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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Sunday, Elul 12, 5777 · September 3, 2017Today's Laws & Customs:
• Elul Observances
As the last month of the Jewish year, Elul is traditionaly a time of introspection and stocktaking -- a time to review one's deeds and spiritual progress over the past year and prepare for the upcoming "Days of Awe" of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
As the month of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness (see "Today in Jewish History" for Elul 1) it is a most opportune time for teshuvah ("return" to G-d), prayer, charity, and increased Ahavat Yisrael (love for a fellow Jew) in the quest for self-improvement and coming closer to G-d. Chassidic master Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi likens the month of Elul to a time when "the king is in the field" and, in contrast to when he is in the royal palace, "everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all."
Specific Elul customs include the daily sounding of the shofar (ram's horn) as a call to repentance. The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms). Click below to view today's Psalms.
Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36
Psalms Chapter 34:1. By David, when he feigned insanity before Avimelech,1 who then drove him away, and he left.
2. I bless the Lord at all times; His praise is always in my mouth.
3. My soul glories in the Lord; let the humble hear it and rejoice.
4. Exalt the Lord with me, and let us extol His Name together.
5. I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
6. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never humiliated.
7. This poor man called, and the Lord heard; He delivered him from all his tribulations.
8. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
9. Taste and see that the Lord is good; fortunate is the man who trusts in Him.
10. Fear the Lord, you His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no want.
11. Young lions may want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
12. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
13. Who is the man who desires life, who loves long life wherein to see goodness?
14. Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
15. Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
16. The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous, and His ears toward their cry.
17. The wrath of the Lord is upon the evildoers, to excise their memory from the earth.
18. But when they [repent and] cry out, the Lord hears, and saves them from all their troubles.
19. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those with a crushed spirit.
20. Many are the afflictions of a righteous person, but the Lord rescues him from them all.
21. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
22. Evil brings death upon the wicked, and the enemies of the righteous are condemned.
23. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants; all who take shelter in Him are not condemned.
Chapter 35:
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
Chapter 36:. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
Elul is also the time to have one's tefillin and mezuzot checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use.
Links: More on Elul
Today in Jewish History:
• Nachmanides Born (1194)
Birth of Nachmanides ("Ramban", Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, 1194-1270) -- Torah scholar, Kabbalist, philosopher, physician and Jewish leader -- in Gerona, Spain, in the year 4954 from creation.
• Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe visits US (1929)
On the 12th of Elul (September 16) of 1929, two years after escaping a death sentence imposed upon him by the Russian Communist regime and his subsequent departure from that country, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, arrived in New York for a ten-month tour of the United States. In the course of his stay the Rebbe visited the Jewish communities in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, S. Louis, Boston and several other communities, and was received by President Hoover at the White House. The purpose of the Rebbe's visit was twofold: a) to bring the plight of Russian Jewry to the attention of the American Jewish community and raise funds for the Rebbe's efforts on its behalf; b) to improve the state of Yiddishkeit (Torah-true Judaism) in America and strengthen the ties of the American Chabad-Chassidic community with the Rebbe. The Rebbe also wished to explore the possibility of settling in the U.S. and establishing the headquarters of Chabad there; though he did not decide to do so at that time, his 1929 visit laid the foundations for his move to New York in 1940 and the revolutionary changes he wrought in American Jewish life.
Daily Quote:
From the time that G-d said to our father Abraham, "Go from your land..." and "Abraham went on, journeying southward", began the process of "birurim" -- of extracting the sparks of holiness that are scattered throughout the universe and buried within the material existence... By the decree of Divine providence, a person wanders about in his travels to those places where the sparks that are to be extracted by him await their redemption... [Rabbi Sholom DovBer of Lubavitch (1860-1920)]
Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Ki Tavo, 1st Portion Deuteronomy 26:1-26:11 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Deuteronomy Chapter 26
1And it will be, when you come into the land which the Lord, your God, gives you for an inheritance, and you possess it and settle in it, אוְהָיָה֙ כִּֽי־תָב֣וֹא אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ נַֽחֲלָ֑ה וִֽירִשְׁתָּ֖הּ וְיָשַׁ֥בְתָּ בָּֽהּ:
And it will be, when you come… and you possess it and settle in it: This [verse, which is immediately followed by the commandment of bringing the firstfruits,] teaches us that they were not obligated [to bring] “firstfruits” until they conquered the Land and divided it. - [Kid. 37b]
והיה כי תבוא וירשתה וישבת בה: מגיד שלא נתחייבו בבכורים עד שכבשו את הארץ וחלקוה:
2that you shall take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you will bring from your land, which the Lord, your God, is giving you. And you shall put [them] into a basket and go to the place which the Lord, your God, will choose to have His Name dwell there. בוְלָֽקַחְתָּ֞ מֵֽרֵאשִׁ֣ית | כָּל־פְּרִ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר תָּבִ֧יא מֵֽאַרְצְךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָ֖ךְ וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ בַטֶּ֑נֶא וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙ אֶל־הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן שְׁמ֖וֹ שָֽׁם:
of the first: but not all the first, because not all fruits are subject to [the mitzvah of] “firstfruits”-only the seven species [for which the land of Israel is noted]. Here, in our verse, it says the word אֶרֶץ, “land,” and there [in the verse describing the praise of Eretz Israel], it says, “A land (אֶרֶץ) of wheat and barley, vines and figs and pomegranates, a land of oil-producing olives and honey” (Deut. 8:8). Just as the earlier verse (Deut. 8:8) is referring to the seven species through which Eretz Israel is praised, here too, [the verse is dealing with] the praise of the Land. [Rashi proceeds to explain two expressions in Deut. 8:8, which are relevant to the mitzvah of firstfruits, in light of the connection taught by our Rabbis above:] “Oil-producing olives” [refers to] “אֲגוּרִי olives,” [see Sifrei 26:2, meaning superior quality] olives that retain their oil, keeping it gathered (אָגוּר) [as it were] inside it. [Hence, it is the superior fruits which must be brought here]. — [Ber. 39a] [And in the same verse (Deut. 8:8):] “honey”-that is the honey of dates. — [Sifrei 26:2]
מראשית: ולא כל ראשית, שאין כל הפירות חייבין בבכורים אלא שבעת המינין בלבד. נאמר כאן ארץ, ונאמר להלן (לעיל ח, ח) ארץ חטה ושעורה וגו', מה להלן משבעת המינים שנשתבחה בהם ארץ ישראל, אף כאן שבח ארץ ישראל שהן שבעה מינין זית שמן זית אגורי ששמנו אגור בתוכו ודבש הוא דבש תמרים:
of the first [of all the fruit]: [What is the process of taking these fruits?] A man goes down into his field and sees a fig that has ripened. He winds a reed around it for a sign and declares:“This is the firstfruit (בִּכּוּרִים).” - [Mishnah Bikkurim 3:1]
מראשית: אדם יורד לתוך שדהו ורואה תאנה שבכרה כורך עליה גמי לסימן ואומר הרי זו בכורים:
3And you shall come to the kohen who will be [serving] in those days, and say to him, "I declare this day to the Lord, your God, that I have come to the land which the Lord swore to our forefathers to give us." גוּבָאתָ֙ אֶל־הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽהְיֶ֖ה בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֑ם וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו הִגַּ֤דְתִּי הַיּוֹם֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כִּי־בָ֨אתִי֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע יְהֹוָ֛ה לַֽאֲבֹתֵ֖ינוּ לָ֥תֶת לָֽנוּ:
who will be [serving] in those days: You have only the kohen in your days, whatever he is [and although he may not be as wise or holy as those of previous generations, you are obliged to address him with the respect due to his office as an agent of God]. — [Sifrei 26:3]
אשר יהיה בימים ההם: אין לך אלא כהן שבימיך, כמו שהוא:
and say to him: that you are not ungrateful [for all that God has done for you].
ואמרת אליו: שאינך כפוי טובה:
I declare this day: [The expression,“this day,” teaches us that the one who brings the firstfruits must make this declaration] once a year, and not twice [even though he may return with more firstfruits later that same year]. — [Sifrei 26:3]
הגדתי היום: פעם אחת בשנה ולא שתי פעמים:
4And the kohen will take the basket from your hand, laying it before the altar of the Lord, your God. דוְלָקַ֧ח הַכֹּהֵ֛ן הַטֶּ֖נֶא מִיָּדֶ֑ךָ וְהִ֨נִּיח֔וֹ לִפְנֵ֕י מִזְבַּ֖ח יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ:
And the kohen shall take the basket from your hand: in order to wave it. [How so?] The kohen places his hand under [the basket, beneath the level of] the owner’s hand [which is grasping the basket at the top, by its rim] (Sukk. 47b), and [in this position,] waves [the basket together with its owner].
