Pisqa’ 1731
1
“Indeed, all who commit these acts are abominable to HASHEM” (Dt.18:12).
Is it possible to say that
he should not be held liable
[for violating any of them]
until transgressing all of them?
The Teaching states:
“All who commit these acts” (Dt.18:12)—
even if he transgresses only one of them.
2
“Because of these abominations, HASHEM your God has dispossessed them
from before you” (Dt.18:12).
Said R. Shimon:
This teaches that
the Canaanites were forewarned
about all these practices—
for they do not punish a person
unless he has also been forewarned.2
When R. Eliezer would reach this verse,
he would say: More’s the pity!
Just as a person who clings to uncleanness—
the stink of uncleanness hovers over him,
doesn’t reason demand that
one who clings to the Presence—
the aroma of the spirit of the Holy One hovers over him?
So what happened?
“Your iniquities have sundered you from your God” (Is.59:2)
3
“Be whole (tamim) with HASHEM your God” (Dt.18:13).
If you are innocent,3
your portion is with HASHEM your God.
And so David said:
“And I, in my innocence,4 shall walk.
Spare me and show me mercy” (Ps.26:11).
[And, moreover:]
“And I—in my innocence, you supported me,
and helped me stand before You forever” (Ps.41:13).
[Finally the verse states here:]
“Be whole with HASHEM your God” (Dt.18:13)—
that is, if you perform all that is specified in this passage,
you will indeed be whole with HASHEM your God.