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.