Sefer Hachinuch
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Misva #140: The Asham Sacrifice
February 15, 2022 13:00 - 3.43 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (beginning of chapter 7) introduces the guidelines for the offering of the Korban Asham (“guilt sacrifices”) which was required to atone for certain misdeeds. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists the obligation upon the Kohanim to comply with these guidelines as the 140 th Biblical command. The Ramban, commenting to Parashat Vayikra (5:15), discusses the difference between the two different kinds of sin offerings – Hatat and Asham. The Torah makes it clear that these are two se...
Misva #139: The Prohibition Against Eating the Meat of a “Hatat Penimit”
February 14, 2022 13:00 - 4.11 MBThe Torah prescribes different procedures to be followed for the offering of different Hatat sacrifices (sacrifices brought for atonement). The blood of some Hatat offerings is sprinkled on the outdoor Mizbe’ah (altar), whereas the blood of other Hatat offerings is sprinkled inside the Mishkan, on the incense altar. The Torah in Parashat Sav (6:23) establishes that in the case of a Hatat Penimit – a sin-offering whose blood is to be sprinkled inside the Bet Ha’mikdash – the meat is not eaten,...
Misva #138: The Korban Hatat (Sin-Offering)
February 11, 2022 13:00 - 8.37 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (chapter 6) introduces the procedure for bringing the Korban Hatat – the sin-offering which is required for atonement in certain situations of wrongdoing. The Ramban was of the opinion that all the various forms of sacrifices are to be counted as but a single Misva. In his view, there is one Biblical command to offer the sacrifices – the Hatat, Asham, Ola and Shelamim – and the differences between the sacrifices are merely details of this single Misva. The Sefer Ha’h...
Misva #137: The Prohibition Against Eating a Kohen’s Minha Offering
February 10, 2022 13:00 - 8.25 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 6:16), “Ve’chol Minhat Kohen Kalil Tiheyeh Lo Te’achel” – “Every flour offering of a Kohen shall be offered whole; it shall not be eaten.” Normally, when a Minha (flour offering) is brought, a handful of the sacrifice is placed on the altar, and the rest is eaten by the Kohanim. The Torah here establishes that an exception is made when a Kohen offers a Minha, as a Kohen’s offering is to be entirely burnt on the altar, and it is forbidden for anyone ...
Misva #136: The Kohen Gadol’s Daily Offering
February 09, 2022 13:00 - 10.8 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (6:13) introduces the command that the Kohen Gadol must bring a Korban Minha – flour offering – each day. This offering is called “Minhat Habitin,” or “Minhat Kohen Mashiah.” The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that given the Kohen Gadol’s unique stature, as Am Yisrael’s agent who prays on our behalf, and through whose prayers and sacrifices we earn atonement, it is appropriate for him to offer a special sacrifice. Just as the daily Tamid sacrifice is offered each morning a...
Misva #135: The Prohibition Against Baking the Minha as Hametz
February 08, 2022 13:00 - 7.24 MBIn its discussion of the Korban Minha (flour offering), the Torah commands in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 6:10) that the Kohanim may not bake their portion of the sacrifice into Hametz. When a Minha is offered, a handful is placed on the altar, and the rest is eaten by the Kohanim, but they must eat the flour as Masa; they may not prepare it as Hametz. Accordingly, the Mishna states in Masechet Menahot (55) that one who bakes the Minha into Hametz violates this Biblical command and is liable to Mal...
Misva #134: Eating the Korban Minha
February 07, 2022 13:00 - 3.87 MBWhen a Korban Minha – grain offering – was brought in the Bet Ha’mikdash, the Kohen performing the sacrifice would take a handful of the offering and place it on the fire on the altar. The Torah commands in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 6:9) that the remainder of the offering, called “Shiyureh Minha,” is to be eaten by the Kohanim. The verse states, “Ve’ha’noteret Mimena Yochelu Aharon U’banav” – “Aharon and his sons shall eat that which remains from it.” The rationale behind this Misva, as the Sefer...
