Sefer Hachinuch
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Misva #90: Delaying the Placing of Sacrifices on the Altar Until the Morning
December 08, 2021 13:00 - 8.62 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:18), “Ve’lo Yalin Heleb Hagi Ad Boker” – “the fats of My festival sacrifice shall not ‘sleep’ until morning.” This command forbids neglecting to place on the altar the parts of the sacrifice which are to be burned on the altar, throughout the night. If a sacrifice was offered, and the Kohanim neglected to place the fats on the Mizbe’ah (altar) before morning, they have transgressed this prohibition. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that laxity o...
Misva #89: The Prohibition Against Having Hametz at the Time of the Korban Pesach
December 07, 2021 13:00 - 8.02 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:18), “Lo Tizbah Al Hametz Dam Zibhi,” forbidding offering the Pesach sacrifice while one has Hametz in his possession. The Pesach sacrifice is offered on the afternoon of the 14 th of Nissan, and it is forbidden to have Hametz in one’s possession while the sacrifice is being offered. The Sefer Ha’hinuch maintains that this prohibition applies to everyone involved in the sacrifice – including the one who slaughters the animal, the Kohen who s...
Misva #88: Aliya Le’regel – Going to the Bet Ha’mikdash on Festivals
December 06, 2021 13:00 - 13.9 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:14), “Shalosh Regalim Tahog Li Ba’shana” – that we must celebrate three “Regalim,” referring to the pilgrimage festivals: Pesach, Shabuot and Sukkot. This verse introduces the requirement to go to the Bet Ha’mikdash on each of the three festivals. The word “Tahog” (“celebrate”) is understood as referring to the Hagiga sacrifice offered on holidays, such that the command to make the pilgrimage includes a requirement to bring a sacrifice upon ...
Misva #87: Not to Lure Others to Worship Foreign Deities
December 03, 2021 13:00 - 11.2 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:13) says about foreign deities, “Ve’lo Yishama Al Picha” – that these gods should not be mentioned by our mouths. The Sages understood this as referring to an attempt to persuade others to worship an idol. Such a person, who lures others to worship foreign gods, is referred to in Halachic literature as a “Madiah” (“lurer”). The Torah here warns against speaking to people about a foreign god in an effort to convince them to worship it. Even if the per...
Misva #86: The Prohibition Against Swearing in the Name of a Pagan God
December 02, 2021 13:00 - 12.5 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:10), “Ve’shem Elohim Aherim Lo Tazkiru, Lo Yishama Al Picha” – “and you shall not mention the name of other deities; it shall not be heard upon your mouth.” The Sefer Ha’hinuch brings three interpretations of this command. The first is that this verse forbids swearing in the name of a foreign deity, and even causing a pagan to swear in the name of his god by demanding that he take an oath during a civil dispute. If a Jew claims that a pagan ...
Misva #85: Refraining From Work on Shabbat
December 01, 2021 13:00 - 6.19 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:12), “U’ba’yom Ha’shebi’i Tishbot” – that we must rest on the seventh day, Shabbat. Earlier, as part of the Ten Commandments, the Torah had introduced a Misvat Lo Ta’aseh (prohibition) forbidding the performance of Melacha – certain types of constructive activity – on Shabbat. Here, the Torah introduces a Misvat Aseh (affirmative command) obligating one to observe Shabbat as a day of rest. The Sefer Ha’hinuch draws our attention to the fact ...
Misva #84: Proclaiming One’s Agricultural Produce Ownerless on Shemita
November 30, 2021 13:00 - 12.2 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:11), “Ve’ha’shebi’it Tishmetena U’netashtah,” requiring a farmer to abandon his agricultural lands during the Shemita year, which occurs every seven years. This means that he must proclaim all the produce ownerless, and allow all people access to it. The Sefer Ha’hinuch, who usually gives just one reason for every Misva, in this instance points to three different reasons underlying the Misva. First, he explains that the command of Shemita, l...
Misva #83: The Prohibition Against Accepting Bribes
November 29, 2021 13:00 - 8.99 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:8), “Ve’shohad Lo Tikach” – “And you shall not accept a bribe,” establishing a Biblical prohibition which forbids judges from accepting a bribe from either litigant. The Gemara clarifies that the Torah forbids accepting a bribe even from the litigant whom the judge feels is correct. Although the bribe in such a case does not distort the trial, and the same decision is reached as would have been reached without the bribe, accepting the bribe ...
