Sefer Hachinuch
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Misva #192: To Not Reveal the Nakedness of his Sister, from any Angle that she is His Sister
May 04, 2022 13:00 - 7.08 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 18:9) forbids “revealing the nakedness of” – meaning, engaging in intimate relations with – one’s sister, even if they share only the same father or only the same mother. If they share one parent, then this prohibition applies. One may not engage in intercourse with one’s half-sister even if she is the product of an illicit relationship. Thus, for example, if one’s father forced himself on a woman, thereby producing a daughter, or if one’s mother had ...
Misva #191: To Not Reveal the Nakedness of the Wife of the Father, even though she is not his mother
May 03, 2022 13:00 - 6.68 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 18:8) commands that one may not “reveal the nakedness” of – meaning, engage in intercourse with – one’s father’s wife. A separate prohibition forbids engaging in relations with one’s mother; this command forbids intercourse with one’s father’s wife even if she is not the person’s mother. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that in addition to the reasons for the other prohibitions of Arayot (forbidden relations with one’s relatives), this command is also aim...
Misva #190: To Not Reveal the Nakedness of the Mother
May 02, 2022 13:00 - 5.86 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 18:7) forbids “revealing the nakedness” of one’s mother – meaning, engaging in intercourse with her. The Rambam writes that the Torah forbade intercourse with family members because it seeks to promote moderation in the area of intimate relationships, and to prevent a person from excessive involvement in such activity. Since a person’s family members are generally nearby and accessible, the Torah forbade intimacy with family members, with whom he woul...
Misva #189: The Prohibition Against Intercourse With One’s Father
April 29, 2022 13:00 - 2.47 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 18:7) commands, “Ervat Abicha…Lo Tegaleh” – that one may not “reveal his father’s nakedness,” a euphemism for intercourse with one’s father. A separate Biblical command, of course, forbids homosexual intercourse, which obviously would include an intimate relationship between a man and his father. The Torah added a separate command forbidding intercourse with one’s father, such that one who commits such an act is liable for two violations. Inserting ev...
Misva #188: Physical Affection With Somebody With Whom Relations are Forbidden
April 28, 2022 13:00 - 14.6 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 18:6), “El Kol She’er Besaro Lo Tikrebu Legalot Erva.” The Sefer Ha’hinuch, following the view of the Rambam, interprets this verse as a command forbidding one to “approach” a woman with whom intercourse is forbidden in a manner that can lead to intercourse. This refers to intimate acts such as hugging and kissing, which can easily result in full intercourse. The Torah says in regard to this and similar prohibitions, “Ve’lo Ta’asu Mi’kol Ha’t...
Misva 187: Kisui Ha’dam – Covering the Blood After Slaughtering
April 27, 2022 13:00 - 6.64 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 17:13) commands that when one slaughters a Haya (non-domesticated animal) or a bird, he must cover the blood that spills on the ground as a result of the slaughtering, an act called Kisui Ha’dam. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that it would be cruel to partake of a creature’s flesh while it’s blood, which sustained the creature when it was alive, and thus symbolizes life, is exposed. The blood of a Behema (domesticated animal) does not require covering ...
Misva #186: The Prohibition Against Slaughtering an Animal Sacrifice Outside the Bet Ha’mikdash
April 26, 2022 13:00 - 6.75 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 17:1-4) warns that one who slaughters an animal sacrifice outside the Azara (courtyard of the Bet Ha’mikdash) is liable to Karet (eternal excision from the Jewish Nation). Interestingly, the Torah does not directly forbid slaughtering a sacrifice outside the Bet Ha’mikdash, but only warns that this act is punishable by Karet. Now there is a general rule that the Torah does not punish without issuing a prohibition forbidding the act for which it warns ...
Misva #185: The Yom Kippur Service
April 25, 2022 13:00 - 7 MBThe Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 185 th Biblical command the Misva of the special Yom Kippur service which the Kohen Gadol would perform each year in the Bet Ha’mikdash on Yom Kippur, through which to earn atonement for the Jewish Paople. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that this Misva was given as a great act of kindness on G-d’s part, offering us the opportunity to attain forgiveness for our sins through repentance. The Torah commands performing this service each year, the Sefer Ha’hinuch adds, ...
