One is prohibited from being inaccurate when counting, weighing or measuring, when dealing with Jews or non-Jews.
If one transgressed, one has to make up the shortfall.
This is besides for the positive Mitzva of accuracy in counting, weighing and measuring.
Bet Din are required to appoint people to check the weights and measures of merchants, and to confiscate inaccurate ones.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not be dishonest in counting, weighing and measuring" (Vayikra 19:35)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 83
Wishing everybody a Pessach Kasher V'Same'ach
- Danny
Sunday, 13 Nissan 5770
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Mitzvah #122 - Save the Jews!
One is prohibited from standing by and not assisting when a fellow Jew is in danger.
One has to assist even if it requires spending one's own money.
Preventing a fellow Jew from financial loss is included in this Mitzva.
For example, if one discovers a plot to steal from a fellow Jew, one is obliged to try and foil the plan, by offering them money, calling the police or whatever else will be effective.
Applies to everybody, everywhere,always.
Verse: "Do not stand by the blood of your brother" (Vayikra 19:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 82
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 10 Nissan 5770
One has to assist even if it requires spending one's own money.
Preventing a fellow Jew from financial loss is included in this Mitzva.
For example, if one discovers a plot to steal from a fellow Jew, one is obliged to try and foil the plan, by offering them money, calling the police or whatever else will be effective.
Applies to everybody, everywhere,always.
Verse: "Do not stand by the blood of your brother" (Vayikra 19:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 82
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 10 Nissan 5770
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mitzvah #121 - Bearing a grudge
One may not store up grievances against a fellow Jew.
If he refused to lend you something and then comes by to borrow something, you are not allowed to say "Sure I'll lend it to you, even though you didn't lend it to me."
Rather you should lend him the item and remove all bad feelings against him from your memory.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "...and don't bear a grudge" (Vayikra 19:18)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 81
- Danny
Wednesday, 9 Nissan 5770
If he refused to lend you something and then comes by to borrow something, you are not allowed to say "Sure I'll lend it to you, even though you didn't lend it to me."
Rather you should lend him the item and remove all bad feelings against him from your memory.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "...and don't bear a grudge" (Vayikra 19:18)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 81
- Danny
Wednesday, 9 Nissan 5770
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Mitzvah #120 - Annulling vows and oaths
It's a Mitzva to see if a vow or oath can be annulled.
If a person accepts upon himself to do something - and unforeseen circumstances cause him to regret his decision - he may go to an expert in Jewish law or to 3 Jews knowledgeable in the laws of oaths, to try annul his vow.
If they suspect that he would not have accepted his stringency had he known then what he knows now, they ask him if he regrets his acceptance.
If he does, then they say to him "your vow is annulled, allowed and forgiven".
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "When a man makes a vow to Gcd.." (Bemidbar 30:3)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 40
- Danny
Tuesday, 8 Nissan 5770
If a person accepts upon himself to do something - and unforeseen circumstances cause him to regret his decision - he may go to an expert in Jewish law or to 3 Jews knowledgeable in the laws of oaths, to try annul his vow.
If they suspect that he would not have accepted his stringency had he known then what he knows now, they ask him if he regrets his acceptance.
If he does, then they say to him "your vow is annulled, allowed and forgiven".
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "When a man makes a vow to Gcd.." (Bemidbar 30:3)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 40
- Danny
Tuesday, 8 Nissan 5770
Monday, March 22, 2010
Mitzvah #119 - Revenge!
Taking revenge is forbidden.
Even refusing to do somebody a favor because they refuse to do you favors, is forbidden.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not take revenge" (Vaykira 19:18)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 80
- Danny
Monday, 7 Nissan 5770
Even refusing to do somebody a favor because they refuse to do you favors, is forbidden.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not take revenge" (Vaykira 19:18)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 80
- Danny
Monday, 7 Nissan 5770
Please daven for a Refu'a Shelema for 3 years old Tania Mazal Tov bat Naomi
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mitzvah #118 - Embarrassing people
It's a sin to embarrass people - even in private.
Embarrassing people in front of other people is so serious that one who does so could lose his portion in Olam Haba - the world to come.
Even calling people by nicknames that are derogatory is forbidden.
One who sins should be rebuked in private; if they continues to sin one may rebuke them in public and publicize their evil ways - with the intent of pressuring them to improve their ways.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "do not suffer sin upon him" (Vayikra 19:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 79
- Danny
Sunday, 6 Nissan 5770
Embarrassing people in front of other people is so serious that one who does so could lose his portion in Olam Haba - the world to come.
Even calling people by nicknames that are derogatory is forbidden.
One who sins should be rebuked in private; if they continues to sin one may rebuke them in public and publicize their evil ways - with the intent of pressuring them to improve their ways.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "do not suffer sin upon him" (Vayikra 19:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 79
- Danny
Sunday, 6 Nissan 5770
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Mitzvah #117 - Keep your promises
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Mitzvah #116 - Don't hate the Jews
One may not hate good Kosher Jews.
