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Exodus 12:19 - Leaven ban: soul severed?

Exodus 12:19 - שמות 12:19

Hebrew Text

שִׁבְעַת יָמִים שְׂאֹר לֹא יִמָּצֵא בְּבָתֵּיכֶם כִּי כָּל־אֹכֵל מַחְמֶצֶת וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל בַּגֵּר וּבְאֶזְרַח הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whoever eats that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Yisra᾽el, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.

Transliteration

Shivat yamim se'or lo yimatze bevateichem ki kol-ochel machmetzet venichreta hanefesh hahi me'adat Yisrael bager uve'ezrach ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֔ים שְׂאֹ֕ר לֹ֥א יִמָּצֵ֖א בְּבָתֵּיכֶ֑ם כִּ֣י&thinsp
שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֔ים שְׂאֹ֕ר לֹ֥א יִמָּצֵ֖א בְּבָתֵּיכֶ֑ם כִּ֣י&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Chametz During Pesach

The verse (Shemot 12:19) establishes the strict prohibition against possessing or consuming chametz (leaven) during the seven days of Pesach. This mitzvah applies universally—to both native-born Israelites and converts—emphasizing its fundamental importance in Jewish observance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "שְׂאֹר לֹא יִמָּצֵא בְּבָתֵּיכֶם" ("no leaven shall be found in your houses") teaches that one must actively search for and remove chametz before Pesach (based on Mechilta). The term "יִמָּצֵא" ("shall be found") implies a proactive obligation to ensure no chametz remains in one's possession.

Severity of the Prohibition

The Torah states that one who eats chametz during Pesach "וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ" ("that soul shall be cut off"). Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 1:2) explains that this refers to the severe punishment of karet (spiritual excision), demonstrating the gravity of this transgression. The Talmud (Pesachim 28b) further clarifies that this applies whether the chametz was eaten intentionally or unintentionally.

Universal Application

The verse emphasizes that the prohibition applies equally to "הַגֵּר וּבְאֶזְרַח הָאָרֶץ" ("the stranger and the native-born"). The Mechilta notes that this teaches us that converts are fully bound by all mitzvot, just as native Jews are. Ramban adds that this equality reflects the unity of the Jewish people in accepting the Torah at Sinai.

Symbolic Meaning

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 12:15) explains that chametz represents the yetzer hara (evil inclination) and arrogance, while matzah symbolizes humility and faith. The complete removal of chametz during Pesach signifies our commitment to spiritual refinement and rejection of negative traits.

  • Seven Days: Corresponds to the complete cycle of time, representing a total transformation (Zohar).
  • No Exceptions: The inclusion of "stranger and native-born" teaches that no Jew is exempt from this fundamental mitzvah (Sifrei).
  • Active Removal: The search for chametz (bedikat chametz) is derived from this verse's wording (Pesachim 2a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 5a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition of leaven during Passover and the consequences of consuming it.
📖 Pesachim 28b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the removal of leaven from one's home before Passover.
📖 Pesachim 43a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the types of leaven that are prohibited and the severity of the prohibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:19 mean about not having leaven in our homes for seven days?
A: Exodus 12:19 commands that no chametz (leaven) should be found in Jewish homes during the seven days of Passover. This commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites left in such haste that their bread did not have time to rise (Exodus 12:39). The prohibition applies equally to all Jews, whether native-born or converts (Rashi on Exodus 12:19).
Q: Why is the punishment for eating chametz on Passover so severe (being 'cut off')?
A: The Torah states that eating chametz during Passover carries the severe penalty of karet (being 'cut off'). This underscores the importance of the mitzvah and the need to separate ourselves from chametz, which symbolizes arrogance and sin (Talmud, Berachot 17a; Rambam, Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 1:2). The strictness reflects Passover's central role in Jewish identity and our covenant with Hashem.
Q: Does the prohibition of chametz apply to non-Jews living in a Jewish home?
A: The verse explicitly states that the prohibition applies to both 'the stranger and the native-born,' meaning all members of a Jewish household must observe the chametz restrictions (Exodus 12:19, Rashi). However, a non-Jew who does not live with Jews is not obligated in this mitzvah (Rambam, Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 1:2).
Q: What practical steps do we take to fulfill 'no leaven shall be found in your houses'?
A: To fulfill this commandment, Jews perform a thorough search (bedikat chametz) the night before Passover to remove all chametz. Any remaining chametz is nullified (bitul chametz), and many sell their chametz to a non-Jew through a rabbi (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 433). During Passover, we use special utensils and eat only kosher-for-Passover foods.
Q: What is the spiritual meaning behind removing chametz on Passover?
A: Chametz symbolizes arrogance and evil inclinations (yetzer hara), as leaven causes dough to 'puff up.' Removing chametz represents removing pride and spiritual impurity (Talmud, Berachot 17a; Chassidic teachings). Passover is a time for personal growth and recommitment to holiness, just as our ancestors left Egypt to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai.