Sefer HaMitzvot: Recent Episodes
Adam Sabzevari
This podcast series will go through the list of the Mitzvot. We will learn the Sefer HaMitzvot HaKatzar (“Concise Book of Commandments”), written by Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan (the Chofetz Chaim). The book is an abbreviated reworking of the Rambam's Sefer HaMitzvot that only includes commandments applicable outside of Israel in the post-Temple era. ******* Podcast Link: https://seferhamitzvot.buzzsprout.com/
Pesach Haggadah: Begin with Shame and End with Praise
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Parashat Va'era 2023
10 Plagues in Mitzrayim - The first seven of 10 plagues are covered.
Freedom of Will
Names of Hashem
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Parashat Shemot 2023
Change Takes Time
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Parashat Shemot 2024 - Torah
The Beginnings of the Exodus Story
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Torah Parashat Shofetim 2023
Law & Order
Honesty & Integrity
Pursue Righteousness
Kings
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Parashat Re'eh 2023
Living within Your Means
Kosher and Self-Discipline
Charity
Refreshing Your Soul
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Torah Parashat Ekev 2023
Count Your Blessings
Remembering our Humble Past
It's All for Our Own Best
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Parashat Matot Masei 2023
Laws of Vows and Oaths
The Return of Bilaam
Reuven's and Gad's Request
Naming the Chapters of our Journeys
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Torah Parashat Pinchas 2023
Pinchas's Response & Reward
Zelophchad's Daughters and their claim
Moshe's Final Request
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Parashat Shelach 2023 - The Spies and the Nation's Response
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The Story of Ruth
A Story of Kindness and Loyalty - Shavuot
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Parashat Acharei Mot Kedoshim 2023
Yom Kippur Service
Verbal Confession
Love Others as You Love Yourself
Techniques of Eliminating Bad Habits
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Parashat Tazria Metzora 2021 Overview
Tzara'at
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Parashat Shemini 2023 overview
Aaron's Sons, Nadav & Avihu
The Laws of Kosher
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Parashat Vayikra overview.
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Parashat Vayakhel Pekudei overview.
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Parashat Ki Tisa overview. The full video with screensharing can be found on the YouTube channel.
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Parashat Tetzaveh overview. The full video with screensharing can be found on the YouTube channel.
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We are rebranding the Sefer Hamitzvot Podcast to Adam's Torah. We will continue with the Sefer Hamitzvot series, but we will also upload additional content.
Please reach out if you have any ideas or suggestions, or would like to help out in any way.
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Positive mitzvah #64 is to cancel all debts in the shemita year.
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Positive mitzvah #63 is to return a collateral to a borrower when needed.
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Positive mitzvah #62 is to lend money to the poor.
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Positive mitzvah #61 is to love a convert.
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Positive mitzvah #60 is to love your fellow as yourself.
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Positive mitzvah #59 is for a Kohen to attend a relative's funeral. In this context, the seven relatives are: wife, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, and sister.
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Positive mitzvah #58 is for the Kohen to bless the Jewish people daily.
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Positive mitzvah #57 is to separate challah, or the first portion from your dough, and give it to a Kohen.
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Positive mitzvah #56 is to break the neck of the unredeemed firstborn donkey.
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Positive mitzvah #55 is to redeem the firstborn donkey with a sheep or a goat.
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Positive mitzvah #54 is to redeem the firstborn son, referred to as a pidyon haben.
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Positive mitzvah #53 is to sanctify the firstborn.
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In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #52, which is to give a Kohen the first of your sheep's wool shearings.
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In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #51, which is to give a Kohen the foreleg, cheeks and maw of an animal when doing shechita.
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In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #50, which is to honor a Kohen and treat him as holy.
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In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #49, which is to cover the blood of an animal after slaughtering it, if one wishes to eat meat.
This mitzvah is related to positive mitzvah #48.
For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #48, which is to slaughter an animal properly, if one wishes to eat meat.
Five forbidden techniques:
1) Shehiyah (שהייה; delay or pausing)
2) Derasah (דרסה; pressing/chopping)
3) Haladah (חלדה; covering, digging, or burying)
4) Hagramah (הגרמה; cutting in the wrong location)
5) Iqqur (עיקור; tearing)
For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #47, which is to circumcise every male, beginning at the age of eight days old.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #46, which is to perform chalitza, which is an alternative to yibum (levirate marriage).
