All Questions
149 questions
1
vote
3
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272
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How could the patriarchs have observed the ritual commandments?
The Sources says that the patriarchs and those they taught followed halacha.¹
There are two types of commandments: Ethical and ritual. I understand that the ethical commandments could have been ...
- 23.6k
0
votes
1
answer
44
views
Din versus Mitzvah [closed]
How would you describe the difference between mitzvos and dinim?
How would you describe the difference between halachah and dinim?
- 491
4
votes
2
answers
119
views
How does one unify Him as a constant mitzvah?
This is taken from another question:
In the introduction to Sefer HaChinuch, the author delineates what he feels are six constant mitzvos from the 613.
מששה מצות מהן שחיובן תמידי לא יפסק מעל האדם ...
- 43
1
vote
1
answer
68
views
Using leftover etrogim to make kiddush/havdalah wine
The Talmud/Gemara in Shabbat 117b records a principle of using a mitzvah object for another mitzvah. Would using a leftover etrog or etrogim from Sukkot to make wine for kiddush/havdalah for Shabbat ...
- 4,532
1
vote
1
answer
37
views
Is there a mitzvah of Kavod Yom Kippur
According to Halacha, is there a mitzvah of Kavod Yom Kippur or no? On the one hand, it is a day of affliction, so the usual mitzvah of Oneg with regards to nice food etc. is not there, but is there ...
- 4,532
2
votes
1
answer
673
views
Do walk-in closets need a mezuzah
According to the Halacha, do walk-in closets need a mezuzah? Or no, since they are not regularly lived in are they exempt from having a mezuzah?
- 4,532
2
votes
1
answer
104
views
Does bikur cholim apply to a non-Jew?
Does visiting non-Jewish sick fulfill the mitzvah? Or is it only for Jews?
1
vote
0
answers
66
views
Which Mitzva has the most Halachot?
In the spirit of this question, which Mitzva has the most halachot? If it is hard to pick one, happy to hear about a "top 5" etc.
E.g.
It is hard to measure which Mitzva has the most ...
- 14.7k
2
votes
1
answer
48
views
Is Mitzvat Kibbud Horim (respecting parents) on the Gavra (personal) or can it be delegated?
Is the matter of Mitzvah Kibbud Horim (respecting parents) a matter of the son towards his parents? Or if it is possible to send the grandson who is younger, more enthusiastic to help the grandfather ...
- 1,659
1
vote
0
answers
113
views
Can left handed people place a mezuzah on left side of doors
The basic halacha is that a mezuzah should be placed on the right side of the door. My question is, if a person is left handed is it permissible for them to attach it to the left side of the door? Or ...
- 4,532
2
votes
2
answers
146
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If Jews make an oath to not do mitzvot which are normally required after an action, is it binding
Inspired by the answer to this question, is it valid for Jews to
Make an oath to prevent themselves from performing mitzvoth which proceed from their choices, for example vowing to not do ...
- 4,532
3
votes
1
answer
979
views
Can someone else put tefillin on a Jew
According to Halacha, Is the actual mitzvah of tefillin on having it on your body or placing it on your body? The reason I ask is because if it’s the former, you could sit still and have someone else ...
- 4,532
2
votes
2
answers
122
views
ואהבת לרעך כמוך - Commandement to express an emotion?
Where can I find discussions on the topic of ואהבת לרעך כמוך being a commandment to express and feel an emotion.
The underlying question is, How can we be commanded to feel a certain way? (This is ...
- 1,669
2
votes
1
answer
217
views
Heter for only doing birkat kohanim on Yom Tov
There is a minhag, a predominantly ashkenazc diaspora one, to only do Birkat Kohanim on Yom Tov. My question is what is the Heter for this? There is a general principle we don’t pass up mitzvot when ...
- 4,532
3
votes
1
answer
159
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Is onaah prohibited for mitzvah items
According to Halacha, Jews should not overcharge significantly when selling items (Onaah) on the principle it’s bad to price higher than a product’s value. However, there are statements throughout ...
- 4,532
1
vote
0
answers
157
views
Are the lost tribes of Israel still obligated to this day to keep the 613 mitzvot?
We know that all 12 tribes of Israel (The tribe of Benjamin and Judah plus the 10 lost tribes) were given the Torah at Mount Sinai. And we know that since the destruction of the first temple all ...
- 21
-4
votes
1
answer
292
views
Commandments for gentiles
Would everyone (Jew and gentile alike) benefit by following these commanments?
