The Fourteen Books of the Mishneh Torah – Part 2 Book 5 — Sefer Kedushah (The Book of Holiness) Contains three halachot: Laws of Forbidden Intimate Relations 37 mitzvot total • 1 positive commandment • 36 negative commandments Positive Commandment The High Priest must marry a virgin maiden. Negative Commandments […]
Daily Rambam (1) The Fourteen Books of the Mishneh Torah – Part 1 (Thursday, 25th Shevat)
The Fourteen Books of the Mishneh Torah – Part 1 This title has been divided into 14 books. The first book-Mada: Includes all of the commands relating to the fundamentals of Judaism, which a person must know before anything else such as G-d’s unity, and the prohibition of idolatry and […]
Daily Rambam (1) List of Mitzvos Part 6 – Negative Commands Part 3 (Wednesday, 24th Shevat)
Negative Commandments – Part 3 Theft, Property, and Economic Integrity (Mitzvot 245–255) Do not rob. Do not move boundary markers to steal land. Do not oppress another person financially. Do not deny your financial obligations. Do not swear falsely regarding money owed. Do not cheat in business transactions. Do not […]
Daily Rambam (1) List of Mitzvos Part 5 – Negative Commands Part 2 (Tuesday, 23rd Shevat)
Negative Commandments — Part 2 I. Korban Pesach & Kodashim (Mitzvot 123–147) 123. Do not remove the meat of the Korban Pesach from its designated group. 124. Do not bake leftover Minchah portions as chametz. 125. Do not eat the Korban Pesach raw or boiled. 126. Do not […]
Daily Rambam (1) List of Mitzvos Part 4 – Negative Commands Part 1 (Monday, 22nd Shevat)
Negative Commandments — Part 1 (Lo Ta’aseh 1–122) Avodah Zarah — Idolatry & Forbidden Beliefs Do not allow into your thoughts the idea that any G-d exists besides Hashem. Do not make an idol or image — neither by your hand nor by commissioning others. Do not make an idol […]
Daily Rambam (1) List of Mitzvos Part 3 (Sunday, 21st Shevat)
The Positive Commandments — Part 3 Moed — Sukkot & Shemini Atzeret Rest on the eighth day of the festival (Shemini Atzeret). Sit in the sukkah for seven days. Take the lulav and the Four Species. Rosh Hashanah & Half‑Shekel Hear the sound of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Give […]
Daily Rambam (1) Hakdama: List of Mitzvos Part 2 (Shabbos, 20th Shevat)
Rambam’s List of Commands – Part 2 The positive commands: Korbanot & Kodashim Offer all korbanot only in the Beit HaBechirah. Bring all sanctified offerings from outside Israel to the Beit HaBechirah. Redeem blemished consecrated animals so they may be eaten. Declare the temurah animal holy if one attempts […]
Daily Rambam (1) Hakdama: List of Mitzvos Part 1 (Friday, 19th Shevat)
Rambam’s List of Commands – Part 1 The positive commands: The first of the positive commands is to know that there is a G-d. To unify Him. To love Him. To fear Him. To pray to Him. To attach to Him. To swear using Him name. To act like Him […]
Daily Rambam (1) Hakdama: Rambam’s introduction to Mishnah Torah Part 3 (Thursday, 18th Shevat)
Hakdama-Rambam’s introduction to Mishnah Torah – Part 3 The chronological order of the teaching of Torah from Moshe on Sinai until today The laws in the Talmud are binding upon all Israel: The above ability for a later court to reject the decrees of a previous court only applies regarding […]
Daily Rambam (1) Hakdama: Rambam’s introduction to Mishnah Torah Part 2 (Wednesday, 17th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Hakdama: Rambam’s introduction to Mishnah Torah – Part 1 (Tuesday, 16th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 12: The times of the Messiah (Monday, 15th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 11: The King Messiah (Sunday, 14th Shevat)
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: […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 10: Noahide laws-Cont (Shabbos, 13th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 9: Noahide laws-Cont (Friday, 12th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 8: Laws of the Yefat To’ar and Conduct in Captive Territory (Thursday, 11th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 7: The Meshuach Milchamah and Rules of Military Exemption (Wednesday, 10th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 6: Laws of Offering Peace, Conducting War, and Maintaining Holiness in the Camp (Tuesday, 9th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 5: Laws of War and Dwelling in the Land (Monday, 8th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 4: The King’s Rights and Authority (Sunday, 7th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 3: The King’s Conduct and Authority (Shabbos, 6th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 2: The Honor and Conduct of Kings (Friday, 5th Shevat)
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, […]