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #45, which is to perform yibum, or levirate marriage.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #44, which is to get married through a process called kiddushin.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #42, which is to respect one's father and mother.
As a general rule, honoring one's parents (positive mitzvah #41) is all of the the positive acts one does to show honor to his or her parents. Examples include, standing up for them when they enter the room, helping them around physically, bringing things for them, etc.
Continuing with that framework, respecting is all of the negative things one refrains from doing to show respect to his or her parents. Examples include, not sitting or standing in their designated spots, not contradicting or affirming their words, and not calling them by their first names.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #41, which is to honor one's father and mother.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #40, which is to deal with cases of nullifying vows or oaths.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #39, which is to fulfill your vows or oaths.
- This mitzvah is to keep your promises.
- We have the ability to create other mitzvot, simply by promising to do something.
- This applies to both vows ("nedarim") and oaths ("shevuot"):
- Vows are typically on an item or object
- Oaths are typically related to an action that the person will do
- This distinction is explained more in the podcast
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #38, which is to give charity to the poor.
This mitzvah to give charity is known as giving "tzedaka."The Rambam (Maimonides, or Moshe ben Maimon) (born approx. 1135 CE / died 1204 CE) compiled a list of the eight levels of charity, starting with the highest and most ideal form of charity, working his way down the list in descending order. In this episode, we go through the Rambam's eight levels of charity in detail.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #37, which is to rest from work on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret.
- This mitzvah applies to the 22nd day of Tishrei (the seventh month of the year). This is the day immediately after the last and seventh day of Sukkot. Outside of Israel, it also applies to 23rd day of Tishrei.
- It is called the "eighth day," because it is the day after the seventh day of Sukkot. However, it is a completely distinct holiday from Sukkot.
- Other than the date, this mitzvah is identical to positive mitzvah #25, which is to rest from work on the first day of Passover. Similar to the first day of Pesach, food related melachot (work activities) are permitted on Shemini Atzeret, which is referred to as ochel nefesh.
- This mitzvah concludes a series of mitzvot that are to rest on specific days:
- Positive #20 - To Rest from Work on Shabbat
- Positive #25 - To Rest from Work on the First Day of Passover
- Positive #27 - To Rest from Work on the Seventh Day of Passover
- Positive #28 - To Rest from Work on Shavuot
- Positive #29 - To Rest from Work on Rosh Hashana
- Positive #31 - To Rest from Work on Yom Kippur
- Positive #34 - To Rest from Work on the First Day of Sukkot
- Positive #37 - To Rest from Work on Shemini Atzeret
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #36, which is to take the four species during the holiday of Sukkot.
- What are the four species?
- Citron / etrog
- Palm tree branch / lulav
- Myrtle branches / hadasim
- Willow branches / aravot
- When does this mitzvah apply?
- This mitzvah applies during daytime only, not at night.
- In the Beit Hamikdash, it applies to all seven days of Sukkot. Elsewhere, the Biblical obligation is only on the first day of Sukkot. (Sukkot is the seven-day holiday that begins on the 15th day of Tishrei.)
- However, after the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, our Sages enacted that everyone should take the four species for all seven days of Sukkot.
- Also, we don't take them on Shabbat.
- How is "to take the four species" defined?
- The minimum requirement is to hold all four species, bring them together, and lift.
- We recite a blessing beforehand.
- They should be held in the position that they grow, right-side up.
- As part of our prayers, we move the species in six directions (north, east, south, west, up, & down).
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #35, which is to dwell in a sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot.
- What is a sukkah?
- It is a hut or a booth, with a minimum of three walls and a roof of sechach, made of branches. In the podcast, we discuss additional details.
- When is the holiday of Sukkot?
- Beginning on the 15th day of Tishrei, lasting for seven days, through the end of the 21st day of Tishrei
- There is an additional requirement to eat bread specifically in the sukkah on the first night of Sukkot. Outside of Israel, this additional requirement applies to the the second night, as well.
- How is "to dwell" defined?
- The sukkah should take the place of your primary residence for the week of Sukkot. Anything that one typically does in their home should be done in the sukkah.
- This includes eating, drinking, spending time, lounging, reading, and sleeping, assuming it is safe and normal weather conditions.
