Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Vaetchanan ואתחנן
Deuteronomy (Dewarim) · Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11
„And I pleaded"
Summary
The portion begins with Moses describing how he implored G"d to let him enter the Promised Land, but G"d declined, instructing him instead to ascend a mountain to view the land from afar before passing leadership to Joshua.
Moses exhorts the Israelites to remain faithful to G"d's laws, warning against idolatry. He reminds them of the unique revelation at Mount Sinai, where the entire nation heard the voice of G"d from the fire.
This section contains the repetition of the Ten Commandments and the first paragraph of the Shema, the central declaration of Jewish faith, emphasizing the love of G"d and the duty to teach Torah to children.
People
Moses
The faithful leader who pleaded with G"d to enter the Land of Israel.
Joshua
The designated successor who was chosen to lead the people into the land.
The Israelites
The generation preparing to enter Canaan while receiving Moses' final instructions.
The Seven Nations
The inhabitants of Canaan whom the Israelites were commanded not to make covenants with.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Belief in G"d · Deuteronomy 5:6
The obligation to believe that G"d is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
The Unity of G"d · Deuteronomy 6:4
To believe and declare that G"d is one, as expressed in the Shema.
Loving G"d · Deuteronomy 6:5
The commandment to love G"d with all one's heart, soul, and resources.
Teaching Torah · Deuteronomy 6:7
The duty to study the words of Torah and teach them diligently to one's children.
Tefillin · Deuteronomy 6:8
The commandment to bind these words as a sign upon the arm and between the eyes.
Mezuzah · Deuteronomy 6:9
The obligation to write these words on the doorposts of one's home and gates.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. What did Moses pray for at the beginning of the portion?
2. Which central Jewish prayer appears in this portion?
3. What event does Moses remind the people of to warn against idolatry?
4. Where was Moses told to write the words of G"d?