Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Three times thou shalt keep a feast to me in the year' mean in Exodus 23:14?
A: This verse refers to the three pilgrimage festivals (שָׁלֹשׁ רְגָלִים) in the Jewish calendar: Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks), and Sukkot (Tabernacles). These are times when Jews were commanded to travel to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to bring offerings and celebrate before Hashem. Rashi explains that these festivals are called 'regalim' (literally 'feet') because people would walk (with their feet) to Jerusalem for these occasions.
Q: Why are these three festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot) so important in Judaism?
A: These three festivals are foundational in Judaism because they commemorate key events in Jewish history and our relationship with Hashem. Pesach celebrates the Exodus from Egypt, Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and Sukkot recalls the protection Hashem provided during the 40 years in the wilderness. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Chagigah) emphasizes that these festivals strengthen our connection to Jewish history and our commitment to Torah.
Q: How do Jews observe this commandment today without the Holy Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices without the Temple, we still observe these festivals with prayer, special synagogue services, festive meals, and Torah study. On Pesach we hold the Seder, on Shavuot we stay up learning Torah, and on Sukkot we dwell in sukkahs. The Talmud (Chagigah 6a) discusses how the essence of these festivals remains even without the Temple service, focusing on spiritual elevation and joy in serving Hashem.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind calling these festivals 'regalim' (feet)?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 32:9) explains that just as feet carry a person's entire body, these three festivals 'carry' and sustain the entire Jewish year spiritually. Additionally, the term reminds us that serving Hashem requires action - we must 'walk' in His ways. The festivals are called regalim to teach that our relationship with Hashem must be active, not just theoretical.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'three times' rather than just listing the festivals?
A: The number three represents completeness and stability in Jewish thought (as in the three Patriarchs). The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash) notes that three pilgrimage festivals create a balanced spiritual rhythm throughout the agricultural year (spring, early summer, and fall harvests). This structure ensures we regularly reconnect with our spiritual roots at key seasonal moments.
The Commandment of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals
The verse (Exodus 23:14) commands the observance of the Shalosh Regalim (Three Pilgrimage Festivals): Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. These are times when the Jewish people were required to ascend to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem, as explained by Rashi and Rambam (Hilchot Chagigah 1:1).
Significance of the Three Festivals
Spiritual and Agricultural Dimensions
The festivals are tied to both historical events and agricultural cycles (Devarim 16:1-17). The Talmud (Pesachim 68b) teaches that these times are for rejoicing before Hashem, combining physical and spiritual joy. The obligation to appear at the Temple underscores unity and communal worship (Rambam, Hilchot Chagigah 1:2).
The Term "Regalim" (Pilgrimages)
The word "Regalim" (literally "feet") alludes to walking to Jerusalem, as the Mechilta explains. It also hints at the humility required in Divine service, as one approaches the sacred space on foot (Sifrei Devarim 16:16).