Misva #133: The Prohibition Against Extinguishing Fire on the Altar
February 04, 2022 13:00 - 8.05 MBThe Torah in Parashat Sav (6:6) says about the fire on the altar, “Lo Tichbeh” – “it shall not be extinguished,” establishing a prohibition against extinguishing any part of the fire that burned on the altar. Even if someone took a fiery coal off the altar and then extinguished it somewhere else, he has violated this command. The prohibition forbids extinguishing not only fire which burns on the altar, but even fire which had been taken from the altar. The exceptions to this rule are coal tak...
Misva #132: Kindling Fire on the Altar
February 03, 2022 13:00 - 9.36 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Sav (Vayikra 6:6), “Esh Tamid Tukad Al Ha’mizbe’ah” – a constant fire must burn on the Mizbe’ah (altar) in the Bet Ha’mikdash. The Sefer Ha’hinuch addresses the question of why this command was necessary, given that, according to tradition, a miraculous fire descended from the heavens onto the altar each day. Why did the Torah require the Kohanim to kindle fire on the Mizbe’ah, if fire was already provided via a miracle? The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that when G-...
Misva #131: Terumat Ha’deshen – Cleaning the Ashes From the Top of the Altar
February 02, 2022 13:00 - 11.5 MBThe opening verses of Parashat Sav (Vayikra, chapter 6) introduce the Misva of “Terumat Ha’deshen,” the daily ritual of removing ashes from the top of the altar. The Torah commands that the Kohen must wear his special priestly garments, walk up the ramp to the top of the altar, and remove ashes that had collected. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that the purpose of this Misva is to maintain the beauty and grandeur of the Bet Ha’mikash. Before the Kohanim begin offering sacrifices each morning, the...
Misva #130: Returning a Stolen Item
February 01, 2022 13:00 - 12.6 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Vayikra (5:23) that a thief who stole an object must return it to the victim (“Ve’heshib Et Ha’gezela Asher Gazal”). This obligation applies only when the item still exists in its original form; if it has undergone a permanent change (“Shinui She’eno Hozer Li’briyato”), which cannot be reversed, then the thief pays the victim the value of the stolen item, instead. One example given by the Gemara is a thief who stole wood which he used as firewood. Since, quite o...
Misva #129: The “Asham Vadai” Sacrifice
January 31, 2022 13:00 - 10.1 MBThere are five circumstances in which one must bring what is called an “Asham Vadai” – a guilt-offering to atone for a certain violation. (This is in contrast to an “Asham Talui,” a guilt-offering brought when one might have possibly transgressed a severe violation, but does not know with certainty that he transgressed.) The situations requiring an Asham Vadai are as follows: 1) Asham Gezelot. As the Torah describes in Parashat Vayikra (5), one who falsely denies on oath having money which be...
Misva #128: The “Asham Talui” Atonement Sacrifice
January 28, 2022 13:00 - 11.4 MBThe Torah in Parashat Vayikra (5:17-18) addresses the case of a person who performed an act which may have transgressed a command, but he is unsure. In such a case, the individual must offer a sacrifice called “Asham Talui” to atone for possibly having committed a transgression. This applies specifically if the transgression which may have been committed is one for which one would be liable to Karet (eternal excision from the Jewish People) if he transgresses intentionally, and a Hatat (sin-o...
Misva #127: Paying an Extra One-Fifth After Mistakenly Benefitting From Sacred Property
January 27, 2022 13:00 - 9.71 MBIf one mistakenly uses sacred property (“Hekdesh”) for personal benefit, he has committed “Me’ila,” an act which imposes upon him a number of obligations. One obligation is to pay a “Homesh” – a penalty of one-fifth the value of the benefit he derived. He must pay the treasury of the Bet Ha’mikdash not only the actual value of the benefit he received, but also an additional one-fifth. The Torah introduces this command in Parashat Vayikra (5:16): “Va’hamishito Yosef Alav” (“…and he must add on...
