Halakha: A person of Israel who did not pray the morning prayer, the additional prayer, or the afternoon prayer, as many times he was too occupied to pray, because he was relieving himself, or he was walking on the way and forgot to pray – until what hour is it permitted for him to pray and fulfill his obligation? How must he act? So taught the Sages: The morning prayer is until noon. the afternoon prayer is until the evening. the evening prayer has no fixed time, but the additional prayer is all day. Rabbi Elazar said: If one forgot and did not pray the additional prayer, and comes to pray the afternoon prayer, he prays the afternoon prayer and then the additional prayer. Why? It is because everything is recited at its time. The evening prayer has no fixed time, until dawn. Why?1Why is it important to know until when one can pray? It is as it is written: “I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me” (Proverbs 8:17). And anyone who prays and focuses his heart in prayer, it is a positive indicator that his prayer was accepted, as it is stated: “Lord, You hear the desire of the humble” (Psalms 10:17). Great is prayer before the Holy One blessed be He. Rabbi Elazar said: Is your wish to know the power of prayer? If it does not accomplish all of it, it accomplishes half of it. Cain stood against his brother Abel and killed him. An edict was issued: “Restless and itinerant you shall be on the earth” (Genesis 4:12). Immediately, he stood and confessed before the Holy One blessed be He, as it is stated: “My iniquity is too great to bear” (Genesis 4:13). He said before Him: ‘Master of the universe, You bear the entire world, but you cannot bear me? You wrote: “Bearing iniquity and overlooking transgression” (Micah 7:18) – pardon my iniquity, which is great.’ Immediately, he found mercy before the Holy One blessed be He, and the “itinerant” half of the edict was withheld from him, as so it is written: “He resided in the land of Nod” (Genesis 4:16). From here you learn that prayer is great before the Holy One blessed be He. Likewise Hezekiah, when the prophet said to him: “Instruct your household, as you are dying” (Isaiah 38:1). Immediately, “Hezekiah turned his face to the wall [and he prayed to the Lord]” (Isaiah 38:2). The Holy One blessed be He said to him: “I have heard your prayer… behold, I am adding fifteen years to your days” (Isaiah 38:5), as it is written: “He grants the wishes of those who fear Him, and He hears their cry and saves them” (Psalms 145:19).
“For this mitzva that I command you today, it is not hidden from you, and it is not distant” (Deuteronomy 30:11). “For this mitzva” – halakha: A person of Israel who stands to read the Torah, how does he recite the blessing? So the Sages taught: One who begins and one who concludes reading the Torah recites a blessing before it and after it. From where is it derived that it requires a blessing before it and after it? It is as it is written: “Blessed are You, Lord” (Psalms 119:12) and then: “Teach me Your statutes” (Psalms 119:12); that is the blessing before it. From where is it derived that it requires a blessing after it? Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said in the name of Rabbi Yonatan: It is as it is written after the song:2Within the portion Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1–43). “This is the blessing” (Deuteronomy 33:1). From the fact that he taught them the Torah and then recited a blessing; we learn the blessing after it. Another matter, the Holy One blessed be He said: ‘If you uttered the blessing of the Torah, I, too, will bless you,’ as it is stated: “In every place that I mention my name,3The verse is being interpreted as meaning "wherever you mention my Name." See Rabbeinu Beḥayei on the verse. [I will come to you and I will bless you]” (Exodus 20:21). Another matter, the Rabbis said: The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘If you recited a blessing on the Torah, you recited the blessing for yourself.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “For with Me your days will be increased, and years of life will be added for you” (Proverbs 9:11). [God said:] ‘If you say, perhaps I gave you the Torah to your detriment; I gave it to you only for your benefit, as the ministering angels desired it, but it was vanished from them,’ as it is stated: “It is vanished from the eyes of all living” (Job 28:21) – these are the "heavenly creatures,"4See Ezekiel 1:5. “and hidden from the birds [umeof] of the heavens” (Job 28:21) – these are the angels. From where is it derived?5That the word "birds" can refer to angels. It is as it is stated: “One of the seraphim flew [vayaaf] to me” (Isaiah 6:6). He said to them [the Israelites]: ‘My children, it is hidden from the ministering angels, but from you it is not hidden,’ from what we read regarding the matter: “For this mitzva that I command you today, it is not hidden from you.”
What the verse said: “Wisdom is lofty to a fool; at the gate, he will not open his mouth” (Proverbs 24:7) – what is “wisdom is lofty to a fool”? Rabbi Tanḥuma said: This fool enters the synagogue, and he sees them engaging in talmudic discourse, but he does not know what they are saying. He is ashamed, as it is stated: “At the gate, he will not open his mouth.” “Gate” is nothing other than the Sanhedrin, as it is written: “His brother's widow shall go up to the gate, to the elders” (Deuteronomy 25:7). Another matter, the Rabbis said: This fool enters the synagogue and sees them engaged in Torah study, and he says to them: ‘How does a person study Torah from the outset?’ They say to him: ‘One reads a scroll;6Children are given a scroll with letters, vocalization, and some verses. then [one reads] in the Torah scroll, then in the Prophets, and then in the Writings. When one completes the Bible, one studies the Talmud, then halakhot, and then aggadot.’ When he hears this, he says in his heart: When can I learn all this? He returns from the gate; that is, “at the gate, he will not open his mouth.” Rabbi Yannai said: To what is the matter comparable? It is to a loaf that was suspended in the air.7It was suspended from the ceiling in a house. The fool said: ‘Who will be able to retrieve it?’ The clever one says: ‘Did someone not suspend it?’ He brings a ladder or a rod and takes it down. Likewise, everyone who is a fool, says: ‘When will I read the entire Torah?’ But one who is clever, what does he do? He studies one chapter each and every day until he completes the entire Torah. The Holy One blessed be He said: “It is not hidden,” and if it is hidden, it is from you, because you did not engage in it. That is, “for this mitzva.”
