Deuteronomy 6:7 - Torah in daily life

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Hebrew Text

וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ׃

English Translation

and thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Transliteration

V'shinantam l'vanecha v'dibarta bam b'shivt'cha b'veitecha uv'lecht'cha vaderech uv'shachb'cha uv'kumecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשִׁנַּנְתָּ֣ם לְבָנֶ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ֖ בָּ֑ם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤ בְּבֵיתֶ֙ךָ֙ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣ בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וּֽבְשׇׁכְבְּךָ֖ וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Teaching Torah to Children

The verse (Devarim 6:7) commands us to teach Torah diligently to our children. Rashi explains that "וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם" (you shall teach them diligently) implies that the words of Torah should be sharp and clear in the mouths of our children, so that if someone asks them a question, they can answer immediately without hesitation. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) derives from this verse the obligation of a father to teach his son Torah, which includes both Written and Oral Torah.

The Constant Engagement with Torah

The verse continues by detailing when we should engage in Torah study: "בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ" (when you sit in your house, when you walk on the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up). Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) emphasizes that a person must set fixed times for Torah study both during the day and at night, as the verse indicates. The Sifrei (Devarim 34) teaches that this verse underscores the mitzvah to speak words of Torah in all situations—whether at home, traveling, going to sleep, or waking up.

Torah as a Guiding Light in Daily Life

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:3) explains that Torah should permeate every aspect of our lives, just as we recite the Shema in the morning and evening. The phrase "וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ" (when you walk on the way) teaches that even while engaged in mundane activities like business or travel, one should not neglect Torah study. The Vilna Gaon notes that this verse alludes to the four postures of human activity—sitting, walking, lying down, and rising—demonstrating that Torah must guide us in all circumstances.

Practical Halachic Applications

Teaching Children: The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 245:6) rules that a father must begin teaching his son Torah as soon as the child can speak, starting with verses like "Torah tzivah lanu Moshe" (Devarim 33:4).
Fixed Times for Study: The Mishnah Berurah (155:3) cites the Chayei Adam that one should establish set times for Torah study, both day and night, to fulfill this mitzvah properly.
Conversations of Torah: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that "וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם" (you shall speak of them) includes discussing Torah matters during meals and casual conversations, elevating mundane speech into mitzvah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 30a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligation of a father to teach his son Torah, emphasizing the importance of constant engagement with Torah study in all aspects of life.

📖 Berakhot 21b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the times for reciting the Shema, illustrating the commandment to speak of Torah matters at all times, including when lying down and rising up.

📖 Yoma 19b

The verse is mentioned in the context of the High Priest's duties on Yom Kippur, highlighting the broader principle of constant Torah study and teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 6:7 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 6:7 commands us to diligently teach Torah to our children and to speak about its teachings constantly—whether at home, traveling, going to sleep, or waking up. Rashi explains that this means we must repeat Torah lessons until they are firmly ingrained in our children's minds. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) emphasizes that this mitzvah applies not only to children but also to students of any age.

Q: Why is teaching Torah to children so important in Judaism?
A: Teaching Torah to children is a fundamental mitzvah because it ensures the transmission of Jewish tradition and values to future generations. The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) states that a parent is obligated to teach their child Torah. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 34) compares Torah learning to a flame—just as a small flame can ignite a larger one, teaching children ensures the Torah's light continues to shine.

Q: How can we fulfill 'speaking of Torah when sitting at home and walking on the way' today?
A: The verse teaches us to integrate Torah into daily life. Rashi explains that 'sitting at home' refers to discussing Torah during meals, while 'walking on the way' means engaging in Torah study during travel (such as listening to Torah classes). The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 246) encourages setting fixed times for Torah study morning and evening (corresponding to 'lying down' and 'rising up') to fulfill this mitzvah properly.

Q: Does Deuteronomy 6:7 only apply to fathers teaching sons?
A: While the verse mentions 'your children,' halacha (Jewish law) extends this obligation. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) rules that both fathers and mothers share responsibility for their children's Jewish education. Additionally, the Talmud (Berachot 20a) teaches that women are also obligated in certain areas of Torah learning relevant to them. Today, this mitzvah includes providing Torah education for all Jewish children, boys and girls.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from 'when you lie down and when you rise up'?
A: This teaches us to begin and end each day with Torah. The Talmud (Menachot 99b) derives from here the mitzvah of reciting Shema in the evening and morning. The Mishnah Berurah (1:7) explains that ideally one should study Torah immediately upon waking and before sleeping. Many have the custom to learn a portion of Mishnah or Psalms at these times to fulfill this ideal.