1. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Translation of the Torah
Moshe Rabbeinu, in Parshas Devarim, explained the Torah in all 70 languages. This raises a fundamental question: why was it necessary for Moshe to translate the Torah into so many languages? The people present at that time primarily spoke loshon kodesh—the holy tongue. Perhaps there were individuals who spoke other languages, but it seems unlikely that this would warrant such an extensive translation effort.2. The Significance of 70 Languages in Torah
The concept of 70 languages appears earlier in the Torah as well. For example, when Yosef was asked by his father to take him to be buried in Eretz Canaan, Rashi explains that Pharaoh allowed Yosef to go because he had made him swear. Pharaoh feared that if he refused, Yosef would reveal that he knew one language more than Pharaoh—specifically, loshon kodesh, which Pharaoh did not know. This demonstrates that knowledge of multiple languages was significant, yet it remains unclear why Moshe’s translation into 70 languages is so emphasized here.3. The Mystery of Bayer HaTev and Its Audience
Rashi interprets the phrase bayer haitev—explained well—to mean that Moshe explained the Torah in 70 languages. A similar instruction appears later in the Chumash regarding writing the Torah on large stones after crossing the Jordan River: it should be written bayer haitev, explained in all 70 languages. This leads to further questions: Who was this for? Has anyone ever heard these translations? Today, we only have the Chumash in loshon kodesh. There is no surviving record of these translations, so what was their purpose if they were not preserved or needed by those present?4. The Parable of Teaching Torah Before Birth
A parallel can be drawn from a teaching in the Gemara about the soul before birth. It is taught the entire Torah before entering this world, but just before birth, an angel causes it to forget everything learned. This prompts a similar question: why teach the soul if it will forget? The answer given is that prior exposure makes later learning easier and more deeply integrated, even if consciously forgotten. When a person learns something again, it resonates more quickly and profoundly because it was already learned once before.5. The Enduring Impact of Moshe’s Translation
Based on this idea, we can understand that Moshe’s translation of the Torah into 70 languages was not for immediate practical use by his generation. Rather, it established a spiritual precedent: by bringing the Torah into all 70 languages, Moshe enabled future generations to translate and transmit Torah accurately into any language. Even when translation seems impossible or imperfect—as often happens with Mishnah or Pirkei Avos—the original act of translation made these languages fitting vessels for receiving Torah.6. The Expansion of Torah Transmission Through History
This process continues today in our information age. The Torah remains unchanged at its core, but its teachings are now transmitted through countless media and forms—far beyond just language translations. Visuals, technology, and various communication tools serve as new vehicles for conveying even deep concepts from Chassidus, Kabbalah, and mysticism to broader audiences.7. Bayer HaTev as a Model for Universal Access
The act of bayer haitev—explaining well in every language—can be understood as making Torah accessible through every possible channel and medium until the coming of Moshiach and beyond. This ensures that everyone can connect with their portion of Torah through whatever means are available to them. Even when not studying in Hebrew, one still receives chokhmas Hashem—the divine wisdom and holiness embedded within the words of Torah.8. The Lasting Benefit of Universal Translation
Ultimately, Moshe’s translation was not merely about comprehension for his audience but about expanding the reach and adaptability of Torah itself. By making every language capable of expressing Hashem’s wisdom, he ensured that future generations could access and internalize Torah regardless of their linguistic or cultural background—preserving both its sanctity and its universality for all time.