zavot,women in their menstrual state, those after childbirth, those who came in contact with the corpse of a teeming animal or large animal, or the like should not be involved [in the sacrifice] and should not enter the Temple Courtyard even though sacrifices are being offered in a state of impurity. If they transgressed and took part [in the sacrifice] or entered the Temple Courtyard, they are liable for karet for entering [the Courtyard]42 or death [at the hand of Heaven]43 for [carrying out] the service.44 For only the impurity stemming from contact with a human corpse was superseded [by the obligation to offer these sacrifices].
יב
כיצד דוחה את הטומאה הגיע זמנו של אותו קרבן והיו רוב הקהל שמקריבין אותו טמאין למת או שהיו הקהל טהורים והיו הכהנים המקריבין טמאים למת או שהיו אלו ואלו טהורין והיו כלי השרת טמאים למת ה"ז יעשה בטומאה ויתעסקו בו הטמאים והטהורים כאחד ויכנסו כולן לעזרה אבל הטמאים בטומאה אחרת כגון זבין וזבות ונדות [ויולדות] וטמאי שרץ ונבלה וכיוצא בהן לא יתעסקו ולא יכנסו לעזרה ואף על פי שנעשה בטומאה ואם עברו ועשו או נכנסו לעזרה חייבין כרת על הביאה ומיתה על העבודה שלא נדחית אלא טומאת המת בלבד:
13
When a Paschal sacrifice45 is offered in a state of impurity and those who were impure due to contact with a human corpse pressed on and entered the Sanctuary, they are exempt even though they were only permitted to enter the Temple Courtyard.46 Since the charge [Numbers 5:3]: "Send them beyond the camp" does not apply to them, they are exempt.47
יג
ופסח שבא בטומאה ודחקו טמאי מת ונכנסו להיכל פטורין אע"פ שלא הותרו אלא לעזרה הואיל ואין אני קורא בהם אל מחוץ למחנה תשלחום הרי אלו פטורין:
14
If a portion of the priests of the clan scheduled to serve in the Temple that day48 were impure and a portion were pure, even if the majority were impure due to contact with a human corpse, only those who are pure should offer the sacrifices.49If all the priests of that clan were impure, the priests of another clan should be brought [to serve].50 If all the priests of that watch were impure due to contact with a human corpse, we look for [those of] another watch. If most of the priests who entered Jerusalem at a given time were impure, [the appropriate sacrifice] should be offered in a state of impurity.
יד
היו מקצת בית אב טמאים ומקצתם טהורים אף על פי שרובן טמאי מת לא יקריבו אלא הטהורים היה כל בית האב טמאי מת יביאו בית אב אחר היתה כל המשמרה טמאי מת מחזירין על משמרה אחרת אם היו רוב הכהנים הנכנסין שם בירושלים בזמן הקבוע טמאין יעשו בטומאה:
15
Why do we search for a priest who is pure from another clain?51 Because [the prohibition against serving while] impure was not released entirely [in order to offer] the communal [sacrifices]. Instead, the prohibition is still standing, it is merely superseded temporarily, because of the pressing situation.52 We do not override any prohibitions that may be superseded except in a situation where there is no alternative. For this reason, the forehead plate is required to bring about appeasement.53
טו
ומפני מה מחזירין על הטהור מבית אב אחר מפני שהטומאה לא הותרה בציבור אלא באיסורה עומדת ודחויה היא עתה מפני הדחק ואין דוחין כל דבר הנדחה אלא במקום שאי אפשר ומפני זה צריכה ציץ לרצות עליה:
16
What is the source that teaches that [the prohibitions against] ritual impurity are superseded [to bring] communal [offerings]? [Numbers 9:6] speaks of: "Men who were impure because a [deceased] human soul."54 According to the Oral Tradition, it was taught: Particular individuals are deferred to Pesach Sheni if they were impure. If, however, the community at large is impure due to contact with a human corpse, it is not deferred.55 Instead, [the prohibition against] ritual impurity is superseded and the Paschal sacrifice should be offered in a state of impurity. The same applies to every sacrifice that has a fixed time like the Paschal sacrifice:56 [the obligation to offer it] supersedes [the prohibition against] ritual impurity.