ולקח הכהן הטנא מידך: להניף אותו. כהן מניח ידו תחת יד הבעלים ומניף:
5And you shall call out and say before the Lord, your God, "An Aramean [sought to] destroy my forefather, and he went down to Egypt and sojourned there with a small number of people, and there, he became a great, mighty, and numerous nation. הוְעָנִ֨יתָ וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֜ לִפְנֵ֣י | יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ אֲרַמִּי֙ אֹבֵ֣ד אָבִ֔י וַיֵּ֣רֶד מִצְרַ֔יְמָה וַיָּ֥גָר שָׁ֖ם בִּמְתֵ֣י מְעָ֑ט וַֽיְהִי־שָׁ֕ם לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל עָצ֥וּם וָרָֽב:
And you shall call out: Heb. וְעָנִית [Usually meaning to “respond.” However, in this context, this word] denotes the raising of the voice. — [Sotah 32b]
וענית: לשון הרמת קול:
An Aramean [sought to] destroy my forefather: [The declarer] mentions [here] the kind deeds of the Omnipresent [by stating]:“An Aramean [sought to] destroy my forefather.” That is, Laban, when he pursued Jacob, sought to uproot [i.e., annihilate] all [the Jews], and since he intended to do so, the Omnipresent considered it as though he had actually done it (Sifrei 26:5), for [regarding] the pagan nations of the world, the Holy One, Blessed is He, considers the [mere] intention [of an evil deed] as [being equivalent to] the actual perpetration [of the deed itself]. — [Yerushalmi Pe’ah 1:1 at end]
ארמי אבד אבי: מזכיר חסדי המקום ארמי אובד אבי, לבן בקש לעקור את הכל, כשרדף אחר יעקב. ובשביל שחשב לעשות, חשב לו המקום כאלו עשה, שאומות העולם חושב להם הקב"ה מחשבה [רעה] כמעשה:
who then went down to Egypt: And [apart from Laban,] still others came upon us to annihilate us, for after this, Jacob went down to Egypt [“and the Egyptians treated us cruelly…”].
וירד מצרימה: ועוד אחרים באו עלינו לכלותנו, שאחרי זאת ירד יעקב למצרים:
with a small number of people: [Namely,] seventy persons. — [Sifrei 26: 5; see Gen. 46:27]
במתי מעט: בשבעים נפש:
6And the Egyptians treated us cruelly and afflicted us, and they imposed hard labor upon us. ווַיָּרֵ֧עוּ אֹתָ֛נוּ הַמִּצְרִ֖ים וַיְעַנּ֑וּנוּ וַיִּתְּנ֥וּ עָלֵ֖ינוּ עֲבֹדָ֥ה קָשָֽׁה:
7So we cried out to the Lord, God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. זוַנִּצְעַ֕ק אֶל־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־קֹלֵ֔נוּ וַיַּ֧רְא אֶת־עָנְיֵ֛נוּ וְאֶת־עֲמָלֵ֖נוּ וְאֶת־לַֽחֲצֵֽנוּ:
8And the Lord brought us out from Egypt with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm, with great awe, and with signs and wonders. חוַיּֽוֹצִאֵ֤נוּ יְהֹוָה֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם בְּיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ וּבִזְרֹ֣עַ נְטוּיָ֔ה וּבְמֹרָ֖א גָּדֹ֑ל וּבְאֹת֖וֹת וּבְמֹֽפְתִֽים:
9And He brought us to this place, and He gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. טוַיְבִאֵ֖נוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַיִּתֶּן־לָ֨נוּ֙ אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ:
to this place: meaning the Temple. — [Sifrei 26:9] [The expression הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶה must refer specifically to the Temple and not to the Land of Israel in general, because the following clause:]
אל המקום הזה: זה בית המקדש:
and He gave us this land: [is to be understood] literally.
ויתן לנו את הארץ: כמשמעו:
10And now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground which you, O Lord, have given to me." Then, you shall lay it before the Lord, your God, and prostrate yourself before the Lord, your God. יוְעַתָּ֗ה הִנֵּ֤ה הֵבֵ֨אתִי֙ אֶת־רֵאשִׁית֙ פְּרִ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥תָּה לִּ֖י יְהֹוָ֑ה וְהִנַּחְתּ֗וֹ לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוִ֔יתָ לִפְנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ:
Then, you shall lay: [The repetition of the expressions וְהִנִּיחוֹ (verse 4) and here, וְהִנַּחְתּוֹ] teaches us [that there were two procedures involving laying the hands on the basket and waving it, namely] that [the owner] takes [the basket] after the kohen has [completed] waving it; [the owner subsequently] grasps it in his hand during his declaration, and then repeats the waving procedure.
והנחתו: מגיד שנוטלו אחר הנחת הכהן ואוחזו בידו כשהוא קורא, וחוזר ומניף:
11Then, you shall rejoice with all the good that the Lord, your God, has granted you and your household you, the Levite, and the stranger who is among you. יאוְשָֽׂמַחְתָּ֣ בְכָל־הַטּ֗וֹב אֲשֶׁ֧ר נָֽתַן־לְךָ֛ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ וּלְבֵיתֶ֑ךָ אַתָּה֙ וְהַלֵּוִ֔י וְהַגֵּ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ:
And you shall rejoice with all the good: From here, [our Rabbis] said that the firstfruits declaration is recited only at the time of “rejoicing,” namely, from Shavuoth until Sukkoth, for [then] a person gathers in his grain, fruit, wine and oil [over which he rejoices]. However, from Sukkoth and onwards, he must bring [his firstfruits to the Temple], but he does not recite the declaration. - [Pes. 36b]
ושמחת בכל הטוב: מכאן אמרו אין קורין מקרא בכורים אלא בזמן שמחה מעצרת ועד החג, שאדם מלקט תבואתו ופירותיו ויינו ושמנו, אבל מהחג ואילך מביא ואינו קורא:
you, the Levite: [From here, we learn that] the Levite is also obligated in [the mitzvah of bringing] firstfruits if they planted [trees] within their [forty-eight] cities. [Outside of these cities, they had no land.]
אתה והלוי: אף הלוי חייב בבכורים אם נטעו בתוך עריהם:
and the stranger who is among you: [I.e., the proselyte.] He brings [his firstfruits], but he does not recite the declaration, since he cannot say “to our fathers” [in the introduction to the declaration (verse 3): “I have come to the land which the Lord swore to our forefathers to give us”]. — [Mishnah Bikkurim 1:4]
והגר אשר בקרבך: (שם מכות יט) מביא ואינו קורא, שאינו יכול לומר לאבותינו:
Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 66 - 68
• Hebrew text
• English text
Special Custom for the Month of Elul and High Holidays
The Baal Shem Tov instituted a custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).
See below for today's additional chapters.
Chapter 66
This psalm describes the praises and awe-inspiring prayers that we will offer God upon the ingathering of the exiles.
1. For the Conductor, a song, a psalm. Raise your voices in jubilation to God, all the earth!
2. Sing the glory of His Name; make glorious His praise.
3. Say to God, "How awesome are Your deeds!" Because of Your great strength, Your enemies will [admit] their treachery to You.
4. All the earth will bow to You, and sing to You; they will sing praise to Your Name forever!
5. Go and see the works of God, awesome in His deeds toward mankind.
6. He turned the sea into dry land, and they passed through the river on foot; we rejoiced in Him there.
7. He rules the world with His might, and His eyes watch the nations; let the rebellious not exalt themselves, Selah.
8. Bless our God, O nations, and let the voice of His praise be heard.
9. He has kept us alive, and did not allow our feet to falter.
10. For You tested us, O God; You refined us as one refining silver.
11. You brought us into prison; You placed a chain upon our loins.
12. You mounted men over our head; we went through fire and water, and You brought us out to abundance.
13. I will enter Your House with burnt-offerings, I will pay to You my vows,
14. which my lips uttered and my mouth spoke in my distress.
15. I will offer up to You burnt-offerings of fat animals, with the smoke of rams; I will prepare cattle with he-goats, Selah.
16. Come listen, all you who fear God, and I will relate what He has done for my soul.
17. I called to Him with my mouth, with exaltation beneath my tongue.
18. Had I seen iniquity in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.
19. But in truth, God heard; He gave ear to the voice of my prayer.
20. Blessed is God Who has not turned away my prayer or His kindness from me.
Chapter 67
This psalm is known as an especially revered prayer. It, too, speaks of the era of the ingathering of the exiles, and the wars of Gog and Magog, a time when "the Lord will be One."
1. For the Conductor, a song with instrumental music, a psalm.
2. May God be gracious to us and bless us; may He make His countenance shine upon us forever,
3. that Your way be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
4. The nations will extol You, O God; all the nations will extol You.
5. The nations will rejoice and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples justly and guide the nations on earth forever.
6. The peoples will extol You, O God; all the peoples will extol You,
7. for the earth will have yielded its produce, and God, our God, will bless us.
8. God will bless us; and all, from the farthest corners of the earth, shall fear Him.
Chapter 68
An awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer, David composed this psalm referring to a future event, when Sennacherib would surround Jerusalem on Passover, during the reign of Hezekiah. He also prophesies about the good we will enjoy during the Messianic era.
1. For the Conductor; by David, a psalm, a song.
2. Let God rise, let His enemies be scattered, and let His enemies flee before Him.
3. As smoke is driven away, drive them away; as wax melts before fire, let the wicked perish before God.
4. And the righteous will rejoice, they will exult before God and delight with joy.
5. Sing to God, chant praises to His Name; extol Him Who rides upon the heavens with His Name, Yah, and exult before Him.
6. A father of orphans and judge of widows is God, in the abode of His holiness.
7. God settles the solitary into a home, and frees those bound in shackles; but the rebellious [are left to] dwell in an arid land.
8. O God, when You went out before Your nation, when You marched through the wilderness, Selah,
9. the earth trembled, even the heavens dripped before the presence of God; this mountain of Sinai [trembled] before the presence of God, the God of Israel.