Misva #184: The Prohibition Against Unnecessarily Entering the Bet Ha’mikdash
April 14, 2022 13:00 - 7.03 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Ahareh-Mot (Vayikra 16:2) that the Kohen Gadol is forbidden from entering the Kodesh Ha’kodashim (inner sanctum of the Bet Ha’mikdash) except when this is required as part of the Yom Kippur service. This verse introduces a prohibition forbidding entering the Bet Ha’mikdash when not performing the Aboda (service). The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that this command was issued to ensure that we maintain proper respect and reverence for the sacred domain of the Bet Ha’m...
Misva #183: The Sacrifice of a “Zaba Gedola”
April 13, 2022 13:00 - 5.32 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra 15:26-29) discusses the process of purification that a woman must undergo after becoming a “Zaba Gedola.” The status of Zaba Gedola is attained when a woman experiences bleeding for three consecutive days during the time of month when menstruation is not expected, such that this bleeding signifies some form of illness. After seven days without experiencing any bleeding, the woman brings a sacrifice – specifically, two birds – and is then considered Tehora...
Misva #182: The Tum’a Status of a Zaba
April 12, 2022 13:00 - 9.62 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra 15:25) assigns a status of Tum’a (impurity) to a “Zaba” – to a woman who experiences menstrual bleeding “Be’lo Et Nidatah” – during a time in the month other than the time when normal menstruation is meant to occur. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that such bleeding signifies the presence of a contagious illness, and the Torah therefore commands that a Zaba is impure, so that people will keep a distance from here and thereby avoid exposure to this ailment. A...
Misva #181: The Impurity of a Nidda
April 11, 2022 13:00 - 1.33 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra 15:19) establishes that a woman who experiences menstrual bleeding is considered Teme’a (impure) for a period of seven days. During this period, anything she touches becomes impure, and, like all Teme’im (individuals with impurity), she is forbidden from entering the area of the Bet Ha’mikdash and from partaking of hallowed food. Intriguingly, the Sefer Ha’hinuch chose not to elaborate in his discussion of this Misva, and simply cites the source verse, an...
Misva #180: The Impurity Caused by a Seminal Emission
April 08, 2022 13:00 - 9.38 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra 15:16) establishes that a man who experiences a seminal discharge is considered Tameh (impure), such that he may not enter the area of the Bet Ha’mikdash or partake of hallowed food (such as sacrifices). The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that such a discharge occurs only as a result of base, physical desires, and the Torah wanted to convey the message that we are to moderate our involvement in physical pleasures, and avoid excessive preoccupation with such act...
Misvot 178-179: The Zav
April 07, 2022 13:00 - 7.15 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra 15:2) assigns a status of Tum’a (impurity) to a “Zav” – a man who experiences an unusual bodily discharge. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that this discharge differs from seminal emissions, as it leaves the body without the man experiencing desire or pleasure. He adds that this discharge resembles the water used when producing barley dough. A man who experiences such a discharge – even just a single drop – on two occasions has the status of a Zav, and is co...
Misva #177: Sara’at Afflictions on the Walls of Houses
April 06, 2022 13:00 - 12.3 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (14:35) addresses the situation of “Nigeh Batim” – discolorations that appear on the walls of a person’s home. It commands such a person to approach a Kohen, and inform him that there is a suspected Sara’at affliction in his home. The Kohen then comes to the house to inspect the discoloration. The Torah presents a series of guidelines that must be followed depending on the nature of the affliction on the wall. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that G-d would bring an a...
Misva #176: The Mesora’s Sacrifices
April 05, 2022 13:00 - 8.75 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora outlines the procedure required of a Mesora in order for him to complete his process of purification. Even after undergoing the first stage (a ceremony involving two birds and other items, and immersing in Mikveh), the Mesora must then complete the process by bringing a series of Korbanot (sacrifices) to the Bet Ha’mikdash. Specifically, he must bring three animals – one as a Hatat (sin offering), the second as an Ola (burnt offering), and the third as an Asham (g...
Misva #175: Immersion in a Mikveh
April 04, 2022 13:00 - 12.6 MBIn discussing the process of purification undergone by a Mesora (person stricken with Sara’at), the Torah in Parashat Mesora instructs that the Mesora must immerse in water in order to regain his status of purity (“Ve’rahatz Et Besaro Ba’mayim Ve’taher” – Vayikra 14:9). The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists this instruction as one of the 613 Biblical commands, establishing that immersion is required for one to become Tahor (pure) after having become Tameh (impure). The Rambam writes that a person who had...
