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Leviticus 23:38 - Beyond Shabbat's sacred obligations?

Leviticus 23:38 - ויקרא 23:38

Hebrew Text

מִלְּבַד שַׁבְּתֹת יְּהוָה וּמִלְּבַד מַתְּנוֹתֵיכֶם וּמִלְּבַד כָּל־נִדְרֵיכֶם וּמִלְּבַד כָּל־נִדְבוֹתֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר תִּתְּנוּ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

beside the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which you give to the Lord.

Transliteration

Milvad shabtot Adonai umilvad matnotaychem umilvad kol-nidreychem umilvad kol-nidvotaychem asher titnu la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִלְּבַ֖ד שַׁבְּתֹ֣ת יְהֹוָ֑ה וּמִלְּבַ֣ד מַתְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם וּמִלְּבַ֤ד כׇּל־נִדְרֵיכֶם֙ וּמִלְּבַד֙ כׇּל־נִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּתְּנ֖וּ לַיהֹוָֽה׃
מִלְּבַ֖ד שַׁבְּתֹ֣ת יְהֹוָ֑ה וּמִלְּבַ֣ד מַתְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם וּמִלְּבַ֤ד כׇּל־נִדְרֵיכֶם֙ וּמִלְּבַד֙ כׇּל־נִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּתְּנ֖וּ לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:38, within the section detailing the moadim (appointed festivals). It serves as a clarification that the obligations of the festivals are in addition to other existing mitzvot and offerings.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 23:38) explains that this verse emphasizes that the mitzvot of the festivals—such as bringing korbanot (sacrifices) and observing their unique laws—do not exempt a person from their other obligations to Hashem. Specifically:

  • Shabbatot Hashem: The weekly Shabbat remains obligatory regardless of the festivals.
  • Matanoteichem (your gifts): Refers to terumah (priestly gifts) and ma'aser (tithes), which must still be given even during festivals.
  • Nidreichem (your vows) and Nidvoteichem (freewill offerings): Any personal pledges or voluntary offerings must still be fulfilled.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin (Laws of Daily and Additional Offerings), the Rambam (Maimonides) underscores that the korbanot of the festivals are in addition to the daily tamid offering and other voluntary offerings. This verse reinforces that the sanctity of one mitzvah does not override another.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (a halachic midrash on Vayikra) teaches that this verse comes to prevent a potential misunderstanding: one might think that the joy and obligations of the festivals could replace other mitzvot. The Torah therefore specifies that all commitments to Hashem remain binding.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • Even during Chagim, one must continue separating terumah and ma'aser from produce.
  • Vows (nedarim) made during the year must be fulfilled, even if they coincide with a festival.
  • The sanctity of Shabbat is never diminished by the observance of Yom Tov.

Spiritual Message

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) highlights that this verse teaches a broader principle: Avodat Hashem (service of G-d) is comprehensive. One cannot prioritize certain mitzvot at the expense of others; all divine commandments must be upheld with equal diligence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 23:38 mean?
A: Leviticus 23:38 clarifies that the holidays and sacrifices mentioned earlier in the chapter (like Pesach, Shavuot, etc.) are in addition to the regular Shabbat observance and other voluntary offerings (nedarim and nedavot) that one might bring to the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes that the mitzvot of the holidays do not override or replace the ongoing obligations of Shabbat and personal vows or donations.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes that the special commandments of the holidays (mo'adim) are separate from the constant mitzvah of Shabbat and personal religious commitments. The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 1:1) teaches that Shabbat is an eternal covenant, and this verse reinforces that no other occasion—no matter how sacred—can diminish its observance.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 23:38 today?
A: We learn that while Jewish holidays have unique rituals, they do not excuse us from foundational mitzvot like Shabbat or personal spiritual pledges (e.g., tzedakah or voluntary prayers). The Talmud (Chagigah 18a) discusses how this principle applies even when the Temple is not standing—reminding us that our relationship with Hashem requires consistency in both communal and personal obligations.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Jewish practice?
A: Today, this verse reminds us that holiday observances (like matzah on Pesach or fasting on Yom Kippur) are additions to—not substitutes for—weekly Shabbat rest and other ongoing commitments (e.g., charity or prayer). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:1) teaches that our voluntary offerings (nedavot) reflect our love for Hashem, and this verse encourages us to maintain both fixed and voluntary acts of devotion.