10. You poured generous rain, O God; when Your heritage was weary, You secured it.
11. Your flock settled there; in Your goodness, O God, You prepare for the poor.
12. My Lord will fulfill the word of the heralds to a great legion:
13. Kings of armies will flee, they will flee; and she who inhabits the home will divide the loot.
14. Even if you lie upon the hearth,1 [you will be like] wings of a dove covered with silver, her pinions with brilliant gold.
15. When the Almighty scatters kings in her midst, those in the shadow of darkness will be made snow-white.
16. The mountain of God is a fertile mountain, the mountain of majestic peaks is a fertile mountain.
17. Why do you prance, O mountains of peaks? This is the mountain God has desired as His dwelling; the Lord will even dwell there forever.
18. The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, [with] thousands of angels; my Lord is in their midst, at Sinai, in holiness.
19. You ascended on high and took a captive,2 you seized gifts for man; and [now] even rebels dwell with Yah, God.
20. Blessed is my Lord, Who each day loads us [with beneficence], the God Who is our deliverance forever.
21. The Lord is a God of deliverances for us; and to God, my Lord, are the many avenues of death.
22. God alone crushes the heads of His enemies, the hairy skull of him who goes about in his guilt.
23. My Lord said, "I will bring back from Bashan,3 I will bring back from the depths of the sea,
24. that your foot may wade through [the enemy's] blood; that the tongue of your dogs may have its portion from your enemies.”
25. They saw Your ways, O God, the ways of my God, my King, in holiness.
26. The singers began, then the musicians, in the midst of the maidens playing timbrels.
27. In assemblies bless God; [bless] my Lord, O you who stem from Israel.
28. There Benjamin, the youngest, rules them; the princes of Judah stone them, [as do] the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
29. Your God has decreed your strength. Show Your strength, O God, Who has wrought this for our sake.
30. Because of [the glory of] Your Sanctuary upon Jerusalem, kings will bring You tribute.
31. Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, the assembly of mighty bulls among the calves of nations, [until] each submits himself with pieces of silver. Scatter the nations that desire wars.
32. Nobles will come from Egypt; Kush will hasten [to raise] its hands to God.
33. Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praise to my Lord forever!
34. To the One Who rides upon the loftiest of ancient heavens-behold He gives forth His voice, a voice of might.
35. Ascribe power to God; His majesty is over Israel, and His might is in the skies.
36. God, You are feared from Your Sanctuary; it is the God of Israel Who grants strength and power to His people; blessed is God.
FOOTNOTES
1.And dirty yourself in exile (Metzudot).
2.Israel ascended on high and seized the Torah from the Angels (Metzudot).
3.From amongst the nations who are compared to “bulls of Bashan” (Metzudot).
Additional Three Chapters
The Baal Shem Tov instituted a custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).
Today's Chapters are 34, 35 and 36.
Chapter 34
This psalm tells of when David was in grave danger while at the palace of Achish, brother of Goliath. David acted like a madman, letting spittle run down his beard, and writing on the doors: "Achish, king of Gath, owes me one hundred thousand gold coins," leading Achish to eject him from the palace. In his joy, David composed this psalm in alphabetical sequence.
1. By David, when he feigned insanity before Avimelech,1 who then drove him away, and he left.
2. I bless the Lord at all times; His praise is always in my mouth.
3. My soul glories in the Lord; let the humble hear it and rejoice.
4. Exalt the Lord with me, and let us extol His Name together.
5. I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
6. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never humiliated.
7. This poor man called, and the Lord heard; He delivered him from all his tribulations.
8. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
9. Taste and see that the Lord is good; fortunate is the man who trusts in Him.
10. Fear the Lord, you His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no want.
11. Young lions may want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
12. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
13. Who is the man who desires life, who loves long life wherein to see goodness?
14. Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
15. Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
16. The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous, and His ears toward their cry.
17. The wrath of the Lord is upon the evildoers, to excise their memory from the earth.
18. But when they [repent and] cry out, the Lord hears, and saves them from all their troubles.
19. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those with a crushed spirit.
20. Many are the afflictions of a righteous person, but the Lord rescues him from them all.
21. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
22. Evil brings death upon the wicked, and the enemies of the righteous are condemned.
23. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants; all who take shelter in Him are not condemned.
Chapter 35
This psalm is an awe-inspiring and wondrous prayer about David's enemies-that they be as chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of God. It also declares that everything comes about through God's help.
1. By David. Fight my antagonists, O Lord, battle those who battle against me.
2. Take hold of shield and armor and arise to help me.
3. Draw a spear, and bar the way before my pursuers; say to my soul, "I am your deliverance.”
4. Let those who seek my life be shamed and disgraced; let those who devise my harm retreat and be humiliated.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind; let the angel of the Lord thrust them away.
6. Let their path be dark and slippery; let them be chased by the angel of the Lord.
7. For without cause have they laid their nets in the pit for me; without cause have they dug [pits] for my soul.
8. Let darkness come upon him unawares; let the very snare that he hid trap him, in darkness he will fall in it.
9. And my soul shall exult in the Lord, rejoice in His deliverance.
10. My entire being shall declare: Lord, who is like You? Who saves the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and the destitute from one who would rob him.
11. Corrupt witnesses rise up [against me], they demand of me things of which I do not know.
12. They repay me evil for good, death for my soul.
13. But I wore sackcloth when they were ill; I afflicted my soul with fasting. Let my prayer return upon my own bosom.
14. As if it were my friend, my brother, I went about; like a mother in mourning, I was bent over in gloom.
15. But when I limped, they rejoiced and gathered; the lowly gathered against me-even those whom I do not know; they laugh and cannot be quiet.
16. With flattery and scorn, for the sake of a meal,1 they gnash their teeth at me.
17. My Lord, how long will You look on? Restore my life from their darkness; from young lions, my soul.
18. I will thank You in a great congregation, amidst a mighty nation I will praise You.
19. Let not those who hate me without cause rejoice over me; [let not] those who despise me without reason wink their eye.
20. For they speak not of peace, rather they scheme deceitful matters against the broken of the land.
21. They opened their mouths wide against me, they said, "Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen [his misfortune].”
22. You saw, Lord, be not silent; my Lord, be not distant from me.
23. Rouse and awaken Yourself to my judgement, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me according to your righteousness, Lord my God; let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha! We have our desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him!”
26. Let them be shamed and disgraced together, those who rejoice at my trouble; let them be clothed in shame and humiliation, those who raise themselves arrogantly over me.
27. Let those who desire my vindication sing joyously and be glad; let them say always, "Let the Lord be exalted, Who desires the peace of His servant.”
28. My tongue will speak of Your righteousness, Your praise, all day long.
Chapter 36
This psalm is a message to those who follow their evil inclination, that tells them, "Do not place the fear of God before you," and brings them to sin by beautifying evil deeds in their eyes. For so is his way: "He descends (to earth) and corrupts, then goes up (to the Heavenly Court) and prosecutes."
1. For the Conductor, by the servant of the Lord, by David.
2. [I think] in my heart: Sin says to the wicked, "There is none [who need place] the fear of God before his eyes.”
3. For Sin makes itself appealing to him, until his iniquity be found and he is hated.
4. The speech of his mouth is evil and deceit; he fails to reason, to improve.
5. On his bed he contemplates evil, he stands in a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.
6. O Lord, Your kindness is in the heavens; Your faithfulness is till the skies.
7. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgements extend to the great deep; man and beast You deliver, O Lord.
8. How precious is Your kindness, O God; man takes shelter in the shadow of Your wings.
9. They will be filled by the abundance of Your house; from the stream of Your Eden, You will give them to drink.
10. For the source of life is with You; in Your Light do we see light.
11. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart.
12. Let not the foot of the arrogant overtake me; let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13. There1 the doers of evil fell, thrust down, unable to rise.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 13
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Sunday, Elul 12, 5777 · September 3, 2017
Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 13
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מה רב טובך אשר צפנת ליראיך וגו׳
“How abundant is Your goodness which You have hidden away for those who fear You, [which You have wrought for those who trust in You before man].”1
Now the first part of the verse states that the reward is “hidden away,” while its conclusion implies that it is revealed to the sight of man.
The Alter Rebbe will now explain that corresponding to these two forms of reward, the Jew’s spiritual service (that leads to the reward) likewise assumes two forms: there is both a concealed and a revealed form of divine service.
הנה בכלל עובדי ה׳, יש ב׳ בחינות ומדרגות חלוקות
Among those who serve G‑d by fulfilling the Torah and its mitzvot, there are two distinct kinds and levels,
מצד שורש נשמתם למעלה, מבחינת ימין ושמאל
depending on the root of their souls above, in the categories of the “right” (Chesed) and the “left” (Gevurah).
דהיינו, שבחינת שמאל היא מדת הצמצום וההסתר בעבודת ה׳
In terms of the effect of the soul’s root, this means that the “left” is characterized by contraction and concealment in one’s divine service.
כמו שכתוב: והצנע לכת גו׳
Thus, with regard to this manner of service, it is written,2 “...and to walk covertly [with the L‑rd your G‑d]”;
במסתרים תבכה גו׳
[and in another verse we find],3 “in secret places weeps [my soul]...”;
כל העוסק בתורה בסתר כו׳
[and, in the words of our Sages],4 “Whoever engages in the study of the Torah in secret....”
The three above-mentioned quotations refer to the three general modes of divine service: With regard to mitzvot — “to walk covertly”; regarding prayer — “my soul weeps”; and with regard to Torah — “engages in the study of the Torah in secret.”
