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Leviticus 26:10 - Old makes way for new

Leviticus 26:10 - ויקרא 26:10

Hebrew Text

וַאֲכַלְתֶּם יָשָׁן נוֹשָׁן וְיָשָׁן מִפְּנֵי חָדָשׁ תּוֹצִיאוּ׃

English Translation

And you shall eat old store, and remove the old because of the new.

Transliteration

Va'achaltem yashan noshan v'yashan mipnei chadash totzi'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֥ם יָשָׁ֖ן נוֹשָׁ֑ן וְיָשָׁ֕ן מִפְּנֵ֥י חָדָ֖שׁ תּוֹצִֽיאוּ׃
וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֥ם יָשָׁ֖ן נוֹשָׁ֑ן וְיָשָׁ֕ן מִפְּנֵ֥י חָדָ֖שׁ תּוֹצִֽיאוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 26:10) appears in the section of the Torah detailing the blessings that will come to Bnei Yisrael if they follow Hashem's commandments. This particular verse speaks about agricultural abundance, where the old produce will remain plentiful until the new harvest arrives, necessitating the removal of the old to make room for the new.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְיָשָׁן מִפְּנֵי חָדָשׁ תּוֹצִיאוּ" ("and remove the old because of the new") means that the old grain will still be in storage when the new grain arrives, requiring the removal of the old to accommodate the new. This signifies an extraordinary blessing of abundance, as typically, the old grain would have been consumed before the new harvest.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel 13:5) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine reward for mitzvah observance. He emphasizes that material blessings, such as agricultural plenty, are contingent upon adherence to Torah and mitzvot. The overflowing storage symbolizes Hashem's direct providence over those who fulfill His will.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 26:10) elaborates that this blessing reflects a state of peace and stability, where there is no fear of famine or scarcity. The removal of old grain is not out of necessity but due to the overwhelming abundance of the new harvest—a sign of divine favor.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • Storage Practices: The verse implies proper management of resources, teaching that one should not waste the old grain but rather use it responsibly before the new harvest arrives.
  • Gratitude for Abundance: The need to clear out old grain highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating Hashem's blessings, as scarcity is replaced with surplus.

Symbolic Meaning

Some commentators, such as the Kli Yakar, suggest that the "old" and "new" also allude to spiritual renewal. Just as one must make space for new physical sustenance, one must also "remove" outdated habits or complacency to embrace renewed spiritual growth in avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the storage and consumption of old and new produce, particularly in relation to the offerings in the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:10 mean when it says 'you shall eat old store, and remove the old because of the new'?
A: This verse refers to the agricultural blessings promised to the Jewish people if they follow Hashem's commandments. Rashi explains that it means there will be such an abundance of crops that the old grain will still be stored when the new harvest comes in, requiring you to clear out the old to make space for the new.
Q: Why is this verse about old and new grain important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it demonstrates Hashem's promise of material blessing for observing the Torah. The Rambam teaches that these agricultural blessings show how closely our physical wellbeing is tied to our spiritual obedience. The abundance described is a sign of divine favor.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 26:10 today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 40a) derives from this verse that we should appreciate and properly use the blessings Hashem gives us. Just as one must respectfully clear out the old grain to make room for the new, we must properly manage our resources and show gratitude for continuous blessings.
Q: Does this verse about grain have any spiritual meaning beyond agriculture?
A: Yes, the Midrash (Torat Kohanim) interprets this verse allegorically - the 'old' represents our accumulated mitzvot and good deeds, while the 'new' represents our constant opportunity to perform new mitzvot. We must cherish our spiritual accomplishments while always making room for new growth.
Q: How does this promise of abundance relate to the Jewish concept of bitachon (trust in God)?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse teaches complete trust in Hashem's providence. Even though storing grain is normally necessary for survival, this blessing shows that when we follow Torah, Hashem provides so abundantly that our human efforts become secondary to divine blessing.