Daily Rambam (1) Melachim uMilchamot – Chapter 1: The Laws of Kings and Their Appointment (Thursday, 4th Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 14: Acts of Kindness, Visiting the Sick, and Burial Laws (Wednesday, 3rd Shevat)
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, […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 13: Comforting Mourners and Limits of Grief (Tuesday, 2nd Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 12: Eulogies, Burial Customs, and Special Cases (Monday, 1st Shevat)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 11: Mourning During Festivals and Wedding Celebrations (Sunday, 29th Teves)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 10: Mourning on Shabbat and Festivals (Shabbos, 28th Teves)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 9: Rending Garments and Mourning Honors (Friday, 27th Teves)
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 […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 8: The laws of Keriah (Thursday, 26th Teves)
Chapter 8: The laws of Keriah Halacha 1: The obligation It is an obligation for an Avel to tear his clothing at the event of the passing of a relative [for which he needs to keep Aveilus]. Standing: One is obligated to perform the Keriah in a standing position. Halacha […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 7: Shemua Kerova, Rechoka, Kohen Gadol, King (Wednesday, 25th Teves)
Chapter 7: Shemua Kerova, Rechoka, Kohen Gadol, King Shemua Kerova vs. Shemua Rechoka Shemua Kerova: If a person hears that a close relative has died within thirty days of the death—even on the thirtieth day—the report is considered proximate. The mourner must observe seven days of mourning starting from the […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 6: Restrictions during Shloshim and 12 months (Tuesday, 24th Teves)
Chapter 6: Restrictions during Shloshim and 12 months Duration of Extended Mourning Rabbinic law requires some mourning practices for 30 days. Source: Deuteronomy 21:13 – “She shall cry for her father and mother for a month.” Five Prohibitions for 30 Days Cutting hair Wearing freshly ironed white clothes Marrying Entering […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 5: The Matters forbidden for an Avel During Shiva (Monday, 23rd Teves)
Chapter 5: The Matters forbidden for an Avel During Shiva Overview A mourner is forbidden 11 activities: Cutting hair Laundering clothes Washing or anointing Sexual relations Wearing shoes Performing work Studying Torah Standing bed upright (must overturn) Leaving head uncovered Greeting others Engaging in frivolity or celebrations On the first […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 4: Minhagei Taharah (Sunday, 22nd Teves)
Chapter 4: Minhagei Taharah Customs for Preparing the Deceased Close the eyes and tie the jaw if open. Wash the body, seal orifices, anoint with fragrances, trim hair, and dress in simple white linen shrouds. Shrouds should be inexpensive; Sages used a cloak worth a zuz to avoid embarrassing the […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 3: The prohibition for a Kohen to defile himself to the dead (Shabbos, 21st Teves)
Chapter 3: The prohibition for a Kohen to defile himself to the dead Halacha 1: The prohibition and liability for lashes Any Kohen which defiles himself to any corpse other than the six relatives mentioned in the Torah, or his wife, is liable for the penalty of lashes. Witnesses and […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 2: The relatives that one must mourn for and that a priest must defile himself on behalf of (Friday, 20th Teves)
Chapter 2: The relatives that one must mourn for and that a priest must defile himself on behalf of Halacha 1: The relatives that one must mourn for Biblical: A person is biblically obligated to mourn after the death of the following relatives: Mother Father Son Daughter One’s paternal brother […]
Daily Rambam (1) Avel Chapter 1: The Mitzvah to mourn (Thursday, 19th Teves)
Chapter 1: The Mitzvah to mourn Halacha 1: The Mitzvah to mourn It is a positive command for one to mourn the death of a relative. The biblical obligation-The first day: Biblically, one is only required to mourn on the day of the death and burial. The Rabbinical obligation-The remaining […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 7: Ben Sorer Umoreh-The rebellious child (Wednesday, 18th Teves)
Chapter 7: Ben Sorer Umoreh-The rebellious child Halacha 1: The scriptural source for the punishment The punishment: Scripture explicitly states that a rebellious child receives capital punishment through stoning. The source: The actual scriptural warning is found in a different verse which states that one may not eat over […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 6: Honoring and fearing one’s parents (Tuesday, 17th Teves)