- Why do we have this mitzvah?
- After the Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people were in the desert for 40 years.
- During the journey, the Jewish people were exposed to the elements and the heat of the desert, which was extremely dangerous. However, God provided shade for us in the form of sukkot. We commemorate this through this mitzvah.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #34, which is rest from work on the first day of Sukkot.
- This mitzvah applies to the 15th day of Tishrei (the seventh month of the year). Outside of Israel, it also applies to the second day of Sukkot, or the 16th day of Tishrei.
- This holiday is 5 days after Yom Kippur.
- Other than the date, this mitzvah is identical to positive mitzvah #25, which is to rest from work on the first day of Passover.
- Similar to the first day of Pesach, food related melachot (work activities) are permitted on the first day of Sukkot, which is referred to as ochel nefesh.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #33, which is to repent and to confess one's sins.
- When a man or a woman commits a sin, when they want to repent or do what's called teshuva, they should verbally confess their sin. The confession doesn't have to be in public, but it can be in private, between the person and God alone.
- In the podcast, we discussed a sample text of confession, as formulated by our Sages
- There are four components of teshuva gemura, or complete repentance:
- verbal confession of the sin
- stopping to do the sin (present)
- regretting having done the sin (past)
- accepting not to commit the sin again (future)
- If one doesn't perform all four of these components, even though it is not complete repentance, it still works as a lower level of repentance
- This confession is incorporated in our daily prayers, in the Yom Kippur prayers, in our prayers before going to sleep at night, and is even something that should be recited before passing away (if one is aware)
- By verbally confessing and admitting to one's sin, one is able to identify the actions that need to be improved on. "An identified problem is a problem half-solved."
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #32, which is to fast on the holiday of Yom Kippur.
- This mitzvah applies to the 10th day of Tishrei (the seventh month of the year).
- The Torah states that we should "afflict" our souls on Yom Kippur. Our Sages interpret that to mean that we should fast, that is no food or drink.
- There are four additional afflictions:
- No marital relations are forbidden
- No wearing leather shoes
- No washing or bathing
- No anointing oneself with oils
- It is a matter of dispute whether these four additional activities are prohibited at the same Torah level as fasting, or if they are Rabbinic enactments
- Our Sages teach that by eating on the 9th day of Tishrei, one prepares for a successful fast, thus it will be considered as though he or she fasted for two days
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #31, which is to rest from work on the holiday of Yom Kippur.
- This mitzvah applies to the 10th day of Tishrei (the seventh month of the year).
- Similar to Shabbat, the mitzvah is to rest from all melachot (work activities). The podcast on positive mitzvah #20 delves deeper into this topic and defines the prohibited melachot .
- Yom Kippur is a day of atonement. On this day, we introspect, review our actions, and ask for forgiveness - both from God and from other people. On this day, we make commitments to improve our actions and be better people going forward.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #30, which is to hear the sound of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana.
- This mitzvah applies to the 1st day of Tishrei (the seventh month of the year), beginning at sunrise.
- Both inside and outside of Israel, the Sages extended this holiday for a second day, so it is observed on the 1st and 2nd days of Tishrei.
- A shofar is a ram's horn.
- In the podcast, we delve into the various sounds of the shofar and comprehensively list all the shofar blasts that are incorporated in our prayers.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #29, which is rest from work on the holiday of Rosh Hashana.
- This mitzvah applies to the 1st day of Tishrei (the seventh month of the year).
- Both inside and outside of Israel, the Sages extended this holiday for a second day, so it is observed on the 1st and 2nd days of Tishrei
- Similar to other yamim tovim, food related melachot (work activities) are permitted, which is referred to as ochel nefesh. The podcast on positive mitzvah #25 delves deeper into this topic.
- Based on our tradition, Rosh Hashana is a day of judgment. On this day, each and every person is judged and evaluated. Each and every one of our actions are inspected and judged.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #28, which is rest from work on the holiday of Shavuot.
- This mitzvah applies to the 6th day of Sivan (the third month of the year). Outside of Israel, it also applies to the 7th day of Sivan.
- Other than the date, this mitzvah is identical to positive mitzvah #25, which is to rest from work on the first day of Passover.
- Similar to the first day of Pesach, food related melachot (work activities) are permitted on Shavuot, which is referred to as ochel nefesh.