All the above approaches to divine service result from one of the the traits that characterizes Gevurah, viz., concealment. The Alter Rebbe now goes on to speak of the other dominant trait that characterizes the attribute of Gevurah, viz., contraction.
והנה ממדה זו נמשכה גם כן בחינת הצמצום והגבול בעבודת ה׳
From this attribute derives also the element of contraction and limitation in the service of G‑d;
כמו בצדקה, להיות נידון בהשג יד
for example, having one’s disbursements to charity adjudged according to one’s means,5
והמבזבז, אל יבזבז יותר מחומש
and [setting one’s limits in the spirit of the teaching],6 “He who gives lavishly, should not expend more than one fifth.”
וכהאי גונא בתלמוד תורה ושארי מצות, די לו שיוצא ידי חובתו מחיוב מפורש שחייבתו התורה בפירוש
Likewise, as regards the study of Torah and the other commandments, such a person is satisfied if he discharges his definite duty which the Torah explicitly obligates him to do,
לקבוע עתים כו׳
such as to set aside certain times [for Torah study].
Thus, the soul’s root in the Supernal “left”, in the attribute of Gevurah, will lead one to act in a manner consistent with its character trait of limitation: so that he will give only as much tzedakah, study only as much Torah, and perform the mitzvot only to the degree that he is obligated.
וממנה נמשך גם כן מה שאמרו רז״ל: זרוק מרה בתלמידים כו׳
אך בחינת ימין היא מדת החסד וההתפשטות בעבודת ה׳
By contrast, the characteristic of the “right” is the attribute of Chesed and expansiveness — serving G‑d
בהתרחבות, בלי צמצום והסתר כלל
with amplitude, without any contraction or concealment whatever,
כמו שכתוב: ואתהלכה ברחבה כו׳
as it is written,9 “And I will walk about expansively...,”
וגם בלי צמצום וגבול כלל
and without any contraction or limitation whatever. I.e., with such an individual, not only the approach to divine service but also its execution is characterized by a broad sweep.
ואין מעצור לרוח נדבתו, בין בצדקה ובין בתלמוד תורה ושאר מצות
There is no restraint to the spirit of his generosity, whether it be with respect to charity, the study of Torah, or other commandments.
ולא די לו לצאת ידי חובתו בלבד, אלא עד בלי די כו׳
He is not satisfied with merely discharging his obliga-tion, but [continues]10 “to the extent of never [saying] ‘Enough!’...”
These, then, are the two types of divine service that result from the soul’s being rooted either in the “right” or the “left”.
* * *
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Tehillim 31:20. |
| 2. | Michah 6:8. |
| 3. | Yirmeyahu 13:17. |
| 4. | Note of the Rebbe: “See Moed Katan 16b מבפנים כו׳ בסתר.” |
| 5. | Note of the Rebbe: “Tur and Shulchan Aruch, beginning of Hilchot Tzedakah.” |
| 6. | Ketubbot 50a. |
| 7. | Ibid. 103b. |
| 8. | In the standard Hebrew text, this last sentence appears after the following one (i.e., after ברחבה כו׳ — “expansively”). A parenthetical comment there notes the consequent anomaly, and suggests that the sentence might in fact belong here, as in the present edition. |
| 9. | Tehillim 119:45. |
| 10. | Malachi 3:10. |
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Sunday, Elul 12, 5777 · September 3, 2017
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Negative Commandment 310
Allowing a Sorcerer to Live
"You shall not allow a witch to live"—Exodus 22:17.
It is forbidden to allow a sorcerer to live [rather, he must be put to death].
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Allowing a Sorcerer to Live
Negative Commandment 310
Translated by Berel Bell
The 310th prohibition is that we are forbidden from allowing a sorceress to live.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,1 "Do not allow a sorceress to live."
If we would exempt a sorceress from the death penalty, we would transgress a prohibition. This is unlike exempting from execution another type of transgressor, which would constitute only the nullification of a positive commandment.2
FOOTNOTES
1.Ex. 22:17.
2.Not a prohibition, as in the case of a sorceress. The positive commandment nullified would be the one for that particular type of execution (P226-P229; Lessons 314-415).
Positive Commandment 224
Punishment by Flogging
"The judge shall make him lean over and flog him in front of him"—Deuteronomy 25:2.
Transgressors of certain sins are to be punished with flogging.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Punishment by Flogging
Positive Commandment 224
Translated by Berel Bell
The 224th mitzvah is that we are commanded to lash with a strap those who transgress certain commandments.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "The judge shall make him lean over and have him flogged."
In our list of the prohibitions we will point out which mitzvos are punishable by flogging.
The details of this mitzvah are explained in tractate Makkos.2
FOOTNOTES
1.Deut. 25:2.
2.Chapter 3.
Negative Commandment 300
Flogging a Defendant more than He can Bear
"He shall give him forty lashes; he may not exceed"—Deuteronomy 25:2-3.
A judge may not sentence a person (found guilty of an offense that calls for flogging) to be flogged even one lash more than his body can physically bear.
A person who is sentenced to flogging is given 39 lashes. However, no person is flogged until [a doctor] estimates how many lashes the defendant can bear—taking in consideration his age, constitution and physique. If the defendant cannot bear the full 39 lashes, he is given as many as he is capable of receiving—not less, however, than three lashes. [In the event that he is only capable of bearing less than three lashes, he is not flogged at all.]
Included in this prohibition is adding even one lash on the 39 requisite lashes [even for one capable of bearing it].
Also included in this mitzvah is the prohibition against striking a fellow Jew. If we are admonished not to strike a sinner [more than he deserves], how much more so the innocent!
It is even forbidden to raise one's hand against a fellow, threatening to strike, even if one has no intention of actually hitting. As our Sages say, "One who [just] raises his hands on his fellow is called evil."
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Flogging a Defendant more than He can Bear
Negative Commandment 300
Translated by Berel Bell
The 300th prohibition is that a judge is forbidden [to order] to lash a transgressor so severely as to threaten his physical integrity. The explanation of this is as follows: one who is to be punished by lashing receives a maximum of 40 lashes [i.e. 39,] as explained in the Oral Tradition.1 But a person is never given lashes before his tolerance is determined in accordance with his age, condition, and size. If he will be able to survive the full number of lashes, they are all administered. If he will not survive the full number, he is given as many lashes as [it is estimated that] he is able to take — with a minimum of three. This is learned from G‑d's statement, (exalted be He),2 "[have him flogged] according to his wickedness." The maximum number of lashes is 39,3 and this prohibition comes to forbid even one extra lash above the number determined by the judge.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement4 (exalted be He), "[Have him flogged] according to his wickedness. Do not go beyond the limit and give him forty lashes."
The Sifri5 says, "If one adds on to the number of lashes, one transgresses a prohibition. This teaches the prohibition only for one who adds on to the 40 lashes. What is the source of the prohibition for one who adds on the estimation of the High Court? From the phrase, 'Do not go beyond the limit.' "
This prohibition also forbids one to strike any Jew:6 If it is prohibited even to strike a transgressor [even one extra time] how much moreso for striking another person! Our Sages also prohibited one from threatening to hit another, even without actually doing so. They said,7 "Anyone who lifts his hand against another to strike him is called wicked, as it is written,8 'And he said to the wicked one, Why did you hit your neighbor?' "
FOOTNOTES
1.He is actually given no more than 39 lashes. See Kapach, 5731, footnote 60.
2.Deut. 25:2. See Sanhedrin 23a.
3.This is because the lashes must be given in multiples of three; anything beyond 39 would exceed 40.
4.Deut. 25:2-3.
5.Ibid.
6.Sanhedrin 85a.
7.Ibid., 58b.
8.Ex. 2:13. In this case, the person had only lifted his hand, and not yet struck the other.
Rambam:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Avel Avel - Chapter 3
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1
With the exception of the six relatives mentioned in the Torah and his wife, whenever a priest becomes impure because of contact with a corpse, if there are witnesses and a warning is administered, he is punished by lashes, as Leviticus 21:1 states: "No one shall contract ritual impurity for the sake of a deceased person among his people."
This applies whether one touches the corpse, stands over it, or carries it. And it applies to a corpse and to all other forms of ritual impurity stemming from a corpse, as implied by "No one shall contract ritual impurity for the sake of a deceased person among his people." In Hilchot Tumat Meit, we already described all the factors associated with a corpse that convey ritual impurity according to Scriptural Law and according to Rabbinic Law.
א
כל כהן שנטמא למת חוץ מששה מתים המפורשים בתורה או אשתו בעדים והתראה הרי זה לוקה שנאמר לנפש לא יטמא בעמיו ואחד הנוגע במת או המאהיל או הנושא ואחד המת ואחד שאר הטומאות הפורשות מן המת שנאמר לנפש לא יטמא בעמיו וכבר פירשנו בהלכות טומאת מת כל דברים המטמאין מן המת מן התורה או מדבריהם:
2
Similarly, a priest receives lashes if he touches a grave. He may, however, touch clothes that touched a corpse, even though by doing so, he contracts ritual impurity that continues for seven days.
ב
וכן אם נגע הכהן בקבר לוקה אבל נוגע הוא בבגדים שנגעו במת אע"פ שמיטמא בהן טומאת שבעה:
3
Similarly, if a priest enters a covered structure into which ritual impurity enters, he is lashed. This applies even though the source of impurity itself is in another building. We have already explained all the types of "tents" into which ritual impurity can enter and depart, the laws involving foliage and projections, the entities which bring ritual impurity and those which interpose between ritual impurity, which involve Scriptural Law and which involve Rabbinic Law. All of this is discussed in Hilchot Tumat Meit.
