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Leviticus 16:29 - Yom Kippur: eternal soul affliction?

Leviticus 16:29 - ויקרא 16:29

Hebrew Text

וְהָיְתָה לָכֶם לְחֻקַּת עוֹלָם בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בֶּעָשׂוֹר לַחֹדֶשׁ תְּעַנּוּ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם וְכָל־מְלָאכָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ הָאֶזְרָח וְהַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכְכֶם׃

English Translation

And this shall be a statute for ever to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, the home born or the stranger that sojourns among you:

Transliteration

Vehayta lakhem lekukat olam bakhodesh hashevi'i ba'asor lakhodesh te'anu et-nafshoteikhem vechol-melakhah lo ta'asu ha'ezrach vehager hagar betokhekhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיְתָ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם לְחֻקַּ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִ֠י בֶּֽעָשׂ֨וֹר לַחֹ֜דֶשׁ תְּעַנּ֣וּ אֶת־נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֗ם וְכׇל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח וְהַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃
וְהָיְתָ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם לְחֻקַּ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִ֠י בֶּֽעָשׂ֨וֹר לַחֹ֜דֶשׁ תְּעַנּ֣וּ אֶת־נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֗ם וְכׇל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח וְהַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Eternal Statute of Yom Kippur

The verse (Vayikra 16:29) establishes Yom Kippur as an eternal commandment for all generations. Rashi explains that the phrase "לְחֻקַּת עוֹלָם" ("a statute forever") emphasizes that this mitzvah applies even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing, unlike some Temple-related commandments. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:6) similarly rules that the obligation to fast on Yom Kippur remains in full force at all times.

The Tenth of Tishrei

The specification of "בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בֶּעָשׂוֹר לַחֹדֶשׁ" (the seventh month, tenth day) refers to Tishrei, which the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 8b) identifies as the month when the world was created. The Sforno notes that this date was divinely selected as the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance, when our fates are sealed.

The Five Afflictions

The command "תְּעַנּוּ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם" ("you shall afflict your souls") is understood by the Mishnah (Yoma 8:1) and Talmud (Yoma 74b) to include five specific prohibitions:

  • Eating and drinking
  • Washing
  • Anointing with oils
  • Wearing leather shoes
  • Marital relations

The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:4) explains that these afflictions help focus the mind on repentance by minimizing physical comforts.

Prohibition of Labor

The phrase "וְכָל־מְלָאכָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ" ("and do no work at all") is interpreted by Rashi to mean all forms of creative labor (melacha), similar to Shabbat prohibitions. The Talmud (Yoma 73b) discusses how this differs from other fast days where only eating is prohibited.

Universal Application

The inclusion of "הָאֶזְרָח וְהַגֵּר" ("the home born or the stranger") teaches, as noted by the Chizkuni, that the obligations apply equally to native-born Jews and converts. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:7) extends this to all who accept the seven Noahide laws, prohibiting them from doing work on Yom Kippur.

Spiritual Purpose

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 313) explains that the afflictions serve to:

  • Humble our hearts through physical deprivation
  • Create space for sincere repentance
  • Imitate the angels who neither eat nor drink

The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that the complete cessation from work allows total focus on spiritual matters and atonement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 74b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of Yom Kippur, particularly regarding the commandment to afflict one's soul and the prohibition of work.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 16a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the significance of the tenth day of the seventh month (Yom Kippur) and its eternal statute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'afflict your souls' mean in Leviticus 16:29?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation (Rashi, Mishnah Yoma 8:1), 'afflict your souls' refers to the five main prohibitions of Yom Kippur: eating and drinking, washing, applying oils or lotions, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. These restrictions help us focus on repentance and spiritual growth.
Q: Why is the 10th of the seventh month special in Leviticus 16:29?
A: The 10th day of the seventh month (Tishrei) is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Torah designates this as the holiest day of the year when we seek forgiveness for our sins. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) explains this is when our fates for the coming year are sealed.
Q: Who must observe the restrictions in Leviticus 16:29?
A: The verse explicitly states that both native-born Jews ('the home born') and converts or non-Jews living among the Jewish people ('the stranger') must observe Yom Kippur's restrictions. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:1-2) explains this applies to all who are part of the Jewish community.
Q: What does 'statute forever' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'statute forever' teaches that the observance of Yom Kippur is an eternal commandment that applies in all generations. The Midrash (Sifra Acharei Mot) emphasizes that even when the Temple isn't standing, we still observe Yom Kippur through prayer, repentance, and the five afflictions.
Q: Why is work forbidden on Yom Kippur according to this verse?
A: The Torah prohibits work on Yom Kippur (like Shabbat) to allow complete focus on repentance and spiritual matters. Rashi explains this work prohibition is more stringent than other holidays - even food preparation (normally permitted on festivals) is forbidden, as we fast completely on Yom Kippur.