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Sefer Hachinuch

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Misva #613: The Obligation to Write a Sefer Torah

December 25, 2023 13:00 - 24.4 MB

The final of the 613 Misvot, as listed by the Sefer Ha’hinuch, is the command to write a Sefer Torah. This Misva is introduced in Parashat Vayelech (Debarim 30:19), where Hashem commands, “Ve’ata Kitbu Lachem Et Ha’shira Ha’zot” (“And now, write for yourselves this song”). The Gemara teaches that it is “praiseworthy” to write a Sefer Torah oneself, if he can, and that one who does is considered as though he stood at Mount Sinai and received the Torah. If, however, one is not capable of writin...

Misva #612: Hakhel

December 22, 2023 13:00 - 3.2 MB

The Torah in Parashat Vayelech (Debarim 31:12) commands that the entire nation – men, women and children – must assemble in Jerusalem for a special ceremony, called “Hakhel” (“assemble”), every seven years. This ceremony, which featured the public reading of certain sections of the Torah by the king, would take place after the conclusion of the Shemita year, on the first day of Hol Ha’moed Sukkot. The Gemara in Masechet Kiddushin (34) comments that as Hakhel constitutes a Misvat Aseh She’ha’z...

Misva #611: Following G-d’s Example

December 21, 2023 13:00 - 3.63 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo (Debarim 28:9) commands, “Ve’halachta Bi’drachav” – “You shall walk in his ways.” The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that this verse introduces the obligation to follow G-d’s example, to conduct ourselves in accordance with the qualities that He models for us. The Gemara, in several places (including Sota 14), teaches that just as G-d is merciful, kind and compassionate, we must be merciful, kind and compassionate in our interactions and dealings with other people. Altho...

Misva #610: Not to Use Ma’aser Sheni For Items Other Than Food

December 20, 2023 13:00 - 986 KB

In the Vidui Ma’aser proclamation that a farmer was required to make every several years, avowing compliance with the various tithing obligations, he declares, “Ve’lo Natati Mimenu Le’met” (Debarim 26:14) – that he did not use the Ma’aser (tithe) for the needs of a dead body. This refers to the misuse of the money of Ma’aser Sheni, meaning, the funds onto which one had transferred the sanctity of Ma’aser Sheni, the tithe of one’s produce which is to be eaten in Jerusalem. This money must be b...

Misva #609: Not to Eat Ma’aser Sheni in a State of Tum’a

December 19, 2023 13:00 - 759 KB

After the third and sixth years of the seven-year Shemita cycle, a farmer is required to make a proclamation avowing his compliance with the various tithing obligations, as dictated by the Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo (Debarim 26:13-15). In this declaration, the farmer specifies several laws that he obeyed, including, “Ve’lo Bi’arti Mimenu Be’tameh” (26:14), which means that he did not eat his Ma’aser Sheni in a state of Tum’a (impurity). The Ma’aser Sheni tithe must be brought to Jerusalem and ...

Misva #608: Not to Eat Ma’aser Sheni in a State of Aninut (After a Family Member’s Passing)

December 18, 2023 13:00 - 1.84 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo presents the text of the “Vidui Ma’aser” proclamation which a farmer must make every three years, avowing his compliance with the various tithing obligations. This text includes the pronouncement, “Lo Achalti Ve’oni Mimenu” (Debarim 26:14) – that the farmer did not partake of the hallowed Ma’aser Sheni produce in a state of Aninut, meaning, immediately after a family member’s death, before the burial. The Ma’aser Sheni tithe, which is brought to Jerusalem and eat...

Misva #607: Vidui Ma’aser

December 15, 2023 13:00 - 2.03 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo (Debarim 26:12-15) commands one to make a verbal declaration after “the third year,” avowing his compliance with his various tithing obligations. Each year, a farmer must give a portion of his produce – Teruma – to a Kohen, as well as one-tenth – Ma’aser Rishon – to a Levi. In addition, on the first, second, fourth and fifth years of the seven-year Shemita cycle, he must take another tenth – Ma’aser Sheni – to Jerusalem and eat it there. On the third and sixth ye...

Misva #606: The Recital Over The First Fruits

December 14, 2023 13:00 - 2.77 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo (Debarim 26:5) introduces the Misva known as “Mikra Bikkurim,” which requires a farmer to make a special proclamation upon bringing his Bikkurim – first ripened fruits – to the Bet Ha’mikdash. In this proclamation, the farmer recalls the story of Beneh Yisrael’s enslavement in Egypt and the miracles of the Exodus. He then expresses his gratitude for the land which G-d has given him, from which he produced quality fruit. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that the Torah r...

Misvot #603-605: To Remember, Blot out and Not Forget Amalek

December 13, 2023 13:00 - 3.68 MB

In the final verses of Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 25:17-19), the Torah introduces three Misvot relevant to the evil nation of Amalek. The first is the command to always remember Amalek’s attack on Beneh Yisrael soon after the Exodus from Egypt. The significance of Amalek’s attack can be understood in light of a verse in Parashat Balak (Bamidbar 24:20), in which Bilam proclaims, “Reshit Goyim Amalek” – that Amalek was “the first among the nations.” Targum Onkelos explains this to mean that Ama...

Misva #602: Not to Have Inaccurate Weights or Measures in One’s Possession

December 11, 2023 13:00 - 2.69 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 25:13-16) forbids having in one’s possession inaccurate weights and measures, meaning, instruments which give incorrect readings of weight, volume or size, and could thus cheat either the seller or the buyer. Using such instruments, the Torah states, is considered “To’abat Hashem” – “an abomination to G-d.” The Torah here forbids having inaccurate weights and measures in one’s possession even if they are not being used. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that...

Misvot #600-601: Rescuing the Pursued

December 08, 2023 13:00 - 2.42 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 25:10-11) addresses the case of an argument that erupts between two men, and the wife of one of the men violently attacks the other, reaching for his private area. Since she endangered the man fighting with her husband, the Torah commands, “Ve’kasota Et Kapah” – “You shall cut off her hand.” This command is understood as a general obligation to rescue somebody who is pursued or has come under assault, by attacking the person who threatens him. The verse...

Misva #599: Halisa

December 07, 2023 13:00 - 2.27 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 25:7-10) commands that if someone’s married brother died without children, and he chooses not to marry the widow in fulfillment of the Misva of Yibum, then he must perform a special ceremony called Halisa. Once a married man dies without children, the widow is bound to the deceased’s brother (a relationship called “Zika”), such that she is not permitted to marry anybody else. The deceased’s brother bears an obligation to perform Halisa to release the wi...

Misva #598: Yibum

December 06, 2023 13:00 - 2.51 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh that if a married, childless man dies, and he has a brother, then the brother must perform “Yibum,” meaning, he must marry the widow. If he does not wish to marry her, then he performs a ceremony called Halisa, which is listed as a separate Misva. In explaining the reason behind the Misva of Yibum, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that when a couple marries, they are considered a single unit. This idea is rooted in the very first married couple – Adam and Hav...

Misva #597: Relations With a Woman Whose Husband Died Without Children Before Yibum or Halisa

December 05, 2023 13:00 - 763 KB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Seseh (Debarim 25:5) commands that when a married man dies without children, the widow may not have relations with another man until Yibum or Halisa. The term Yibum refers to the marriage of the deceased’s brother to the widow, and Halisa is a ceremony which the brother and widow perform if the brother does not wish to marry her. The Torah here commands that until Yibum or Halisa is performed, the widow may not have relations with any man, as the “Zika” (Halachic link...

Misva #596: Not to Muzzle an Animal Working in the Field

December 04, 2023 13:00 - 1.38 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 25:4), “Lo Tahsom Shor Be’disho” – “You shall not muzzle an ox as it threshes.” This establishes a prohibition against preventing an animal from eating as it works outside in the field. The Torah gives the example of an ox on the threshing floor, but this command applies to all animals. It applies even to non-kosher animals, as the animal’s status vis-à-vis human consumption is of no relevance to this prohibition. It also applies to any form of...

Misvot #594-595: Malkut – Administering Lashes to Violators

December 01, 2023 13:00 - 2.67 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh that when somebody is found guilty of a violation, he must be given Makut (lashes). The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that this command is actually intended for the benefit of the transgressor. The afflictions that sinners endure in this world have the effect of cleansing their record, such that they can be worthy of the eternal rewards in the next world. In G-d’s great love for Am Yisrael, whom He treats as His precious children, He prescribed a system of p...

