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Deuteronomy 30:13 - Torah is near, not distant

Deuteronomy 30:13 - דברים 30:13

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־מֵעֵבֶר לַיָּם הִוא לֵאמֹר מִי יַעֲבָר־לָנוּ אֶל־עֵבֶר הַיָּם וְיִקָּחֶהָ לָּנוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵנוּ אֹתָהּ וְנַעֲשֶׂנָּה׃

English Translation

Nor is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldst say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it, and do it?

Transliteration

Velo-me'ever layam hi lemor mi ya'avor-lanu el-ever hayam veyikacheha lanu veyashmienu otah vena'asena.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־מֵעֵ֥בֶר לַיָּ֖ם הִ֑וא לֵאמֹ֗ר מִ֣י יַעֲבׇר־לָ֜נוּ אֶל־עֵ֤בֶר הַיָּם֙ וְיִקָּחֶ֣הָ לָּ֔נוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵ֥נוּ אֹתָ֖הּ וְנַעֲשֶֽׂנָּה׃
וְלֹא־מֵעֵ֥בֶר לַיָּ֖ם הִ֑וא לֵאמֹ֗ר מִ֣י יַעֲבׇר־לָ֜נוּ אֶל־עֵ֤בֶר הַיָּם֙ וְיִקָּחֶ֣הָ לָּ֔נוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵ֥נוּ אֹתָ֖הּ וְנַעֲשֶֽׂנָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 30:13, part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final address to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. The broader passage (Devarim 30:11-14) emphasizes the accessibility of Torah observance, countering any claim that its mitzvot are beyond human reach.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets this verse as rejecting the notion that Torah is geographically distant, requiring someone to cross the sea to retrieve it. He connects this to the Talmudic teaching (Eruvin 55a) that Torah is not in heaven or beyond the sea, but "very close to you" (Devarim 30:14). Rashi emphasizes that Torah was given in this world and must be studied and observed here.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:26), Rambam explains that this verse teaches the fundamental principle that Torah observance does not require supernatural means or distant journeys. The mitzvot are rationally comprehensible and practically achievable within normal human experience.

Talmudic Interpretation

  • Eruvin 55a: The Talmud uses this verse to prove Torah study must be pursued diligently, not deferred with excuses about difficulty or inaccessibility.
  • Nedarim 22b: Connects this to the idea that Torah was given in the wilderness to show it belongs to all equally, not just to those in privileged locations.

Midrashic Insights

The Sifrei (Devarim 306) explains that this verse comes to counter the yetzer hara's argument that mitzvot are too difficult. The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) adds that just as the sea has boundaries, so too does human understanding - but Torah was given within those boundaries.

Practical Halachic Implication

This verse forms the basis for the halachic principle that one must not make Torah observance dependent on external factors (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 1:1). The obligation to learn and observe applies here and now, without waiting for ideal circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Eruvin 55a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the accessibility of Torah, emphasizing that it is not distant or unattainable but close and within reach for all to learn and observe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 30:13 mean when it says the Torah is 'not beyond the sea'?
A: This verse teaches that the Torah is accessible to everyone and does not require extraordinary efforts to obtain it. Rashi explains that we shouldn't think we need to cross the sea or send messengers to distant lands to acquire Torah knowledge - it is close to us and within our reach if we dedicate ourselves to studying it.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 30:13 important in Judaism?
A: This verse emphasizes that Torah observance is not something distant or impossible, but rather within every Jew's capability. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this idea reinforces the principle that God only commands what is achievable, and the path of Torah is open to all who sincerely seek it.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 30:13 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds us that Torah learning and mitzvah observance should not feel overwhelming or out of reach. The Sifrei (classic midrash) explains that the Torah was given in a way that each person can relate to it according to their level. Today, this means we should approach Torah study step by step, knowing it's meant to be accessible to everyone.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'nor is it beyond the sea'?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 55a) derives from this verse that Torah is not found among those who are arrogant or who travel overseas for business constantly, but rather with those who humble themselves and dedicate time to study. The lesson is that spiritual growth comes through consistent, humble effort, not through seeking exotic solutions.
Q: How do Jewish commentators explain 'who shall go over the sea for us'?
A: Ibn Ezra explains this as rejecting the idea that we need special intermediaries to access Torah wisdom. The verse comes after discussing teshuva (repentance), teaching that returning to God and His Torah doesn't require heroic journeys - the opportunity is always close at hand through sincere study and prayer.