What the verse said: “For they are life for those who find them…” (Proverbs 4:22) – Rabbi Ḥiyya said: It is a salve for the eye and a remedy for a wound, and a cup of roots for the intestines. A salve for the eyes, as it is written: “The commandment of the Lord is pure, it enlightens the eyes” (Psalms 19:9). A remedy for a wound, as it is written: “It will bring health to your body” (Proverbs 3:8). A cup of roots for the intestines – as it is written: “And an elixir for your bones” (Proverbs 3:8). Another matter, “for they are life for those who find them [lemotzeihem]” – to one who issues them [lemotzian] out of his mouth.8Studies out loud. There was an incident involving a certain disciple of Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov, who would complete all his learning in one hour.9He did not say the words out loud. One time, he fell ill and forgot all his learning. What caused this to befall him? It is because he did not recite it with his mouth. Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov prayed on his behalf and all his learning was restored. Another matter, “for they are life for those who find them [motzeihem]” – for one who imparts it [shemotzian] to others. Alternatively, “for they are life for those who find them [motzeihem]” – for one who completes [shemamtzi]10This is a variation of the word mematze, which means exhausts or completes. all the mitzvot. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “All the mitzva” (Deuteronomy 8:1). What is “all the mitzva”? It is until you complete all the mitzvot. "And an elixir for your bones” (Proverbs 3:8), the 248 limbs that you have. That is "For this mitzva." Another matter, “for this mitzva” – Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba said: Anyone who begins a mitzva and does not complete it, causes that he will bury his wife and his children. From whom do you derive it? It is from Judah, who began a mitzva but did not complete it. How so? When Joseph came to his brothers and they sought to kill him, as it is stated: “Let us go and kill him” (Genesis 37:20). Judah stood and did not allow them. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “What profit is it if we kill our brother?” (Genesis 37:26). They heeded him because he was king over them. Had he said to them: ‘Let us return him to our father,’ they would have heeded him. Because he began the mitzva but did not complete it, he buried his wife and his children, as it is stated: “Bat Shua, Judah’s wife, died” (Genesis 38:12), and it is written: “Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 46:12). Another matter, “for this mitzva” – Rabbi Levi said in the name of Rabbi Ḥama bar Ḥanina: Anyone who begins a mitzva but does not complete it, and another comes and completes it, it is attributed to the one who completed it. How so? Moses began the mitzva, as he took Joseph’s bones with him. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “Moses took Joseph’s bones with him…” (Exodus 13:19). But because he did not take them into the Land of Israel, it is attributed to Israel, who buried him, as it is stated: “The bones of Joseph that the children of Israel took up from Egypt, they buried in Shekhem” (Joshua 24:32). “That Moses took up from Egypt” is not written here, but rather, “that the children of Israel took up.” Why did they bury him in Shekhem? To what is the matter comparable? It is to thieves who stole a barrel of wine. The homeowner was aware of their presence. He said to them: ‘Enjoy it, but, as you live, after you drink the wine, return the barrel to its place.’ So, when the brothers sold Joseph, they sold him from Shekhem, as it is stated: “Israel said to Joseph: Are your brothers not herding in Shekhem?” (Genesis 37:13). The Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘You sold him from Shekhem, return him to Shekhem.’ Since they completed the mitzva, it is attributed to them. That is, “for this mitzva.”
Another matter, the Holy One blessed be He said: ‘If you read the Torah, you are performing a mitzva for the sake of My world, as were it not for the Torah, the world would have been restored to emptiness and disorder.’ Another matter, “for the mitzva” – what is “the mitzva”? The Rabbis say: It is a hard matter. To what is the matter comparable? It is to a king who had a gem and he entrusted it to his friend. He said to him: ‘I beseech you, pay attention to it and guard it properly, as if it is lost, you do not have anywhere from which to repay me, and I do not have another one like it. The result will be that you will have sinned against me and against you. Instead, perform the mitzva on behalf of both of us, and guard it properly.’ So, Moses said to Israel: ‘If you observe the Torah, you will not only be acting charitably [tzdaka] for yourselves, but for Me and for you, as it is stated: “It will be, therefore, to our merit [tzdaka]” (Deuteronomy 6:25) – for Me and for you.’ When? “[It will be, therefore, to our merit…] if we observe to perform all this mitzva” (Deuteronomy 6:25).
“It is not in the heavens, to say: Who will ascend for us to the heavens, and take it for us, and communicate it to us, that we will perform it” (Deuteronomy 30:12). Another matter, “for [this] mitzva…it is not in the heavens” – Moses said to them: ‘So you will not say: Another Moses will stand and bring us another Torah from Heaven, I am already informing you: “It is not in the heavens,” as nothing of it remained in Heaven.’ Another matter, Rabbi Ḥanina said: It and all the tools of its craft were given; its humility, its righteousness, its uprightness, and the giving of its reward. Another matter, what is “it is not in the heavens”? Shmuel said: The Torah cannot be found among the astrologers, whose craft is in the heavens. They said to Shmuel: ‘But you are an astrologer and a Torah giant.’ He said to them: ‘I would look into astrology only when I was unoccupied in Torah. When? It is when I would enter the bathhouse.’11One is not allowed to study Torah in the bathhouse. “And it is not across the sea, to say: Who will cross for us to the other side of the sea and take it for us, and communicate it to us that we will perform it” (Deuteronomy 30:13). “Rather the matter is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart to perform it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Another matter, “it is not in the heavens” – they said: ‘Our master, Moses, you are saying: “It is not in the heavens” and “it is not across the sea.” Where is it?’ He said to them: ‘It is is a place that is near: “in your mouth and in your heart to perform it.” It is not distant from you, it is near to you.’ Another matter, “in your mouth and in your heart to perform it” – the Rabbis said: Solomon said seven matters regarding the idler, but what Moses said was greater than all of them. How so? They said to the idler: ‘Your teacher is in the city, go and learn Torah from him.’ He answers them and says to them: ‘I am afraid of the lion on the way.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “The idler says: There is a lion on the way” (Proverbs 26:13). They said to him: ‘Your teacher is in the neighborhood, get up and go to him.’ He says to them: ‘I am afraid that there might be a lion outside,’ as it is stated: “A lion in the streets” (Proverbs 26:13). They said to him: ‘He is residing next to your house.’ He said to them: ‘But the lion is outside,’ as it is stated: “The idler says: There is a lion in the street” (Proverbs 22:13). They said to him: ‘Inside the house.’ He said to them: ‘But if I go and find the door [of his room] locked, I will need to come back.’ They said to him: ‘It is open.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “The door turns on its hinges, and the idler is on his bed” (Proverbs 26:14). Ultimately, he did not know what to answer. He said to them: ‘Whether the door is open or locked, I wish to sleep a bit longer.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “How long will you lie down, idler? [When will you arise from your sleep?]” (Proverbs 6:9). He awakened from his sleep in the morning, they placed before him to eat. He was too lazy to put it in his mouth. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “The idler inserts his hand into the dish; he is too weary to return it to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:15). Which is the seventh? “From the winter, the idler will not plow; he will ask at harvest, and there is nothing” (Proverbs 20:4). What is, “from the winter, the idler will not plow”? Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai said: This is one who does not study Torah in his youth and seeks to study in his old age, but is unable to do so. That is, “he will ask at harvest, and there is nothing.” But what Moses said was greater than all of them. From where is it derived? “Rather, the matter is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart to perform it” – take the matter out of your mouth.
“Rather the matter is very near to you” – Rabbi Shmuel bar Rav Naḥman said: To what is the matter comparable? It is to the daughter of a king whom no person knew. The king had a certain friend who would enter to the king all the time, and the king’s daughter was standing before him. The king said to him: ‘See how beloved you are to me, as there is no creature who knows my daughter, and she stands before you.’ So, the Holy One blessed be He said to Israel: ‘See how beloved you are to me, as there is no creature in my palace who knows the Torah, and I gave it to you,’ as it is stated: “It is vanished from the eyes of all living” (Job 28:21) . But you, “it is not hidden from you,” (Deuteronomy 30:11), but rather, “the matter is very near to you” (Deuteronomy 30:14). The Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘My children, if the matters of Torah are near to you, I call you near as well, as so it is written: “For the children of Israel, the people who are near to Him. Halleluya”’ (Psalms 148:14).
