Yehuda’s name includes the letters of the name of God because he sanctified God’s name in public. When was this? A braita is brought to answer the question in which two versions are brought regarding the question of who went into the Red Sea first – the tribe of Benjamin or Nachshon the son of Aminadav from the tribe of Judah? Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov explains how the Levites split up – the elders were in between the two mountains and the others were on top. Rabbi Yoshiya says it split between those who were able to work (to carry the Ark) and those who could not. Rebbi has a totally different understanding of where the people stood – he thinks that all the tribes were at the foot of the mountain – some at the foot of Mount Grizim and some at the foot of Mount Eival as when the verse says “on Mount…” it means next to, as is proven from other instances where on means next to. How were the blessings and curses recited? How many covenants were formed on that day? When else were there covenants formed as the ones on that day? There is a debate about what was received when – Rabbi Yismael holds that general rules were given at Sinai and details at the Tent of Meeting (ohel moed). Rabbi Akiva holds that both were received at Sinai and repeated at the Tent of Meeting and then a third time at Arvot Moav. Rabbi Yehuda ben Nachmani said that all the blessings and curses only relate to one who commits adultery. More details of how the blessings and curses were recited are derived from the verse regarding those who stand on Mount Grizim for the blessings and those who stand on Mount Eival for the curses.
This week’s learning is sponsored by Robert and Paula Cohen in loving memory of Joseph Cohen, Yosef ben Moshe HaCohen, z”l. “He was hard working, loved to sing, esp. as a chazan, and was very dedicated to his family and community.”
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This week’s learning is sponsored by Robert and Paula Cohen in loving memory of Joseph Cohen, Yosef ben Moshe HaCohen, z”l. “He was hard working, loved to sing, esp. as a chazan, and was very dedicated to his family and community.”
Sotah 37
שִׁבְטוֹ שֶׁל בִּנְיָמִין וְיָרַד לַיָּם תְּחִילָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שָׁם בִּנְיָמִין צָעִיר רֹדֵם״, אַל תִּקְרֵי ״רֹדֵם״ אֶלָּא ״רָד יָם״. וְהָיוּ שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה רוֹגְמִים אוֹתָם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה רִגְמָתָם״.
the tribe of Benjamin and descended into the sea first, as it is stated: “There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them [rodem]” (Psalms 68:28). Do not read it as: “Ruling them [rodem]”; rather, read it as: Descending [red] into the sea [yam]. And the princes of the tribe of Judah were stoning them [rogmim otam] for plunging in first and not in the proper order, as it is stated in the continuation of the verse: “The princes of Judah, their council [rigmatam]” (Psalms 68:28).
לְפִיכָךְ זָכָה בִּנְיָמִין הַצַּדִּיק וְנַעֲשָׂה אוּשְׁפִּיזְכָן לַגְּבוּרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וּבֵין כְּתֵפָיו שָׁכֵן״.
Therefore, Benjamin the righteous was privileged to serve as host to the Divine Presence of the Almighty, as the Temple was built in the territory of Benjamin, as it is stated in Moses’ blessing for the tribe of Benjamin: “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; He covers him all the day, and He rests between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12).
אָמַר לוֹ רַבִּי יְהוּדָה: לֹא כָּךְ הָיָה מַעֲשֶׂה, אֶלָּא זֶה אוֹמֵר: אֵין אֲנִי יוֹרֵד תְּחִילָּה לַיָּם, וְזֶה אוֹמֵר: אֵין אֲנִי יוֹרֵד תְּחִילָּה לַיָּם, קָפַץ נַחְשׁוֹן בֶּן עַמִּינָדָב וְיָרַד לַיָּם תְּחִילָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״סְבָבֻנִי בְכַחַשׁ אֶפְרַיִם וּבְמִרְמָה בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וִיהוּדָה עֹד רָד עִם אֵל״.
Rabbi Yehuda said to Rabbi Meir: That is not how the incident took place. Rather, this tribe said: I am not going into the sea first, and that tribe said: I am not going into the sea first. Then, in jumped the prince of Judah, Nahshon ben Amminadab, and descended into the sea first, accompanied by his entire tribe, as it is stated: “Ephraim surrounds Me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit, and Judah is yet wayward toward God [rad im El]” (Hosea 12:1), which is interpreted homiletically as: And Judah descended [rad] with God [im El].
וְעָלָיו מְפֹרָשׁ בַּקַּבָּלָה: ״הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי אֱלֹהִים כִּי בָאוּ מַיִם עַד נָפֶשׁ … טָבַעְתִּי בִּיוֵן מְצוּלָה וְאֵין מׇעֳמָד וְגוֹ׳״, ״אַל תִּשְׁטְפֵנִי שִׁבֹּלֶת מַיִם וְאַל תִּבְלָעֵנִי מְצוּלָה וְגוֹ׳״.
And in this regard, the tradition, i.e., the Writings, explicates Nahshon’s prayer at that moment: “Save me, God; for the waters are come in even unto the soul. I am sunk in deep mire, where there is no standing…let not the water flood overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up” (Psalms 69:2–3, 16).
בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה הָיָה מֹשֶׁה מַאֲרִיךְ בִּתְפִלָּה, אָמַר לוֹ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא: יְדִידַיי טוֹבְעִים בַּיָּם וְאַתָּה מַאֲרִיךְ בִּתְפִלָּה לְפָנַי?! אָמַר לְפָנָיו: רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם! וּמָה בְּיָדִי לַעֲשׂוֹת? אָמַר לוֹ: ״דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ. וְאַתָּה הָרֵם אֶת מַטְּךָ וּנְטֵה אֶת יָדְךָ וְגוֹ׳״.
At that time, Moses was prolonging his prayer. The Holy One, Blessed be He, said to him: My beloved ones are drowning in the sea and you prolong your prayer to me? Moses said before Him: Master of the Universe, but what can I do? God said to him: “Speak to the children of Israel that they go forward. And you, lift up your rod and stretch out your hand” (Exodus 14:15–16).
