TalmuDigest

For the week ending 23 April 2011 / 18 Nisan 5771

Menachot 44 - 50

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library
  • The chalazon which is the source of techelet
  • How tzitzit saved a Jew from sinning and led to the conversion of an infamous woman
  • A borrowed tallit and a rented home
  • The meal offerings and wine libations on the altar
  • The sacrifices offered for the inauguration of the Second Beit Hamikdash
  • The relationship between the animal and bread sacrifices on Shavuot
  • Are kohanim also obligated to contribute a half-shekel each year for purchase of sacrifice
  • The relationship between the todah sacrifice and the accompanying loaves
  • Learning the rules regarding one type of sacrifice from the rules regarding another type
  • The relationship between the daily sacrifice and the additional ones
  • The special daily mincha offering of the kohen gadol

Mezuzah and Eretz Yisrael

  • Menachot 45a

What difference is there between Eretz Yisrael and the Diaspora regarding the mitzvah of mezuzah?

Since this is not a mitzvah related to agriculture, it is obvious that it applies wherever a Jew resides. Nevertheless there is a difference in regard to when this mitzvah must be performed by one who rents a home.

Outside of Eretz Yisrael the renter is not obligated to place a mezuzah on his doorway until he has established a degree of permanence by living there for thirty days. In Eretz Yisrael, however, it is the obligation of the renter to fulfill this mitzvah immediately upon entry.

The reason given by the gemara is that this will facilitate "yishuv Eretz Yisrael" – the settling of the Holy Land by Jews.

How this will achieve that lofty goal is thus explained by Rashi:

Since it is improper for a Jew to remove a mezuzah when he leaves his home (Baba Metzia 102a), the renter will be reluctant to move out and incur the need to acquire another mezuzah. Even if he nevertheless moves, that home will soon attract another Jewish renter because it already has a mezuzah. In this manner Eretz Yisrael will be quickly settled by Jews.

What the Sages Say

"One who fulfills the mitzvah of tefillin will be rewarded with a long life."

  • Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish - Menachot 44a

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to TalmuDigest

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.