הֲלָכָה, אָדָם מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁלֹא הִתְפַּלֵּל תְּפִלַּת הַשַּׁחַר אוֹ תְּפִלַּת מוּסַף אוֹ תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה, הַרְבֵּה פְּעָמִים שֶׁלֹא פָּנָה לְהִתְפַּלֵּל אוֹ מִקֹּצֶר שֶׁהָיָה עוֹשֶׂה צְרָכָיו, אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה מְהַלֵּךְ בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְשָׁכַח לְהִתְפַּלֵּל, אֵי זוֹ שָׁעָה מֻתָּר לוֹ לְהִתְפַּלֵּל וְיֵצֵא בָהּ יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ, כֵּיצַד הוּא צָרִיךְ לַעֲשׂוֹת, כָּךְ שָׁנוּ חֲכָמִים תְּפִלַּת הַשַּׁחַר עַד חֲצוֹת, תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה עַד הָעֶרֶב, תְּפִלַּת הָעֶרֶב אֵין לָהּ קֶבַע, אֲבָל שֶׁל מוּסָפִין כָּל הַיּוֹם. אָמַר רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר שָׁכַח וְלֹא הִתְפַּלֵּל תְּפִלַּת הַמּוּסַף וּבָא לְהִתְפַּלֵּל תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה, מִתְפַּלֵּל תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה, וְאַחַר כָּךְ תְּפִלַּת הַמּוּסַף, לָמָּה, הַכֹּל בְּעִתָּהּ מִתְבָּרֵאת, וּתְפִלַּת הָעֶרֶב אֵין לָהּ קֶבַע עַד שֶׁיַּעֲלֶה עַמּוּד הַשָּׁחַר, לָמָּה, שֶׁכֵּן כְּתִיב (משלי ח, יז): אֲנִי אֹהֲבַי אֵהָב וּמְשַׁחֲרַי יִמְצָאֻנְנִי, וְכָל מִי שֶׁמִּתְפַּלֵּל וּמְכַוֵּן לִבּוֹ בַּתְּפִלָּה, סִימָן טוֹב לוֹ שֶׁתְּפִלָּתוֹ נִתְקַבְּלָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהלים י, יז): תַּאֲוַת עֲנָוִים שָׁמַעְתָּ ה' וגו', גְּדוֹלָה הִיא הַתְּפִלָּה לִפְנֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא, אָמַר רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר רְצוֹנְךָ לֵידַע כֹּחָהּ שֶׁל תְּפִלָּה, אִם אֵינָהּ עוֹשָׂה כֻּלָּה חֶצְיָהּ הִיא עוֹשָׂה, קַיִן עָמַד עַל הֶבֶל אָחִיו וַהֲרָגוֹ, יָצְאָה גְּזֵרָה (בראשית ד, יב): נָע וָנָד תִּהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ, מִיָּד עָמַד וְנִתְוַדָּה לִפְנֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית ד, יג): גָּדוֹל עֲוֹנִי מִנְשׂוֹא, אָמַר לְפָנָיו רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם כָּל הָעוֹלָם אַתָּה סוֹבֵל וְלַעֲוֹנִי אִי אַתָּה סוֹבֵל, כָּתַבְתָּ (מיכה ז, יח): נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וְעֹבֵר עַל פֶּשַׁע, סְלַח לַעֲוֹנִי שֶׁהוּא גָדוֹל, מִיָּד מָצָא חֶסֶד לִפְנֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא וְנִמְנַע מִמֶּנּוּ נָע חֲצִי הַגְּזֵרָה, שֶׁכֵּן כְּתִיב (בראשית ד, טז): וַיֵּשֶׁב בְּאֶרֶץ נוֹד, מִכָּאן אַתָּה לָמֵד שֶׁגְּדוֹלָה הַתְּפִלָּה לִפְנֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא. וְכֵן חִזְקִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁאָמַר לוֹ (ישעיה לח, א): צַו לְבֵיתְךָ כִּי מֵת אַתָּה, מִיָּד (ישעיה לח, ב): וַיַּסֵּב חִזְקִיָּהוּ פָּנָיו אֶל הַקִּיר, אָמַר לוֹ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא (ישעיה לח, ה ו): שָׁמַעְתִּי אֶת תְּפִלָּתֶךָ וגו' [והוספתי] הִנְנִי יוֹסִף עַל יָמֶיךָ חֲמֵשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה, שֶׁכֵּן כְּתִיב (תהלים קמה, יט): רְצוֹן יְרֵאָיו יַעֲשֶׂה וְאֶת שַׁוְעָתָם יִשְׁמַע וְיוֹשִׁיעֵם.
Halakha: A person of Israel who did not pray the morning prayer, the additional prayer, or the afternoon prayer, as many times he was too occupied to pray, because he was relieving himself, or he was walking on the way and forgot to pray – until what hour is it permitted for him to pray and fulfill his obligation? How must he act? So taught the Sages: The morning prayer is until noon. the afternoon prayer is until the evening.
the evening prayer has no fixed time, but the additional prayer is all day. Rabbi Elazar said: If one forgot and did not pray the additional prayer, and comes to pray the afternoon prayer, he prays the afternoon prayer and then the additional prayer. Why? It is because everything is recited at its time. The evening prayer has no fixed time, until dawn. Why?1Why is it important to know until when one can pray? It is as it is written: “I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me” (Proverbs 8:17). And anyone who prays and focuses his heart in prayer, it is a positive indicator that his prayer was accepted, as it is stated: “Lord, You hear the desire of the humble” (Psalms 10:17).
Great is prayer before the Holy One blessed be He. Rabbi Elazar said: Is your wish to know the power of prayer? If it does not accomplish all of it, it accomplishes half of it. Cain stood against his brother Abel and killed him. An edict was issued: “Restless and itinerant you shall be on the earth” (Genesis 4:12). Immediately, he stood and confessed before the Holy One blessed be He, as it is stated: “My iniquity is too great to bear” (Genesis 4:13). He said before Him: ‘Master of the universe, You bear the entire world, but you cannot bear me? You wrote: “Bearing iniquity and overlooking transgression” (Micah 7:18) – pardon my iniquity, which is great.’ Immediately, he found mercy before the Holy One blessed be He, and the “itinerant” half of the edict was withheld from him, as so it is written: “He resided in the land of Nod” (Genesis 4:16). From here you learn that prayer is great before the Holy One blessed be He. Likewise Hezekiah, when the prophet said to him: “Instruct your household, as you are dying” (Isaiah 38:1). Immediately, “Hezekiah turned his face to the wall [and he prayed to the Lord]” (Isaiah 38:2). The Holy One blessed be He said to him: “I have heard your prayer… behold, I am adding fifteen years to your days” (Isaiah 38:5), as it is written: “He grants the wishes of those who fear Him, and He hears their cry and saves them” (Psalms 145:19).
כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת (דברים ל, יא), הֲלָכָה, אָדָם מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁעוֹמֵד לִקְרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה, כֵּיצַד מְבָרֵךְ, כָּךְ שָׁנוּ חֲכָמִים, הַפּוֹתֵחַ וְהַחוֹתֵם בַּתּוֹרָה מְבָרֵךְ לְפָנֶיהָ וּלְאַחֲרֶיהָ. וּמִנַּיִן שֶׁטְּעוּנָה בְּרָכָה לְפָנֶיהָ וּלְאַחֲרֶיהָ, שֶׁכָּתוּב (תהלים קיט, יב): בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' וְאַחַר כָּךְ לַמְדֵנִי חֻקֶּיךָ, הֲרֵי בְּרָכָה לְפָנֶיהָ. וּמִנַּיִן שֶׁטְּעוּנָה בְּרָכָה לְאַחֲרֶיהָ, אָמַר רַבִּי שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר נַחְמָן בְּשֵׁם רַבִּי יוֹנָתָן, שֶׁכָּתוּב אַחַר הַשִּׁירָה (דברים לג, א): וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה, מִשֶּׁשָּׁנָה לָהֶן אֶת הַתּוֹרָה וְאַחַר כָּךְ בֵּרַךְ, הֲרֵי בְּרָכָה לְאַחֲרֶיהָ. דָּבָר אַחֵר, אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אִם נִזְקַקְתָּ לְבִרְכָתָהּ שֶׁל תּוֹרָה, אַף אֲנִי מְבָרֵךְ אוֹתְךָ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ, כא): בְּכָל הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אַזְכִּיר אֶת שְׁמִי וגו'. דָּבָר אַחֵר רַבָּנָן אָמְרֵי, אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אִם בֵּרַכְתָּ אֶת הַתּוֹרָה, לְעַצְמְךָ אַתְּ מְבָרֵךְ, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ט, יא): כִּי בִי יִרְבּוּ יָמֶיךָ וְיוֹסִיפוּ לְךָ שְׁנוֹת חַיִּים, וְאִם תֹּאמְרוּ שֶׁמָּא לְרָעַתְכֶם נָתַתִּי לָכֶם אֶת הַתּוֹרָה, לֹא נָתַתִּי אוֹתָהּ לָכֶם אֶלָּא לְטוֹבַתְכֶם, שֶׁמַּלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת נִתְאַוּוּ לָהּ וְנֶעֶלְמָה מֵהֶן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (איוב כח, כא): וְנֶעֶלְמָה מֵעֵינֵי כָל חָי אֵלּוּ הַחַיּוֹת, (איוב כח, כא): וּמֵעוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם נִסְתָּרָה אֵלּוּ הַמַּלְאָכִים, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה ו, ו): וַיָּעָף אֵלַי אֶחָד מִן הַשְֹּׂרָפִים, אָמַר לָהֶם, בָּנַי, מִמַּלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת הִיא נִפְלֵאת, אֲבָל מִכֶּם אֵינָהּ נִפְלֵאת, מִנַּיִן, מִמַּה שֶּׁקָּרִינוּ בָּעִנְיָן (דברים ל, יא): כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לֹא נִפְלֵאת הִיא מִמְךָ.
“For this mitzva that I command you today, it is not hidden from you, and it is not distant” (Deuteronomy 30:11).
“For this mitzva” – halakha: A person of Israel who stands to read the Torah, how does he recite the blessing? So the Sages taught: One who begins and one who concludes reading the Torah recites a blessing before it and after it. From where is it derived that it requires a blessing before it and after it? It is as it is written: “Blessed are You, Lord” (Psalms 119:12) and then: “Teach me Your statutes” (Psalms 119:12); that is the blessing before it. From where is it derived that it requires a blessing after it? Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said in the name of Rabbi Yonatan: It is as it is written after the song:2Within the portion Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1–43). “This is the blessing” (Deuteronomy 33:1). From the fact that he taught them the Torah and then recited a blessing; we learn the blessing after it.
Another matter, the Holy One blessed be He said: ‘If you uttered the blessing of the Torah, I, too, will bless you,’ as it is stated: “In every place that I mention my name,3The verse is being interpreted as meaning "wherever you mention my Name." See Rabbeinu Beḥayei on the verse. [I will come to you and I will bless you]” (Exodus 20:21).
Another matter, the Rabbis said: The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘If you recited a blessing on the Torah, you recited the blessing for yourself.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “For with Me your days will be increased, and years of life will be added for you” (Proverbs 9:11). [God said:] ‘If you say, perhaps I gave you the Torah to your detriment; I gave it to you only for your benefit, as the ministering angels desired it, but it was vanished from them,’ as it is stated: “It is vanished from the eyes of all living” (Job 28:21) – these are the "heavenly creatures,"4See Ezekiel 1:5. “and hidden from the birds [umeof] of the heavens” (Job 28:21) – these are the angels. From where is it derived?5That the word "birds" can refer to angels. It is as it is stated: “One of the seraphim flew [vayaaf] to me” (Isaiah 6:6). He said to them [the Israelites]: ‘My children, it is hidden from the ministering angels, but from you it is not hidden,’ from what we read regarding the matter: “For this mitzva that I command you today, it is not hidden from you.”
זֶה שֶׁאָמַר הַכָּתוּב (משלי כד, ז): רָאמוֹת לֶאֱוִיל חָכְמוֹת בַּשַּׁעַר לֹא יִפְתַּח פִּיהוּ, מַהוּ רָאמוֹת לֶאֱוִיל חָכְמוֹת, אָמַר רַבִּי תַּנְחוּמָא הַטִּפֵּשׁ הַזֶּה נִכְנַס לְבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת וְהוּא רוֹאֶה אוֹתָן שֶׁנּוֹשְׂאִים וְנוֹתְנִים בַּתַּלְמוּד וְהוּא אֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ מָה הֵן אוֹמְרִין, הוּא מִתְבַּיֵּשׁ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: בַּשַּׁעַר לֹא יִפְתַּח פִּיהוּ, וְאֵין שַׁעַר אֶלָּא סַנְהֶדְרִין, דִּכְתִיב (דברים כה, ז): וְעָלְתָה יְבִמְתּוֹ הַשַּׁעֲרָה אֶל הַזְּקֵנִים. דָּבָר אַחֵר, רַבָּנָן אָמְרֵי הַטִּפֵּשׁ הַזֶּה נִכְנַס לְבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת וְרוֹאֶה אוֹתָן עוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה, וְהוּא אוֹמֵר לָהֶן הֵיאַךְ אָדָם לָמֵד תּוֹרָה תְּחִלָּה, אוֹמְרִים לוֹ תְּחִלָּה קוֹרֵא בַּמְגִלָּה, וְאַחַר כָּךְ בַּסֵּפֶר, וְאַחַר כָּךְ בַּנְּבִיאִים, וְאַחַר כָּךְ בַּכְּתוּבִים, מִשֶּׁהוּא גּוֹמֵר אֶת הַמִּקְרָא שׁוֹנֶה אֶת הַתַּלְמוּד, וְאַחַר כָּךְ בַּהֲלָכוֹת, וְאַחַר כָּךְ בַּאַגָּדוֹת, כֵּיוָן שֶׁשּׁוֹמֵעַ כָּךְ אוֹמֵר בְּלִבּוֹ אֵימָתַי אֲנִי לָמֵד כָּל זֹאת וְחוֹזֵר מִן הַשַּׁעַר, הֱוֵי בַּשַּׁעַר לֹא יִפְתַּח פִּיהוּ. אָמַר רַבִּי יַנַּאי לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה, לְכִכָּר שֶׁהָיָה תָּלוּי בָּאֲוִיר, טִפֵּשׁ אוֹמֵר מִי יוּכַל לַהֲבִיאוֹ, וּפִקֵּחַ אוֹמֵר לֹא אֶחָד תָּלָה אוֹתוֹ, מֵבִיא סֻלָּם אוֹ קָנֶה וּמוֹרִיד אוֹתוֹ. כָּךְ כָּל מִי שֶׁהוּא טִפֵּשׁ אוֹמֵר אֵימָתַי אֶקְרָא כָּל הַתּוֹרָה, וּמִי שֶׁהוּא פִּקֵּחַ מַהוּ עוֹשֶׂה, שׁוֹנֶה פֶּרֶק אֶחָד בְּכָל יוֹם וָיוֹם עַד שֶׁמְסַיֵּם כָּל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ, אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא: לֹא נִפְלֵאת הִוא, וְאִם נִפְלֵאת הִיא, מִמְּךָ, שֶׁאֵין אַתָּה עָסוּק בָּהּ, הֱוֵי כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת.