Misva #174: The Mesora’s Removal of All His Hair
April 01, 2022 13:00 - 4.62 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra 14:9) that on the seventh day of the process of a Mesora’s purification, he must remove all the hair on his head and his body. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah requires a Mesora to remove his hair so that he resembles a newborn baby, as infants are generally born without hair. The Mesora is to view himself as being “born” anew, as embarking on a new beginning, such that he will now improve his conduct and henceforth and abandon the wro...
Misva #173: The Purification Process of the Mesora
March 31, 2022 13:00 - 9.89 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mesora (Vayikra, chapter 14) outlines the procedure that must be followed by a Mesora – a person who was stricken with bodily Sara’at (leprosy) – upon being cured of the condition. The Sefer Ha’hinuch notes in this context that we find in the Torah three different methods of purification for various categories of impurity. The first method is immersion in a Mikveh, which is shared by all forms of Tum’a (impurity); the purification from any type of Tum’a includes immersio...
Misva #172: Sara’at on Garments
March 30, 2022 13:00 - 7.36 MBThe Torah in Parashat Tazria (13) establishes the procedures that must be followed in the case of “Sara’at Ha’beged” – a form of Sara’at (“leprosy”) that affects garments and other cloth materials. The Sefer Ha’hinuch counts following these procedures as the 172 nd of the Torah’s 613 Biblical commands. Explaining the reason behind this command, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that G-d sometimes brings punishment upon a person the way a parent occasionally must punish a child. The punishment is don...
Misva #171: A Mesora’s Rending His Garments and Allowing His Hair to Grow
March 29, 2022 13:00 - 11 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 13:45) that a Mesora – a person who has been confirmed to have a Sara’at skin infection – is required to tear his garments and let his hair grow. The Sifra adds that other Teme’im (people with impurity), such as those who came in contact with a human corpse or experienced certain bodily emissions, are required to announce their status so that people know to keep a distance and thus avoid becoming Tameh (impure). A Mesora, however, has an addition...
Misva #170: The Prohibition Against Removing Hairs of a “Netek”
March 28, 2022 13:00 - 4.55 MBOne of the forms of Sara’at (“leprosy”) is called “Netek,” and it manifests itself through the unexplained loss of hair in an area of one’s head of beard. If two yellow hairs grow in the middle of the bald spot that had formed, then the person is declared to have “Netek.” The Torah in Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 13:33) forbids removing these two yellow hairs (“Ve’et Ha’netek Lo Yegale’ah”). A person who experiences this condition is not permitted to remove the hairs in order to avoid being decla...
Misva #169: Showing a Suspected Sara’at Infection to a Kohen
March 25, 2022 13:00 - 13.4 MBThe Torah in Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 13:2) commands that if one sees a white discoloration on his skin, he must approach a Kohen who will then determine whether the discoloration qualifies as Sara’at. Rather than dismiss the discoloration as some medical condition, he must acknowledge that it has been sent by G-d on account of his sins, and that he is therefore required to undergo the process dictated by the Torah to rectify his wrongful conduct. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that this comman...
Misva #168: A Woman’s Sacrifice After Chldbirth
March 24, 2022 13:00 - 9.7 MBThe Torah in the beginning of Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 12:6) introduces an obligation upon a woman to bring a sacrifice after delivering a child. She first observes a period of Tum’a (impurity), which is then followed by a period during which she is considered Tehora (pure) even if she experiences emissions. After the conclusion of this process, she must then bring a sacrifice – a year-old sheep as an Ola (burnt-offering), and a dove or turtledove as a Hatat (sin-offering). If she cannot affo...
Misva #167: Eating Hallowed Food in a State of Tum’a
March 23, 2022 13:00 - 8.43 MBIn Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 12:4), amidst the Torah’s discussion of a woman’s state of impurity after childbirth, it commands, “Be’chol Kodesh Lo Tiga” – literally, “She shall not touch anything hallowed.” The Sages understood this verse as introducing a prohibition forbidding somebody in a state of Tum’a – Halachic impurity – from eating sacred food, namely, Teruma (the mandatory gift to a Kohen from agricultural produce) and sacrifices. The reason behind this command, as the Sefer Ha’hinuch...
