Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do we eat matzah for six days and have a solemn assembly on the seventh day?
A: This verse from Deuteronomy 16:8 refers to the observance of Passover (Pesach). We eat matzah (unleavened bread) for six days to remember the haste in which our ancestors left Egypt, as they didn't have time for their bread to rise (Exodus 12:39). The seventh day, called 'Shevi'i shel Pesach,' is a Yom Tov (festival day) where we refrain from work and gather in prayer, commemorating the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea, which tradition says happened on this day (Mechilta, Beshalach).
Q: What does 'a solemn assembly to the Lord your God' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'a solemn assembly (Atzeret) to the Lord your God' refers to a holy gathering where we focus on spiritual connection and prayer. On the seventh day of Passover, we refrain from work (melacha) and spend the day in synagogue services, Torah study, and festive meals. Rashi explains that 'Atzeret' implies stopping regular activities to dedicate the day to Hashem (Rashi on Deuteronomy 16:8).
Q: Why is the seventh day of Passover special compared to the other days?
A: The seventh day of Passover is unique because it commemorates the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea (Yam Suf), which occurred seven days after the Exodus from Egypt (Mechilta, Beshalach). While all days of Passover involve eating matzah, the seventh day is a full Yom Tov with additional prayers (like Hallel) and a complete cessation of work, marking the final redemption from Egypt.
Q: What kind of work is forbidden on the seventh day of Passover?
A: On the seventh day of Passover, the same categories of work (melacha) prohibited on Shabbat and the first days of Passover are forbidden. This includes activities like cooking, lighting fires, and carrying in public domains (Mishna, Chagigah 1:8). However, preparing food (under certain conditions) is permitted for the sake of the holiday (Rambam, Hilchot Yom Tov 1:5-6).
Q: How can we apply the lessons of this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of dedicating time to spiritual reflection and gratitude. Just as our ancestors paused on the seventh day to acknowledge Hashem's miracles, we too should use Passover—especially the seventh day—to strengthen our faith, recount the Exodus story, and appreciate our freedom. The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) emphasizes that every Jew must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt, making these observances deeply personal.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Devarim 16:8) appears in the context of the laws of Pesach, specifically regarding the mitzvah of eating matzah for six days and observing the seventh day as a sacred assembly (Atzeret) with a prohibition of work. This parallels the commandment in Shemot 12:15–16 but adds the term "Atzeret" for the seventh day.
Meaning of "Six Days of Matzah"
Rashi (Devarim 16:8) explains that the six days refer to the period from the second night of Pesach until the end of the seventh day. However, the mitzvah of eating matzah is only obligatory on the first night (as derived from Shemot 12:18), while the remaining days are optional but still carry the prohibition of chametz. Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 6:1–2) clarifies that while one fulfills the mitzvah by eating matzah on the first night, one must abstain from chametz throughout all seven days.
The Seventh Day as "Atzeret"
The term "Atzeret" (עצרת) is significant. Rashi (Devarim 16:8) explains it as a day of cessation from labor, akin to Shabbat. The Talmud (Pesachim 68b) debates whether this day is primarily for spiritual reflection (עצרת לפני ה') or physical rest. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 130) connects it to the concept of "holding back" (עצור) from mundane activities to focus on divine service.
Prohibition of Work on the Seventh Day
The verse prohibits melachah (מלאכה) on the seventh day. Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:1) classifies this as a Yom Tov restriction, similar to the first day of Pesach. The Mishnah (Chagigah 1:8) distinguishes between types of labor permitted for food preparation (אוכל נפש) and other forbidden labors, though the seventh day of Pesach is stricter in some opinions (Tosafot, Pesachim 68b).
Spiritual Significance