Mitzvah #63 - Destroying Chametz on Erev Pessach

It's a Mitzva to get rid of all Chametz in ones possession on Erev Pessach before midday.

This includes destroying all Chametz one is aware of, and renouncing ownership of all Chametz one isn't aware of.

By Rabbinic decree this includes searching for Chametz by candlelight the evening before Seder night, unless that is Friday night, in which case one searches on Thursday night.

Applies to everybody, everywhere on 14 Nissan

Verse: "By the first day you shall have destroyed all Chametz" (Shemot 12:15)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 22

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 14 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #62 - Do not covet

One may not covet other people's possessions.

One transgresses whenever one thinks of ways to gain possession of the coveted article.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Verse: "Do not covet (last of the 10 commandments.)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 41

- Danny
Wednesday, 13 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #61 - Do not force other to sell their possessions

One may not force other to part with their possessions.

One transgresses as soon as one tries to actively gain possession of the article; be it through threats, persuasion or asking others to intervene on one's behalf.

Even if one paid well above its worth one has still transgressed.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Verse: "Do not force other to sell their possessions (last of the 10 commandments.)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 40

- Danny
Tuesday, 12 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #60 - Be joyful on Festivals

It's a Mitzva to be happy on the 3 Jewish Festivals.

In the time of the Bet Hamikdash one was required to rejoice by eating meat from sacrifices.

Nowadays one has to eat meat and drink wine.

One has to make ones wife happy by buying her pretty clothes, the kids with treats and the poor with donations.

One should not get drunk, since this rejoicing should be conducive to doing Mitzvot and serving Hashem with joy, not simply to be merry.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, on Pessach, Shavuoth and Sukkoth.

Verse: "and be joyous on your festivals" (Devorim 16:14)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 21

- Danny
Monday, 11 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #59 - Testifying falsely

One may not testify falsely.

Included in this prohibition is to testify based on what one heard from others - even if the source of information is reliable.

Hiring witnesses who weren't there (false witnesses) and refusing to testify are also forbidden.

Applies to all those fit to be witnesses, everywhere, always.

Verse: "Do not testify as a false witness against your neighbor" (9th of the 10 commandments.)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 39

- Danny
Sunday, fast of 10 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #58 - Paying wages on time

One may not delay paying wages.

A day worker needs to be paid before the next morning.

A night worker needs to be paid before the end of the following day.

An hourly worker who worked during the day needs to be paid on that day; if he worked during the night he needs to be paid during that night.

One only transgresses if the worker demanded his wages and one has the money to pay him.

Applies to wages as well as to rental fees for equipment.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Verse: "Do not keep his wage to the morning" (Vayikra 19:13 and Devorim 24:15)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 38

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 7 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #57 - Rest from work on Shabbat

It's a Mitzva to desist from all 39 categories of forbidden work on Shabbat. (See a list at http://www.answers.com/topic/39-categories-of-activity-prohibited-on-shabbat)

This includes not having ones animals doing work.

By Rabbinic decree one may not request a non-Jew to do work on Shabbat.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, on Shabbat

Pasuk: "and on the 7th day you shall rest" (Shmot 23:14)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 20

- Danny
Wednesday, 6 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #56 - Withholding another's property

If you rightfully received another's property, and refuse to give it to them, you have transgressed this Mitzva.

E.g.: refusing to repay a loan, or refusing to pay the rent, is prohibited.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not withhold from your fellow man" (Vayikra 19:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 37

- Danny
Tuesday, 5 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #55 - Denying a monetary claim

One is prohibited from denying one has somebody's property.

This applies to money one has in ones possession as a result of taking a loan, receiving security on a loan, theft, robbery, or finding lost property.

One transgresses once the person requests the money, and one denies one has it.

Until a transgressor makes amends, he is not qualified to be a Kosher witness.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "Do not deny" (Vayikra 19:11)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 36

- Danny
Monday, 4 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #54 - Sanctify Shabbat with Kiddush and Havdala

It's a Mitzva to sanctify the Shabbat with words, when it starts and when it ends. This is known is Kiddush and Havdala.

It's also a Mitzva to bathe before Shabbat and to wear clean clothes.

It's a Mitzva to eat three meals on Shabbat, as well as a 4th on Motzai Shabbat.