Misva #166: A Woman’s Status of Impurity After Childbirth
March 22, 2022 13:00 - 11.8 MBThe Torah establishes in Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 12:2-5) that a woman who delivers a child becomes Teme’a (“impure”). This status results in a prohibition against marital relations, and a prohibition against entering the Bet Ha’mikdash and against partaking of hallowed food (such as Teruma and the meat of sacrifices). The woman remains Teme’a for seven days after delivering a boy, and for fourteen days after delivering a girl. The Sefer Ha’hinuch, in discussing this Misva, presents his theor...
Misva #165: Eating Creatures Produced Through Spontaneous Generation
March 21, 2022 13:00 - 3.33 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Shemini (11:44), “Ve’lo Te’tame’u Et Nafshotechem Be’chol Ha’sheretz Ha’romes Al Ha’aretz” – that we must not “defile” ourselves by eating creatures which crawl on the earth. The Sifra (Halachic Midrash on the Book of Vayikra) explains this verse as referring specifically to creatures which are produced on their own from refuse – such as spoiled food – as opposed to being produced from the mating of a male and female. The Rambam writes that the Torah used here t...
Misva #164: The Prohibition Against Consuming “Sheres Ha’mayim” (Water Creatures)
March 18, 2022 13:00 - 9.98 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:43), “Do not make yourselves repulsive through all creatures that crawl, and do not be defiled by them.” The Sefer Ha’hinuch, following the view of the Rambam, interprets this verse as referring specifically to “Sheres Ha’mayim” – small creatures that float in water, establishing a prohibition against eating such creatures. One who intentionally eats a whole creature (“Birya”) is liable to Malkut regardless of the creature’s size, because eve...
Misva #163: The Prohibition Against Eating Insects Which Grow in Produce
March 17, 2022 13:00 - 9.05 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:42) forbids eating “Kol Ha’sheretz Ha’shoretz Al Ha’aretz” (“all the crawling creatures which crawl on the ground”), which the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains as referring to insects which grow in fruits and vegetables and have left onto the ground. Once these insects leave the fruit or vegetable in which they have grown, they are forbidden for consumption. As long as they remain inside the fruit or vegetable, there is no prohibition against eating them, but...
Misva #162: The Prohibition Against Eating “Sherasim”
March 16, 2022 13:00 - 3.09 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (11:41) forbids eating any “Sheretz Ha’shoretz Al Ha’aretz” – rodent or insect that crawls on the ground. This command forbids eating a “Ke’zayit” of the flesh of such creatures, except when it comes to the “Shemona Sherasim” – the eight rodents listed earlier (11:29-30) which impart Tum’a (impurity) after they die. A piece of the flesh of these creatures imparts Tum’a even if it is smaller than a Ke’zayit – if it is at least a “Ke’adasha,” the size of a lentil. ...
Misva #161: Tum’at Nebela – The Impurity of an Animal Carcass
March 15, 2022 13:00 - 5.5 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:39-40) establishes that if an animal dies without proper Shehita (slaughtering), the carcass – which is called a “Nebela” – imparts Tum’a (impurity). This means that a person or utensil that touches a Ke’zayit of flesh from the carcass becomes Tameh (impure). One who carries this amount of flesh from the carcass, even without touching it – such as if one carries a utensil containing the flesh – then he and his clothing are impure. This means that the ...
Misva #160: Tum’at Ochlin – Food’s Susceptibility to Impurity
March 14, 2022 13:00 - 18.5 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:34) establishes that food can become Tameh (ritually impure) through direct contact with sources of impurity, under certain conditions. First, food is susceptible to Tum’a (impurity) only if it is designated for human consumption. Animal fodder does not become Tameh. Secondly, food is susceptible to Tum’a only if it is no longer attached the ground. Produce which is still attached to a tree or to the ground, even if it is ripe and edible, cannot becom...
Misva #159: The Impurity of the “Shemona Sherasim” (“Eight Rodents”)
March 11, 2022 13:00 - 11.6 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:29) establishes that eight species of Sherasim (rodents) are to be regarded as Tameh (ritually impure). The Sefer Ha’hinuch, in discussing this Misva, elaborates at length on the general topic of Ta’ameh Ha’misvot – the reasons underlying the Torah’s commands. He explains that the human mind is very limited, and thus incapable of fully comprehending the infinite wisdom of G-d. As such, we can never hope to gain a complete understanding of the reasons ...