There we explained that non-Jews do not convey ritual impurity through overhangs. Therefore their graves are pure and a priest may enter their cemetery and walk on their graves. He is forbidden only to touch impurity or carry it, as we explained there.
ג
וכן אם נכנס לאהל טמא שנכנסה לו הטומאה לוקה אע"פ שעצמה של טומאה בבית אחר וכבר ביארנו כל האהלים שתכנס להן הטומאה או שתצא מהן ודין הסככות והפרעות וכל הדברים המביאין את הטומאה והחוצצין בפני הטומאה ואין זה מהן דין תורה ואי זה מהן מדבריהן הכל בהלכות טומאת מת ושם ביארנו שאין עכו"ם מטמאין באהל ולפיכך קברותיהם טהורים ומותר לכהן ליכנס לשם ולדרוך על קברותיהם ואינו אסור אלא שיגע בטומאה או שישאנה כמו שביארנו שם:
4
The following laws apply when a priest enters a building where a corpse is located or a cemetery inadvertently and he is given a warning after he discovers the fact. If he jumps and leaves, he is not liable. If, however, he remains there for the time it takes to prostrate oneself which we explained with regard to impurity in the Temple, he is lashed.
If he entered and departed, entered and departed, if he was given a warning for each time, he is given lashes for every entrance. Similarly, if he touches a corpse, is giving a warning, and then disengages himself, and afterwards, touches it and is given a warning - even if this sequence is repeated one hundred times, he is given lashes for each touch.
If he was touching a corpse and did not disengage himself or was standing in the cemetery and touched other corpses, although he is given a warning several times, he receives lashes only once. For as long as he does not cease, he is continuing to desecrate his priestly state.
ד
כהן שנכנס לאהל המת או לבית הקברות בשגגה ואחר שידע התרו בו אם קפץ ויצא פטור ואם ישב שם כדי השתחויה כמו שביארנו בענין טומאת מקדש הרי זה לוקה נכנס ויצא וחזר ונכנס ויצא אם התרו בו על כל פעם ופעם לוקה על כל כניסה וכניסה וכן אם נגע במת והתרו בו ופירש וחזר ונגע והתרו בו אפילו מאה פעמים לוקה על כל אחת ואחת היה נוגע ולא פירש או שהיה עומד בבית הקברות ונגע במתים אחרים אף על פי שהתרו בו כמה פעמים אינו לוקה אלא אחת שהרי מחולל ועומד כל זמן שלא פירש:
5
The following rules apply when one causes a priest to contract ritual impurity. If they both acted intentionally, the priest receives lashes and the person who caused him to contract impurity violates the prohibition against placing a stumbling block in front of the blind. If the priest was not aware of the transgression and the person who caused him to contract impurity acted intentionally, that person receives lashes.
ה
המטמא את הכהן אם היו שניהם מזידין הרי הכהן לוקה וזה שטמאו עובר על ולפני עור לא תתן מכשול היה הכהן שוגג וזה שטמאו מזיד הרי זה שטמאו לוקה:
6
A High Priest may not become impure for the sake of his relatives, as Leviticus 21:11 states: "He shall not become impure for his father's or mother's sake." Similarly, he does not enter a shelter where there is a corpse, even the corpse of one of his relatives, as ibid.:30 states: "He shall not enter a place where there is any corpse." Thus we learn that he is liable both for not entering and for not becoming impure.
What is implied? If the High Priest touches or carries a corpse, he receives lashes for one transgression. If he enters a shelter and remains there until a person dies or he enters a chest, bureau, or drawer, and a colleague comes and opens the top of this container and thus his contact with impurity and his entrance into the shelter come at the same time, he receives two sets of lashes, for the prohibition against entering and for the prohibition against becoming impure.
ו
כהן גדול אינו מטמא לקרובים שנאמר לאביו ולאמו לא יטמא וכן אינו נכנס עם המת באהל אפילו קרוביו שנאמר ועל כל נפשות מת לא יבא הא למדת שהוא חייב בלא יבא וחייב בלא יטמא כיצד נגע או נשא לוקה אחת נכנס לאהל וישב שם עד שמת עליו המת או שנכנס לשידה תיבה ומגדל ובא חבירו ופרע עליו גג השידה שהרי טומאה וביאה באין כאחד הרי זה לוקה שתים משום לא יבא ומשום לא יטמא:
7
If the High Priest became impure beforehand, and then entered a shelter where a corpse was located, if he is warned, he should receive lashes even for this entry.
ז
נטמא מקודם ואחר כך נכנס לאהל אם התרו בו לוקה אף על הביאה:
8
When a priest - even a High Priest - encounters an unattended corpse on the road, he is obligated to become impure for its sake and bury it. What is meant by an unattended corpse? A Jewish corpse cast away on the road without anyone to bury it. This is a halachah conveyed by the received tradition.
When does the above apply? When the priest is alone and there is no one else with him; even when he calls out on the road, no one answers him. If, however, when he calls others answer, this is not considered an unattended corpse. Instead, he should call to the others and they should come and tend to the corpse.
ח
כהן שפגע במת מצוה בדרך הרי זה מטמא לו אפילו כהן גדול חייב להטמא לו ולקוברו ואיזהו מת מצוה אחד מישראל שהיה מושלך בדרך ואין לו קוברין דבר זה הלכה מפי הקבלה במה דברים אמורים כשהיה הכהן לבדו ואין עמו אחר ואפילו קרא שם בדרך ואין לו עונה אבל אם כשיקרא אחרים עונים אותו אין זה מת מצוה אלא יקרא לאחרים ויבואו ויעסקו בו:
9
If a priest and a nazirite are proceeding on a road and they encounter an unattended corpse, the nazirite should tend to it. The rationale is that his holiness is not of an eternal nature. The priest - even an ordinary priest - should not become impure.
If a High Priest was going together with an ordinary priest, the ordinary priest should become impure. The general principle is: Whoever is on a higher level of holiness should become impure last. When a s'gan and the priest anointed to lead the army at war encounter an unattended corpse, the priest anointed to lead the army at war should become impure, not the s'gan.
ט
היו כהן ונזיר מהלכין בדרך ופגעו במת מצוה יתעסק בו הנזיר לפי שאין קדושתו קדושת עולם ואל יטמא בו הכהן אע"פ שהוא כהן הדיוט היה כהן גדול וכהן הדיוט יטמא ההדיוט וכל הקודם את חבירו במעלה מתאחר בטומאה וסגן עם משוח מלחמה שפגעו במת מצוה יטמא משוח מלחמה ואל יטמא הסגן:
10
When a nasi dies, everyone - even priests - should become impure for his sake. Our Sages had him considered as an unattended corpse, because everyone is obligated in his honor. Similarly, all must observe the rites of aninut for his sake.
י
נשיא שמת הכל מטמאין לו אפילו כהנים עשאוהו כמת מצוה לכל מפני שהכל חייבין בכבודו וכן הכל אוננין עליו:
11
The daughters of Aaron were not warned to avoid the ritual impurity imparted by a corpse. This derived from Leviticus 21:1: "Say to the priests, the sons of Aaron...." Implied is "the sons of Aaron," and not "the daughters of Aaron."
Similarly, challalim are permitted to become impure. This is also derived from the words, "the priests, the sons of Aaron," i.e., to be included in the prohibition, their priesthood must be intact.
יא
בנות אהרן לא הוזהרו על טומאת מת שנאמר אמור אל הכהנים בני אהרן ולא בנות אהרן וכן החללים מותרין להטמא שנאמר בני אהרן עד שיהיו בכיהונם:
12
When a priest is a minor, the adults are warned that they should not have him contact ritual impurity. If he comes to contract impurity on his own initiative, the court is not obligated to separate him from the source of impurity. His father, however, must educate him in the holiness of the priesthood.
יב
כהן קטן הרי הגדולים מוזהרים שלא יטמאוהו ואם בא להטמא מעצמו אין בית דין מצווין עליו להפרישו אבל אביו צריך לחנכו בקדושה:
13
The four cubits circumscribed around a corpse are deemed impure. Any priest that enters into these four cubits is given stripes for rebellious conduct.
Similarly, if priests enter a beit hapras, go to the diaspora, become impure through contact with a mixture of blood, a gravestone, or the stones which support the gravestone, and the like, they are given stripes for rebellious conduct, because these entities are sources for ritual impurity by Rabbinic decree, as we explained in Hilchot Tumat Meit. If, however, a priest enters a cemetery, he receives lashes according to Scriptural Law.
יג
מת תופש ארבע אמות שלו לטומאה וכל כהן שנכנס לתוך ארבע אמות מכין אותו מכת מרדות וכן אם נכנסו לבית הפרס או יצא חוצה לארץ או שנטמא בדם תבוסה או בגולל ובדופק וכיוצא בהן מכין אותו מכת מרדות מפני שהן אבות של דבריהם כמו שביארנו בהלכות טומאת מת אבל אם נכנס לבית הקברות לוקה מן התורה:
14
It is permissible for a priest to become impure through walking through a beit hapras or the diaspora for the sake of a mitzvah, when there is no way other than that, e.g., he went to marry or to study Torah. Even though there is someone who could teach him in Eretz Yisrael, he is permitted to leave, because a person does not merit to learn from every colleague.