Misvot #592-593: “Shicheha” – Leaving Forgotten Sheaves for the Poor

November 30, 2023 13:00 - 1.71 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:19) that if one forgets sheaves of grain during the harvest, they must be left for the poor. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah required leaving these sheaves for the poor because when the underprivileged see the landowners harvesting their produce, they say to themselves, “These folks have such an abundance of a grain! If only we could have just several sheaves!” Out of compassion for the impoverished, G-d granted their request by ...

Misva #591: Not to Take Collateral From a Widow

November 28, 2023 13:00 - 4.42 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:17), “Ve’lo Tahabol Beged Almana” – that one who lends money to a widow may not take something from her as collateral in lieu of payment. This applies regardless of whether the widow is needy or wealthy. Even if she is rich, it is forbidden for a lender to take one of her possessions as collateral. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah issued this prohibition in order to accustom us to act mercifully and compassionately. Widows are gen...

Misva #590: Not to Sway the Judgment of a Foreigner or Orphan

November 27, 2023 13:00 - 3.52 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:17), “Lo Tateh Mishpat Ger Yatom” – forbidding judges from “swaying” a trial involving a litigant who is either a foreigner or an orphan. A judge might tilt the decision in one of two opposite directions in a such a case. First, since foreigners and orphans are, generally, weaker and more vulnerable, the judge might not take their arguments seriously, and might have a natural bias in favor of the other litigant, who is likely wealthier and m...

Misva #589: Not to Accept Testimony From a Litigant’s Family Member

November 23, 2023 13:00 - 3.51 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 2416), “Lo Yumtu Abot Al Banim, U’banim Lo Yumtu Al Abot” – “Fathers shall not be killed because of their sons, and sons shall not be killed because of their fathers.” This verse is understood to mean that a court is not permitted to put a defendant to death based on the testimony of his parent or child. Although the Torah speaks here specifically of testimony regarding a capital crime, this command in truth includes all court cases, even cases...

Misva #588: Paying Wages on Time

November 22, 2023 13:00 - 1.13 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:15) commands, “Be’yomo Titen Secharo” – requiring an employer to promptly pay his worker the wages due to him, without any delay. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah issued this command because generally, people depend on their wages for their basic sustenance. Ensuring to pay workers on time so that they can pay for their necessities helps engender compassion and sensitivity for other people. The Torah wants us to be merciful and compassiona...

Misva #587: Returning a Collateral

November 21, 2023 13:00 - 1.29 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:13) that a lender who took collateral from the borrower must return it to the borrower when he needs it. Previously, the Torah introduced a prohibition forbidding the lender from keeping the item with him when the borrower needs it; in this verse, the Torah adds an affirmative command to return the object. Thus, for example, if the lender seized a tool which the borrower requires for his livelihood, then the lender must return it in the morn...

Misvot #585-586: Seizing Collateral From a Borrower

November 20, 2023 13:00 - 1.74 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:10) that when a creditor is owed money, “Lo Tabo El Beto La’abot Aboto” – he may not enter the debtor’s home to forcefully seize his property in lieu of payment. The lender is not permitted to take the law into his own hands by forcefully seizing collateral, and must rather wait for the court to require the borrower to give him something as collateral. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah issued this command in the interest of maintai...

Misva #584: Not to Remove a Sara’at Infection

November 17, 2023 13:00 - 1.09 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:8) commands, “Hishamer Be’nega Ha’sara’at” – that we must “exercise care” with regard to Sara’at infections. This is understood as a prohibition against removing a Sara’at infection from one’s skin, garment or home. If a Sara’at discoloration is seen, one is required to follow the procedure outlined elsewhere by the Torah, and it is forbidden for him to simply remove it. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that Sara’at is intended to serve as a sign of spir...

Misva #583: Not to Take as Collateral Items Needed for Food Preparation

November 16, 2023 13:00 - 1.2 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:6), “Lo Yahabol Rehayim Va’recheb” – forbidding a lender from seizing as collateral the borrower’s millstones, with which he grinds wheat for the preparation of bread. Although the Torah certainly entitles creditors to take collateral, a creditor may not take something which the borrower needs for preparing food. The Torah gives the specific example of “Rehayim Va’racheb” – the two stones of the mill – but this applies also to utensils neede...

Misvot #581-582: Shana Rishona – The First Year of Marriage

November 15, 2023 13:00 - 1.53 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:5) that during “Shana Rishona” – the first year after a couple gets married – the groom may not go out to war. He must be excused from both fighting and other military duties, such as preparing weapons or food for the soldiers. In the next verse, the Torah adds an affirmative command requiring the groom to remain home with his wife during the first year, and make her happy (“Ve’simah Et Ishto”). The first command forbids the groom from leavi...

