Deuteronomy 16:1 - Aviv: Remember Egypt's night?

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Hebrew Text

שָׁמוֹר אֶת־חֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב וְעָשִׂיתָ פֶּסַח לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כִּי בְּחֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב הוֹצִיאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מִמִּצְרַיִם לָיְלָה׃

English Translation

Observe the month of Aviv, and keep the passover to the Lord thy God: for in the month of Aviv the Lord thy God brought thee forth out of Miżrayim by night.

Transliteration

Shamor et-chodesh ha'aviv ve'asita pesach la'Adonai Elohecha ki be'chodesh ha'aviv hotzi'cha Adonai Elohecha mi'Mitzrayim laila.

Hebrew Leining Text

שָׁמוֹר֙ אֶת־חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָאָבִ֔יב וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ פֶּ֔סַח לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כִּ֞י בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִ֗יב הוֹצִ֨יאֲךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם לָֽיְלָה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Observe the Month of Aviv

The verse begins with the command "שָׁמוֹר אֶת־חֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב" ("Observe the month of Aviv"). Rashi explains that this refers to the mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh (sanctifying the new moon), ensuring that the month of Nissan (also called Aviv) is declared properly by the Sanhedrin. This establishes the correct timing for Pesach, as the Torah later states (Shemot 12:2), "This month shall be for you the beginning of months." The Rambam (Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 1:1) emphasizes that the Jewish calendar is lunar, and the Sanhedrin's declaration ensures the festivals fall in their proper seasons.

The Significance of Pesach in the Month of Aviv

The verse continues, "וְעָשִׂיתָ פֶּסַח לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("and keep the Passover to the Lord your God"). The Sifrei (Devarim 130) teaches that this mitzvah is not just about the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb) but encompasses all the laws of Pesach, including matzah and maror. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1) elaborates that the mitzvah applies even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing, as we still observe the Seder and retell the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim.

The Connection Between Aviv and Yetziat Mitzrayim

The verse concludes, "כִּי בְּחֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב הוֹצִיאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מִמִּצְרַיִם לָיְלָה" ("for in the month of Aviv the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night"). The Midrash (Mechilta Bo 1) notes that "Aviv" refers to the ripening of barley, symbolizing renewal—just as the Jewish people were reborn as a nation. The Ibn Ezra highlights that the Exodus occurred at night, as stated in Shemot 12:42, "It was a night of watching for the Lord." This reinforces the idea that Hashem's miracles were evident even in darkness.

Key Lessons from the Verse

Divine Timing: The month of Aviv (Nissan) is divinely chosen for redemption, teaching that Hashem orchestrates history with precision.
Active Participation: "Observe" and "keep" imply human effort in sanctifying time and fulfilling mitzvot, partnering with Hashem in remembering the Exodus.
Continuity of Tradition: The mitzvah of Pesach ensures that each generation reconnects with the foundational event of Jewish nationhood.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 7a

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the determination of the new month and the importance of the month of Aviv in relation to Passover.

📖 Pesachim 96a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the timing of the Passover sacrifice and the significance of the month of Aviv in the Exodus from Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Observe the month of Aviv' mean in Deuteronomy 16:1?
A: The verse commands us to mark and sanctify the month of Aviv (later called Nisan), which is the first month of the Jewish calendar. According to Rashi, this refers to the mitzvah of declaring the new month (Kiddush HaChodesh) and ensuring Passover falls in this season. The Sages explain that 'Aviv' refers to the stage when grain ears are ripening, showing this is a springtime festival.

Q: Why is Passover specifically in the month of Aviv?
A: The Torah (Shemot 13:4) calls it 'the month of Aviv' because it marks the Exodus from Egypt, when Hashem freed us from slavery. Rambam (Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 1:1-2) explains that keeping Passover in spring reminds us of the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus) and shows Hashem's precision in timing our redemption with nature's renewal.

Q: What practical lesson do we learn from 'Observe the month of Aviv' today?
A: The Sifrei (Devarim 130) teaches that this mitzvah reminds us to be constantly aware of Hashem's miracles. Today, we fulfill this by: 1) Following the Jewish lunar calendar adjusted with leap years to keep Passover in spring (Talmud Sanhedrin 11b-12a), 2) Preparing for Passover from early in Adar (as per Mishnah Megillah 29a), and 3) Recalling the Exodus daily in our prayers (Shemot 13:3).

Q: Why does the verse mention 'by night' when referring to the Exodus?
A: Rashi explains this refers to the actual moment of departure at midnight (as in Shemot 12:29-42). The Mechilta adds that 'night' symbolizes transitioning from darkness (slavery) to light (freedom), teaching that redemption often begins in difficult times. This is why we emphasize the nighttime Seder experience with matzah and maror.

Q: How is 'keeping Passover' different from just observing the month?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 3) explains two separate commandments: 1) 'Observe the month' - maintaining the calendar system (a positive time-bound mitzvah for the Sanhedrin), and 2) 'Keep Passover' - the personal obligation to bring the Korban Pesach (in Temple times) and observe the holiday laws (for all Jews). Today this includes the Seder and abstaining from chametz.