The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
ב"ה
Daily Mitzvah (Rambam)
Day 270: Negative Commandment 253
From the Sichos in English Collection
Important Message Regarding This Lesson
Negative Commandment 253 (Digest)
Cheating a Convert
"Do not distress him"—Exodus 22:20.
It is forbidden to cheat a convert in the course of commerce [by deceptively overcharging or underpaying for merchandise]. Though it is forbidden to cheat anyone, one who cheats a convert transgresses this additional prohibition, too.
From Sefer Hamitzvot, published and copyright by Sichos in English. To purchase the Sefer Hamitzvot two-volume set, please click here.
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Rambam Study Tracks
Daily Quote
Freedom of choice has been granted to every man: if he desires to turn toward a good path and be righteous, the ability to do so is in his hands; and if he desires to turn toward an evil path and be wicked, the ability to do so is in his hands...
This is a fundamental principle and a pillar of the Torah and its commandments. For if G-d were to decree that a person be righteous or wicked; or if there were to exist something in the very essence of a person's nature which would compel him toward a specific path, a specific conviction, a specific character trait or a specific deed... how could G-d command us through the prophets 'do this' and 'do not do that'...? What place would the entire Torah have? And by what measure of justice would G-d punish the wicked and reward the righteous?
This is a fundamental principle and a pillar of the Torah and its commandments. For if G-d were to decree that a person be righteous or wicked; or if there were to exist something in the very essence of a person's nature which would compel him toward a specific path, a specific conviction, a specific character trait or a specific deed... how could G-d command us through the prophets 'do this' and 'do not do that'...? What place would the entire Torah have? And by what measure of justice would G-d punish the wicked and reward the righteous?
–Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 5:1-3
The Parshah