The Gemara mentions 2 versions of mitzvos which one gets reward for in this world and the principle remains in the next world. Neither of these versions are the one which we say every day in Shacaris: "Aleh devarim..." and I can't seem to find that exact nusach anywhere. It contains some mitzvos that aren't in any Gemara that I was able to find. Do you have any insight or ideas on this?
Thank you.
Sam Kosofsky
Good question. We list ten Mitzvos in the paragraph we say after Birkos ha'Torah every morning. If we include and combine the Mitzvos mentioned in the statement of Rebbi Yochanan (Hachnasas Orchim, Bikur Cholim, Iyun Tefilah, Hashkamas Beis ha'Midrash) with those mentioned in the Mishnah in Pe'ah as cited by our Gemara (Kibud Av v'Em, Gemilus Chasadim, Hava'as Shalom Bein Adam la'Chaveiro, and Talmud Torah), we come out with only eight; two are missing -- Hachnasas Kalah and Halvayas ha'Mes (in the version that appears in the Rambam's record of Tefilah and the Sefardic Sidurim, Hachnasas Kalah, Halvayas ha'Mes, and Iyun Tefilah are omitted ; for this reason the MAHARSHAL (Teshuvos) writes that Hachnasas Kalah and Halvayas ha'Mes should indeed be deleted.)
As for the actual source for our version, the Likutei Maharich discusses this at length. He points that Hachnasas Kalah and Halvayas ha'Mes are subcategories of Gemilus Chasadim which are often associated with Gemilas Chasadim in the Midrash (see Makos 24a, and the Midrash cited by Rashi in Bereishis 47:29), therefore we specify them in our Tefilah version of the Beraisa as well. (Likutei Maharich also discusses other minor differences between the list in our Sidurim and in the Gemara, such as mention of 'Bein Ish l'Ishto.')
Be well, and please excuse the delay in our response,
-Mordecai