לְפִיכָךְ, זָכָה יְהוּדָה לַעֲשׂוֹת מֶמְשָׁלָה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הָיְתָה יְהוּדָה לְקׇדְשׁוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל מַמְשְׁלוֹתָיו״, מָה טַעַם ״הָיְתָה יְהוּדָה לְקׇדְשׁוֹ וְיִשְׂרָאֵל מַמְשְׁלוֹתָיו״ — מִשּׁוּם דְּ״הַיָּם רָאָה וַיָּנֹס״.
For this reason, because Nahshon and the tribe of Judah went into the sea first, the tribe of Judah merited to govern Israel, as it is stated: “Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled” (Psalms 114:2–3). The baraita interprets the verses in this manner: What is the reason that Judah became His sanctuary and Israel came under His dominion? It is because “the sea saw it and fled.”
תַּנְיָא, רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן יַעֲקֹב אוֹמֵר: אִי אֶפְשָׁר לוֹמַר לֵוִי לְמַטָּה, שֶׁכְּבָר נֶאֱמַר לְמַעְלָה. וְאִי אֶפְשָׁר לוֹמַר לְמַעְלָה, שֶׁכְּבָר נֶאֱמַר לְמַטָּה.
§ The Gemara returns to discussing the blessing and curses. It is taught in a baraita (Tosefta 8:9) that Rabbi Eliezer ben Ya’akov says: It is impossible to say that the tribe of Levi stood below, between the two mountains, as it is already stated that they were above, in the verse: “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people when you have passed over the Jordan: Simeon and Levi and Judah” (Deuteronomy 27:12). And it is impossible to say that they stood above on the mountain because it is already stated: “And all of Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the Ark and on that side before the priests the Levites” (Joshua 8:33). This shows that the Levites stood below, between the mountains, with the Ark.
הָא כֵּיצַד? זִקְנֵי כְּהוּנָּה וּלְוִיָּה לְמַטָּה, וְהַשְּׁאָר לְמַעְלָה. רַבִּי יֹאשִׁיָּה אוֹמֵר: כׇּל הָרָאוּי לְשָׁרֵת לְמַטָּה, וְהַשְּׁאָר לְמַעְלָה.
How is this possible? Only the Elders of the priesthood and the Levites stood below, and the rest of the Levites stood above on the mountain. Rabbi Yoshiya says: Any Levite who was fit to serve in the Temple stood below, between the mountains, and the rest of the tribe, who were too young or too old to serve in the Temple, stood above on the mountain.
רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: אֵלּוּ וְאֵלּוּ לְמַטָּה הֵן עוֹמְדִים, הָפְכוּ פְּנֵיהֶם כְּלַפֵּי הַר גְּרִיזִים וּפָתְחוּ בִּבְרָכָה, כְּלַפֵּי הַר עֵיבָל וּפָתְחוּ בִּקְלָלָה. מַאי ״עַל״ — עַל בְּסָמוּךְ.
Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: Both the Levites and the Israelites were standing below. They turned to face Mount Gerizim and opened with a blessing, and then they turned toward Mount Ebal and opened with a curse. Therefore, what is the meaning of the verse: “These shall stand on [al] Mount Gerizim to bless the people” (Deuteronomy 27:12)? “Al” means adjacent to the mountain but not actually on the mountain itself.
כִּדְתַנְיָא: ״וְנָתַתָּ עַל הַמַּעֲרֶכֶת לְבוֹנָה זַכָּה״, רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: ״עַל״ — בְּסָמוּךְ. אַתָּה אוֹמֵר ״עַל״ בְּסָמוּךְ, אוֹ אֵינוֹ אֶלָּא עַל מַמָּשׁ? כְּשֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר ״וְסַכֹּתָ עַל הָאָרֹן״, הֱוֵי אוֹמֵר ״עַל״ בְּסָמוּךְ.
As it is taught in a baraita that discusses the shewbread: “And you shall put pure frankincense on [al] each row” (Leviticus 24:7). Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: “Al” in this instance means adjacent to. Do you say that “al” means adjacent to, or perhaps it carries only its literal meaning of “on”? When it says in the verse: “And you shall screen the Ark [al haAron] with the curtain” (Exodus 40:3), the word “al” cannot mean on, as the curtain that separated the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies was not placed on top of the Ark, but near it. Therefore, you must say that “al” means adjacent to.
הָפְכוּ פְּנֵיהֶם כְּלַפֵּי הַר גְּרִיזִים וּפָתְחוּ בִּבְרָכָה כּוּ׳, תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״בָּרוּךְ״ בִּכְלָל, ״בָּרוּךְ״ בִּפְרָט. ״אָרוּר״ בִּכְלָל, ״אָרוּר״ בִּפְרָט, לִלְמוֹד וּלְלַמֵּד לִשְׁמוֹר וְלַעֲשׂוֹת, הֲרֵי
§ It is stated in the mishna: They turned to face Mount Gerizim and opened with a blessing: Blessed be the man who does not make a graven or molten image (see Deuteronomy 27:15), and these people and those people, i.e., the two groups standing on either mountain, answered: Amen. Then they turned to face Mount Ebal and opened with the curse: “Cursed be the man who makes a graven or molten image” (Deuteronomy 27:15), and these people and those people answered: Amen. The Sages taught (Tosefta 8:10): The blessings and curses include a general blessing for one who fulfills the entire Torah, and a particular blessing for each individual statement mentioned in the blessings and curses. Likewise, there is a general curse for one who does not fulfill the entire Torah and a particular curse for each individual statement. And for each of the blessings and curses there is a mitzva to learn and to teach, and to keep and to perform. Consequently,
אַרְבַּע, אַרְבַּע וְאַרְבַּע הֲרֵי שְׁמוֹנֶה, שְׁמוֹנֶה וּשְׁמוֹנֶה הֲרֵי שֵׁשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. וְכֵן בְּסִינַי, וְכֵן בְּעַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״אֵלֶּה דִבְרֵי הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה׳ אֶת מֹשֶׁה וְגוֹ׳, וּכְתִיב: ״וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת דִּבְרֵי הַבְּרִית הַזֹּאת וְגוֹ׳״. נִמְצָא אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמוֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת עַל כׇּל מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה.
every mitzva contains four aspects. Four general aspects and four specific aspects add up to eight. Eight blessings and eight curses add up to sixteen. And so too at Mount Sinai, and so too at the plains of Moab, as it is stated: “These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that He made with them in Horeb” (Deuteronomy 28:69). And it is written: “Observe therefore the words of this covenant” (Deuteronomy 29:8). It follows that between the three events where sixteen covenants were made, God established forty-eight covenants for each and every mitzva.
