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Deuteronomy 23:13 - Camp purity through distance

Deuteronomy 23:13 - דברים 23:13

Hebrew Text

וְיָד תִּהְיֶה לְךָ מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה וְיָצָאתָ שָׁמָּה חוּץ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt have a place also outside the camp, where thou shalt withdraw thyself:

Transliteration

Ve'yad tihyeh lekha michutz la'machaneh ve'yatzata shamah chutz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָד֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לְךָ֔ מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְיָצָ֥אתָ שָּׁ֖מָּה חֽוּץ׃
וְיָד֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לְךָ֔ מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְיָצָ֥אתָ שָּׁ֖מָּה חֽוּץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 23:13) discusses the requirement to designate a place outside the Israelite camp for personal hygiene, particularly in the context of ritual purity during wartime. This mitzvah is part of the broader Torah laws concerning the sanctity of the camp (מחנה שכינה).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 23:13) explains that this commandment ensures the camp remains holy, as Hashem dwells among the people. He cites the Talmud (Berachot 25a) which derives from this verse that one must distance oneself from excrement and other impurities when praying, as holiness requires separation from filth.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:15) rules that this law applies not only in wartime but serves as a general principle for maintaining cleanliness and dignity. He emphasizes that this mitzvah teaches derech eretz (proper conduct) and respect for communal spaces.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei (Devarim 258) connects this verse to the broader concept of "והתקדשתם" - "you shall sanctify yourselves," teaching that physical cleanliness leads to spiritual purity.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Teitzei 2) states that just as the camp needed physical cleanliness, so too must a person's "inner camp" (the soul) be kept pure from spiritual impurities.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sfat Emet (Ki Teitzei 5632) explains that "outside the camp" represents the need to sometimes step away from routine to properly attend to one's physical and spiritual needs. Just as the body requires care, the soul needs moments of withdrawal for introspection.

Contemporary Application

Modern poskim (like Mishnah Berurah 92:5) apply this principle to synagogue architecture, requiring proper bathroom placement at a distance from prayer areas. This maintains the Torah's standard of separating the sacred from the mundane.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of the camp and the need for designated places outside the camp for certain activities.
📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of war and the organization of the Israelite camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a place outside the camp' mean in Deuteronomy 23:13?
A: This verse refers to the requirement to designate an area outside the Israelite camp for personal hygiene needs. Rashi explains this was to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the camp where God's Presence dwelled (Rashi on Deuteronomy 23:13). The Talmud expands that this teaches the importance of proper sanitation (Berachos 25a).
Q: Why was it important to have a designated place outside the camp?
A: The Torah emphasizes cleanliness and holiness, especially when the Israelites were encamped in the desert with the Mishkan (Tabernacle) at their center. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 4:1) derives from this verse that proper sanitation is part of maintaining physical and spiritual health. Keeping the camp clean honored God's Presence among them.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we no longer have the desert camp, this verse establishes eternal principles about cleanliness and human dignity. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 116:5) rules that one must be careful about proper sanitation, showing how Torah values apply in all times. Many see this as an early example of environmental awareness in Jewish law.