Rabbi Ḥiyya taught: This portion was stated in an assembly4As the verse states: “Speak to the entire congregation of the children of Israel…” because most of the essential principles of the Torah are dependent upon it. Rabbi Levi said: Because the Ten Commandments are included in it. “I am the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:2), and it is written here: “I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:2). “You shall have no [other gods before Me]” (Exodus 20:3), and it is written here: “Do not make molten gods for yourselves” (Leviticus 19:4).
“You shall not take [the name of the Lord your God in vain]” (Exodus 20:7), and it is written here: “You shall not take an oath in My name falsely” (Leviticus 19:8). “Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it” (Exodus 20:8), and it is written here: “And you shall observe My Sabbaths” (Leviticus 19:3). “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), and it is written here: “Each of you shall revere his mother and father” (Leviticus 19:3).
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), and it is written here: “You shall not stand by the blood of your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:16). “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:13), and it is written here: “The adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death” (Leviticus 20:10). “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:13), and it is written here: “You shall not steal” (Leviticus 19:11). “You shall not bear [false witness]” (Exodus 20:13), and it is written here: “You shall not go as a gossip” (Leviticus 19:16).
“You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:14), and it is written here: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). Rabbi Yudan said in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai: Moses our master gave us in writing three portions in the Torah in each of which there are sixty mitzvot. They are: The portion of Passover,5Exodus 12. the portion of damages,6Exodus 21–23:9. and the portion of “[you shall be] holy.”7Leviticus 19.
Rabbi Levi said in the name of Rabbi Shila of the village of Tamarta: Seventy in each of them. Rabbi Tanḥuma said: They do not disagree. The one who renders the portion of Passover seventy included with it the portion of phylacteries.8Exodus 13:1–16. The one who renders the portion of damages seventy, included with it the portion of the Sabbatical year.9Exodus 23:10.
The one who renders the portion of “[you shall be] holy” seventy, included with it the portion of forbidden sexual relations.10Leviticus 20.