There's also a Mitzva to remember Shabbat every day, which is why we say "Yom Rishon B'Shabbat" for Sunday, "Yom Sheni B'Shabbat" for Monday, etc.

Included in this Mitzva is to buy and keep special food for Shabbat, all week long.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Remember the day of Shabbat to sanctify it" (Shemot 20:8)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 19

- Danny
Sunday, 3 Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #53 - Robbery is forbidden

One is forbidden from taking another person's possessions from them against their will, by force.

One who transgresses has a Mitzva of returning the robbery. (Vayikra 5:23)

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "Do not rob" (Vayikra 19:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 35

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 6th day Chanukah, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5770

Mitzvah #52 - Do not steal

One may not take another's possessions without his permission, even if one plans on paying him later.

This applies to possessions belonging to adults or kids, Jews and non-Jews.

Even taking another's possessions as a joke or prank is forbidden.

One who transgresses has a Mitzva of returning double the amount they stole (Shmos 22:8) unless it was an ox or a sheep for which one has to pay back 5 or 4 times the amount stolen.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not steal" (Vayikra 19:11)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 34

- Danny
Wednesday, 5th day Chanukah, 29 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #51- Fear the Temple - Decorum in Shul

It's a Mitzva to be in awe of the Bet Hamikdash - the Holy Temple.

Our synagogues are considered to be miniature temples.

One may not make merry in them. Idle chatter is also forbidden.

One may not sleep in them.

It's a Mitzva to treat them with awe and respect.

Applies to everybody, always, everywhere

Pasuk: "and fear my sanctuary" (Vayikra 19:30)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 18

- Danny
Tuesday, 4th day Chanukah, 28 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #50 - Do not kidnap

One may not kidnap a Jewish person.

If one sells the abductee, one has also transgressed "do not sell him as a slave" (Vayikra 25:42).

One is put to death by strangulation by Bet Din for kidnapping only if one abducts somebody, brings them into ones property, makes them work for one and then sells them.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not steal" (7th of the 10 commandments)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 33

- Danny
Monday, 3rd day Chanukah, 27 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #49 - Do not murder

One may not take another's life.

This prohibition includes hastening somebody's demise, including touching somebody in their death throes.

A murderer is killed by Bet Din by the sword.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "Do not murder" (6th of the 10 commandments)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 32

- Danny
Sunday, 2nd day Chanukah, 26 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #48 - Standing up for the elder and wise

It's a Mitzva to stand up when a person over 70 enters the room.

It's a Mitzva to stand up when a Torah scholar enters the room, even if he's not old.

It's also a Mitzva to honor ones Torah teachers.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Stand up for the elder and respect the wise" (Vayikra 19:32)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 17

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 23 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #47 - Broken promises

One is prohibited from making promises that one does not keep; whether past or future.

One may not promise one did or didn't do something, if it's not true. E.g.: I did/didn't eat something or talk to somebody.

One may not promise to do or not do something that one has no intention fulfilling. E.g.: I will/won't throw a stone.

Relevant to actions one can physically accomplish: Talk, eat, drink, sleep, etc.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "do not swear falsely in My name" (Vayikra 19:12)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 31

- Danny
Wednesday, 22 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #46 - Denying the existence of a debt

One is prohibited from taking a false oath denying one owes money, when one actually does owe the money.

This is besides for the general prohibition against swearing falsely.

One who transgresses has to pay a 25% penalty, besides for the original debt.

Applies to everybody, always, everywhere

Pasuk: "Do not lie one unto another" (Vayikra 19:11)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 30

- Danny
Tuesday, 21 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #45 - Stick with the Rabbi

It's a Mitzva to keep company with Torah scholars and their students.

Therefore one should try marry into Rabbinical families, and eat with them.

It's also a Mitzva to give Torah scholars gifts and other benefits.

One should endeavor to learn from their ways and their teachings.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "and stick with Him" (Devarim 10:20), from which we learn that keeping company with Rabbis is equivalent to keeping company with Hashem.