Chapter 6: Honoring and fearing one’s parents Halacha 1: Its greatness Great positive command: Honoring and fearing one’s father and mother is a great positive command in the Torah. Weighed equal to the Mitzvah to honor and fear God: This command to honor and fear one’s parents is weighed […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 5: By what disputes is a person deemed a Zakein Mamrei (Monday, 16th Teves)
Chapter 5: Cursing and hitting one’s parent Halacha 1: Cursing and hitting one’s parent Cursing parent: One who curses his father or mother is liable for Sekila [i.e. death by stoning]. After death: This liability for Sekila for cursing one’s parent applies even after the death of the parents. […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 4: By what disputes is a person deemed a Zakein Mamrei (Sunday, 15th Teves)
Chapter 4: By what disputes is a person deemed a Zakein Mamrei Halacha 1: The manner of dispute which deems one a Zakein Mamrei If he is lenient while the Supreme Court is stringent: A person is deemed a Zakein Mamrei whether he argues for leniency or stringency regarding a […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 3: The law of a Heretic and Zakein Marei (Shabbos, 14th Teves)
Chapter 3: The law of a Heretic and Zakein Marei Halacha 1: A person who denies the old tradition A person who denies the oral tradition is considered a heretic and is liable for death by all people. Such an individual is not considered a rebellious Sage known as a […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 2: legislation rules for the Supreme Court (Friday, 13th Teves)
Chapter 2: legislation rules for the Supreme Court Halacha 1: Judicial precedents-Overturning biblical legislation of a previous court A later supreme court has the power to overturn a biblical law that was passed by a previous Supreme Court based on one of the rules of expounding the Torah. The reason […]
Daily Rambam (1) Mamrim Chapter 1: The power of the Supreme Court (Thursday, 12th Teves)
Chapter 1: The power of the Supreme Court Halacha 1: The obligation to adhere to the Supreme court’s rulings The foundation of the oral Torah: The Supreme Court in Jerusalem is considered the main pillar of the oral Torah and its instructions, from which laws are legislated for the entire […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 22: Contradictory Witnesses and the Validity of Testimony (Wednesday, 11th Teves)
Chapter 22: The punishments for Eidim Zomimim-false witnesses Halacha 1 – Contradictory Groups of Witnesses If two groups contradict each other and one witness from each group testifies together on another matter, their testimony is invalid because one must be lying. If each group testifies separately on unrelated matters, their […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 21: The punishments for Eidim Zomimim-false witnesses (Tuesday, 10th Teves)
Chapter 21: The punishments for Eidim Zomimim-false witnesses Halacha 1: Divorce-Testifying falsely regarding a divorce Must pay market value of Kesuba: Witnesses who falsely testified [i.e. Eidim Zomimim] that a man had divorced his wife, must pay the market value of the Kesuba document, as it would be sold for […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 20: Punishment of False Witnesses and Rules of Hazamah (Monday, 9th Teves)
Chapter 20: Punishment of False Witnesses and Rules of Hazamah Halacha 1 – Conditions for Punishing False Witnesses False witnesses are not executed, lashed, or fined unless: Both were fit to testify. Both were disqualified through hazamah after judgment was rendered. If only one was disqualified, or disqualification occurred before […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 19: The Laws of Hazamah – Disqualifying Witnesses Through Contradiction (Sunday, 8th Teves)
Chapter 19: The Laws of Hazamah – Disqualifying Witnesses Through Contradiction Halacha 1 – Conditions for Hazamah (Refuting Witnesses) If two witnesses testify about a murder in one location and two others claim the first pair was elsewhere: If both locations are visible to each other, the first pair is […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 18: Eid Zomeim-The punishment of a false witness (Shabbos, 7th Teves)
Chapter 18: Eid Zomeim-The punishment of a false witness Halacha 1: The retribution given to a false witness Whoever testified falsely and is known to have testified falsely, is considered an Eid Zomeim and is liable to have done to him whatever he wanted to do to his fellow. This […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 17: The criteria for admissible testimony (Friday, 6th Teves)