Misva #82: Not to Convict Based on Circumstantial Evidence
November 26, 2021 13:00 - 9.15 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:7), “Ve’naki Ve’sadik Al Taharog” – “You shall not kill an innocent or righteous man.” The Sages interpreted this command as forbidding Bet Din from convicting a defendant based on anything other than the testimony of two witnesses who saw the defendant commit the wrongful act after explicitly warning him. The Sefer Ha’hinuch gives the example of a person who chased his fellow with a knife, and two witnesses warned him that killing the pursu...
Misva #81: To Not Tip the Judgment of an Evildoer
November 25, 2021 13:00 - 7.7 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:6), “Lo Tateh Mishpat Ebyonecha Be’ribo” – “Do not distort the judgment of an impoverished person in his trial.” The plain meaning of this verse is that judges may not rule in favor of a poor litigant who they feel is guilty, out of compassion for his plight. However, this command was already issued several verses earlier (“Ve’dal Lo Tehedar Be’ribo” – Shemot 23:3), and thus does not need to be repeated here. The Gemara therefore understood ...
Misva #80: Helping One’s Fellow to Load or Unload Cargo
November 24, 2021 13:00 - 11.2 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:5) addresses the situation of a person who sees his enemy’s donkey struggling under a heavy load, and it commands the person to assist his enemy in unloading the cargo despite his hostile feelings towards him. The Gemara addresses the question of how it is possible that somebody despises a fellow Jew, given the prohibition of “Lo Tisna Et Ahicha” (Vayikra 19:17), which forbids hating one’s fellow. The answer, the Gemara explains, is that the Torah sp...
Misva #79: Not to Favor a Poor Litigant
November 23, 2021 13:00 - 6.77 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:3), “Ve’dal Lo Tehedar Be’ribo” – it is forbidden for a judge to favor a poor man who is standing trial before him. This command is repeated in the Book of Vayikra (19:15), where the Torah states, “Lo Tisa Peneh Dal.” Targum Onkelos translates the word “Tehedar” to mean “Terahem” – “have compassion.” As the Sefer Ha’hinuch cites from the Sifreh, this means that a judge might figure that since the Misva of charity obligates all people, includ...
Misva #78: Following the Majority
November 22, 2021 13:00 - 7.68 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:2), “Ahareh Rabim Le’hatot,” establishing the rule that we must follow the majority view among the Rabbis. When disagreements arise among the scholars, Halacha is determined based on the majority position. The Sefer Ha’hinuch clarifies that this applies only when the Rabbis involved in the dispute are of equal caliber. It would be insensible, he says, to think that we should follow the view of a group of ignoramuses – even if they are, in th...
Misva #77: “Ve’lo Ta’aneh Ar Rib Li’ntot” – Laws for Judges
November 19, 2021 13:00 - 9.91 MBThe 77 th Biblical command listed by the Sefer Ha’hinuch is introduced in Parashat Mishpatim (23:2): “Ve’lo Ta’aneh Al Rib Li’ntot,” a verse which the Sages interpreted in four different ways. All four interpretations are included under this Biblical prohibition, thus serving as a striking example of the precept taught by the Midrash, “Shibim Panim La’Torah” – there are numerous (“seventy”) different levels on which the Torah can be understood. The first interpretation is that the Torah here ...
Misva #76: Convicting an Offender Based on a Simple Majority
November 18, 2021 13:00 - 11 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:2), “Lo Tiheyeh Ahareh Rabim Le’ra’ot” – literally, “Do not follow the majority for evil matters.” The Sages understood this verse as commanding a court not to convict a defendant charged with a capital offense based on a simple majority. When it comes other cases, the majority opinion among the judges of the Bet Din is accepted even if the majority exceeds the minority by just a single vote. When it comes to capital cases, however, which ar...
Misva #75: Not to have a sinner testify
November 17, 2021 13:00 - 12.1 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:1), “Al Tashet Yadecha Im Rasha Li’hyot Ed Hamas” – literally, “Do not place your hand with a wicked person to be a false witness.” Our oral tradition interprets this verse to mean that a Bet Din may not “lend a hand” to a wicked person and allow him to testify in the court. The phrase “Ed Hamas” is understood as referring to a thief who serves as witness, and the Torah forbids courts from accepting testimony from such a witness. We might wo...
