Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to pierce a servant's ear with an awl in Deuteronomy 15:17?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Kiddushin 22b), this verse describes the process when a Hebrew servant chooses to remain with his master after completing six years of service. The piercing of the ear at the doorpost symbolizes that since the servant 'heard' at Mount Sinai that the Jewish people are God's servants (Exodus 20:2), yet he chooses additional servitude to a human master, his ear is marked. The doorpost represents that just as doorposts were marked with blood during the Exodus (when Jews became free), this servant is choosing not to fully embrace that freedom.
Q: Why does the Torah mention doing the same for a maidservant in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 3:14) explains that while the primary case discusses a male servant, the Torah includes the maidservant to teach that the same laws apply to both genders in this regard. However, the Talmud notes there are some differences in their service conditions. The inclusion emphasizes the Torah's principle of equal justice in halacha (Jewish law) for men and women where applicable.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the 'servant forever' mentioned in this verse?
A: The Sages teach (Tosefta Bava Kamma 7:5) that this doesn't mean actual permanent slavery, but rather until the Yovel (Jubilee) year when all Hebrew servants go free. The deeper lesson is about commitment - just as the servant makes a serious commitment to his master, we must be fully committed to serving Hashem. The ear piercing reminds us to always 'hear' and be faithful to our higher purpose.
Q: How does this law about Hebrew servants apply today?
A: While we don't have Hebrew servants today, the Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:10) explains these laws remain eternally relevant as part of Torah study. The principles teach us about proper employer-employee relationships, the value of freedom, and the importance of keeping commitments. The Talmud (Kiddushin 22a) derives from here that one who acquires a Hebrew servant actually acquires 'a master over himself,' teaching humility in leadership.
Q: Why is the door mentioned in the ear-piercing process?
A: The Midrash (Sifri Devarim 122) explains that the door represents the mezuzah which declares God's unity and our freedom ('I am Hashem your God who took you out of Egypt'). Performing this act at the door contrasts the servant's choice with these fundamental Jewish beliefs. Rashi adds that just as doorposts witnessed the Exodus miracles, they now witness this personal decision about servitude.
The Law of the Hebrew Slave Who Chooses to Remain
The verse (Shemot 21:6) describes the procedure for a Hebrew slave who, after serving six years, chooses to remain with his master rather than go free. The Torah commands that his ear be pierced with an awl against the doorpost as a symbolic act.
Symbolism of Piercing the Ear
Rashi explains that the ear is specifically chosen because it heard at Har Sinai "For unto Me the children of Israel are servants" (Vayikra 25:55), yet this individual chose to become a servant to a human master. The doorpost is used because Hashem said "For the children of Israel are My servants, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt" (Vayikra 25:42) - the doorposts being where the blood of the Pesach sacrifice was placed in Egypt.
Halachic Details from the Talmud
Philosophical Meaning
The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:39) explains that this law comes to teach the value of freedom. Even though the Torah permits temporary servitude under certain circumstances, it discourages permanent servitude among Jews. The piercing serves as a visible reminder that choosing permanent servitude goes against the fundamental Jewish value of being servants only to Hashem.
Application to Female Servants
The verse concludes by stating "And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise." The Talmud (Kiddushin 22b) discusses that while the general laws of Hebrew servants differ between males and females, this particular ritual applies to both genders when they choose to remain in servitude.