share torah logo

Deuteronomy 16:10 - Joyful giving on Shavuot

Deuteronomy 16:10 - דברים 16:10

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ חַג שָׁבֻעוֹת לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מִסַּת נִדְבַת יָדְךָ אֲשֶׁר תִּתֵּן כַּאֲשֶׁר יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks to the Lord thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thy hand, which thou shalt give, according as the Lord thy God has blessed thee:

Transliteration

Ve'asita chag shavuot la'Adonai Elohecha misat nidvat yadecha asher titen ka'asher yevarechecha Adonai Elohecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חַ֤ג שָׁבֻעוֹת֙ לַיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ מִסַּ֛ת נִדְבַ֥ת יָדְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתֵּ֑ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יְבָרֶכְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חַ֤ג שָׁבֻעוֹת֙ לַיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ מִסַּ֛ת נִדְבַ֥ת יָדְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתֵּ֑ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יְבָרֶכְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Shavuot and Freewill Offerings

The verse (Devarim 16:10) commands the observance of Chag HaShavuot (the Festival of Weeks) and emphasizes bringing a nidvat yadecha (freewill offering) in proportion to how Hashem has blessed the individual. Rashi explains that this offering is distinct from the obligatory sacrifices of Shavuot mentioned in Bamidbar 28:26-31. The freewill offering reflects one's personal gratitude and joy in serving Hashem.

The Nature of the Freewill Offering

Rambam (Hilchot Chagigah 1:1) clarifies that this offering is a korban chagigah (festival sacrifice), brought in addition to the required offerings of Shavuot. The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) teaches that the term "מִסַּת נִדְבַת יָדְךָ" ("from what your hand can give") implies that the offering should be generous, commensurate with one's means. The Sforno adds that this demonstrates recognition that all blessings come from Hashem.

Proportional Giving According to Blessing

The phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("according as the Lord thy God has blessed thee") teaches a fundamental principle in avodat Hashem. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that one's generosity in divine service should mirror the blessings received. This aligns with the Mishnaic principle (Avot 3:17) that where there is no flour (sustenance), there is no Torah—highlighting the interdependence of material and spiritual success.

Spiritual Dimensions of Shavuot Offerings

  • The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 143) connects this verse to the giving of the Torah at Sinai, suggesting that our voluntary offerings parallel Bnei Yisrael's wholehearted acceptance of the Torah with na'aseh v'nishma (we will do and we will hear).
  • Rabbeinu Bachya notes that the freewill nature of the offering reflects the voluntary commitment to Torah study and mitzvot that Shavuot represents.
  • The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the offering's proportionality teaches that spiritual growth must be grounded in one's actual circumstances—neither underestimating nor overextending one's capabilities.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 9a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the obligation to bring freewill offerings during the festival of Shavuot.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 6b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the timing and nature of the offerings brought during Shavuot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'feast of weeks' mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:10?
A: The 'feast of weeks' refers to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is called the 'feast of weeks' because it falls seven weeks (a week of weeks) after the second day of Passover, as counted during the Omer period.
Q: What does the verse mean by 'a freewill offering of thy hand'?
A: The 'freewill offering of thy hand' refers to voluntary gifts or donations that a person brings to the Temple in Jerusalem during Shavuot, in addition to the required sacrifices. These offerings express gratitude to Hashem for His blessings, as Rashi explains that one should give generously according to how Hashem has blessed them.
Q: Why is it important to give according to how Hashem has blessed you?
A: The Torah teaches that our giving should reflect our recognition of Hashem's blessings in our lives. The Rambam emphasizes that generosity is a virtue, and one should give in proportion to the good they have received. This fosters gratitude and humility, reminding us that all blessings come from Hashem.
Q: How is this verse relevant to Shavuot celebrations today?
A: Although the Temple is not standing today, the principle of giving voluntarily in gratitude to Hashem remains. Many people increase their charity (tzedakah) and Torah study on Shavuot, fulfilling the spirit of the verse. The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) also connects Shavuot offerings to joy in serving Hashem, which we emulate through festive meals and prayer.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 16:10?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of recognizing Hashem's blessings and responding with generosity and joy. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) highlights that our willingness to give reflects our faith in Hashem's continued providence. It reminds us that true happiness comes from sharing our blessings with others and dedicating ourselves to divine service.