What the verse said: “Wisdom is lofty to a fool; at the gate, he will not open his mouth” (Proverbs 24:7) – what is “wisdom is lofty to a fool”? Rabbi Tanḥuma said: This fool enters the synagogue, and he sees them engaging in talmudic discourse, but he does not know what they are saying. He is ashamed, as it is stated: “At the gate, he will not open his mouth.” “Gate” is nothing other than the Sanhedrin, as it is written: “His brother's widow shall go up to the gate, to the elders” (Deuteronomy 25:7).
Another matter, the Rabbis said: This fool enters the synagogue and sees them engaged in Torah study, and he says to them: ‘How does a person study Torah from the outset?’ They say to him: ‘One reads a scroll;6Children are given a scroll with letters, vocalization, and some verses. then [one reads] in the Torah scroll, then in the Prophets, and then in the Writings. When one completes the Bible, one studies the Talmud, then halakhot, and then aggadot.’ When he hears this, he says in his heart: When can I learn all this? He returns from the gate; that is, “at the gate, he will not open his mouth.” Rabbi Yannai said: To what is the matter comparable? It is to a loaf that was suspended in the air.7It was suspended from the ceiling in a house. The fool said: ‘Who will be able to retrieve it?’ The clever one says: ‘Did someone not suspend it?’ He brings a ladder or a rod and takes it down. Likewise, everyone who is a fool, says: ‘When will I read the entire Torah?’ But one who is clever, what does he do? He studies one chapter each and every day until he completes the entire Torah. The Holy One blessed be He said: “It is not hidden,” and if it is hidden, it is from you, because you did not engage in it. That is, “for this mitzva.”
זֶה שֶׁאָמַר הַכָּתוּב (משלי ד, כב): כִּי חַיִּים הֵם לְמֹצְאֵיהֶם וגו', אָמַר רַבִּי חִיָּא קִילוֹרִית לָעַיִן מְלוּגְמָא לְמַכָּה, כּוֹס עִקָּרִין לִבְנֵי מֵעַיִם קִילוֹרִית לָעֵינַיִם, דִּכְתִיב (תהלים יט, ט): מִצְוַת ה' בָּרָה מֵאִירַת עֵינָיִם, מְלוּגְמָא לְמַכָּה, דִּכְתִיב (משלי ג, ח): רִפְאוּת תְּהִי לְשָׁרֶיךָ. וְכוֹס עִקָּרִין לִבְנֵי מֵעַיִם, דִּכְתִיב (משלי ג, ח): וְשִׁקּוּי לְעַצְמוֹתֶיךָ. דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי חַיִּים הֵם לְמֹצְאֵיהֶם, לְמִי שֶׁמּוֹצִיאָן מִפִּיו. מַעֲשֶׂה בְּתַלְמִיד אֶחָד שֶׁל רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן יַעֲקֹב שֶׁהָיָה מְמַהֵר בְּכָל תַּלְמוּדוֹ בְּשָׁעָה אֶחָת, פַּעַם אַחַת חָלָה וְשָׁכַח אֶת כָּל תַּלְמוּדוֹ, מִי גָרַם לוֹ עַל יְדֵי שֶׁלֹא הָיָה אוֹמְרוֹ מִפִּיו. וְנִתְפַּלֵּל עָלָיו רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן יַעֲקֹב וְחָזַר כָּל תַּלְמוּדוֹ. דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי חַיִּים הֵם לְמֹצְאֵיהֶם, לְמִי שֶׁמּוֹצִיאָן לַאֲחֵרִים. דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי חַיִּים הֵם לְמֹצְאֵיהֶם, לְמִי שֶׁמַּמְצִיא אוֹתָן, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ח, א): כָּל הַמִּצְוָה, מַהוּ כָּל הַמִּצְוָה, עַד שֶׁתְּכַלֶּה כָּל הַמִּצְווֹת. וּלְכָל בְּשָׂרוֹ מַרְפֵּא, לִרמ''ח אֵבָרִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ. הֲרֵי כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת. דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת, אָמַר רַבִּי חִיָּא בַּר אַבָּא כָּל מִי שֶׁמַּתְחִיל בְּמִצְוָה וְאֵינוֹ גּוֹמְרָהּ גּוֹרֵם שֶׁיִּקְבֹּר אִשְׁתּוֹ וּבָנָיו, וּמִמִי אַתְּ לָמֵד מִיהוּדָה שֶׁהִתְחִיל בְּמִצְוָה וְלֹא גְּמָרָהּ, כֵּיצַד בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁבָּא יוֹסֵף אֵצֶל אֶחָיו וּבִקְּשׁוּ לַהֲרֹג אוֹתוֹ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית לז, כ): לְכוּ וְנַהַרְגֵּהוּ, עָמַד יְהוּדָה וְלֹא הִנִּיחָן, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית לז, כו): מַה בֶּצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג אֶת אָחִינוּ, וְשָׁמְעוּ לוֹ מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהָיָה מֶלֶךְ עֲלֵיהֶן, וְאִלּוּ אָמַר לָהֶן נַחֲזִירֶנוּ אֵצֶל אָבִינוּ הָיוּ שׁוֹמְעִין לוֹ, וְעַל יְדֵי שֶׁהִתְחִיל בְּמִצְוָה וְלֹא גְמָרָהּ, קָבַר אִשְׁתּוֹ וּשְׁנֵי בָנָיו, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית לח, יב): וַתָּמָת בַּת שׁוּעַ אֵשֶׁת יְהוּדָה, וּכְתִיב (בראשית מו, יב): וַיָּמָת עֵר וְאוֹנָן בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן. דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת, אָמַר רַבִּי לֵוִי בְּשֵׁם רַבִּי חָמָא בַּר חֲנִינָא כָּל מִי שֶׁמַּתְחִיל בְּמִצְוָה וְאֵינוֹ גּוֹמְרָהּ וּבָא אַחַר וְגוֹמְרָהּ, נִקְרֵאת עַל שְׁמוֹ שֶׁגְּמָרָהּ, כֵּיצַד, משֶׁה הִתְחִיל בְּמִצְוָה שֶׁנָּטַל עַצְמוֹתָיו שֶׁל יוֹסֵף עִמּוֹ, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות יג, יט): וַיִּקַּח משֶׁה אֶת עַצְמוֹת יוֹסֵף עִמּוֹ וגו', וְעַל יְדֵי שֶׁלֹא הִכְנִיסָן לְאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל נִקְרֵאת עַל שְׁמָן שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁקָּבְרוּ אוֹתָן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (יהושע כד, לב): וְאֶת עַצְמוֹת יוֹסֵף אֲשֶׁר הֶעֱלוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרַיִם קָבְרוּ בִשְׁכֶם, אֲשֶׁר הֶעֱלָה משֶׁה מִמִּצְרַיִם אֵין כְּתִיב כָּאן, אֶלָּא אֲשֶׁר הֶעֱלוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְלָמָּה קָבְרוּ אוֹתָן בִּשְׁכֶם, מָשָׁל לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה לְגַנָּבִים שֶׁגָּנְבוּ חָבִית שֶׁל יַיִן, הִרְגִּישׁ בָּהֶם בַּעַל הַבַּיִת, אָמַר לָהֶם יֶעֱרַב עֲלֵיכֶם, אֶלָּא בְּחַיֵּיכֶם מִשֶּׁאַתֶּם שׁוֹתִים אֶת הַיַּיִן הַחֲזִירוּ אֶת הַקַּנְקַן לִמְקוֹמוֹ, כָּךְ בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁמָּכְרוּ הַשְּׁבָטִים אֶת יוֹסֵף מִשְּׁכֶם מָכְרוּ אוֹתוֹ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית לז, יג): וַיֹּאמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל יוֹסֵף הֲלוֹא אַחֶיךָ רֹעִים בִּשְׁכֶם, אָמַר לָהֶם הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מִשְּׁכֶם מְכַרְתֶּם אוֹתוֹ הַחֲזִירוּ עַצְמוֹתָיו לִשְׁכֶם, כֵּיוָן שֶׁגָּמְרוּ אֶת הַמִּצְוָה נִקְרֵאת עַל שְׁמָן, הֱוֵי כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת.
