Sefer HaMitzvos

מצות לא תעשה ק״ה, ש״ל–של״ד

Day 87 of 339

Negative Mitzvah 105

We are forbidden to place frankincense on the meal-offering of a Sotah

Numbers 5:15 "Nor shall he put frankincense upon it"

We are commanded not to place frankincense (an herb which enhances the aroma of the sacrifice when it is burnt) on the meal-offering brought by a Sotah.

Introduction to Mitzvot 330-359:

Laws of Forbidden Marriages and Relations

A wedding is a very happy and joyous occasion.

Before singing and dancing with the bride and groom, we gather together for the special ceremony - the "Chuppah".

Have you ever had the chance to get close enough to see what takes place under that velvet canopy where the bride and groom stand?

In that joyful, yet serious ceremony, the groom puts a ring on his bride's finger and says: Harei At Mekudeshet Li Kedat Moshe V'Yisrael."

When the groom says this he is telling his bride that she is now his wife. He uses the word "Mekudeshet" - showing that "Kedushah," holiness, is the most important part of a Jewish marriage.

The following Mitzvot are examples of forbidden marriages that can never be considered holy according to Torah law.

Negative Mitzvah 330

Prohibition against marriage with one's mother

Leviticus 18:7 "She is your mother, do not act immodestly with her"

It is forbidden to take your mother as a wife.

Negative Mitzvah 331

Prohibition against marriage with one's step-mother

Leviticus 18:8 "Do not act immodestly with your father's wife"

It is forbidden to take your step-mother as a wife.

Negative Mitzvah 332

Prohibition against marriage with one's sister

Leviticus 18:9 "Do not act immodestly...with your sister"

It is forbidden to take your sister as a wife.

Negative Mitzvah 333

Prohibition against marriage with one's half-sister

Leviticus 18:11 "She is the daughter of your father and your father's wife...do not act immodestly with her"

It is forbidden to take your half-sister as a wife.

Negative Mitzvah 334

Prohibition against marriage with one's son's daughter

Leviticus 18:10 "Do not act immodestly with your granddaughter"

It is forbidden to take your son's daughter as a wife (Your granddaughter born to your son and his wife).