Daily Rambam · Beginner – Jewish Basics · Bite-Sized
Mishneh Torah, Tefillin, Mezuzah and the Torah Scroll 7
Hook
Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to personally connect with the ancient tradition of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai? It turns out, there is a physical mitzvah—a commandment—that bridges that gap.
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Context
- Source: Mishneh Torah, Laws of Tefillin, Mezuzah, and the Torah Scroll, Chapter 7.
- Who: Traditionally, this obligation applies to every Jewish man.
- When: Any time (it is not linked to a specific time of year).
- Key Term: Mitzvah – A commandment or a sacred deed performed to connect with God.
Text Snapshot
"It is a positive commandment for each and every Jewish man to write a Torah scroll for himself... If a person writes the scroll by hand, it is considered as if he received it on Mount Sinai." (Mishneh Torah 7:1)
Close Reading
1. The Power of Personal Creation
The text teaches that even if you inherit a beautiful, ancient Torah scroll, you are still encouraged to write one of your own. Why? Because the goal isn't just to possess the text, but to engage with it. Creating it yourself ensures the wisdom becomes yours, not just a hand-me-down.
2. Effort Equals Experience
The Rambam (Maimonides) suggests that the labor of writing a scroll is a spiritual time-traveler. By putting in the effort to write the letters, you aren't just doing chores; you are effectively standing at the foot of Mount Sinai, receiving the Torah fresh for the first time.
Apply It
You don’t need to be a professional scribe to fulfill the spirit of this law today. For the next week, spend 60 seconds each day copying just one verse of the Torah by hand into a notebook. Focus on the shape of the letters. It’s a simple way to slow down and internalize the text.
Chevruta Mini
- If you wrote your own Torah, which verse would you want to focus on the most?
- Why do you think the text says we should write a new one even if we already own one from our ancestors?
Takeaway
By putting in the effort to engage personally with the Torah, we transform an ancient heirloom into a living, breathing part of our own lives.
Explore the full text here: Sefaria: Mishneh Torah, Tefillin, Mezuzah and the Torah Scroll 7
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