Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Return again to your tents' mean in Deuteronomy 5:27?
A: This verse refers to the moment after the Jewish people heard the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. They were overwhelmed by the divine revelation and asked Moshe (Moses) to be their intermediary. Hashem then instructed them to return to their normal lives ('their tents'), but to remain committed to Torah observance. Rashi explains that 'your tents' also refers to family life, emphasizing the importance of balancing spiritual growth with daily responsibilities.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches a fundamental Jewish principle: while moments of high spirituality (like receiving the Torah at Sinai) are crucial, we must also live Torah values in our everyday lives. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that true divine service includes integrating Torah into all aspects of life - family, work, and community - not just during peak spiritual experiences.
Q: How can we apply 'Return to your tents' in our lives today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 63b) derives from this verse that Torah study must be combined with derech eretz (worldly occupation). This means we should strive for spiritual growth while fulfilling our daily responsibilities. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that our homes ('tents') should become places where Torah values are lived, creating a mikdash me'at (miniature sanctuary) in every Jewish household.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'Go say to them' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem told Moshe to first give the people words of comfort and encouragement before instructing them to return to their daily lives. This teaches us the importance of proper communication when guiding others in Torah observance - we must be sensitive and encouraging, especially after intense spiritual experiences.
Q: Does 'return to your tents' mean to stop learning Torah?
A: Absolutely not. The Sifrei (classic rabbinic commentary) clarifies that while the people physically left Mount Sinai, they were expected to continue studying and observing Torah in their homes. The verse teaches that Torah must permeate our daily lives, not that we should abandon spiritual pursuits. As the Mishnah (Avot 1:15) states: 'Make your Torah fixed (regular), and your work temporary.'
Context of the Verse
The verse "לֵךְ אֱמֹר לָהֶם שׁוּבוּ לָכֶם לְאָהֳלֵיכֶם" ("Go say to them, Return again to your tents") appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 5:27, where Moshe recounts the events at Har Sinai. This was Hashem's instruction to Bnei Yisrael after they expressed fear following the revelation of the Aseres HaDibros (Ten Commandments).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that this directive was given after Bnei Yisrael requested that Moshe serve as an intermediary between them and Hashem, fearing direct communication (Devarim 5:22-26). Hashem accepted their request and instructed them to return to their tents—a phrase that carries deeper meaning:
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 8:1-2) discusses the uniqueness of Matan Torah, emphasizing that Bnei Yisrael's request for an intermediary stemmed from their awe of the divine revelation. Hashem's instruction to "return to your tents" affirmed that Torah must be lived not only in moments of prophecy but also in ordinary life—within the "tents" of family and community.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
The Talmud (Pesachim 87b) and Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 29:3) expand on the dual nature of this command:
Chassidic Interpretation
The Sefas Emes (Devarim 5631) teaches that "return to your tents" reflects the idea that Torah must permeate every aspect of life, even mundane activities. The "tent" represents the sanctification of daily existence, where mitzvos elevate physical actions into divine service.