What the verse said: “For they are life for those who find them…” (Proverbs 4:22) – Rabbi Ḥiyya said: It is a salve for the eye and a remedy for a wound, and a cup of roots for the intestines. A salve for the eyes, as it is written: “The commandment of the Lord is pure, it enlightens the eyes” (Psalms 19:9). A remedy for a wound, as it is written: “It will bring health to your body” (Proverbs 3:8). A cup of roots for the intestines – as it is written: “And an elixir for your bones” (Proverbs 3:8).
Another matter, “for they are life for those who find them [lemotzeihem]” – to one who issues them [lemotzian] out of his mouth.8Studies out loud. There was an incident involving a certain disciple of Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov, who would complete all his learning in one hour.9He did not say the words out loud. One time, he fell ill and forgot all his learning. What caused this to befall him? It is because he did not recite it with his mouth. Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov prayed on his behalf and all his learning was restored.
Another matter, “for they are life for those who find them [motzeihem]” – for one who imparts it [shemotzian] to others. Alternatively, “for they are life for those who find them [motzeihem]” – for one who completes [shemamtzi]10This is a variation of the word mematze, which means exhausts or completes. all the mitzvot. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “All the mitzva” (Deuteronomy 8:1). What is “all the mitzva”? It is until you complete all the mitzvot. "And an elixir for your bones” (Proverbs 3:8), the 248 limbs that you have. That is "For this mitzva."
Another matter, “for this mitzva” – Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba said: Anyone who begins a mitzva and does not complete it, causes that he will bury his wife and his children. From whom do you derive it? It is from Judah, who began a mitzva but did not complete it. How so? When Joseph came to his brothers and they sought to kill him, as it is stated: “Let us go and kill him” (Genesis 37:20). Judah stood and did not allow them. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “What profit is it if we kill our brother?” (Genesis 37:26). They heeded him because he was king over them. Had he said to them: ‘Let us return him to our father,’ they would have heeded him. Because he began the mitzva but did not complete it, he buried his wife and his children, as it is stated: “Bat Shua, Judah’s wife, died” (Genesis 38:12), and it is written: “Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 46:12).
Another matter, “for this mitzva” – Rabbi Levi said in the name of Rabbi Ḥama bar Ḥanina: Anyone who begins a mitzva but does not complete it, and another comes and completes it, it is attributed to the one who completed it. How so? Moses began the mitzva, as he took Joseph’s bones with him. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “Moses took Joseph’s bones with him…” (Exodus 13:19). But because he did not take them into the Land of Israel, it is attributed to Israel, who buried him, as it is stated: “The bones of Joseph that the children of Israel took up from Egypt, they buried in Shekhem” (Joshua 24:32). “That Moses took up from Egypt” is not written here, but rather, “that the children of Israel took up.” Why did they bury him in Shekhem? To what is the matter comparable? It is to thieves who stole a barrel of wine. The homeowner was aware of their presence. He said to them: ‘Enjoy it, but, as you live, after you drink the wine, return the barrel to its place.’ So, when the brothers sold Joseph, they sold him from Shekhem, as it is stated: “Israel said to Joseph: Are your brothers not herding in Shekhem?” (Genesis 37:13). The Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘You sold him from Shekhem, return him to Shekhem.’ Since they completed the mitzva, it is attributed to them. That is, “for this mitzva.”
דָּבָר אַחֵר, אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אִם קְרִיתֶם אֶת הַתּוֹרָה, מִצְוָה אַתֶּם עוֹשִׂים עַל עוֹלָמִי, שֶׁאִלְמָלֵא הַתּוֹרָה כְּבָר הָיָה הָעוֹלָם חוֹזֵר לְתֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ. דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי הַמִּצְוָה, מַהוּ הַמִּצְוָה, רַבָּנָן אָמְרֵי דָּבָר קָשֶׁה, לְמָה הַדָּבָר דוֹמֶה לְמֶלֶךְ שֶׁהָיָה לוֹ אֶבֶן טוֹבָה וְהִפְקִידָהּ אֵצֶל אוֹהֲבוֹ, אָמַר לוֹ, בְּבַקָּשָׁה מִמְּךָ תֵּן דַּעְתְּךָ עָלֶיהָ וּשְׁמֹר אוֹתָהּ כָּרָאוּי, שֶׁאִם תֹּאבַד לֹא יֵשׁ לְךָ מֵהֵיכָן לִפְרֹעַ לִי, וְאַף אֲנִי לֹא יֵשׁ לִי אַחֶרֶת כַּיּוֹצֵא בָהּ, וְנִמְצֵאתָ חוֹטֵא עָלַי וְעָלֶיךָ, אֶלָּא עֲשֵׂה מִצְוָה עַל שְׁנֵינוּ וּשְׁמֹר אוֹתָהּ כָּרָאוּי. כָּךְ אָמַר משֶׁה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל, אִם שְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת הַתּוֹרָה לֹא עַל עַצְמְכֶם אַתֶּם עוֹשִׂין צְדָקָה בִּלְבָד, אֶלָּא עָלַי וְעַל עַצְמְכֶם, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ו, כה): וּצְדָקָה תִּהְיֶה לָנוּ, לִי וְלָכֶם, אֵימָתַי (דברים ו, כה): כִּי נִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת כָּל הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת.
Another matter, the Holy One blessed be He said: ‘If you read the Torah, you are performing a mitzva for the sake of My world, as were it not for the Torah, the world would have been restored to emptiness and disorder.’
Another matter, “for the mitzva” – what is “the mitzva”? The Rabbis say: It is a hard matter. To what is the matter comparable? It is to a king who had a gem and he entrusted it to his friend. He said to him: ‘I beseech you, pay attention to it and guard it properly, as if it is lost, you do not have anywhere from which to repay me, and I do not have another one like it. The result will be that you will have sinned against me and against you. Instead, perform the mitzva on behalf of both of us, and guard it properly.’ So, Moses said to Israel: ‘If you observe the Torah, you will not only be acting charitably [tzdaka] for yourselves, but for Me and for you, as it is stated: “It will be, therefore, to our merit [tzdaka]” (Deuteronomy 6:25) – for Me and for you.’ When? “[It will be, therefore, to our merit…] if we observe to perform all this mitzva” (Deuteronomy 6:25).
דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי הַמִּצְוָה וגו' לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא. אָמַר לָהֶן משֶׁה שֶׁלֹא תֹאמְרוּ משֶׁה אַחֵר עוֹמֵד וּמֵבִיא לָנוּ תּוֹרָה אַחֶרֶת מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם, כְּבָר אֲנִי מוֹדִיעַ אֶתְכֶם לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא, שֶׁלֹא נִשְׁתַּיֵּיר הֵימֶנָּה בַּשָּׁמַיִם. דָּבָר אַחֵר, אָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא הִיא וְכָל כְּלֵי אֻמָנוּתָהּ נִתְּנָה, עִנְוְתָנוּתָהּ, צִדְקָהּ וְיַשְׁרוּתָהּ וּמַתַּן שְׂכָרָהּ. דָּבָר אַחֵר, מַהוּ לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא. שְׁמוּאֵל אָמַר אֵין הַתּוֹרָה מְצוּיָה בְּאִיסְטְרוֹלוֹגִין שֶׁאֻמְנוּתָן בַּשָּׁמָיִם, אָמְרוּ לִשְׁמוּאֵל הֲרֵי אַתָּה אִיסְטְרוֹלוֹגִין וְגָדוֹל בַּתּוֹרָה, אָמַר לָהֶן לֹא הָיִיתִי מַבִּיט בְּאִיסְטְרוֹלוֹגִים אֶלָּא בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁהָיִיתִי פָּנוּי מִן הַתּוֹרָה, אֵימָתַי כְּשֶׁהָיִיתִי נִכְנָס לְבֵית הַמָּיִם. דָּבָר אַחֵר, לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא, אָמְרוּ לוֹ רַבֵּנוּ משֶׁה הֲרֵי אַתָּה אוֹמֵר לָנוּ לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא וְלֹא מֵעֵבֶר לַיָּם הִוא, וְהֵיכָן הִיא, אָמַר לָהֶן בְּמָקוֹם קָרוֹב הִיא (דברים ל, יד): בְּפִיךָ וּבִלְבָבְךָ לַעֲשׂוֹתוֹ, אֵינָהּ רְחוֹקָה מִכֶּם קְרוֹבָה הִיא לָכֶם. דָּבָר אַחֵר, בְּפִיךָ וּבִלְבָבְךָ לַעֲשׂתוֹ, רַבָּנָן אָמְרֵי שִׁבְעָה דְּבָרִים אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה עַל הֶעָצֵל, וּמַה שֶּׁאָמַר משֶׁה הָיָה גָּדוֹל מִכֻּלָּם, כֵּיצַד אָמְרוּ לֶעָצֵל רַבְּךָ בָּעִיר לֵךְ וּלְמַד תּוֹרָה מִמֶּנּוּ, וְהוּא מֵשִׁיב אוֹתָן וְאוֹמֵר לָהֶן, מִתְיָרֵא אֲנִי מִן הָאֲרִי שֶׁבַּדֶּרֶךְ, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כו, יג): אָמַר עָצֵל שַׁחַל בַּדָּרֶךְ. אָמְרוּ לוֹ הֲרֵי רַבְּךָ בְּתוֹךְ הַמְדִינָה עֲמֹד וְלֵךְ אֶצְלוֹ, אָמַר לָהֶן מִתְיָרֵא אֲנִי שֶׁלֹא יְהֵא אֲרִי בְּתוֹךְ הָרְחוֹבוֹת, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כו, יג): אֲרִי בָּרְחֹבוֹת. אָמְרוּ לוֹ הֲרֵי הוּא דָּר אֵצֶל בֵּיתְךָ, אָמַר לָהֶן וְהָאֲרִי בַּחוּץ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כב, יג): אָמַר עָצֵל אֲרִי בַּחוּץ. אָמְרוּ לוֹ בְּתוֹךְ הַבַּיִת, הֵשִׁיב לָהֶן וְאִם הוֹלֵךְ אֲנִי וּמוֹצֵא אֶת הַדֶּלֶת נָעוּל, אֲנִי מְחַזֵּר וּבָא. אָמְרוּ לוֹ פָּתוּחַ הוּא, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כב, יג): הַדֶּלֶת תִּסּוֹב עַל צִירָהּ וְעָצֵל עַל מִטָּתוֹ, לַסּוֹף שֶׁלֹא הָיָה יוֹדֵעַ מַה לְּהָשִׁיב, אוֹמֵר לָהֶן, אוֹ הַדֶּלֶת פָּתוּחַ אוֹ נָעוּל, מְבַקֵּשׁ אֲנִי לִישֹׁן עוֹד מְעַט, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ו, ט): עַד מָתַי עָצֵל תִּשְׁכָּב וגו'. עָמַד מִשְּׁנָתוֹ בַּבֹּקֶר נָתְנוּ לְפָנָיו לֶאֱכֹל הוּא מִתְעַצֵּל לָתֵת לְתוֹךְ פִּיו, מִנַּיִן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כו, טו): טָמַן עָצֵל יָדוֹ בַּצַּלָּחַת נִלְאָה לַהֲשִׁיבָהּ אֶל פִּיו, וְאֵיזֶה שְׁבִיעִי (משלי כ, ד): מֵחֹרֶף עָצֵל לֹא יַחֲרשׁ וְשָׁאַל בַּקָּצִיר וָאָיִן. מַהוּ מֵחֹרֶף עָצֵל לֹא יַחֲרשׁ, אָמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחָאי זֶה שֶׁאֵינוֹ לָמֵד תּוֹרָה בְּנַעֲרוּתוֹ וּמְבַקֵּשׁ לִלְמֹד בְּזִקְנוּתוֹ וְאֵינוֹ יָכוֹל, וְזֶהוּ וְשָׁאַל בַּקָּצִיר וָאָיִן. וּמַה שֶּׁאָמַר משֶׁה הָיָה גָּדוֹל מִכֻּלָּן, מִנַּיִן (דברים ל, יד): כִּי קָרוֹב אֵלֶיךָ הַדָּבָר מְאֹד בְּפִיךָ וּבִלְבָבְךָ לַעֲשׂתוֹ, הוֹצֵא דָּבָר מִתּוֹךְ פִּיךָ.
