This site cites (under Torah - 16) Deuteronomy 31:19 for the reason that there is a mitzva to write your own Torah scroll.

That every person shall write a scroll of the Torah for himself.

Is that an accurate reference?

In a comment on a related question Deuteronomy 31:19 Torah Leining I saw that the verse was only about the Song of Moses. So I wondered if Deuteronomy 31:19 was the right source for this mitzva.


Yes this is how the Rambam, Maimonides, codifies it (and he is one of the greatest codifiers of Jewish law).

It is the last of the 613 mitzvot (commandments). As R Jack Abramowitz describes it






The question is highly perceptive. As this reference shows the matter is a source of discussion which Maimonides explains.

The 613th mitzvah of the Torah is the obligation for every Jew to write a Torah scroll. In the words of the verse: "And now, write for yourselves this song, and teach it to the Children of Israel. Place it into their mouths, in order that this song will be for Me as a witness for the children of Israel."

Although Rashi and some other commentaries understand this as a command only to write the Torah portion that immediately follows, Ha'azinu (which is referred to as a song), the Talmud understands it as an obligation to write the entire Torah.

Maimonides explains that although the word "song" in the verse is referring to Ha'azinu, since it is forbidden to write only a single portion of the Torah on a scroll, it is understood that there is an obligation to write the entire Torah.

  • Thank you Avrohom for your edit and for your answer. I find both concise and you provide answer to why Rambam said what he said. May I ask where it is forbidden to write only a single portion of the Torah on a scroll? – user2411 May 22 '16 at 22:50

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