Misva #158: Determining the Kosher Status of Grasshoppers
March 10, 2022 13:00 - 7.31 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Parashat 11:21) establishes the requirement to determine the status of different species of grasshoppers vis-à-vis their permissibility for consumption. As we know, locusts and grasshoppers used to be eaten as food. In fact, the Rabbis teach that when G-d ended the plague of locusts that struck Egypt, the locusts which the Egyptians had captured and pickled to make into delicacies miraculously returned to life and flew away. G-d thereby ensured that they would r...
Misva #156: To Not Eat Impure Fish & Misva #157: To Not Eat Impure Fowl
March 09, 2022 13:00 - 11.3 MBMisva #156: To Not Eat Impure Fish The Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:11) forbids eating fish belonging to a non-kosher species. As discussed in an earlier Misva, a fish is considered kosher if it has fins and scales; otherwise, it is not kosher and forbidden for consumption. One who eats a Ke’zayit of flesh from a non-kosher species of fish is liable to Malkut. This command is binding in all times and in all places, and upon both males and females. Misva #157: To Not Eat Impure Fowl T...
Misva #155: Determining the Kosher Status of Fish
March 08, 2022 13:00 - 9.71 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11:9) establishes that only fish with both “Senapir” and “Kaskeset” – fins and scales – may be eaten. The fins resemble wings that protrude from the fish’s body, and scales are a series of small discs attached to the fish. The Gemara teaches that every species of fish with scales also has fins; therefore, if scales are seen on the fish’s body, one does not need to look for fins, because a fish that has scales also has fins. Conversely, however, a fish wi...
Misva #154: Eating Prohibited Species of Animals
March 07, 2022 13:00 - 8.76 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (11:4-7) prohibits eating meat from a species of an animal that has only one of the two “Simanim” (“signs,” or properties) of a kosher animal – split hooves, and chewing its cud. These are the camel, rabbit and hare – which chew their cud but do not have split hooves – and the pig – which has split hooves but does not chew its cud. Likewise, in the Book of Debarim (14:6) the Torah says about animals with both these properties, “Otah Tochelu” – “that you shall eat...
Misva #153: Identifying the Kosher Status of Animals
March 04, 2022 13:00 - 7.81 MBMisva #153: Identifying the Kosher Status of Animals Length: 5:41 The Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 11) establishes the “Simanim” – the features that determine an animal’s status vis-à-vis its permissibility for consumption. Specifically, it states that an animal with split hooves and that chews its cud is permissible, whereas an animal which either does not have split hooves, or does not chew its cud, is forbidden. The Sefer Ha’hinuch, following the view of the Rambam, maintains that in...
Misva #152: Performing the Aboda and Issuing Halachic Rulings After Drinking Wine
March 03, 2022 13:00 - 8.04 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 10:9) commands the Kohanim not to enter the Bet Ha’mikdash after drinking wine. This command includes also a prohibition forbidding issuing a Halachic ruling after drinking wine. The Sefer Hahinuch explains that this is forbidden because one’s mind should be clear and settled when he engages in the most important matters – serving G-d in the Bet Ha’mikdash, and learning Torah. These sublime activities require a proper state of mind and the ability to foc...
Misva #151: Leaving the Bet Ha’mikdash in the Middle of the Aboda
March 02, 2022 13:00 - 5.62 MBThe Torah commands the Kohanim in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 10:7), “U’mi’petah Ohel Mo’ed Lo Tes’u Pen Tamutu” – “You shall not leave from the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, lest you die.” This command is understood as a prohibition forbidding the Kohanim from leaving the Bet Ha’mikdash in the middle of the Aboda (service). Once a Kohen has begun serving, he may not leave until he completes the service. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that if a Kohen leaves the Aboda in the middle, he disrespe...
Misva #150: The Prohibition Against Performing the Abodah (Services in the Bet Ha'mikdash) With Torn Clothing
March 01, 2022 13:00 - 5.3 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 10:6) commands the Kohanim, “Bigdechem Lo Tifromu” – not to tear their garments before entering the Bet Ha’mikdash to perform the Aboda (service). This command forbids the Kohanim from performing the service while wearing torn garments. The definition of a “torn garment” for the purpose of this Halacha is the same as the definition of the requirement for a mourner to tear his garment – namely, a rip of at least a Tefah (handbreadth). This prohibition app...
