We will investigate the question: how do we fulfill those mitzvot of reading a Parsha or reciting a formula in a language other than Lashon Kodesh? Does one need to understand the language that he is reciting? A careful reading of the sugya in Sotah as well as the Rambam leads us to conclude that there are two classes of Mitzvot: those that require the understanding of each word in the reading, & those that do not. Rashi emphasizes why the Sotah must understand the reading of the Kohen, & this logic should apply to the law of oaths. In cases like וידוי מעשרות, Kriat Shema, & berachot, there is no need to understand the words. (Please note: you can begin listening to this shiur 7 minites into the recording without any loss).
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