Torah Anthology Vol. 15: Deuteronomy (Admonition)

Portion of Devarim..

This fifth and last of the Five Chumashim contains 200 mitzvot which is almost a third of the sum of 613. Of these 123 are negative, and 77 positive commandments. Some mitzvot (not included in this number) are mentioned here a second time. This book contains the great profession of Faith, the Unity of G-d, which in Rambam's words is the great principal on which all other teachings depend. It stresses the sin of idolatry. It gives prominence to the gift of Prophecy, the significance of which is discussed frequently in Rambam's works. This Anthology of MeAm Loez is very detailed in its presentation of the laws in this last book of the Torah, and it makes their study fascinating by the insertion of beautiful tales from the Aggadah. Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.