share torah logo

Leviticus 23:33 - Divine Sukkot festival instructions

Leviticus 23:33 - ויקרא 23:33

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. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, often introducing mitzvot or prophetic messages. The term "וַיְדַבֵּר" (spoke) implies a forceful and authoritative transmission, as opposed to softer forms of communication like "וַיֹּאמֶר" (said).

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"

The word "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") indicates that Moshe was to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban (Bereishit 1:3) notes that this term often appears when the prophecy is meant for public dissemination, emphasizing Moshe's role as the intermediary between Hashem and the people. The Sforno adds that this structure underscores the precision required in transmitting divine commandments without alteration.

Moshe's Unique Prophetic Status

The Talmud (Yevamot 49b) teaches that Moshe's prophecy was unique—Hashem spoke to him "פֶּה אֶל פֶּה" ("mouth to mouth"), unlike other prophets who received visions or allegories. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) elaborates that Moshe's prophecy was direct and unobscured, without intermediaries or metaphors, reinforcing the authenticity of the Torah's transmission.

Key Insights from Midrash

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayikra 1) highlights that every divine communication to Moshe began with a call ("וַיִּקְרָא") to emphasize love and respect before instruction.
  • Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 28:6) teaches that Moshe's humility made him the ideal vessel for divine speech, as his ego did not distort the message.

📚 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 us that Moshe was commanded to repeat and explain these words clearly to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives from this that a teacher must ensure students understand the material thoroughly, not just hear it once.
Q: What important lesson can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: This teaches us about the importance of clear communication in transmitting Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his introduction to Mishneh Torah that Moshe received the Torah at Sinai and transmitted it carefully to Joshua, showing the unbroken chain of authentic Torah transmission through the generations.
Q: Why is it significant that Hashem spoke directly to Moshe?
A: This demonstrates Moshe's unique level of prophecy, as the Torah testifies (Numbers 12:6-8) that no other prophet reached Moshe's level of direct communication with Hashem. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 28:1) explains this was necessary for the accurate transmission of the Torah's commandments.
Q: How does this verse connect to the rest of Leviticus 23?
A: This introduction leads into the commandments about Sukkot (the Festival of Booths), showing that just as Hashem spoke to Moshe about these holidays, all the festivals in the Jewish calendar originate from divine commandment. The Talmud (Pesachim 117a) teaches that each holiday has its own special mitzvot and spiritual opportunities.