1)

Why does the Torah write "Veshinantam le'Vanecha" and not "Velimadtam"?

1.

Rashi, Rashbam and Targum Onkelos: "Veshinantam" is an expression of sharpness, 1 implying that one should have the answers on the tip of one's tongue, to answer immediately when asked, without hesitation. 2

2.

Rashbam and Seforno: It implies that one should explain the subject-matter well 3 to one's Talmidim. 4

3.

Targum Yonasan (ignoring the change of Lashon): It is a Mitzvah to teach Torah to one's children.

4.

Kidushin, 30a: 'Do not read "Vesshinantam", but "ve'Shilashtam" 5 - to teach us to divide our lear ning ino three, a third of the time, Chumash, a third, Mishnah and a thitd, Gemara. 6


1

Rashbam: As in Tehilim, 64:4.

2

By learning in depth and constant reviewing. Mishnas R. Aharon (4, p.36)

2)

What are the connotations of the word "Veshinantam le'Vanecha"?

1.

Rashi: "le'Vanecha" 1 incorporates one's Talmidim. 2

2.

Ramban: Having said - "Beini u'Vein B'nei Yisrael" 3 , we are commanded to see to it that our children know the Mitzvos too, and the Pasuk here is merely transforming the obvious obligation to teach them into a Mitzvah.

3.

Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: Refer to 6:7:1:3.


1

See Sifsei Chachamim.

2

Rashi: As we find in many places. See for example, Re'ei, 14:1 and Melachim 2, 2:3. And by the same token, we find the Rebbe referred to as a father - as in Melachim 2, 2:12.

3

Ramban: In Yisro Sh'mos, 31:1, in connection with Shabbos. See also Lech-L'cha Bereishis 17:10 - in connection with B'ris Milah.

3)

What are the implications of "Vedibarta Bam"?

1.

Rashi: It implies that the words of Torah should be one's chief topic of conversation, 1 and not just secondary.

2.

Chulin, 19b: It implies that one should speak "Bam" (words of Torah), and not other matters and that someone who indulges in idle chatter transgresses an Asei'. 2

3.

Yerushalmi B'rachos, 2:1: It implies that one is permitted to speak whilst reciting the Sh'ma. 3

4.

Yoma, 19b: It implies "Bam", 've'Lo bi'Tefilah', which can be explained in three ways: 1. Rashi: Although when reciting the Sh'ma, one is obligated to hear what one is saying, that is not the case when Davening the Amidah, which should be said quietly. 2. Tosfos: Although when reciting the Sh'ma one is permitted to greet a person whom one fears and reply to someone whom one honors, this is not permitted when Davening the Amidah, which one must do quietly (Tosfos); 3. Torah Temimah: Although it is Mitzvah to learn Torah all day, it is not the case regarding Tefilah - which is fixed at three times a day. 4

5.

Yerushalmi Sotah, 7:1: It implies that one may recite Keri'as Sh'ma in any language with which one is conversant. 5


1

Seforno: Because in that way one will remember them.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 33.

3

See answer #4, explanation #2.

4

See Torah Temimah for smore details and sources.

5

See Torah Temimah, note 36.

4)

Why does the Torah insert "Vedibarta Bam" after "Veshinantam le'Vanecha" and not after "Vehayu ha'Devarim ha'Eileh ... "?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: Based on the Gemara in Kidushin, 29 , the Torah is teaching us a dual Halachah here - Initially, if the father has enough enough money for one person to sit and learn full-time, then he takes precedence over his son, and his son must go out to work - Hence "Vahahu ha'Devarim ha'Eileh ... al Levavecha" precedes "Veshinantam le'Vanecha"; If however, he sees that his son is sharper than him, then his son takes precedence over him, and he must go out to work - "Veshinantam Levanecha" precedes "Vedibarta bam".

2.

To teach us that the best method of teaching one's children is by personal example. Someone who wants his son to learn Torah should take a Gemara and learn himself - and his son will follow suite.

5)

What are the words "be'Shivt'cha be'Veisecha" coming to teach us?

1.

Targum Yonasan: It comes to include a Chasan who is getting married in the Mitzvah of reciting the Sh'ma. 1

2.

B'rachos, 11a: It teaches us that someone who is engaged in a Mitzvah is Patur from reciting the Sh'ma 2 - 'ha'Oseik be'Mitzvah, Patur min ha'Mitzvah'.


1

See Na'ar Yonasan. Refer also to 6:7:6:1*.

2

As implied by the word "be'Shivt'cha ... " - 'be'Sheves Didach'.

6)

What are the words "u've'Lecht'cha ba'Derech" coming to teach us?

1.

B'rachos, 16a: It teaches us that a Chasan who is marrying a Besulah is Patur from reciting the Sh'ma 1 (either until he has consummated the marriage or until Motza'ei Shabbos). 2

2.

B'rachos, 10b: It teaches us that one is permitted to recite the Sh'ma in any position - standing, sitting, leaning, walking or even working. 3


1

Even though he is not actually performing a Mitzvah but only worried about it. See Torah Temimah, note 37.

2

As implied by the word "u've'Lecht'cha" - 'be'Leches Didach'.

3

See Torah Temimah, note 38.

7)

What are the connotations of "u've'Shochb'cha u've'Kumecha"?

1.

Rashi: It means (not literally, when you lie down and when you get-up, 1 but) when the conventional times to lie down and to get-up arrive.

2.

Targum Yonasan: It means at night-time, close to (before) going to bed and in the morning close to (after) getting-up.


1

See Torah Temimah, note 40.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

8)

Rashi writes that Divrei Torah should be sharp in your mouth, so if you are asked, you can answer immediately. But the Gemara in Bava Metzi'a, 23b states that one may deny knowing a Maseches?

1.

Moshav Zekenim: It depends; if he asks to learn from you, answer him, even if he is a fool

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