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Leviticus 23:28 - Yom Kippur: no work, only atonement

Leviticus 23:28 - ויקרא 23:28

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־מְלָאכָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה כִּי יוֹם כִּפֻּרִים הוּא לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And you shall do no work on that very same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Vechol-melacha lo ta'asu be'etzem hayom haze ki yom kipurim hu lechaper aleichem lifnei Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ בְּעֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּ֣י י֤וֹם כִּפֻּרִים֙ ה֔וּא לְכַפֵּ֣ר עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם לִפְנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
וְכׇל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ בְּעֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּ֣י י֤וֹם כִּפֻּרִים֙ ה֔וּא לְכַפֵּ֣ר עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם לִפְנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Melachah on Yom Kippur

The verse (Vayikra 23:28) emphasizes the absolute prohibition of performing melachah (creative labor) on Yom Kippur. Rashi explains that the phrase "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("on that very same day") serves to intensify the prohibition, teaching that even if Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, the atonement rituals override the Shabbat prohibitions (based on Torat Kohanim). The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:5) codifies this as one of the 39 categories of forbidden labor that apply equally to Shabbat and Yom Kippur.

The Purpose of Yom Kippur

The verse states "כִּי יוֹם כִּפֻּרִים הוּא" ("for it is a day of atonement"). The Talmud (Yoma 85b) derives from here that Yom Kippur effects atonement only when accompanied by teshuva (repentance). The Sforno explains that the day itself creates a unique spiritual opportunity for kaparah (atonement), but only when the individual actively engages in the process of repentance before Hashem.

The Nature of Kaparah

  • The term "לְכַפֵּר" ("to make atonement") is understood by the Ramban as having two aspects: 1) cleansing from sin, and 2) protection from punishment. This dual effect is only achieved through complete abstention from physical pleasures and focus on spiritual matters.
  • The Kli Yakar notes that the verse specifies "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("before the Lord your God") to teach that true atonement requires standing in spiritual awareness before the Divine Presence, not merely mechanical observance of rituals.

Halachic Implications

The Mechilta derives from this verse that the prohibition applies equally to all Jews, with no exceptions. The Minchat Chinuch (Mitzvah 313) discusses how this absolute prohibition differs from other Yamim Tovim where certain melachot related to food preparation are permitted. The severity stems from Yom Kippur's unique status as the holiest day of the year, when we emulate the angels in complete devotion to spiritual pursuits.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 74b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibitions of work on Yom Kippur and the significance of the day for atonement.
📖 Megillah 20b
Referenced in a discussion about the timing of Yom Kippur and its unique status among holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'you shall do no work' mean in Leviticus 23:28?
A: The verse prohibits all forms of melacha (creative work) on Yom Kippur, similar to Shabbat. This includes activities like cooking, driving, using electricity, and other labors (Rambam, Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:5). The Torah emphasizes this prohibition to allow complete focus on repentance and spiritual connection.
Q: Why is Yom Kippur called a 'day of atonement'?
A: Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year when Hashem grants atonement for sins between a person and G-d (Vayikra Rabbah 21:4). The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) would perform special services in the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) to achieve kaparah (atonement) for the nation (Mishnah Yoma).
Q: How do we observe Yom Kippur today without the Temple?
A: Even without the Beit Hamikdash, we observe Yom Kippur through fasting, prayer (5 tefillot), refraining from work, and sincere teshuvah (repentance). The Talmud teaches that teshuva, tefillah, and tzedakah (repentance, prayer, charity) can replace the Temple service (Rosh Hashanah 18a).
Q: What does 'before the Lord your God' mean in this verse?
A: This phrase reminds us that Yom Kippur is about reconnecting directly with Hashem. Rashi explains that true atonement requires standing 'before G-d' with humility and sincerity (Vayikra 23:27). The day's sanctity creates a unique closeness to the Divine presence.