Hakdama-Rambam’s introduction to Mishnah Torah – Part 2 The chronological order of the teaching of Torah from Moshe on Sinai until today The writing of the Mishna, and the history of Jewish literature: It’s author: Rabbeinu Hakadosh wrote the Mishnah. The history of Jewish literature until the writing of the […]

Hakdama-Rambam’s introduction to Mishnah Torah The chronological order of the teaching of Torah from Moshe on Sinai until today   From Sinai until Yehoshua-The giving over of the written and oral Torah: The oral Torah was also given on Sinai: All the mitzvahs that were given to Moshe on Sinai […]

Chapter 12: The times of the Messiah Halacha 1: No change in nature A person should not believe that there will be a change in the nature of the world in the future ever. Rather, the world will act in his natural order. Those verses in Scripture which depict a […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 11: The King Messiah Halacha 1: The actions to be performed by the Messiah Re-instilling the Davidic dynasty: The Messiah will re-instill the monarchy of David to its original state of power. Building the temple: The Messiah will rebuild the Temple. Gathering the dispersed of Israel: […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 10: Noahide laws-Cont Halacha 1: A Gentile who inadvertently transgressed [i.e. Shogeg] General rule: A Gentile who transgressed inadvertently, due to error, is exempt from liability. Example by adultery: For example, if he had relations with a married woman thinking it was his wife, or a […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 9: The Seven Noahide Laws and Their Legal Framework Halacha 1 – The Seven Noahide Laws and Their Origins Adam was commanded six laws: Prohibition of idolatry Prohibition of blasphemy Prohibition of murder Prohibition of forbidden sexual relations Prohibition of theft Obligation to establish courts For […]

Chapter 8: Laws of the Yefat To’ar and Conduct in Captive Territory Halacha 1 – Permitted Foods in Enemy Territory When Israel’s army enters enemy territory and captures it, soldiers may eat non‑kosher meat—including neveilot, tereifot, and even pork—if no other food is available. They may also drink wine used […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 7: The Meshuach Milchamah and Rules of Military Exemption Halacha 1 – Appointing the Meshuach Milchamah In both obligatory and optional wars, a special priest—the meshuach milchamah—is appointed and anointed with the anointing oil to address the soldiers before battle. Halacha 2 – Two Speeches of […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 6: Laws of Offering Peace, Conducting War, and Maintaining Holiness in the Camp Halacha 1 – Requirement to Offer Peace Before War A king may not wage war—neither optional nor obligatory—until he first offers peace. If the enemy accepts peace and agrees to keep the Seven […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 5: Laws of War and Dwelling in the Land Halacha 1 – Priority of Wars A king must first wage a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war) before any other war. These include: War against the seven nations of Canaan. War against Amalek. War to defend Israel from […]

Join Our Virtual Community – Receive Daily Learning PDF Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 4: The King’s Rights and Authority Halacha 1 – Power to Levy Taxes The king may levy taxes on the nation for his needs or for war. He may impose duties on merchandise, and it is forbidden […]

Join Our Virtual Community – Receive Daily Learning PDF Chapter 3: The King’s Conduct and Authority Halacha 1 – Writing a Torah Scroll The king must write a Torah scroll for himself in addition to the one inherited from his ancestors. If no scroll was left, he writes two: one […]

Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 2: The Honor and Conduct of Kings Halacha 1 – Obligation to Honor the King The king must be treated with great honor, and awe of him must be instilled in everyone’s heart. We may not ride his horse, sit on his throne, use his scepter, […]

Join Our Virtual Torah Study Community & Receive Daily Learning Content Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 1: The Laws of Kings and Their Appointment Halacha 1 – Three Mitzvot Upon Entering the Land Israel was commanded to fulfill three mitzvot upon entering the Land: Appoint a king (Deuteronomy 17:15). Erase Amalek’s […]

Chapter 14: Acts of Kindness, Visiting the Sick, and Burial Laws Rabbinic Commandments of Kindness It is a positive Rabbinic commandment to visit the sick, comfort mourners, prepare for funerals, assist a bride, accompany guests, attend to all burial needs, carry a corpse on one’s shoulders, walk before the bier, […]

Chapter 13: Comforting Mourners and Limits of Grief 1. How Mourners Are Comforted After the burial, the mourners gather at the side of the cemetery. Those who attended the funeral form lines around them, with each line consisting of at least ten people, not counting the mourners themselves. 2. Words […]

Obligation of Eulogy and Burial A eulogy is considered an honor for the deceased. Therefore, heirs are compelled to pay the wages of men and women who recite laments and eulogize the deceased. If the deceased instructed that no eulogy be given, we respect that wish. However, if the deceased […]

Chapter 11: Mourning During Festivals and Wedding Celebrations Rending Garments and Bread of Comfort on Festivals Although mourning rites are not observed during a festival, one should tear his garments for the deceased and uncover his shoulder during Chol HaMoed. Similarly, mourners should receive the bread of comfort during Chol […]

Chapter 10: Mourning on Shabbat and Festivals Mourning on the Sabbath The Sabbath is counted as one of the seven days of mourning. However, mourning laws are not observed publicly on the Sabbath. Private practices such as veiling one’s head, refraining from marital relations, and avoiding washing with hot water […]

Chapter 9: Rending Garments and Mourning Honors   1. Sewing and Mending Garments After Mourning When a person tears his garments for the death of a relative other than a parent, he may sew the tear after seven days and mend it after thirty days. For the death of a […]