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Exodus 12:34 - Hasty matzah redemption flight

Exodus 12:34 - שמות 12:34

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא הָעָם אֶת־בְּצֵקוֹ טֶרֶם יֶחְמָץ מִשְׁאֲרֹתָם צְרֻרֹת בְּשִׂמְלֹתָם עַל־שִׁכְמָם׃

English Translation

And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

Transliteration

Vayisa ha'am et-betzko terem yechametz mish'arotam tzrorot b'simlotam al-shichmam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א הָעָ֛ם אֶת־בְּצֵק֖וֹ טֶ֣רֶם יֶחְמָ֑ץ מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם צְרֻרֹ֥ת בְּשִׂמְלֹתָ֖ם עַל־שִׁכְמָֽם׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א הָעָ֛ם אֶת־בְּצֵק֖וֹ טֶ֣רֶם יֶחְמָ֑ץ מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם צְרֻרֹ֥ת בְּשִׂמְלֹתָ֖ם עַל־שִׁכְמָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus) 12:34

This verse describes Bnei Yisrael's hasty departure from Mitzrayim (Egypt) during Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus). The dough had not yet risen because they were commanded to leave immediately, fulfilling the mitzvah of eating matzah as stated earlier in Shemot 12:15-20.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "טֶרֶם יֶחְמָץ" ("before it was leavened") emphasizes the speed of the Exodus—the dough did not have time to rise. He notes that the kneading bowls ("מִשְׁאֲרֹתָם") were "צְרֻרֹת בְּשִׂמְלֹתָם" ("bound up in their clothes") because the Egyptians refused to lend them vessels, forcing Bnei Yisrael to carry their dough in their garments (Rashi on Shemot 12:34).

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael: The haste demonstrated here reflects Bnei Yisrael's complete trust in Hashem, as they did not delay even to prepare proper provisions.
  • Shemot Rabbah (20:12): The dough remaining unleavened was a miracle, as it would have naturally risen during their journey. This underscores the divine intervention in Yetziat Mitzrayim.

Halachic Significance

Rambam (Hilchot Chametz u'Matzah 6:1) derives from this verse that matzah must be baked quickly to prevent fermentation, reinforcing the halachic requirement of "שמירת המצה" (guarding the matzah) from chametz. The haste of the Exodus becomes the model for the mitzvah of eating matzah on Pesach.

Symbolism of the Kneading Bowls

The Malbim highlights that carrying the kneading bowls on their shoulders ("עַל־שִׁכְמָם") symbolized their readiness to serve Hashem even in difficult circumstances. This act demonstrated their commitment to fulfilling mitzvot despite physical hardship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, emphasizing that they took their dough before it had time to leaven.
📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the provisions the Israelites carried with them when they left Egypt, highlighting their faith in God's promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:34 mean when it says the dough was 'before it was leavened'?
A: This verse describes how the Israelites left Egypt in haste during the Exodus. The dough had no time to rise (leaven) because they needed to leave quickly. According to Rashi, this shows their faith in Hashem's command to depart immediately, even without proper preparations.
Q: Why did the Israelites carry their dough on their shoulders in Exodus 12:34?
A: The Israelites carried their unleavened dough on their shoulders because they had no time to prepare proper provisions. The Midrash explains that this demonstrates their complete trust in Hashem—they took only what was essential, knowing He would provide for them in the wilderness.
Q: What is the significance of the kneading troughs being 'bound in their clothes' in Exodus 12:34?
A: Binding the kneading troughs in their clothes shows the Israelites' resourcefulness and urgency. Rambam teaches that this detail highlights how they prioritized fulfilling Hashem's commandment to leave Egypt over material possessions, taking only what was necessary for survival.
Q: How does Exodus 12:34 connect to the holiday of Passover?
A: This verse is the basis for the mitzvah of eating matzah (unleavened bread) on Passover. The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) explains that we eat matzah to remember how our ancestors left Egypt in haste, with dough that had no time to rise, symbolizing both redemption and faith in Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 12:34?
A: This verse teaches us about bitachon (trust in Hashem) and zerizut (acting promptly for a mitzvah). Just as the Israelites left Egypt immediately with faith, we too should prioritize fulfilling Hashem's commandments without delay, even when conditions are less than ideal.