Pisqa’ 4¹

1

“On the other side of the Jordan . . .

Moses began to explain this Torah” (Dt.1:5).

R.Judah says:

Actually, the term, began (ho’il),² implies a fresh start,

for it is said:

“First (ho’el) spend the night, and refresh your spirit” (Jud.19:6);

and He says:

“And now, begin (ho’alta) to bless the house of your servant . . . 1 Chron. 17:27).

But sages say:

the term, began, implies an oath,

for it is said:

“And Moses swore (yo’el) to stay with the man” (Ex.2:21).

And He says:

“And Saul imposed a bond (yo’el) on the people” (1 Sam.14:24).³

2

“To explain this Torah, saying” (Dt.1:5)—

he said to them:

I am already near death!

Whoever has heard

one verse [of the Torah] and forgotten it,

let him come and review it!

One liturgical lection⁴ and forgotten it,

let him come and review it!

One chapter [of oral-tradition]⁵ and forgotten it,

let him come and review it!

One legal tradition⁶ and forgotten it,

let him come and review it!

This is why it is said:

“To explain this Torah, saying” (Dt.1:5)—

[to hear and then repeat].

1. H:31, JN1:30
2. The italicized words are all hif `il constructions of the root: y-‘-l. Among its many core meanings, BDB includes:“show willingness,” “be pleased,” “determine,” “undertake to do”.
3. See Pisqa’ 27.2.
4. A section of scriptural text read in a public liturgy. Heb: parashah
5. Heb: pereq
6. Heb: halachah