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 16

- Danny
Monday, 20 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #44 - Swearing in vain

One is prohibited from swearing in vain. This includes 4 types of oaths:

- Swearing to change a fact. E.g.: that a boy is a girl, or a stone is gold

- Swearing for no reason. E.g.: that a stone is a stone

- Swearing to not a do a Mitzva that one is obligated to do

- Swearing to do the impossible. E.g.: To not sleep for 72 hours, or to not eat nor drink for a week.

One who swears in vain on purpose deserves 39 lashes by Bet Din.

One who makes an unnecessary Bracha has also transgressed this Mitzva.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not take Gcd's name in vain" - 3rd of the 10 commandments

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 29

- Danny
Sunday, 18 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #43 - Injuring oneself / cliques

One may not scratch or otherwise injure oneself "in honor" of an idol, nor as a sign of grief over the death of a beloved one.

This is forbidden whether done by hand or with an instrument.

Included in this Mitzva is the prohibition of dividing oneself into groups with different Minhagim, in the same location.

Applies to everybody, always ,everywhere.

Pasuk: "Lo Thisgodedu" (Devorim 14:1) which can mean "Do not scratch" and "do not create groups"

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 28

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 16 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #42 - Write your own Sefer Torah

All men have a Mitzva to write to their own Sefer Torah.

If he cannot write one himself, he can buy a Sefer Torah, or have a Sofer write one for him.

Even somebody who inherited a Sefer Torah, needs to write his own copy.

Nowadays (according to the Rosh) there is a Mitzva to buy a Chumash, Mishna and Talmud with commentaries, so that one can learn them.

Applies to males, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Write for yourselves this song" (Devarim 31:19)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 15

- Danny
Wednesday, 15 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #41- Do not prophesies in the name of idols

One may not utter prophecies in the name of idols, even if the intent is to have people follow correct Halacha.

A transgressor gets killed by strangulation.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "and the name of other gods do not mention" (Shmot 23:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 27

- Danny
Tuesday, 14 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #40 - Do not save the inciter

One may not rescue somebody who incites others to idol worship, even if the inciter's life is in danger.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Pasuk: "Do not have pity on him" (Devorim 18:9)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 26

- Danny
Monday, 13 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #39 - Learn and teach Torah

It's a Mitzva to learn Torah so that one has comprehensive knowledgeable of all of it.

It's a Mitzva to teach the entire Torah to ones sons. If needed on can hire a teacher to do so.

Applies to all males all the time, everywhere.

Women are exempt from Torah learning, however, a father should ensure his daughters are well versed in all Halachot that apply to them.

Pasuk: "And teach it well to your sons" (Devorim 6:7)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 14

- Danny
Sunday, 12 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #38 - Always hate the enticer

One may not stop hating a person who entices others to worship idols.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not heed him" (Devorim 18:9)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 25

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 9 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #37 - Do not love the enticer

One may not love a person who entices others to worship idols.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not love him" (Devorim 13:9)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 24

- Danny
Wednesday, 8 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #36 - Grace after meals

It's a Mitzva to say Birkat HaMazon after eating bread and being sated.

Before eating one obviously has to make a blessing; if one has to bless when sated, all the more so when still hungry.

Applies everywhere, always, to men, and maybe also to women.

By Rabbinic decree it's a Mitzva for everybody to say Birkat HaMazon even after eating a Kezayit (olive's worth) of bread.

Pasuk: "and you shall eat, be sated and bless" (Devorim 8:10)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 13

- Danny
Tuesday, 7 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #35 - Not enticing others to worship idols

It's forbidden to entice others - individuals or a group - to worship idols.

One who tries to persuade others to worship idols gets put to death by stoning, even if nobody actually worshiped idols.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "If he shall entice you... to worship foreign gods..." (Devorim 13:7-12)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 23

- Danny
Monday, 6 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #34 - Do not listen to false prophets

It's a Mitzva to not listen to those who utter prophesies in the name of idols.

One may not listen to them, engage them in dialogue or ask them for a sign or proof.

Even if they do a miraculous sign, one may not believe them, and anybody who suspects that they are true prophets has transgressed this Mitzva.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not listen to that prophet" (Devorim 13:4)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 22

- Danny
Sunday, 5 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #33 - Mezuza

It's a Mitzva to affix a Kosher Mezuza on all ones door posts.

The Mezuza includes the first 2 chapters of the Shma.

