*Laws # 176-203 ~ BOOK FIVE: THE BOOK OF HOLINESS (Laws of Forbidden Foods)

Law #176 To examine the signs of animals to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher

Lev. 11:2 “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.”

The command is to be mindful of the foods we eat and to make sure they are the foods ordained by the Most High to consume.

Law #177 To examine the signs of the fowl to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher

Deut. 14:11 “Of all clean birds ye shall eat….” (Lev. 11:13)

Law #178 To examine the signs of the fish to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher

Lev. 11:9 “These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters…”

Law #179 To examine the signs of the locust to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher

Lev. 11:21 “Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing…”
According to Maimonides, all three scriptures command us to examine fowl (177), fish (178) and locusts (179) to determine if they are kosher or non-kosher.

Law #180 Not to eat non-kosher animals

Lev. 11:4 “Nevertheless, these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or divide the hoof…”

Do not eat non-kosher animals or “beasts.”  Verses 4-7 include the following beasts:  Camel, coney, hare (and rabbit), swine.  Although there are differences between the hare and the rabbit, they are apart of the same Leporidae family and significantly similar animals.

Law #181 Not to eat non-kosher fowl

Lev. 11:13 “And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination…”

Verses 13-20 include the following birds: Eagle, ossifrage, ospray, vulture, raven, owl, hawk, cuckow, cormorant, swan, pelican, stork, heron, lapwing, bat and fowls that creep on all fours.

Law #182 Not to eat non-kosher fish

Lev. 11:9-11 “They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination”

This command is more specifically found in vs. 9.  The scriptural reference for this Law should be changed.  Verse 9 reads, “These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.”  All other animals of the see are forbidden, including shell fish.

Law #183 Not to eat non-kosher flying insects

Deut. 14:19 “And every creeping thing that flies is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.”

This Law is regarding flying insects.  You can also read Lev. 11:21, where we see that indeed some flying creeping things are considered clean.  It reads, “Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goes upon all fours, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth.”  Verse 22 goes on to list the following flying insects:  Locust, beetle and grasshopper.  These are the only kosher insects that can be eaten.  According to verse 23, “all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.” 

Law #184 Not to eat non-kosher creatures that crawl on land

Lev. 11:41 “And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.”

Verse 29 is a better reference for the command regarding creeping things.  It lists the following animals:  Weasel, mouse, tortoise (turtle), ferret, chameleon (type of lizard), lizard, snail and the mole.

**Law #185 Not to eat non-kosher maggots

Lev. 11:44 “…neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

Per Maimonides, the command here is not to eat non-kosher maggots.  Creeping animals were addressed in Law #184.  Although the bible doesn’t specifically list maggots, it is safe to assume it is one of the creeping animals the command pertains to.  There are potentially hundreds of animals that creep that the bible doesn’t list but are included in the forbidden foods list.  This Law should be changed to “Not to eat any manner of creeping thing.”

*Law #186 Not to eat worms found in fruit on the ground.”

Lev. 11:42 “Whatsoever go upon the belly, and whatsoever goes on all four or has more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination

Per Maimonides, the Command is purposed to include the worm with Law #185.  However, #185 includes all animals that creep the earth; crawl on their belly.  This Law did not need to be created, as Law #185 covers all belly-commuting animals.

**Law #187 Not to eat creatures that live in water other than fish

Lev. 11:43 “Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.

Per Maimonide’s, there’s a command here not to eat creatures that live in water other than fish.  However, the actual scriptural reference for this command is found in Lev. 11:12 “Whatsoever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.”   Its scriptural reference must be changed.

Law #188 Not to eat the meat of an animal that died without ritual slaughter

Deut. 14:21 “Ye shall not eat of anything that died of itself: thou shalt give it to the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou may sell it unto an alien: for thou art a holy people unto the Most High…”

The command here is not to eat meat of an animal that died without ritual slaughter.  It is not kosher. 

Law #189 Not to benefit from an ox condemned to be stoned

Ex. 21:28 “If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.”
We are commanded not to eat the meat of an ox that was stoned to death.

Law #190 Not to eat meat of an animal that was mortally wounded.

Ex. 21:30 “Likewise shalt though do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me. 

The command is more specifically found in vs. 31 “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.”

We are commanded not to eat the meat of an animal that has been wounded by other animals.  While there is a specific law regarding eating oxen that has been stoned as punishment for hurting a person.  This command is regarding any animal that has been killed by another animal.

*Law #191 Not to eat a limb torn off a living creature

Deut. 12:23 “Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.”

Per Maimonides, the command here is not to eat a limb torn off a living creature.  That is not correct, the command is not to eat the blood of an animal with the meat of an animal.  The Law re: limbs has to be omitted because it’s scriptural reference does not address limbs.

