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Deuteronomy 16:14 - Joy includes all in celebration

Deuteronomy 16:14 - דברים 16:14

Hebrew Text

וְשָׂמַחְתָּ בְּחַגֶּךָ אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ וּבִתֶּךָ וְעַבְדְּךָ וַאֲמָתֶךָ וְהַלֵּוִי וְהַגֵּר וְהַיָּתוֹם וְהָאַלְמָנָה אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ׃

English Translation

and thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.

Transliteration

Vesamachta bechagecha atah uvincha uvitecha veavdecha vaamatecha vehalevi vehager veyatom vehaalmana asher bisharecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֖ בְּחַגֶּ֑ךָ אַתָּ֨ה וּבִנְךָ֤ וּבִתֶּ֙ךָ֙ וְעַבְדְּךָ֣ וַאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ וְהַלֵּוִ֗י וְהַגֵּ֛ר וְהַיָּת֥וֹם וְהָאַלְמָנָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃
וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֖ בְּחַגֶּ֑ךָ אַתָּ֨ה וּבִנְךָ֤ וּבִתֶּ֙ךָ֙ וְעַבְדְּךָ֣ וַאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ וְהַלֵּוִ֗י וְהַגֵּ֛ר וְהַיָּת֥וֹם וְהָאַלְמָנָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Simcha on the Festivals

The verse (Devarim 16:14) commands us to rejoice during the festivals (Chag). Rashi explains that this refers specifically to the mitzvah of simcha (joy) on the festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17-18) elaborates that this joy includes eating meat, drinking wine, and wearing new clothes, as these bring happiness to a person.

Inclusion of All Members of Society

The Torah enumerates specific groups who must participate in this rejoicing:

  • Your son and daughter - The immediate family must be included in the celebration (Ibn Ezra).
  • Your manservant and maidservant - Even those who work for you must share in the joy (Sforno).
  • The Levite - Since they had no land inheritance, they relied on others' generosity (Rashi).
  • The stranger, orphan, and widow - The vulnerable members of society must not be neglected during times of celebration (Chizkuni).

Social Responsibility During Festivals

The Talmud (Pesachim 109a) derives from this verse that one must include the poor and less fortunate in their festival meals. The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:18) rules that one who locks his doors and eats alone without feeding the poor has not fulfilled the mitzvah of simchat Yom Tov, but rather only his own stomach's joy.

The Deeper Meaning of Simcha

The Seforno explains that true simcha comes from recognizing our spiritual elevation during the festivals. The inclusion of all societal members reflects that our joy is complete only when shared with others, especially those who might otherwise be excluded. This mirrors the divine attribute of chessed (kindness) that we are commanded to emulate.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 109a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligation to rejoice on the festivals, emphasizing the inclusion of all members of the household and community in the celebration.
📖 Chagigah 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the mitzvah of rejoicing on the festivals, particularly focusing on the inclusion of the Levite, stranger, orphan, and widow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'and thou shalt rejoice in thy feast' mean?
A: The verse instructs us to actively rejoice during the festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot). According to Rashi, this includes eating meat, drinking wine, and sharing joy with family and others in the community. The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17-18) explains that this mitzvah includes providing happiness to the needy as well.
Q: Why does the Torah mention specific groups like the Levite, stranger, orphan, and widow?
A: The Torah emphasizes including those who might be vulnerable or lack their own means to celebrate properly. The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) teaches that true simcha (joy) comes from sharing with others. The Levite had no land inheritance, and the stranger, orphan, and widow often lacked support—so we must ensure they partake in the festival joy.
Q: How can we apply this verse today during Jewish holidays?
A: Today, we fulfill this mitzvah by inviting guests to our holiday meals, especially those who may be alone or in need. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 529) rules that part of holiday joy includes giving charity and sharing meals. Many communities also organize holiday programs to feed the needy, continuing this Torah ideal.
Q: What is the significance of rejoicing 'within thy gates'?
A: The phrase 'within thy gates' refers to one's local community. The Sifrei (Devarim 142) explains that our obligation extends to all who live among us, regardless of their background. This teaches that Jewish joy is not private—it must overflow to uplift the entire community, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked.