From where [is it derived that] the recitation of [the passage] of the first-fruits [must be in Hebrew]? [With respect to the passage of the first-fruits it is stated:] Then you shall speak up and say before HASHEM, your God (Deut. 26:5), and over there it states: and the Levites shall speak up and say (Deut. 27:14). Just as the speaking up stated over there [means] in the Holy Tongue, here too [it means] in the Holy Tongue.

From where [is it derived that] chalitzah [must be in Hebrew]? [With respect to chalitzah it is stated:] And she shall speak up and say (Deut. 25:9), and over there it states: And the Leviim shall speak up and say (Deut. 2:14). Just as the speaking up over there means in the Holy Tongue, here too [it means] in the Holy Tongue.  R’ Yehudah says: And she shall speak up and say, “So ...” —- [this] implies that she must say it in this [exact] language.

In what manner were the Blessings and the Curses [recited]? As soon as Israel crossed the Jordan they came to Mount Ger-izim and Mount Eval that are in the vicinity of Samaria near Shechem, near Elon Moreh, as it is said: Are they not across the Jordan, etc. (Deut. 11:30), and over there it states: and Abram passed through the land until the place of Shechem, until Elon Moreh (Genesis 12:6). Just as Elon Moreh there is Shechem, so Elon Moreh here is Shechem. Six tribes ascended to the top of Mount Gerizim, and six tribes ascended to the top of Mount Eval, while the Kohanim, the Leviim and the Ark stood below, in between. The Kohanim surrounded the Ark, the Leviim surrounded the Kohanim, and all of Israel were on this side and that, as it is said: And all of Israel, with its elders, its officers, and its judges, stood on this [side] and on that [side] of the Ark, etc. (Joshua 8:33).  They turned their faces toward Mount Gerizim and began with the blessing: “Blessed is the man who does not make a graven or a molten image.” And these and those responded, “Amen!” They turned their faces toward Mount Eval and began with the curse: “Cursed is the man who makes a graven or a molten image!” (Deut. 27:15). And these and those responded, “Amen!” (ibid.). [They continued in this manner] until they completed all the Blessings and Curses.  Afterward they brought the stones, [they] built an altar, plastered it with lime, and inscribed upon it all the words of the To-rah in seventy languages; as it is said: Explain [it] well (Deut. 27:8). Then they took the stones and came and spent the night in their place.

In what manner was the Blessing of the Kohanim [pronounced]? In the provinces they pronounced it as three blessings; but in the Temple, as one blessing. In the Temple, he pronounced the Name as it is written; but in the provinces, with its cogno-men.  In the provinces the Kohanim raise their hands to shoulder height, but in the Temple, above their heads; except for the Kohen Gadol who does not raise his hands above the Tzitz. R’ Yehudah says: Even the Kohen Gadol raises his hands above the Tzitz, as it is said: And Aaron raised his hands toward the people and he blessed them (Leviticus 9:32).