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Leviticus 15:1 - Divine purity laws revealed.

Leviticus 15:1 - ויקרא 15:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וְאֶל־אַהֲרֹן לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe ve'el-Aharon lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Dual Address to Moshe and Aharon

The verse states that Hashem spoke to both Moshe and Aharon together. Rashi (Shemot 6:13) explains that this teaches us that Aharon was equal to Moshe in receiving divine communication, though Moshe remained the primary prophet. The Ramban adds that this joint address emphasizes their shared leadership role in conveying Hashem's commandments to Bnei Yisrael.

The Significance of "Leimor"

The term "leimor" ("saying") appears frequently in Torah when Hashem communicates with prophets. The Midrash (Sifra, Vayikra 1:1) explains this indicates Moshe and Aharon were commanded to relay these words precisely to the people. The Kli Yakar notes this underscores the principle of mesorah—the faithful transmission of divine instruction without alteration.

Leadership Dynamics

  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 36b) derives from this verse that Aharon's inclusion demonstrates the importance of kavod habriyot (human dignity), as Aharon's presence honored his status as Kohen Gadol.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya observes that joint divine communication to both brothers reinforced unity in leadership, preventing any perception of rivalry between them.
  • The Ohr HaChaim highlights that this pattern establishes the model for future generations where Torah leadership often involves multiple figures (e.g. Zugot, Tannaim).

Grammatical Nuances

Ibn Ezra notes the unusual phrasing "el Moshe v'el Aharon" rather than the more common "el Moshe v'Aharon." This suggests two distinct communications - one tailored to Moshe's prophetic role and another addressing Aharon's priestly responsibilities, yet both unified in purpose (see Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention that Hashem spoke to both Moshe and Aharon in Leviticus 15:1?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches us the importance of unity and mutual respect among leaders. Even though Moshe was the primary prophet, Aharon was included to show that they shared the responsibility of transmitting Hashem's commandments to the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה' (And the Lord spoke) in Leviticus 15:1?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) teaches that this phrasing indicates a direct and clear communication from Hashem to Moshe and Aharon. It emphasizes the divine origin of the laws that follow, particularly those related to purity and impurity discussed in this chapter.
Q: Why does the verse say 'לֵאמֹר' (saying) at the end? Doesn't it seem redundant?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:1) explains that 'לֵאמֹר' means Moshe and Aharon were commanded to relay these laws to the Jewish people. It's not redundant—it emphasizes their role as teachers who must clearly transmit Hashem's words to others.
Q: How does Leviticus 15:1 connect to the laws that follow about purity?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at 16:10) explains that this introduction shows these purity laws come directly from Hashem. Just as Moshe and Aharon received them with reverence, we must approach these concepts seriously, even if we don't fully understand their reasons.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from how Hashem spoke to both Moshe and Aharon together?
A: The Sforno teaches that this models proper leadership—working together despite different roles. Today, this reminds us to value collaboration in family and community matters, recognizing that different people have different but equally important contributions to make.