If somebody wrongs you, either forgive & forget, or else confront him and ask him to explain himself.
However, if you see a fellow Jew committing a sin, and you warned him and explained him the severity of his actions, and he continues to sin, then you have a Mitzva to hate him, since he's not behaving like a good Kosher Jew.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not hate your brother in your heart" (Vayikra 19:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 78
- Danny
Wednesday, 2 Nissan 5770
If somebody wrongs you, either forgive & forget, or else confront him and ask him to explain himself.
However, if you see a fellow Jew committing a sin, and you warned him and explained him the severity of his actions, and he continues to sin, then you have a Mitzva to hate him, since he's not behaving like a good Kosher Jew.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not hate your brother in your heart" (Vayikra 19:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 78
- Danny
Wednesday, 2 Nissan 5770
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Mitzvah #115 - Talebearing and gossip
One may not inform people about what others say about them, even if the statement is true and complimentary. This is called Rechilut.
Worse is to inform people that others spoke badly about them; this is called Lashon Hara.
Worst is the "Motzi Shem Ra" who spreads lies about people.
Even hinting at the shortcoming of others is forbidden.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not go around talebearing" (Vayikra 19:16)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 77
- Danny
Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5770
Worse is to inform people that others spoke badly about them; this is called Lashon Hara.
Worst is the "Motzi Shem Ra" who spreads lies about people.
Even hinting at the shortcoming of others is forbidden.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not go around talebearing" (Vayikra 19:16)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 77
- Danny
Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5770
Win a $5,000 Scholarship from Answers.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Mitzvah #114 - Giving charity
It's a Mitzva to give charity to poor Jews - even numerous times to the same person, if needed.
If possible one should supply the poor with whatever they need. If one cannot afford that, one gives what one can afford.
Even people living off charity have to give charity.
One who sees a poor person asking for charity and ignores them, has transgressed this Mitzva.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "You shall surely open your hand..." (Devarim 15:11)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 38
Chodesh Tov
- Danny
Monday, 29 Adar 5770
If possible one should supply the poor with whatever they need. If one cannot afford that, one gives what one can afford.
Even people living off charity have to give charity.
One who sees a poor person asking for charity and ignores them, has transgressed this Mitzva.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "You shall surely open your hand..." (Devarim 15:11)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 38
Chodesh Tov
- Danny
Monday, 29 Adar 5770
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Mitzvah #113 - Causing others to sin
It is forbidden to cause others to sin.
Included in this Mitzva is the prohibition of giving people bad advice on any subject; religious, financial, with relationships or any other subject.
Included is the prohibition of helping people, or assisting them, or making it easier for them to do a sin.
This also applies to non-Jews transgressing any of the 7 Noachide laws.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "and in front of the blind do not put a stumbling block" (Vayikra 19:14)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 76
- Danny
Sunday, 28 Adar 5770
Included in this Mitzva is the prohibition of giving people bad advice on any subject; religious, financial, with relationships or any other subject.
Included is the prohibition of helping people, or assisting them, or making it easier for them to do a sin.
This also applies to non-Jews transgressing any of the 7 Noachide laws.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "and in front of the blind do not put a stumbling block" (Vayikra 19:14)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 76
- Danny
Sunday, 28 Adar 5770
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Mitzvah #112 - Kosher witnesses
A Bet Din may not accept witnesses who intentionally do not keep all aspects of Jewish law.
If one knows that the other witness is not Kosher, but the Bet Din do not, then one may not give testimony.
Similarly, if one knows that the 2nd witness will lie, one may not testify.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not give a hand to a wicked person to be a witness" (Shemot 23:1)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 75
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 25 Adar 5770
If one knows that the other witness is not Kosher, but the Bet Din do not, then one may not give testimony.
Similarly, if one knows that the 2nd witness will lie, one may not testify.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not give a hand to a wicked person to be a witness" (Shemot 23:1)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 75
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 25 Adar 5770
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Mitzvah #111 - Can witnesses be related?
A Bet Din is not allowed to accept relatives as witnesses.
Witnesses cannot be related to each other, nor to the defendant.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not kill fathers by their sons..." (Devarim 24:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 74
- Danny
Wednesday, 24 Adar 5770
Witnesses cannot be related to each other, nor to the defendant.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not kill fathers by their sons..." (Devarim 24:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 74
- Danny
Wednesday, 24 Adar 5770
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Mitzvah #110 - Refrain from work on the last day of Sukkoth
It's a Mitzva to not do Melacha (certain types of work) on Shemini Atzeret - the last day of Sukkoth.
Work involving food preparation is allowed, within certain parameters.
Lighting fires from an existing flame as well as carrying without an Eruv is allowed.
