*The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer
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Revi’i
- Miscellaneous Mitzvos:
- Edomites and Egyptian: Do not abhor Edomites as they are your brother, and you are not to abhor Egyptians as you lived in their land. The children of a 3rd generation Edomite or Egyptian convert may enter the congregation of Hashem [i.e. marry a Jewess].
- An impure person may not enter into the Levite encampment: One who is impure due to nocturnal emission must exit the camp. Towards evening he is to immerse in water and may then enter the camp after sundown.
- Tzoa and Erva-Burying one’s excrement: A set place outside the camp is to be established for one to do his needs. Every soldier is to carry a shovel with his weaponry which will be used to cover his needs that were made outside of the camp. Hashem is found within the encampment and it therefore must remain holy. He should not see a shameful matter [i.e. Erva] and turn away from you.
- Slaves: One is not to force a run-away slave to return [from Eretz Yisrael] to his master [in the Diaspora]. One is not to oppress a slave [who ran away to Eretz Yisrael].
- Prostitution: A man or woman may not be promiscuous [and work as a prostitute]. You shall not offer a Karban that was the Esnan payment of a Zona, or was in exchange of a dog. Both are an abomination to G-d.
- Interest: You may not take interest from a loan to a Jew so that Hashem can bless you in all your work. However, you may take interest from a loan to a gentile.
- To fulfill vows: When you make a vow to Hashem, you shall not delay paying it, as Hashem will demand it from you and you will carry iniquity. If, however, you abstain from making a vow, you will not have a sin. You are to guard your word.
📘 Rashi Q&A — Devarim 23:8–24
Devarim 23:8–9 — Edomites and Egyptians
Q1. Why may Israel not completely despise an Edomite?
- Because Edom is considered a brother nation descended from Esau.
Q2. Even though Edom acted hostilely, why is total rejection forbidden?
- The Torah still recognizes the familial relationship.
Q3. Why may Israel not despise an Egyptian?
- Because Israel lived as sojourners in Egypt.
Q4. Does this excuse Egypt’s oppression?
- No, but gratitude is still required for the hospitality originally received.
Q5. When may descendants of Edomites and Egyptians enter the congregation?
- In the third generation after conversion.
Q6. What lesson do the Sages derive from comparing Egypt, Edom, Ammon, and Moab?
- Leading others into sin is worse than causing physical harm.
Q7. Why?
- Physical harm affects this world, while spiritual corruption affects both this world and the World to Come.
📘 Devarim 23:10–15 — Holiness in the Military Camp
23:10
Q8. Why must soldiers be especially careful during wartime?
- Because danger invites accusation and judgment.
Q9. What warning is therefore given?
- Guard yourself from every evil thing.
23:11–12
Q10. What case is discussed?
- A soldier who becomes ritually impure through a nocturnal emission.
Q11. Why mention a night emission specifically?
- It is the most common case.
Q12. Where must such a person go?
- Outside the camp.
Q13. Is this only a positive commandment?
- No. Leaving the camp is positive, while remaining outside is also enforced by a prohibition.
Q14. What does he do before returning?
- Immerses in water.
Q15. When may he return?
- After sunset.
23:13–14
Q16. What designated place was required outside the camp?
- A place for relieving oneself.
Q17. What is the meaning of “יד” here?
- A designated location.
Q18. What tool was each soldier required to carry?
- A stake or shovel.
Q19. What was it used for?
- Digging and covering waste.
23:15
Q20. Why must the camp remain holy?
- Because Hashem’s Presence accompanies Israel’s camp.
Q21. What happens if impurity and indecency remain there?
- The Divine Presence withdraws.
📘 Devarim 23:16–17 — The Escaped Slave
Q22. What may not be done with an escaped slave?
- He may not be returned to his master.
Q23. Which slave is Rashi discussing?
- A slave seeking refuge among Israel.
Q24. How must Israel treat him?
- Allow him to live where he chooses.
Q25. May he be oppressed?
- No.
📘 Devarim 23:18–19 — Prostitution and Sacred Offerings
23:18
Q26. What is a קדשה?
- A woman set aside for prostitution.
Q27. What is a קדש?
- A man engaged in prohibited sexual conduct.
Q28. What alternative explanation does Onkelos give?
- Prohibited unions involving slaves.
23:19
Q29. What is an “etnan zonah”?
- Payment given in exchange for prostitution.
Q30. May such payment be offered in the Temple?
- No.
Q31. What is the “price of a dog”?
- Property received in exchange for a dog.
Q32. May it be brought as a sacrifice?
- No.
Q33. What does “both of them” include?
- Even if the item has been altered into another form.
📘 Devarim 23:20–24 — Interest and Vows
23:20
Q34. To whom is the command “You shall not lend with interest” addressed?
- The borrower as well as the lender.
Q35. What may not accrue interest?
- Money, food, or any item normally lent with interest.
23:21
Q36. May interest be taken from a non-Jew?
- Yes.
Q37. May interest be taken from a fellow Jew?
- No.
Q38. How many prohibitions are involved according to Rashi?
- Two negative commandments and one positive commandment.
Q39. What blessing is promised?
- Success in one’s endeavors in the Land.
23:22
Q40. What must a person do after making a vow?
- Fulfill it without delay.
Q41. How long may fulfillment be delayed?
- The Sages derive a limit connected to three pilgrimage festivals.
Q42. What happens if one delays improperly?
- It is counted as a sin.
23:23
Q43. Is a person obligated to make vows?
- No.
Q44. What if he refrains from making vows?
- He incurs no sin.
23:24
Q45. What must be done once a vow is spoken?
- It must be fulfilled exactly as promised.
Q46. What additional obligation is taught here?
- A positive commandment to fulfill one’s verbal commitments.
Q47. What principle emerges from this section?
- Words spoken before Hashem create binding obligations.