Law #192 Not to eat blood
Lev. 3:17 “It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.”

Law #193 Not to eat certain fats of clean animals

Lev. 3:17 “It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.”

Law #194 Not to eat the sinew of the thigh

Gen. 32:32 “Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.”

The Israelite nation is commanded not to eat the sinew of the hip of any animal because this is where Jacob’s thigh was touched; in the sinew of the hip. The definition of sinew is tendon, which is a fibrous tissue that joins muscles and bones together. This portion of meat must be removed during preparation. The scripture says after Jacob wrestled all night with an angel, the angel touched the hollow of his thigh and disjointed it, leaving Jacob with a limp. The importance of this event is that Jacob persistently wrestled with him until the angel blessed him. He prevailed and the angel changed his name from Jacob to “Israel” in vs. 28. Jacob named that place Peniel. The Nation til this day, carries the title “Israelites” as a reflection of Jacob’s name changing.

**Law #195 Not to eat meat and milk cooked together
Ex. 23:19“…Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.”

**Law #196 Not to cook meat and milk together

Ex. 34:26 “…Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.”

Both of these Laws fail to reflect the scripture they are based on.  The Laws according to Judaism is not to cook meat and milk together or eat meat that has been cooked that way.  The scripture specifically says not to cook an animal in its own mother’s milk or eat meat cooked that way.  If an animal is cooked in the milk of animal that is not his mother, it is okay. 

Compassion is the purpose of these two commands.  The purpose of a mother’s milk is to nourish the kid or the young animal.  Boiling that kid in its own mother’s milk was not kosher.  It has also been speculated to be a pagan practice in hopes for rain.

Also see regarding compassion:

Lev. 22:27 animal must be with mother at least 7 days prior to slaughter

Lev. 22:28 not to slaughter both a mother and kid animal on the same day. 

***Law #197 Not to eat bread from new grain before the Omer

Lev. 23:14 “And ye shall eat neither bread…

***Law #198 Not to eat parched grains from new grain before the Omer

Lev. 23:14 “…nor parched corn…”

***Law #199 Not to eat ripened grains from new gain before the Omer

Lev. 23:14 “…nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”

The three Commandments are not to eat bread, parched grains or ripened grains from new grain before the very first harvested barley, which is the Omer.  The Omer or sheaf was to be taken to the Temple as the first fruits offering. 

Lev. 23:5-1 says, “…when you have come into the land which I give you and shall reap its harvest, then you shall bring the sheaf…” 

Being that there is no Temple or harvest, this Law can no longer be kept.   The point of these 3 Laws were to honor the first fruits by not eating them.  However, there is no Omer to honor him with if there is no harvest. 

Law #200 Not to eat fruit to a tree during its first three years

Lev. 19:23 “And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.”

We are commanded not to eat the newly produced fruit of a tree in its first three years.  In the 4^th year the fruit is to be offered to the Most High as first fruits offerings and in the 5^th year, the fruit can be eaten.  This Law in its context was regarding the Israelites establishing new produce in the land of Canaan upon their arrival. 

The Israelites were on their way to the land of Canaan.  Once there they would plant trees for fruit produce such as figs, grapes and olives.  For the first 3 years, they were commanded not to eat the fruit from these trees because it was considered uncircumcised or unclean.  They would not allow the fruit to ripen but removed it and threw it away.  Today, gardeners has also adopted this practice.  It’s been found that doing this actually causes the tree to grow stronger and bear more fruit the following year.  It has also been confirmed in studies that fruit produced in the first 3 years is not as nutritious.  According to scripture, in the 4^th year, all the fruit (considered the first fruits) were to be offered to the Most High (see verse 24). In the 5^th year, the fruit was ready for consumption (verse 25).  However, trees that were already planted which once belonged to the Canaanites were free from the Law.  This Law only pertained to newly planted trees.  They were also free to utilize what was planted for timber.

Law #201 Not to eat diverse seeds planted in a vineyard

Deut. 22:9 “Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with diverse seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard be defiled.” 

We are commanded not to sow different seeds together, as it becomes defiled.  If the produce from that seed be defiled, this means we are also commanded not to eat foods produced from hybrid manipulation.

Diversity was an issue for the Most High.  Not necessarily for discriminative purposes, but for clarity and order. How can one thing be truly defined less it stand alone?  Seeds planted together were considered an improper mixing of dissimilar things.  This was done to preserve order and distinction.  Today, we see food is genetically modified, producing hybrid versions of original foods. 

Hybrid; the offspring of two animals or plants of different breeds, varieties, species, or genera, especially as produced through human manipulation for specific genetic characteristics. (dictionary.reference.com)

It is of great debate rather or not such food production is wise or harmful to the body.  The wisdom of the scriptures suggest we avoid foods that have been mixed in production, as they become “defiled” or unclean.  

