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Deuteronomy 26:16 - Commanded: wholehearted Torah devotion today?

Deuteronomy 26:16 - דברים 26:16

Hebrew Text

הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מְצַוְּךָ לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַחֻקִּים הָאֵלֶּה וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים וְשָׁמַרְתָּ וְעָשִׂיתָ אוֹתָם בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשֶׁךָ׃

English Translation

This day the Lord thy God has commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.

Transliteration

Hayom hazeh Adonai Elohecha metzavcha la'asot et-hachukim ha'eleh ve'et-hamishpatim veshamarta ve'asita otam bechol-levavcha uvechol-nafshecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ מְצַוְּךָ֧ לַעֲשׂ֛וֹת אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֤ וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ אוֹתָ֔ם בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֖ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃
הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ מְצַוְּךָ֧ לַעֲשׂ֛וֹת אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֤ וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ אוֹתָ֔ם בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֖ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 26:16) emphasizes the immediacy and enduring relevance of mitzvot (commandments). The phrase "הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("this day") is interpreted by Rashi to mean that one should approach Torah commandments as if they were newly given each day, with fresh enthusiasm and commitment. This aligns with the daily declaration in Kriyat Shema, where we reaffirm our acceptance of mitzvot.

The Dual Nature of Mitzvot: Chukim and Mishpatim

The verse distinguishes between "חֻקִּים" (statutes) and "מִשְׁפָּטִים" (judgments). Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) explains:

  • Chukim are divine decrees whose reasons are not immediately apparent (e.g., kashrut or para aduma). Their observance demonstrates pure obedience to Hashem.
  • Mishpatim are logical laws (e.g., prohibitions against theft or murder) that align with human ethics and societal order.

The inclusion of both highlights the completeness of Torah—requiring submission to divine will alongside moral reasoning.

Wholehearted Service: "With All Your Heart and Soul"

The command to serve "בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשֶׁךָ" is expounded in the Talmud (Berachot 54a):

  • Levavcha (Heart) refers to the dual inclinations—yetzer tov (good inclination) and yetzer hara (evil inclination)—both of which must be directed toward avodat Hashem (service of G-d).
  • Nafshecha (Soul) implies willingness to sacrifice one's life for mitzvot, as exemplified by Jewish martyrs throughout history (Sanhedrin 74a).

The Eternal Relevance of the Command

The Sforno notes that the verse stresses continuity: just as Bnei Yisrael accepted the commandments at Har Sinai, each generation must renew this commitment. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 41) links this to the covenant renewal in Parashat Nitzavim, underscoring that Torah observance binds all Jews across time.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 63a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of performing commandments with full devotion and understanding, emphasizing the need to serve God with all one's heart and soul.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the mitzvot (commandments) and the proper attitude one should have when performing them, highlighting the requirement to observe them with complete dedication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 26:16 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 26:16 emphasizes that Hashem commands us to observe His statutes (chukim) and judgments (mishpatim) wholeheartedly. Rashi explains that 'this day' means the mitzvot should feel as fresh and urgent as if they were given today. The verse teaches that Torah observance requires both emotional commitment ('with all your heart') and complete dedication ('with all your soul').
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 26:16 important?
A: This verse is fundamental because it establishes the attitude required for fulfilling mitzvot. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 10:1) derives from 'with all your heart and soul' that serving Hashem must be done with joy and enthusiasm, not as a burden. The Talmud (Berachot 54a) also connects 'with all your soul' to the concept of martyrdom when necessary for kiddush Hashem (sanctifying G-d's name).
Q: What are 'chukim' and 'mishpatim' mentioned in this verse?
A: Chukim (statutes) are mitzvot whose reasons aren't obvious to human understanding (like kashrut or sha'atnez), while mishpatim (judgments) are logical laws like civil justice or ethical behavior (Rashi on Deuteronomy 6:20). Both require equal commitment. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that performing chukim demonstrates pure obedience to Hashem's will.
Q: How can we apply 'with all your heart and soul' today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches this means serving Hashem with our entire being - using our intellect to study Torah (heart), our emotions in prayer, and our physical actions in mitzvot (soul). Practically, this means doing mitzvot with kavanah (intent), like saying brachot thoughtfully or giving tzedakah cheerfully (Mishna Berurah 1:1). Even mundane actions can become spiritual when done 'for Heaven's sake' (Pirkei Avot 2:12).
Q: Why does the verse say 'this day' if the Torah was given long ago?
A: The Sages (Midrash Tanchuma Nitzavim 3) explain that Torah should feel newly given every day. The Baal Shem Tov taught that each day brings fresh opportunities to connect to Hashem through mitzvot. 'This day' reminds us that our relationship with Torah isn't historical, but constantly renewed - we must find personal relevance in mitzvot daily (Likutei Moharan 1:22).