Deuteronomy
The mitzvot of Vayelech
After Sefer HaChinuch · by a Levite of Barcelona
Mitzvot in the parsha: 2 Positive: 2 Negative: 0
- 612
To gather all of Israel on the festival of Sukkot
Positive Deuteronomy 31:12
The whole essence of the people of Israel is the Torah; through it they are set apart from all nations and merit eternal life. So it is fitting that everyone, men, women and children, gather together at one time to hear its words, and ask what this great gathering is for, and the answer will be - to hear the words of the Torah, our essence and our glory. Through this they will speak of its greatness, love of it will enter every heart, and they will learn to know God.
- 613
For everyone to write a Torah scroll for himself
Positive Deuteronomy 31:19
People act according to what is ready and at hand, so God commanded that every Jew have a Torah scroll of his own, which he can read at any time without having to go to a friend's house. In this way he will learn to fear God and come to know His mitzvot, more precious than gold and fine gold. The mitzvah applies even to one who inherited a scroll from his fathers, so that books multiply among us and can be lent to those who cannot afford them, and so that people read in new books and do not tire of old ones.