Law #202 Lev. 22:15 “And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which offer unto the Most High.”

The command was for the Priests to not allow strangers to eat of sacred things or else that which was sacred became profaned and common.  The word stranger in this context meant anyone who was not a Priest. (see Lev 22:10)  They were reminded that they too can become defiled just as any other member of the Nation.  Purity was mandatory for those heading the sacrifices.  If a Priest approached unclean, he was cut off from the Most High’s presence (Lev. 22:3). 

In today’s context, we must remember the purity of the Most High’s holiness should be just as protected as the holiness of the Priests.  To this day it is the responsibility of the Nation to defend the holiness of the Most High and let no man defile it.  We are as Priests in a world that seeks to incorporate pagan practices in the worship of the Most High.  We must reiterate that which is not acceptable so that the righteousness of the Most High remains sanctified and undefiled by pagan practices.

Law #203 Deut. 32:38 “…which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings?...”

We are commanded not to partake of offerings made to false gods.

In this Law’s context, we see the Most High points to a corrupt, perverse and crooked generation (vs. 5), who sacrificed to devils and not to the Most High (vs. 17).  Verse 16 says they provoked the Most High to jealousy with strange gods.  Verse 28 says they are a nation void of counsel and void of understanding.  They consumed the offerings put up towards false gods.  We are commanded not to do so.

In today’s context any ritualistic practice that originates in the worship of a false god is to also be avoided.  In partaking in that practice, it is as if we are worshiping that god as well.

*Laws # 139-175 ~ BOOK FIVE: THE BOOK OF HOLINESS (Laws of Forbidden Relations)

Law #139-154 Lev. 18:7-18 List a series of unacceptable sexual relations we ought not have.  These forbidden relationships include having relations with your mother, mother in law, sister, sister in law, grandchild, daughter, daughter in law, aunt, uncle, and your uncle’s wife.

Law #155 & 156 Lev. 18:23 “Neither shall thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thererto: it is confusion.”

Bestiality (sexual relations with an animal) was practiced among the Hittites, Babylonians, Egyptians, and Canaanites.  The Israelites were commanded not to partake in such relations; it is defiling and the penalty was death.  Law #155 refers to woman, #156 refers to men (Ex. 22:19, Lev. 20:15-16)

Law #157 Lev. 18:22 “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination.”

This Law forbids homosexuality; sexual relations between same sex partners. Law #157 refers to homosexuals in general.  Law #158 refers to your father (Lev. 18:7).  Law #159 refers to your uncle (Lev. 18:14)  

Law #160 Lev. 18:20 “…Thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her.”

The command here is not to commit adultery.

Law #161 Lev. 18:19 “Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.”

The command here is not to have sexual relations with a woman who is menstruating.

Law #162 Not to marry non-Jews
Law #163 Not to let Moabite and Ammonite males marry into the Israelite people
Law #164 Don't keep a third generation Egyptian convert from marrying into the Israelite people
Law #165 Not to refrain from marrying a third generation Edomite convert

(Deut. 7:3, Deut. 23:4, Deut. 23:8) It is okay to marry a non-Israelite woman as long as she has truly converted to the Mosaic belief system of the Israelite nation.  The bible only prohibited interracial marriage because Israelites were marrying pagan women.  It had nothing to do with the nationality of the women, but their pagan belief system.  I have 3 points of reference:

1.      Ex. 12:48, says when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover, let his males be circumcised (be converted) and he will be as a native in the land.  This means that any stranger or foreigner can walk with Israel (even in marriage) but they must truly convert to do so.

2.       If you read Ezra 10, you’ll see that Ezra was very strict about marriage.  He forced 113 Israelite males to divorce their pagan wives (17 Priests, 10 Levites, and 86 men).  Not because they were foreign women but because they were pagan women.

3.      Ex. 34:12-13, 15-16, says not to make a covenant (including marriage) with the inhabitants of the land they were entering into because they could turn the Israelites away from their God.  They were ordered not to make a covenant with them, not because they were foreigners but because they served a different God.  It wasn’t about nationality, it was about religious belief.

Again, Deut. 23:8 allows interracial marriage to one who is a true follower; one who is truly converted and walks in the ways of the Israelite nation (follows the Laws, keeps the Sabbath, keeps the Feasts, etc.).  Also, Moses says in Law #164 Deut. 23:7 Not to turn away an Edomite convert, for he is your brother or an Egyptian stranger, when they are 3^rd generation.  The Great Grand generation is likely not to harbor the anger of the present generation.  Basically, let the bitterness of their families pass then their children’s children may enter into the congregation if they choose.