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן מוֹצִיא הַר גְּרִיזִים וְהַר עֵיבָל, וּמַכְנִיס אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד שֶׁבַּמִּדְבָּר.
Rabbi Shimon excludes Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal from this list because only some of the mitzvot were mentioned there, and he includes instead the covenant at the Tent of Meeting in the desert.
וּבִפְלוּגְתָּא דְּהָנֵי תַּנָּאֵי דְּתַנְיָא, רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל אוֹמֵר: כְּלָלוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי וּפְרָטוֹת בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד. רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא אוֹמֵר: כְּלָלוֹת וּפְרָטוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי, וְנִשְׁנוּ בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, וְנִשְׁתַּלְּשׁוּ בְּעַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב.
The Gemara explains: And it is in the dispute between these tanna’im that they disagree, as it is taught in a baraita (Tosefta 8:11): Rabbi Yishmael says: General statements were said at Sinai, i.e., Moses received general mitzvot at Sinai, including the Ten Commandments. And the details of the mitzvot were explained to Moses at a later time in the Tent of Meeting. Rabbi Akiva says: Both general statements and the details of mitzvot were said at Sinai, and later repeated in the Tent of Meeting, and reiterated a third time by Moses to the Jewish people in the plains of Moab. Rabbi Shimon holds in accordance with his teacher, Rabbi Akiva, and counts Mount Sinai and the Tent of Meeting as two distinct places where all of the mitzvot were given.
וְאֵין לָךְ כׇּל דְּבַר מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה שֶׁכְּתוּבָה בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִכְרְתוּ עָלֶיהָ אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת.
The baraita concludes: And there is no mitzva written in the Torah for which forty-eight covenants were not established.
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יְהוּדָה אִישׁ כְּפַר עַכּוֹ אָמַר מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן: אֵין לְךָ מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה שֶׁכְּתוּבָה בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִכְרְתוּ עָלֶיהָ אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת שֶׁל שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים.
Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda Ish Kefar Akko said in the name of Rabbi Shimon: There is no mitzva written in the Torah for which forty-eight covenants were not established 603,550 times, corresponding to the population of the Jewish people in the desert. This is because each member of the Jewish people received the covenant both for himself and as a guarantor for the rest of the Jewish people.
אָמַר רַבִּי: לְדִבְרֵי רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יְהוּדָה אִישׁ כְּפַר עַכּוֹ שֶׁאָמַר מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן, אֵין לְךָ כׇּל מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה שֶׁבַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִכְרְתוּ עָלֶיהָ אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת שֶׁל שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים. נִמְצָא לְכׇל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים.
Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: According to the statement of Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda Ish Kefar Akko, who spoke in the name of Rabbi Shimon, there is no mitzva in the Torah for which forty-eight covenants were not established 603,550 times; it follows that for every one of the Jewish people there were 603,550 covenants.
מַאי בֵּינַיְיהוּ? אָמַר רַב מְשַׁרְשְׁיָא: עָרְבָא וְעָרְבָא דְעָרְבָא אִיכָּא בֵּינַיְיהוּ.
The Gemara asks: What is the difference between the statements of Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda Ish Kefar Akko and Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi? What does the statement of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi add? Rav Mesharshiyya said: The matter of a guarantor and a guarantor for a guarantor is the difference between them. According to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, every Jew is not only rendered a guarantor for every other Jew, but he is also rendered a guarantor for every other Jew’s responsibility as a guarantor. Therefore, according to his calculation, the number of covenants is multiplied again by 603,550.
דָּרֵשׁ רַבִּי יְהוּדָה בֶּן נַחְמָנִי מְתוּרְגְּמָנֵיהּ דְּרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן לָקִישׁ: כׇּל הַפָּרָשָׁה כּוּלָּהּ לֹא נֶאֶמְרָה אֶלָּא בְּנוֹאֵף וְנוֹאֶפֶת,
§ Rabbi Yehuda ben Naḥmani, the disseminator of Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish, taught: The entire passage of the blessings and curses is stated only in reference to an adulterer and adulteress.
״אָרוּר הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה פֶסֶל וּמַסֵּכָה וְגוֹ׳״, בְּ״אָרוּר״ סַגִּי לֵיהּ? אֶלָּא: זֶה הַבָּא עַל הָעֶרְוָה וְהוֹלִיד בֵּן, וְהָלַךְ לְבֵין אוּמּוֹת הָעוֹלָם וְעָבַד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. אֲרוּרִין אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ שֶׁל זֶה שֶׁכָּךְ גָּרְמוּ לוֹ.
This is proved from the verse: “Cursed is the man who makes a graven or molten image” (Deuteronomy 27:15). Is a curse a sufficient consequence for the actions of an idol worshipper? He has rebelled against the fundamental tenet of the Torah. Rather, this is referring to one who engaged in sexual intercourse with a forbidden relative and bore her a mamzer son. And the son, who is not allowed to marry a Jew of unflawed lineage, went to live among the other nations of the world and engaged in idol worship. His father and mother are cursed for causing him to worship idols. Likewise, the rest of the curses refer to sins that are the result of adultery.
תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״וְנָתַתָּ אֶת הַבְּרָכָה עַל הַר גְּרִזִים וְאֶת הַקְּלָלָה וְגוֹ׳״, מָה תַּלְמוּד? לוֹמַר אִם לְלַמֵּד שֶׁתְּהֵא בְּרָכָה עַל הַר גְּרִזִים וּקְלָלָה עַל הַר עֵיבָל, הֲרֵי כְּבָר נֶאֱמַר ״אֵלֶּה יַעַמְדוּ לְבָרֵךְ אֶת הָעָם עַל הַר גְּרִזִים״, וּכְתִיב ״וְאֵלֶּה יַעַמְדוּ עַל הַקְּלָלָה בְּהַר עֵיבָל״! אֶלָּא לְהַקְדִּים בְּרָכָה לִקְלָלָה.
The Sages taught: “And you shall give the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal” (Deuteronomy 11:29). Why must the verse state this? If it is to teach that the blessing must be given on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal, it is already stated: “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people” (Deuteronomy 27:12), and it is written: “And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse” (Deuteronomy 27:13). Rather, the verse teaches that the proclamation of the blessing must precede the curse.
יָכוֹל יִהְיוּ כׇּל הַבְּרָכוֹת קוֹדְמוֹת לַקְּלָלוֹת, תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״בְּרָכָה״ וּ״קְלָלָה״ — בְּרָכָה אַחַת קוֹדֶמֶת לִקְלָלָה, וְאֵין כׇּל הַבְּרָכוֹת קוֹדְמוֹת לַקְּלָלוֹת.
One might have thought that all of the blessings should precede the curses. Therefore, the verse states “blessing” and “curse” in the singular, to teach that one blessing precedes each curse, but all of the blessings do not precede the curses. The blessings and curses were recited alternately, first one blessing and then one curse.
וּלְהַקִּישׁ בְּרָכָה לִקְלָלָה, לוֹמַר לָךְ: מָה קְלָלָה בִּלְוִיִּם, אַף בְּרָכָה בִּלְוִיִּם. וּמָה קְלָלָה בְּקוֹל רָם, אַף בְּרָכָה בְּקוֹל רָם. וּמָה קְלָלָה בִּלְשׁוֹן הַקּוֹדֶשׁ, אַף בְּרָכָה בִּלְשׁוֹן הַקּוֹדֶשׁ. וּמָה קְלָלָה בִּכְלָל וּפְרָט, אַף בְּרָכָה בִּכְלָל וּפְרָט. וּמָה קְלָלָה — אֵלּוּ וָאֵלּוּ עוֹנִין וְאוֹמְרִים ״אָמֵן״, אַף בְּרָכָה — אֵלּוּ וָאֵלּוּ עוֹנִין וְאוֹמְרִים ״אָמֵן״.
And furthermore, the verse comes to juxtapose the blessing with the curse, to say to you that just as the curse is recited by the Levites, so too, the blessing is uttered by the Levites; and just as the curse is proclaimed loudly, so too, the blessing is proclaimed loudly; and just as the curse is proclaimed in the sacred tongue, Hebrew, so too, the blessing is proclaimed in the sacred tongue; and just as the curse is proclaimed both in general and in detail, so too, the blessing is proclaimed in general and in detail. And just as after the curse is uttered, both groups of people on each mountain respond and say amen, so too, after the blessing is uttered, both groups respond and say amen.
מַתְנִי׳ בִּרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים כֵּיצַד? בַּמְּדִינָה אוֹמֵר אוֹתָהּ שָׁלֹשׁ בְּרָכוֹת, וּבַמִּקְדָּשׁ בְּרָכָה אַחַת. בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ אוֹמֵר אֶת הַשֵּׁם
MISHNA: How is the Priestly Benediction recited? In the country, i.e., outside the Temple, the priest recites the verses as three blessings, pausing between each verse while the people respond amen. And in the Temple, the priests recite all three verses as one blessing, after which the people respond: Blessed be the Lord, God, the God of Israel, from eternity to eternity, as is the customary response to blessings in the Temple. In the Temple, the priest utters the name of God
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I started learning Daf Yomi in January 2020 after watching my grandfather, Mayer Penstein z”l, finish shas with the previous cycle. My grandfather made learning so much fun was so proud that his grandchildren wanted to join him. I was also inspired by Ilana Kurshan’s book, If All the Seas Were Ink. Two years in, I can say that it has enriched my life in so many ways.
New York, United States
Having never learned Talmud before, I started Daf Yomi in hopes of connecting to the Rabbinic tradition, sharing a daily idea on Instagram (@dafyomiadventures). With Hadran and Sefaria, I slowly gained confidence in my skills and understanding. Now, part of the Pardes Jewish Educators Program, I can’t wait to bring this love of learning with me as I continue to pass it on to my future students.
Pennsylvania, United States
I began daf yomi in January 2020 with Brachot. I had made aliya 6 months before, and one of my post-aliya goals was to complete a full cycle. As a life-long Tanach teacher, I wanted to swim from one side of the Yam shel Torah to the other. Daf yomi was also my sanity through COVID. It was the way to marking the progression of time, and feel that I could grow and accomplish while time stopped.
Givat Zev, Israel
תמיד רציתי. למדתי גמרא בבית ספר בטורונטו קנדה. עליתי ארצה ולמדתי שזה לא מקובל. הופתעתי.
יצאתי לגימלאות לפני שנתיים וזה מאפשר את המחוייבות לדף יומי.
עבורי ההתמדה בלימוד מעגן אותי בקשר שלי ליהדות. אני תמיד מחפשת ותמיד. מוצאת מקור לקשר. ללימוד חדש ומחדש. קשר עם נשים לומדות מעמיק את החוויה ומשמעותית מאוד.
מיתר, ישראל
I read Ilana Kurshan’s “If All the Seas Were Ink” which inspired me. Then the Women’s Siyum in Jerusalem in 2020 convinced me, I knew I had to join! I have loved it- it’s been a constant in my life daily, many of the sugiyot connect to our lives. My family and friends all are so supportive. It’s incredible being part of this community and love how diverse it is! I am so excited to learn more!