Misva #74: Not to Listen to a Litigant’s Claims in the Other Litigant’s Absence
November 16, 2021 13:00 - 12.1 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:1), “Lo Tisa Shema Shav” – a difficult verse which the Sages understood as a prohibition against placing oneself in a position where he will hear false, misleading information. Specifically, the Torah here commands judges not to hear one litigant’s arguments when the other litigant is not present. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that a litigant is more prone to speak untruthfully in the other party’s absence, because people generally do not hav...
Misva #73: Not to Eat Meat From a Terefa – an Animal With a Fatal Condition
November 15, 2021 13:00 - 13 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:30) commands that we must not eat “Basar Ba’sadeh Terefa” – “meat of a devoured animal in the field.” This command prohibits eating meat of a kosher species of animal which was attacked by a beast and suffered a fatal injury. However, the Sages understood that this prohibition applies to an animal with any sort of fatal injury that is not expected to live for another year. The Torah gave the most common case of such an animal – where an animal was at...
Misva #72: Giving the Required Gifts From One’s Produce Out of Order
November 12, 2021 13:00 - 11.2 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:25), “Melei’acha Ve’dim’acha Lo Te’aher,” which literally means, “Do not delay your grain or your wine and oil.” The Sages understood that the Torah here introduces a prohibition against giving the obligatory gifts from one’s agricultural produce out of order. The Torah requires separating certain portions from one’s produce, and in this verse, the Torah forbids separating these portions in a different sequence than that which the Torah stip...
Misva #71: Not to Curse a King or Head of the Sanhedrin
November 11, 2021 13:00 - 10.5 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:27), “Ve’nasi Be’amcha Lo Ta’or” – not to curse a “Nasi,” referring to either a Jewish king, or the head of the Sanhedrin. This verse, then, establishes a Biblical prohibition against cursing either of these two leadership figures. In explaining the reason behind this command, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that every society needs leadership, people whose decisions and rules are accepted and obeyed. Otherwise, everyone will follow his or her ow...
Misva #70: The negative commandment of 'blessing' the Name of G-D
November 10, 2021 13:00 - 9.9 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:27), “Elohim Lo Tekalel” – that it is forbidden to curse “Elohim.” As explained in our discussion of the preceding Misva (#69), the primary meaning of “Elohim” in this verse is “judges,” and the Torah here introduces the prohibition against cursing a judge. Additionally, however, the Sages understood that the standard meaning of “Elohim” – “G-d” – is also implied, such that this verse here introduces the prohibition against cursing the Name ...
Misva #69: The Prohibition Against Cursing a Judge
November 09, 2021 13:00 - 9.44 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:27), “Elohim Lo Tekalel” – “You shall not curse ‘Elohim’.” The Rabbis understood the word “Elohim” in this verse (a word which normally refers to G-d) to mean “judges,” and this verse thus establishes a prohibition against cursing a judge. Although a separate prohibition forbids cursing any Jew, this verse adds a special prohibition forbidding cursing a judge. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah wanted to ensure that judges did not c...
Misva #68: Facilitating a Loan on Interest
November 08, 2021 13:00 - 9.24 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:24) that when someone lends money to his fellow, “Lo Tesimun Alav Neshech” – “You shall not place on interest upon him.” The Gemara in Masechet Baba Mesia explains this verse as introducing a prohibition against not only charging interest on a loan, but against facilitating interest. This means that besides the lender, other people involved – the guarantor, the scribe who writes the contract, and the witnesses who sign the contract – violate...
Misva #67: Not to Pressure a Debtor Who is Unable to Repay
November 05, 2021 13:00 - 9.37 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:24) commands that when a person lends money to somebody, “Lo Tiheyeh Lo Ke’nosheh” – he may not apply pressure on the borrower to repay. Of course, a lender is fully entitled to claim the money when repayment is due. However, if the lender knows that the borrower does not have the ability to repay the loan, then he is not permitted to pressure him. This prohibition includes intentionally walking by one’s debtor without saying anything, because even s...
