Chumsah test dtudy

why cant we cut the corners of our head or get a tatto?

You can't do these things because they resemble avodah zarah. These 2 things remind us that we have to treat our bodies with holiness. Even though we might think we can do anything to our own bodies

how do we fear the mikdash according to rashi?

We fear the mikdash by not going in with our daily life stuff you have to act presentable and treat the mikdash with respect, ensuring we maintain a level of holiness appropriate for standing before God.

how do we fear the mikdash accroing to rambam?

We show fear of the Mikadesh by not going in with our regular daily clothes, don’t walk out with your back to it. Walk backwards and sideways for a bit instead. 

What is the connection between fearing the mikdash and kepping shabbt?

Keeping Shabbat is mentioned here again to teach us that even though it’s important to build the Beit Hamikdash, we can’t build it on Shabbat. And it is Hashems home and we have to trach it with respect

Why do we have to fear the mikdash

We have to fear the Mikdash because it is a divine holy place that requires reverence and respect, reflecting our acknowledgment of God's presence and holiness within it.

1. Why does it say אל תבקשו לטמאה בהם - why would somebody seek to be impure with them?

It says אל תבקשו לטמאה בהם because if somebody starts small and just goes to one medium or fortune teller he immediately becomes impure in Hashem’s eyes. 

Why does it say אני ה’ אלוקיכם?

If we seek mediums and fortune tellers it is like we are trying to replace Hashem in our lives and therefore Hashem won’t be with us. 

1. Why two words for old? (זקן ושיבה)

The two terms 'זקן' (zaken) and 'שיבה' (shiva) refer to different aspects of old age; 'זקן' emphasizes the wisdom and status that come with age, while 'שיבה' highlights the physical signs of aging, particularly the greying of hair.

1. How do we fulfill honouring the zaken?

We honor the zaken by showing respect and esteem for their wisdom, seeking their guidance, and giving them prominence in community matters.

What can’t we do (לא תונו)?

When it says לא תונו it’s referring to mistreatment with words. We can’t be constantly reminding the convert of his past life and how he used to do avodah zara all of the time. 

1. Why does Hashem remind us that we were strangers?

A flaw in you, don't point out in someone else

Hashem is teaching us a lesson: If you have some kind of weakness, don’t laugh at somebody else who is at the same disadvantage as you. We should be more sensitive to converts because we were once strangers like them in Egypt.

This serves as a reminder of our shared experiences and the importance of empathy, particularly towards those who have faced similar challenges.

why does it say i am your God again?

Hashem is emphasizing that he is our g-d and the convert’s g-d; he is everybody’s g-d no matter where they came from.

1. Why is the Torah so strict about treating converts well?

1. The convert has no Jewish family and support system in Israel

2. If all of the Jews are especially mean to this convert it may cause him to wanna leave Judaism and go back to his old ways which will make a Chilul Hashem.

1. If the Torah is talking to shopkeepers, why does the pasuk start with the same words as a pasuk about judges in court?

Somebody who is a store owner is also a judge who measures what he sells and judges fairly when he measures. Hashem specifically chose these words to teach us that it doesn’t matter whether you are an actual judge or not.