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Numbers 15:15 - Strangers equal before God

Numbers 15:15 - במדבר 15:15

Hebrew Text

הַקָּהָל חֻקָּה אַחַת לָכֶם וְלַגֵּר הַגָּר חֻקַּת עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם כָּכֶם כַּגֵּר יִהְיֶה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourns with you, an ordinance for ever throughout your generations: as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord.

Transliteration

Hakahal chukah achat lachem velager hagar chukat olam ledoroteichem kachem kager yihyeh lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַקָּהָ֕ל חֻקָּ֥ה אַחַ֛ת לָכֶ֖ם וְלַגֵּ֣ר הַגָּ֑ר חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם כָּכֶ֛ם כַּגֵּ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
הַקָּהָ֕ל חֻקָּ֥ה אַחַ֛ת לָכֶ֖ם וְלַגֵּ֣ר הַגָּ֑ר חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם כָּכֶ֛ם כַּגֵּ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 15:15) appears in the context of the laws concerning communal offerings (קרבנות ציבור) and the inclusion of the גר (stranger/convert) in these mitzvot. It emphasizes the equal standing of the convert and the native-born Israelite before Hashem in matters of Divine service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this verse teaches us that the same laws apply to both native-born Jews and converts regarding all matters of Torah and mitzvot. The phrase "ככם כגר" ("as you are, so shall the stranger be") means that just as native-born Israelites are obligated in all mitzvot, so too are converts.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Issurei Biah (14:4), the Rambam writes that a convert is like a newborn child, with no familial ties to his past, and is considered equal in all respects to a born Jew. This verse serves as the biblical source for this principle.

Talmudic Interpretation

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) derives from this verse that we must not remind a convert of their non-Jewish past, as they are now fully part of the Jewish people. The equal status before Hashem means we must treat converts with the same respect as native-born Jews.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Bamidbar 15:14) comments that this verse comes to include converts in all positive commandments, just as native-born Israelites are included. The Midrash emphasizes that the convert's status is not secondary in any way.

Halachic Implications

  • A convert may bring all types of offerings just like a born Jew
  • A convert may be called to the Torah like any other Jew
  • The prohibition against wronging a convert applies just as with any Jew
  • A convert may marry any eligible Jewish partner without restriction

Philosophical Meaning

The phrase "לפני ה'" teaches that in the most essential spiritual relationship - standing before Hashem - there is absolutely no difference between a convert and a born Jew. This reflects the Torah's view that Jewish identity is fundamentally spiritual rather than ethnic.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:15 mean?
A: Numbers 15:15 teaches that the same laws and commandments apply equally to both the Jewish people and the 'ger' (stranger or convert who joins the Jewish community). This emphasizes fairness and unity in following Torah law, as Rashi explains that the ger is equal in obligations and privileges before Hashem.
Q: Why is the 'ger' (stranger/convert) mentioned in this verse?
A: The Torah highlights the ger to show that anyone who sincerely joins the Jewish people is treated with the same respect and obligations as a born Jew. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 14:4) teaches that a convert is considered a full member of the Jewish nation, and this verse reinforces that principle.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 15:15 about how to treat converts?
A: This verse teaches us to treat converts with complete equality and kindness, as they are bound by the same mitzvot and deserve the same respect. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) warns against reminding a convert of their past, emphasizing that they are fully part of the Jewish people.
Q: How does Numbers 15:15 apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to welcome and respect converts in Jewish communities, ensuring they are included in all aspects of Torah life. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 15:14) teaches that Hashem loves the ger, and we must emulate that love by treating them as equals in all religious and communal matters.
Q: Why is this law called a 'chukat olam' (eternal statute)?
A: The term 'chukat olam' means this principle of equality between Jews and converts is everlasting and applies in all generations. As the Sforno explains, this law reflects the unchanging nature of Torah justice, ensuring fairness for all who embrace Judaism.