To know there is a G‑d—Exodus 20:2
Not to entertain thoughts of other gods besides Him—Exodus 20:3
To know that He is ...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
688
views
Do tefillin straps have to be animal skin
In Halacha, is there a requirement for the straps made for tefillin to be made out of animal skin such as leather, or no? If there is a requirement, is it Derabbanan, or a Halacha LeMoshe Misinai? Or ...
- 4,532
8
votes
5
answers
800
views
Should gentiles follow more than just seven Noahide laws?
I know that gentiles must follow the 7 Noahide laws. But are there any other moral principles branching out from these that are highly recommended for everyone to follow?
In totality, when completely ...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
148
views
Minor as a mohel
According to Halacha, is it permissible for a minor (under bar mitzvah) to serve as a mohel and do Brit Milah? What about B’dieved? The reason I ask is because some Poskim hold a woman can serve as ...
- 4,532
2
votes
2
answers
457
views
I want to study all 613 Mitzvot in depth. Can someone recommend a good book for me to read dedicated to that topic?
Other than the Mishnah and the Talmud , are there any books that give in-depth commentary, explanation, and context for each and every mitzvot? I'm only referring to books soley focused on the topic ...
- 21
3
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0
answers
93
views
When is one exempt from liability when performing a mitzvah
In the Talmud in tractate Bava Kamma 62b a store owner isn’t liable for placing a Hanukkah candle outside, even if it Causes damage to a camel. My question is, does this principle of exemption from ...
- 4,532
2
votes
1
answer
122
views
Is there obligation to invite people to Seudat nissuin
According to Halacha, is there an obligation for a husband and/or groom to invite others to a Seudat Nissuin? Or are they free to not invite anyone else to the festive meal after the wedding?
- 4,532
0
votes
1
answer
495
views
Can a Jew use someone else’s Chumash for Shnayim mikra
According to Halacha, is it permissible for a Jew to fulfill the mitzvah of Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum by using someone else’s Chumash (with their consent of course)? Or does one have to own the ...
- 4,532
0
votes
1
answer
158
views
Minyan or Hachnasat orchim
If one has to choose between the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests) and the mitzvah of davening in a minyan, which takes priority? Like in Halacha, if you have to choose between staying ...
- 4,532
0
votes
1
answer
88
views
Why do Jews have more commandments than Noahides?
Out of curiosity. Why are there 613 laws for Jews and only 7 laws for Gentiles, and both Jews and Gentiles will get the same reward for obeying those laws?
- 59
0
votes
1
answer
75
views
Obligation of Tzitzit with multiple 4 cornered garments
According to Halacha, if one is wearing multiple four cornered garments, is it that each one of them individually is obligated in Tzitzit with a beracha, or is it only one which needs Tzitzit which ...
- 4,532
1
vote
1
answer
104
views
Eating/drinking before Birkat Kohanim
According to Halacha, one should not eat a meal before hearing the Shofar blown. Many such as rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin were Machmir even when it comes to drinking. The source of this general principle ...
- 4,532
0
votes
1
answer
81
views
Netilat Yadayim with public water fountain
If there is a publicly owned water source that everyone uses (like a public fountain of water), is there an issue with using it for Netilat Yadayim? In this case the liquid is clean. Would it be an ...
- 4,532
3
votes
0
answers
314
views
Should Hamas be treated like Amalek?
Do we say that Hamas's behaviour recently is as bad as Amalek, and therefore we have a mitzvah to completely eradicate them? If so, does that stretch to the whole of Gaza's population or even further?
...
- 3,184
1
vote
0
answers
182
views
Percentage of SA halacha per Mitzva breakdown?
Is there a study or depiction (similar to the visualisations at Sefaria, although doesn't have to be a visualisation) that takes the whole of the Shulchan Aruch and traces every single halacha back ...
- 14.7k
4
votes
1
answer
125
views
Finding a check made out to "Cash"
Is it permissible to cash a check that is found in the street, if the check is made out to "cash" and after attempting to locate an owner, none is found.
Would it be considered the same as ...
- 1,669
0
votes
2
answers
203
views
Mitzvos bein adam l'chavero vs. mitzvos bein adam l'makom
I'm wondering if there are any early sources that discuss the relative importance of mitzvos bein adam l'chavero and mitzvos bein adam l'makom. Eg, if one is in a position to only do one or the other, ...
- 733
1
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2
answers
121
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Netilat Yadaim Source
Where in tanach is the mitzvah of Netilat Yadaim shown / present?
I am essentially asking for the source of the mitzvah.
