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Leviticus 23:1 - Divine commandments for sacred times

Leviticus 23:1 - ויקרא 23:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to Divine Communication

The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, particularly in Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus). Rashi (Vayikra 1:1) explains that this expression signifies a direct and clear communication from Hashem to Moshe, often introducing commandments or prophetic revelations. The term "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") implies that Moshe was to relay these words to Bnei Yisrael.

The Significance of Divine Speech

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:32) discusses the nature of prophetic communication, noting that when the Torah states "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה," it refers to a unique level of prophecy granted to Moshe Rabbeinu, distinguished by its clarity and lack of intermediary imagery (unlike other prophets who received visions or parables). This underscores Moshe's unparalleled role as the greatest of all prophets.

The Role of Moshe as Intermediary

The Midrash (Sifra, beginning of Vayikra) elaborates that every instance of "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה" emphasizes Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's will. The Talmud (Yevamot 49b) teaches that Moshe's prophecy was unique in that he received divine communication "face to face," a level of intimacy no other prophet achieved.

  • Clarity of Transmission: Moshe was instructed to convey the divine word precisely as received, without alteration (Rashi, Shemot 19:7).
  • Authority of the Message: The phrase reinforces the divine origin of the commandments, ensuring Bnei Yisrael recognized their obligation to obey (Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6).

Theological Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides, Vayikra 1:1) highlights that this introductory formula teaches the foundational Jewish belief in Torah min HaShamayim (the divine origin of the Torah). By repeating "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה," the Torah affirms that every mitzvah originates from Hashem, not from Moshe's own reasoning.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' mean in Leviticus 23:1?
A: This phrase introduces a new section where Hashem communicates commandments to Moshe. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes that Moshe transmitted Hashem's words exactly as he received them, without adding or omitting anything. It shows the divine origin of the laws that follow.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) learns from this that a teacher must clearly convey Torah teachings to students, just as Moshe transmitted Hashem's words to Israel.
Q: What important lesson can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: The Rambam teaches that this demonstrates the principle of prophecy - that Hashem communicates His will through chosen prophets like Moshe. It also shows Moshe's humility, as he served only as a faithful messenger to convey Hashem's words without altering them (based on Numbers 12:7).
Q: How does this introduction apply to the laws that follow in Leviticus 23?
A: This introduction establishes that the upcoming laws about the Jewish holidays (mo'adim) come directly from Hashem. The Sforno explains that by introducing the holiday laws this way, the Torah emphasizes their divine importance in structuring Jewish time and connecting to Hashem through the yearly cycle.
Q: Why is it significant that Hashem spoke specifically to Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Sifra) notes that this highlights Moshe's unique role as the primary transmitter of Torah. While other prophets received visions, Moshe heard Hashem's words clearly 'face to face' (Numbers 12:8). This establishes the authenticity of the commandments he conveyed to Israel.