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Exodus 13:4 - Freedom blooms in Aviv

Exodus 13:4 - שמות 13:4

Hebrew Text

הַיּוֹם אַתֶּם יֹצְאִים בְּחֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב׃

English Translation

This day you came out, in the month Aviv.

Transliteration

Hayom atem yotzim b'chodesh ha'aviv

Hebrew Leining Text

הַיּ֖וֹם אַתֶּ֣ם יֹצְאִ֑ים בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁ הָאָבִֽיב׃
הַיּ֖וֹם אַתֶּ֣ם יֹצְאִ֑ים בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁ הָאָבִֽיב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Month of Aviv

The verse states, "This day you came out, in the month Aviv" (Exodus 13:4), referring to the Exodus from Egypt. The term Aviv (אָבִיב) is significant in Jewish tradition, as it marks the beginning of spring and the time of redemption. Rashi explains that Aviv is the name of the month later known as Nisan, the month in which the Israelites were liberated from Egypt. The word Aviv itself means "ripening ears of grain," indicating the agricultural stage of the barley crop at this time of year, which is critical for the bringing of the Omer offering (Menachot 65b).

The Month of Redemption

The Rambam (Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 1:2) emphasizes that the month of Aviv was divinely designated as the first of the months (Exodus 12:2), marking a new beginning for the Jewish people. The Sforno adds that the Exodus in this month was a deliberate act of divine providence, as the season of renewal in nature paralleled the spiritual renewal of the Israelites as they transitioned from slavery to freedom.

Historical and Agricultural Context

  • The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 7a) teaches that the month of Aviv must align with spring, ensuring that Passover always falls in this season. If the barley was not yet ripe, an extra month (Adar II) would be added to the calendar to maintain this alignment.
  • The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 15:11) connects the name Aviv to the Hebrew word av (אָב), meaning "father," symbolizing that this month is the "father" of months, the origin of Israel's national identity.
  • The Kli Yakar notes that the phrase "this day you came out" is phrased in the present tense to teach that the Exodus is not merely a historical event but an ongoing spiritual reality for every Jew in every generation.

Spiritual Lessons

The verse reminds us that the Exodus was not just a physical departure but also a spiritual rebirth. The Chassidic masters, such as the Sfat Emet, teach that the month of Aviv represents the awakening of divine mercy and the potential for personal and collective redemption. Just as nature renews itself in spring, so too must we renew our commitment to Torah and mitzvot, internalizing the lessons of freedom and divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the month of Aviv' mean in Exodus 13:4?
A: The month of Aviv (אָבִיב) refers to the spring season when barley ripens. It is the first month of the Jewish calendar (later called Nisan), marking the time of the Exodus from Egypt. Rashi explains that 'Aviv' signifies the stage when grain reaches maturity, emphasizing the timing of our redemption.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'this day you came out' in Exodus 13:4?
A: The phrase 'this day you came out' reminds us to feel as if we personally left Egypt, not just our ancestors. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 7:6) teaches that we must see ourselves as if we were redeemed from slavery, making the Exodus relevant in every generation.
Q: How does Exodus 13:4 connect to Passover?
A: This verse establishes the timing of Passover, which occurs in the month of Aviv (Nisan). The Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 2a-3a) explain that the Exodus in Aviv sets the calendar for all Jewish holidays, showing how physical freedom led to spiritual milestones like receiving the Torah at Shavuot.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'the month of Aviv' today?
A: Aviv symbolizes renewal, as nature awakens in spring. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 15:11) compares the Exodus to a rebirth of the Jewish people. Just as Aviv brings new growth, we too can embrace spiritual renewal—especially during Passover—by breaking free from personal 'slavery' to negative habits.