Law #166 Not to let a mamzer marry into the Israelite people

Deut. 23:2 “A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Most High; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Most High.” 

Mamzer; a bastard child or child conceived by way of a forbidden relationship

The Law is regarding converts.  A child conceived out of wedlock or through a forbidden relation was excluded from entering into the congregation of the Israelites. 

*Law #167 Not to let a eunuch marry into the Israelite people

Deut. 23:2 “A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Most High; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Most High.”  

According to Maimonide’s List, there is also a Law found in Deut. 23:2 that relates to males who have been castrated (Eunuch’s) being unable to enter into the congregation.  This is not what the scriptures say.  However, this was traditionally accepted. This command should be omitted.

Law #168 Not to castrate any male (including animals)

Lev. 22:24 “Ye shall not offer unto the Most High that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.”

This Law is based on the instructions that no man/animal should be with blemish when they approach to make an offering or be an offering.  (Lev. 21:17-21)

**Law #169 The High Priest must not marry a widow

Lev. 21:14 “A widow, divorced woman, or profane, or a harlot, these shall he (a Priest) not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.”

According to Maimonide’s List, the command here is that a High Priest must not marry a widow.  Actually, the scripture also refers to divorced women and profane women.  This is a Law that must be expanded upon to fit the scripture.  The actual command is that a High Priest must marry a virgin, a woman not previously married and who is not profane.

Law #170 The High Priest must not have relations with a widow even outside of marriage

Lev. 21:15 “Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the Most High do sanctify him.”

To profane seed refers to having sexual relations to one you are not married to. 

Law #171 The High Priest must marry a virgin maiden

Lev. 21:13 “And he (a Priest) shall take a wife in her virginity.”

Law #169 says who a Priest should not marry (negative command).  This Law says who he is to marry (positive command), which is a virgin. 

Law #172 A Kohen must not marry a divorcee

Lev. 21:7 “They (a Priest) shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto the Most High.”

Law #173 A Kohen must not marry a zonah (a woman who’s had forbidden relations)

Lev. 21:7 “They (a Priest) shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto the Most High.”

Law #174 A priest must not marry a chalalah (party to or product of #169-172)

Lev. 21:7 “They (a Priest) shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto the Most High.”

Law #175 Not to make pleasurable contact with any forbidden woman

Lev. 18:6 “None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Most High.”

This Law is dealing with what happens prior to forbidden relations…advances, flirtation, all which leads to the forbidden relations. 

*Laws # 136-138 ~ BOOK FOUR: THE BOOK OF WOMEN (Laws of Suspect Wife)

Laws #136-138  To fulfill the laws of the Sotah...Not to put oil on her meal offering...Not to put frankincense on her meal offering

Num. 5:30 "Or when the spirit of jealousy comes upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law."

Law #136 The Command here is to follow through with the Laws of a Suspect wife (Sotah) if a woman be found to have possibly cheated on her husband.  This process can be found in Num. 5:11-31.  An adulterous wife polluted the nation of Israel, making them all unclean.  If a man has a "spirit of jealousy" or a suspicion that his wife has cheated, she is brought before the priests who set her before the Most High along with her meal offering.  Laws #137 & 138 say no oil/frankincense was to be poured on her meal, which was symbolic of drawing the Most High's attention to her potential guilt.  Holy water was given to her and expected to cause a curse within her body and make her barren, if she truly cheated.  It was expected to have no effect if she was innocent (vs. 27-28). The Bible calls this water "bitter," in reference to its potential effect of making her sterile if she had sinned. (see Gen. 20:17 Abimelech's wives become sterile as a result of his intention to commit adultery with Sarah.  see Lev. 20:20-21 Incestuous relationships lead to woman becoming Sterile).

*Laws # 131-135 ~ BOOK FOUR: THE BOOK OF WOMEN (Laws of Women)

Law #131 The court must fine one who seduces a maiden

Ex. 22:16-17 “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.  If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.”

The Law here is for a man to pay a fine for seducing a maiden, which is a word used to describe a young girl, unmarried girl or most likely a virgin.  In the biblical days, the Israelites were held accountable, even for such an action as seduction.  

Law #132 & 133 The rapist must marry the maiden (if she chooses)...He is not allowed to divorce her

Deut. 22:28-29 “If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel’s father 50 shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he has humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.”

When we look in vs. 25 we see that if the woman is betrothed, the man who forced himself onto her is to be put to death.  This Law must be taken into consideration as well.

Again, every action is to be held accountable.  This scripture refers to the act of rape against a woman. The first Law is that the violator is to pay a fine to the woman’s father.  The second Law is that the woman is to be his wife for life (if she chooses), divorce is not permitted.

