Mitzvah #156 - Do not eat with the blood

One is forbidden to eat in the manner of a rebellious son, in a gluttonous and drunken way, as this may lead to bloodshed.

It's also forbidden to eat from an animal after it was slaughtered before it's completely dead.

It's also forbidden to eat a meal before morning prayers; before having prayed for one's life.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always.

Verse: "Do not eat on the blood" (Vayikra 19:26)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 106

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 14 Sivan 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 #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