121

To afflict and cry out before G‑d in times of catastrophe

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Tefillah – תְּפִלָּה

Cry out to Hashem and engage in fasting and prayer during times of calamity.

This mitzvah commands the Jewish people to respond to national crises — such as famine, war, or plague — by crying out to Hashem with prayer and affliction (fasting). Rather than attributing misfortune to chance, the Torah directs us to turn to Hashem, acknowledging that hardships come as a call for repentance. Public prayer and shofar blasts serve as a communal awakening, reminding Israel to seek Divine mercy and correction.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ta’aniyot 1:1–3): Teaches that failing to call out to Hashem in times of trouble, and instead treating events as natural, is cruelty and a cause for further suffering.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 380): The root is to instill faith that all events come from Hashem’s providence, prompting us to repent and correct our deeds.
  • Talmud (Ta’anit 2b): Establishes the practice of fasting, prayer, and shofar blasts in times of crisis, ensuring Israel unites in seeking mercy.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וְכִֽי־תָבֹ֨אוּ מִלְחָמָ֜ה בְּאַרְצְכֶ֗ם עַל־הַצַּר֙ הַצֹּרֵ֣ר אֶתְכֶ֔ם וַהֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם בַּחֲצֹצְרֹ֑ת וְנִזְכַּרְתֶּ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וְנוֹשַׁעְתֶּ֖ם מֵאֹיְבֵיכֶֽם׃ - פָּרָשַׁת בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ
Numbers 10:9 - "And if you go to war in your land against an adversary that oppresses you, you shall blow a teruah with the trumpets and be remembered before the Lord your God, and thus be saved from your enemies."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Tefillah - תְּפִלָּה

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Focuses on the daily act of prayer and connection to Hashem through words, kavana, and structure.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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