Misva #149: The Prohibition Against Serving in the Bet Ha’mikdash With Long Hair
February 28, 2022 13:00 - 9.43 MBThe Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 10:6) commands the Kohanim, “Rashechem Al Tifra’u” – that they must not let their hair grow long. This establishes a prohibition forbidding the Kohanim from serving in the Bet Ha’mikdash with long hair. The Gemara explains that this refers to letting one’s hair grow for thirty days. This conclusion is reached based on the parallel between the word “Tifra’u” and the related word “Pera” used in reference to the Nazir’s obligation to allow his hair to grow....
Misva #148: The Prohibition Against Consuming Blood
February 25, 2022 13:00 - 8.07 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 7:26) that it is forbidden to consume the blood of animals or birds. The blood of kosher species of fish, however, is permissible for consumption. On the level of Torah law, human blood may be consumed, as well, but the Sages forbade the consumption of human blood due to the concern of “Mar’it Ha’ayin” – that it gives the appearance of consuming animal blood. Blood found in eggs is permissible for consumption, unless there is some concern that the y...
Misva #147: The Prohibition Against Eating Heleb (Forbidden Fats)
February 24, 2022 13:00 - 8.47 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 7:23) forbids partaking of the Heleb – certain fats – of oxen, sheep and goats. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah forbade consuming these fats because, quite simply, they are unhealthful, and can cause physical harm. A person’s health, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes, depends largely on the food he eats, because the body is always decomposing, and food is needed to replenish the body. In essence, then, the food one eats becomes his body, and therefore, ...
Misva #146: Burning Sacrificial Food Which Became Impure
February 23, 2022 13:00 - 7.74 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 7:19) that if the meat of a sacrifice had come in contact with something which renders it Tameh (ritually impure), it must be burned. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that if the meat became Tameh in the courtyard of the Bet Ha’mikdash, then it must be burned there in the courtyard; if it became Tameh outside the Bet Ha’mikdash, then it is burned there, in the place where it had become Tameh. This obligation applies also to Notar – meat of a sacrifice w...
Misva #145: The Prohibition Against Impure Sacrifices
February 22, 2022 13:00 - 2.81 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 7:19) commands that if sacrificial food came in contact with a source of Tum’a (impurity), that food is forbidden for consumption. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that this command is intended to maintain our respect and reverence for the sacrifices. By demanding that we eat sacrificial food only if it is in a state of purity – and if we ourselves are in a state of purity – the Torah ensures that we regard the sacrifices as special and sacred. This command is b...
Misva #144: The Prohibition Against Eating “Pigul”
February 21, 2022 13:00 - 9.23 MBThe term “Pigul” refers to a sacrifice which the Kohen offered with the intention of eating its meat, or placing the designated portions on the altar, beyond the prescribed time. There are deadlines by which the meat of every sacrifice must be eaten, and by which the Kohen must placed the required portions on the altar. If the Kohen performed any of the major stages of the sacrificial process with the intention to eat the sacrifice or place the required portions of the sacrifice on the altar ...
Misva #143: Burning Leftover Sacrificial Food
February 18, 2022 13:00 - 7.83 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 7:17) commands that if sacrificial food was left over beyond the final time when it may be eaten, it must be burned. A separate command forbids allowing sacrificial food to remain uneaten by the deadline for its consumption. But if this food was left over, in violation of the Torah’s command, there is a Misva upon the Kohanim to burn it. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah commanded burning the leftover sacrificial food so that it would not be seen i...
Misva #142: The Prohibition Against Leaving Over the Korban Toda
February 17, 2022 13:00 - 10.8 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 7:15) establishes that when one brings a Korban Toda (thanksgiving offering), he may eat the sacrifice the day he brings it, and the following night, but he may not leave over any of the sacrifice until morning. The Sages understood that this command applies to all sacrifices which are eaten – it is forbidden to leave over the meat beyond the final time prescribed for eating it. The Torah stipulates that if one violated this prohibition and left over sacrifi...
Misva #141: The Shelamim Sacrifice
February 16, 2022 13:00 - 7.54 MBOne of the sacrifices discussed by the Torah in the beginning of the Book of Vayikra (beginning of chapter 3, and 7:11-12) is the Shelamim offering. Generally, Shelamim sacrifices are offered by individuals. The exception to this rule is the special Sheteh Ha’lehem offering brought on Shabuot, which consisted of two sheep and two loaves of bread, that were eaten by the Kohanim. This is the only example of Shalmeh Sibur – a Shelamim sacrifice offered collectively by the nation. Among the vario...