Deuteronomy 16:11 - Universal joy in Divine presence

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Hebrew Text

וְשָׂמַחְתָּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ וּבִתֶּךָ וְעַבְדְּךָ וַאֲמָתֶךָ וְהַלֵּוִי אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ וְהַגֵּר וְהַיָּתוֹם וְהָאַלְמָנָה אֲשֶׁר בְּקִרְבֶּךָ בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְשַׁכֵּן שְׁמוֹ שָׁם׃

English Translation

and thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite who is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God has chosen as the residence of his name.

Transliteration

Vesamachta lifnei Adonai Eloheicha atah uvincha uvitecha ve'avdecha va'amatecha vehalevi asher bish'areicha vehager vehayatom veha'almanah asher bekirbecha bamakom asher yivchar Adonai Eloheicha leshakein shemo sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֞ לִפְנֵ֣י ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ אַתָּ֨ה וּבִנְךָ֣ וּבִתֶּ֘ךָ֮ וְעַבְדְּךָ֣ וַאֲמָתֶ֒ךָ֒ וְהַלֵּוִי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בִּשְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ וְהַגֵּ֛ר וְהַיָּת֥וֹם וְהָאַלְמָנָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּקִרְבֶּ֑ךָ בַּמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן שְׁמ֖וֹ שָֽׁם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Simcha Before Hashem

The verse commands us to rejoice before Hashem during the pilgrimage festivals (Rashi, Devarim 16:11). This rejoicing is specifically tied to bringing offerings in the Beit HaMikdash, as the verse concludes with "in the place which Hashem has chosen." Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17-18) explains that this simcha includes eating meat from peace offerings, drinking wine, and sharing with others.

Inclusivity in Rejoicing

The Torah enumerates all who must participate in this rejoicing:

Your household: "You, your son, and your daughter" - Immediate family must be included (Rashi).
Your servants: "Your manservant and maidservant" - Even those of lower social status must rejoice (Sforno).
The Levite: Who has no ancestral land and depends on tithes (Ramban).
The vulnerable: "The stranger, orphan, and widow" - We must ensure even the marginalized experience joy (Sifrei Devarim).

The Location of Rejoicing

"In the place which Hashem has chosen" refers specifically to the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Chagigah 1:1). The Chizkuni notes that this teaches the joy must be connected to divine service, not mere physical celebration.

Spiritual Dimensions of Simcha

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 488) explains this commandment trains us to attribute our joy to Hashem's kindness. The Kli Yakar adds that true simcha comes from sharing with others, as the verse emphasizes including all societal members.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 7a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligation to rejoice during the festivals, emphasizing the inclusion of all members of the household and community in the celebration.

📖 Pesachim 109a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the mitzvah of rejoicing on the festivals, particularly focusing on the inclusion of servants, Levites, and the less fortunate in the festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'rejoice before the Lord' in Deuteronomy 16:11?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, 'rejoicing before the Lord' refers to celebrating the festivals (such as Shavuot, mentioned in this context) with simcha (joy) in Jerusalem, the place God chose for His name to dwell. This includes eating sacrificial meals (like the peace offerings) and sharing with others, as the verse lists family, servants, Levites, and vulnerable members of society.

Q: Why does the verse include servants, Levites, and vulnerable people in the rejoicing?
A: The Torah emphasizes inclusivity in divine joy. Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:18) teaches that true rejoicing before God means ensuring everyone—regardless of social status—can participate. Servants, Levites (who had no land), and vulnerable groups (strangers, orphans, widows) are specifically mentioned to remind us that our celebrations must uplift the entire community.

Q: What is the significance of 'the place God chose' in this verse?
A: This refers to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem, as explained in Deuteronomy 12:5 and throughout Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Pesachim 8a) notes that rejoicing is especially connected to bringing offerings there. Today, while we cannot bring sacrifices, Orthodox Judaism teaches that we cultivate joy through prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness, anticipating the Temple's rebuilding.

Q: How can we apply this verse's message today without the Temple?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) highlights that the core mitzvah is sharing joy with others, especially those in need. Today, Orthodox Jews apply this by inviting guests (including strangers and those alone) to holiday meals (like on Shavuot), giving tzedakah (charity) to widows and orphans, and supporting Levites' descendants (e.g., Kohen and Levi honors in synagogue). The mitzvah of simcha remains central to Jewish observance.

Q: Why is rejoicing considered a commandment in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Positive Commandment 54) lists rejoicing on festivals as one of the 613 mitzvot. The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) explains that this joy is not optional—it’s a spiritual obligation to express gratitude to God. However, as the verse shows, this joy must be channeled into unity and generosity, not just personal celebration.