Whenever one passes by a Mezuza one should think about its content; the oneness of Hashem and our obligation to love Him.

The result should be an awakening to concentrate on doing Mitzvot and ignore the trivialities of this world.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "And write it and affix it to the doors of your home and gates" (Devorim 6:9)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 12

- Danny
Thursday, 2 Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #32 - Don't imitate the non-Jews

It's a Mitzvah to not imitate the Goyim.

One should not follow their fashions in dress, hair style and shaving.

Somebody who needs to dress like them to appear before their royalty, may do so.

Pasuk: "and in their statutes don't walk" (Vayikra 18:3)

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 21

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Wednesday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #31 - Do not have pity on idol worshippers

One may not do any favors for an idol worshipper.

If he's drowning one may not jump in to save him, and if he's sick one may not heal him gratis. If one is paid, then one may.

It's forbidden to kill idol worshippers, except during a war.

One may not give them free gifts, nor sing their praises.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, all the time.

Pasuk: "Don't be gracious to them" (Devorim 7:2)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 20

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Tuesday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5770

Mitzvah #30 - Read the Shma twice daily

It's a Mitzva to read the 3 chapters of the "Shma" twice daily; once in the morning and again at night.

The first chapter (Shma) mentions the Mitzvot of Hashem's oneness, loving Hashem and learning Torah.

The second chapter (VeHaya) mentions accepting the responsibility of keeping all the Mitzvot.

The third chapter (VaYomer - Tzitizit) mentions keeping all the Mitzvot as well as recalling the Exodus from Egypt.

Applies to males, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "And speak about it... when you arise in the morning and retire at night." (Devorim 6:7)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 11

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Monday, Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 29 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #29 - Don't marry a non-Jew

One may not marry somebody who is not Jewish.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not get married with them" (Devorim 7:3)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 19

- Danny
Sunday, 28 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #28 - Do not benefit from idols

One may not have any benefit from idols, their sacrifices, priests or anything else dedicated to them.

Some items are worshiped but are not man-made, like mountains, trees planted for their fruit, animals not bread for idol-worship.

If these items are subsequently worshipped, one may still benefit from them, but not from items found on them.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not bring repugnant items into your home" (Devorim 7:26) and "Don't retain anything from the shunned material" (ibid 13:18)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 18

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 25 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #27 - Tzitzit

It's a Mitzvah to put Tzitzit on all 4-cornered garments that are worn during the day.

Both wool garments and linen garments require Tzitzit from the Torah. Other garments require Tzitzit by Rabbinic decree.

Garments with more than 4 corners also require Tzitzit.

Applies to males, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Make for yourselves Tzitzit on the corner of your garments". (Bemidbar 15:38)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 10

- Danny
Wednesday, 24 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #26 - An idol's ornaments are forbidden

One may not have any benefit from an idol's ornaments, jewelry and coverings.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Do not covet the gold and silver on them" (Devorim 7:25)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 17

- Danny
Tuesday, 23 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #25 - Don't pay attention to idols

One may not pay attention to specific idols.

Idols should not be the subject of our speech or thoughts, and one shouldn't gaze upon them.

One should not read their book nor investigate how they are worshipped.

Learning Halachot about idols, is allowed.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Don't pay attention to gods" (Vayikra 19:4)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 16

- Danny
Monday, 22 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #24 - Tefillin on ones head

It's a Mitzvah to put Tefillin on one's head.

The entire Tefillin must be placed above one's [original] hairline, and below the frontal ridge which is soft in babies.

Tefillin contain the 4 chapters in the Torah where Tefillin are written.

Applies to males, everywhere, every weekday.

Pasuk: "...it shall be as a sign between your eyes" (Devorim 6:8)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 9

- Danny
 Sunday, 21 Marcheshvan 5770

Please daven for Marina bat Ludmila for a full recovery

Mitzvah #23 - Don't consume food sacrificed to idols

Food that was sacrificed to idols is forbidden.

One who eats, drinks or has any benefit from such food is given 39 lashes by Bet Din.

By Rabbinic Decree one may not drink any wine that was touched by a non-Jew, unless it was previously boiled.

