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Shelishi
- Moshe encourages Bnei Yisrael to follow the Mitzvos:
- On this day, Hashem has commanded you to perform all of his commands, and you are to guard it with all your heart and soul. You have chosen Hashem today as a G-d for you and Hashem has distinguished you from amongst all the other nations, to follow his Mitzvos and to make you highest above all the other nations, a Holy people.
Parsha Bee – Devarim 26:16–19 (Rashi)
- How should a person view the mitzvot each day?
Answer: As if they are brand new and he is being commanded today. - What does Rashi say is happening when the Torah says, “This day, the Lord your God is commanding you”?
Answer: We should treat the mitzvot as new every day. - What blessing does the heavenly voice give after bringing Bikkurim?
Answer: Just as you brought Bikkurim this year, may you merit to bring them next year. - What does “You will observe and fulfill them” imply according to Rashi?
Answer: A blessing that one will merit to continue performing the mitzvah. - What unusual word appears in verses 17 and 18?
Answer: הֶאֱמַרְתָּ and הֶאֱמִירְךָ. - What does Rashi suggest the word הֶאֱמַרְתָּ means?
Answer: To separate and distinguish. - What did the Jewish people separate and distinguish?
Answer: Hashem from all other gods to be their God. - What did Hashem separate and distinguish?
Answer: The Jewish people from all the nations to be His treasured nation. - What additional meaning does Rashi find for the word הֶאֱמִיר?
Answer: Glory or praise. - What verse in Tehillim does Rashi bring as proof?
Answer: “All workers of violence praise themselves” (יִתְאַמְּרוּ). - What commitment does verse 17 describe on the part of the Jewish people?
Answer: To walk in Hashem’s ways and obey His commandments. - What title does Hashem give the Jewish people in verse 18?
Answer: His treasured people (Segulah). - To which earlier verse is “as He spoke to you” referring?
Answer: “You shall be to Me a treasure” (Shemot 19:5). - What does the word Segulah mean?
Answer: A treasured possession. - What is one purpose of Hashem choosing the Jewish people?
Answer: So they will keep His commandments. - Above whom will Hashem make Israel supreme?
Answer: Above all the nations He created. - What three honors are mentioned in verse 19?
Answer: Praise, a distinguished name, and glory. - What ultimate status will Israel attain?
Answer: A holy people to Hashem. - Which earlier verse is referenced by “as He spoke”?
Answer: “And you shall be holy to Me” (Vayikra 20:26). - What reciprocal relationship is described in these verses?
Answer: Israel chooses Hashem, and Hashem chooses Israel. - What does it mean to walk in Hashem’s ways?
Answer: To follow His teachings and commandments. - What should motivate mitzvah observance according to verse 16?
Answer: Serving Hashem with all one’s heart and soul. - What does “with all your heart and with all your soul” teach?
Answer: Complete dedication to Hashem and His mitzvot. - Why is the word “today” emphasized repeatedly?
Answer: To show that Torah and mitzvot should always feel fresh and new. - What special relationship do these verses describe between Hashem and Israel?
Answer: A covenant of mutual commitment and distinction.
Bonus: What is the main message of these final verses of Chapter 26?
Answer: The Jewish people choose Hashem wholeheartedly, and Hashem chooses them to be His treasured and holy nation.