טז
ומנין שטומאת מת דחויה בציבור שנאמר ויהי אנשים אשר היו טמאים לנפש אדם כך למדו מפי השמועה שאנשים יחידים הם שידחו לפסח שני אם היו טמאים אבל ציבור שהיו טמאי מת אינן נדחין אלא הטומאה תדחה ויעשו פסח בטומאה והוא הדין לכל קרבן שקבוע לו זמן כפסח שהוא דוחה את הטומאה:
17
This concept is explicitly stated in Scripture [II Chronicles 30:17-18]: "For a multitude of the congregation had not sanctified themselves and the Levites presided over the slaughter of the Paschal sacrifice for all who were not pure....57 For many of the people, may from Ephraim, Menasheh, Issachar, and Zevulon had not purified themselves."
What then is meant by the statement (ibid.): "They partook of the Paschal sacrifice not in accordance with what was written"?58Because they made that year a leap year because of ritual impurity, as [ibid.:2-3] states: "And the king, his officers, and all the congregation in Jerusalem had conferred [and decided] to offer the Pesach... in the second month,59 because they were not able to offer it at its time because there were not enough priests who had sanctified themselves."60 As we explained already in Hilchot Kiddush HaChodeh,61 as an initial preference, we do not declare a leap year because of ritual impurity.62
יז
והרי הדבר מפורש בכתובים שנאמר שם כי רבת בקהל אשר לא התקדשו והלוים על שחיטת הפסחים לכל לא טהור [להקדיש לה'] כי מרבית העם רבת מאפרים ומנשה יששכר וזבלון לא הטהרו ומהו זה שנאמר כי אכלו את הפסח בלא ככתוב מפני שעיברו אותה השנה מפני הטומאה שנאמר ויועץ המלך ושריו וכל הקהל בירושלים לעשות הפסח בחדש השני כי לא יכלו לעשותו בעת ההיא כי הכהנים לא התקדשו למדי וכבר ביארנו בקידוש החודש שאין מעברין את השנה לכתחלה מפני הטומאה:
18
There was another [difficulty] that year. King Chizkiya made the year a leap year on the thirtieth day of Adar which was fit to be Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Instead, he made it the thirtieth of Adar. The Sages did not agree with him, for a leap year should not be declared on this day, as we explained in [Hilchot] Kiddush HaChodesh.63
Because of these two matters which were not done as prescribed by Jewish Law, it was said: "They partook of the Paschal sacrifice not in accordance with what was written."[ Chizkiya] entreated for mercy for himself and for the Sages who concurred with his actions,64 as [ibid.:18] states: "For Yichezkiyahu prayed for them, saying: 'May God Who is good atone for those....' [ibid.:20] states: 'God heeded Yichezkiyahu and healed the people.'[ Implied is that] their sacrifice was accepted.
יח
ועוד אחרת היתה שם באותה השנה שעיבר חזקיה המלך את השנה ביום שלשים של אדר שראוי להיות ראש חדש ניסן ועשה אותו החדש אדר שני ולא הודו לו חכמים שאין מעברין ביום זה כמו שביארנו בקידוש החדש ומפני דברים אלו שעשה שלא כהלכה נאמר כי אכלו את הפסח בלא ככתוב וביקש רחמים על עצמו ועל החכמים שהסכימו על מעשיו שנאמר כי התפלל יחזקיהו עליהם לאמר ה' הטוב יכפר בעד ונאמר וישמע ה' אל יחזקיהו וירפא את העם שנרצה קרבנם:
FOOTNOTES
1.
The Radbaz states that the words "in the Temple" are not an exclusion. Instead, in the era when offerings were brought on private altars, this law also applied to a priest bringing an offering on such an altar.
