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Kenneth Cohen

Two Special Positive Commandments

There are only two positive commandments in the Torah, where there is a punishment for its non observance. They are both mentioned in Parshat Bo.

They both carry the very same penalty of “Karet,” being cut off from the Jewish people. They are the non observance of circumcision and the non offering of the Pesach sacrifice, during the time of the Temple. There is no punishment for not fulfilling any of the other 246 positive commandments of the Torah.

The entire penal system of the Torah involves the other 365 negative commandments.

It appears that the Mitzva of Brit Milah and Korban Pesach have a main point in common. They are very foundational to the basics of Judaism. Circumcision for a Jewish baby boy is pretty much observed by all Jews of all backgrounds. Every Jewish parent recognizes the need for their baby boy to enter the covenant of Avraham Avinu. He wants to be counted as part of Am Yisrael. Therefore, one who refuses to take part in circumcision is cut off from the Jewish people.

The situation regarding the Korban Pesach was to be observed by all of the Jewish people. It involved making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This included the women, as they were also obligated to eat from the flesh of this sacrifice.

The conscious unwillingness to be part of this Mitzva, was also an indication that it was not important to be counted as part of the Jewish people. This also explains why Korban Pesach is so important.

We must be constantly reminded how fortunate we are to be part of the Jewish people. Separating from the Jewish people is looked at very seriously. We are supposed to give thanks constantly that we are Jews. Am Yisrael Chai!

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com