Jerusalem, Israel
Oceanside NY, United States
Years ago, I attended the local Siyum HaShas with my high school class. It was inspiring! Through that cycle and the next one, I studied masekhtot on my own and then did “daf yomi practice.” The amazing Hadran Siyum HaShas event firmed my resolve to “really do” Daf Yomi this time. It has become a family goal. We’ve supported each other through challenges, and now we’re at the Siyum of Seder Moed!
Jerusalem, Israel
The first month I learned Daf Yomi by myself in secret, because I wasn’t sure how my husband would react, but after the siyyum on Masechet Brachot I discovered Hadran and now sometimes my husband listens to the daf with me. He and I also learn mishnayot together and are constantly finding connections between the different masechtot.
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
I heard the new Daf Yomi cycle was starting and I was curious, so I searched online for a women’s class and was pleasently surprised to find Rabanit Michelle’s great class reviews in many online articles. It has been a splendid journey. It is a way to fill my days with Torah, learning so many amazing things I have never heard before during my Tanach learning at High School. Thanks so much .
Panama, Panama
I learned Mishnayot more than twenty years ago and started with Gemara much later in life. Although I never managed to learn Daf Yomi consistently, I am learning since some years Gemara in depth and with much joy. Since last year I am studying at the International Halakha Scholars Program at the WIHL. I often listen to Rabbanit Farbers Gemara shiurim to understand better a specific sugyiah. I am grateful for the help and inspiration!
Berlin, Germany
Retirement and Covid converged to provide me with the opportunity to commit to daily Talmud study in October 2020. I dove into the middle of Eruvin and continued to navigate Seder Moed, with Rabannit Michelle as my guide. I have developed more confidence in my learning as I completed each masechet and look forward to completing the Daf Yomi cycle so that I can begin again!
San Diego, United States
With Rabbanit Dr. Naomi Cohen in the Women’s Talmud class, over 30 years ago. It was a “known” class and it was accepted, because of who taught. Since then I have also studied with Avigail Gross-Gelman and Dr. Gabriel Hazut for about a year). Years ago, in a shiur in my shul, I did know about Persians doing 3 things with their clothes on. They opened the shiur to woman after that!
Haifa, Israel
When the new cycle began, I thought, If not now, when? I’d just turned 72. I feel like a tourist on a tour bus passing astonishing scenery each day. Rabbanit Michelle is my beloved tour guide. When the cycle ends, I’ll be 80. I pray that I’ll have strength and mind to continue the journey to glimpse a little more. My grandchildren think having a daf-learning savta is cool!
Jerusalem, Israel
In January 2020, my chevruta suggested that we “up our game. Let’s do Daf Yomi” – and she sent me the Hadran link. I lost my job (and went freelance), there was a pandemic, and I am still opening the podcast with my breakfast coffee, or after Shabbat with popcorn. My Aramaic is improving. I will need a new bookcase, though.
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
I started learning Daf Yomi in January 2020 after watching my grandfather, Mayer Penstein z”l, finish shas with the previous cycle. My grandfather made learning so much fun was so proud that his grandchildren wanted to join him. I was also inspired by Ilana Kurshan’s book, If All the Seas Were Ink. Two years in, I can say that it has enriched my life in so many ways.
New York, United States
Geri Goldstein got me started learning daf yomi when I was in Israel 2 years ago. It’s been a challenge and I’ve learned a lot though I’m sure I miss a lot. I quilt as I listen and I want to share what I’ve been working on.
Ottawa, Canada
I began my journey with Rabbanit Michelle more than five years ago. My friend came up with a great idea for about 15 of us to learn the daf and one of us would summarize weekly what we learned.
It was fun but after 2-3 months people began to leave. I have continued. Since the cycle began Again I have joined the Teaneck women.. I find it most rewarding in so many ways. Thank you
New Jersey, United States
Minneapolis, MN, United States
I tried Daf Yomi in the middle of the last cycle after realizing I could listen to Michelle’s shiurim online. It lasted all of 2 days! Then the new cycle started just days before my father’s first yahrzeit and my youngest daughter’s bat mitzvah. It seemed the right time for a new beginning. My family, friends, colleagues are immensely supportive!
Zichron Yaakov, Israel
Sotah 37
שִׁבְטוֹ שֶׁל בִּנְיָמִין וְיָרַד לַיָּם תְּחִילָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שָׁם בִּנְיָמִין צָעִיר רֹדֵם״, אַל תִּקְרֵי ״רֹדֵם״ אֶלָּא ״רָד יָם״. וְהָיוּ שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה רוֹגְמִים אוֹתָם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה רִגְמָתָם״.
the tribe of Benjamin and descended into the sea first, as it is stated: “There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them [rodem]” (Psalms 68:28). Do not read it as: “Ruling them [rodem]”; rather, read it as: Descending [red] into the sea [yam]. And the princes of the tribe of Judah were stoning them [rogmim otam] for plunging in first and not in the proper order, as it is stated in the continuation of the verse: “The princes of Judah, their council [rigmatam]” (Psalms 68:28).
לְפִיכָךְ זָכָה בִּנְיָמִין הַצַּדִּיק וְנַעֲשָׂה אוּשְׁפִּיזְכָן לַגְּבוּרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וּבֵין כְּתֵפָיו שָׁכֵן״.
Therefore, Benjamin the righteous was privileged to serve as host to the Divine Presence of the Almighty, as the Temple was built in the territory of Benjamin, as it is stated in Moses’ blessing for the tribe of Benjamin: “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; He covers him all the day, and He rests between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12).
אָמַר לוֹ רַבִּי יְהוּדָה: לֹא כָּךְ הָיָה מַעֲשֶׂה, אֶלָּא זֶה אוֹמֵר: אֵין אֲנִי יוֹרֵד תְּחִילָּה לַיָּם, וְזֶה אוֹמֵר: אֵין אֲנִי יוֹרֵד תְּחִילָּה לַיָּם, קָפַץ נַחְשׁוֹן בֶּן עַמִּינָדָב וְיָרַד לַיָּם תְּחִילָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״סְבָבֻנִי בְכַחַשׁ אֶפְרַיִם וּבְמִרְמָה בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וִיהוּדָה עֹד רָד עִם אֵל״.
Rabbi Yehuda said to Rabbi Meir: That is not how the incident took place. Rather, this tribe said: I am not going into the sea first, and that tribe said: I am not going into the sea first. Then, in jumped the prince of Judah, Nahshon ben Amminadab, and descended into the sea first, accompanied by his entire tribe, as it is stated: “Ephraim surrounds Me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit, and Judah is yet wayward toward God [rad im El]” (Hosea 12:1), which is interpreted homiletically as: And Judah descended [rad] with God [im El].
וְעָלָיו מְפֹרָשׁ בַּקַּבָּלָה: ״הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי אֱלֹהִים כִּי בָאוּ מַיִם עַד נָפֶשׁ … טָבַעְתִּי בִּיוֵן מְצוּלָה וְאֵין מׇעֳמָד וְגוֹ׳״, ״אַל תִּשְׁטְפֵנִי שִׁבֹּלֶת מַיִם וְאַל תִּבְלָעֵנִי מְצוּלָה וְגוֹ׳״.
And in this regard, the tradition, i.e., the Writings, explicates Nahshon’s prayer at that moment: “Save me, God; for the waters are come in even unto the soul. I am sunk in deep mire, where there is no standing…let not the water flood overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up” (Psalms 69:2–3, 16).
בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה הָיָה מֹשֶׁה מַאֲרִיךְ בִּתְפִלָּה, אָמַר לוֹ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא: יְדִידַיי טוֹבְעִים בַּיָּם וְאַתָּה מַאֲרִיךְ בִּתְפִלָּה לְפָנַי?! אָמַר לְפָנָיו: רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם! וּמָה בְּיָדִי לַעֲשׂוֹת? אָמַר לוֹ: ״דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ. וְאַתָּה הָרֵם אֶת מַטְּךָ וּנְטֵה אֶת יָדְךָ וְגוֹ׳״.
At that time, Moses was prolonging his prayer. The Holy One, Blessed be He, said to him: My beloved ones are drowning in the sea and you prolong your prayer to me? Moses said before Him: Master of the Universe, but what can I do? God said to him: “Speak to the children of Israel that they go forward. And you, lift up your rod and stretch out your hand” (Exodus 14:15–16).
לְפִיכָךְ, זָכָה יְהוּדָה לַעֲשׂוֹת מֶמְשָׁלָה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הָיְתָה יְהוּדָה לְקׇדְשׁוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל מַמְשְׁלוֹתָיו״, מָה טַעַם ״הָיְתָה יְהוּדָה לְקׇדְשׁוֹ וְיִשְׂרָאֵל מַמְשְׁלוֹתָיו״ — מִשּׁוּם דְּ״הַיָּם רָאָה וַיָּנֹס״.
For this reason, because Nahshon and the tribe of Judah went into the sea first, the tribe of Judah merited to govern Israel, as it is stated: “Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled” (Psalms 114:2–3). The baraita interprets the verses in this manner: What is the reason that Judah became His sanctuary and Israel came under His dominion? It is because “the sea saw it and fled.”
תַּנְיָא, רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן יַעֲקֹב אוֹמֵר: אִי אֶפְשָׁר לוֹמַר לֵוִי לְמַטָּה, שֶׁכְּבָר נֶאֱמַר לְמַעְלָה. וְאִי אֶפְשָׁר לוֹמַר לְמַעְלָה, שֶׁכְּבָר נֶאֱמַר לְמַטָּה.
§ The Gemara returns to discussing the blessing and curses. It is taught in a baraita (Tosefta 8:9) that Rabbi Eliezer ben Ya’akov says: It is impossible to say that the tribe of Levi stood below, between the two mountains, as it is already stated that they were above, in the verse: “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people when you have passed over the Jordan: Simeon and Levi and Judah” (Deuteronomy 27:12). And it is impossible to say that they stood above on the mountain because it is already stated: “And all of Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the Ark and on that side before the priests the Levites” (Joshua 8:33). This shows that the Levites stood below, between the mountains, with the Ark.
הָא כֵּיצַד? זִקְנֵי כְּהוּנָּה וּלְוִיָּה לְמַטָּה, וְהַשְּׁאָר לְמַעְלָה. רַבִּי יֹאשִׁיָּה אוֹמֵר: כׇּל הָרָאוּי לְשָׁרֵת לְמַטָּה, וְהַשְּׁאָר לְמַעְלָה.
How is this possible? Only the Elders of the priesthood and the Levites stood below, and the rest of the Levites stood above on the mountain. Rabbi Yoshiya says: Any Levite who was fit to serve in the Temple stood below, between the mountains, and the rest of the tribe, who were too young or too old to serve in the Temple, stood above on the mountain.
רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: אֵלּוּ וְאֵלּוּ לְמַטָּה הֵן עוֹמְדִים, הָפְכוּ פְּנֵיהֶם כְּלַפֵּי הַר גְּרִיזִים וּפָתְחוּ בִּבְרָכָה, כְּלַפֵּי הַר עֵיבָל וּפָתְחוּ בִּקְלָלָה. מַאי ״עַל״ — עַל בְּסָמוּךְ.
Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: Both the Levites and the Israelites were standing below. They turned to face Mount Gerizim and opened with a blessing, and then they turned toward Mount Ebal and opened with a curse. Therefore, what is the meaning of the verse: “These shall stand on [al] Mount Gerizim to bless the people” (Deuteronomy 27:12)? “Al” means adjacent to the mountain but not actually on the mountain itself.
כִּדְתַנְיָא: ״וְנָתַתָּ עַל הַמַּעֲרֶכֶת לְבוֹנָה זַכָּה״, רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: ״עַל״ — בְּסָמוּךְ. אַתָּה אוֹמֵר ״עַל״ בְּסָמוּךְ, אוֹ אֵינוֹ אֶלָּא עַל מַמָּשׁ? כְּשֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר ״וְסַכֹּתָ עַל הָאָרֹן״, הֱוֵי אוֹמֵר ״עַל״ בְּסָמוּךְ.
