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.)
656
questions
4
votes
2
answers
487
views
What commandments can a gentile take on?
I'm currently a gentile who believes that Judaism is true. I understand that I don't need to be Jewish to share in the world to come, and I understand that being a Noahide is much easier, however, it ...
- 26.8k
6
votes
1
answer
89
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 ...
- 2,648
1
vote
1
answer
72
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 ...
- 2,648
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&...
- 9,931
2
votes
3
answers
173
views
Our relationship with Hashem
Avos states, "Do not be as servants who are serving the master in order to receive a reward, rather be as servants who are serving the master not in order to receive a reward."
Yet, Mesillas Yesharim ...
- 12.6k
5
votes
1
answer
369
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?
- 1,204
1
vote
3
answers
157
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 ...
- 1,379
0
votes
1
answer
55
views
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 ...
- 2,648
1
vote
2
answers
73
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):
&...
- 12.6k
1
vote
1
answer
96
views
Why does Rambam learn the prohibition for adultery from Parashat Acharei Mot and not Yitro?
Yitro contains 16 mitzvos according to Rambam. Most of them are linked to the 10 commandments but notably one commandment is missing: adultery.
Instead he learns this prohibition from Acharei Mot:
...
- 27.5k
1
vote
0
answers
12
views
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 ...
- 27.5k
3
votes
1
answer
87
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 ...
- 45.2k
1
vote
3
answers
109
views
Loss of not making a bracha on a mitzva
Berachot 35b:
Rabbi Ḥanina bar Pappa said: Anyone who derives benefit from this world without a blessing, it is as if he stole from God and the community of Israel
This is commonly applied to the ...
- 10.8k
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 ...
- 14.6k
1
vote
1
answer
51
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?
- 4,815
14
votes
1
answer
348
views
Source for Geonic division of mitzvos
The Rambam and those who follow suit divide the 613 mitzvos into two groups, 248 positive mitzvos and 365 negative mitzvos. This is sourced from Makkos 23b.
However, many of the Geonim (for example: ...
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
30
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 ...
CommunityBot
- 1
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 ...
- 23k
-3
votes
1
answer
106
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?
- 27.5k
2
votes
3
answers
916
views
How important is hygiene beyond required washing and mikvah immersion to Jews?
I know that mikvah immersion and ritual washing is required, but what about other bodily hygiene, shaving, teeth, house order, hair and all other hygienically addressable aspects of a modern human?
...
- 48.4k
2
votes
4
answers
135
views
Was the Beis HaMakidash the central part of Judaism?
Much of what defines Judaism nowadays are the mitzvas that we keep and practice (aside from those connected to the Beis HaMikdash), Torah-study, and prayer. Each of these things have their set time ...
- 9,320
0
votes
0
answers
30
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 ...
- 16.1k
11
votes
2
answers
374
views
Are there any brachos for "touching" something?
4 of the 5 senses explicitly have berachos:
Taste- Shehakol food, blessings on fruits & vegetables etc (see: OC 202-207)
Smell- Pleasant fragrances (OC 216)
Hearing- Thunder (MB 227:5)
Seeing-...
- 14.6k
4
votes
2
answers
113
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 ...
- 10.5k
16
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Differences between RaMbaM and RaMbaN's mitzvah count
I know both the Rambam and Ramban listed all of the 613 mitzvos, and that they differ in some (I think like 16ish?)
What are the ones upon which they differ? If possible please include why they differ ...
- 20k
1
vote
1
answer
59
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 ...
- 2,241
5
votes
0
answers
79
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.
- 2,241
0
votes
0
answers
35
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 ...
- 26.8k
2
votes
3
answers
472
views
Does God benefit from our keeping of the Mitzvos?
Does Hashem benefit from mankind doing the commandments of the Torah?
- 2,602
2
votes
2
answers
178
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." ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
2
answers
71
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?
...
- 4,815
1
vote
1
answer
30
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 ...
- 3,295
2
votes
1
answer
58
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 ...
- 13.3k
9
votes
1
answer
410
views
Reincarnations - Let's work out how many one would need to be personally obligated in all 613 Mitzvot in the superset
In a nutshell, the Arizal says (Shaar Gilgulim Ch. 16) we are reincarnated in order that every Jew gets a chance to experience all 613 mitzvot as a chiyuv (personal obligation) at least once. My ...
- 1,111
2
votes
5
answers
943
views
Examples of forbidden behaviors for Jews permitted toward gentiles
I heard that there are Mitzvos that forbid certain behaviors toward fellow Jews but allow or prescribe those very behaviors toward gentiles.
What are some examples of such Mitzvos?
- 5,959
4
votes
1
answer
106
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}...
- 44.1k
2
votes
1
answer
649
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?
- 33.9k
1
vote
1
answer
35
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 ...
- 13.3k
2
votes
1
answer
91
views
Does bikur cholim apply to a non-Jew?
Does visiting non-Jewish sick fulfill the mitzvah? Or is it only for Jews?
- 53.7k
2
votes
2
answers
140
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 ...
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
0
answers
65
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 ...
- 12.6k
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 ...
- 4,815
1
vote
0
answers
87
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 ...
- 4,602
3
votes
1
answer
950
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 ...
- 13.3k
2
votes
0
answers
41
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 ...
- 703
2
votes
2
answers
114
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 ...
- 994
1
vote
1
answer
184
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 ...
- 53.7k
3
votes
1
answer
91
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 ...
- 652
8
votes
2
answers
509
views
Are Noahides obligated in the commandment of Yibum?
Regarding the subject of Yibum (Levirate marriage), what is the source, if any, that this is also an obligation on a Noahide?
Many of the discussions on this Q&A site concerning Yibum connect to ...
- 16k
6
votes
5
answers
680
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 ...
