ספר דברים - פרשת נצבים - ל:יא-יד - ששי

The verse says: "For this commandment which I command you today, it is not concealed from you and it is not far away." The Torah is telling us that the mitzvah being discussed here is not something hidden or distant. It is not something that is beyond your reach or understanding. The Torah is emphasizing that what it is commanding us is accessible and within our grasp; it is not something that is mysterious or unattainable.

Rashi explains on the words "Lo Nifloes Hi Mimecha"—it is not concealed from you—that it is not covered from you. Rashi brings examples from other places in Tanach to show what this means. For example, in Devarim it says "Ki Yipale," which means when something is covered or hidden. In Eicha it says "Vatered Pelaim," meaning it descended in a wondrous or concealed way. In Iyov it says "Vatered B'Matmoneos," meaning it went down into concealment, hidden away. Rashi is explaining that the word "Nifloes" here means something that is covered, hidden, or inaccessible, and the Torah is telling us that this mitzvah is not like that—it is not hidden or inaccessible from you.

The verse continues: "It is not in the heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to the heaven for us and take it for us and teach it to us, so that we can do it?'" The Torah is emphasizing that the mitzvah is not in the heavens, not something so far away or so lofty that you would need someone to go up to the heavens to bring it down for you. You do not have to say, "Who will ascend to the heavens and get it for us and teach it to us so we can fulfill it?" The Torah is making it clear that it is not out of reach in that way.

Rashi explains on the words "Lo BaShamayim Hi"—it is not in the heaven—that if it had been in the heaven, you would have to go after it and learn it. In other words, if the Torah was really in the heavens, you would be obligated to go up and get it, to pursue it no matter how far. But the Torah is telling you that it is not in the heavens, it is not so distant that you would have to go to such lengths to acquire it.

The verse continues: "And it is also not beyond the sea, to say, 'Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us and teach it to us, so that we can do it?'" The Torah is again emphasizing that the mitzvah is not on the other side of the sea, not something that you would need to travel across the world to get. You do not have to say, "Who will go over the sea and bring it to us and teach it to us so we can fulfill it?" The Torah is making it clear that it is not something distant or inaccessible in that way either.

The verse says: "Rather, this thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it." The Torah is telling us that the mitzvah is very close to you; it is not far away or hidden. It is in your mouth and in your heart, meaning you have the ability to speak it, to learn it, and to feel it in your heart, so that you can actually fulfill it. The Torah is emphasizing that you can do it; it is within your capacity and reach.

Rashi explains on the words "Ki Karov Eilecha"—it is close to you—that the Torah was given to you both in writing and orally. In other words, the Torah is accessible because it was given to us in a way that we can learn it, both through the written Torah and the oral Torah, so it is not distant or hidden from us.