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Deuteronomy 24:5 - Newlywed's year of joy

Deuteronomy 24:5 - דברים 24:5

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִקַּח אִישׁ אִשָּׁה חֲדָשָׁה לֹא יֵצֵא בַּצָּבָא וְלֹא־יַעֲבֹר עָלָיו לְכָל־דָּבָר נָקִי יִהְיֶה לְבֵיתוֹ שָׁנָה אֶחָת וְשִׂמַּח אֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ אֲשֶׁר־לָקָח׃

English Translation

When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.

Transliteration

Ki-yikach ish isha chadasha lo yetze batzava velo-yaavor alav lechol-davar naki yihye leveito shana achat vesimach et-ishto asher-lakach.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִקַּ֥ח אִישׁ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה חֲדָשָׁ֔ה לֹ֤א יֵצֵא֙ בַּצָּבָ֔א וְלֹא־יַעֲבֹ֥ר עָלָ֖יו לְכׇל־דָּבָ֑ר נָקִ֞י יִהְיֶ֤ה לְבֵיתוֹ֙ שָׁנָ֣ה אֶחָ֔ת וְשִׂמַּ֖ח אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֥וֹ אֲשֶׁר־לָקָֽח׃
כִּֽי־יִקַּ֥ח אִישׁ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה חֲדָשָׁ֔ה לֹ֤א יֵצֵא֙ בַּצָּבָ֔א וְלֹא־יַעֲבֹ֥ר עָלָ֖יו לְכׇל־דָּבָ֑ר נָקִ֞י יִהְיֶ֤ה לְבֵיתוֹ֙ שָׁנָ֣ה אֶחָ֔ת וְשִׂמַּ֖ח אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֥וֹ אֲשֶׁר־לָקָֽח׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Exemption from Military Service for a Newlywed

The verse (Devarim 24:5) states that a man who has taken a new wife is exempt from military service (milchemet reshut, a discretionary war) and other civic obligations for one year. Rashi explains that this exemption applies even if the war is a milchemet mitzvah (an obligatory war, such as defending against an enemy attack), but the Talmud (Sotah 44a) clarifies that the exemption is only for milchemet reshut.

Purpose of the Exemption

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:11) elaborates that this law ensures the newlywed couple can establish a peaceful and joyful home. The exemption allows the husband to focus on building a strong marital bond (shalom bayit) before taking on external responsibilities. The Sifrei (Devarim 248) emphasizes that this mitzvah promotes domestic harmony, as the husband must "cheer his wife" (v'simach et ishto).

Duration and Scope of the Exemption

The exemption lasts for one full year (shana achat), during which the husband is free from all civic duties (lo ya'avor alav l'chol davar). The Talmud (Kiddushin 29b) notes that this applies even if the war is prolonged—the exemption does not extend beyond one year.

  • New Wife: The term isha chadasha refers specifically to a first-time marriage (Rashi) or a man who has not been married before (Ibn Ezra). However, some opinions extend it to a second marriage if he has not been married for a long time (Tosafot, Sotah 44a).
  • Cheering His Wife: The obligation to "cheer his wife" includes providing emotional and material comfort (Ramban). The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Teitzei 2) connects this to the mitzvah of onah (marital intimacy).

Broader Ethical Lesson

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 581) highlights that this law teaches the importance of prioritizing family life over communal duties when necessary. The Torah recognizes that a stable home is the foundation of a righteous society.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing exemptions from military service, particularly for a newly married man.
📖 Kiddushin 29b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligations and exemptions of a newly married man, emphasizing his duty to stay home and bring happiness to his wife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:5 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 24:5 teaches that a newly married man is exempt from military service and other obligations for one year so he can focus on building a happy and peaceful home with his new wife. This is known as 'shnat ha'rina' (the year of rejoicing). Rashi explains that this exemption allows the couple to establish a strong foundation for their marriage.
Q: Why is this law important in Judaism?
A: This law highlights the Torah's emphasis on shalom bayit (peace in the home) and the importance of marriage. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:11) explains that family harmony takes priority over even communal obligations like war, showing how highly Judaism values strong marital relationships.
Q: How long does this exemption last?
A: The verse specifies that the exemption lasts for 'one year.' The Talmud (Sotah 44a) discusses that this means twelve months from the wedding, during which the husband cannot be drafted for war or forced into public service, allowing him to devote time to his marriage.
Q: Does this apply to all newly married men?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 44a) clarifies that this exemption applies specifically to a man who is marrying for the first time ('ishah chadashah'). However, some opinions extend it to any new marriage where the man hasn't lived with this particular wife before (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 7:11).
Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches the eternal Jewish value of prioritizing family life. Even in times of national crisis (like war), the Torah commands us to nurture marriage first. Today, this reminds us to invest time and joy in our relationships, especially during major life transitions like marriage.