Similarly, a person may incur ritual impurity that is Rabbinic in origin to show respect to other people. What is implied? If a mourner walked through a beit hapras, everyone follows after him to comfort him. Similarly, we may walk over the coffins of the dead to greet Jewish kings. This is allowed even to greet gentile kings, so that a distinction will be able to be made between them and Jewish kings when their glory will return to its place. Similarly, leniency is granted in all analogous situations. Also, a priest may incur ritual impurity of Rabbinic origin to enter in judgment and disputation with gentiles concerning property, for he is saving it from their hands. Similar laws apply in all analogous situations.
יד
מותר לכהן להטמא בבית הפרס או בחוצה לארץ לדבר מצוה בזמן שאין שם דרך אלא היא כגון שהלך לישא אשה או ללמוד תורה אף על פי שיש שם מי שילמדנו בארץ ישראל לא מן הכל אדם זוכה ללמוד וכן מיטמא בטומאה מדבריהם לכבוד הבריות כיצד אבל שהלך בבית הפרס הכל הולכין אחריו שם לנחמו וכן מדלגין על גבי ארונות של מתים לקראת מלכי ישראל ואפילו מלכי עכו"ם כדי להבחין בינם לבין מלכי ישראל כשיחזור כבודן למקומן וכן כל כיוצא בזה וכן מיטמא בטומאה של דבריהם לדון עם העכו"ם ולערער עמהן מפני שהוא מציל מידם וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
Rambam:
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Audio: Listen | Download | Video ClassSanhedrin veha`Onashin haMesurin lahem - Chapter 10
1
When one of the judges in a case involving capital punishment rules to acquit the defendant or to hold him liable, not because this is his own opinion which he arrived upon the basis of his own decision, but rather he was swayed after his colleague's words, he commits a transgression, as implied by Exodus 23:2: "Do not respond to a dispute with an inclination." According to the Oral Tradition, this command is interpreted to mean that, when the judges are determining the verdict, a person should not say: "It is sufficient for me to adopt so-and-so's understanding." Instead, he should say what he thinks himself.
א
אחד מן הדיינים בדיני נפשות שהיה מן המזכין או מן המחייבין לא מפני שאמר דבר הנראה לו בדעתו אלא נטה אחר דברי חבירו הרי זה עובר בלא תעשה ועל זה נאמר ולא תענה על ריב לנטות מפי השמועה למדו שלא תאמר בשעת מנין די שאהיה כאיש פלוני אלא אמור מה שלפניך:
2
Included in this interdiction is a prohibition against a judge who had proposed a rationale to exonerate a defendant in a capital case to propose a rationale to convict him. This is also implied by: "Do not respond to a dispute with an inclination."
When does the above apply? In the give and take among the judges. At the time of the verdict even a judge who had proposed a rationale for acquittal may join the others who vote for conviction.
ב
ובכלל לאו זה שלא יחזור המלמד זכות בדיני נפשות ללמד חובה שנאמר לא תענה על ריב לנטות בד"א בשעת משא ומתן אבל בשעת גמר דין יש למלמד זכות לחזור ולהתמנות עם המחייבים:
3
When a scholar offers a rationale for acquittal and then dies, we consider it as if he is alive and advocating this position.
ג
תלמיד שהיה מזכה ומת רואין אותו כאילו הוא מזכה במקומו:
4
If a judge says: "I can offer a rationale to acquit him" and then lost the power of speech or died before he could explain the rationale for acquittal, it is as if he does not exist.
ד
אמר אחד יש לי ללמד עליו זכות ונשתתק או מת קודם שילמד זכות ויאמר מאי זה טעם מזכה הרי הוא כמי שאינו:
5
When two judges mention one rationale, even if they cite different prooftexts, they are only counted as one.
ה
שנים שאמרו טעם אחד אפילו משני מקראות אין נמנין אלא כאחד:
6
According to the Oral Tradition, we learned that with regard to cases involving capital punishment, we do not ask the judge of the highest stature to render judgment first, lest the remainder rely on his opinion and not see themselves as worthy to argue against him. Instead, every judge must state what appears to him, according to his own opinion.
ו
ומפי השמועה למדו שאין מתחילין בדיני נפשות מן הגדול שמא יסמכו השאר על דעתו ולא יראו עצמן כדאין לחלוק עליו אלא יאמר כל אחד דבר הנראה לו בדעתו:
7
Similarly, with regard to cases involving capital punishment, we do not begin with a condemnatory statement, but rather one which points towards acquittal.
What is implied? We tell the presumed transgressor: "If you did not commit the transgression concerning which testimony was given concerning you, do not fear the words of the witnesses.
ז
וכן אין פותחין בדיני נפשות לחובה אלא לזכות כיצד אומרים לזה שחטא אם לא עשית דבר זה שהעידו בו עליך אל תירא מדבריהם:
8
When one of the scholars makes a statement with regard to a case involving capital punishment: "I can teach a rationale which would convict him," we silence him. If he states: "I can teach a rationale which will exonerate him," he is raised up and included in the Sanhedrin. If his words are of substance, we heed his statements and he never descends. If his words are not of substance, he does not descend from the court for that entire day.
Even if the defendant himself says: "I can teach a rationale which will exonerate myself," we heed his statements and he is counted among the judges, provided his words are of substance.
ח
אמר אחד מן התלמידים בדיני נפשות יש לי ללמד עליו חובה משתקין אותו אמר יש לי ללמד עליו זכות מעלין אותו עמהן לסנהדרין אם יש ממש בדבריו שומעין לו ואינו יורד משם לעולם ואם אין ממש בדבריו אינו יורד משם כל היום כולו אפילו אמר הנדון עצמו יש לי ללמד על עצמי זכות שומעין לו ועולה למניין והוא שיהיה ממש בדבריו:
9
When a court errs with regard to a case involving capital punishment and convict an innocent person, ruling that he is guilty, and later they discover a rationale that would require that the ruling be nullified and he be vindicated, they nullify the ruling and retry the case. If, however, they erred and acquitted a person liable to be executed, the judgment is not nullified and the case is not retried.
When does the above apply? When they erred with regard to a matter that the Sadducees would not acknowledge. If, however, they erred with regard to a matter that the Sadducees acknowledge, we retry the case to convict him.
What is implied? If they said that a person who has adulterous or incestuous anal intercourse is not liable and they released him, he is retried and executed. If, however, they said a person who merely entered the woman's anus with the crown of his organ is not liable, and they released him. He is not retried. Similar principles apply in all analogous situations.
ט
בית דין שטעו בדיני נפשות וחייבו את הפטור וגמרו דינו לחובה ונראה להם הטעם שיסתרו בו את דינו כדי לזכותו סותרין וחוזרין ודנין אותו אבל אם טעו ופטרו את המחוייב הריגה אין סותרין את דינו ואין מחזירין אותו במה דברים אמורים בשטעו בדבר שאין הצדוקין מודין בו אבל אם טעו בדבר שהצדוקין מודין בו מחזירין אותה לחובה כיצד אמרו הבא על הערוה שלא כדרכה פטור ופטרוהו מחזירין אותו וממיתין אותו אבל אם אמרו המערה שלא כדרכה פטור ופטרוהו אין מחזירין אותו וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
Sanhedrin veha`Onashin haMesurin lahem - Chapter 11
1
What are the differences between cases involving financial matters and cases involving capital punishment? Cases involving financial matters are adjudicated by three judges, while cases involving capital punishment are adjudicated by 23. In cases involving financial matters, we begin the judgment either with a statement to the defendant's detriment or his advancement, while with regard to cases involving capital punishment, we begin with a statement which points towards acquittal, as we explained, and we don't begin with one which points toward his conviction.
In cases involving financial matters, we make a decision based on a majority of one whether it is to the defendant's detriment or in his support, while with regard to cases involving capital punishment, we acquit him on the basis of a majority of one, but convict him only when there is a majority of two. In cases involving financial matters, we retry a judgment whether doing so is to the defendant's detriment or his advancement, while with regard to cases involving capital punishment, we retry a judgment if it will lead to acquittal, but not if it will lead to conviction, as we explained.
In cases involving financial matters, everyone - both the judges or the scholars - is entitled to advance any rationale whether it is to the defendant's detriment or in his support. With regard to cases involving capital punishment, by contrast, everyone - even the students - may advance a rationale leading to acquittal, but only the judges may advance a rationale leading to conviction. In cases involving financial matters, a person who advanced a rationale to the defendant's detriment may change his mind and advance a rationale in his support. Conversely, one who advanced a rationale in the defendant's support may change his mind and advance a rationale to his detriment. With regard to cases involving capital punishment, by contrast, a judge who advanced a rationale for conviction may advance a rationale for acquittal, but a judge who advanced a rationale for acquittal may not change his mind and advance a rationale for conviction. At the time the judgment is being rendered, however, he may vote to be counted among those favoring conviction, as we explained.
Cases involving financial matters are adjudicated during the day, but the verdict may be rendered at night. Cases involving capital punishment are adjudicated during the day and the verdict must also be rendered during the day. The verdict in cases involving financial matters is rendered on that very day, whether it is to the defendant's detriment or in his support. With regard to cases involving capital punishment, by contrast, a verdict of acquittal is rendered on that very day, but a verdict of conviction is not rendered until the following day.