- Shavuot is the 50th day from the beginning of the Sefirat Ha'Omer (positive mitzvah #26). It is called "Shavuot," or "weeks," because the holiday is at the culmination of seven complete weeks of the Sefirat Ha'Omer.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #27, which is rest from work on the Seventh Day of Passover.
- This mitzvah applies to the 21st day of Nissan, which is the seventh day of Passover. Outside of Israel, it also applies to the 22nd day of Nissan.
- Other than the date, this mitzvah is identical to positive mitzvah #25, which is to rest from work on the first day of Passover.
- Similar to the first day of Pesach, food related melachot (work activities) are permitted on the seventh day of Pesach, which is referred to as ochel nefesh.
- Our Sages teach that on the seventh day of Passover, the Red Sea split, the Egyptian army collapsed, and the Jewish people were finally freed from slavery.
- The days between the first and seventh days of Passover are known as Chol HaMoed.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #26, which is count the 49 days, or the seven weeks, of the Sefirat Ha'Omer.
- The mitzvah is to count both the days and the weeks. For example, on the 20th day of the Sefirat Ha'Omer, one would say: "Today is the 20th day of the Omer, which is 2 weeks and 6 days."
- This is because there are two verses in the Torah: one to count weeks and another to count days. Therefore, we count both the days and weeks.
- The mitzvah to count begins on the evening of the 16th day of Nissan, which is the beginning of the second night of Passover. This date is the same for both inside and outside of Israel.
- The mitzvah is to count 49 days. The 50th day is the holiday of Shavuot, which we will mention in the upcoming positive mitzvah #28.
- In the podcast, we discuss the terminology of the blessing and the meaning of the word "omer."
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #25, which is rest from work on the First Day of Passover.
- This mitzvah applies to the 15th day of Nissan, which is the first day of Passover. Outside of Israel, it also applies to the second day of Passover.
- This mitzvah is similar to positive mitzvah #20, which is to rest from work on Shabbat. However, there is one very important difference - food related melachot (work activities) are permitted on the first day of Pesach, which is referred to as ochel nefesh.
- For example, one is allowed to cook or bake on the first day of Pesach. Similarly, one is allowed to carry their food from one house to another on the first day of Pesach.
- There are some exceptions to this ochel nefesh, which are discussed on the podcast.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #24, which is to tell about the Exodus from Egypt on the first night of Passover, which is the evening of the 15th of Nissan.
- The mitzvah is to tell over the story of Exodus from Egypt, from beginning to end, with as many details as possible. This mitzvah applies even to people who already know the story. The more, the better!
- This mitzvah applies on the evening of 15th day of Nissan, which is the first night of Passover. Outside of Israel, it also applies to the second night of Passover.
- Even though the Torah states that one should tell over the story to his son, that is just an example of how to fulfill this mitzvah. Indeed, one should tell the story over to his daughters, friends, siblings, parents, guests, and anyone who is present at the seder. Even if one is sitting alone, they should still tell over the story to themselves.
- The Torah states this mitzva four separate times, with a slightly different wording each time. Our Sages learn from this an important educational / pedagogical lesson -- there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to education. Each child learns in a different way. The parents are tasked with adjusting their teaching style to cater to each child's needs. Parents should engage, excite, and involve their child in this mitzvah.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #23, which is to eat matzah on the first night of Passover, which is the evening of the 15th of Nissan.
- Matzah is unleavened bread, which is when one of the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, oats, rye) are mixed with water and baked in less than 18 minutes. The matzah is not given enough time to rise.
- This mitzvah applies on the evening of 15th day of Nissan, which is the first night of Passover. Outside of Israel, it also applies to the second night of Passover.
- Before eating the matzah, there is a specific blessing to be recited: "al achilat matzah"
- To increase one's appetite for matzah when performing this mitzvah, the Sages enacted that one should not eat matzah on the eve of Passover.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #22, which is to remove chametz from your possession on the 14th day of Nissan.
- Chametz is when one of the five grains (wheat, barley, oat, spelt, rye) are mixed with water and left to rise for at least 18 minutes.
- One can remove chametz by eating, destroying it, throwing it out, or declaring it as ownerless.
- The deadline for this mitzva is the 14th day on the month of Nissan at midday.