Chapter 17: The criteria for admissible testimony Halacha 1: The prohibition against hearsay It is forbidden for one to testify regarding a certain matter until he actually witnesses it either by seeing it with his own eyes or hears it it with his own ears. Was told the information by […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 16: A biased witness Part 2 (Thursday, 5th Teves)
Chapter 16: A biased witnesses Cont. Halacha 1: A victim of robbery testifying regarding his stolen item A victim of robbery may not testify regarding an item or property that was stolen from him, such as to testify that it does not belong to a third party who is also […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 15: A biased witness (Wednesday, 4th Teves)
Chapter 15: A biased witness Halacha 1: The law by a biased witness It is forbidden for one who stands to gain from a certain testimony to testify regarding that matter, as this is as if he is testifying about himself. City residents testifying regarding a public matter: Accordingly, a […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 14: Scenarios in which an invalid witness becomes valid (Tuesday, 3rd Teves)
Chapter 14: scenarios in which an invalid witness becomes valid Halacha 1: The status of a spouse invalidation after the death of the wife A man who was invalid for testimony on one’s behalf due to being a husband of one’s relative, becomes revalidated after his wife, who is one’s […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 13: The invalidation of witnesses due to being a relative (Monday, 2nd Teves)
Chapter 13: The invalidation of witnesses due to being a relative Halacha 1 – Scriptural Disqualification of Relatives Relatives cannot serve as witnesses by Torah law, based on 24:16. Fathers cannot testify for sons and vice versa; this applies to other close paternal relatives. Maternal relatives and in-laws are disqualified […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 12: The invalidation and subsequent validation process of a Rasha (Sunday, 1st Teves)
Chapter 12: The invalidation and subsequent validation process of a Rasha Halacha 1: Must the transgressor be previously warned to be invalidated as a witness The testimony needed to invalidate a person due to him being a Rasha: A person becomes invalid for testimony the moment two witnesses testify that […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 11: Further Rasha disqualifications (Shabbos, 30th Kisleiv)
Halacha 1: An ignoramus An individual who does not study Torah, Scripture, or the Mishneh, and does not socially participate in the religious community, is automatically considered a Rasha, and his testimony is rabbinically invalid, as certainly such an individual transgresses many of the laws. Halacha 2: The validation process […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 10: Reshaim (Friday, 29th Kisleiv)
Chapter 10: Reshaim Halacha 1: The invalidation of a Rasha Reshaim are biblically invalid to testify. Testifying with a Rasha: It is forbidden for a valid witness to testify together with a Rasha, even though he knows that his testimony is true. It goes without saying that it’s for been […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 9: Invalid witnesses (Thursday, 28th Kisleiv)
Chapter 9: Invalid witnesses Halacha 1: The 10 invalid witnesses There are 10 categories of disqualifications for witnesses: women slaves children mentally incompetent [i.e. Shoteh] the deaf-mute the blind A Rasha low lives who lack no shame relatives one who is biased Halacha 2: Women invalidation’s Women are biblically invalid […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 8: The requirement for the witnesses to recall the testimony (Wednesday, 27th Kisleiv)
Chapter 8: The requirement for the witnesses to recall the testimony Halacha 1: Testifying on one’s signature if one has no recollection of the loan A witness who is asked to testify to his signature on a document is only to do so in the event that he remembers the […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 7: Testifying regarding the signatures on a document (Tuesday, 26th Kisleiv)
Chapter 7: Testifying regarding the signatures on a document Halacha 1: May a relative testify? It is valid for a relative of the witness that is signed on the document to testify regarding its validity. Son testifying on father signature: For example, the sons of the witnesses who signed may […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 6: Verifying the authenticity of a document (Monday, 25th Kisleiv)