One may also not eat at the wedding of an idol worshipper even if one brings one's own food and is served by a Jewish waiter.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Pasuk: "Beware... lest he call you to eat from his sacrifices" (Shmot 34:15)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 15

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 18 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #22 - Not to persuade others to worship idols

One who persuades others to worship idols gets killed by stoning, even if he himself never worshipped idols.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, all the time.

Pasuk: "... should not be spoken about by you" (Shmos 23:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 14

- Danny
Wednesday, 17 Marcheshvan 5770

Please daven for young Refael Chaim Simcha Binyamin ben Devorah Aliza, who has been fighting Leukemia the past 18 months and is having terrible reactions to the bone marrow transplant

Mitzvah #21 - Tefillin on ones arm

It's a Mitzva to tie Tefillin on one's left arm. Those born with mancinism put it on their right arm.

The correct place is on the elevated (muscle) part of the upper arm.

Applies to males, everywhere, every weekday.

Pasuk: "and tie them for a sign on your arm" (Devarim 6:8)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 8

- Danny
Tuesday, 16 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #20 - Not to swear in an idol's name

One may not swear by an idol's name.

One should not mention the name of an idol in one's conversations.

Even mentioning an idol as a landmark is forbidden. E.g. "please meet me next to [name of idol]".

One may mention idols mentioned in Sefarim (E.g.: Tanach or Gemara) like Pe'or and Nevo.

One may not cause others to swear in the name of an idol - including non-Jews.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, all the time.

Pasuk: And the name of other gods do not mention (Shmos 23:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 13

- Danny
Monday, 15 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #19 - Don't serve idols

It's a Mitzvah not to worship idols in the manner they are normally worshipped.

Even of it's a disgraceful act - like throwing stones at Markulis - it's forbidden and the one who transgresses deserves to be stoned to death by Bet Din.

One who kisses or embraces an idol or who sweeps or washes it's room or otherwise shows it respect has transgressed.

One may not drink from water that is pouring out of the mouth of an idol-water-fountain, since it looks like one is kissing the idol.

Applies to everybody, all the time, everywhere.

Pasuk: ..and don't worship them... (2nd of the Ten Commandments - Shmot 20:5)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 12

- Danny
Sunday, 14 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #18 - Pray every day

It's a Mitzvah to pray to Hashem every day.

Prayer entails praising Hashem, then asking for ones needs and then thanking Hashem for all the kindness one has already received.

Praying requires concentrating on what one is saying, ignoring all else, and assuming one is standing in front of the Divine Presence.

One should not consider praying to be a burden that needs to be taken care of.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, all the time.

Pasuk: ..and you should worship Him (Devarim 6:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 7

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 11 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #17 - Do not bow down to idols

It's a Mitzvah not to bow down to idols - even of it's not the way this particular idol is worshipped - since bowing down is the way we worship Hashem.

One who transgresses deserves to be stoned to death by Bet Din.

Similarly one may not offer sacrifices, incense or wine to an idol, since these are all ways we serve Hashem in the Bet Hamikdash; even if the idol is not normally worshipped in this manner.

One should agree to be killed rather than transgress any of the above.

If one dropped something, or one gets a thorn in ones foot in front of an idol, one should not bend down to take care of it, since it looks like one is bowing down to the idol. Rather one should turn around - or to the side.

Applies to everybody, all the time, everywhere.

Pasuk: ...do not bow down to them (2nd of the Ten Commandments - Shmot 20:5)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 11

- Danny
Wednesday, 10 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #16 - Do not manufacture idols

It's forbidden to make idols that will be worshipped - even for non-Jews to worship.

One who manufactures idols has transgressed and deserves 39 lashes.

One who manufactures an idol for himself has transgressed twice; this sin and Mitzvah #14 - Do not create your own idols.

Applies to everybody, all the time, everywhere.

Pasuk: You shall not make idols (Vayikra 19:4)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 10

- Danny
9 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #15 - Emulate Gcd's ways

One should make every effort to emulate Hashem's "personality".

Since Hashem is kind we should be kind.

Since Hashem is merciful we should be merciful.

Since Hashem overlooks our shortcomings, we should overlook other people's shortcoming.

So too with all other behaviors that we find are ascribed to Hashem in the Tanach and Medrash.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, all the time.

