What does it mean that the shomrim or shepards would leave the animals and go to town? If the animals can be without the shepard why do we need the shepard etc?
Dovid Sebban, Australia
It seems that the custom was for shepherds to leave their sheep for a short time whilst they went to attend to things in the local town or village. Presumably the sheep could be left for a short period of time with a relatively secure knowledge that no loss would happen to them. However, they could not be left like this for longer periods. This could be due to the necessity to feed the animals or to the fact that unscrupulous passers-by may take advantage of an untended flock. If a shepherd were due back at any time, this would be sufficient to ward off any unwanted interest from unwelcome quarters.
Dov Freedman