Misva #126: The Prohibition Against Adding Lebona (Frankincense) to a Sinner’s Grain Offering
January 26, 2022 13:00 - 7.9 MBNormally, when a Korban Minha (grain offering) is brought, olive oil and Lebona (frankincense) are added to the flour. An exception to this rule is the Minhat Hoteh – the Minha offering brought by a sinner to atone for his misdeed. In certain situations, the Torah prescribes a Minha – which is far less expensive than an animal sacrifice – for a sinner who is poor and cannot afford an animal. The Torah (Vayikra 5:11) commands that when this grain offering is brought, oil and Lebona must not be...
Misva #125: The Prohibition Against Adding Oil to the Sinner’s Grain Offering
January 25, 2022 13:00 - 8.16 MBIn certain situations where a sinner is required to offer an atonement sacrifice, the sacrifice which he brings depends on his financial status, as a sinner who is poor brings a less costly sacrifice – a Minha (grain offering). In such a case, the Torah commands, “Lo Yasim Aleha Shemen” – oil should not be placed on the sacrifice (Vayikra 5:11). Normally, grain offerings are mixed with oil, but in the case of a grain offering brought to atone for a sin, no oil may be added. The Sefer Ha’hinuc...
Misva #124: The Prohibition Against Detaching the Head of a Bird Sacrifice
January 24, 2022 13:00 - 9.99 MBIn describing the procedure for the offering of a Hatat Ha’of (bird sin-offering), the Torah commands, “Lo Yabdil” – that the bird’s head may not be completely severed from its body (Vayikra 5:8). As opposed to animals brought as sacrifices, which are killed via standard Shehita – slaughtering the front of the neck – bird sacrifices are killed by a method called Melika. The Kohen thrusts his fingernail into the back of the bird’s neck, until it pierces the pipes extending from the bird’s mout...
Misva #123: The Korban Oleh Ve’yored
January 23, 2022 13:00 - 15.9 MBThe Torah in Parashat Vayikra (chapter 5) requires violators who commit certain offenses to offer a sacrifice known as the “Korban Oleh Ve’yored” – “fluctuating sacrifice.” It is so named because the offering depends on the offender’s financial status. A financially stable sinner brings a goat or sheep; one who struggles financially brings two birds; and a destitute person brings the cheapest sacrifice – a flour offering. This offering is brought by the following groups of sinners: one who mi...
Misva #122: Giving Testimony
January 20, 2022 13:00 - 14.6 MBThe Torah in Parashat Vayikra (5:1) says about somebody who has information that could be used as testimony in Bet Din, “Im Lo Yagid Ve’nasa Avono” – “If he does not speak, then he shall bear his iniquity.” This establishes a Biblical command requiring those who are able to serve as witnesses and testify before Bet Din to do so. When it comes to Dineh Mamonot (civil disputes), one is required to testify only if he is summoned to the court. When it comes to Dineh Nefashot (capital cases), one ...
Misva #121: The commandment of a sin-offering for an individual who sinned inadvertently in a commandment for which we are liable to Karet:
January 19, 2022 13:00 - 9.89 MBThe Torah in Parashat Vayikra (4:27) addresses the case of a person who mistakenly commits a sin, and it requires the offender to offer a Korban Hatat – atonement sacrifice. This sin-offering is called a “Hatat Kebu’a” – a “fixed sin-offering,” referring to the fact that everyone obligated to bring this offering brings the same kind of animal as a sacrifice. This is in contrast to the Korban Oleh Ve’yored – “fluctuating sacrifice” – which depends on the sinner’s financial status. A Korban Hat...
Misva #120: The Sacrifice to Atone for the Sanhedrin’s Mistaken Ruling
January 18, 2022 13:00 - 8.88 MBThe Torah in Parashat Vayikra (4:13) speaks of a case where “the entire nation mistakenly sins” because “a matter was concealed from the ‘eyes’ [leaders] of the congregation.” This refers to a situation where the Sanhedrin – the highest Rabbinical court, consisting of seventy-one leading scholars – issued a mistaken ruling, permitting something which is forbidden and punishable by Karet (eternal excision from the Jewish Nation). If the majority of the nation accepts their ruling and violates ...
