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Leviticus 23:7 - Shabbat-like festival holiness?

Leviticus 23:7 - ויקרא 23:7

Hebrew Text

בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ׃

English Translation

On the first day you shall have a holy gathering: you shall do no servile work.

Transliteration

Bayom harishon mikra-kodesh yihyeh lakhem kol-melechet avoda lo ta'asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּיּוֹם֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן מִקְרָא־קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃
בַּיּוֹם֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן מִקְרָא־קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 23:7) appears in the section detailing the laws of Pesach and the festival of Matzot. It establishes the first day of Pesach as a mikra kodesh (holy gathering), during which melachah (servile work) is prohibited.

Meaning of "Mikra Kodesh"

Rashi explains that mikra kodesh refers to a sacred assembly, a time when the Jewish people gather for prayer and Torah study. The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17-18) elaborates that this includes refraining from weekday labor and dedicating the day to spiritual elevation, similar to Shabbat but with permitted activities related to food preparation (ochel nefesh).

Prohibition of Melachah

The phrase kol melachet avodah lo ta'asu prohibits all forms of labor, with exceptions for food preparation. The Talmud (Chagigah 18a) distinguishes between melachah (creative labor) and avodah (servile work), emphasizing that both are forbidden on Yom Tov, though the latter may refer specifically to strenuous labor.

Spiritual Purpose

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:1) teaches that the sanctity of the day is meant to commemorate Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). By abstaining from labor, one focuses on gratitude to Hashem and the miracles of redemption. The Seforno adds that this day is designated for internal reflection and communal worship, reinforcing the bond between Klal Yisrael and HaKadosh Baruch Hu.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • Permitted activities include cooking, baking, and transferring fire (based on Shemot 12:16).
  • Prohibited activities mirror Shabbat restrictions, with exceptions for food-related needs (Mishnah Betzah 5:2).
  • The sanctity of the day requires special attire and festive meals (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 529:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 20b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the sanctity of the first day of festivals and the prohibition of work.
📖 Moed Katan 18b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the types of work prohibited on holy days.
📖 Pesachim 66b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the laws of Passover and the sanctity of the first day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a holy gathering' mean in Leviticus 23:7?
A: A 'holy gathering' (מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ) refers to a sacred assembly where the Jewish people gather for prayer, Torah study, and special holiday observances. According to Rashi, this means setting aside time for spiritual connection and refraining from ordinary work.
Q: Why is it forbidden to do 'servile work' on the first day of Passover?
A: The Torah prohibits 'servile work' (מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה) on the first day of Passover to emphasize its sanctity. Rambam explains that this includes most forms of labor, allowing us to focus on the spiritual significance of the Exodus and our relationship with Hashem.
Q: How do we observe Leviticus 23:7 today?
A: Today, Orthodox Jews observe this verse by treating the first day of Passover (and the last day in the Diaspora) as a Yom Tov (festival), refraining from work, attending synagogue services, and holding festive meals with family while discussing the Exodus story.
Q: What's the difference between 'servile work' and other types of work mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 18a) distinguishes 'servile work' (melachat avodah) from the 39 categories of prohibited work on Shabbat. Servile work generally refers to strenuous labor or work for personal gain, while Shabbat restrictions are broader. On festivals, some food preparation is permitted.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'the first day' in this verse?
A: The Midrash explains that emphasizing 'the first day' highlights the importance of beginning Passover with proper reverence. Just as the first steps of the Exodus were miraculous, we sanctify the first day to set the tone for the entire holiday's spiritual growth.