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Exodus 12:45 - Who may eat the Pesach sacrifice?

Exodus 12:45 - שמות 12:45

Hebrew Text

תּוֹשָׁב וְשָׂכִיר לֹא־יֹאכַל־בּוֹ׃

English Translation

A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it.

Transliteration

Toshav v'sakhir lo yokhal bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

תּוֹשָׁ֥ב וְשָׂכִ֖יר לֹא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ׃
תּוֹשָׁ֥ב וְשָׂכִ֖יר לֹא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse תּוֹשָׁב וְשָׂכִיר לֹא־יֹאכַל־בּוֹ׃ ("A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it") appears in Shemot (Exodus) 12:45, within the context of the laws of the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice). This prohibition is part of the broader framework of mitzvot surrounding the Pesach offering, which was central to the Exodus narrative and the subsequent observance of Pesach.

Explanation of the Terms

  • תּוֹשָׁב (Toshav): Rashi explains that this refers to a ger toshav, a non-Jew who resides among the Jewish people and has accepted certain basic Noahide laws but has not undergone full conversion. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:6) elaborates that such individuals are excluded from partaking in the Korban Pesach because it is a mitzvah tied specifically to Jewish identity and covenant.
  • שָׂכִיר (Sachir): This refers to a hired worker, whether Jewish or non-Jewish. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) clarifies that even a Jewish hired servant is excluded if he is not part of the household of the one offering the sacrifice, as the Korban Pesach must be eaten in a unified group (חבורה).

Reason for the Prohibition

The exclusion of a toshav and sachir from eating the Korban Pesach underscores the intimate and covenantal nature of the mitzvah. The Pesach sacrifice commemorates the redemption from Egypt and the formation of the Jewish people as a nation. As such, participation is reserved for those who are fully part of the Jewish community or household. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this restriction emphasizes the idea of חבורה (a bonded group), as the Korban Pesach symbolizes unity and shared destiny.

Halachic Implications

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 476:1), these restrictions apply only to the Korban Pesach itself, not to the general matzah and maror eaten at the Seder. However, the principle of exclusion teaches a broader lesson about the boundaries of communal mitzvot and the importance of intentional participation in Jewish rituals.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Mechilta Bo 12) connects this verse to the idea that the Korban Pesach represents geulah (redemption), which is inherently tied to the Jewish people's unique relationship with Hashem. Just as the Exodus was a singular event for Bnei Yisrael, the Pesach offering is a singular privilege for those who embrace the totality of Jewish identity and commitment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of who is permitted to eat the Passover sacrifice, emphasizing the exclusion of foreigners and hired servants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:45 mean when it says a foreigner and hired servant cannot eat the Passover offering?
A: This verse teaches that only those who are part of the Jewish people through conversion (ger toshav) may eat the Korban Pesach (Passover offering). A temporary foreigner (toshav) or hired worker (sakhir) who has not committed to Judaism cannot participate. This is explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Pesachim 96a).
Q: Why can't a non-Jew eat the Passover offering according to Exodus 12:45?
A: The Passover offering represents our ancestors' redemption from Egypt and our covenant with Hashem. Since a non-Jew is not part of this covenant relationship, they cannot partake of it. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:1) explains this as a fundamental law of the Korban Pesach.
Q: How does Exodus 12:45 apply to converts to Judaism?
A: A true convert (ger tzedek) who has undergone proper conversion is considered fully Jewish and may eat the Passover offering. The distinction in this verse applies only to those who live among Jews but have not converted (toshav) or temporary workers (sakhir), as discussed in Mechilta and Talmud Yevamot 47b.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 12:45 today?
A: This teaches us that Jewish rituals and mitzvot have boundaries and requirements. Just as the Passover offering was restricted to those committed to Judaism, many mitzvot today also have specific requirements. It reminds us to value our unique relationship with Hashem and our special obligations as Jews.
Q: Does Exodus 12:45 mean we can't share Passover food with non-Jews?
A: This verse specifically refers to the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) in Temple times. Today, while non-Jews may eat at a Seder (with certain restrictions on matzah if owned by Jews before Pesach), the deeper message remains about maintaining the sacred boundaries of mitzvot. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 512) discusses modern applications.