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Exodus 12:48 - Convert's path to Passover

Exodus 12:48 - שמות 12:48

Hebrew Text

וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּךָ גֵּר וְעָשָׂה פֶסַח לַיהוָה הִמּוֹל לוֹ כָל־זָכָר וְאָז יִקְרַב לַעֲשֹׂתוֹ וְהָיָה כְּאֶזְרַח הָאָרֶץ וְכָל־עָרֵל לֹא־יֹאכַל בּוֹ׃

English Translation

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat of it.

Transliteration

Vechi-yagur itcha ger ve'asa pesach la'Adonai himol lo kol-zachar ve'az yikrav la'asoto vehaya ke'ezrach ha'aretz vechol-arel lo-yochal bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּךָ֜ גֵּ֗ר וְעָ֣שָׂה פֶ֘סַח֮ לַיהֹוָה֒ הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣וֹ כׇל־זָכָ֗ר וְאָז֙ יִקְרַ֣ב לַעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ וְהָיָ֖ה כְּאֶזְרַ֣ח הָאָ֑רֶץ וְכׇל־עָרֵ֖ל לֹֽא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ׃
וְכִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּךָ֜ גֵּ֗ר וְעָ֣שָׂה פֶ֘סַח֮ לַיהֹוָה֒ הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣וֹ כׇל־זָכָ֗ר וְאָז֙ יִקְרַ֣ב לַעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ וְהָיָ֖ה כְּאֶזְרַ֣ח הָאָ֑רֶץ וְכׇל־עָרֵ֖ל לֹֽא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Shemot 12:48) discusses the laws pertaining to a ger toshav (a resident alien) who wishes to participate in the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice). It establishes that such an individual must first undergo circumcision before being permitted to partake in the offering, thereby equating his status to that of a native-born Israelite.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּךָ גֵּר ("And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee"): Rashi explains that this refers to a ger toshav, a non-Jew who has accepted upon himself the seven Noahide laws and dwells among the Jewish people, but has not converted fully to Judaism.
  • הִמּוֹל לוֹ כָל־זָכָר ("let all his males be circumcised"): The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:7) clarifies that this includes all males in the household, whether adults or children, as a prerequisite for participation in the Korban Pesach.
  • וְהָיָה כְּאֶזְרַח הָאָרֶץ ("and he shall be as one that is born in the land"): The Sforno notes that once circumcised, the ger toshav is treated like a native Israelite in matters of the Korban Pesach, though he remains distinct in other halachic areas.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) derives from this verse that circumcision is an absolute requirement for partaking in the Korban Pesach, and no uncircumcised person—whether Jew or ger toshav—may eat of it. The Ramban further emphasizes that this mitzvah underscores the covenantal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people, symbolized by brit milah (circumcision).

Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions

The Midrash (Mechilta Bo) highlights that this law teaches the importance of commitment to Jewish practice. A ger toshav who wishes to join in the sacred observance of Pesach must first affirm his connection to the Jewish people through circumcision, demonstrating that participation in divine service requires tangible acts of dedication.

Exclusion of the Uncircumcised

The phrase וְכָל־עָרֵל לֹא־יֹאכַל בּוֹ ("for no uncircumcised person shall eat of it") is interpreted by the Chizkuni as a reinforcement of the principle that spiritual privileges are contingent upon fulfilling mitzvot. The Korban Pesach, as a symbol of Jewish identity and redemption, is reserved for those who have entered the covenant of Avraham Avinu.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding who is eligible to participate in the Passover sacrifice, emphasizing the requirement of circumcision for strangers who wish to partake.
📖 Yevamot 71a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the inclusion of converts in the observance of Passover and the broader implications of their status within the Jewish community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:48 mean about a stranger (ger) participating in Passover?
A: Exodus 12:48 teaches that a non-Jew (ger) who wishes to join the Jewish people in observing Passover must first undergo circumcision (brit milah) if male. This aligns them with the covenant of Avraham and allows them to participate fully, just like a native-born Jew. Rashi explains that this shows conversion requires acceptance of mitzvot, and the Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:7) states this is a fundamental requirement for joining the Jewish nation.
Q: Why is circumcision required for a ger to eat the Passover offering?
A: Circumcision is required because the Passover offering is a sacred mitzvah tied to the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people (Bris Avraham). The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) states that an uncircumcised person is spiritually unprepared to partake in this holy service. The verse emphasizes that the ger must become 'like a native of the land,' meaning they must fully enter the covenant before participating.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 12:48 about joining the Jewish people?
A: This verse teaches that joining the Jewish people requires sincere commitment to Torah and mitzvot. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 19:4) compares it to someone entering a royal palace—they must first adhere to the king's protocols. The requirement of circumcision shows that conversion isn’t merely about belief but involves tangible actions that bind a person to Klal Yisrael.
Q: Does Exodus 12:48 apply to converts today even though we don’t bring the Passover offering?
A: Yes, the principle still applies. While we no longer bring the Korban Pesach, the Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 13:4-5) rules that a convert must accept all mitzvot and undergo circumcision (for males) and immersion (tevilah). This verse sets the precedent that full inclusion in Jewish observance requires embracing the covenant.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'no uncircumcised person may eat of it'?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show that the Korban Pesach is not just a ritual meal but a sign of the Jewish people’s unique relationship with Hashem. The Mechilta (Bo 15) explains that circumcision represents purity and dedication to Hashem’s will, which is why one who hasn’t entered the covenant cannot partake. This reinforces the idea that Pesach is a celebration of our identity as Jews.