Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 16:5 mean when it says not to sacrifice the Passover 'within any of thy gates'?
A: This verse means that the Passover sacrifice (Korban Pesach) could only be offered in the designated place where G-d chose to rest His Presence—specifically, the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or later the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem. 'Within any of thy gates' refers to private homes or local altars, which were forbidden for this offering (Rashi, Rambam Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:3).
Q: Why was the Passover sacrifice only allowed in the place G-d chose?
A: The Torah emphasizes centralized worship to prevent idolatry and improper sacrifices. By requiring the Passover offering to be brought only in the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash, the Torah ensures unity in service of G-d and guards against unauthorized practices (Devarim 12:5-14, Rambam Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:1-3).
Q: How did the Jewish people observe Passover after the Temple was destroyed?
A: After the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, the physical Passover sacrifice could no longer be offered. Instead, the Sages established the Passover Seder, where we retell the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus), eat matzah and maror, and mention the Korban Pesach in the Haggadah (Pesachim 116a, Rambam Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 8:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the restriction on where to bring the Passover sacrifice?
A: This teaches the importance of following Torah laws precisely, especially regarding sacred matters. Just as the Passover offering required the proper place and intent, our mitzvot today should be performed with mindfulness and adherence to halachah (Talmud Zevachim 2a, Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 487).
Q: Does this verse imply that other sacrifices were allowed outside the Temple?
A: No. While earlier in Jewish history (before the centralization of worship), certain offerings were permitted on private altars (bamot), Deuteronomy 12:13-14 later forbids all sacrifices outside the Beit HaMikdash. The Passover sacrifice in particular had even stricter limitations (Mishnah Zevachim 14:4-8, Rambam Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot 19:1).
Prohibition of Sacrificing the Korban Pesach Outside the Mikdash
The verse (Devarim 16:5) prohibits offering the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) "within any of thy gates" - meaning outside the designated place of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). This commandment establishes that the Pesach sacrifice may only be slaughtered in the location chosen by Hashem for His Divine Presence.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi clarifies that "within any of thy gates" refers to any city other than Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), where the Beit HaMikdash stood. He emphasizes that this mitzvah applies specifically when the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash is standing, as the Pesach must be brought to the place of the Divine Presence (based on Sifrei).
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
In Hilchot Korban Pesach (1:3), the Rambam codifies this prohibition, stating that sacrificing the Pesach outside the Azarah (Temple courtyard) violates both a positive commandment and a negative commandment. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on centralized worship in the Mikdash.
Midrashic Insight
The Mechilta (Bo 12) connects this verse to the original Pesach offering in Egypt, noting that even then the blood was placed on the doorposts - the "gates" of Jewish homes - symbolizing that true sacrificial service must be directed toward Hashem's chosen place of worship.
Contemporary Implication
While we currently cannot bring the Korban Pesach due to the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, this verse reminds us of: