Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 16:6 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 16:6 instructs the Jewish people to bring the Passover sacrifice (Korban Pesach) only in the place that Hashem designates—which refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse emphasizes the centralization of sacrificial worship in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) and specifies the exact time for offering the Pesach sacrifice: 'at evening, at the going down of the sun,' which corresponds to the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan.
Q: Why is the Passover sacrifice only allowed in the place Hashem chooses?
A: According to Jewish tradition, this commandment prevents offering sacrifices in unauthorized locations, ensuring that all offerings are brought exclusively to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple in Jerusalem). The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Korban Pesach that this centralization maintains the sanctity and unity of Jewish worship, preventing idolatrous practices and preserving the holiness of the sacrificial service.
Q: What is the significance of sacrificing the Passover offering 'at evening, at the going down of the sun'?
A: Rashi explains that 'at evening' refers to the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, after midday but before sunset. This timing connects the Passover sacrifice to the Exodus from Egypt, as the verse states, 'at the season when you came out of Egypt.' The Talmud (Pesachim 58a) clarifies that the sacrifice must be slaughtered in the afternoon to commemorate the original Passover night, when the Jewish people prepared for their redemption.
Q: How does this verse apply today when there is no Temple?
A: Since the destruction of the Second Temple, the physical Passover sacrifice cannot be offered. However, the Sages instituted the Seder night rituals (e.g., the roasted shank bone—'zeroa') to commemorate the Korban Pesach. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 8:10) teaches that we still discuss the laws of the Passover sacrifice at the Seder to keep its memory alive until the Temple is rebuilt.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the season when you came out of Egypt'?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta Bo) explains that this phrase connects the Passover sacrifice directly to the Exodus, reinforcing that the offering is a remembrance of our redemption from slavery. The timing—the afternoon before the Seder—mirrors the historical moment when the Israelites prepared the lamb before leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:6-8). This teaches us that the mitzvah of Korban Pesach is not just a ritual but a reenactment of our ancestors' faith and liberation.
Location of the Pesach Sacrifice
The verse emphasizes that the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) must be offered exclusively in the place where Hashem chooses to establish His name—referring to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem. This is derived from the phrase "אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַר יְהוָה" (the place which the Lord your God shall choose). Rashi (Devarim 16:2) explains that this commandment applies only after the establishment of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or Beit HaMikdash, as the Torah prohibits offering sacrifices elsewhere (Zevachim 14:4-8).
Timing of the Pesach Sacrifice
The verse specifies that the sacrifice must be performed "בָּעָרֶב כְּבוֹא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ" (at evening, at the going down of the sun). The Talmud (Pesachim 58a) clarifies that this refers to the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, between Minchah Gedolah (midday) and sunset. Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:4) rules that the proper time begins after the Chatzot HaYom (halachic noon) and continues until nightfall.
Connection to Yetziat Mitzrayim
The phrase "מוֹעֵד צֵאתְךָ מִמִּצְרָיִם" (the season when you came out of Egypt) links the Pesach sacrifice to the Exodus. The Midrash (Mechilta Bo 5) teaches that the Korban Pesach serves as a remembrance of the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim, particularly the sparing of the firstborns when the blood of the sacrifice was placed on the doorposts. The Seforno adds that the timing—just before nightfall—parallels the original Pesach in Egypt, which was slaughtered in the afternoon before being eaten at night.
Halachic Implications