Pisqa’ 301
1
“And we stayed at the valley near Beth Peor” (Dt.3:29)—
Moses said to them:
what caused us to stay in the valley?
The evil deeds we committed in [the name of] Peor.
2
Another word:
Moses said to them:
notice the difference between you and me!
For how many prayers, petitions, and entreaties
did I make—
yet it was decreed that
I not enter the Land!
But you! You angered Him
for forty years in the wilderness,
as it is said:
“For forty years I was angry with that generation” (Ps.95:10).
Moreover, the greatest among you prostrated yourselves in [the service of] Peor!
Even so, His right hand is still extended
to receive penitents!2
3
“And now, Israel! Hear the statutes” (Dt.4:1)
—Look—
you’re as good as new, already forgiven for the past!