2.
As stated in the conclusion of the last chapter, one is liable for karet for tarrying in the Temple Courtyard even if he does not perform service. Halachah 3 describes how it is possible to perform service without tarrying in the Temple Courtyard.
3.
Sefer HaMitzvot (negative commandment 75) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 278) include this charge as one of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
4.
In reference to terumah.
5.
See Hilchot Sanhedrin 18:1. If he receives lashes from an earthly court, he is absolved of the punishment from above.
6.
In Hilchot Sanhedrin 18:6, the Rambam quotes the wording of Sanhedrin 81b: "The young priests would take him out...."
7.
The Radbaz relates that if the priests did not interrupt him in the middle of his service and seize him, but instead, allowed him to complete his service and leave the Temple on his own initiative, they are not allowed to administer this punishment to him. All they can do is bring him to the court.
8.
I.e., beyond the Women's Courtyard and the surrounding rampart, because a corpse is not allowed in these areas according to Rabbinic Law. Alternatively, because it is only a Rabbinic stricture, it was not imposed in such an instance.
9.
The Radbaz elaborates in explaining why this punishment can be given. He explains that although there is no legal license for it, there are instances (see Hilchot Sanhedrin 24:4), where he states that at times punishments are given with no legal basis. By serving in the Temple, the priests offer their tacit acquiescence to such action being taken.
10.
For if he contracted impurity outside the Temple Courtyard, he is liable for karet as soon as he enters, as stated in Chapter 3, Halachah 12.
11.
In which instance, he is not liable for karet, as explained at the conclusion of the previous chapter.
12.
See Chapter 9, Halachah 4, for more particulars concerning this act.
13.
And offering the limbs on the fire of the altar is part of the Temple service.
14.
As explained in the notes to the previous chapter, until nightfall he is still considered as impure.
The Ra'avad questions the Rambam's ruling, noting that according to the Rambam, a person who entered the Temple on the day he immersed is liable for karet for the entry alone. Thus why is it necessary to speak of a second obligation for karet. He explains that it could be speaking about a person who was standing outside the Temple Courtyard and moved limbs on the Altar using a long pole. The Kessef Mishneh resolves the difficulty by distinguishing between karet and death at the hand of heaven, for karet is a more severe punishment.
15.
See Sanhedrin 83b for an explanation for how this prohibition is derived from this prooftext. Sefer HaMitzvot(negative commandment 76) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 265) include this prohibition as one of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
16.
The Rambam adds this explanation to differentiate between a person who immersed in the mikveh, but must wait until sunset and one who has not completed his atonement process. The latter individuals are considered as pure, even though they may not enter the Temple.
17.
I.e., a zav, zavah, or the like who must bring a sacrifice before becoming ritually pure.
18.
The Kessef Mishneh questions this ruling, noting that in Hilchot Sanhedrin 19:2, the Rambam mentions one who serves despite the fact that his atonement process is not completed as among those who are liable for death at the hand of heaven and whose offence is punishable by lashes. This is also evident from Chapter 9, Halachah 11. The Ra'avad also quotes Talmudic sources that indicate that such a person is liable. The Kessef Mishnehexplains that the questions raised by the Ra'avad can be resolved, but the apparent contradiction in the Rambam's own rulings remains difficult.
19.
I.e., a zav, zavah, and one afflicted with tzara'at.
20.
To even one person.
21.
In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Pesachim 7:7), the Rambam explains that this term is used to refer to "a corpse that is hidden and not known about at all, to the extent that it is in the very depths." See also the gloss of Rav Ovadiah of Bartenura (Parah 3:2) which explains the term as follows: Just like mortal wisdom cannot fathom the extent of the depths, so, too, the existence of this corpse is not known to any mortal.
Hilchot Nizirut 6:18 describes this impurity as stemming from contact with a human corpse, about which "no one, not even one at the end of the world, knows about."
