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Leviticus 23:32 - Yom Kippur's sacred rest?

Leviticus 23:32 - ויקרא 23:32

Hebrew Text

שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן הוּא לָכֶם וְעִנִּיתֶם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם בְּתִשְׁעָה לַחֹדֶשׁ בָּעֶרֶב מֵעֶרֶב עַד־עֶרֶב תִּשְׁבְּתוּ שַׁבַּתְּכֶם׃

English Translation

It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls: on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening shall you celebrate your sabbath.

Transliteration

Shabbat shabbaton hu lakhem ve'initem et-nafshoteikhem betish'a lachodesh ba'erev me'erev ad-erev tishbetu shabbatkhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

שַׁבַּ֨ת שַׁבָּת֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָכֶ֔ם וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑ם בְּתִשְׁעָ֤ה לַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ בָּעֶ֔רֶב מֵעֶ֣רֶב עַד־עֶ֔רֶב תִּשְׁבְּת֖וּ שַׁבַּתְּכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
שַׁבַּ֨ת שַׁבָּת֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָכֶ֔ם וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑ם בְּתִשְׁעָ֤ה לַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ בָּעֶ֔רֶב מֵעֶ֣רֶב עַד־עֶ֔רֶב תִּשְׁבְּת֖וּ שַׁבַּתְּכֶֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Shabbat Shabbaton and Yom Kippur

The verse (Vayikra 23:32) describes Yom Kippur as a "Shabbat Shabbaton" (שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן), a term denoting an elevated level of rest beyond that of a regular Shabbat. Rashi explains that this phrase emphasizes the complete cessation from labor, similar to Shabbat but with additional stringencies unique to Yom Kippur. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:5) further clarifies that the prohibitions of Yom Kippur include all 39 categories of forbidden labor (melachot) as on Shabbat, in addition to the five afflictions (inuyim) specific to the day.

The Timing of Yom Kippur

The verse specifies that the observance begins "on the ninth day of the month at evening." The Talmud (Yoma 81b) discusses why the Torah mentions the ninth day when the fast begins on the tenth, explaining that one must "add from the mundane to the holy" by beginning the fast slightly before sunset on the ninth. This concept of tosefet Yom Kippur (adding to Yom Kippur) teaches the importance of preparing spiritually for the holy day.

The Five Afflictions

The command to "afflict your souls" (וְעִנִּיתֶם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם) is interpreted by the Mishnah (Yoma 8:1) as referring to five specific prohibitions:

  • Eating and drinking (the primary fast)
  • Washing or anointing the body
  • Wearing leather shoes
  • Marital relations

The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:4) notes that these afflictions are meant to humble the soul and facilitate repentance, as the verse in Yeshayahu (58:5) connects fasting with genuine spiritual transformation.

From Evening to Evening

The phrase "from evening to evening" (מֵעֶרֶב עַד־עֶרֶב) establishes the 25-hour duration of Yom Kippur, beginning at sunset on the ninth of Tishrei and concluding after nightfall on the tenth. The Sifra (Emor 12:10) derives from this that the sanctity of Yom Kippur extends slightly beyond the actual calendar day, emphasizing its unique status among holidays.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 81b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of Yom Kippur, particularly regarding the timing of the fast and the concept of 'afflicting your souls.'
📖 Megillah 20b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper observance of Yom Kippur and the interpretation of 'from evening to evening.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'afflict your souls' mean in Leviticus 23:32?
A: In Orthodox Jewish tradition, 'afflict your souls' refers to the five abstentions of Yom Kippur: no eating or drinking, no washing or anointing the body, no wearing leather shoes, and no marital relations (Yoma 8:1, Rambam Hilchot Yom Kippur 1:5). This is how we demonstrate repentance and humility before Hashem on this holy day.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'from evening to evening' for Yom Kippur?
A: The Torah specifies 'from evening to evening' to teach that Yom Kippur begins at sunset and continues until nightfall the next day (Rashi on Leviticus 23:32). This follows the Jewish calendar where days begin in the evening, based on Genesis 1:5 ('And there was evening and there was morning').
Q: What is special about Yom Kippur being called a 'Shabbat Shabbaton'?
A: The term 'Shabbat Shabbaton' (a Sabbath of solemn rest) shows that Yom Kippur has an even higher level of sanctity than regular Shabbat (Rashi on Leviticus 23:32). While regular Shabbat prohibits melacha (creative work), Yom Kippur adds the extra dimension of soul-affliction through fasting and repentance, making it the holiest day of the year.
Q: Why does the verse say to observe Yom Kippur on the 9th when we fast on the 10th?
A: The Talmud explains (Yoma 81b) that the verse teaches us to begin adding some aspects of Yom Kippur's sanctity from the 9th of Tishrei - we eat a festive meal before the fast begins, and we already refrain from certain activities. This shows how we should prepare spiritually before the actual day of atonement begins at sunset.
Q: How do we apply Leviticus 23:32 today in observing Yom Kippur?
A: Today we observe this verse by: 1) Beginning Yom Kippur at sunset with Kol Nidrei, 2) Fasting and refraining from the five afflictions for about 25 hours until nightfall, 3) Spending the day in prayer and repentance (Rambam Hilchot Teshuva 2:7). The verse reminds us that this complete cessation from physical pleasures creates space for spiritual renewal.