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Exodus 18:20 - Teach Torah's path and deeds

Exodus 18:20 - שמות 18:20

Hebrew Text

וְהִזְהַרְתָּה אֶתְהֶם אֶת־הַחֻקִּים וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹת וְהוֹדַעְתָּ לָהֶם אֶת־הַדֶּרֶךְ יֵלְכוּ בָהּ וְאֶת־הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן׃

English Translation

and thou shalt teach them the ordinances and the Torot, and shalt show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Transliteration

Vehizhartah ethem et-hachukim ve'et-hatorot vehodata lahem et-haderech yelchu vah ve'et-hama'aseh asher ya'asun.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה אֶתְהֶ֔ם אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֖ים וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֗ם אֶת־הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔הּ וְאֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲשֽׂוּן׃
וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה אֶתְהֶ֔ם אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֖ים וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֗ם אֶת־הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔הּ וְאֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲשֽׂוּן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Shemot/Exodus 18:20) appears in the context of Yitro's advice to Moshe Rabbeinu regarding the establishment of a judicial system. Yitro instructs Moshe to teach the people the laws and guide them in proper conduct. The phrasing emphasizes both instruction and practical application of Torah.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • "הַחֻקִּים וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹת" (the ordinances and the Torot) - Rashi explains that "חֻקִּים" refers to mitzvot whose reasons are not revealed (chukim), while "תּוֹרֹת" refers to laws with logical foundations (mishpatim). The plural form "Torot" may also allude to both the Written and Oral Torah (Talmud Yerushalmi, Pe'ah 2:4).
  • "הַדֶּרֶךְ יֵלְכוּ בָהּ" (the way in which they must walk) - Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:7) interprets this as referring to middot (ethical character traits) and derech eretz (proper conduct), beyond strict legal obligations.
  • "הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן" (the work that they must do) - The Sifrei (Devarim 41) connects this to the actual performance of mitzvot, emphasizing practical observance.

Educational Approach

The Mechilta (Yitro) notes that the verse outlines a comprehensive educational method: teaching the laws, explaining their underlying principles ("the way"), and demonstrating proper implementation ("the work"). This reflects the traditional Jewish model of Torah study—combining textual mastery, ethical development, and practical halachic observance.

Leadership Responsibility

The Kli Yakar highlights that the verse uses both singular ("וְהִזְהַרְתָּה") and plural ("לָהֶם") forms, teaching that leaders must address both individuals and the community. The obligation includes:

  • Clear instruction of halacha (laws)
  • Guidance in spiritual growth (derech Hashem)
  • Ensuring practical observance in daily life

Contemporary Application

As emphasized in Mishlei (Proverbs 22:6), this verse establishes the enduring Jewish educational principle that Torah must be taught with clarity, context, and connection to real-world application—a model followed in yeshivot and Jewish homes throughout the generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noahide laws, where it is used to emphasize the importance of teaching and guiding others in the proper path and actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:20 mean?
A: Exodus 18:20 instructs Moshe (Moses) to teach Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) the chukim (statutes), torot (laws), derech (the path) they should follow, and ma'aseh (the deeds) they must perform. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of clearly teaching both the general principles and detailed laws of Torah to ensure proper observance.
Q: Why is teaching Torah to others important according to this verse?
A: The verse highlights the mitzvah of Talmud Torah (teaching Torah), which is a fundamental obligation in Judaism. Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1-3) states that teaching Torah ensures its transmission to future generations. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) also teaches that every Jew must study and teach Torah to their children and students.
Q: What is the difference between 'chukim' and 'torot' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'chukim' refers to mitzvot (commandments) whose reasons are not revealed to us (like kashrut or sha'atnez), while 'torot' are laws with understandable reasons (like honoring parents or theft). Both must be observed equally, as taught in the Midrash (Sifra on Kedoshim).
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish education today?
A: This verse establishes the model for Jewish education - teaching both practical halacha (Jewish law) and ethical guidance. The Mishnah (Avot 1:1) teaches the chain of Torah transmission from Moshe to future generations. Today, parents and teachers must follow this model by teaching children Torah knowledge and proper behavior (derech eretz).
Q: What does 'the way they must walk' mean in practical terms?
A: The 'derech' refers to proper conduct beyond specific mitzvot. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) explains this includes developing good character traits (middot). The Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that Torah study must lead to action - learning should inspire ethical behavior in all aspects of life.