Misva #66: Lending Money to the Poor
November 04, 2021 13:00 - 9.05 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:24) introduces the prohibition against charging interest on a loan by stating, “Im Kesef Talveh Et Ami” – “If you lend money to [somebody from] My nation…” The implication of the word “Im” is that lending money to a person in need is optional. However, the Sages received an oral tradition that in three instances of the word “Im” in the Torah, the reference is to an obligation, and not an optional act. Thus, the Torah here establishes a Biblical comma...
Misva #65: Not to Cause Pain to a Widow or Orphan
November 03, 2021 13:00 - 13.2 MBMisva #65: Causing Pain to a Widow or Orphan Length: 9:38 The Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:21), “Kol Almana Ve’yatom Lo Te’anun” – that it is forbidden to “afflict” a widow or orphan. The reason for this command, of course, as the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains, is that widows and orphans are particularly vulnerable, as they do not have a husband or father to stand up for them and defend them. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that the Torah here commands us to treat widows and orphans ...
Misva #64: To not oppress the convert regarding money
November 02, 2021 13:00 - 8.02 MBThe prohibition of “Ona’at Mammon” forbids merchants from selling products for a significantly higher price than the standard market price. In Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:20), the Torah introduces a separate obligation forbidding overcharging a convert (“Ve’lo Tilhasenu”). Although this is in any event forbidden, as the Torah prohibits overcharging any Jew, a separate prohibition was issued with regard to a convert, due to a convert’s unique condition of vulnerability. As a foreigner with n...
Misva #63: The Prohibition Against Speaking Hurtfully to a Convert
November 01, 2021 13:00 - 10.6 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:20), “Ve’ger Lo Toneh” – that it is forbidden to hurt a convert’s feelings by speaking to him offensively. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that of course, it is forbidden to speak hurtfully to any Jew, but the Torah established a separate prohibition forbidding hurtful speech to a convert because converts will likely suffer greater emotional harm from hearing hurtful words than other Jews would. One reason, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes, is becaus...
Misva #62: Punishing Those Who Practice Witchcraft
October 29, 2021 13:00 - 13.4 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:17), “Mechashefa Lo Tehayeh” – “You shall not allow a witch to live.” This establishes a prohibition forbidding Bet Din from failing to put to death one who is found guilty of practicing witchcraft. The Sefer Ha’hinuch, who lists this prohibition as the 62 nd Biblical command, clarifies that the Torah refers here to both male and female sorcerers. It mentions specifically a “Mechashefa” (female witch) only because women more commonly involve...
Misva #61: The commandment on the court to judge the case of a seducer
October 28, 2021 13:00 - 9.73 MBThe Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 61 st Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to adjudicate cases involving a “Mefateh” – a man who verbally lures a young girl, from the age of 3 to 12.5, to engage in intimacy. The Torah establishes the law relevant to such a case in Parashat Mishpatim (22:15), stating that the man must marry the girl, if she and her father wish, or else to pay her the sum of 50 coins. This sum is paid if any of the three parties involved – the man, the girl or her fath...
Misva #60: The commandment to judge the case of the borrower
October 27, 2021 13:00 - 12.9 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:13) addresses the case of a borrower – one who receives an item from its owner to use as a favor, without having to pay for it. Unlike other Shomrim (“watchmen”) who are entrusted with another person’s object, a Sho’el (borrower) bears liability even in a situation of Oness – where the item was lost or damaged due to circumstances beyond his control. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 60 th Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to preside over d...
Misva #59: The commandment on the court to judge the case of one who takes a wage and of a renter
October 26, 2021 13:00 - 10.1 MBThe Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 59 th Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to preside over cases involving a “Shomer Sachar” (“paid watchman”) and a “Socher” (“renter”), and to rule according to the Torah’s guidelines. Both a person who is paid to watch something, and one who pays for the right to use an item, receive benefit from the arrangement, and therefore bear a higher level of liability than somebody who watches an object voluntarily, without pay (a “Shomer Hinam”). As the Tor...
Misva 58: The commandment on the court to judge the case of a plaintiff and a defendant
October 25, 2021 13:00 - 11.5 MBThe Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 58 th Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to try cases involving a “To’en Ve’nit’an” – a plaintiff and a defendant, when a person has a financial claim against his fellow. The source of this command is a verse in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:8) which speaks of a certain situation of a monetary claim, and instructs, “Ad Ha’elohim Yabo Debar Shenehem” – the matter should be brought before a Bet Din. According to the Sefer Ha’hinuch, it is here where th...
