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Exodus 23:15 - Pesach: Matzah's sacred obligation?

Exodus 23:15 - שמות 23:15

Hebrew Text

אֶת־חַג הַמַּצּוֹת תִּשְׁמֹר שִׁבְעַת יָמִים תֹּאכַל מַצּוֹת כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִךָ לְמוֹעֵד חֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב כִּי־בוֹ יָצָאתָ מִמִּצְרָיִם וְלֹא־יֵרָאוּ פָנַי רֵיקָם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Aviv; for in it thou didst come out from Miżrayim: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Transliteration

Et-chag ha-matzot tishmor shivat yamim tochal matzot ka'asher tziviticha le-mo'ed chodesh ha-aviv ki-vo yatzata mi-Mitzrayim ve-lo yera'u fanai reikam.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־חַ֣ג הַמַּצּוֹת֮ תִּשְׁמֹר֒ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִים֩ תֹּאכַ֨ל מַצּ֜וֹת כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֗ךָ לְמוֹעֵד֙ חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִ֔יב כִּי־ב֖וֹ יָצָ֣אתָ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וְלֹא־יֵרָא֥וּ פָנַ֖י רֵיקָֽם׃
אֶת־חַ֣ג הַמַּצּוֹת֮ תִּשְׁמֹר֒ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִים֩ תֹּאכַ֨ל מַצּ֜וֹת כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֗ךָ לְמוֹעֵד֙ חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִ֔יב כִּי־ב֖וֹ יָצָ֣אתָ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וְלֹא־יֵרָא֥וּ פָנַ֖י רֵיקָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pesach and the Mitzvah of Matzah

The verse commands the observance of Chag HaMatzot (the Festival of Unleavened Bread) for seven days, during which matzah must be eaten. Rashi (Shemot 23:15) explains that this mitzvah is intrinsically linked to the Exodus from Egypt, as the Jewish people left in haste and did not have time for their dough to rise. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 6:1) emphasizes that eating matzah on Pesach is a Torah obligation, commemorating our redemption from slavery.

The Significance of the Month of Aviv

The verse specifies that this observance must take place in Chodesh HaAviv (the month of spring). The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 21a) discusses how the Sanhedrin would ensure that the month of Nissan coincided with spring, sometimes intercalating the year to maintain this alignment. The Sforno (Shemot 23:15) notes that this timing reflects Hashem's kindness, as traveling in spring is easier—highlighting that our redemption was orchestrated with compassion.

The Prohibition Against Appearing Empty-Handed

The verse concludes with the command "וְלֹא־יֵרָאוּ פָנַי רֵיקָם" ("none shall appear before Me empty"). The Mechilta (Bo 13) explains that this refers to the obligation of bringing a korban (sacrifice) during the pilgrimage festivals. The Rambam (Hilchot Chagigah 1:1) rules that every Jew must bring a festive offering when visiting the Beit HaMikdash. Rashi (Shemot 23:15) adds that this also alludes to the mitzvah of giving charity before the holiday, ensuring all can celebrate properly.

Connections Between the Exodus and Divine Service

  • Matzah as Humility: The Chidushei HaRim (on Pesach) teaches that matzah represents humility—just as it lacks leaven (symbolizing ego), our service to Hashem must be free from arrogance.
  • Aviv as Renewal: The Kli Yakar (Shemot 12:2) connects the month of Aviv (meaning "spring" or "ripening") to spiritual renewal, as the Exodus marked the rebirth of the Jewish nation.
  • Korbanot and Gratitude: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 91) explains that bringing offerings expresses gratitude for the Exodus, reinforcing our bond with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 28b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the obligation to eat matzah during Passover and the timing of the festival in the month of Aviv.
📖 Megillah 20b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the proper times for observing festivals and the importance of the month of Aviv.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of eating matzah for seven days during Passover?
A: Eating matzah for seven days 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 Torah commands this observance as a reminder of our ancestors' redemption from slavery (Rashi on Exodus 12:15).
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the month of Aviv' in connection with Passover?
A: Aviv refers to the spring season when barley ripens. Passover must always be in spring (Deuteronomy 16:1), symbolizing renewal and freedom. The Sanhedrin would declare the new month based on the moon's cycle and barley's ripeness to ensure Passover fell in Aviv (Rambam, Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 1:1-2).
Q: What does 'not appear before Me empty-handed' mean in this verse?
A: This teaches that when coming to the Temple during festivals, one must bring offerings - either animal sacrifices or at least a minimal offering (Menachot 84b). Today, without the Temple, we fulfill this through prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness during the holidays (Rambam, Hilchot Chagigah 1:1).
Q: Why is Passover called 'Chag HaMatzot' (Festival of Matzot) in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes matzah (unleavened bread) because it's the primary mitzvah of Passover. While the Passover sacrifice was central in Temple times, eating matzah remains the constant observance throughout Jewish history (Pesachim 28b). The name highlights the practical commandment all Jews can fulfill.
Q: How do we apply the lessons of Exodus 23:15 today?
A: We maintain: 1) Strict observance of eating matzah for seven days, 2) Remembering the Exodus in our prayers and Seder, 3) Giving charity before holidays (instead of Temple offerings), and 4) Ensuring Passover always falls in spring by following our fixed calendar (Tur Orach Chaim 429).