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Questions tagged [mitzvah]

Mitzvah - commandment. This tag is for questions about the nature of commandments or the status of being a commandment. (However, many particular commandments have their own tags.)

62 questions from the last 365 days
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What is the source for Bitachon in the Torah?

The Chovos Halevovos's fourth שער, section, is on Bitachon. Since his sefer is "Duties of the heart", he clearly considers this a required "duty". Unlike some other areas, he does ...
MichoelR's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
272 views

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 ...
Maurice Mizrahi's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
73 views

Status of "extra" mitzvot

When the Jews are exiled to Babel, God commands Jeremiah to tell the Jews some instructions regarding their behavior in exile (Jeremiah 29:4-9): "Thus said GOD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to ...
Clint Eastwood's user avatar
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?
flips's user avatar
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0 answers
27 views

Why "tilling and tending" of Eden are not considered commandments?

"God settled the Human in the garden of Eden, to til it and tend it." That preceded his introduction to its plants and trees and the commandments to withdraw from eating from them. Was Adam ...
Al Berko's user avatar
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2 votes
4 answers
121 views

(When) is it an aveirah to NOT do a mitzvas asei?

I have heard conflicting opinions about not doing a mitzvas asei. Some seem to hold that one just misses out by not doing one, while others seem to class it as an aveirah to not do the mitzvah. Given ...
Moses Supposes's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
96 views

Why in Deuteronomy does Moses introduce 200 new Mitzvot?

The Book of Numbers concludes the Torah narrative from the creation, through the Exodus, the Receiving of the Torah, the 40 years of the wilderness to make the Exodus generation go extinct, up to the ...
Al Berko's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
76 views

Limud HaTorah in Mitzrayim

The Satmar Rav in Divrei Yoel (Parshas Vayigash, p. 480; left column) explains how Yaakov Avinu and his family were, halachically, able to leave Eretz Yisroel and settle in Mitzrayim although it is ...
Shmuel's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
422 views

What are the 270 mitzvot relevant today?

It says in this post that, by some calculation, it was figured that 270 Mitzvot are observable today. Does anyone have a list of these 270 Mitzvot?
Curious Yid's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
172 views

Why there's no yearly Biblical commemoration for Matan Torah?

In the Torah, Exodus is a serious event that must be remembered and celebrated the same week every year. Multiple Biblical Mitzvos aim at remembering and enacting the event, such as retelling the ...
Al Berko's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
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Why is "וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ" not a standalone verse and preceded by "לֹא־תִקֹּם וְלֹא־תִטֹּר"?

In Lev 19.18: "לֹא־תִקֹּם וְלֹא־תִטֹּר ... וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ", Why "love thy fellow" is an "aftermath", an "elaboration" on "don't avenge or ...
Al Berko's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
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Why "do not avenge" applies to "[all] members of your people" but "love" only to "thy neighbor"?

In Lev 19:18: לֹא־תִקֹּם וְלֹא־תִטֹּר אֶת־בְּנֵי עַמֶּךָ וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ אֲנִי יְהוָה׃ You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against members of your people. Love your fellow as ...
Al Berko's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
91 views

Why the Har Sinai revelation only included commandments?

During the Har Sinai revelation, God spoke to the nation only the Ten Commandments. He could, for example, give a very different speech, for example, include theology, as He did with Job (38.1): &...
Al Berko's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
88 views

Why isn’t ‘Zechor yemot olam…’ a mitzvah?

In Parshas Haazinu (32:7) we are told: זְכֹר יְמוֹת עוֹלָם בִּינוּ שְׁנוֹת דּוֹר־וָדוֹר שְׁאַל אָבִיךָ וְיַגֵּדְךָ זְקֵנֶיךָ וְיֹאמְרוּ לָךְ׃ Remember the days of old consider the years of many ...
Paul Shaviv's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
21 views

What mitzvos did Moshe Rabbeinu want to fulfill in Eretz Yisrael?

The Gemara Sotah (14a) writes: דָּרַשׁ רַבִּי שִׂמְלַאי: מִפְּנֵי מָה נִתְאַוָּה מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּינוּ לִיכָּנֵס לְאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל? וְכִי לֶאֱכוֹל מִפִּרְיָהּ הוּא צָרִיךְ?! אוֹ לִשְׂבּוֹעַ מִטּוּבָהּ ...
NJM's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
59 views

Tefillin with runny nose

Can one put on tefillin when he is mildly sick, and might need to cough or blow his nose while wearing them, assuming he is able to keep his mind focused otherwise?
Mxyitz's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
57 views

Responsibility before commandments?

The Midrash has Moses make the argument that God should not punish the Israelites for the Golden Calf, because He never told them not to engage in idolatry: [Moses] said in front of [God]: Master of ...
Maurice Mizrahi's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
31 views

How much must one do to fulfill the mitzvah of bikur cholim?