Misva #580: Not to Remarry One’s Divorcee if She Had Been Married in the Interim

November 14, 2023 13:00 - 1.95 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:4) that if a woman remarries after getting divorced, and her second husband then dies or divorces her, her first husband may not marry her a second time. Even though she is no longer married to the second husband, nevertheless, the first husband may not marry her again. A husband may remarry his wife whom he had divorced if she had not married someone else in the interim, but if she had married in the interim, then the first husband may neve...

Misva #579: Divorce Through a “Get”

November 13, 2023 13:00 - 1.47 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 24:1) that if a husband wishes to divorce his wife, he should do so by giving her a document (“Sefer Keritut”), which is commonly known as a “Get.” The Sefer Ha’hinuch notes that whereas some other religions do not allow husbands to divorce their wives, the Torah allows for divorce. He explains that a wife is to be the husband’s helper, and the most precious of all things he has in his life, and if this is not the case, and he feels that the wi...

Misvot #576-578: An Employee’s Rights to Eat Produce as He Works in the Field

November 10, 2023 13:00 - 2.72 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:25-26) establishes that when a worker is hired to work in an agricultural field, the employer must allow him to partake of the fruits with which he works. As long as the produce has yet to reach the point where it is subject to the various tithing obligations (Terumot and Ma’aserot), the worker is to be granted the right to eat some of the fruits. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah introduced this Misva in order to teach people to treat othe...

Misvot #574-575: Fulfilling Pledges

November 07, 2023 13:00 - 1.63 MB

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:22) commands that if a person makes a pledge to G-d, “Lo Te’aher Le’shalemo” – it is forbidden for him to delay the fulfillment of the pledge. In the next verse, the Torah issues an affirmative command to follow though on one’s pledges: “Mosa Sefatecha Tishmor Ve’asita” (“You shall keep and perform that which leaves your mouth”). Fulfilling pledges thus involves two separate commands: a prohibition against delaying the fulfillment of a vow, and an af...

Misvot #572-573: The Laws of Ribit (Interest)

November 06, 2023 13:00 - 1.31 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:20), “Lo Tashich Le’ahicha,” establishing the prohibition against charging one’s fellow Jew interest on a loan, or paying a Jewish lender interest on the loan. It is forbidden not only for a lender to charge a fellow Jew interest, but also for a borrower to pay a fellow Jew interest. We would have naturally assumed that since people in need of a loan would happily agree to pay interest in exchange for the money they require at the present mo...

Misva #571: “Etnan Zona” and “Mehir Keleb” – Not to Bring An Animal Used as Payment for a Harlot’s Services, or Price For a Dog to the Alter

November 03, 2023 13:00 - 1.86 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:19) that an animal that was given to a harlot as payment for her services, or that was given as barter in exchange for a dog, may not be used as a sacrifice. One who offers as a sacrifice an animal that had been used as payment in one of these two situations transgresses this Biblical command. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the purpose of a sacrifice is to lead a person to purity of thought, which will then lead to proper behavior. If a p...

Misva #570: Not to have Relations Outside the Framework of Marriage

November 02, 2023 13:00 - 1.18 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:18), “Lo Tiheyeh Kedesha Mi’benot Yisrael” – there shall not be a “Kedesh” among the women of our nation. According to the Rambam, this verse forbids having an intimate relationship with a woman without a Ketuba (the contract given to a woman at a wedding) and Kiddushin (betrothal). Even if the man and woman are allowed to marry one another, they may not have a relationship outside the framework of marriage. The Ramban understood this verse ...

Misvot #568-569: Laws of Gentile Servants that Escapes From His Master to Eretz Yisrael

November 01, 2023 13:00 - 2.07 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:16), “Lo Tasgir Ebed El Adonav” – that when a servant flees from his master, it is forbidden to bring him back to his master. This is understood as referring specifically to the case of a gentile servant who escapes from his master outside the Land of Israel, and travels to the land. In such a case, it is forbidden to bring the servant back to his master outside Eretz Yisrael, even if his master is Jewish. It goes without saying that the ser...

