The Gemara begins a discussion about the Mitzvah of writing Mezuzot. The word “U’Ketavtam” is used to describe the Mitzvah that the Mezuzot should be written. More than this, it includes that the actual text inside the Mezuzah should include the very command itself.
This Mitzvah of writing Mezuzot is contrasted with the Mitzvah to write the curses of the Sotah (the woman accused of infidelity against her husband.) Here, only the actual curses are written – but not the words sharing the actual command to write the curses.
The Gemara continues with our subject about reciting the Shema. We must be careful to place the correct spacing between words, so as to not jumble words together. By doing so, we can turn two words into one – which is not correct. It takes us back to our original Mishnah which spoke about the importance of reciting all the letters of the Keriat Shema and fulfilling one’s obligation thereby (or whether it does not really matter in any case – as the other opinion expresses.)
The Gemara tells us a wonderful insight into the rewards of one who recites each of the words slowly and carefully as should be.
We continue to Daf 16a:
The Gemara quotes a verse which shares with us the value of the study Torah and how its study can be compared to immersing in the pure waters which purify us from a state of ritual impurity.
The Gemara continues with the the last part of the Mishnah that we began with. This discusses the importance of reciting the words of the Shema in the correct order and of not reciting things out of order – and what to do if one accidentally loses one’s concentration and does indeed forget where one is. What is one to do? Where should they return to? Do they need to repeat the Shema?
Meanwhile. the Gemara tells us a story about the wedding day of Rabbi Elazar and how he had spent the day and what he had learnt!
The Gemara brings a new Mishnah discussing the issues of a labourer who works in a tree or on top of a wall and whether or not he is required to descend when it comes to the Mitzvah of reciting the Keriat Shema. And indeed – why should he descend. What are the pros and cons for remaining where he is and for his coming down?
The Gemara takes the Mishnah to further depths – as we will see in a future lesson together.