Six laws of chastity (moral sexual behavior) are given as basic to family integrity.  Violations were punishable by stoning the violators to death.  “Tokens” of the damsel’s virginity refer to proof that she was indeed a virgin at the time.  Without this proof she could be deemed “a whore” which was punishable by death for both partners. 

Law #134 & 135 The slanderer must remain married to his wife...He must not divorce her

Deut. 22:19 “…[The Elders obtain from the violator] a hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.”

The Law here is regarding a man who lies with a woman and later speaks against her, claiming she was not a virgin.  If it is proven she was a virgin, he is to pay a fine for slandering her name (Law #134) and be married to her all his days, for lying about her purity (Law #135).

*Laws # 128-130 ~ BOOK FOUR: THE BOOK OF WOMEN (Laws of Yivum and Chalitzah-Brother-in-Law "Levirate" Marriage)

Law #128 To do yibum (marry childless brother's widow)

Deut. 25:5 "If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother unto her."

According to the Law, if a man dies, and his brother resides with him, it is his brother's responsibility to marry his wife if she is without child and take on the duties of his dead brother.  The first born son takes on the name of the dead brother, and is the continuation of the dead brother’s lineage.  The purpose of this Law is to preserve the name of the deceased man, to keep inheritance distinct and keep the family name and property. 

Law #129 To do chalitzah (freeing a widow from yibum)

Deut. 25:9 “ Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother’s house.”

An alternative to yibum, this Law tells of what happens when the man refuses to marry his deceased brother’s wife who is without child.  He is shamed before his brethren with the act of her spitting on him.

Law #130 The widow must not remarry until the ties with her brother in law are removed

Deut. 25:5 "If brethren dwell together and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother unto her."

The command is for the widow not to remarry until the ties with her brother-in-law are removed.  This is according to the standard already set forth in Law #126 regarding divorce.  Before that widow moves on to marry another, all ties to her brother-in-law must be resolved. 

*Laws # 126-127 ~ BOOK FOUR: THE BOOK OF WOMEN (Laws of Divorce)

Law #126 Deut. 24:1 “When a man [marries a woman but later finds her to be unclean and divorces her], let him write her a bill of divorcement, give it to her and send her out of his house.”

A man choosing to leave his wife due to “lewdness/uncleanness” is also permitted.  But the divorce must be documented as proof that they are no longer married and the laws of adultery no longer apply to her so she is free to remarry. References to “unclean” can be found in Deut. 23, which addresses harlotry among the daughters of Israel; adultery or sleeping with someone before marriage and not informing your mate.

Law #127 Deut. 24:4 “[After a divorced woman remarries another]…Her former husband may NOT take her back and remarry her; that is an abomination…”

This Law is not saying it is sinful to remarry a woman you were divorced from.  It is saying you may not remarry that woman while she’s married to her new husband. This is an abomination; for a woman to have more than one husband.

*Laws # 122-125 ~ BOOK FOUR: THE BOOK OF WOMEN (Laws of Marriage)

**Law #122 To marry a wife by means of Ketubah and Kiddusin

Deut. 22:13-21 [If a husband suspects his wife not to be the virgin she claimed she was after marrying her, and her parents are unable to prove that she was indeed a virgin, she was to be executed.]

Ketubah is a prenuptial agreement protecting the wife.  In it the husband vows to provide her with clothes, food, conjugal relations, and in case of a divorce, a cash amount.  Kiddushin is the dedication part of a wedding ceremony that renders the couple husband and wife.  However, neither are commanded in the Torah.  Deut. 22:13 addresses a woman who is not a virgin upon marriage.  It says nothing about a woman’s rights in a marriage.

The true command should be for a woman to be a virgin upon marriage.  At the very least, she should be honest with her husband upon marrying him if she is not a virgin.  The woman is called to be pure for her husband.  She’s made to be single minded, trustworthy, faithful and true to her husband.  Yes, there is a Law against being a whore; a woman who’s slept with many men and pretends to be a virgin.  This Law is found in Deut. 22:13-23:2.

Today’s cultures teach women to be hyper sexual and promiscuous, but as Israelite women we are called to be sanctified from that image, which devalues our honor and self-worth.  The marriage ordained by the Most High does not stand on those values but reflects His character of righteousness.  The world teaches that we must “practice” sex before marriage.  However, the sexuality taught in the world is of no good use in a marriage ordained by the Most High.  The world does not know the will of the Most High for your marriage and cannot teach you how to prepare for it.  Thus the reason, we should seek to save ourselves for the one set aside for us in marriage.   