22.
The Mishnah (Pesachim 80b) states this concept with regard to the Paschal sacrifice (see Hilchot Korban Pesach 4:2). The Rambam extrapolates that the law applies to all sacrifices.
23.
The Kessef Mishneh notes that the Rambam's words imply that as an initial preference, such a priest should not sprinkle the blood. Only after the fact, it is acceptable. In Hilchot Korban Pesach 6:11, however, the Rambam rules that a person who becomes impure due to impurity [likened to] the depths may offer a sacrifice as an initial preference. The Kessef Mishnehexplains that a distinction can be made between the two instances, because the Paschal sacrifice is an immediate obligation, while other sacrifices may be offered by other people at other times. Moreover, failure to offer the Paschal sacrifice is more severe, as indicated by the fact that it is punishable by karet.
24.
I.e., the blood and the other portions of the sacrifices offered on the altar. See Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim 1:34.
25.
I.e., communal sacrifices that are offered at a fixed time should be offered even if there is impurity involved, as explained in the following halachot.
26.
There is a difference of opinion concerning this matter in Yoma7b and the Rambam accepts the opinion of Rabbi Yehudah. The commentaries have noted that this could be understood as a contradiction to his ruling in Halachah 15. Nevertheless, there are other approaches to that passage which allow the two rulings to coexist.
27.
I.e., offering a sacrifice involves the violation of certain Sabbath prohibitions. As the Rambam proceeds to state, sacrifices that must be brought at a set time may nevertheless be offered, but not those which do not have a set time.
28.
I.e., the chavitin offering of the High Priest, the bull he brings on Yom Kippur, or the Paschal sacrifices.
29.
For the fundamental concept was derived from the Biblical story (Numbers, ch. 9) concerning the people who approached Moses to offer the Paschal sacrifice and they were impure because of contact with a human corpse.
30.
I.e., all of the communal sacrifices that are brought from the money collected for the communal sacrifices. There are certain atonement offerings, the bull offered when the people at large err with regard to a Scriptural prohibition, and the goat offered when they err with regard to the prohibition against idolatry. These, unlike the other communal sacrifices, are not offered at a specific time.
31.
And if they are not offered at this time, they may not be offered afterwards (Kessef Mishneh).
32.
With the exception of the Paschal offering, as explained in Hilchot Korban Pesach 7:8. For the Pesach sacrifice was ordained primarily for the purpose of the people partaking of it (Pesachim 7:5).
33.
For the primary purpose of these sacrifices is for them to be offered on the altar.
34.
Pesachim 76a mentions five communal sacrifices that are ordinarily eaten: the omeroffering of barley, the two breads offered on Shavuot, the showbread, the communal peace offerings, and the goat offered on Rosh Chodesh.
35.
Rabbi Akiva Eiger asks why a communal sacrifice would not be eaten if it was offered by an impure priest who did not touch it and did not cause it to become impure. He notes, however, that the Rambam's wording implies that such a sacrifice should not be eaten.
36.
See Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim, ch. 19.
37.
Half is not sufficient (Pesachim79a).
38.
This applies only with regard to the Paschal sacrifice, for it must be eaten by the people at large. With regard to the other communal sacrifices, it does not make any difference whether or not the people at large are impure.
39.
As indicated by Halachah 14, this refers to the priests who were present in Jerusalem at the time the sacrifices had to be offered. If there were a majority of priests who were ritually pure, but they were not present in Jerusalem at the time when the sacrifice was to be offered, they are not counted in the reckoning.
40.
I.e., with regard to the Paschal sacrifice, a person who is pure should not say: "Since I am pure, I should not share my sacrifice with those who are impure." Instead, the sacrifices should be offered and eaten together (see Radbaz; Kessef Mishneh).
41.
I.e., if their entry would in some way contribute to the sacrifice being offered properly (Radbaz).
42.
See Chapter 3, Halachah 12.