Misva 57: The commandment on the court to judge the case of an unpaid guardian
October 22, 2021 13:00 - 8.87 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim addresses several different situations where a person accepts the responsibility to watch something belonging to his fellow. In such cases, the watchman’s level of liability depends on the kind of arrangement the two parties had made. One case (Shemot 22:6) is that of a Shomer Hinam – an unpaid watchman. Since he receives no payment for watching the item, and he is not entitled to use it, his liability is limited. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 57 th Biblical...
Misva #56: The commandment on the court to judge damages from fire
October 21, 2021 13:00 - 7.89 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 22:5) establishes that if a person lit a fire which ended up spreading into his fellow’s property, causing damage, then the one who kindled the fire must pay for the damages. Even though the person lit the fire in his own property, he is nevertheless responsible if it spread to his fellow’s property and caused damage. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 56 th Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to try these cases, and to hold people accountable fo...
Misva #55: The commandment on the court to judge concerning damages of destruction
October 20, 2021 13:00 - 8 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:4) addresses the case of an animal that damages somebody’s property through its normal activity – meaning, it trampled on property as it walked, or ate food. If this happened in the victim’s property, then the animal’s owner must compensate the victim for the damage. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 55 th Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to abide by this rule and hold an animal’s owner liable in such a case. Both males and females are lia...
Misva #54: The commandment on the court to judge a thief with repayment or the death penalty
October 19, 2021 13:00 - 7.47 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (21:37) establishes the basic laws that apply when a person is found to have surreptitiously stolen something from his fellow. As opposed to a “Gazlan” – somebody who steals openly, confronting the victim and forcibly seizing his possession – the “Ganab” is somebody who steals secretly in an effort to conceal him crime. The Torah states that a person who was discovered to have stolen secretly must pay not only what he stole, but “Kefel” – double the amount, as ...
Misva #53: The commandment on the court to judge the damages of a pit
October 18, 2021 13:00 - 8.55 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:33) addresses the case of a person who opens a pit in a public area, and an animal falls in and dies. The person who dug the pit is responsible to compensate the animal’s owner for his financial loss. The Gemara explains that although the person cannot be said to legally own the pit, as it is situated in the public domain, nevertheless, the Torah places it under his ownership so that he can be held responsible to pay. Like the other laws of damage li...
Misva #52: Not to eat from the meat of a ox that was stoned
October 15, 2021 13:00 - 9.74 MBThe Torah establishes in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:28) that an ox that fatally gored a human being is sentenced to death by stoning, and the verse adds, “Ve’lo Ye’achel Et Besaro” – “its flesh shall not be eaten.” This means that a “Shor Ha’niskal” – an ox sentenced to stoning for having killed a person – is forbidden for any sort of benefit. Even if somebody came along and properly slaughtered the ox, following all the detailed guidelines of Shehita (halachic slaughtering), the meat is f...
Misva #51: The commandment on the court to judge the damages of an animal
October 14, 2021 13:00 - 9.63 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:28-32) discusses situations of “Nizkeh Behema” – where a person’s animal causes damage to another person, such as when an ox gores another ox, or gores a human being. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 51 st Biblical command the obligation upon Bet Din to preside over these cases and require the responsible party to compensate the victim. A fundamental distinction exists between cases where an animal caused damage while acting abnormally, and situation...
Misva #50: The commandment on the court to kill with the sword one who is liable
October 13, 2021 13:00 - 9.29 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:20) addresses the case of somebody who fatally beats his Ebed Kena’ani (non-Jewish servant), and states, “Nakom Yinakem” – “He shall assuredly be avenged.” The Gemara in Masechet Sanhedrin understood this to mean that the man is executed by “Sayif” – the sword. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists as the 50 th Biblical command the Misva for Bet Din to administer “Sayif” to those who are deserving of this form of capital punishment. Although the Torah introduces...
Misva #49: Compensating a Victim for Bodily Harm
October 12, 2021 13:00 - 11.5 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:18) addresses the case of someone who strikes his fellow, and the fellow does not die, but suffers an injury. In such a case, the Torah establishes, the guilty party must compensate the victim. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists this obligation as the 49 th Biblical command, requiring Bet Din to impose this compensatory payment upon the guilty party. The underlying reason behind this Misva, of course, is that people must be held accountable for the damage the...
