Daily Mitzvah (Rambam)

The 19th mitzvah is that we are commanded to thank G‑d (exalted be He) after each time we eat.1

The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "When you have eaten and are satiated, You shall bless G‑d your L‑rd."

The Tosefta3 says, "Reciting the blessing after eating is a mitzvah of the Torah, as the verse says, 'When you have eaten and are satiated, you shall bless G‑d your L‑rd.' "

The details of this mitzvah are explained in many places in the tractate Berachos.4

Footnotes

1.

This speaks primarily of bread made from the five grains. After eating other types of food, one is required to recite a blessing by Rabbinic ordinance.

2.

Deut. 8:10.

3.

Berachos, beginning of Chapter 6.

4.

The Rambam usually explains whether or not a particular mitzvah is obligatory on women. However, in Hilchos Berachos, Chapter 5, Halacha 1, he rules that it is halachically doubtful whether they are obligated by Torah or Rabbinic law.

The 215th mitzvah is that we are commanded to perform circumcision.

The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He) to Avraham, "You must circumcise every male."

The Torah clearly states that the punishment for one who does not fulfill this mitzvah is kares.2 The source for this is G‑d's statement3 (exalted be He), "The uncircumcised male whose foreskin has not been circumcised, shall be punished by kares."

The details of this mitzvah are explained in the 19th chapter of Shabbos4 and the 4th chapter of Yevamos.5

A woman is not obligated regarding her son's circumcision as a father is so obligated, as explained in Kiddushin.6

Footnotes

1.

Gen. 17:10.

2.

This applies only when the individual's father has not circum­cised him, and his entire life has passed without him circum­cising himself.

See Principle 14, where the Rambam defines kares as losing one's portion in the World to Come (unless the person does teshuvah before death). See also Hilchos Teshuvah, Chapter 8, Halachah 1.

3.

Gen. 17:14.

4.

130a.

5.

47b.

6.

29a.