Law #123 Not to have relations with women not thus married

Deut. 23:18 “Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore ($ received by a woman prostituting herself) or the price of a dog ($ received by a man prostituting himself) into the house of the Most High for any vow: for even both these are an abomination unto the Most High.”

The Law addresses prostitution among the Israelites. Deut. 23:17 says, “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.” The Bible calls them “cult prostitutes.” These Israelite prostitutes would then take the money they earned and pay tithes with it. It was considered dirty money. Money obtained by way of an abomination could not be brought into the House of the Most High. No amount of money supersedes the Most High's integrity.

Law #124 Not to withhold food, clothing, and relations from your wife

Ex. 21:10 “If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.”

This Law is a provision for the wife in a plural marriage.  The circumstances upon which this Law was given is a man being married to multiple wives.  However, the command found here is for a husband not to neglect his previous wife for a wife he adds on.  He is not to cut in half or stop his provision and the duty of marriage to his previous wife.

*Law #125 To have children with one's wife

Gen. 1:28 “And the Most High blessed them, and said ‘Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and do have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

According to Judaism, the Israelites were given a command in Gen. 1:28 to “be fruitful and multiply.”  However, this command was not given to the Israelites but to Adam and Eve regarding reproduction and the hierarchy of creation.  Per Judaism, the command here is to “have children with your wife.”  However, this Law should not be included as part of the Laws of Moses because it was not given to Moses on Mt. Sinai as specific instructions for the Israelites to follow in the wilderness and in the land promised to them.  While it can be called a general command given to mankind, it was not a specific command given to the Israelite nation. 

*Law # 121 ~ BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS

**Law #121 To afflict and cry out before the Most High in times of catastrophe

Num. 10:9 “And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, than ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Most High and ye shall be saved from your enemies.”

Per Judaism, the command here is to “afflict/fast and cry out before God in times of catastrophe.”

That is not the command. This command is not about afflicting or fasting but about sounding the trumpet in war. The sounding of the shofar was a form of crying out to the Most High and He promised to deliver. The Israelites were faced with much opposition in their land and this command spoke to those circumstances. However, the Most High is not telling them to afflict themselves or fast (as Judaism teaches) but specifically to blow the shofar.

Remember, blowing the shofar served many purposes; for celebration (Lev. 23:24, Sam. 6:15), to honor the presence of the Most High (Ex. 19:16), for triumph (Josh. 6:5), for assembly (Neh. 4:20), for praise and worship (Ps. 150:3), in war (Jer. 4:19, Ezek. 33:5), and for organization (Num. 10:5-6).

The true Command is to Blow an alarm with trumpets in war.  

*Law # 120 ~ BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS (Law of the Sanctification Month)

**Law #120 Courts must calculate to determine when a new month begins

Ex. 12:2 “This month (Nisan) shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.”

While Judaism claims 1 Tishri (September) to be the start of the New Year, the Most High has commanded 1 Nissan (April) to be the beginning of all months.  Nisan is the month the Israelites were redeemed from Egyptian bondage and the month the Passover was instituted, thus making it the official start of the New Year, according to the Most High’s command.  This Law too should be changed.  Reason being, Judaism claims Ex. 12:2 is commanded the courts to calculate when a new month begins.  However, the command is for Nissan to be the start of months. 

*Law # 119 ~ BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS (Law of Shekalim)

***Law #119 Each man must give a half shekel annually

Ex. 30:13 "This they shall give, every one that passes among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary...14 everyone from 20 years old and above, shall give an offering unto the Most High...15to make an atonement for your souls."

This offering was considered "a ransom for the soul" of the Israelite (vs. 12).  The purpose of this command is for the atonement of the sin.  The money was in turn used for the upkeeping of the Tabernacle.  This law can no longer be kept, as the money was collected by the sons of Aaron.  #1 There is no longer a functioning Priest ordained to collect this.  #2 There is no longer a Temple for the money collected to go towards for upkeep.  #3 The Messiah atoned for the sins of the Israelites through his sacrifice of life. There is no longer a need for the "ransom of a soul."

*Laws # 116-118 ~ BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS (Laws of Shofar, Sukkah and Lulav)

Law #116 To hear the Shofar on the first day of Tishrei (Rosh Hashana/Feast of Trumpets)

Num. 29:1 “And in the 7^th month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.”

The Feast of Trumpets is commanded here, what Judaist call “Rosh Hashana.”  The bible says it is a day of blowing the trumpets, in which we are to gather together and do no servile work.  The command is also found in Lev. 23:24-25.  Remember the mercy of the Most High, which has sustained you all year long and obey His covenant.  On this Feast day we should stop, put aside our relatively unimportant daily affairs, and concentrate not on the physical things that are temporal but on truly eternal things; the Kingdom of Most High.  The shofar wakes up our spirits from slumber and reconnects us to our source and divine mission.  Make this a family day if possible so your children will understand the importance in keeping the commandments.

