Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'no stranger shall eat of it' mean in Exodus 12:43?
A: This verse teaches that only those who are part of the Jewish people may partake in the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice). A 'stranger' (ben neichar) refers to someone who is not Jewish or has not undergone proper conversion (Rashi on Exodus 12:43). The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:1) explains that this includes non-Jews and uncircumcised Jews who are not permitted to eat the sacrifice.
Q: Why is the Passover sacrifice restricted only to Jews?
A: The Korban Pesach commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, which is a foundational event in Jewish history and identity. The Torah restricts its consumption to Jews because it symbolizes our covenant with Hashem and our redemption as a nation (Shemot Rabbah 19:5). The mitzvah of Pesach is deeply connected to Jewish peoplehood and our relationship with G-d.
Q: Can a convert eat the Passover sacrifice according to Exodus 12:43?
A: Yes, a proper convert (ger tzedek) is considered part of the Jewish people and is fully permitted to eat the Korban Pesach. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) clarifies that the term 'stranger' in this verse excludes converts who have embraced Judaism, as they are no longer considered outsiders but full members of the nation.
Q: How does this law apply today when we don't bring the Passover sacrifice?
A: Today, since we do not have the Beit Hamikdash (Temple), we do not bring the Korban Pesach. However, the Seder meal contains symbolic foods (like the zeroa and matzah) that remind us of the sacrifice. The principle still applies that the Seder's mitzvot and rituals are specifically for Jews, though non-Jews may observe and learn from the proceedings (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 473:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the restriction in Exodus 12:43?
A: This teaches us that while Judaism welcomes all sincere converts, certain mitzvot are uniquely tied to Jewish identity and history. The Pesach sacrifice represents our special bond with Hashem and our shared national experience. The restriction reminds us to cherish and protect the distinctiveness of our heritage (Malbim on Exodus 12:43).
The Prohibition of a Stranger Eating the Korban Pesach
The verse (Shemot 12:43) states: "זֹאת חֻקַּת הַפָּסַח כָּל־בֶּן־נֵכָר לֹא־יֹאכַל בּוֹ" ("This is the ordinance of the Pesach offering: no stranger shall eat of it"). The term "בֶּן־נֵכָר" ("stranger") refers to a non-Jew or a Jew who has not undergone conversion (גֵּר). Rashi explains that this excludes those who are not part of the covenant of Israel, emphasizing the exclusive nature of the Korban Pesach as a mitzvah for Bnei Yisrael alone.
The Nature of the Prohibition
The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:1) clarifies that this prohibition applies specifically to one who is uncircumcised, whether a non-Jew or a Jew who has neglected the mitzvah of ברית מילה. The Pesach offering is intrinsically linked to the covenant of Avraham Avinu, symbolized by circumcision, as stated in Shemot 12:48: "וְכָל־עָרֵל לֹא־יֹאכַל בּוֹ" ("No uncircumcised person may eat of it").
Spiritual Significance
The Midrash (Mechilta Bo) teaches that the Korban Pesach represents the unique relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. Just as the blood of the Pesach was placed on the doorposts in Egypt to distinguish Jewish homes, the mitzvah itself distinguishes those who are part of the nation from outsiders. The Sforno adds that participation in the Pesach meal signifies acceptance of divine sovereignty and the foundational principles of Jewish faith.
Exceptions to the Rule