Misva #48: Inflicting a Wound in One’s Parent
October 11, 2021 13:00 - 10.9 MBThe Torah states in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:15), “One who strikes his father or mother shall be put to death,” establishing that striking one’s parent constitutes a capital offense. Tradition teaches that the phrase “Mot Yumat” (“shall be put to death”), unless otherwise stated, refers to Henek (strangulation), and thus one who intentionally strikes his parent is liable to Henek. This applies only to striking in a manner which results in bleeding. Normally, when a person strikes his fel...
Misva #47: The commandment on the court (beit din) to kill with strangulation one who is liable
October 08, 2021 13:00 - 12.8 MBCertain Torah violations are punishable by execution – either Sekila (stoning), Serefa (burning), Sayif (death by sword), or Henek (strangulation). The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists each form of execution as a separate Misvat Aseh, an affirmative command requiring Bet Din to administer the given form of punishment. According to the Sefer Ha’hinuch’s listing, Henek is the 47 th Biblical command. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that capital punishment is necessary as a deterrent against grievous sins. If ...
Misva #46: A Husband’s Obligations to His Wife
October 07, 2021 13:00 - 11.5 MBIn discussing the laws relevant to an Ama Ibri’a (Jewish maidservant), the Torah (Shemot 21:10) commands that if the master marries the maidservant, then “She’ereah Kesutah Ve’onatah Lo Yigra” – he must not deprive her of food, clothing or intimacy. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah here establishes an obligation binding upon every man who marries a woman, to provide her with food, clothing and intimacy. Although the Torah speaks here specifically of the case of a master who marries...
Misva #45: The Prohibition Against Reselling a Servant
October 06, 2021 13:00 - 14.4 MBThe institution of Ama Ibri’a (the Jewish maidservant), which applied when the law of the Yobel (jubilee year) was binding, allows for a father who fell into financial straits to sell his young daughter as a maidservant. The Torah discusses the laws of the Ama Ibri’a in Parashat Mishpatim, where it commands that the master who purchases the girl is not allowed to then sell her to anybody else. In formulating this command, the Torah (Shemot 21:8) writes, “Le’am Nochri Lo Yimshol Le’mochrah” – ...
Misva #44: Redeeming a Maidservant
October 05, 2021 13:00 - 5.83 MBThe Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:8) speaks of the case of an “Ama Ibri’a” – a Jewish girl whose father, due to dire financial straits, sold her as a maidservant, and it commands “Ve’hefdah,” that she must be given the possibility of being “redeemed.” As the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains, this means that if, for example, the girl served half her term, and the father is able to pay half the sum for which the master purchased her, the master must accept the money and release the maidservant...
Misva #43: Marrying an “Ama Ibri’a” Hebrew Maidservant
October 04, 2021 13:00 - 10.4 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:8) that if one purchases an “Ama Ibri’a” – a Jewish girl as a maidservant – then once she reaches halachic adulthood, it is a Misva for him to either marry her, or have her marry his son. The betrothal of the maidservant by the master, either for himself or for his son, is called “Yi’ud,” as opposed to “Kiddushin,” the term used in reference to betrothal generally. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that G-d commanded the master to marry the maids...
Misva #42: The Law of the Jewish Slave
October 01, 2021 13:00 - 14.7 MBIn the beginning of Parashat Mishpatim (starting from Shemot 21:2), the Torah introduces the law of the Ebed Ibri – the indentured Jewish servant. The Sefer Ha’hinuch lists this law as the 42nd Biblical command, explaining that it incorporates several different provisions. First, it mandates releasing the servant after six years of service, or with the onset of the Yobel (jubilee), even if the Yobel occurs before the end of the six-year term. This law also includes the servant’s ability to bu...
Misva #41:The Prohibition Against Ascending to the Altar by Stairs
September 30, 2021 13:00 - 9.31 MBThe Torah commands in Parashat Yitro (Shemot 20:23) not to ascend “Be’ma’alot Al mizbehi” – “upon My altar with stairs.” If a Kohen walks up stairs to reach the top of the altar, as the Torah explains, he will expose private parts of his body as he takes his strides, and this is therefore forbidden. For this reason, there was a ramp leading up to the top of the altar, instead of stairs. The Sefer Ha’hinuch observes that, quite obviously, the stones of the altar will not experience any humilia...