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Exodus 12:15 - Remove chametz, embrace matzah's purity

Exodus 12:15 - שמות 12:15

Hebrew Text

שִׁבְעַת יָמִים מַצּוֹת תֹּאכֵלוּ אַךְ בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן תַּשְׁבִּיתוּ שְּׂאֹר מִבָּתֵּיכֶם כִּי כָּל־אֹכֵל חָמֵץ וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל מִיּוֹם הָרִאשֹׁן עַד־יוֹם הַשְּׁבִעִי׃

English Translation

Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; but on the first day you shall have put away leaven out of your houses: for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Shivat yamim matzot tochelu ach bayom harishon tashbitu se'or mibateichem ki kol-ochel chamez venichreta hanefesh hahi miYisrael miyom harishon ad-yom hashevi'i.

Hebrew Leining Text

שִׁבְעַ֤ת יָמִים֙ מַצּ֣וֹת תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ אַ֚ךְ בַּיּ֣וֹם הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן תַּשְׁבִּ֥יתוּ שְּׂאֹ֖ר מִבָּתֵּיכֶ֑ם כִּ֣י&thinsp
שִׁבְעַ֤ת יָמִים֙ מַצּ֣וֹת תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ אַ֚ךְ בַּיּ֣וֹם הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן תַּשְׁבִּ֥יתוּ שְּׂאֹ֖ר מִבָּתֵּיכֶ֑ם כִּ֣י&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Obligation to Eat Matzah and Prohibition of Chametz

The verse (Shemot 12:15) establishes two key mitzvot of Pesach: the positive commandment to eat matzah for seven days and the prohibition against owning or consuming chametz (leavened bread) during that time. The Torah emphasizes the severity of this prohibition by stating that one who eats chametz during Pesach will be karet (cut off) from Israel.

Rashi's Explanation of "On the First Day"

Rashi clarifies that "the first day" refers to the 14th of Nisan, the day before Pesach begins at nightfall. He explains that the removal of chametz (bitul chametz) must be completed by midday (chatzot) on the 14th, as derived from the Talmud (Pesachim 5a). This is based on the understanding that "the first day" in this context means the day before the festival begins.

The Severity of the Chametz Prohibition

The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 1:2) emphasizes the unique severity of eating chametz on Pesach, noting that it carries the punishment of karet, unlike most other Torah prohibitions which typically involve lashes. The Talmud (Pesachim 28b) explains that this severity stems from chametz symbolizing arrogance and the yetzer hara (evil inclination), which we must completely remove during this holy time.

Spiritual Dimensions from Chassidic Thought

The Baal HaTanya (Likutei Torah) explains that the seven days of eating matzah correspond to the seven emotional attributes (middot) that we must refine. Chametz represents ego and pride, while matzah - simple, humble bread - symbolizes submission to Hashem's will. The requirement to remove chametz "from your houses" also alludes to removing arrogance from our hearts.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The mitzvah of destroying chametz applies to all chametz owned by a Jew, even if not intended for consumption (Shulchan Aruch O.C. 431:1)
  • The prohibition begins at midday on 14 Nisan and continues through the entire festival (Mishna Berura 431:2)
  • The punishment of karet applies only for intentionally eating chametz during Pesach (Rambam Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 1:2)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 5a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition of chametz (leaven) during Passover and the requirement to remove it from one's home.
📖 Pesachim 28b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing for the removal of chametz and the severity of the prohibition.
📖 Makkot 13b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the punishment of being 'cut off' (karet) for eating chametz during Passover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'put away leaven' before Passover?
A: The Torah commands us to remove all chametz (leaven) from our homes before Passover begins. This includes bread, pasta, and any food containing wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has fermented. According to Rashi, this symbolizes removing arrogance (which rises like leaven) and starting the holiday with spiritual purity.
Q: Why is eating chametz during Passover so serious that it could lead to being 'cut off from Israel'?
A: The severe consequence of karet (being cut off) for eating chametz during Passover teaches us the importance of this mitzvah. Rambam explains that Passover commemorates our redemption from Egypt, and eating chametz contradicts the haste of our departure (when we didn't have time for dough to rise). This mitzvah is fundamental to Jewish identity.
Q: How do we practically 'put away leaven' today before Passover?
A: We perform 'bedikat chametz' - a thorough search for leaven on the night before Passover using a candle, feather, and wooden spoon. Any remaining chametz is either burned (biur chametz) or sold to a non-Jew through a rabbinical arrangement. The Talmud (Pesachim 2a) discusses these procedures in detail to fulfill the Torah's commandment properly.
Q: Why do we eat matzah for seven days?
A: The seven days of eating matzah correspond to the time between when the Jews left Egypt and when they crossed the Red Sea. The Midrash explains that matzah represents both our hurried departure and our humility. Eating it for a full week ingrains these lessons deeply, as the number seven represents completion in Jewish tradition.
Q: What's the difference between the first day and the rest of Passover regarding chametz?
A: The verse specifies that chametz must be removed before the first day, but the prohibition lasts all seven days. Rashi notes that the extra emphasis on the first day teaches us that the removal must be complete before the holiday begins at nightfall. After that point, even owning chametz is prohibited, not just eating it.