- The Sages made the deadline one hour earlier, so that people don't leave it for the last minute
- The Sages instituted that the night before this deadline, people should search their homes to find all their chametz ("Bedikat Chametz").
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #21, which is to be happy during the Holidays of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot, and Sukkut.
- During the times of the Beit HaMikdash, one would offer an additional sacrifice, which would mostly be eaten by its owners. This was a way of partaking in an enjoyable meals.
- Nowadays, in the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, one fulfills this mitzva by eating enjoyable foods and drinks, such as meat and wine.
- A man should buy his wife a gift to increase her happiness on the Holiday, such as clothing.
- Parents should buy their children special items, such as sweets or toys.
- One should give charity to help those who are less fortunate also to fulfill this mitzva and enjoy the Holiday.
- As always, everything should be done in moderation. A person should not engage in overindulgence and drunkenness.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #20, which is rest from work on Shabbat.
- This positive mitzva has a corresponding negative mitzva of "not to work on Shabbat."
- Work is referred to as melacha, or melachot in plural.
- At a high level, a melacha is defined as an activity performed in the construction of the Mishkan, or the traveling Temple that the Jewish people had in the desert.
- There are also many subcategories, which were not necessarily performed in the construction of the Mishkan, but they are similar enough to be considered a melacha.
- There are 39 main melachot and many more subcategories.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #19, which is declare Shabbat as holy with words.
We verbally declare Shabbat as holy (1) at its beginning, through kiddush, and (2) at its end, through havdala. The Prophet & Sages added two rabbinic ways of fulfilling this mitzva, by (3) preparing for Shabbat and (4) enjoying it.
- Kiddush (beginning of Shabbat)
- At the beginning of Shabbat, we declare Shabbat as a holy day ("mekadesh haShabbat")
- Typically said with a cup of wine, before having a special meal
- Havdala (end of Shabbat)
- At the end of Shabbat, we declare that the holy day of Shabbat is over ("lehavdil ben kodesh le'chol")
- Also typically said with a cup of wine
- Kavod Shabbat (preparations)
- wearing nice clothing
- showering, haircuts, shaving before Shabbat
- purchasing food before Shabbat
- cleaning the home and setting up the table before Shabbat
- Oneg Shabbat (enjoyment)
- eating and drinking enjoyably
- resting
- studying Torah
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #18, which is respect or to fear the Beit HaMikdash, or the Temple.
- This mitzva applies to the portable Temple in the desert, known as the Mishkan, as well as to the Temple built in Jerusalem, known as the Beit HaMikdash. Examples of how to fear the Temple include:
- Not entering with shoes or dirty feet
- Not using it as a shortcut
- Certain areas were off limit to some people
- Even after the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed, one must conduct themselves with the same respect in the place of the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem.
- This mitzva applies, at least to some extent, to current day synagogues (batei kenessiyot) and study halls (batei midrashot).
- To maintain the decorum in the synagogues and study halls
- No frivolous laughter and levity
- No idle chatter
- No sleeping
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #17, which is to stand before elders and Torah scholars, or talmideh chachamim.
- Elderly are defined as a 70-year-old.
- A Torah Scholar (talmid chacham) is one who is knowledgeable in Torah.
- One should stand when the elder or talmid chacham walks within 6 feet of the person, and he or she can sit back down once they pass by.
- For a "Rav Muvhak", or someone's main Rabbi from whom one learned majority of their Torah, one should stand as the Rav Muvhak enters one's eyesight
- There are two opinions as to how many times one would be required to stand per day:
- One opinion says, maximum twice per day
- The other opinion is that there is no maximum
- The elder or Torah scholar is allowed to forgo on this honor and permit people not to stand for them
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #16, which is to attach oneself to Torah scholars and their students, also known as talmideh chachamim.
Torah scholars and talmideh chachamim as serving as the ambassadors of Hashem in this world.
There are several ways to fulfill this mitzva:
- Attending their Torah classes to learn from them
- Inviting them to one's homes
- Eating meals with them
- Marrying into their families and marrying off one's children into their families
- Building personal relationships with the Rabbis and Torah scholars
A fringe benefit of spending time with talmideh chachamim is that one will also learn from their actions. The Torah provides guidelines for how to act properly and to live the best life.
When spending time with someone who diligently follows the Torah, one can learn from their example and be positively influenced by them.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #15, which is to write a Torah scroll.
