share torah logo

Exodus 12:14 - Eternal Passover Divine Remembrance

Exodus 12:14 - שמות 12:14

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה לָכֶם לְזִכָּרוֹן וְחַגֹּתֶם אֹתוֹ חַג לַיהוָה לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם חֻקַּת עוֹלָם תְּחָגֻּהוּ׃

English Translation

And this day shall be to you for a memorial; and you shall keep it a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations shall you keep it a feast by ordinance for ever.

Transliteration

Vehaya hayom hazeh lakhem lizikaron vechagotem oto chag la'Adonai ledoroteikhem chukat olam techaguhu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֩ הַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֤ה לָכֶם֙ לְזִכָּר֔וֹן וְחַגֹּתֶ֥ם אֹת֖וֹ חַ֣ג לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם תְּחׇגֻּֽהוּ׃
וְהָיָה֩ הַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֤ה לָכֶם֙ לְזִכָּר֔וֹן וְחַגֹּתֶ֥ם אֹת֖וֹ חַ֣ג לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם תְּחׇגֻּֽהוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 12:14, following the commandments regarding the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice) and the Exodus from Egypt. It establishes Pesach as a perpetual holiday for all generations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that "לְזִכָּרוֹן" ("for a memorial") refers to remembering the miracles of the Exodus. He emphasizes that this day should be observed as a chag (festival) through specific mitzvot, including the prohibition of chametz and the eating of matzah. The phrase "חֻקַּת עוֹלָם" ("an ordinance forever") underscores that this commandment is binding for all time.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1), Rambam elaborates that the obligation to celebrate Pesach applies in all generations, even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing. The mitzvah includes retelling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) and performing the symbolic acts commanded in the Torah.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta explains that "וְחַגֹּתֶם אֹתוֹ" ("and you shall keep it a feast") includes both the night of the Seder and the subsequent seven days of the festival, each with its own obligations.
  • The Sifrei notes that "לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם" ("throughout your generations") teaches that even if future generations experience redemption from other exiles, the commemoration of the Exodus remains primary.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 429) rules that the mitzvah of remembering the Exodus applies every day (as in Kriyat Shema), but the observance of Pesach as a festival is unique in its detailed rituals, such as the Seder and the prohibition of chametz. The phrase "חֻקַּת עוֹלָם" reinforces that these laws are immutable.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 20b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the timing of the reading of the Megillah and the observance of Purim, drawing a parallel between the perpetual observance of Passover and the commandment to remember the day of Purim.
📖 Pesachim 96b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the perpetual nature of the Passover observance, emphasizing its importance as a memorial throughout generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:14 mean?
A: Exodus 12:14 refers to the commandment to remember and celebrate the holiday of Passover (Pesach) as a festival to Hashem for all generations. This verse comes after the description of the Exodus from Egypt and the first Passover sacrifice. It establishes Passover as an eternal observance in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why is Exodus 12:14 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the mitzvah (commandment) of observing Passover annually. As Rashi explains, this verse teaches that the Exodus from Egypt must be remembered in every generation through the observance of Passover rituals, including the Seder and eating matzah. The Rambam (Maimonides) lists this as one of the 613 commandments.
Q: How do we fulfill 'this day shall be to you for a memorial' today?
A: We fulfill this commandment today through the Passover Seder and all its rituals - eating matzah, maror, drinking four cups of wine, telling the story of the Exodus, and observing all the laws of the holiday. The Talmud (Pesachim) details how this memorial is to be observed, emphasizing that in every generation one must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt.
Q: What does 'throughout your generations' teach us?
A: The phrase 'throughout your generations' teaches that the obligation to observe Passover applies in all times and places, even when the Temple is not standing. As the Midrash explains, this mitzvah was given for all future generations without exception. The Talmud (Pesachim 9:5) discusses how this applies even when certain Passover offerings cannot be brought.
Q: Why does the verse call Passover 'an ordinance forever'?
A: The term 'an ordinance forever' (חוקת עולם) emphasizes that Passover observance is an eternal, unchanging commandment. The Sforno explains that this teaches the holiday's observance cannot be altered or discontinued. This permanence reflects the foundational nature of the Exodus in Jewish identity and our eternal covenant with Hashem.