Outside Israel this applies to the two last days of Sukkoth (Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah), by Rabbinic decree.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.
Verse: "The eighth day shall be a day of gathering... called Holy" (Vayikra 23:37)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 37
- Danny
Tuesday, 23 Adar 5770
Work involving food preparation is allowed, within certain parameters.
Lighting fires from an existing flame as well as carrying without an Eruv is allowed.
Outside Israel this applies to the two last days of Sukkoth (Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah), by Rabbinic decree.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.
Verse: "The eighth day shall be a day of gathering... called Holy" (Vayikra 23:37)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 37
- Danny
Tuesday, 23 Adar 5770
Monday, March 8, 2010
Mitzvah #109 - The lone witness
One witness is insufficient to help the Bet Din decide a court case.
Unless there are 2 Kosher witnesses, a case cannot be decided on the basis of witnesses.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not decide by the word of one witness" (Devarim 19:16)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 73
- Danny
Monday, 22 Adar 5770
Unless there are 2 Kosher witnesses, a case cannot be decided on the basis of witnesses.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not decide by the word of one witness" (Devarim 19:16)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 73
- Danny
Monday, 22 Adar 5770
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Mitzvah #108 - The fearless judge
A judge is not allowed to be afraid of anybody.
Even if a defendant is powerful and abusive, the judge is not allowed to be afraid that he will be harmed.
A judge may decline from continuing to judge a case, unless the case has progressed to a point where he has figured out who is correct.
A student - while watching a court case - who thinks of a reason that will help one of the defendants, but is afraid to speak up in front of his teacher, is included in this prohibition.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not fear anybody" (Devarim 1:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 72
- Danny
Sunday, 21 Adar 5770
Even if a defendant is powerful and abusive, the judge is not allowed to be afraid that he will be harmed.
A judge may decline from continuing to judge a case, unless the case has progressed to a point where he has figured out who is correct.
A student - while watching a court case - who thinks of a reason that will help one of the defendants, but is afraid to speak up in front of his teacher, is included in this prohibition.
Applies to everybody, always, everywhere
Verse: "Do not fear anybody" (Devarim 1:17)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 72
- Danny
Sunday, 21 Adar 5770
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Mitzvah #107 - The 4 Species on Sukkoth
It's a Mitzva to pick up a Lulav, Etrog, 3 Hadasim and 2 Aravot on the first day of Sukkoth.
The 4 species need to be held the right way up - in the direction they grow.
All 4 species must belong to oneself; borrowed and stolen ones are invalid.
The Rabbis decreed that one shake the 4 Species on all days of Sukkoth besides for Shabbat.
On Chol HaMo'ed one may use a borrowed set of the 4 Species.
Parents have a Rabbinic Mitzva of Chinuch (education) to ensure their boys old enough to handle the 4 Species also shake them.
Applies to males, always, everywhere
Verse: "And you shall take on the first day...." (Vayikra 23:40)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 36
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 18 Adar 5770
The 4 species need to be held the right way up - in the direction they grow.
All 4 species must belong to oneself; borrowed and stolen ones are invalid.
The Rabbis decreed that one shake the 4 Species on all days of Sukkoth besides for Shabbat.
On Chol HaMo'ed one may use a borrowed set of the 4 Species.
Parents have a Rabbinic Mitzva of Chinuch (education) to ensure their boys old enough to handle the 4 Species also shake them.
Applies to males, always, everywhere
Verse: "And you shall take on the first day...." (Vayikra 23:40)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 36
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 18 Adar 5770
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Mitzvah #106 - Bribery
A judge is forbidden from taking bribes - even if he intends to mete out justice.
A judge who took a bribe has to return it.
A judge may be paid for his time; but only if both parties pay the same amount.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not take bribery" (Shmot 23:8)
One who gives bribes to a judge has transgressed "Do not put a [spiritual] stumbling block in front of the blind" (Vayikra 19:14)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 71
- Danny
Wednesday, 17 Adar 5770
A judge who took a bribe has to return it.
A judge may be paid for his time; but only if both parties pay the same amount.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not take bribery" (Shmot 23:8)
One who gives bribes to a judge has transgressed "Do not put a [spiritual] stumbling block in front of the blind" (Vayikra 19:14)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 71
- Danny
Wednesday, 17 Adar 5770
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mitzvah #105 - Preferential treatment for VIPs
One is forbidden from giving preferential treatment to important people in court.
A judge may not show more respect to one defendant, nor greet one of them more effusively than the other, nor engage only one of them in conversation.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not favor the greater one" (Vayikra 19:15)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 70
- Danny
Tuesday, 16 Adar 5770
A judge may not show more respect to one defendant, nor greet one of them more effusively than the other, nor engage only one of them in conversation.
Applies to everybody, everywhere, always
Verse: "Do not favor the greater one" (Vayikra 19:15)
Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 70
- Danny
Tuesday, 16 Adar 5770
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