The Six “Constant” Misvot

The Hafetz Haim, toward the beginning of his Bi'ur Halacha, references the comments written by the author of the anonymous Sefer Ha'hinuch, in the introduction to that work. There the author lists the six "Misvot Temidiyot" – "constant" Misvot, which one can always fulfilled at any moment of any day simply by thinking certain things. These Misvot apply at all times, and involve certain thoughts, giving us the opportunity to earn credit for Misvot at any time. Elsewhere in his writings – in his Shemirat Ha'lashon – the Hafetz Haim advises us to fulfill these Misvot after the morning Shaharit prayer, before eating breakfast. These six Misvot are: The belief in Hashem's existence, that there is a Creator. The belief that there is no other deity besides the Almighty. The belief that G-d is one, a singular entity, and does not consist of multiple parts. Ahabat Hashem – love of G-d. The Rambam writes that one arrives at genuine love of Hashem by contemplating the vastness and intricacy of the natural world, the majesty of creation, how everything is perfectly designed. Additionally, one can arrive at Ahabat Hashem by thinking of Hashem's kindness, of how much Hashem has given him and continues giving him each and every moment of every day, despite his unworthiness. Twice each day, we recite Shema, in which we make reference to this Misva – "Ve'ahabta Et Hashem Elokecha" ("You shall love Hashem your G-d"). Now the Gemara (Berachot 14b) teaches that one who recites Shema without wearing Tefillin is considered giving "false testimony," as though he does not believe the words he speaks, because the text of Shema contains the command to wear Tefillin. The Sefer Haredim (Rav Elazar Ezkari, Safed, 1533-1600) writes that by the same token, if one does not work to fulfill the Misva of Ahabat Hashem, then he is guilty of giving "false testimony" each time he recites Shema and mentions this obligation. Fear of G-d. This Misva incorporates two different levels of fear. The first and more basic level is the fear of retribution, recognizing that we are held accountable for our conduct and Hashem punishes those who disobey Him. The higher level of fear, known as "Yir'at Ha'romemut," refers to what we might call reverence, feelings of awe as we recognize Hashem's infinite power and greatness. The final of the six "constant" Misvot is the command of "Ve'lo Taturu Ahareh Lebabchem Ve'ahareh Enechem," which forbids harboring illicit thoughts and looking at inappropriate sights. Many people mistakenly disregard the severity of this prohibition, figuring that without acting upon their lustful thoughts, and just by looking at inappropriate sights, they are not doing anything wrong. This is wrong. The Torah forbids even looking at forbidden sights because the process of sin begins when a person sees something alluring, which then arouses temptation in the heart that can likely lead to illicit behavior. And the Rambam, in Moreh Nebuchim, writes that in a sense, thinking sinful thoughts is even worse than sinful action, because sinful thoughts corrupt the mind, the loftiest and most important part of the human being. Moreover, a sinful act is finite, occurring over the course of several brief moments, whereas sinful thoughts can remain in one's mind for lengthy periods of time. The Hafetz Haim warned that if one does not guard his eyes during his lifetime, his soul will experience blindness in the next world. This notion is developed further by the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), who writes that the soul has eyes just as the body does. After a person's soul departs, the soul will experience the ultimate pleasure – beholding the glory of the Shechina (divine presence). However, in order to experience this pleasure, the soul needs good "vision," and the quality of the soul's vision depends on whether the individual had properly guarded his physical eyes against forbidden sights during his lifetime. Of course, guarding the eyes has become an especially difficult challenge in our generation. A person may not, however, simply give up. One must make every effort he can to guard his eyes, and, at very least, must avoid places where the challenge becomes even greater. One must also recognize that every successful avoidance of forbidden sights is exceedingly valuable, and cherished by the Almighty. And, even if one has failed repeatedly in this regard, he must believe in Hashem's compassion and recognize the power of Teshuba. Hashem lovingly welcomes and accepts our efforts to improve, regardless of our failures in the past. Returning to the Hafetz Haim's comments in Bi'ur Halacha, he writes there that consciously observing these six Mivot – thinking about the required beliefs about Hashem, feeling love and fear, and avoiding improper thoughts and sights – is a way to fulfill the verse, "Shiviti Hashem Le'negdi Tamid" – "I have placed G-d opposite me, constantly" (Tehillim 16:8). One can have G-d on his mind at all times by making an effort to fulfill these Misvot whenever he can over the course of the day. Incidentally, there is a custom observed by many to have a Sofer (scribe) prepare for them a special piece of parchment with this verse – "Shiviti Hashem…" – written on top, and beneath it an image of a Menorah with Kabbalistic text. This is kept in the Siddur, with the top protruding from the Siddur, so the individual always sees this verse during the prayer service and thus remains focused on Hashem. Others have similar texts written with certain Names of G-d, for the same reason. The Mishna Berura warns, though, that one must ensure to properly care for these pieces of parchment and to see to it that they do not fall to the floor. Many congregations have the custom of prominently featuring the verse of "Shiviti Hashem" in large letters on the wall of the synagogue.

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The Six “Constant” Misvot is an episode from Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour by Torah Learning Resources..

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This episode was published on Apr 27, 2026.

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