א
מה בין דיני ממונות לדיני נפשות דיני ממונות בשלשה דיני נפשות בעשרים ושלשה דיני ממונות פותחין בין לזכות בין לחובה דיני נפשות פותחין לזכות כמו שביארנו ואין פותחין לחובה דיני ממונות מטין על פי אחד בין לזכות בין לחובה דיני נפשות מטין על פי אחד לזכות ועל פי שנים לחובה דיני ממונות מחזירין בין לזכות בין לחובה ודיני נפשות מחזירין לזכות ואין מחזירין לחובה כמו שביארנו דיני ממונות הכל ראויין ללמד זכות או חובה בין הדיינים בין התלמידים ודיני נפשות הכל מלמדין זכות ואפילו התלמידים ואין מלמד חובה אלא הדיינים דיני ממונות הדיין המלמד חובה חוזר ומלמד זכות והמלמד זכות חוזר ומלמד חובה דיני נפשות המלמד חובה חוזר ומלמד זכות אבל המלמד זכות אינו יכול לחזור וללמד חובה אלא בשעת גמר דין יש לו לחזור ולהמנות עם המחייבין כמו שביארנו דיני ממונות דנין ביום וגומרין בלילה דיני נפשות דנין ביום וגומרין ביום דיני ממונות גומרין בו ביום בין לזכות בין לחובה דיני נפשות גומרין בו ביום לזכות וביום שלאחריו לחובה:
2
For this reason, we do not adjudicate cases involving capital punishment on Fridays, nor on the days preceding festivals. The rationale is that the defendant may be convicted and it is impossible to execute him on the following day, but it is forbidden to postpone his execution until after the Sabbath. Hence, we imprison him and begin his trial on Sunday.
ב
לפיכך אין דנין דיני נפשות לא ערב שבת ולא ערב יום טוב שמא יתחייב ואי אפשר להורגו למחר ואסור לענות את דינו ולהניחו אחר השבת אלא אוסרין אותו עד אחד בשבת ומתחילין בדינו:
3
According to Scriptural Law, cases involving financial law can be adjudicated at all times, as Exodus 18:22 states: "They shall judge the people at all times." According to Rabbinic Law, cases are not adjudicated on Fridays.
ג
דיני ממונות אע"פשדנין אותן בכל יום מן התורה שנאמר ושפטו את העם בכל עת מדבריהם למדו שאין דנין בערב שבת:
4
All of the same laws that apply to cases involving capital punishment apply also to cases involving lashes and exile, except that cases involving lashes are adjudicated by three judges. None of these distinctions are made with regard to the judgment of an ox that is stoned except for one, that the judgment is adjudicated by 23 judges.
ד
אחד דיני נפשות ואחד דיני מלקיות ואחד דיני גלות הדינים האלו שוים בהן אלא שהמלקות בשלשה ואין אחד מהן בשור הנסקל חוץ מדבר אחד שדינו בעשרים ושלשה:
5
The laws which pertain to a mesit, a person who entices others to serve false divinities, differ from those pertaining to others liable for capital punishment. We hide witnesses to observe his act. He does not need a warning as must be given to others who are executed. If he departed from the court after being acquitted, and someone said: "I know a rationale that will lead to his conviction," he is returned and retried. If he was sentenced to death and someone said: "I know a rationale that will lead to his release," he is not retried. The court does not advance arguments in defense of a mesit. An elderly person, a eunuch, and a person who does not have sons are placed on the court which judges him, so that they will not have mercy on him. For cruelty to those who sway the people after emptiness brings mercy to the world, as implied by Deuteronomy 13:19: "so that God will turn away from His fierce anger and grant you mercy."
ה
המסית אין דיניו כשאר דיני נפשות מכמנין לו את העדים ואינו צריך התראה כשאר הנהרגין ואם יצא מבית דין זכאי ואמר אחד יש לי ללמד עליו חובה מחזירין אותו יצא חייב ואמר אחד יש לי ללמד עליו זכות אין מחזירין אותו ואין טוענין למסית ומושיבין בדינו זקן וסריס ומי שאין לו בנים כדי שלא ירחמו עליו שהאכזריות על אלו שמטעין את העם אחרי ההבל רחמים הוא בעולם שנאמר למען ישוב ה' מחרון אפו ונתן לך רחמים:
6
With regard to cases involving monetary matters and similarly questions of ritual purity and impurity, the judge of the greatest stature gives his ruling first and the other judges hear his ruling. With regard to laws involving capital punishment, we begin from the side. The words of the judge of the highest stature are not heard until the end.
ו
דיני ממונות וכן הטומאות והטהרות מתחילין מן הגדול שבדיינים ושומעין את דבריו ודיני נפשות מתחילין מן הצד ואין שומעין דברי הגדול אלא באחרונה:
7
With regard to cases involving monetary matters and similarly questions of ritual purity and impurity, a father and his son and a teacher and his student are counted as two judges. With regard to cases involving capital punishment, lashes, and the sanctification of the moon and the declaration of a leap year, a father and his son and a teacher and his student are counted as one.
ז
דיני ממונות וכן הטומאות וכן הטהרות האב ובנו הרב ותלמידו מונין אותן בשנים ודיני נפשות ומכות וקדוש החדש ועיבור השנה אב ובנו או הרב ותלמידו מונין אותן באחד:
8
The concept that a father and a son are counted as one or as two applies when one is a member of the Sanhedrin and the other was one of the students attending the court who said: "I can contribute a rationale that will lead to his vindication," or "...to his being held liable." We listen to his words and enable him to participate in the debate, and he is counted in the polling of the judges.
ח
זה שאנו מונין האב עם הבן בין באחד בין בשנים כגון שהיה האחד מהן בסנהדרין והשני היה מן התלמידים שאמר יש לי ללמד זכות או חובה שומעין דבריו ונושאין ונותנין עמו ונמנין עמו:
9
At the time of the final judgment, relatives are not included. For judges who are related to each other are not acceptable to rule together, as will be explained.
ט
ובשעת גמר דין אין גומרין את הדין בקרובים שהדיינין הקרובים פסולין לדין כמו שיתבאר:
10
When a student was wise and understanding but is lacking sufficient knowledge of the tradition, his master may convey to him the tradition which he requires with regard to these laws and then he may serve as a judge even in cases regarding capital punishment.
י
תלמיד שהיה חכם ומבין והיה מחוסר קבלה הרי רבו מוסר לו הקבלה שהוא צריך לה בדין זה והוא דן עמו בדיני נפשות:
11
All individuals are acceptable to judge cases involving financial laws, even a convert, provided his mother is a native-born Jewess.
A convert may judge a fellow convert even if his mother is not a native-born Jewess. Similarly, a mamzer and a person who is blind in one eye are acceptable to adjudicate financial disputes. Cases involving capital punishment, however, may be judged only by priests, Levites, and Israelites with lineage acceptable to marry into the priesthood. not one of them may be blind even in one of his eyes, as we explained.
יא
הכל כשרים לדון דיני ממונות אפילו גר והוא שתהיה אמו מישראל וגר דן את חבירו הגר אף על פי שאין אמו מישראל וכן הממזר והסומא באחת מעיניו כשר לדון דיני ממונות אבל בדיני נפשות אין דנין אותן אלא כהנים לוים וישראלים המשיאין לכהונה ולא יהיה אחד מהן סומא אפילו באחת מעיניו כמו שביארנו:
Sanhedrin veha`Onashin haMesurin lahem - Chapter 12
1
How are cases involving capital punishment judged? When the witnesses come to the court and say: "We saw this person violate such-and-such a transgression," the judges ask them: "Do you recognize him? Did you give him a warning?"
If they answer: "We do not recognize him," "We are unsure of his identity," or "We did not warn him," the defendant is exonerated.
א
כיצד דנין דיני נפשות כשיבואו עדים לבית דין ואומרים ראינו פלוני זה שעבר עבירה פלונית אומרין להן מכירין אתם אותו התריתם בו אם אמר אין אנו מכירין אותו או נסתפק לנו או שלא התרו בו הרי זה פטור:
2
Both a Torah scholar and a common person need a warning, for the obligation for a warning was instituted only to make a distinction between a person who transgresses inadvertently and one who transgresses intentionally, lest the person say: "I transgressed inadvertently."
How is a warning administered? We tell him: "Desist..." or "Do not do it. It is a transgression and you are liable to be executed by the court..." or "to receive lashes for it." If he ceases, he is not liable. Similarly, if he remains silent or nods his head, he is not liable for punishment. Even if he says: "I know," he is not liable for punishment until he accepts death upon himself, saying: "It is for this reason that I am doing this." In such a situation, he is executed.
He must commit the transgression directly after receiving the warning, within the time to offer a salutation. If he waits longer than that, a second warning is necessary.
The warning is acceptable whether it was administered by one of the witnesses or by another individual, even a woman or a servant. Even if the transgressor hears the voice of the person administering the warning, but does not see him, and even if he himself administers the warning, he should be executed.
ב
אחד תלמיד חכם ואחד עם הארץ צריך התראה שלא ניתנה התראה אלא להבחין בין שוגג למזיד שמא שוגג היה וכיצד מתרין בו אומרין לו פרוש או אל תעשה שזו עבירה היא וחייב אתה עליה מיתת בית דין או מלקות אם פירש פטור וכן אם שתק או הרכין בראשו פטור ואפילו אמר יודע אני פטור עד שיתיר עצמו למיתה ויאמר על מנת כן אני עושה ואח"כ יהרג וצריך שיעבור ויעשה תיכף להתראה בתוך כדי דיבור אבל אחר כדי דבור צריך התראה אחרת ובין שהתרה בו אחד מן העדים ובין שהתרה בו אחר בפני עדים אפילו אשה או עבד אפילו שמע קול המתרה ולא ראהו ואפילו התרה בעצמו הרי זה נהרג:
3
If the witnesses say: "He was given a warning and we recognize him," the court intimidates them.