As it is taught in a baraita that discusses the shewbread: “And you shall put pure frankincense on [al] each row” (Leviticus 24:7). Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: “Al” in this instance means adjacent to. Do you say that “al” means adjacent to, or perhaps it carries only its literal meaning of “on”? When it says in the verse: “And you shall screen the Ark [al haAron] with the curtain” (Exodus 40:3), the word “al” cannot mean on, as the curtain that separated the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies was not placed on top of the Ark, but near it. Therefore, you must say that “al” means adjacent to.
הָפְכוּ פְּנֵיהֶם כְּלַפֵּי הַר גְּרִיזִים וּפָתְחוּ בִּבְרָכָה כּוּ׳, תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״בָּרוּךְ״ בִּכְלָל, ״בָּרוּךְ״ בִּפְרָט. ״אָרוּר״ בִּכְלָל, ״אָרוּר״ בִּפְרָט, לִלְמוֹד וּלְלַמֵּד לִשְׁמוֹר וְלַעֲשׂוֹת, הֲרֵי
§ It is stated in the mishna: They turned to face Mount Gerizim and opened with a blessing: Blessed be the man who does not make a graven or molten image (see Deuteronomy 27:15), and these people and those people, i.e., the two groups standing on either mountain, answered: Amen. Then they turned to face Mount Ebal and opened with the curse: “Cursed be the man who makes a graven or molten image” (Deuteronomy 27:15), and these people and those people answered: Amen. The Sages taught (Tosefta 8:10): The blessings and curses include a general blessing for one who fulfills the entire Torah, and a particular blessing for each individual statement mentioned in the blessings and curses. Likewise, there is a general curse for one who does not fulfill the entire Torah and a particular curse for each individual statement. And for each of the blessings and curses there is a mitzva to learn and to teach, and to keep and to perform. Consequently,
אַרְבַּע, אַרְבַּע וְאַרְבַּע הֲרֵי שְׁמוֹנֶה, שְׁמוֹנֶה וּשְׁמוֹנֶה הֲרֵי שֵׁשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. וְכֵן בְּסִינַי, וְכֵן בְּעַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״אֵלֶּה דִבְרֵי הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה׳ אֶת מֹשֶׁה וְגוֹ׳, וּכְתִיב: ״וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת דִּבְרֵי הַבְּרִית הַזֹּאת וְגוֹ׳״. נִמְצָא אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמוֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת עַל כׇּל מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה.
every mitzva contains four aspects. Four general aspects and four specific aspects add up to eight. Eight blessings and eight curses add up to sixteen. And so too at Mount Sinai, and so too at the plains of Moab, as it is stated: “These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that He made with them in Horeb” (Deuteronomy 28:69). And it is written: “Observe therefore the words of this covenant” (Deuteronomy 29:8). It follows that between the three events where sixteen covenants were made, God established forty-eight covenants for each and every mitzva.
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן מוֹצִיא הַר גְּרִיזִים וְהַר עֵיבָל, וּמַכְנִיס אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד שֶׁבַּמִּדְבָּר.
Rabbi Shimon excludes Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal from this list because only some of the mitzvot were mentioned there, and he includes instead the covenant at the Tent of Meeting in the desert.
וּבִפְלוּגְתָּא דְּהָנֵי תַּנָּאֵי דְּתַנְיָא, רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל אוֹמֵר: כְּלָלוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי וּפְרָטוֹת בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד. רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא אוֹמֵר: כְּלָלוֹת וּפְרָטוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי, וְנִשְׁנוּ בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, וְנִשְׁתַּלְּשׁוּ בְּעַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב.
The Gemara explains: And it is in the dispute between these tanna’im that they disagree, as it is taught in a baraita (Tosefta 8:11): Rabbi Yishmael says: General statements were said at Sinai, i.e., Moses received general mitzvot at Sinai, including the Ten Commandments. And the details of the mitzvot were explained to Moses at a later time in the Tent of Meeting. Rabbi Akiva says: Both general statements and the details of mitzvot were said at Sinai, and later repeated in the Tent of Meeting, and reiterated a third time by Moses to the Jewish people in the plains of Moab. Rabbi Shimon holds in accordance with his teacher, Rabbi Akiva, and counts Mount Sinai and the Tent of Meeting as two distinct places where all of the mitzvot were given.
וְאֵין לָךְ כׇּל דְּבַר מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה שֶׁכְּתוּבָה בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִכְרְתוּ עָלֶיהָ אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת.
The baraita concludes: And there is no mitzva written in the Torah for which forty-eight covenants were not established.
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יְהוּדָה אִישׁ כְּפַר עַכּוֹ אָמַר מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן: אֵין לְךָ מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה שֶׁכְּתוּבָה בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִכְרְתוּ עָלֶיהָ אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת שֶׁל שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים.
Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda Ish Kefar Akko said in the name of Rabbi Shimon: There is no mitzva written in the Torah for which forty-eight covenants were not established 603,550 times, corresponding to the population of the Jewish people in the desert. This is because each member of the Jewish people received the covenant both for himself and as a guarantor for the rest of the Jewish people.
אָמַר רַבִּי: לְדִבְרֵי רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יְהוּדָה אִישׁ כְּפַר עַכּוֹ שֶׁאָמַר מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן, אֵין לְךָ כׇּל מִצְוָה וּמִצְוָה שֶׁבַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִכְרְתוּ עָלֶיהָ אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה בְּרִיתוֹת שֶׁל שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים. נִמְצָא לְכׇל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים.
Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: According to the statement of Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda Ish Kefar Akko, who spoke in the name of Rabbi Shimon, there is no mitzva in the Torah for which forty-eight covenants were not established 603,550 times; it follows that for every one of the Jewish people there were 603,550 covenants.
מַאי בֵּינַיְיהוּ? אָמַר רַב מְשַׁרְשְׁיָא: עָרְבָא וְעָרְבָא דְעָרְבָא אִיכָּא בֵּינַיְיהוּ.
