Deuteronomy 12:13 - Where to bring sacrifices?

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Hebrew Text

הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן־תַּעֲלֶה עֹלֹתֶיךָ בְּכָל־מָקוֹם אֲשֶׁר תִּרְאֶה׃

English Translation

Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:

Transliteration

Hishamer lekha pen-ta'aleh olotekha bekol-makom asher tireh.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֔ פֶּֽן־תַּעֲלֶ֖ה עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָ בְּכׇל־מָק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 12:13) appears in Parashat Re'eh, where Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael regarding the proper worship of Hashem upon entering Eretz Yisrael. This commandment establishes the prohibition against offering sacrifices outside the designated place—eventually the Beit HaMikdash in Yerushalayim.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 12:13) clarifies that this verse prohibits offering korbanot (sacrifices) on private altars (bamot) once the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash is established. He emphasizes that this is a safeguard against idolatrous practices, as offering sacrifices in unauthorized locations could lead to improper worship.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 1:2), the Rambam codifies this prohibition, stating that after the selection of Yerushalayim as the permanent site for the Beit HaMikdash, all sacrifices must be brought there exclusively. He derives this from the broader context of the Torah's emphasis on centralized worship.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Zevachim 106b) discusses the severity of offering sacrifices outside the Beit HaMikdash, equating it with the sin of idolatry (avodah zarah).
Midrash Sifrei (Devarim 62) explains that the phrase "בְּכָל־מָקוֹם אֲשֶׁר תִּרְאֶה" ("in every place that you see") warns against following personal whims in worship, reinforcing the need for adherence to halachic standards.

Halachic Implications

The prohibition underscores the principle of kedushat makom (sanctity of place) in avodat Hashem. The Beit HaMikdash is the exclusive conduit for korbanot, ensuring unity in worship and preventing fragmentation of religious practice. This law remained in effect until the destruction of the Second Temple and will be reinstated with the rebuilding of the Third Temple, may it be speedily in our days.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 106b

The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against offering sacrifices outside the designated place (the Temple in Jerusalem). The Talmud explores the implications of this commandment and its relevance to the laws of sacrifices.

📖 Chullin 17a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper places for slaughtering and offering sacrifices, emphasizing the restriction to specific locations as commanded in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 12:13 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 12:13 instructs the Jewish people not to offer sacrifices (burnt offerings) in any random place they choose. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that sacrifices may only be brought in the designated place that Hashem will choose—referring to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is foundational in Jewish law (Halacha) because it establishes the prohibition against offering sacrifices outside the designated holy place (initially the Mishkan and later the Temple). The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Beit HaBechirah that this commandment ensures unity in worship and prevents improper practices.

Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 12:13 today?
A: Even though we currently lack the Beit HaMikdash, this verse teaches us the importance of designated sacred spaces for proper worship. The Talmud (Zevachim 14:7) discusses how this principle applies to prayer today, encouraging us to treat synagogues with reverence as 'miniature sanctuaries.'

Q: Does this verse mean we can't pray anywhere?
A: No, this verse specifically refers to sacrificial offerings, not prayer. The Talmud (Berachot 26a) teaches that while sacrifices were restricted to the Temple, prayer can be offered anywhere. However, the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) notes that having a fixed place for prayer is still preferable, following the model of designated sacred space.

Q: How did this law affect Jewish history?
A: This commandment shaped Jewish history by centralizing worship in Jerusalem. The Talmud (Kiddushin 37b) explains that once the Temple was established, all sacrifices had to be brought there. This created spiritual unity among the Jewish people and made Jerusalem the eternal focus of Jewish longing, as expressed in Psalms and our daily prayers.