Pasuk: Walk in His ways (Dvarim 28:9)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 6

- Danny
8 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #14 - Do not create your own idols

It's a Mitzvah not to create idols that one will worship.


One who makes an idol by himself, or who one asks somebody else to make him an idol to worship has transgressed and deserves 39 lashes.


Applies to everybody, all the time, everywhere.


Pasuk: You shall not make for yourselves any idols (2nd of the Ten Commandments - Shmot 20:4)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 9

- Danny
Sunday, 7 Marcheshvan 5770

Remember to say ותן טל ומטר לברכה

Mitzvah #13 - There is no other god besides for Gcd

It's a Mitzvah to not consider the existence of any other god besides for Hashem.


One who - Gcd forbid - entertains the existence of other deities, or entertains the existence of Hashem having partners, or considers Idol Worship to have any power, has denied a fundamental concept of Judaism.


One may not say or write anything which implies any of the above false possibilities. One must be prepared to die - or lose all ones money - rather than agreeing to any of the above.


Applies to everybody, all the time, everywhere.


Pasuk: You shall have no other gods besides Him (2nd of the Ten Commandments - Shmot 20:3)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 8

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 4 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #12 - Kiddush Hashem - Sanctify Gcd's name

One must be prepared to be killed - or lose all ones money - in order to publicize ones belief in Hashem and the Jewish laws.



One must be prepared to be killed rather than agree to convert to another religion. Even pretending to agree to convert - in order to save ones life - is forbidden.


One must be prepared to be killed rather than transgress any of the sins in the Torah publicly; i.e. in the presence of 10 Jews.


In private (without 10 Jews present) one must be be prepared to be killed rather than transgress one of the 3 cardinal sins: Idol worship, Adultery and Murder. This applies even if the request comes from somebody with altruistic - and not religious - reasons.


At a time of Shmad - when by law one may not be Jewish - one must be prepared to be killed rather than transgress any sin - even in private.


One who is killed in the presence of 10 Jews rather than transgressing (as above) has done a public Kiddush Hashem and has attained the highest level of worshipping Hashem that one can reach.


Applies to everybody, all the time, everywhere.


Pasuk: I shall be sanctified amongst the Bnei Yisrael (Yavikra 22:32)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 5

- Danny

Wednesday, 3 Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #10 - Do not do work on Shabbat

One may not do any of the 39 categories of forbidden work on Shabbat. (See http://www.answers.com/topic/39-categories-of-activity-prohibited-on-shabbat for a list.)


One also has to ensure that ones animals are not doing forbidden work.


Since the laws of Shabbat are numerous, complicated and are applicable every week, one should be sure to study them thoroughly and review them often.


Asking a non-Jew to do work for a Jew on Shabbat is forbidden by Rabbinic decree.


Saving lives takes precedence over Shabbat observance.


Shabbat is one of the bonds between Hashem and the Jewish people, and one who purposely transgresses the Shabbat publicly has the status of a non-Jew (for being counted in a Minyan or a Mezuman, touching wine, being a witness, etc.)


Applies to everybody, everywhere, every Shabbat.


Pasuk: Do not do any work (4th of the Ten Commandments, Shmot 20:10)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 6

- Danny

Monday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5770

Mitzvah #11 - Don't walk too far outside the city on Shabbat

The Torah forbids one to walk more than 12 Meel (about 12 Km) beyond the city limit on Shabbat, (according to the Rambam and the Rif).


By Rabbinic decree one may only walk 2,000 Amot (about 2 Km) beyond the city limit on Shabbat, unless one extends it by another 2,000 Amot with an Eruv-Techumim.


Inside a city one may walk without limit.


Applies to everybody, everywhere, every Shabbat.

Pasuk: Nobody should leave their place on Shabbat (Shmot 15:23)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 7

- Danny

Tuesday, 2 Marcheshvan 5770

Written in memory of  Rivka bat Mordechai Ha-cohen

Mitzvah #9 - Fear the Lord

It's a Mitzvah to fear and be in awe of Hashem.


Fear and awe of Hashem is acquired by studying the awesome ways in which Hashem runs the world.


When one has the chance to do a sin and decides to refrain because Hashem watches everything we do, one has fulfilled the Mitzvah of fearing Hashem.


Applies to everybody all the time, everywhere.


