Exodus 12:18 - Matzah's sacred week begins

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 12:18) appears in the context of the laws of Pesach, specifically detailing the timeframe for eating matzah. This commandment is part of the broader Exodus narrative, where Bnei Yisrael are instructed to observe Pesach as a perpetual commemoration of their redemption from Egypt.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that "בָּעֶרֶב" (at evening) refers to the time after midday, when the sun begins to decline. He explains that the 14th of Nisan begins at this time, and the eating of matzah starts with the Korban Pesach (Pesach sacrifice) on the night of the 15th, continuing until the evening of the 21st. Rashi emphasizes that this period corresponds to the seven days of eating matzah as commanded elsewhere in the Torah (Shemot 12:15).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah (6:1), the Rambam codifies this verse as the basis for the mitzvah to eat matzah on the first night of Pesach and to abstain from chametz for the entire seven-day period. He notes that the obligation to eat matzah is specifically at night, while the prohibition of chametz applies day and night throughout the holiday.

Talmudic Discussion

The Gemara in Pesachim 28b derives from this verse that the mitzvah of eating matzah applies specifically at night, based on the phrase "בָּעֶרֶב תֹּאכְלוּ מַצֹּת." The Talmud also discusses whether the obligation extends to all seven days or only the first night, concluding that the Torah requires eating matzah on the first night, while the remaining days are optional (though chametz remains forbidden).

Midrashic Insight

The Mechilta connects this verse to the haste of the Exodus, explaining that Bnei Yisrael left Egypt so quickly that their dough did not have time to rise. Thus, eating matzah for seven days symbolizes both the historical event and the spiritual idea of humility (as chametz represents arrogance, while matzah represents simplicity).

Practical Halachic Implications

• The verse establishes the timeframe for the mitzvah of eating matzah: from the evening of the 14th (when the 15th begins) until the evening of the 21st of Nisan.
• It reinforces the prohibition of chametz during this entire period, as matzah is the only permissible form of bread.
• The first night's obligation is particularly stringent, requiring an active fulfillment of eating matzah, while the other days merely prohibit chametz.