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Exodus 3:5 - Remove shoes, encounter holiness.

Exodus 3:5 - שמות 3:5

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַל־תִּקְרַב הֲלֹם שַׁל־נְעָלֶיךָ מֵעַל רַגְלֶיךָ כִּי הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עוֹמֵד עָלָיו אַדְמַת־קֹדֶשׁ הוּא׃

English Translation

And he said, Do not come near: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place on which thou dost stand is holy ground.

Transliteration

Va'yomer al-tikrav halom shal-na'alecha me'al raglecha ki hamakom asher atah omed alav admot-kodesh hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אַל־תִּקְרַ֣ב הֲלֹ֑ם שַׁל־נְעָלֶ֙יךָ֙ מֵעַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֔יךָ כִּ֣י הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔יו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא׃
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אַל־תִּקְרַ֣ב הֲלֹ֑ם שַׁל־נְעָלֶ֙יךָ֙ מֵעַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֔יךָ כִּ֣י הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔יו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of the Location

The verse (Shemot 3:5) describes Hashem instructing Moshe to remove his shoes because he is standing on holy ground. Rashi explains that the holiness of the place stems from the Divine Presence (Shechinah) being revealed there. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:6) further elaborates that this was the same location where the Akeidah (binding of Yitzchak) took place, making it inherently sacred.

Removing Shoes as a Sign of Reverence

Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 7:2) notes that removing shoes is a sign of respect and humility when standing in a holy place, akin to the Kohanim serving barefoot in the Beit HaMikdash. The Talmud (Berachot 62b) derives from this verse that one should not enter a synagogue or study hall wearing shoes, as these places are also sanctified.

  • Rashi: The removal of shoes symbolizes distancing oneself from mundane matters when in the presence of the Divine.
  • Ramban: The act serves as a physical reminder to separate from worldly attachments when approaching holiness.
  • Sforno: Shoes, which are made from animal hides, represent the material world; removing them signifies elevating oneself spiritually.

The Concept of "Admat Kodesh" (Holy Ground)

The term "Admat Kodesh" is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as indicating that the very earth itself became sanctified due to the revelation of the Shechinah. The Or HaChaim adds that this holiness was not permanent but was a temporary elevation for the duration of the Divine communication.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 62b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper conduct in holy places, drawing a parallel between the sanctity of the ground where Moses stood and the sanctity of a synagogue.
📖 Shabbat 30a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the reverence one must show in holy places, using Moses' experience as an example.
📖 Megillah 29a
The verse is cited to illustrate the concept of holiness in specific locations, comparing the sanctity of the ground where Moses stood to the sanctity of synagogues and study halls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to remove his shoes?
A: Hashem instructed Moshe to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (Rashi on Exodus 3:5). Shoes, which are made from leather and often get dirty, represent the mundane and physical world. Removing them shows respect and separation from ordinary matters when standing in a holy place.
Q: What does 'holy ground' mean in this verse?
A: The term 'holy ground' refers to a place where Hashem's presence is specially felt. According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:5), this was the future site of the Beis Hamikdash (Temple Mount), making it inherently sacred. Holiness requires us to act with reverence and mindfulness in such places.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Beis Hamikdash, the principle teaches us to approach places of holiness (like a synagogue or when learning Torah) with proper respect. The Rambam (Hilchos Tefillah 11:2) emphasizes behaving with reverence in a shul, similar to Moshe's conduct on holy ground.
Q: Why was Moshe not allowed to come closer without removing his shoes?
A: Holiness requires preparation and separation from physicality. The Talmud (Berachos 62b) teaches that just as the Kohanim (priests) had to wash their hands and feet before serving in the Mishkan, Moshe had to remove his shoes to elevate himself spiritually before encountering Hashem's presence.
Q: Is there a deeper meaning behind the command to remove shoes?
A: Yes. The Kli Yakar explains that shoes symbolize the material world, and removing them represents freeing oneself from physical distractions to connect with holiness. This teaches that true spiritual encounters require setting aside worldly concerns to focus on divine matters.