In Ahavas Chesed Chelek Gimmel Perek Beis, the Chofetz Chaim discusses the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim and how people בעוונותינו הרבים העולם מקלין במצוה זו. He also writes there that: מצות ביקור חולים אין ...
Yehoshua's user avatar
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0 votes
0 answers
32 views

Walking someone out 4 amos

The Chofetz Chaim in Ahavas Chesed Chelek Gimmel Chapter Beis talks about the importance and the Mitzvah to escort a guest, the Chofetz Chaim gives several opinions as to how far one must escort, for ...
Yehoshua's user avatar
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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 ...
Max's user avatar
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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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
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-3 votes
1 answer
107 views

Source for One who is occupied with a mitzvah is exempt from [another] mitzvah

A halachic principle is: עוסק במצוה פטור מן המצוה One who is occupied with a mitzvah is exempt from [another] mitzvah. Where in the Sources is this principle expressed in these exact words?
Maurice Mizrahi's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
82 views

Can one do an issur derabanan so that his friend can do a mitzva doraisa

There’s a rule not to do an aveira to benefit another but would it apply in a scenario where the purpose of performing an issur derabanan is to enable another person to perform a mitzva doraisa.
Xavier Florentine's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
37 views

Need the "how" steps to ask legitimate non-judgemental regarding issues needing resolution to inspire peaceful negotiation

Children are expected to ask questions. Jewish people are supposed to answer those who ask regardless of their knowledge/upbringing - i.e., the four sons represented in the Haggadah. In order to ...
A Lehodia's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
73 views

Question about ‘chazak ve-emotz’

Shalom. I am aware this is a stupid question, but is ‘chazak ve-emotz’ - Be strong and of a good courage in doing mitzvot a general commandment, given to all, or was it only for Yehoshua Ha-Navi? ...
Tom W's user avatar
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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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 4,532
2 votes
1 answer
60 views

Do we get constant schar for not violating Lavs?

We have 365 Lo Taaseh’s in the Torah, like “don’t steal” or “don’t kill.” These tell us it’s a mitzvah not to do X. So if I’m just sitting in my chair now not violating any of these Lavs, do I get ...
Curious Yid's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
115 views

Is there a blessing for boring the ear of a slave?

In Shemot 21:6 the Torah states the commandment of God וְהִגִּישׁוֹ אֲדֹנָיו אֶל־הָאֱלֹקים וְהִגִּישׁוֹ אֶל־הַדֶּלֶת אוֹ אֶל־הַמְּזוּזָה וְרָצַע אֲדֹנָיו אֶת־אׇזְנוֹ בַּמַּרְצֵעַ וַעֲבָדוֹ לְעֹלָם׃ {ס}...
rikitikitembo's user avatar
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?
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 4,532
1 vote
1 answer
37 views

The reward of rain

The Torah and other Sources quote God many times as saying: If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield its ...
Maurice Mizrahi's user avatar
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?
Jacob J Xiong's user avatar
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 ...
Rabbi Kaii's user avatar
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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 ...
Avi's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 4,532
2 votes
2 answers
146 views

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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 4,532
2 votes
0 answers
44 views

How many times was the mitzvah of " עָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ - Make for me a Sanctuary" fulfilled?

In a sefer Haycha Timtzah, which received Haskamos from the likes of HaRav Moshe Feinstein, he asks the following riddle. Riddle: Where do we find one of the 613 Mitzvos that was fulfilled only 6 ...
Shmuel Goldstein's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
226 views

Torah source for lighting Shabbat candles

What is the written Torah source requiring Jews (and/or specifically Jewish women) to light Shabbat candles just before Shabbat begins? My understanding is that mitzvot may only come from the written ...
user avatar
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 ...
The Targum's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 4,532
2 votes
1 answer
76 views

Minchas Chinuch - Kuntres Bnei Noach: available or lost?

This shabbos I came across a reference to a “Kuntres Bnei Noach” in the Minchas Chinuch Parshas Mishpatim on the mitzvah of Dini geneiva. Has anyone seen this kuntres anywhere? Is it available? Is it ...
sam's user avatar
  • 42.7k
1 vote
0 answers
108 views

Each word of Torah is its own mitzvah for gentiles?

This is a quote from an article I read on torchweb.org "The Vilna Gaon in Shenos Eliyahu explains that each and every word of Torah that we study is its own separate mitzvah with its own separate ...
Miguel's user avatar
  • 21
3 votes
1 answer
159 views

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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Miguel's user avatar
  • 21
4 votes
3 answers
160 views

How To Remember The שבע מצוות בני נח?

I once heard an easy way to remember the שבע מצוות בני נח: א = אבר מו החי ב = ברכת השם ג = גזל ד = דינים ה = הרג ו = גילוי עריות ז = עבודה זרה I am not sure if I am remembering ג ו & ז right - I ...
Shalom L'olam's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
77 views

Is hitbodedut considered a mitzvah?

Do personal prayers to Hashem (hitbodedut) fulfill a mitzvah? It would be a great incentive for me to pray more.
Miguel's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Miguel's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Man of faith's user avatar
  • 4,532
4 votes
1 answer
112 views

How is simchah (joy/enthusiasm) attained?

I want to perform mitzvah's with Simchah. I do what I'm supposed to do out of obligation whether I want to or not but the problem is sometimes I feel tired or I feel lazy (especially when someone ...
Miguel's user avatar
  • 21
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 ...
Miguel's user avatar
  • 21