share torah logo

Exodus 34:18 - Passover's matzah: why seven days?

Exodus 34:18 - שמות 34:18

Hebrew Text

אֶת־חַג הַמַּצּוֹת תִּשְׁמֹר שִׁבְעַת יָמִים תֹּאכַל מַצּוֹת אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִךָ לְמוֹעֵד חֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב כִּי בְּחֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב יָצָאתָ מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Aviv: (for in the month Aviv thou didst come out from Miżrayim.)

Transliteration

Et-chag ha-matzot tishmor shivat yamim tochal matzot asher tziviticha le-mo'ed chodesh ha-aviv ki be-chodesh ha-aviv yatzata mi-Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־חַ֣ג הַמַּצּוֹת֮ תִּשְׁמֹר֒ שִׁבְעַ֨ת יָמִ֜ים תֹּאכַ֤ל מַצּוֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֔ךָ לְמוֹעֵ֖ד חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָאָבִ֑יב כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִ֔יב יָצָ֖אתָ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
אֶת־חַ֣ג הַמַּצּוֹת֮ תִּשְׁמֹר֒ שִׁבְעַ֨ת יָמִ֜ים תֹּאכַ֤ל מַצּוֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֔ךָ לְמוֹעֵ֖ד חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָאָבִ֑יב כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִ֔יב יָצָ֖אתָ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Matzah and Its Significance

The verse commands the observance of Chag HaMatzot (the Festival of Unleavened Bread) for seven days, during which matzah must be eaten. This mitzvah is intrinsically linked to the Exodus from Egypt, as stated: "for in the month of Aviv you went out from Egypt." Rashi (Exodus 23:15) emphasizes that matzah symbolizes the haste of the Exodus—Bnei Yisrael left so quickly that their dough did not have time to rise. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 6:1) further explains that eating matzah is an act of remembrance, ensuring that future generations internalize the miracle of Yetziat Mitzrayim.

The Month of Aviv and Its Timing

The Torah specifies that this mitzvah must be observed "in the time of the month Aviv" (חֹדֶשׁ הָאָבִיב). The Sages (Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1) teach that Aviv refers to the spring season, when barley ripens. The Sanhedrin would sanctify the new moon based on witnesses who saw the new crescent, ensuring Pesach always fell in spring. The Ramban (Exodus 12:2) connects this to Hashem’s mastery over nature—the Exodus occurred when life renews, symbolizing the rebirth of the Jewish people.

The Duration: Seven Days

The seven-day duration reflects completeness, as seen in creation. The Talmud (Pesachim 120a) discusses whether the obligation to eat matzah applies all seven days or only the first night. Halachically, the first night is a Torah obligation, while the remaining days are rabbinically mandated (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 475:1). The Midrash (Mechilta Bo 12) adds that seven days correspond to the seven divine attributes, teaching that redemption permeates all aspects of existence.

Spiritual Lessons from Matzah

  • Humility: Matzah’s simplicity represents humility, countering the "puffed-up" arrogance of chametz (Sefat Emet, Pesach).
  • Faith: Eating matzah recalls the faith Bnei Yisrael had in leaving Egypt without provisions (Kli Yakar, Exodus 12:39).
  • Redemption: The Chidushei HaRim teaches that matzah is the "bread of faith," nourishing our belief in future redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 6a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the timing of the Passover sacrifice and the obligation to eat unleavened bread during the festival.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is mentioned in the context of the Torah readings for the festivals, particularly Passover.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 7a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the months of the year and the significance of the month of Aviv in relation to the Exodus from Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the feast of unleavened bread' refer to in Exodus 34:18?
A: The 'feast of unleavened bread' refers to the holiday of Passover (Pesach), during which we eat matzah (unleavened bread) for seven days. This 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 us to observe this holiday every year in the month of Aviv (spring).
Q: Why do we eat matzah for seven days during Passover?
A: We eat matzah for seven days to fulfill the Torah's commandment (Exodus 34:18) and to remember the haste with which our ancestors left Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:3). The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) explains that eating matzah symbolizes both the slavery in Egypt (as it is simple, humble bread) and the freedom of the Exodus (since it was eaten during liberation).
Q: What is the significance of the month of Aviv mentioned in this verse?
A: The month of Aviv (later called Nisan) is significant because it marks the time of year when the Exodus from Egypt occurred. Rashi (on Exodus 34:18) explains that 'Aviv' refers to the stage of grain growth when the ears are tender, indicating springtime. The Torah emphasizes that Passover must be observed in this season to connect the holiday with the renewal and freedom of spring.
Q: How do we observe the commandment of eating matzah today?
A: Today, we observe this commandment by abstaining from chametz (leavened products) and eating matzah during the seven days of Passover (eight days outside Israel). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 453-494) details the laws of cleaning our homes of chametz, the seder night rituals, and the requirement to eat matzah specifically on the first night (and optionally throughout the holiday).
Q: Why is the Exodus from Egypt mentioned in connection with matzah?
A: The Exodus is mentioned to remind us that matzah is not just a dietary law but a symbol of our redemption. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1) explains that eating matzah helps us personally relive the experience of our ancestors, fostering gratitude to Hashem for our freedom. The verse links the physical act of eating matzah to the spiritual lesson of remembering the Exodus.