Pisqa’ 4⁶⁴

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),⁶⁵ constructions of the root: y-‘-l. Among its many core meanings, BDB includes:“show willingness,” “be pleased,” “determine,” “undertake to do”. 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).⁶⁶ 27.2.

footnotes: ⁶⁴ H:31, JN1:30 ⁶⁵ The italicized words are all hif `il ⁶⁶ See Pisqa’

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 lection⁶⁷ and forgotten it, let him come and review it! One chapter [of oral-tradition]⁶⁸ and forgotten it, let him come and review it! One legal tradition⁶⁹ 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].

footnotes: ⁶⁷ A section of scriptural text read in a public liturgy. Heb: parashah ⁶⁸ Heb: pereq ⁶⁹ Heb: halachah