It might surprise you to learn that some of our most cherished daily practices weren’t always so…daily. to a fascinating passage from Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations attached to the Book of Deuteronomy, and explore the nuances of teaching Torah to our children.
The verse we’re looking at is from Deuteronomy 6:7: "And you shall teach (or, more literally, 'repeat') them to your sons." But what exactly does “them” refer to? Which passages are we obligated to repeat daily? The text specifies three sections: the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), Vehaya im shamoa (Deuteronomy 11:13-21), and Vayomer (Numbers 15:37-41), which includes the commandment of tzitzit, the ritual fringes. These sections, the text suggests, must be repeated morning and evening.
But what about Kadesh li (Exodus 13:1-10) and Vehaya ki yeviacha (Exodus 13:11-16)? These passages, which also contain important commandments, don't need to be repeated daily. Why not?
Here’s where the Sifrei Devarim gets clever, using a type of logical argument called a kal v’chomer, often translated as "a fortiori." Basically, it's an "how much more so" argument. The text suggests that we might assume that if Vayomer, which isn't found inside the tefillin (phylacteries, the boxes containing scripture worn on the arm and head), is included in the mitzvah of "repetition," then Kadesh li and Vehaya ki yeviacha, which are included in the tefillin, should certainly be included in "repetition." Makes sense. But that's precisely the point! The Torah anticipated this line of reasoning. That’s why it specifies "And you shall repeat them to your sons," emphasizing which passages are required. The limitation is intentional.
So, what's the takeaway? This passage highlights the precision of Jewish law and the importance of understanding the specific requirements of each commandment. It's not enough to simply assume that something is required; we need to delve into the texts and understand the reasoning behind the laws. It shows us that sometimes, limitations are just as important as inclusions. It reminds us that Jewish tradition isn’t just about blindly following rules, but about engaging with the text and understanding its nuances. And maybe, just maybe, it gives us a little glimpse into the debates and discussions that shaped the way Jewish families educated their children for generations.