Chapter 6: Verifying the authenticity of a document Halacha 1: Verifying the authenticity of a document The verification of the authenticity of a document is only rabbinically required. Three people: A tribunal of three is needed to verify the authenticity of a document. Ordinary people: Even three ordinary people may […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 5: The Testimony of a Single Witness and When a Witness Serves as a Judge (Sunday 24th Kisleiv)
Chapter 5: The Testimony of a Single Witness and When a Witness Serves as a Judge Halacha 1: The Testimony of a Lone Witness Not Valid for Verdicts: A lone witness’s testimony cannot be used in court to render a verdict. This rule applies to both civil and capital cases. […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 2: Chakiros, Derishos & Bedikos (Thursday 21st Kisleiv)
Chapter 2: Chakiros, Derishos & Bedikos Halacha 1: The difference between Chakiros and Derishos versus Bedikos Chakiros and Derishos: By the interrogations of Chakiros and Derishos, if the statement of the two witnesses do not match, or one of them says he doesn’t know the answer to a question, then […]
Daily Rambam (1) Eidus Chapter 1: The Laws of Witnesses – Principles of Testimony and Judicial Interrogation (Wednesday 20th Kisleiv)
Hilchos Eidus Chapter 1: The Laws of Witnesses – Principles of Testimony and Judicial Interrogation Overview: This chapter introduces eight mitzvot related to testimony—three positive and five negative. It explains the obligation to testify, the process of questioning witnesses, and the principles that ensure justice through accurate and thorough testimony. […]
Daily Rambam (1) Sanhedrin Chapter 26: The prohibition against cursing a judge or any other Jew (Tuesday 19th Kisleiv)
Chapter 26: The prohibition against cursing a judge or any other Jew Halacha 1: The prohibition against cursing a Jew A Judge, King, and Nassi: Whoever curses a judge of Israel, or the leader of the Sanhedrin, or a king, transgresses a negative command. A regular Jew: Furthermore, even one […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 18th Kisleiv Hilchos Sanhedrin Chapter 25: Leadership and Judicial Authority
Chapter 25: Leadership and Judicial Authority – Sanhedrin Chapter 25 (Halachot 1–11) Overview: This chapter sets ethical standards for judges and communal leaders, emphasizing humility, respect for the public, and proper conduct. It also details procedures for enforcing court authority, including excommunication and deadlines, while safeguarding dignity and fairness. Halacha […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 17th Kisleiv Hilchos Sanhedrin Chapter 24: Judicial Discretion and Emergency Measures
Chapter 24: Judicial Discretion and Emergency Measures – (Halachot 1–10) Overview: These halachot address the judge’s discretionary power in civil cases, the limits of relying on personal conviction, and extraordinary measures courts may take to safeguard the Torah and public morality. They balance strict legal procedure with practical authority for […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 14th Kisleiv: Chapter 21: Judicial Conduct and Courtroom Ethics
Chapter 21: Judicial Conduct and Courtroom Ethics – (Halachot 1–11) Overview: These halachos outline the ethical and procedural standards for judges and litigants in Jewish law. They emphasize fairness, equality, impartiality, and integrity in the judicial process, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done. Halacha […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Wednesday 13th Kisleiv: Chapter 20: Principles of Judicial Integrity
Chapter 20: Principles of Judicial Integrity Overview: This section establishes core principles for Jewish courts: justice must be based on clear evidence, impartiality, humility, and equality. It forbids favoritism, rash rulings, and arrogance, ensuring fairness for all—including the vulnerable. Halacha 1 – No Execution on Circumstantial Evidence Courts may not […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Tuesday 12th Kisleiv: Chapter 19: List of Negative commands that entail Malkus
Chapter 19: List of Negative commands that entail Malkus Halacha 1 – 21 Negative Commandments that have Kareis, not execution, and have Malkus Relations with sister Relations with father’s sister Relations with mother’s sister Relations with wife’s sister Relations with brother’s wife Relations with wife of father’s brother Relations with […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 11th Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 18: Who Receives Lashes and Special Punitive Measures
Chapter 18 – Who Receives Lashes and Special Punitive Measures Overview This chapter defines which transgressions incur lashes, exceptions to the rule, and special cases such as repeated offenses, lack of acceptance of warning, and crimes punished by zealots. It also clarifies that lashes or execution require two witnesses and […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 10th Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 17: Laws of Administering Lashes (Malkot)