Misvot #565-567: Halachot Involving Purity and Cleanliness

October 30, 2023 13:00 - 2.44 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Teseh (Debarim 23:11) that a person who becomes Tameh (ritually impure), such as by experiencing a nocturnal emission, must leave the camp. This refers specifically to the “Mahaneh Leviya” – the section of Beneh Yisrael’s camp in the wilderness that was reserved for the Leviyim. Those who experienced bodily emissions that bring Tum’a (impurity) are barred from this area of the camp, and, needless to say, from the area of the Mishkan in the center of the camp....

Misva #308: Refraining From Work on Shabuot

November 02, 2022 13:00 - 1.51 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:21) that we must observe the day of Shabuot as a “Mikra Kodesh” (“sacred occasion”), which the Sages understood to mean that we abstain from Melacha (constructive work). As the Sefer Ha’hinuch explained in a previous context, the Torah requires us to refrain from Melacha on special occasions in order to enable us to focus our attention on the significance of the events commemorated on each given occasion. In the case of Shabuot, of course, the e...

Misva #307: The Special Sheteh Ha’lehem Wheat Offering on Shabuot

November 01, 2022 13:00 - 8.94 MB

The Torah in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:16) commands that a “Minha Hadasha” – “new grain offering” – must be brought in the Bet Ha’mikdash on Shabuot. This offering consisted of two loaves of leavened bread produced from the new wheat crop. Seven weeks earlier, on the second day of Pesach, the Korban Ha’omer was brought, consisting of a measure of the new barley harvest. On Shabuot, the Sheteh Ha’lehem (“two-loaf”) offering was brought from the new wheat harvest. A quantity of three Se’a of th...

Misva #306: Sefirat Ha’omer: To Count The Omer

October 31, 2022 13:00 - 13.5 MB

After the Torah presents the command to offer the special Omer sacrifice on the 16 th of Nissan (the second day of Pesach), it commands, “You shall count for yourselves…from the day you bring the Omer that is waved; they shall be seven complete weeks” (Vayikra 23:15). This introduces the well-known Misva of Sefirat Ha’omer, which requires counting each day for forty-nine days from the 16 th of Nissan through the day before Shabuot. Elsewhere, in the Book of Debarim (16:9), the Torah commands,...

Misva #305: Eating Roasted Stalks of New Grain Before the 16th of Nissan

October 28, 2022 13:00 - 2.08 MB

The Korban Ha’omer sacrifice consisted of an Omer of the new grain that grew in the early spring, and was offered on the second day of Pesach – the 16 th of Nissan. The Torah in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:14) forbids eating any of the new grain before the offering of this sacrifice. It forbids eating three types of products: “Lehem” – bread; “Kali” – roasted kernels, which had been removed from the stalks; and “Karmel” – stalks that were roasted whole. The Sefer Ha’hinuch, following the view o...

Misva #304: Eating Roasted Kernels of the New Grain Before the 16th of Nissan

October 27, 2022 13:00 - 1.79 MB

The Torah in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23) discusses the Omer offering, which was brought from the first portion of the newly-harvested grain, on the second day of Pesach (the 16 th of Nissan). Amidst this discussion (verse 14), the Torah forbids partaking of the new grain before this offering is brought. The offering of a portion of the new grain is what renders the rest of the produce permissible for consumption. After introducing the prohibition against eating bread produced from the newly-ha...

Misva #303: “Hadash” – Eating New Grain Before the 16th of Nissan

October 26, 2022 13:00 - 9.1 MB

The Torah in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:14) forbids partaking of the new grain harvested in the spring before the offering of the Omer sacrifice on the 16 th of Nissan (the second day of Pesach). This sacrifice included an Omer of the newly-harvested grain, and the offering of this sacrifice rendered the new grain permissible. The Torah forbids eating bread produced from the new grain before the offering of this sacrifice. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that since grain is the human being’s prim...

Misva #302: The Omer Sacrifice on the 16th of Nissan

October 25, 2022 13:00 - 6.06 MB

T he Torah commands in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:11-12) that on the second day of Pesach – the 16 th of Nissan – a special offering must be brought, called the Korban Ha’omer. This offering consisted of the season’s first harvested Omer of barley, as well as a sheep. This sacrifice was brought in addition to the Musaf offering which is brought on each of the seven days of Pesach. The barley for this offering was cut on the previous night, the night after the first day of Pesach, even if this ...

