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Deuteronomy 14:26 - Joyful feasting before Hashem?

Deuteronomy 14:26 - דברים 14:26

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּה הַכֶּסֶף בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־תְּאַוֶּה נַפְשְׁךָ בַּבָּקָר וּבַצֹּאן וּבַיַּיִן וּבַשֵּׁכָר וּבְכֹל אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁאָלְךָ נַפְשֶׁךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ שָּׁם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְשָׂמַחְתָּ אַתָּה וּבֵיתֶךָ׃

English Translation

and thou shalt bestow that money on all that thy heart desires, on oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever thy soul requires: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy household,

Transliteration

Venatata hakesef bechol asher-teave nafshecha babakar uvatzon uvayayin uvashaychar uvchol asher tish'alcha nafshecha ve'achalta sham lifnei Adonai Elohecha vesamachta atah uveitecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתָּ֣ה הַכֶּ֡סֶף בְּכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁר־תְּאַוֶּ֨ה נַפְשְׁךָ֜ בַּבָּקָ֣ר וּבַצֹּ֗אן וּבַיַּ֙יִן֙ וּבַשֵּׁכָ֔ר וּבְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּֽשְׁאָלְךָ֖ נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ וְאָכַ֣לְתָּ שָּׁ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֖ אַתָּ֥ה וּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃
וְנָתַתָּ֣ה הַכֶּ֡סֶף בְּכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁר־תְּאַוֶּ֨ה נַפְשְׁךָ֜ בַּבָּקָ֣ר וּבַצֹּ֗אן וּבַיַּ֙יִן֙ וּבַשֵּׁכָ֔ר וּבְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּֽשְׁאָלְךָ֖ נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ וְאָכַ֣לְתָּ שָּׁ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֖ אַתָּ֥ה וּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Deuteronomy

This verse (Devarim 14:26) appears in the context of the mitzvah of ma'aser sheni (the second tithe), where produce was brought to Yerushalayim and eaten there in purity. If the journey was too burdensome, one could convert the produce into money, bring the money to Yerushalayim, and purchase food to eat there joyfully before Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi emphasizes that the verse permits using the redeemed ma'aser sheni money to purchase not only basic necessities but also items that bring joy, such as cattle, sheep, wine, and strong drink. This teaches that serving Hashem should be done with simcha (joy), as the pasuk concludes, "you shall rejoice, you and your household."

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Ma'aser Sheni (2:4), the Rambam codifies that one may use the money to buy any food or drink that brings joy, provided it is consumed in Yerushalayim. However, he adds that it is praiseworthy to use most of the money for necessities and only a small portion for luxuries, balancing simcha with proper priorities.

Talmudic Insights

  • Chagigah 18b discusses how this verse permits using ma'aser sheni funds for items beyond basic needs, as long as they contribute to the mitzvah of rejoicing before Hashem.
  • Pesachim 109a connects this rejoicing with the obligation to be joyful on Yom Tov, showing that simcha is a fundamental aspect of avodas Hashem.

Spiritual Dimensions from Midrash

The Sifrei (Devarim 106) explains that this rejoicing is not merely physical pleasure but must be "before Hashem" - meaning with proper intention and awareness of the Divine Presence. True simcha in mitzvos elevates the physical into the spiritual.

Practical Halachic Considerations

Poskim note that while the verse permits various purchases, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 331:132) rules that one may not use ma'aser sheni money for non-food items or for food that won't be eaten in Yerushalayim, maintaining the mitzvah's sanctity and purpose.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 16b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the permissibility of consuming meat and the joy associated with eating before God.
📖 Pesachim 109a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the mitzvah of rejoicing on festivals, particularly the obligation to eat meat and drink wine as part of the celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 14:26 mean about spending money on desires?
A: This verse teaches that when bringing the second tithe (ma'aser sheni) to Jerusalem, one may use the money to buy food and drink that brings joy, such as cattle, sheep, wine, or other things the heart desires. The key is to eat it 'before Hashem'—meaning in Jerusalem—with gratitude and happiness (Rashi, Rambam Hilchos Ma'aser Sheni 2:1).
Q: Why does the Torah allow spending tithe money on wine and celebration?
A: The Torah encourages simcha (joy) in serving Hashem. By permitting the use of ma'aser sheni funds for festive meals in Jerusalem, the Torah shows that spiritual life includes holy happiness. However, this must be done within the boundaries of kedusha (holiness), as the verse emphasizes eating 'before Hashem' (Talmud Chagigah 8b, Rambam).
Q: How does Deuteronomy 14:26 apply today without the Temple?
A: Today, since we cannot bring ma'aser sheni to Jerusalem, the halacha (Jewish law) states that the second tithe is no longer separated in the same way. However, the principle of rejoicing in mitzvos remains—we fulfill this by enjoying Shabbos, Yom Tov meals, and other mitzvos with simcha (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 529).
Q: What is the deeper lesson of 'you shall rejoice, you and your household'?
A: This teaches that true simcha in avodas Hashem (service of G-d) should be shared with family. The mitzvah is not just personal joy but uplifting the entire household in holiness. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that this fosters unity and gratitude, making the home a place of divine presence.
Q: Does 'strong drink' in this verse mean alcohol is permitted?
A: While the verse permits using ma'aser sheni funds for 'strong drink,' this refers to moderate consumption in the context of a mitzvah meal in Jerusalem. Jewish law strongly discourages excessive drinking (Talmud Pesachim 113a), and this allowance was specific to the sanctity of the Temple service, not a general license for indulgence.