- 333
1
vote
1
answer
100
views
Bracha of leshev basuccah sitting down
The Mishna Berura says in three places (that I know of) that every birchas hamizvah must be said standing up (סי' ח' ס"ק ב', סי' תפט שעה"צ ס"ק ז', וסי' תקפה ס"ק א-ב). If this is ...
- 979
8
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Is it achievable to keep all of Halacha?
There is a principle that the Torah doesn't ask us to do anything that is unreasonable/unachievable (see here). Surely that means that we don't have any excuse to say "this is too much for me&...
- 3,184
2
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Which mitzvot are slaves who have been immersed obliged to follow?
R Steinsaltz notes in his explanation of a passage in Yevamot 45b
that a gentile slave purchased by a Jew must be circumcised and then
immersed in a ritual bath by being immersed for the sake of ...
- 103
4
votes
0
answers
207
views
What are some religious items that a gentile can make and still be kosher, if any at all?
I'm a gentile. I'm talking about items related to the fulfillment of mitzvot and there are some that are not so obvious to me, they are:
tefillin(just the boxes and straps)
tallitot
shofarot
sukkot
...
- 191
5
votes
2
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917
views
Is there a teaching that states, those who work deserve to be paid?
Is there a teaching that states, those who work deserve to be paid?
The longer version is:
Where in the Torah, as according to the rabbis, is there a concept or a mitzvah that states, something like, ...
- 41
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1
answer
70
views
Are we required to defend the omniscience of Hashem? [closed]
Commenting on Bereishit 6:6, Rashi provides examples for defending the Omniscience of HaShem by stating: "The following extract from the Midrash Rabbah I am writing in order that you may know how ...
- 1,428
2
votes
2
answers
199
views
Definition and origin of the division between interpersonal and God-related Mitzvot
"...for transgressions between a person and God, Yom Kippur atones; however, for transgressions between a person and another, Yom Kippur does not atone until he appeases the other person." ...
- 28k
6
votes
1
answer
230
views
Sefer Yereim divided into 613 mitzvos
The Sefer Yereim by Rav Eliezer MiMitz is an important work on halacha. It's also a list of the 613 mitzvos, as that is how he organized this halachic work. What many do not know is he based his list ...
- 20.2k
3
votes
2
answers
196
views
Can one make a שבועה to be מקיים a מצוה?
The Mishnah in Shvuos 27a says:
If one takes an oath to refrain from performing a mitzva and he does not refrain, he is exempt from bringing an offering for an oath on an utterance. If he takes an ...
- 456
1
vote
1
answer
72
views
Question about כַּבֵּד אֶת אָבִיךָ וְאֶת אִמֶּךָ
I am not a very knowledgeable Jew. I am the product of a mixed marriage (Mom is Jewish/Dad is not). However, I was raised in a Jewish household. Over the years I have leaned more towards observance ...
- 131
1
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0
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72
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What's the practical difference between Mitzva Diorisas that Are listed as one of the 613; And those Not listed as one of the 613? [duplicate]
What's the (general) practical Difference between one of the 613 Mitzvahs ,counted by the Monay Hamotzvos,whether its an Asay or Lo-Tasay and an (Asay or Lo-Tasay) that isn't part of the 613 Mitzvahs?
...
- 487
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1
answer
207
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If yibum is only for brothers , why did Ruth seduce Boaz, he wasn't Elimelech's brother?
If yibum is only for brothers, why did Ruth seduce Boaz, he wasn't Elimelech's brother?
- 205
3
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1
answer
291
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A Jewish-slaves Mitzvahs obligations
What mitzvos is a Jewish slave (a Jew owned by a Jew mentioned Shemot 21,2) obligated in?
Is a Jewish slave obligated in time bound mitzvos?
or he obligated to the same mitzvos as a woman?
Sources ...
- 7,614
4
votes
1
answer
85
views
Is it considered 'bikur cholim' to call someone who's sick?
When someone calls a friend who is sick to see how he's doing and to wish him a refuah shleima, is that technically a fulfillment of mitzvahs bikur cholim?
- 9,938
3
votes
2
answers
154
views
Does the mitzvah of knowing Torah exist as separate from mitzvah of learning Torah?
According to views of some authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav and others), learning without pronouncing words or listening to Torah recordings does not qualify as the mitzvah of Talmud Torah. ...
user17319
16
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why don't we say a blessing before giving charity?
Before doing many mitzvos (commandments), we are required derabanan to say a blessing. Why is this not the same for giving tzedakah (charity)?
- 570