Misva #119: Adding Salt to Every Offering
January 17, 2022 13:00 - 9.85 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Vayikra, “Al Kol Korbancha Takrib Melah” – that salt must be added to every offering brought on the altar. This Misvat Aseh (affirmative command) comes in addition to the Misvat Lo Ta’aseh (prohibition) that forbids bringing an offering that does not include salt. The Sefer Ha’hinuch offers two explanations for why the Torah requires adding salt to sacrificial offerings. First, everything that is done in the Bet Ha’mikdash is intended to create an aura which imp...
Misva #118: The Prohibition Against Offering a Sacrifice Without Salt
January 17, 2022 13:00 - 8.84 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Vayikra (2:13), “Ve’lo Tashbit Melah Berit Elokecha Me’al Minhatecha” – “Do not withhold the salt of the covenant of your G-d from upon your offering.” This establishes a prohibition against refraining from adding salt to sacrifices. Adding salt to sacrifices is required by force of both this prohibition, as well as a Misvat Aseh (affirmative command). In discussing the prohibition against offering a sacrifice without salt, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that he alr...
Misva #117: The Prohibition Against Offering Hametz or Sweet Products on the Altar
January 14, 2022 13:00 - 11.7 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Vayikra (2:11), “Kol Se’or Ve’chol Debash Lo Taktiru Mimenu Isheh l’Hashem” – “you shall not offer as a fire-offering to G-d any leaven or honey.” This verse establishes a prohibition against offering on the altar any leavened product, or any sweet product. “Debash” (“honey”) in the Torah normally refers specifically to the juice extracted from dates, but in this context, it includes any sweet food item. All sweet products may not be offered on the altar. This p...
Misva #116: The Minha Offering
January 13, 2022 13:00 - 9.34 MBOne of the sacrifices discussed in the first section of the Book of Vayikra is the Minha offering, which was unique in that it involved not an animal, but rather flour. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists the procedure for offering the Minha as the 116 th Biblical command. He explains that the purpose of this offering is “Hachna’at Ha’yeser” – subduing the evil inclination. When a person sees that his hard-earned assets are burned in fire because of his wrongdoing, he will be deterred from misconduct i...
Misva #115: The Ola Sacrifice
January 12, 2022 13:00 - 7.28 MBThe opening verses of the Book of Vayikra describe the procedure for the offering of the Korban Ola (burnt offering), and the Sefer Ha’hinuch lists this procedure as the 115 th Biblical command. He mentions in this context that he had already presented his analysis of the general concept of Korbanot (sacrifices) earlier in his work (Misva 95). The Korban Ola is to be slaughtered specifically in the Azara (the outdoor courtyard of the Bet Ha’mikdash). It may be slaughtered even by somebody who...
Misva #114: The Prohibition Against Court-Administered Punishment on Shabbat
January 11, 2022 13:00 - 10.1 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Vayakhel (Shemot 35:3), “Lo Teba’aru Esh Be’chol Moshebotechem Be’yom Ha’Shabbat” – “Do not burn fire in any of your residences on the day of Shabbat.” At first glance, it appears that the Torah here introduces the prohibition against kindling a fire on Shabbat. However, the Gemara notes that this cannot be the meaning of the verse, because kindling fire on Shabbat is already included under the general prohibition forbidding Melacha (work) on Shabbat, as kindlin...
Misva #113: Not to Eat Milk With Meat
January 10, 2022 13:00 - 13.3 MBThree times, the Torah issues the command, “You shall not cook a kid in its mother’s milk” (Shemot 23:19 & 34:26, Debarim 14:21), forbidding cooking meat with milk. The Rabbis understood that these three verses establish three prohibitions – cooking meat with milk, even without the intention of eating it; eating meat with milk; and deriving other forms of benefit from meat that had bene cooked with milk, such as selling it. Although the Torah introduces three separate commands, the Sefer Ha’h...
