Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:22 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 24:22 reminds the Jewish people to remember their experience as slaves in Egypt. This memory should inspire compassion and justice, motivating them to follow G-d's commandments, particularly those related to kindness and fairness to others, such as leaving portions of the harvest for the poor (as mentioned in the surrounding verses). Rashi explains that remembering our past suffering should make us more sensitive to the needs of others.
Q: Why is remembering slavery in Egypt important in Judaism?
A: Remembering our slavery in Egypt is a fundamental theme in Judaism because it teaches humility, gratitude to G-d for our redemption, and empathy for others. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:4) explains that this memory should prevent arrogance and encourage us to treat others with kindness, especially the vulnerable, since we know what it feels like to be oppressed.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 24:22 apply to daily life?
A: This verse teaches us to act with compassion in our daily interactions, especially toward those in need. For example, the Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) derives from this verse that we must be careful not to oppress strangers or workers, remembering our own past suffering. It also encourages giving charity and supporting social justice causes, as our history obligates us to help others.
Q: What specific commandment is referred to in 'therefore I command you to do this thing'?
A: While the verse does not specify a single commandment, Rashi and other commentators explain that it refers to the mitzvot (commandments) mentioned in the surrounding context, such as leaving gleanings of the harvest for the poor, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). The broader lesson is that our history obligates us to perform acts of kindness and justice.
Q: Why does the Torah repeatedly remind us about the Exodus from Egypt?
A: The Torah frequently mentions the Exodus to reinforce gratitude to G-d for our freedom and to instill moral responsibility. The Midrash (Mechilta on Exodus 13:3) teaches that remembering Egypt is tied to many mitzvot because it shapes our identity as a compassionate people. Ramban (Deuteronomy 16:12) adds that this memory helps us remain humble and faithful to G-d's commandments.
Context and Source
The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 24:18, within a section discussing ethical and compassionate treatment of the vulnerable, particularly the stranger, orphan, and widow. The Torah repeatedly connects the mitzvot of kindness to the Jewish people's experience of slavery in Egypt.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 24:18) explains that the phrase "therefore I command you to do this thing" refers back to the preceding verses about leaving forgotten sheaves (shikcha) and other agricultural gifts for the poor. He emphasizes that the memory of Egyptian bondage should inspire empathy, leading one to fulfill these commandments with sincerity.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Ethical Conduct 6:7), Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that remembering our slavery in Egypt is not merely historical recall but a moral imperative. It trains us to identify with the oppressed and act with compassion, as we understand the pain of subjugation firsthand.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Chassidic Interpretation
The Sefat Emet (Devarim 24:18) teaches that remembering our slavery is not only about avoiding cruelty but also about recognizing our dependence on Hashem. Just as we yearned for redemption, we must now become agents of divine compassion in the world.
Practical Halachic Application
The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 228:3) rules that judges must be especially vigilant in cases involving the vulnerable, as the Torah explicitly links justice for the oppressed to our Egyptian experience. This memory serves as a legal and moral compass.