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Leviticus 23:24 - Rosh Hashanah's sacred shofar call

Leviticus 23:24 - ויקרא 23:24

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם שַׁבָּתוֹן זִכְרוֹן תְּרוּעָה מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall you have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of horns, a holy gathering.

Transliteration

Daber el-bnei Yisrael lemor bachodesh hashvi'i be'echad lachodesh yihye lachem shabbaton zikron teru'a mikra-kodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּ֛ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֤ה לָכֶם֙ שַׁבָּת֔וֹן זִכְר֥וֹן תְּרוּעָ֖ה מִקְרָא־קֹֽדֶשׁ׃
דַּבֵּ֛ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֤ה לָכֶם֙ שַׁבָּת֔וֹן זִכְר֥וֹן תְּרוּעָ֖ה מִקְרָא־קֹֽדֶשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 23:24) commands Bnei Yisrael to observe the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) as a sacred occasion, marked by rest (Shabbaton), remembrance (Zikaron), the sounding of the shofar (Teruah), and a holy convocation (Mikra Kodesh). This day is known as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "Shabbaton" refers to a day of rest, prohibiting melachah (forbidden labor). He interprets "Zikaron Teruah" as a remembrance achieved through the blowing of the shofar, which serves to awaken divine mercy. Rashi notes that the term "Zikaron" (remembrance) implies that Hashem recalls the merits of our forefathers and the Jewish people on this day.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva (3:4), Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes the shofar's role as a spiritual alarm, stirring individuals to repentance (Teshuvah). The mitzvah of shofar is not merely a ritual but a call to introspection and return to Hashem, aligning with the theme of Rosh Hashanah as the Day of Judgment (Yom HaDin).

Talmudic Insights

The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) elaborates that Rosh Hashanah is one of four annual judgment days, where all creatures pass before Hashem like sheep under a shepherd’s staff. The shofar’s sound symbolizes:

  • Coronation: Acknowledging Hashem as King (Malchuyot).
  • Repentance: Arousing awe and humility (Zichronot and Shofarot).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 29:1) links the shofar to the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak), where a ram’s horn was substituted for Yitzchak. Thus, the shofar blasts evoke the merit of our ancestors’ devotion, invoking divine compassion during judgment.

Significance of the Seventh Month

Tishrei, the seventh month, reflects completion (as seven symbolizes wholeness in Judaism). Despite being the first month in the civil calendar, its position as the seventh in the Torah’s count (from Nisan) underscores its spiritual culmination—marking both creation’s anniversary and the cycle of mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 29b
The verse is discussed in the context of the commandment to blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, which is referred to as 'a memorial of blowing of horns' in the verse.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Torah readings for the festivals, including Rosh Hashanah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 'seventh month' mentioned in Leviticus 23:24?
A: The 'seventh month' refers to Tishrei, which is considered a spiritually significant month in the Jewish calendar. According to Rashi, this month is called the 'seventh' because it is counted from Nissan, the month of the Exodus. Tishrei contains major holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, making it a time of judgment, repentance, and joy.
Q: Why is the first day of Tishrei called a 'memorial of blowing of horns'?
A: The 'memorial of blowing of horns' refers to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The Rambam explains that the shofar (ram's horn) is blown to awaken people to repentance (teshuvah). The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) teaches that this day is when G-d judges the world, and the shofar serves as a reminder to reflect on our actions.
Q: What does 'a holy gathering' mean in this verse?
A: A 'holy gathering' (mikra kodesh) means that this day is set aside for spiritual reflection and communal prayer. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 29:6) emphasizes that on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish people gather in synagogues to crown G-d as King and reaffirm their commitment to Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How do we observe this verse today?
A: Today, we observe this verse by celebrating Rosh Hashanah on the first (and second) day of Tishrei. We refrain from work (as it is a 'Shabbaton'), attend synagogue services, hear the shofar blasts, and engage in prayer and repentance. The Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 4:5-6) details the special mitzvot and customs of the day.
Q: Why is Rosh Hashanah called a 'Shabbaton' if it's not the weekly Shabbat?
A: The term 'Shabbaton' here means a day of rest, even though it is not the weekly Shabbat. Rashi explains that it is a day of cessation from work, similar to Shabbat, to focus on spiritual matters. The Talmud (Beitzah 15b) discusses the laws of Yom Tov (festivals), which include restrictions on work to maintain the sanctity of the day.