Chapter 17: Laws of Administering Lashes (Malkot) Overview This chapter explains how lashes are administered to those liable for malkot, including the number of lashes, assessment of physical capacity, timing, multiple penalties, exemptions, and restoration of status after punishment. It also addresses special cases such as priests and leaders. Summary […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 7th Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 14: Four Court-Imposed Death Penalties and Their Rules
Chapter 14: Four Court-Imposed Death Penalties and Their Rules Overview This chapter explains the four types of executions administered by the court—stoning, burning, decapitation, and strangulation—their sources, relative severity, and when each applies. It also covers procedural laws regarding execution, burial, and the conditions under which capital cases are judged, […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Wednesday 6th Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 13: Procedures for Carrying Out Capital Punishment
Chapter 13 – Procedures for Carrying Out Capital Punishment Halacha 1 – Announcing and Reviewing the Sentence When a person’s death sentence is finalized, they are taken out of the court. A person stands at the entrance with a cloth in hand, and a horse is ready at a distance. […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Tuesday 5th Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 12: Procedures for Capital Cases – Warning, Witness Examination, and Execution
Chapter 12: Procedures for Capital Cases – Warning, Witness Examination, and Execution Overview This section explains how capital cases are judged: the requirement for witness recognition and warning, the process of intimidating and examining witnesses, the deliberation and verdict procedure, and rules for carrying out execution without delay. Summary of […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 4th Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 11: Differences Between Monetary and Capital Cases – Judicial Rules
Chapter 11: Differences Between Monetary and Capital Cases – Judicial Rules Overview This section compares monetary cases (dinei mamonot) and capital cases (dinei nefashot), detailing differences in court size, deliberation process, voting rules, timing, and eligibility of judges. It also addresses special cases like the mesit (enticer to idolatry) and […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 3rd Kisleiv: Sanhedrin Chapter 10: Regulations applicable to a judges verdict
Chapter 10: Regulations applicable to a judges verdict Overview This section outlines critical rules for judges and scholars in capital cases: independence of judgment, prohibition against bias, proper order of deliberation, and procedures for error correction. It emphasizes fairness, impartiality, and safeguards against wrongful conviction. Halacha 1 – Independent Judgment […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 19th Mar Cheshvan: Chapter 8: Property of Captives, Fugitives, and Minors
Chapter 8: Property of Captives, Fugitives, and Minors Overview This chapter establishes safeguards for property management when an owner is taken captive, flees, or is reported dead, especially when minors are involved. It prohibits giving property to relatives in sharecropping arrangements to prevent future disputes and outlines procedures for appointing […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 18th Mar Cheshvan: Laws of Inheritance – Chapter 7: Proof of Death and Management of Property
Nachalot – Chapter 7 Proof of Death and Management of Property Overview This chapter explains the requirement for heirs to provide clear proof of death before receiving an inheritance, even when testimony is sufficient for a widow to remarry. It also details procedures for managing property of those who are […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 15th Mar Cheshvan: Laws of Inheritance – Chapter 4: Acknowledgment of Heirs and Presumptions
Chapter 4: Acknowledgment of Heirs and Presumptions Overview This chapter addresses how a person’s statements about family relationships affect inheritance, including acknowledgment of heirs, denial of relationships, customs-related declarations, and presumptions based on reputation. It also covers complex cases involving maidservants, Torah scholars, and disputes among siblings. Numbered Halachot with […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Wednesday 14th Mar Cheshvan: Laws of Inheritance – Chapter 3 The Firstborn’s Rights in Specific Assets