43.
As stated in Halachah 1 of this chapter.
44.
They are, however, exempt from punishment if they partake of the Paschal sacrifice in this state of impurity if the majority of the people are ritually impure because of contact with a human corpse (Pesachim 95b).
45.
Although this law also applies with regard to other communal sacrifices, the Paschal sacrifice is mentioned, because it is the only instance when there would be a large throng of people in the Temple Courtyard.
46.
Needless to say, they are forbidden to do so (Radbaz), for the activities involved in the offering of the Paschal sacrifice are carried out only in the Temple Courtyard and not in the Sanctuary itself.
47.
There is a question concerning this issue in Pesachim 95b. Hence, an earthly court may not punish them with lashes. The question of whether they would be liable for death at the hand of Heaven is also not resolved on this plane. Since the judgments of the heavenly court are dependent on the judgments of the earthly courts, it is possible to say that the judgment is held in abeyance there as well.
48.
See Hilchot K'lei HaMikdash 4:11 for a definition of this term.
49.
As long as it is possible to offer the sacrifices in a state of purity, we do not offer them while impure.
50.
For the reason stated in the following halachah.
51.
And even from another watch (Kessef Mishneh).
52.
The Rambam is explaining a difference of opinion between the Sages in Yoma 6b. One Sage maintains that the prohibition against ritual impurity is hutra, released entirely, with regard to communal sacrifices. The other opinion is that the prohibition is dichuya, i.e., as the Rambam explains, the prohibition continues to exist and must be respected to the fullest degree possible. Similar concepts also apply with regard to the Sabbath prohibitions being overridden by questions of life and death. See the Kessef Mishneh to Hilchot Shabbat 2:1.
53.
As stated in Halachah 7.
54.
The passage relates that after Moses communicated the command to offer the Paschal sacrifice, several individuals who were impure because of contact with a corpse came to him and asked for an opportunity to offer the Paschal sacrifice. Moses relayed their question to God Who answered that they - and all other individuals who are impure at the time the Paschal sacrifice must be offered may bring such a sacrifice a month later on Pesach Sheni. Implicit in that command is, as the Rambam proceeds to explain, that the license to offer a sacrifice on Pesach Sheni was granted only to individuals. If the majority of the Jewish people become impure, they must offer the Paschal sacrifice on the first Pesach in a state of impurity.
55.
See Hilchot Korban Pesach 7:12.
56.
Pesachim 77a explains the derivation of this concept as follows: With regard to the Pesach sacrifice, Numbers 9:2states that it should be offered "at its appointed time," which our Sages interpret as meaning ...at its appointed time,' even on the Sabbath, even in a state of ritual impurity." Now since Numbers 29:39 uses the term "in their appointed time" in reference to other communal sacrifices, we understand that the same concepts apply to them as well.
57.
King Chizkiya assumed the throne after the rule of Achaz, an idolatrous sinner. After years when the people had been led astray, Chizkiya inspired them to repent. He invited all the people to offer the Paschal sacrifice. Unfortunately, a sufficient number of priests had not purified themselves and also, the people were somewhat slow in responding. To enable the Paschal sacrifice to be offered by as many people as possible, he had a leap year declared, so as to give them an extra month.
58.
I.e., one should not infer that the error was that they partook of the sacrifice while ritually impure (Kessef Mishneh).
59.
I.e., they delayed its offering by a month, by declaring a leap year.
60.
Despite the addition of this month, the majority of the people who came to Jerusalem were ritually impure. Hence, the prohibitions against impurity had to be overridden (see Rav Yosef Corcus).
61.
Chapter 4, Halachah 6.
62.
For the preference is to offer the sacrifices in a state of ritual impurity.
63.
Chapter 4, Halachah 14. Instead, the leap year should be declared earlier, indeed, preferably months before.
64.
I.e., the minority who did, for the majority did not, as stated above (Kessef Mishneh).
