share torah logo

Exodus 13:10 - Observe Passover annually forever?

Exodus 13:10 - שמות 13:10

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמַרְתָּ אֶת־הַחֻקָּה הַזֹּאת לְמוֹעֲדָהּ מִיָּמִים יָמִימָה׃

English Translation

Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

Transliteration

Veshamarta et-hachuka hazot lemo'ada miyamim yamima.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֛ אֶת־הַחֻקָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְמוֹעֲדָ֑הּ מִיָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֛ אֶת־הַחֻקָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְמוֹעֲדָ֑הּ מִיָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וְשָׁמַרְתָּ אֶת־הַחֻקָּה הַזֹּאת לְמוֹעֲדָהּ מִיָּמִים יָמִימָה" (Shemot 13:10) appears in the context of the mitzvah of observing the festival of Pesach (Passover) and the sanctification of the firstborn. It emphasizes the obligation to uphold this commandment annually, as part of the Jewish people's eternal covenant with Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "לְמוֹעֲדָהּ" ("in its season") teaches that the mitzvah must be performed at its designated time, even if that day falls on Shabbat. This principle is derived from the juxtaposition of this verse with the laws of Pesach, indicating that the korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) overrides Shabbat when necessary.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that this verse establishes the perpetual nature of the mitzvah, binding for all generations. He emphasizes that the observance is not contingent on the existence of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple); even in its absence, the laws of Pesach—such as the prohibition of chametz (leaven) and the retelling of the Exodus—remain in force.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) connects this verse to the broader theme of zechirat yetziat Mitzrayim (remembering the Exodus). It teaches that the annual observance ensures the transmission of faith and gratitude to future generations, as the mitzvah is performed "from year to year" without interruption.

Key Halachic Principles

  • Timely Performance: The mitzvah must be observed at its fixed time, as derived from "לְמוֹעֲדָהּ."
  • Perpetual Obligation: The phrase "מִיָּמִים יָמִימָה" underscores that the commandment applies in every generation.
  • Educational Dimension: The annual repetition serves as a pedagogical tool to instill the Exodus narrative in children (based on the Talmud, Pesachim 116a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 13:10 mean when it says 'keep this ordinance in its season'?
A: This verse refers to the commandment of observing Passover annually at its designated time (Rashi on Exodus 13:10). The 'ordinance' specifically means the mitzvah of eating matzah and retelling the Exodus story during Passover, which must be done each year at the proper time in the month of Nissan.
Q: Why is it important to observe Passover 'from year to year'?
A: The Torah emphasizes annual observance to ensure we never forget the miracles of the Exodus and our ancestors' redemption from Egypt (Mechilta on Exodus 13:10). By repeating these mitzvot yearly, each generation connects to this foundational event in Jewish history and reaffirms our covenant with Hashem.
Q: How does Exodus 13:10 apply to Jewish practice today?
A: This verse forms the biblical basis for our annual Passover Seder observance. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1) explains that we fulfill this commandment through the mitzvot of eating matzah, telling the Exodus story, and removing chametz - all done at the proper time each year.