How do they intimidate them in cases involving capital punishment? They say: "Maybe you are speaking on the basis of supposition, or on the basis of hearsay, one witness from another witness, or maybe you heard from a trustworthy person?" "Maybe you do not know that ultimately we will subject you to questions and crossexamination?"
"Know that cases involving capital punishment do not resemble those involving financial matters. With regard to financial matters, if there is any deceit, a person can make financial restitution and receive atonement. With regard to capital punishment, the victim's blood and the blood of his unborn descendants are dependent on the murderer until eternity. As it is said with regard to Cain, 'The voice of the blood of your brother is crying out.' The Torah uses the plural form of the word blood, implying his blood and the blood of his descendants.
"For this reason, man was created alone in the world. This teaches us that a person who eliminates one soul from the world is considered as if he eliminated an entire world. Conversely, a person who saves one soul is considered as if he saved an entire world.
"All the inhabitants of the world are created in the image of Adam, the first man, and yet no one person's face resembles the face of his colleague. Therefore each person can say: 'The world was created for me.'
"If you might say: 'Why should we enter this difficulty?' It is written Leviticus 5:1: 'If he witnessed, observed, or knew....' If you will say: 'Why should we become responsible for shedding the defendant's blood? It is already said: 'At the destruction of the wicked, there is joy. '
If they stand by their word, the witness of the greater stature is brought into the court alone and he is questioned and cross-examined, as will be explained in Hilchot Edut. If his testimony appears to be factual, the second witness is brought into the court, and he is questioned as the first one was. Even if there are 100 witnesses, each one is questioned and cross-examined.
If the testimony of all the witnesses is accurate, we begin the judgment with a statement that tends to acquittal as stated. We tell him: "If you did not transgress, do not fear their words." Then we judge him. If grounds for acquittal are found, he is released. If they do not find grounds for acquittal, the defendant is imprisoned until the following day.
On that day, the Sanhedrin divides itself into pairs and they examine the judgment. They eat little and do not drink wine throughout that entire day. They debate the matter throughout the night, each one with his comrade or alone. On the morrow, they come to the court early. Each of those who voted for acquittal state: "I am the one who voted for acquittal yesterday, and I still favor that ruling." Each of those who voted for conviction state: "I am the one who voted for conviction yesterday, and I still favor that ruling," or "...I have changed my mind and I vote for acquittal." If they erred in that regard, or did not know who voted for conviction or who voted for acquittal on the basis of one rationale and hence are considered only as one, as we explained, the two scribes of the court remind them, for they write down the rationale given by each one of them.
We begin the judgment. If they find a rationale to acquit him, they acquit him. If it is necessary to add judges, they add. If there is a majority of judges who seek to convict him, and he is convicted, he is taken out to be executed immediately.
The place where the court conducts the execution is outside the court and removed from it, as implied by Leviticus 24:14: "Take the blasphemer outside the camp...." It appears to me that it should be approximately 6 mil , the distance between the court of Moses our teacher which was before the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and the extremities of the camp of the Jewish people.
ג
אמרו העדים היתה לו התראה ומכירין אנו אותו מאיימין בית דין עליהן וכיצד מאיימין על עסקי נפשות אומרים להן שמא תאמרו מאומד ומשמועה עד מפי עד מפי אדם נאמן שמעתם או שמא אין אתם יודעים שסופנו לבדוק אתכם בדרישה וחקירה הוו יודעים שלא כדיני ממונות דיני נפשות דיני ממונות אדם נותן ממונו ומתכפר לו דיני נפשות דמו ודם זרעו תלויין בו עד סוף כל העולם שהרי בקין נאמר קול דמי אחיך צועקים דמו ודם זרעו לפיכך נברא אדם יחידי בעולם ללמד שכל המאבד נפש אחת מן העולם מעלין עליו כאילו איבד עולם מלא וכל המקיים נפש אחת בעולם מעלין עליו כאילו קיים עולם מלא הרי כל באי עולם בצורת אדם הראשון הם נבראים ואין פני כל אחד מהן דומין לפני חבירו לפיכך כל אחד ואחד יכול לומר בשבילי נברא העולם שמא תאמרו מה לנו ולצרה זו הלא כבר נאמר והוא עד או ראה או ידע או שמא תאמרו מה לנו לחוב בדמו של זה והלא כבר נאמר ובאבוד רשעים רנה אם עמדו בדבריהן מכניסין את הגדול שבעדים ובודקים אותו בדרישה וחקירה כמו שיתבאר בהלכות עדות אם נמצאת עדותו מכוונת מכניסין את השני ובודקין אותו כראשון אפילו היו מאה עדים בודקין כל אחד ואחד בדרישה וחקירה:
נמצאו דברי כל העדים מכוונים פותחין לזכות כמו שביארנו ואומרים אם לא חטאת אל תירא מדבריהם ודנין אותו אם מצאו לו זכות פטרוהו ואם לא מצאו לו זכות אוסרין אותו עד למחר ובו ביום מזדווגין הסנהדרין זוגות זוגות לעיין בדינו וממעטין במאכל ואין שותין יין כל אותו היום ונושאין בדבר כל הלילה כל אחד ואחד עם זוג שלו או עם עצמו בביתו ולמחרת משכימין לבית דין המזכה אומר אני הוא המזכה ומזכה אני במקומי והמחייב אומר אני הוא המחייב ומחייב אני במקומי או חזרתי בי ואני מזכה ואם טעו בדבר ולא ידעו מי הם שחייבו או זיכו מטעם אחד שאינן נחשבין אלא כאחד כמו שביארנו הרי סופרי הדיינין מזכירין אותן שהרי כותבין טעם של כל אחד ואחד ומתחילין בדינו אם מצאו לו זכות פטרוהו ואם הוצרכו להוסיף מוסיפין רבו המחייבין ונתחייב מוציאין אותו להרגו ומקום שהורגין בו בית דין היה חוץ לבית דין ורחוק מבית דין שנאמר הוצא את המקלל אל מחוץ למחנה ויראה לי שיהיה רחוק כמו ששה מילין כמו שהיה בין בית דינו של משה רבינו שהיה לפני פתח אהל מועד ובין מחנה ישראל:
4
After a defendant has been convicted, we do not delay the matter, but instead execute him immediately. Even if a woman is pregnant, we do not wait until she gives birth. Instead, we give her a blow against the womb so that the fetus will die first. If, by contrast, she is already in the throes of labor, we wait until she gives birth.
Whenever a woman is executed, it is permitted to benefit from her hair.
ד
משנגמר דינו אין משהין אותו אלא יהרג ביומו אפילו היתה עוברה אין ממתינין לה עד שתלד ומכין אותה כנגד בית ההריון עד שימות הולד תחלה אבל אם ישבה על המשבר ממתינין לה עד שתלד וכל אשה שתהרג מותר ליהנות בשערה:
5
When a person is being taken out to be executed and a sacrifice of his has already been slaughtered, we do not execute him until the blood of his sin offering or guilt offering has been sprinkled on the altar for his sake. If, however, he was already convicted and the animal designated as a sacrifice has not been slaughtered already, we do not wait until the sacrifice is brought, for we do not prolong his judgment.
ה
מי שיצא ליהרג והיה זבחו זבוח אין הורגין אותו עד שמזין עליו מדם חטאתו ואשמו ואם נגמר דינו ועדיין לא נשחט הזבח אין ממתינין לו עד שיקריבו עליו קרבנו שאין מענין את דינו:
Hayom Yom:
• English Text | Video Class
Sunday, Elul 12, 5777 · 03 September 2017
"Today's Day"
Sunday, Elul 12, 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: Tavo, first parsha with Rashi.
Tehillim: 66-68. Also 34-36.
Tanya: XIV. To arouse (p. 461) ...the highest levels. (p. 463).
The long hemsheich (series of maamarim) known as "B'sha'a shehikdimu, Te'erav" was begun1 by my father on the first day of Shavuot 5672 (1912) in Lubavitch. He finished it on the Shabbat of parsha Vayeira 5676 (1915) in Rostov - with the maamar which begins VaHashem amar. The hemsheich contains 144 maamarim.
Extant in manuscript2 is a second section which he had not delivered orally, and which is not divided into maamarim.
FOOTNOTES
1.I.e. the first maamar of the series was delivered as an oral discourse on that day by the Rebbe (R. Shalom Dovber).
2.Subsequently published by Kehot.
Daily Thought:
Leash Your Heart
Your mind and heart need to build a relationship slowly, somewhat like a pet and its master.
At first, your mind needs to hold your heart tightly on a leash. Your heart screams, “I must have this! I must go there!” And your mind says, “Calm down. We talked this over already and we both agreed you don’t need to.”
The heart screams, “But now I feel I need to! If I don’t, who knows what will happen!”
And the mind says, “That’s because you are a heart. Hearts feel that way. But I am a mind and I know we will survive even if you don’t.”
Eventually, the heart learns the paths and gallops along them with ease. It becomes a mindful heart.
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