“It is not in the heavens, to say: Who will ascend for us to the heavens, and take it for us, and communicate it to us, that we will perform it” (Deuteronomy 30:12).
Another matter, “for [this] mitzva…it is not in the heavens” – Moses said to them: ‘So you will not say: Another Moses will stand and bring us another Torah from Heaven, I am already informing you: “It is not in the heavens,” as nothing of it remained in Heaven.’
Another matter, Rabbi Ḥanina said: It and all the tools of its craft were given; its humility, its righteousness, its uprightness, and the giving of its reward.
Another matter, what is “it is not in the heavens”? Shmuel said: The Torah cannot be found among the astrologers, whose craft is in the heavens. They said to Shmuel: ‘But you are an astrologer and a Torah giant.’ He said to them: ‘I would look into astrology only when I was unoccupied in Torah. When? It is when I would enter the bathhouse.’11One is not allowed to study Torah in the bathhouse.
“And it is not across the sea, to say: Who will cross for us to the other side of the sea and take it for us, and communicate it to us that we will perform it” (Deuteronomy 30:13).
“Rather the matter is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart to perform it” (Deuteronomy 30:14).
Another matter, “it is not in the heavens” – they said: ‘Our master, Moses, you are saying: “It is not in the heavens” and “it is not across the sea.” Where is it?’ He said to them: ‘It is is a place that is near: “in your mouth and in your heart to perform it.” It is not distant from you, it is near to you.’
Another matter, “in your mouth and in your heart to perform it” – the Rabbis said: Solomon said seven matters regarding the idler, but what Moses said was greater than all of them. How so? They said to the idler: ‘Your teacher is in the city, go and learn Torah from him.’ He answers them and says to them: ‘I am afraid of the lion on the way.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “The idler says: There is a lion on the way” (Proverbs 26:13). They said to him: ‘Your teacher is in the neighborhood, get up and go to him.’ He says to them: ‘I am afraid that there might be a lion outside,’ as it is stated: “A lion in the streets” (Proverbs 26:13). They said to him: ‘He is residing next to your house.’ He said to them: ‘But the lion is outside,’ as it is stated: “The idler says: There is a lion in the street” (Proverbs 22:13). They said to him: ‘Inside the house.’ He said to them: ‘But if I go and find the door [of his room] locked, I will need to come back.’ They said to him: ‘It is open.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “The door turns on its hinges, and the idler is on his bed” (Proverbs 26:14). Ultimately, he did not know what to answer. He said to them: ‘Whether the door is open or locked, I wish to sleep a bit longer.’ From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “How long will you lie down, idler? [When will you arise from your sleep?]” (Proverbs 6:9). He awakened from his sleep in the morning, they placed before him to eat. He was too lazy to put it in his mouth. From where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “The idler inserts his hand into the dish; he is too weary to return it to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:15). Which is the seventh? “From the winter, the idler will not plow; he will ask at harvest, and there is nothing” (Proverbs 20:4). What is, “from the winter, the idler will not plow”? Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai said: This is one who does not study Torah in his youth and seeks to study in his old age, but is unable to do so. That is, “he will ask at harvest, and there is nothing.” But what Moses said was greater than all of them. From where is it derived? “Rather, the matter is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart to perform it” – take the matter out of your mouth.
דָּבָר אַחֵר, כִּי קָרוֹב אֵלֶיךָ, אָמַר רַבִּי שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר רַב נַחְמָן לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה לְבַת מֶלֶךְ שֶׁלֹא הָיָה אָדָם מַכִּירָהּ וְהָיָה לַמֶּלֶךְ אָהוּב אֶחָד וְהָיָה נִכְנַס לַמֶּלֶךְ בְּכָל שָׁעָה, וְהָיְתָה בִּתּוֹ שֶׁל מֶלֶךְ עוֹמֶדֶת לְפָנָיו, אָמַר לוֹ הַמֶּלֶךְ רְאֵה הֵיאַךְ אֲנִי מְחַבֵּב אוֹתְךָ שֶׁאֵין בְּרִיָּה מַכִּיר אֶת בִּתִּי וְעוֹמֶדֶת לְפָנֶיךָ. כָּךְ אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לְיִשְׂרָאֵל, רְאוּ מָה אַתֶּם חֲבִיבִים עָלַי, שֶׁאֵין בְּרִיָה בַּפָּלָטִין שֶׁלִּי מַכִּיר אֶת הַתּוֹרָה, וְלָכֶם נְתַתִּיהָ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (איוב כח, כא): וְנֶעֶלְמָה מֵעֵינֵי כָּל חָי, אֲבָל אַתֶּם לֹא נִפְלֵאת הִיא מִמְךָ, אֶלָּא קָרוֹב אֵלֶיךָ הַדָבָר מְאֹד, אָמַר לָהֶן הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא, בָּנַי, אִם יִהְיוּ דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה קְרוֹבִים לָכֶם, אַף אֲנִי קוֹרֵא אֶתְכֶם קְרוֹבִים, שֶׁכֵּן כְּתִיב (תהלים קמח, יד): לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עַם קְרֹבוֹ הַלְלוּיָהּ.
“Rather the matter is very near to you” – Rabbi Shmuel bar Rav Naḥman said: To what is the matter comparable? It is to the daughter of a king whom no person knew. The king had a certain friend who would enter to the king all the time, and the king’s daughter was standing before him. The king said to him: ‘See how beloved you are to me, as there is no creature who knows my daughter, and she stands before you.’ So, the Holy One blessed be He said to Israel: ‘See how beloved you are to me, as there is no creature in my palace who knows the Torah, and I gave it to you,’ as it is stated: “It is vanished from the eyes of all living” (Job 28:21) . But you, “it is not hidden from you,” (Deuteronomy 30:11), but rather, “the matter is very near to you” (Deuteronomy 30:14). The Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘My children, if the matters of Torah are near to you, I call you near as well, as so it is written: “For the children of Israel, the people who are near to Him. Halleluya”’ (Psalms 148:14).