Law #117 To dwell in a Sukkah for the seven days of Sukkot

Lev. 23:42-43 “You shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths. That your generation may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Most High.”

The command to observe the Feast of Tabernacles is found here.  This Feast day is all about remembering where you’ve come from.  After the Israelites were delivered from Egyptian bondage, they traveled across the wilderness, dwelling in tents for 40 years and worshiping in the Tabernacle, which was also a tent.   To keep this commandment, the Israelites built tents from tree branches and dwelled in them for 7 days.  We see in Neh. 8:14-18 that during these 7 days the Book of the Law was read.

**Law #118 To take up a Lulav and Etrog all seven days

Lev. 23:40-41 “And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Most High seven days.  And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Most High seven days in the year.  It shall be a statute forever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.”

Per Judiasm, the command is to “take up a Lulav (Date Tree) and Etrog (Citron) all seven days.”  However, this is not quite the command.  We’re specifically commanded to take up 4 different materials in praise and worship during the Feast of Tabernacles;

1.       Goodly trees

2.       Palm trees

3.       Thick trees

4.       Willows

Talmudic (Judaic) traditions later determined “Goodly trees” to be Citrons and “Thick trees” to be Myrtle.  These 4 materials were also used to build the booths the Israelites resided in for 7 days.  The command here is to worship the Most High with these four materials present during the 7 days of the Feast of Tabernacles.   We are not limited to only the Etrog and the Lulav, so slight changed needed in this command.  The true Law should be “To take up goodly trees, palm trees, thick trees and willows all seven days.

*Laws # 108-115 ~ BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS (Laws of Chametz and Matzah)

Law #108  Not to eat chametz on the afternoon of the 14^th day of Nissan (Passover)

Deut. 16:3 “Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it (Passover lamb); seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread…”

We are commanded not to eat unleavened bread (chametz) with the Passover lamb with was traditional served on the 14^th and also during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which last for 7 days.  Verse 3 goes on to say, “for thou came out of Egypt in haste: that you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life.”  The Isrealites left Egypt in such a hurry, their bread did not have the chance to rise.  It was unleavened.  Therefore, in remembrance of that experience, we eat unleavened bread for 7 days, in observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

However, the actual command in Deut. 16:3 is not to eat Unleavened bread during the 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened.  This Law needs to be changed to fit the scripture. This is the actual command:

Not to eat chametz seven days during the Feast of Unleavened.

 Law #109 To destroy all chametz on the 14 day of Nissan

Ex. 12:15 “Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses…”

An extension of Law #108, we’re commanded to remove all Chametz/Leavened Bread out of our homes to ensure we do not eat it during the 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Law #110 Not to eat chametz all seven days of Passover/Feast of Unleavened

Ex. 13:3 “And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage: for the strength of the Most High brought you out from this place; there shall no leavened bread be eaten.”

Law #111 Not to eat mixtures containing chametz all seven days of Passover/Feast of Unleavened

Ex. 12:20 “Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.”

Law #112 Not to see chametz in your domain seven days

Ex. 13:7 “Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.”

An extension of Law #108 and 109, not only are we to not eat leavened bread and clean our homes of it.  We are also not to be seen with it at all.

Law #113 Not to find chametz in your domain seven days

Ex. 12:19 “Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eats that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.”

Here we commanded that whoever shall break this Law will be cut off from the community of Israel.  This Law was never meant to be taken lightly, as it is part of an everlasting covenant to remember the Israelite experience coming out of Egypt.

This command is also suggesting we clean thoroughly so that no chametz can be found in our homes.

*Law #114 Ex. 12:18 “In the first month, on the 14^th day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the 21st day of the month at even (evening).”

The scripture does not command us to eat only matzah.  This is a false command that needs to be omitted.  There are plenty other breads to choose from that are classified as matzah, such as tortillas, crepes, Piadina and Roti.

Law #115 To relate the exodus from Egypt on that night

Ex. 13:8 "And thou shalt show thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Most High did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt."

We are commanded to relate the exodus from Egypt on that night so that our children will understand the purpose behind this commandment.

*Laws # 96-107 ~ BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS (Laws of Festival Rest)

*Omitted (should not have been added to the Laws)
**Changed (a misinterpretation of the Law or based on the wrong scripture)
***No Longer Kept (No longer applicable today)

**Law #96 To rest on the first day of Passover

Lev. 23:7 “In the first day (of Passover) ye shall have a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”

Two commands are found in verse 7: to make the Passover a Sabbath day of rest and a day where we assemble together. The Passover is 1 day long and falls on the 14^th of the Hebrew month Nissan, in the Spring around April.  It is usually considered a part of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is the very next day and lasts for 7 days (Lev. 23:6), totaling 8 days for both Feasts. 