Chapter 3 The Firstborn’s Rights in Specific Assets Overview This chapter clarifies which assets the firstborn (bechor) receives a double portion from, and which he does not. It addresses property held by the father at death versus property expected later, cases of appreciation, loans, sales before division, and the rights […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Tuesday 13th Mar Cheshvan: Laws of Inheritance – Chapter 2 The Firstborn’s Double Portion
Laws of Inheritance – Chapter 2 The Firstborn’s Double Portion Overview This chapter explains the Torah law granting the firstborn son (bechor) a double portion of his father’s estate, the conditions for eligibility, exceptions, and verification of firstborn status. It also clarifies cases involving uncertain birth order, special circumstances, and […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 12th Mar Cheshvan: Chapter 1 Nechalos: Laws of Inheritance
Nechalos Chapter 1: Laws of Inheritance Overview This chapter explains the Torah’s system of inheritance: who inherits first, the priority between male and female heirs, and how inheritance proceeds through generations. It also addresses special cases such as family relationships, illegitimate children, and the husband’s rights to his wife’s property. […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 11th Mar Cheshvan: Chapter 16: To’en veNit’an – Final Section: Witnesses, Claims, and False Testimony
Chapter 16: To’en veNit’an – Final Section: Witnesses, Claims, and False Testimony Overview This section addresses rules about witnesses who signed a deed and later challenge ownership, judges’ rights to contest, advisory roles, disputes over possession and produce, rental payments, and the prohibition against false claims. It emphasizes integrity in […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 8th Mar Cheshvan: Hilchot To’en veNit’an– Chapter 13: Cases Where Possession Does Not Establish Ownership
Hilchot To’en veNit’an– Chapter 13: Cases Where Possession Does Not Establish Ownership Overview This chapter explains when eating produce for three years does not create a presumption of ownership (חֲזָקָה). It lists categories of people whose possession is not considered proof, due to trust, status, or power, and notes exceptions. […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Wednesday 7th Mar Cheshvan: To’en veNit’an Chapter 12: Chazakah: Laws of Presumptive Ownership and Their Practical Applications
Hilchot To’en veNit’an – Chapter 12: Chazakah: Laws of Presumptive Ownership and Their Practical Applications 📘 Overview – Hilchot To’en veNit’an (Chazakah Details) This section elaborates on the laws of chazakah (presumptive ownership), focusing on what constitutes valid possession for three years, the types of properties involved, and the […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Tuesday 6th Mar Cheshvan: To’en veNit’an Chapter 11: Presumption of Land Ownership and the Laws of Chazakah
Hilchot To’en veNit’an – Chapter 11: Presumption of Land Ownership and the Laws of Chazakah Overview This chapter discusses the halachic principles of presumed ownership (chazakah) regarding landed property. It explains when possession is considered valid, how long one must occupy land to establish ownership, and the role of protests, […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 5th Mar Cheshvan: To’en veNit’an Chapter 10: Laws of Disputed Ownership and Possession of animals, slaves and ships
Chapter 10: Laws of Disputed Ownership and Possession of animals, slaves and ships Overview: This chapter discusses various cases of disputed ownership involving animals, slaves, movable property, and shared items. It outlines the principles of possession, the role of witnesses, the validity of claims, and the procedures followed by Beit […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 4th Mar Cheshvan: To’en veNit’an Chapter 9: Ownership and Possession Disputes Regarding Movable Property and Repairs
Toein Vinitan Chapter 9 Title: Ownership and Possession Disputes Regarding Movable Property and Repairs Overview: This chapter from Rambam’s Hilchot To’en VeNit’an (Laws of Claims and Counterclaims) addresses complex legal scenarios involving disputes over ownership of movable items (kelim), particularly when they are in the possession of craftsmans (umanim), renters, […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 1st Mar Cheshvan: To’en veNit’an Chapter 6: Proper Claims and Responses in Beit Din
📘 To’en veNit’an – Chapter 6: Proper Claims and Responses in Beit Din ✅ Overview This chapter outlines the protocol for presenting claims and responses in Beit Din. It emphasizes the need for clear, detailed statements from both parties to avoid confusion and prevent false oaths. It also discusses when […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Wednesday 30th Tishreiy: To’en veNit’an Chapter 5: Cases Exempt from Torah Oaths and Rabbinic Safeguards
