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Leviticus 23:3 - Shabbat: holy rest, no work

Leviticus 23:3 - ויקרא 23:3

Hebrew Text

שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תֵּעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ כָּל־מְלָאכָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ שַׁבָּת הִוא לַיהוָה בְּכֹל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of solemn rest, a holy gathering; you shall do no work: it is a sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings.

Transliteration

Sheishet yamim te'aseh melachah uvayom hashvi'i Shabbat Shabbaton mikra-kodesh kol-melachah lo ta'asu Shabbat hi la'Adonai bechol moshvoteychem.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ תֵּעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ מִקְרָא־קֹ֔דֶשׁ כׇּל־מְלָאכָ֖ה לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ שַׁבָּ֥ת הִוא֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה בְּכֹ֖ל מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ תֵּעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ מִקְרָא־קֹ֔דֶשׁ כׇּל־מְלָאכָ֖ה לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ שַׁבָּ֥ת הִוא֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה בְּכֹ֖ל מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Shabbat

The verse (Vayikra 23:3) establishes the foundational mitzvah of Shabbat, emphasizing its sanctity and the prohibition of melachah (creative labor). The Torah frames Shabbat as a day of "שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּתוֹן" (a Sabbath of complete rest) and "מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ" (a holy gathering), highlighting its dual nature as both a cessation from labor and a sacred occasion for spiritual elevation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תֵּעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה" ("Six days shall work be done") by noting that the passive form ("תֵּעָשֶׂה") implies that work is permitted during the six days, but not obligatory. This contrasts with Shabbat, where melachah is strictly forbidden. Rashi also emphasizes that the term "שַׁבָּתוֹן" denotes complete cessation, reinforcing the idea of total abstention from labor.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shabbat (1:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) explains that Shabbat serves as a testimony to Hashem's creation of the world in six days and His rest on the seventh. The prohibition of melachah on Shabbat is not merely a physical rest but a spiritual declaration of faith in Hashem as the Creator. The phrase "שַׁבָּת הִוא לַיהוָה" ("it is a Sabbath to the Lord") underscores that the day is dedicated entirely to divine service and reflection.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Shabbat 49b) derives the 39 categories of prohibited labor (אבות מלאכות) from the melachah performed in the construction of the Mishkan, linking Shabbat observance to the sanctity of the Mishkan.
  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 11:2) teaches that Shabbat is a "מתנה טובה" (a precious gift) stored in Hashem's treasury, given to the Jewish people as a sign of His special relationship with them.
  • The phrase "בְּכֹל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם" ("in all your dwellings") teaches that Shabbat applies universally, whether in Eretz Yisrael or the diaspora (Mechilta, Yitro).

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 242) elaborates on the obligation to honor Shabbat through preparations such as bathing, wearing special clothing, and preparing delicious meals. The sanctity of Shabbat extends beyond abstention from melachah to include positive commandments like kiddush, seudot Shabbat (festive meals), and engaging in Torah study.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 118a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the importance of observing the Sabbath and the prohibition of work on the seventh day.
📖 Yoma 85b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the sanctity of the Sabbath and the exceptions to the prohibition of work, such as saving a life.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Ki Tisa
Although not part of the Babylonian Talmud, this Midrashic work extensively discusses this verse in relation to Sabbath laws and its significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Shabbat Shabbaton' mean in Leviticus 23:3?
A: The term 'Shabbat Shabbaton' means a 'Sabbath of complete rest.' According to Rashi, this emphasizes that Shabbat is not just a day of reduced work, but a day when all creative labor (melacha) must cease entirely. It is a day dedicated to spiritual rest and connection with Hashem.
Q: Why is Shabbat mentioned here in Leviticus 23 alongside the festivals?
A: The Ramban explains that Shabbat is included in the list of holy days (Leviticus 23) to teach that just as the festivals have special mitzvot and sanctity, so too does Shabbat. It is the foundation of all appointed times and reminds us weekly of Hashem's creation and our covenant with Him.
Q: What kind of work is forbidden on Shabbat according to this verse?
A: The verse prohibits 'melacha,' which refers to the 39 categories of creative labor derived from the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as listed in the Talmud (Shabbat 73a). These include activities like cooking, writing, and building. The Torah emphasizes that no melacha should be done 'in all your dwellings,' meaning the prohibition applies everywhere.
Q: How does Shabbat apply to us today?
A: Shabbat remains a cornerstone of Jewish life, as taught by the Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat). It is a weekly opportunity to disconnect from weekday distractions, focus on Torah study, prayer, and family, and reaffirm our faith in Hashem as Creator. Observing Shabbat preserves Jewish identity and spirituality in every generation.
Q: What is the significance of Shabbat being 'a holy gathering'?
A: The phrase 'mikra kodesh' (holy gathering) teaches that Shabbat is not just about refraining from work but also about sanctifying the day through communal prayer and Torah study. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) compares Shabbat to a 'queen' we welcome with joy, elevating the day with special meals, zemirot (songs), and spiritual reflection.