Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to 'rejoice before the Lord' in Deuteronomy 27:7?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, 'rejoicing before the Lord' refers to the mitzvah of simcha (joy) during the pilgrimage festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot) when bringing offerings to the Temple. This includes eating from the peace offerings (shelamim) with family and friends in Jerusalem, while feeling gratitude and connection to Hashem.
Q: Why were peace offerings (shelamim) eaten in Deuteronomy 27:7?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot that peace offerings (shelamim) were unique because most of the meat could be eaten by the person bringing the offering, unlike other sacrifices. This allowed families to share a festive meal in Jerusalem, strengthening their bond with Hashem and with each other, as taught in the Talmud (Chagigah 7a).
Q: How can we apply the message of Deuteronomy 27:7 today without the Temple?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that the essence of this verse—rejoicing in serving Hashem—still applies. Today, we fulfill this through festive meals on holidays, singing zemirot (songs of praise), and studying Torah with joy. The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17-18) emphasizes that our celebrations should include spiritual joy, not just physical pleasure.
Q: What is the connection between sacrifices and joy in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 109a) explains that the act of bringing offerings—especially peace offerings—was meant to inspire gratitude and joy in serving Hashem. Rashi notes that the shared meal from the sacrifice fostered unity and happiness, turning the mitzvah into a celebration of our relationship with G-d.
Q: Why does the verse specify eating 'before the Lord'?
A: The phrase 'before the Lord' refers to eating within the holy area of Jerusalem (Talmud Zevachim 55b). The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches us to eat with mindfulness of Hashem's presence, turning even a physical meal into a spiritual experience. Today, we emulate this by making blessings before and after eating and dedicating our meals to holy purposes.
The Mitzvah of Shelamim (Peace Offerings)
The verse commands the bringing of shelamim (peace offerings) and partaking of them in a state of joy before Hashem. Rashi (Devarim 27:7) explains that the shelamim are so named because they bring shalom (peace) to the world, as they are shared among the altar, the kohanim, and the owner, fostering harmony.
Eating Before Hashem with Simcha (Joy)
The Rambam (Hilchos Chagigah 1:1) emphasizes that this rejoicing is a biblical obligation during the pilgrimage festivals. The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) states that this joy must include eating meat from the shelamim offerings, as the verse specifies "and you shall eat there." The Sifrei (Devarim 12:7) teaches that this simcha must be accompanied by words of Torah and praise to Hashem.
Threefold Purpose of Shelamim
Spiritual Dimensions
The Kli Yakar (Devarim 12:7) notes that true simcha comes from feeling Hashem's presence. Eating the shelamim in the Beit Hamikdash courtyard - "before Hashem" - elevates physical sustenance into a divine service. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 14) compares this to a king partaking at his servant's table, showing intimacy between Klal Yisrael and Hakadosh Baruch Hu.