Adam's Torah

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #16, which is to attach oneself to Torah scholars and their students, also known as talmideh chachamim . Torah scholars and talmideh chachamim as serving as the ambassadors of Hashem in this world. There are several ways to fulfill this mitzva : Attending their Torah classes to learn from them Inviting them to one's homes  Eating meals with them Marr...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #15, which is to write a Torah scroll. There are several ways to fulfill this mitzva : One should actually write the Torah scroll.  Purchase a Torah scroll or hire someone to write it on your behalf To edit / fix a Torah scroll by correcting even one error Purchase Torah books, which will enable one to study Torah (positive #14) This option is the opinion...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #14, which is to learn Torah and teach Torah. " Ve'shinantam " - "Teach [the Torah] repeatedly"  The Torah should be studied repeatedly , not just once One should strive to be able to answer any question on the Torah, without any hesitation " Le'vanecha " - "to your children" This mitzvah also requires one...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #13, which is to recite a blessing after eating food.  This after-meal blessing is referred to as birkat hamazon . Structure of Birkat Hamazon Made up of four blessings: Hashem sustains everyone and everything Thanking Hashem for the land Praying for Yerushalayim and the Beit Hamikdash Declaring that Hashem is good and does good for others (this fourth bl...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #12, which is to place a mezuza on the doorposts of our entrances.  What is a mezuza?  A scroll / parchment with the first two paragraphs of the Shema Yisrael written on in. What is the proper placement of the mezuza? On the right doorpost when entering the home The height should be about a third of the way down on the doorpost Should be placed on every d...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #11, which is to recite the Shema Yisrael, once in the morning and once in the evening, every day. What are the components of Shema Yisrael? Paragraph #1 - "Shema & Ve'ahavta" - Accepting Hashem Paragraph #2 - "Vehaya" - Accepting to fulfill Hashem's mitvot Paragraph #3 - "Vayomer" - Remembering the Exodus from...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #10, which is to place tzitzit , or strings / fringes, on the corners of our clothing. If one has an article of clothing with four corners, this mitzvah is to place tzitzit on those corners. Materials From the Torah, this applies to clothing made out of wool or made out of linen.  For other materials, such as cotton, there is a Rabbinic requirement to pla...

In this episode, we learn two positive mitzvot.  Mitzvah #8 is to wear tefillin on one's arm.  Mitzvah #9 is to wear tefillin on one's head. These are two distinct mitzvot, but given their similar nature, they are grouped together in this episode. We discussed three topics related to the tefillin: Placement of the Tefillin Tefillin of the arm should be placed on the bicep of the non-domi...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #7, which is to pray to Hashem every day. The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) explains that prayer, or tefila , is the service of the heart. The Rambam explains that there are three components, or building blocks, to prayer: 1) Praises 2) Requests 3) Thanks Indeed, this is how the main prayer, or tefila , is structured.  When praying, one should clear his or her...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #6, which is to emulate Hashem's ways, or to walk in the ways of Hashem.  How do we know what the attributes of God are? There are two groups: The Torah explicitly states several of God's attributes: "Hashem is merciful" - this is referring to Hashem giving us the opportunity to repent and improve our actions, and ultimately forgiving...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #5, which is to sanctify Hashem in public.  There are three ways to fulfill this mitzvah of sanctifying Hashem: By acting properly and serving as a good representative of the Torah. When someone is Torah observant , others will view that person as a representative of Hashem's Torah. Thus, when a Torah observant person acts properly, that will in turn...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #4, which is to fear and respect Hashem.  How can one demonstrate his or her fear of God? When one is in a position that he or she can do something wrong and no one will ever know, for example, behind closed doors --   if one refrains from sinning and chooses to act properly, that is a way of expressing fear & respect of God. The two additional ways t...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #3, which is to love Hashem. The two ways to fulfill this mitzvah: Studying Hashem's creations and His Torah brings us to a better understanding Hashem, which leads us to love Him Talking to others about Hashem's creations and His Torah expresses our love for Him Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link) The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today...

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #2, which is the belief that Hashem is one. He is non-physical and is not made up of parts. Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link) The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank...

In this episode, we give a brief intro to the Concise Book of Mitzvot, authored by the Chafetz Chayim. We also learn positive mitzvah #1, which is the belief in Hashem. Podcast Link : https://seferhamitzvot.buzzsprout.com/ Concise Book of Mitzvot (Amazon link) The Commandments Which Can Be Observed Today - English and Hebrew Edition, pocket size, hardcover Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate...