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Leviticus 23:23 - Rosh Hashanah's divine command revealed

Leviticus 23:23 - ויקרא 23:23

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

The Divine Communication to Moshe

The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments and teachings. Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy, which may be conveyed through visions or dreams (Bamidbar 12:6-8).

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"

The term "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") indicates that Moshe was to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban (on Bereishit 8:15) notes that this word emphasizes Moshe's role as the intermediary, faithfully transmitting Hashem's words without alteration. The Talmud (Shabbat 87a) further teaches that Moshe's unique level of prophecy—"aspaklaria hame'ira" (a clear lens)—ensured the accuracy of his transmission.

Moshe's Unique Prophetic Stature

  • Direct Communication: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) highlights that Moshe alone merited this level of direct dialogue with Hashem, as it says, "Peh el peh adaber bo" (Bamidbar 12:8).
  • Clarity of Message: Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that Moshe's prophecies were free from allegory or obscurity, unlike other prophets who received messages in parables.

Theological Implications

The Ibn Ezra (on Shemot 19:3) observes that this phrase underscores the authenticity of the Torah's divine origin. Since Moshe recorded these words as commanded, the Torah's authority is rooted in Hashem's direct revelation. This principle is foundational to Orthodox Jewish belief, as codified in the Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith (Principle 8).

Contemporary Lessons

The Sforno (on Vayikra 1:1) teaches that this recurring phrase reminds us of Moshe's humility and dedication to fulfilling Hashem's will precisely. It serves as a model for how we should approach Torah study and mitzvah observance—with reverence for divine instruction and commitment to accurate transmission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when the verse says 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying'?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah indicating that Hashem is giving a new commandment or instruction to Moshe (Moses) to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the divine origin of the commandments and Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's word.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'spoke' in this verse?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was commanded not only to hear the words himself, but to 'say' them clearly to the Jewish people. The Midrash (Sifra) explains this repetition emphasizes the importance of properly transmitting Torah teachings to others.
Q: What important lesson can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: This teaches the fundamental Jewish belief in prophecy - that Hashem communicates His will to mankind through chosen prophets. The Rambam (Maimonides) lists belief in Moshe's prophecy as one of the 13 Foundations of Jewish Faith, based on verses like this.
Q: Why is it significant that this verse appears in Leviticus 23?
A: Leviticus 23 contains the laws of the Jewish holidays. This introductory phrase signals the divine origin of our holiday observances. The Talmud (Megillah 31b) notes how this chapter systematically presents all the biblical festivals in their proper order.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: It reminds us that all Torah commandments come directly from Hashem. Just as Moshe faithfully transmitted them, we must faithfully observe them. The Sages teach that every generation must see itself as having personally received the Torah at Sinai (Talmud, Shevuot 39a).