Mitzvah #8

Not to destroy objects Associated with the Name of G‑d

(Deuteronomy 12:4)

Category:

 Negative

Definition:

Not to destroy any holy objects upon which the Name of G‑d rests.

Reason:

When a Jew approaches holy items with awe and respect it brings them to fear G‑d.

Who/When/Where?

·         Must be kept by men and women

·         At all times and under any circumstance

·         At every moment of the day and night. 

How would I transgress it?

û  Causing damage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple is no longer standing and this would now apply to the Western Wall (Kotel) and any other objects from the Temple that still exist.

û  Erasing the Name of G‑d.

û  Destroying or causing damage to holy books.

A step beyond…

To treat holy objects with great respect and love. This is why it is customary to kiss the prayer book or book of Torah after use, before putting it back on the shelf.

Details:

û  There are seven Names of G‑d which cannot be erased. Other names are just titles and may be erased if one needs to.

û  Holy books like a Torah may not be destroyed. If they are old and worn out they must be buried.

û  One may not destroy a stone from the Temple, even partially, if it is done in a destructive manner (as opposed to doing it for the purpose of repairs.)

Consequences:

Malkut (Lashings. As will be explained in a future mitzvah)

Chassidic Perspective:

On a deeper level this Mitzvah means- do not transgress the Mitzvot causing the Holy Temple to be destroyed. Although the Temple has already been destroyed it is nevertheless in our hands, at every moment, to cause it to be rebuilt through rectifying the cause of the Destruction- transgression of the Mitzvot.

We can ensure this by providing a proper upbringing for our children. One that teaches them how to live as a proper Jew should. Through training them from birth to learn Torah and keep the Mitzvot.

(Sichas Shabbos Parshas Re’ei 5736)