Misva #112: Abstaining From Agricultural Work During Shemita
January 07, 2022 13:00 - 8.72 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 32:21) that every seventh year, “Be’harish U’ba’kasir Tishbot” – one must refrain from plowing and harvesting. This verse introduces an affirmative command to observe the Shemita year by refraining from tilling the land. Earlier in the Book of Shemot, in Parashat Mishpatim (23:11), the Torah already introduced the obligation to proclaim one’s produce ownerless during the Shemita year; here, it introduces the obligation to refrain from agricultura...
Misva #111: Not to Partake of Food Offered as a Pagan Sacrifice
January 06, 2022 13:00 - 9.9 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 34:12-15) warns against entering into treaties with the pagans, which will result in partaking in their sacrificial offerings. The warning is formulated with the expression “Hishamer Lecha” (literally, “Guard yourself”), and according to tradition, when the Torah uses this formulation, it establishes a prohibition. And thus the Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as one of the Biblical prohibitions the command forbidding eating or drinking anything which had been offer...
Misva #110: Not to Produce a Replica of the Ketoret
January 05, 2022 13:00 - 8.51 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 30:37-38) introduces the prohibition against producing the combination of spices in the same measurements as those used to make the Ketoret (incense) in the Bet Ha’mikdash. This prohibition is violated only if one prepares the spices for the purpose of using it, as the verse says, “A person who mixes it in order to smell it…” In explaining the reason behind this prohibition, the Sefer Ha’hinuch references his earlier discussion (Misva 108) regarding the p...
Misva #109: Preparing a Replica of the Shemen Ha’mish’ha (Anointing Oil)
January 04, 2022 13:00 - 7.79 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa discusses the Shemen Ha’mish’ha – the special oil that Moshe prepared for the purpose of anointing the Kohanim Gedolim and kings. In the context of this discussion, the Torah commands (Shemot 30:32), “U’be’matkunto Lo Ta’asu” – that one may not prepare oil with the same ingredients in the same proportions as in the Shemen Ha’mish’ha. The word “Matkunto” means “its measurement,” as in the expression “Matkonet Ha’lebenim” (Shemot 5:8), which refers to the prescribe...
Misva #108: Misusing the Shemen Ha’mish’ha (Anointing Oil)
January 03, 2022 13:00 - 10.1 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 30:32) commands that the Shemen Ha’mish’ha – the special oil used for anointing Kohanim Gedolim and kings – may not be used by anybody other than those for whom it is intended. An ordinary person may not take this oil and place it on his body. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that something which is earmarked for a certain exclusive use is naturally respected and regarded as special. Something to which most people do not have access is seen as a uniquely prec...
Misva #107: The Shemen Ha’mish’ha (Anointing Oil)
December 31, 2021 13:00 - 10.3 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 30:25) commands Beneh Yisrael to prepare the Shemen Ha’mish’ha – special oil that was used for formally anointing the Kohanim, and for consecrating the sacred articles of the Bet Ha’mikdash. The Sefer Ha’hinuch thus lists as the 107 th Biblical command the obligation to have this oil prepared for the anointing of those requiring anointing with this special oil. Specifically, the Kohen Gadol was anointed with this oil upon receiving the appointment to his ...
Misva #106: The Kohanim’s Washing Before Serving in the Bet Ha’mikdash
December 30, 2021 13:00 - 9.85 MBThe Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 30:19-20) commands the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet from the Kiyor – the special sink in the courtyard of the Bet Ha’mikdash – when they enter the Bet Ha’mikdash to perform the service. The reason behind this command, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes, is “Le’hagdil Kebod Ha’bayit” – to enhance the aura of majesty and grandeur in the Bet Ha’mikdash. Ensuring to wash oneself upon entering the Bet Ha’mikdash to serve G-d impresses upon him the importance o...
Misva #105: The Commandment of Mahasit Ha’shekel
December 29, 2021 13:00 - 10 MBThe Torah in the beginning of Parashat Ki-Tisa (Shemot 30:13) requires every male aged twenty and above to pay each year a Mahasit Ha’shekel (half-Shekel) to the treasury of the Bet Ha’mikdash. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that this money was used for all the public offerings brought in the Bet Ha’mikdash on behalf of the entire nation. These include the two daily Tamid sacrifices; the additional Musaf sacrifices offered on Shabbat, Rosh Hodesh and holidays; the Nesachim (libations) that acco...
Misva #104: Offering an Unwarranted Sacrifice on the Incense Altar
December 28, 2021 13:00 - 8.37 MBInside the Bet Ha’mikdash, there was an altar called the Mizbah Ha’zahab (“the golden altar”), which was earmarked specifically for the daily offering of incense, and for the sprinkling of sacrificial blood on a number of rare occasions (such as Yom Kippur). The Torah in Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 30:9) issues a prohibition forbidding offering anything else on the altar – such as an unwarranted incense offering, an Ola (burnt-offering), Minha (grain offering) or Nesech (libation). In discussing...
Misva #103: Offering the Ketoret (Incense)
December 27, 2021 13:00 - 8.45 MBThe Torah in Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 30:7-8) commands that the Ketoret (incense) must be offered on the special gold altar inside the Bet Ha’mikdash each morning and afternoon. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that this Misva also includes the obligation to prepare the Ketoret in advance so it can be offered each day. The Rambam maintains that the two daily offerings of Ketoret comprise a single Misva, whereas the Ramban was of the opinion that these constitute two separate Misvot – one to offer K...
Misva #102: The Kohanim’s Consumption of Korbanot
December 24, 2021 13:00 - 8.75 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 29:34), “Ve’achelu Otam Asher Kupar Bahem” – that the Kohanim must eat the sacrifices, through which those who offer sacrifices earn atonement. As the Gemara explains in Masechet Pesahim (59), “Kohanim Ochelim U’be’alim Mitkaperim” – “the Kohanim eat, and the owners [of the sacrifice] receive atonement.” The Kohanim’s consumption of the sacrifice is a precondition for the atonement which the person seeks in bringing the offering. The Sefer Ha’hin...
Misva #101: Not to Tear the Kohen Gadol’s Me’il (Robe)
December 23, 2021 13:00 - 8.5 MBOne of the special garments worn by the Kohen Gadol was the Me’il (the robe). In the Torah’s discussion of the Me’il in Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 28:32), it says that there must be a lining around the top opening, through which the Kohen Gadol’s head extends, and “Lo Yikare’a” – “it shall not be ripped.” This verse establishes a prohibition against tearing the Me’il. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that tearing a garment, quite obviously, expresses disdain and disregard for the garment, showing t...
Misva #100: Separating the Kohen Gadol’s Breastplate From the Apron
December 22, 2021 13:00 - 7.95 MBThe Kohen Gadol wore eight special garments, which included the Hoshen – breastplate, in which were embedded the twelve precious stones that corresponded to the twelve tribes – and the Efod – apron. The Torah in Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 28:28) requires attaching the Hoshen to the Efod with special threads, and commands, “Ve’lo Yizah Ha’hoshen Me’al Ha’efod.” Targum Onkelos translates this to mean that the Hoshen may be separated from the Efod. This verse thus introduces a prohibition against ...
Misva #99: The Bigdeh Kehuna (Priestly Vestments)
December 21, 2021 13:00 - 9.76 MBThe Torah in Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 28:4) commands making special garments for the Kohanim. These are commonly referred to as the Bigdeh Kehuna (priestly vestments). The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains the reason for this command based on a principle which he emphasizes numerous times in his work – that people are internally affected by the impression made by external conditions. Appearances create a certain atmosphere and aura which affect the way we think and feel. Likewise, the clothing we wear...
Misva #98: The Kindling of the Menorah in the Bet Ha’mikdash
December 20, 2021 13:00 - 11.5 MBIn the beginning of Parashat Tesaveh (Shemot 27:21), the Torah commands that the Kohanim should arrange the candles of the Menorah in the Bet Ha’mikdash each day – “Ya’aroch Oto Aharon U’banav…” Needless to say, G-d does not need us to provide light for Him; He is the one who illuminates the entire earth. However, as the Sefer Ha’hinuch repeatedly emphasizes, the Torah’s commands are given for our benefit, because of the positive impact and effect that they have upon us and upon our lives. In...