Pasuk: You shall fear Hashem your Gcd (Dvarim 6:13)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 4

- Danny,
Sunday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan, 30 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #8 - Not to eat food that contains Chametz on Pessach

During Pessach one may not eat any mixture of foods that include Chametz (leaven).


If the quantity that one ate included an olive-worth of Chametz, then one has transgressed this Mitzvah.


Applies to everybody, everywhere during Pessach.


Pasuk: Any mixture of Chametz do not eat (Shmot 12:20)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 5

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny,
 Erev Shabbat, 28 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #7 - Do not derive benefit from Chametz on Pessach

One may not eat nor drink Chametz (leaven) on Pessach.

One may not even derive benefit from Chametz during Pessach (e.g. by burning it and enjoying the heat).

One who eats an olive-worth of Chametz on Pessach on purpose, gets punished with the heavenly punishment of Karet. If one eats it accidentally one owes a Chatat-sacrifice when the temple will be rebuilt (speedily in our days).

Applies to everybody, everywhere during Pessach.

Pasuk: ...and do not eat Chametz... (Shemot 13:3)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 4

- Danny,
 Thursday, 27 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #6 - To Love Gcd

It's a Mitzvah to love Hashem with all ones heart, soul and resources.

The way to acquire this love is by studying His beautiful world. By appreciating the intricate and amazing ways the world is run one starts to appreciate what Hashem does for us, and to love him.

Included in this Mitzvah is to behave in such a way that other people also start to keep His Mitzvoth.

Applies to everybody all the time, everywhere.

Pasuk: And you shall love Hashem with all your heart, soul and resources. (Dvarim 6:5)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 3

- Danny,
 Wednesday, 26 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #5 - No Chametz should be found on Jewish property

No Chametz (leaven) should be located on Jewish property during the 7 days of Pessach. (8 days in the Diaspora.)

One who buys Chametz and hides it, or who makes Chametz-dough on Pessach, transgresses twice: once for seeing leaven and once for having it on his property.


Chametz belonging to a non-Jew for which one has no responsibility, may be allowed into one premises during Pessach.

Applies to males, females, everywhere during Pessach.

Pasuk: Seven days leaven should not be found in your homes (Shmos 12:19)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 3

- Danny
 25 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #3 - No Chametz should be seen on Jewish property during Pessach

No Chametz (leaven) is allowed to be seen on Jewish property during the 7 days of Passover. (Eight days in the Diaspora.)

This applies to Chametz belonging to a Jew, as well as Chametz belonging to a non-Jew for which the Jew is responsible for.

Applies to males and females everywhere, during Pessach.

Pasuk: No Chametz may be seen in your property... for seven days (Shmos 13:7)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 2

- Danny
 25 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #4 - Hashem Ehad; Gcd is One and Unique

It's a Mitzvah to believe that Hashem is One and that He has no partners helping Him run the world.

One must believe that Hashem is One, and He does not have a physical aspect and has no "parts" to His being.

This is a fundamental belief of Judaism.

Applies all the time, to males and females everywhere. One fulfills it every time one thinks about it.


Pasuk: Shma Yisrael... Hashem Ehad (Dvarim 6:4)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 2

- Danny
 23 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #2 - Do not eat the Gid haNasheh; the sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve (Gid haNasheh) has to be removed from both hind legs before an animal is Kosher for eating.

Does not apply to birds.

While the sciatic nerve may not be eaten, it may be used for other purposes.


This Mitzva applies to males and females, everywhere at all times.

Pasuk: Therefore Bnei Yisrael don't eat the Gid haNasheh (Breishis 32:32)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Negative Mitzvah 1


- Danny
 13 Tishrei 5770

Mitzvah #1 - To Believe that Gcd exists

It's a Mitzvah to believe that Hashem exists and that He created all that exists and continues to supervise all of creation.

This is a fundamental belief of Judaism and one who doesn't believe this is not considered a full-fledged Jew.

This is one of the rare Mitzvoth for which one is required to give up ones life rather than transgress it.

This Mitzvah applies all the time to both males and females. One fulfills it every time one thinks about Hashem's existence.

Pasuk: "I am Hashem your Gcd"; the first of the 10 commandments.

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 1

- Danny
 12 Tishrei 5770