Deuteronomy 11:19 - Torah in daily life always

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Hebrew Text

וְלִמַּדְתֶּם אֹתָם אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶם לְדַבֵּר בָּם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ׃

English Translation

And you shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou dost sit in thy house, and when thou dost walk by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Transliteration

Velimadtem otam et-bneichem ledaber bam beshivtecha beveitecha uvelechtecha vaderech uvshochbecha uvkumecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלִמַּדְתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֛ם אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם לְדַבֵּ֣ר בָּ֑ם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤ בְּבֵיתֶ֙ךָ֙ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣ בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וּֽבְשׇׁכְבְּךָ֖ וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Teaching Torah to Children

The verse (Devarim 11:19) emphasizes the obligation to teach Torah to one's children, a fundamental mitzvah in Judaism. Rashi explains that "וְלִמַּדְתֶּם אֹתָם" ("and you shall teach them") refers to the duty of parents to ensure their children are educated in Torah. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1-3) expands on this, stating that this mitzvah applies not only to children but also to grandchildren, as the verse says "your children" (בְּנֵיכֶם), which includes all future generations.

Torah Study in All Aspects of Life

The verse lists four scenarios for Torah study:

בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ ("when you sit in your house") – The Sifrei teaches that this refers to Torah study during meals and leisure time at home, integrating Torah into daily life.
וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ ("when you walk by the way") – The Talmud (Berachot 12b) interprets this as learning Torah while traveling, showing that Torah should accompany a Jew wherever they go.
וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ ("when you lie down") – This alludes to the recitation of Shema at bedtime, as per the Mishnah (Berachot 1:3), demonstrating that Torah should be the last thought before sleep.
וּבְקוּמֶךָ ("when you rise up") – This refers to the morning Shema, as the first act upon waking should be Torah study (Rambam, Hilchot Kriyat Shema 1:2).

The Method of Teaching

The phrase "לְדַבֵּר בָּם" ("speaking of them") is interpreted by the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 46) to mean that Torah should be taught through constant discussion and dialogue. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) derives from this that one must teach Torah in a way that children can understand and engage with it actively. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:6) adds that this includes reviewing material until it is firmly established in the child's mind.

The Holistic Approach to Torah Education

The Baal HaTurim notes that the four situations mentioned correspond to the four directions (north, south, east, west), teaching that Torah must permeate every aspect of a Jew's existence. The Seforno explains that this verse establishes Torah as the central focus of Jewish life, shaping both private conduct (at home) and public behavior (on the road). This reflects the principle that Torah is not confined to the study hall but must influence all areas of life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 30a

The verse is cited in the discussion about the obligation of fathers to teach Torah to their sons, emphasizing the importance of constant Torah study in various daily activities.

📖 Yoma 19b

Referenced in the context of the mitzvah of Torah study and its integration into daily life, highlighting the continuous nature of this commandment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:19 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 11:19 commands us to teach Torah to our children constantly—whether at home, traveling, going to sleep, or waking up. Rashi explains that this means Torah study should be a continuous part of daily life, not limited to set times.

Q: Why is teaching Torah to children so important in Judaism?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) states that a parent’s obligation to teach Torah to their children is fundamental. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) emphasizes that this mitzvah ensures the transmission of Jewish tradition and values to future generations.

Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 11:19 in daily life?
A: The verse teaches us to integrate Torah into everyday moments—discussing it at meals (sitting at home), reviewing it while traveling (walking on the way), and reciting Shema before bed and upon waking (lying down and rising up). The Mishnah (Berachot 1:1) details practical ways to fulfill this.

Q: What does 'speaking of them' refer to in this verse?
A: According to the Sifrei (a classic Midrash), 'speaking of them' means discussing Torah ideas in conversation, not just formal study. The Chofetz Chaim taught that this includes sharing Torah insights during ordinary activities to make them spiritually meaningful.

Q: Does this verse only apply to teaching children?
A: While the primary focus is on children, the Ramban explains that the obligation extends to oneself—adults must also constantly engage in Torah learning. The Talmud (Yoma 19b) derives from this verse that one should review Torah 'day and night.'