There are several ways to fulfill this mitzva:
- One should actually write the Torah scroll.
- Purchase a Torah scroll or hire someone to write it on your behalf
- To edit / fix a Torah scroll by correcting even one error
- Purchase Torah books, which will enable one to study Torah (positive #14)
- This option is the opinion of Rabbenu Asher ("Rosh", c. 1250 - 1327)
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #14, which is to learn Torah and teach Torah.
- "Ve'shinantam" - "Teach [the Torah] repeatedly"
- The Torah should be studied repeatedly, not just once
- One should strive to be able to answer any question on the Torah, without any hesitation
- "Le'vanecha" - "to your children"
- This mitzvah also requires one to teach Torah their children
- If one cannot teach Torah themselves, they are required to ensure the child will receive a proper Torah education, for example through Jewish schools or tutors.
- "Yomam va'Layla" - day and night
- At a minimum, a person should study Torah every day and night
- A person should establish and set aside specific times to study Torah, to ensure that it does not get neglected
- "Talmud Torah keneged kulam"
- Torah study is of equal importance to all other mitzvot, because Torah study leads to action
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #13, which is to recite a blessing after eating food. This after-meal blessing is referred to as birkat hamazon.
- Structure of Birkat Hamazon
- Made up of four blessings:
- Hashem sustains everyone and everything
- Thanking Hashem for the land
- Praying for Yerushalayim and the Beit Hamikdash
- Declaring that Hashem is good and does good for others (this fourth blessing was added later in history, after we received access to the city of Beitar)
- Made up of four blessings:
- What foods require Birkat Hamazon?
- Bread
- Other foods require shorter after-blessings, depending on the type of food
- How much food must one eat to be required to recite Birkat Hamazon?
- About an olive size of bread, approximately one ounce
- Extension to Blessing on Food Prior to Eating
- The Sages extended this mitzvah of reciting a blessing to prior eating food, too.
- This extension is based on logic
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #12, which is to place a mezuza on the doorposts of our entrances.
- What is a mezuza?
- A scroll / parchment with the first two paragraphs of the Shema Yisrael written on in.
- What is the proper placement of the mezuza?
- On the right doorpost when entering the home
- The height should be about a third of the way down on the doorpost
- Should be placed on every doorpost in the home, except for a room that is dirty such as a bathroom
- There are different customs with respect to the angle: some place it completely vertically, and some place it on a slant
- What is a potential reason for this mitzvah?
- Before entering our home, it serves as a reminder that Hashem is present and that we should act properly.
- Disclaimer: In general, we don't know the reasons behind every mitzvah, but we can suggest possibilities, while also acknowledging that there might be other reasons, as well
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #11, which is to recite the Shema Yisrael, once in the morning and once in the evening, every day.
- What are the components of Shema Yisrael?
- Paragraph #1 - "Shema & Ve'ahavta" - Accepting Hashem
- Paragraph #2 - "Vehaya" - Accepting to fulfill Hashem's mitvot
- Paragraph #3 - "Vayomer" - Remembering the Exodus from Egypt
- When are the required times to recite Shema Yisrael?
- Morning - within 3 hours of sunrise
- Evening - beginning 30 minutes after sunset, before midnight
We also have the custom to recite Shema before going to sleep.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #10, which is to place tzitzit, or strings / fringes, on the corners of our clothing.
If one has an article of clothing with four corners, this mitzvah is to place tzitzit on those corners.
- Materials
- From the Torah, this applies to clothing made out of wool or made out of linen.
- For other materials, such as cotton, there is a Rabbinic requirement to place tzitzit on them, but not from the Torah.
- Different types of tzitzit & their blessings
- "Tallit", or "Tallit Gadol", or Prayer Shawl, which is worn during the morning tefila
- One would recite the blessing of "lehit'atef betzitzit"
- "Tzitzit Katan", which is worn underneath ones clothing throughout the day
- We don't typically make a blessing on this, since the blessing over the Tallit Gadol covers this.
- However, if one is in a situation where they are not wearing the Tallit Gadol, one would receive the blessing of "al mitzvat tzitzit"
- "Tallit", or "Tallit Gadol", or Prayer Shawl, which is worn during the morning tefila
- Purpose of the Mitzvah
- The mitzvah of tzitzit serves as a reminder to fulfill all the other mitzvot.
Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link)
The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
In this episode, we learn two positive mitzvot.
- Mitzvah #8 is to wear tefillin on one's arm.
- Mitzvah #9 is to wear tefillin on one's head.
These are two distinct mitzvot, but given their similar nature, they are grouped together in this episode.
We discussed three topics related to the tefillin:
- Placement of the Tefillin
- Tefillin of the arm should be placed on the bicep of the non-dominant arm
- Tefillin of the head should be line up between one's eyes, placed above the hairline
- Contents of the Tefillin
- Four passages or paragraphs of the Torah are written on scrolls, placed within the tefillin. These passages all quote the mitzvah of wearing tefillin.
- For the head, they are placed in four separate compartments
- For the arm, they are placed within a single compartment
- How to Conduct Oneself While Wearing Tefillin
- One's thoughts should be pure and one's body should be clean
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #7, which is to pray to Hashem every day.
The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) explains that prayer, or tefila, is the service of the heart.
The Rambam explains that there are three components, or building blocks, to prayer:
1) Praises
2) Requests
3) Thanks
Indeed, this is how the main prayer, or tefila, is structured.
When praying, one should clear his or her mind and concentrate on their words. Prayer is a self-reflective exercise, in which we remind ourselves what is most important to us. Furthermore, by making requests of Hashem, we are implicitly acknowledging that our blessings come from God.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #6, which is to emulate Hashem's ways, or to walk in the ways of Hashem.
How do we know what the attributes of God are? There are two groups:
- The Torah explicitly states several of God's attributes:
- "Hashem is merciful" - this is referring to Hashem giving us the opportunity to repent and improve our actions, and ultimately forgiving us
- "Hashem is compassionate" - Similar to being merciful, Hashem often delays punishments for an extended amount of time, sometimes even years, to give us plenty opportunities to improve
- We can learn Hashem's attributes from stories in the Torah (Talmud Bavli, Sotah 14a):
- When Adam and Eve did not have clothing, Hashem provided clothing to them. Similarly, we should provide clothing, food, and money to those less fortunate
- When Avraham was recovering after his circumcision, Hashem appeared to him. Similarly, we should visit the sick.
- When Avraham passed away, Hashem appeared to Yitzchak his son, which was a form of consoling a mourner. Similarly, we should visit and console mourners.
- When Moshe passed away, Hashem buried him. Similarly, we should bury people who passed away and do not have family to bury them.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #5, which is to sanctify Hashem in public.
There are three ways to fulfill this mitzvah of sanctifying Hashem:
- By acting properly and serving as a good representative of the Torah. When someone is Torah observant , others will view that person as a representative of Hashem's Torah. Thus, when a Torah observant person acts properly, that will in turn be sanctifying Hashem
- By proclaiming Hashem as holy in our prayers with a group of people. We say this as part of Nakdishach / Keter, when saying "kadosh kadosh kadosh"
- By being willing to give one's life to uphold the laws of the Torah, if the circumstances require it. For example, if someone would be willing to die before murdering someone else, that would be sanctifying Hashem.
- Disclaimer: In most cases, one is NOT required to give up their life to uphold the Torah. There are specific situations, and the details of those situations are beyond the scope of this podcast.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #4, which is to fear and respect Hashem.
How can one demonstrate his or her fear of God? When one is in a position that he or she can do something wrong and no one will ever know, for example, behind closed doors --
if one refrains from sinning and chooses to act properly, that is a way of expressing fear & respect of God.
The two additional ways to fulfill this mitzvah:
- Respecting Hashem's name by not using it in vain
- Respecting Torah Scholars
Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link)
The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #3, which is to love Hashem. The two ways to fulfill this mitzvah:
- Studying Hashem's creations and His Torah brings us to a better understanding Hashem, which leads us to love Him
- Talking to others about Hashem's creations and His Torah expresses our love for Him
Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link)
The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #2, which is the belief that Hashem is one. He is non-physical and is not made up of parts.
Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link)
The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
In this episode, we give a brief intro to the Concise Book of Mitzvot, authored by the Chafetz Chayim. We also learn positive mitzvah #1, which is the belief in Hashem.
Podcast Link: https://seferhamitzvot.buzzsprout.com/
Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link)
The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.