• Sunday, 28 Adar, 5777 · 25 March 2017
• "Today's Day"
• Thursday, 27 Adar I, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayakheil, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 120-134.
Tanya: But as for (p. 147)...neighborly love (p. 147).
My father said: Truth is the middle path. An inclination to the right, to be overly stringent with oneself and find faults or sins not in accord with the truth, or an inclination to the left, to be overly indulgent, covering one's faults or being lenient in demands of avoda out of self-love - both these ways are false.
Shabbat, Adar Sheini 27, Parshat Hachodesh, 5703
Bless Rosh Chodesh Nissan; say the entire Tehillim in the early morning. Day of farbrengen.
Haftora: Ko amar...olat tamid.
Torah lessons: Chumash: Sh'mini, Shevi'i with Rashi.
Tehillim: 120-134.
Tanya: Ch. 30. It is (p. 187)...the commandment itself." (p. 191).
From my father's sichot: The sin of Aharon's sons* was "...when they drew close before G-d and died." This was ratzo without shov, return.1 The truth is that when coming "before G-d"2 there must be tit'haru, one must be clean and pure, and (the closeness) must be evident in actual deeds. That which is on the very highest planes descends to the very lowest depths;3 hence ratzo without shov is death.
Continuing, G-d commands Moshe (Vayikra 16:2) to speak to Aharon. The letters in the name Aharon are those in the word nir'eh, "visible," which in terms of the powers of the soul4 refers to intellect.
Moshe is to tell Aharon that in order to enter the sacred (area), even "within the curtain" - meaning the state prior to tzimtzum5 - he must know that...
...upon the ark (ha'aron - the letters of this word spelling nir'eh, "visible" - i.e. intellect) there is a kaporet, a covering, an inner intent and purpose of a concealment, expressed in the words, "the face of (or "the inner aspect of") the kaporet."
For this reason one "should not die," i.e. he should not stop with ratzo, the entering alone - for "...in a cloud will I appear on the kaporet;"6 the inner intent and purpose of the First tzimtzum is revelation.
The introductory word to all this is v'al, "he shall not (enter)." This expression of negation7 indicates total nullification of self, bitul, doing what Chassidus demands, not what his intelligence dictates. Then "he shall enter the sacred (area)."
FOOTNOTES
*.See Supplementary Footnotes, p. 126.
1.See Supplementary Footnotes, p. 126.
2.In verse 30 the additional word tit'haru is found, "will you be cleansed," after the words "before G-d."
3.See Supplementary Footnotes p. 127.
4.See Translator's Introductory Notes. When soul manifests itself, the first power that is evident, ("visible") after the powers in their latent state, is intellect.
5."Contraction" and concealment of G-d, the process by which G-d's infinitude is concealed, making possible the existence of a finite Creation.
6.Paradoxically, it is only through G-d's concealment ("...in a cloud...") that He is accessible ("..will I appear..."). Man's approaching G-d is insufficient; through "withdrawal," returning to the material world and living there by Torah and mitzvot, he can attain G-d. "First tzimtzum" is a paraphrase for "cloud."
7.Man's natural preference is what he feels is satisfying. Rejecting what he "knows" to be desirable and fulfilling - in favor of what Chassidus explains as the wish of G-d, is an act of self-negation. This prepares him to enter the Holy of Holies.
• Daily Thought:
Better Than the Sun
There are three approaches to dealing with this world:
One is to remain aloof as the sun. The world will benefit from your light, but you will remain distant and removed. You will invest little in this world and so have little to lose.
Another approach is to wane and wax as the moon—to suffer the scars and bruises of life, delight in its offerings, thirst for its rewards, and tremble at its horrors—to invest everything and risk losing it all.
Or you could be both the sun and the moon at once. You could feel meaning and purpose in every episode of life, no matter how small. And, at the same time. remain above it all.
What is the secret? It is memory.
Even as you invest yourself in this world, remember you are not the body, but the soul.
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