To’en veNit’an Chapter 5: Cases Exempt from Torah Oaths and Rabbinic Safeguards 📘 Overview This chapter outlines cases where Torah law does not obligate an oath, even when there is partial admission, a single witness, or a claim involving guardianship. It focuses on property types exempt from Torah oaths, the […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Tuesday 29th Tishreiy: To’en veNit’an – Chapter 4: Conditions for Modeh B’miktzat and Oath Obligations
To’en veNit’an – Chapter 4 📘 Overview of Chapter 4 – Conditions for Modeh B’miktzat and Oath Obligations This chapter continues the laws of modeh b’miktzat (partial admission), focusing on the conditions under which a Torah-mandated oath applies. It emphasizes the importance of measurable claims, admissions that can be denied, […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 28th Tishreiy: To’en veNit’an – Chapter 3: The Laws of “Modeh B’miktzat” (Partial Admission) and Oaths
To’en veNit’an – Chapter 3 📘 Overview of Chapter 3 – The Laws of “Modeh B’miktzat” (Partial Admission) and Oaths This chapter explores the Torah law that obligates a defendant to swear when they admit to part of a monetary claim (modeh b’miktzat). It defines the minimum amounts required for […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 27th Tishreiy: To’en veNit’an – Chapter 2: Laws of Guarantors in Loans
To’en veNit’an – Chapter 2 📘 Overview of Chapter 2 – Suspected Individuals and Oaths This chapter addresses the halachic status of individuals who are suspected of dishonesty, particularly regarding taking oaths in monetary disputes. It outlines who is considered chashud (suspect), the implications for legal proceedings, and how oaths […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 24th Tishreiy: Malveh Veloveh – Chapter 26: Laws of Guarantors in Loans
Chapter 26: Laws of Guarantors in Loans 📘 Overview of Chapter 26 – Laws of Guarantors in Loans This chapter outlines the halachic framework for when and how a guarantor becomes liable for a loan, the conditions under which a lender may collect from a guarantor, and the rights of […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Thursday 17th Tishreiy: Malveh Veloveh – Chapter 19: Prioritizing Land in Debt Collection and Buyer Protections
Hilchot Malveh veLoveh – Chapter 19 🏷️ Title Chapter 19: Prioritizing Land in Debt Collection and Buyer Protections 📘 Overview This chapter outlines the halachic rules for collecting debts from a borrower’s property, focusing on which type of land may be seized—iddit (best), beinonit (average), or zibburit (lowest quality). It […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 13th Tishreiy: Malveh Veloveh – Chapter 15: Conditions on Loan Repayment and the Power of Testimony
Hilchot Malveh veLoveh – Chapter 15 Conditions on Loan Repayment and the Power of Testimony Overview This chapter explores the halachic implications of stipulating conditions on how a loan must be repaid—particularly when the lender demands repayment in the presence of witnesses or specific individuals. If the borrower claims to […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Tuesday 8th Tishreiy: Malveh Veloveh – Chapter 10: Lending Produce and the Boundaries of Ribit in Commodity Loans
Chapter 10: Lending Produce and the Boundaries of Ribit in Commodity Loans Overview This chapter addresses the halachic principles governing the lending of produce and other commodities, focusing on when such transactions are permitted and when they risk violating the prohibition of ribit (interest). The key distinction lies in whether […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Monday 7th Tishreiy: Malveh Veloveh – Chapter 9: Fixing Prices Before Market Rates and the Boundaries of Ribis in Commerce
Chapter 9: Fixing Prices Before Market Rates and the Boundaries of Ribis in Commerce Overview This chapter explores the halachic guidelines for fixing prices on produce and goods before the market rate (sha’ar) is established. The central concern is avoiding transactions that resemble interest (ribit) when payment is made in […]
Daily Rambam 1 Chapter Sunday 6th Tishreiy: Malveh Veloveh – Chapter 8 Commercial Pricing and the Boundaries of Ribis
Chapter 8 Commercial Pricing and the Boundaries of Ribis Overview This chapter addresses the fine line between legitimate commerce and prohibited interest (Ribis) in sales transactions. While the Torah forbids charging interest on loans, the Sages extended this prohibition to certain pricing structures that mimic loan-based profit. The halachot clarify […]