Many people fail to understand that the commanded appointed feasts are a part of the Law.  They are the true “holidays” we are to celebrate, as they commemorate the experience of our ancestors and their walk with the Most High.  The appointed Feasts are purposed for us to remember the covenant He established with us and the many times He protected the Israelites throughout our nation’s history.  In choosing to celebrate pagan holidays instead (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.) we are expressing disregard for the Law and the covenant and most importantly disregard for the Most High.

This law has been changed slightly from Maimonide’s list.  Per Judaism, Lev. 23:7 commands us to rest only.  In actuality the scripture commands us to rest and to assemble.

Law #97 Not to do prohibited labor on the first day of Passover

Lev. 23:8 which reads “…in the seventh day is a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”

This Law is very similar to #96, which says To rest on the first day of Passover, which is a positive command, telling you what to do.  This command says not to do prohibited labor, a negative command telling you what not to do.  There is a debated, yet generally accepted list of 39 prohibited labor activities.

Law #98 To rest on the seventh day of Passover/Unleavened

Law #99 Not to do prohibited labor on the seventh day of Passover/Unleavened

Lev. 23:8 “…In the seventh day is a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”

We're commanded to rest on the 7th day of Passover and to avoid doing any prohibited labor (see list of 39 generally accepted prohibited labor activities).

**Law #100 To rest on Shavuot/Feast of Weeks

Lev. 23:21-22 […The Feast of Weeks shall be a holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.  And when you reap the harvest of your land…leave the corners of thy field for the poor and the stranger… ]

On the 6^th day of Sivan (usually May/June), the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Weeks in honor of the beginning of their wheat harvest.   It was a day of thanksgiving for the Most High’s providence.  On this day we are commanded to 1. Assemble, 2. Treat the day as a Sabbath and rest outside of that assembly 3. Share our feast with the poor.  Verse 21 says this festival “shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.”       

Although it is impossible for us to bring the first fruit of our increase to the Temple as our ancestors did, we can honor Him in the same way by keeping with the commanded actions: assembling, resting and sharing our increase with those in need.  Our blessings are not just your own but also for those who the Most High puts in our path to be blessed.  Keep this in mind as you enjoy this commanded Festival.

This law has been changed from Maimonide’s list to reflect the 3 commands it addresses.  Per Judaism, the command here is to rest.  There are actually three commands, to assemble, rest, and share our harvest the poor. 

Law #101 Not to do prohibited labor on Shavuout/Feast of Weeks

Lev. 23:21-22 […The Feast of Weeks shall be a holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.  And when you reap the harvest of your land…leave the corners of thy field for the poor and the stranger… ]

**Law #102 To rest on Rosh Hashana/Feast of Trumpets

Lev. 23:24-25 “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation [Feast of Trumpets].  You shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Most High.”

We are commanded to observe the Feast of Trumpets.  The Feast of Trumpets falls on the first day of the 7^th month (Tishri) of the Most High’s sacred calendar…which is about Sept/Oct.  Specifically, we are commanded to #1 Assemble ourselves #2 Rest outside of that assembly (sanctify the day & keep it holy) & #3 Blow the shofar throughout the day.  This is a day where we remember the mercy of the Most High, which has sustained us all year long and obey His covenant.  The shofar wakes up our spirits from slumber and reconnects us to our source and divine mission.    Make this a family day if possible so your children will understand the importance in keeping the commandments.

Law #103 Not to do prohibited labor on Rosh Hashana/Feast of Trumpets

Lev. 23:25 “You shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Most High.”

The command here is to ensure the Feast of Trumpets is a Sabbath day of rest. 

**Law #104 To rest on Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles

Lev. 23:35 “On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”

This Law refers to the Feast of Tabernacles and we are commanded to observe the day and in doing so to ensure we make it a Sabbath day of rest.  No work is to be done on this day.

Law #105 Not to do prohibited labor on Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles

Lev. 23:35 “On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”

Not only are we commanded to rest, we are encouraged to avoid several activities that are involved in labor.

**Law #106 To rest on Shmini Atzeret/8^th day of Tabernacles

Lev. 23:36 “Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Most High: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Most High: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”

This Law refers to the 8^th after Tabernacles, which the Jewish consider Shmini Atzeret but many just consider it the last day of Sukkot, which is a day of assembly and a day of rest.  We are commanded to rest on this day. This Law needs to be changed to add the command to assemble also.

Law #107 Not to do prohibited labor on Shmini Atzeret/8^th day of Tabernacles

Lev. 23:36 “Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Most High: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Most High: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”