The Gemara asks: What is the difference between the statements of Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda Ish Kefar Akko and Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi? What does the statement of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi add? Rav Mesharshiyya said: The matter of a guarantor and a guarantor for a guarantor is the difference between them. According to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, every Jew is not only rendered a guarantor for every other Jew, but he is also rendered a guarantor for every other Jew’s responsibility as a guarantor. Therefore, according to his calculation, the number of covenants is multiplied again by 603,550.
דָּרֵשׁ רַבִּי יְהוּדָה בֶּן נַחְמָנִי מְתוּרְגְּמָנֵיהּ דְּרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן לָקִישׁ: כׇּל הַפָּרָשָׁה כּוּלָּהּ לֹא נֶאֶמְרָה אֶלָּא בְּנוֹאֵף וְנוֹאֶפֶת,
§ Rabbi Yehuda ben Naḥmani, the disseminator of Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish, taught: The entire passage of the blessings and curses is stated only in reference to an adulterer and adulteress.
״אָרוּר הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה פֶסֶל וּמַסֵּכָה וְגוֹ׳״, בְּ״אָרוּר״ סַגִּי לֵיהּ? אֶלָּא: זֶה הַבָּא עַל הָעֶרְוָה וְהוֹלִיד בֵּן, וְהָלַךְ לְבֵין אוּמּוֹת הָעוֹלָם וְעָבַד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. אֲרוּרִין אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ שֶׁל זֶה שֶׁכָּךְ גָּרְמוּ לוֹ.
This is proved from the verse: “Cursed is the man who makes a graven or molten image” (Deuteronomy 27:15). Is a curse a sufficient consequence for the actions of an idol worshipper? He has rebelled against the fundamental tenet of the Torah. Rather, this is referring to one who engaged in sexual intercourse with a forbidden relative and bore her a mamzer son. And the son, who is not allowed to marry a Jew of unflawed lineage, went to live among the other nations of the world and engaged in idol worship. His father and mother are cursed for causing him to worship idols. Likewise, the rest of the curses refer to sins that are the result of adultery.
תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״וְנָתַתָּ אֶת הַבְּרָכָה עַל הַר גְּרִזִים וְאֶת הַקְּלָלָה וְגוֹ׳״, מָה תַּלְמוּד? לוֹמַר אִם לְלַמֵּד שֶׁתְּהֵא בְּרָכָה עַל הַר גְּרִזִים וּקְלָלָה עַל הַר עֵיבָל, הֲרֵי כְּבָר נֶאֱמַר ״אֵלֶּה יַעַמְדוּ לְבָרֵךְ אֶת הָעָם עַל הַר גְּרִזִים״, וּכְתִיב ״וְאֵלֶּה יַעַמְדוּ עַל הַקְּלָלָה בְּהַר עֵיבָל״! אֶלָּא לְהַקְדִּים בְּרָכָה לִקְלָלָה.
The Sages taught: “And you shall give the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal” (Deuteronomy 11:29). Why must the verse state this? If it is to teach that the blessing must be given on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal, it is already stated: “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people” (Deuteronomy 27:12), and it is written: “And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse” (Deuteronomy 27:13). Rather, the verse teaches that the proclamation of the blessing must precede the curse.
יָכוֹל יִהְיוּ כׇּל הַבְּרָכוֹת קוֹדְמוֹת לַקְּלָלוֹת, תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״בְּרָכָה״ וּ״קְלָלָה״ — בְּרָכָה אַחַת קוֹדֶמֶת לִקְלָלָה, וְאֵין כׇּל הַבְּרָכוֹת קוֹדְמוֹת לַקְּלָלוֹת.
One might have thought that all of the blessings should precede the curses. Therefore, the verse states “blessing” and “curse” in the singular, to teach that one blessing precedes each curse, but all of the blessings do not precede the curses. The blessings and curses were recited alternately, first one blessing and then one curse.
וּלְהַקִּישׁ בְּרָכָה לִקְלָלָה, לוֹמַר לָךְ: מָה קְלָלָה בִּלְוִיִּם, אַף בְּרָכָה בִּלְוִיִּם. וּמָה קְלָלָה בְּקוֹל רָם, אַף בְּרָכָה בְּקוֹל רָם. וּמָה קְלָלָה בִּלְשׁוֹן הַקּוֹדֶשׁ, אַף בְּרָכָה בִּלְשׁוֹן הַקּוֹדֶשׁ. וּמָה קְלָלָה בִּכְלָל וּפְרָט, אַף בְּרָכָה בִּכְלָל וּפְרָט. וּמָה קְלָלָה — אֵלּוּ וָאֵלּוּ עוֹנִין וְאוֹמְרִים ״אָמֵן״, אַף בְּרָכָה — אֵלּוּ וָאֵלּוּ עוֹנִין וְאוֹמְרִים ״אָמֵן״.
And furthermore, the verse comes to juxtapose the blessing with the curse, to say to you that just as the curse is recited by the Levites, so too, the blessing is uttered by the Levites; and just as the curse is proclaimed loudly, so too, the blessing is proclaimed loudly; and just as the curse is proclaimed in the sacred tongue, Hebrew, so too, the blessing is proclaimed in the sacred tongue; and just as the curse is proclaimed both in general and in detail, so too, the blessing is proclaimed in general and in detail. And just as after the curse is uttered, both groups of people on each mountain respond and say amen, so too, after the blessing is uttered, both groups respond and say amen.
מַתְנִי׳ בִּרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים כֵּיצַד? בַּמְּדִינָה אוֹמֵר אוֹתָהּ שָׁלֹשׁ בְּרָכוֹת, וּבַמִּקְדָּשׁ בְּרָכָה אַחַת. בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ אוֹמֵר אֶת הַשֵּׁם
MISHNA: How is the Priestly Benediction recited? In the country, i.e., outside the Temple, the priest recites the verses as three blessings, pausing between each verse while the people respond amen. And in the Temple, the priests recite all three verses as one blessing, after which the people respond: Blessed be the Lord, God, the God of Israel, from eternity to eternity, as is the customary response to blessings in the Temple. In the Temple, the priest utters the name of God