Misva #97: The Lehem Ha’panim (Showbread)
December 17, 2021 13:00 - 11.2 MBIn describing the Shulhan (table) in the Bet Ha’mikdash, the Torah commands in Parashat Teruma (25:30), “Ve’natata Al Ha’shulhan Lehem Panim Lefanai Tamid” – we are to place the special bread, called the Lehem Ha’panim, on the table at all times. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that G-d, quite obviously, has no need for our bread. We must not think for even a moment that G-d needs us to serve Him food. The purpose of this Misva, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes, is to give us the opportunity to earn b...
Misva #96: Not to Remove the Transport Poles From Alongside the Aron
December 16, 2021 13:00 - 11 MBThe Aron (ark) which was stored inside the Mishkan – and, later, the Bet Ha’mikdash – contained the original Sefer Torah as well as the Luhot (stone tablets). It was carried during travel with two transport poles, which were inserted into the rings that were affixed to the four corners of the Aron. The Leviyim assigned the role of transporting the ark would carry the poles on their shoulders, and this is how the Aron was moved from one place to another. In commanding the construction of the A...
Misva #95: Building the Bet Ha’mikdash
December 15, 2021 13:00 - 29.1 MBThe Torah famously commands in Parashat Teruma (Shemot 25:8), “Ve’asu Li Mikdash” – “They shall make for Me a sanctuary,” establishing the Biblical command to construct a Bet Ha’mikdash, a site for the ritual service of G-d. This command includes the construction of the actual building, as well as the various furnishings which are needed for performing the service, such as the Menorah, the Shulhan (table) and the two altars. The Sefer Ha’hinuch discusses this Misva with extensive elaboration,...
Misva #94: The Prohibition Against Granting Idolaters Residence in Eretz Yisrael
December 14, 2021 13:00 - 9.23 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:33), “Lo Yeshebu Be’arsecha Pen Yahatiu Otecha Li” – “They shall not reside in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me.” This command forbids granting idolaters residence in the Land of Israel. The Torah itself provides the reason behind this command, explaining, “lest they cause you to sin against Me” – having idolaters living among us could lure us away from the belief in God, to the belief in pagan deities. This prohibition forbi...
Misva #93: The Prohibition Against Making a Treaty With the Seven Nations of Canaan
December 13, 2021 13:00 - 7.95 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:32), in reference to the seven nations which inhabited the Land of Israel (Canaan) at that time, “Lo Tichrot Lahem Ve’l’Elohehem Berit” – that it is forbidden to make a treaty with these peoples. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that these nations – who are knowns as the seven nations of Canaan – were the “Ikar Aboda Zara Ve’yesod Ha’rishon” – the primary “foundation” of idol-worship in the ancient world. As G-d wants us to eliminate idolatrous ...
Misva #92: The Prohibition Against Cooking Meat with Milk
December 10, 2021 13:00 - 8.95 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:19) presents the command, “Lo Tebashel Gedi Ba’haleb Imo” – “You shall not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” The Gemara explains that this command forbids cooking the meat of any animal in milk, not just goat meat. Even if nobody eats the meat after it was cooked in milk, merely cooking meat and milk together violates this prohibition. This prohibition is, clearly, a “Hok” – a command whose rationale is not readily discernible. Nevertheless, t...
Misva #91: Bikkurim (First Fruits)
December 09, 2021 13:00 - 8.64 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:19), “Reshit Bikkureh Admatecha Tabi Bet Hashem Elokecha” – requiring one to bring to the Bet Ha’mikdash his first fruits that ripen, which are called “Bikkurim.” Tradition teaches that this Misva applies only to the “Shibat Ha’minim” – the seven species for which the Land of Israel is praised (in Debarim 8:8). These are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that the Sages arrived at this con...