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Exodus 12:47 - Entire nation observes Passover together

Exodus 12:47 - שמות 12:47

Hebrew Text

כָּל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל יַעֲשׂוּ אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

All the congregation of Yisra᾽el shall keep it.

Transliteration

Kol-adat Yisrael ya'asu oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־עֲדַ֥ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל יַעֲשׂ֥וּ אֹתֽוֹ׃
כׇּל־עֲדַ֥ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל יַעֲשׂ֥וּ אֹתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "כָּל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל יַעֲשׂוּ אֹתוֹ" (Shemot 12:47) appears in the context of the laws of Pesach, specifically regarding the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice). The Torah emphasizes that the entire congregation of Israel must observe this mitzvah collectively.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 12:47) clarifies that the phrase "כָּל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל" refers to the obligation of the entire Jewish people to participate in the Korban Pesach. He explains that this mitzvah cannot be performed by individuals alone but must be done as a communal act, reinforcing the unity of Klal Yisrael in fulfilling divine commandments.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Korban Pesach (1:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that the Korban Pesach is unique in that it requires כָּל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל—every eligible member of the Jewish people—to partake in it. He emphasizes that this mitzvah is binding on all, excluding only those who are ritually impure or on a distant journey (as derived from Bamidbar 9:10).

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (Bo 12) teaches that this verse underscores the collective responsibility of the Jewish people in observing Pesach. It is not merely an individual obligation but a national one, symbolizing the unity of Bnei Yisrael.
  • The Gemara (Pesachim 96a) discusses how the Korban Pesach must be eaten in groups (חבורות), further highlighting the communal aspect of the mitzvah.

Practical Halachic Implications

Based on this verse, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 476:1) rules that the Korban Pesach must be eaten in a group setting, reflecting the principle of כָּל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל. Even today, when the Korban Pesach is not brought, the Seder night retains this communal spirit, as families and communities gather to fulfill the mitzvah of recounting the Exodus.

Spiritual Significance

The emphasis on collective observance teaches that the redemption from Egypt was not just for individuals but for the entire nation. This unity remains a foundational principle in Jewish life, as seen in the mitzvot that bind the Jewish people together, such as Pesach, Shabbat, and Torah study.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'All the congregation of Israel shall keep it' mean in Exodus 12:47?
A: This verse refers to the commandment of observing the Passover sacrifice (Korban Pesach). Rashi explains that 'all the congregation' means every Jew is obligated in this mitzvah when the Temple stands. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Jewish people to observe Passover properly.
Q: Why is the phrase 'all the congregation of Israel' used in Exodus 12:47?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) teaches that this phrasing comes to include even those who were previously excluded, showing Passover's importance for the entire Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1) notes this establishes Passover as a communal obligation binding on all Jews.
Q: How does Exodus 12:47 apply to Jews today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring the Passover sacrifice without the Temple, the verse teaches us about Jewish unity in mitzvot. Today we maintain this unity through the Seder (Pesachim 116a) where all Jews, regardless of background, gather to retell the Exodus story. The mitzvah remains binding in its current applicable forms.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'all the congregation shall keep it'?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) explains this teaches that Jewish observance isn't just individual - we're responsible for each other. This idea of 'kol Yisrael areivim zeh lazeh' (all Jews are responsible for one another) stems from such verses. It shows Judaism's emphasis on communal responsibility in mitzvah observance.