Misva #301: The Prohibition Against Melacha on the Seventh Day of Pesach

October 24, 2022 13:00 - 7.55 MB

After the Torah issued an affirmative command to observe the seventh day of Pesach as a sacred occasion, when we refrain from work (Vayikra 23:8), it then adds a Misvat Lo Ta’aseh – a prohibition – against performing Melacha (work) on this day: “Kol Melechet Aboda Lo Ta’asu.” Thus, performing Melacha on this day transgresses both an affirmative command and a prohibition. The Sefer Ha’hinuch in this context elaborates on the concept of “Yom Tob Sheni” – the additional day of Yom Tob observed i...

Misva #300: Observing the Seventh Day of Pesach as a Sacred Occasion

October 21, 2022 13:00 - 3.07 MB

The Torah in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:8) commands observing the 21 st of Nissan – the seventh day of Pesach – as a “Mikra Kodesh” (“sacred occasion”), which the Sages understood as referring to a day of abstention from Melacha (constructive work). Just as the Torah commands us to refrain from Melacha on the first day of Pesach, it likewise requires that we abstain on the seventh day, and observe it as a Yom Tob. As the Sefer Ha’hinuch discussed in reference to the first day of Pesach, the To...

Misva #299: Offering the Musaf Sacrifice on Pesach

October 20, 2022 13:00 - 8.18 MB

Amidst its discussion of the celebration of Pesach, the Torah commands in Parashat Emor (23:8), “Ve’hikrabtem Isheh L’Hashem Shibat Yamim” – that we must offer a special sacrifice on each of the seven days of this holiday. This refers to what we call the “Musaf” offering, which consisted of two Parim (bulls), one Ayil (ram), seven Kebasim (sheep), and one Sa’ir (goat). The goat was offered as a Hatat (sin-offering), whereas the other animals were offered as an Ola (burnt-sacrifice, entirely c...

Misva #298: The Prohibition Against Performing Melacha on the First Day of Pesach

October 19, 2022 13:00 - 10.1 MB

The Torah in Parashat Emor (23:7) commands observing the first day of Pesach as a sacred occasion, and then adds a second command, forbidding performing Melacha on this day. Performing Melacha on Yom Tob is thus forbidden by force of both a Misvat Aseh (affirmative command) and a Misvat Lo Ta’aseh (prohibition). The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah forbade working on Yom Tob in order to free our minds so that we can contemplate and reflect upon the miracles which we celebrate on that g...

Misva #297: Observing the First Day of Pesach as a Sacred Occasion

October 14, 2022 13:00 - 7.54 MB

The Torah in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:7) commands that the 15 th of Nissan – the first day of Pesach – should be observed as a “Mikra Kodesh,” a sacred occasion, when we refrain from Melacha (constructive work). The exception is that on Yom Tob, unlike on Shabbat, it is permissible to perform Melacha that involves food preparation (“Melechet Ochel Nefesh”). The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah requires us to refrain from Melacha on Yom Tob in order to free our minds so we can focus ou...

Misva #296: Kiddush Hashem

October 13, 2022 13:00 - 16.6 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 22:32), “Ve’nikdashti Be’toch Beneh Yisrael” – “I shall be glorified in the midst of Beneh Yisrael.” This verse establishes the obligation to bring glory to G-d by being prepared to surrender one’s life for the sake of the Torah under certain circumstances. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that every person was created solely for the purpose of serving his Creator, and a servant who is not prepared to sacrifice his life for the sake of his master is no...

Misva #295: Not to cause a Hilul Hashem – Defaming G-d’s Name

October 12, 2022 13:00 - 7.24 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 22:32), “Ve’lo Tehalelu Et Shem Kodshi” – that we must not “defile” G-d’s Name, meaning, that we must not do something which brings Him dishonor. The Sefer Ha’hinuch delineates three different forms of Hilul Hashem (defamation of G-d’s Name) which are included in this command. The first is violating a Halacha to spare one’s life when Torah law requires martyrdom. There are two circumstances in which the Torah obligates one to surrender his life to ...

Misva #294: Not to Slaughter an Animal and Its Young on the Same Day

October 07, 2022 13:00 - 6.64 MB

The Torah commands in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 22:28), “Oto Ve’et Beno Lo Tish’hatu Be’yom Ehad” – that one may not slaughter an animal and its young on the same day. This applies regardless of whether the animals are slaughtered as sacrifices or for food. The Sefer Ha’hinuch offers two explanations for this command. First, he writes that slaughtering an animal and its young on the same day gives the impression as though one wishes to eradicate the species. Symbolically, slaughtering a mother a...