Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'a holy gathering' mean in Leviticus 23:35?
A: A 'holy gathering' (מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ) refers to a sacred assembly where the Jewish people gather for prayer, Torah study, and reflection, particularly on holidays. Rashi explains that this is a time to refrain from work and focus on spiritual matters, as commanded for certain festivals like Sukkot.
Q: Why is it forbidden to do 'servile work' on this day?
A: The Torah prohibits 'servile work' (מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה) on holy days to distinguish them from ordinary weekdays. Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:1) explains that this restriction helps us dedicate the day to spiritual growth, joy, and connecting with Hashem, rather than mundane labor.
Q: Which holiday is Leviticus 23:35 referring to?
A: This verse refers to the first day of Sukkot (the Festival of Booths), as part of a larger section detailing the Jewish holidays (Vayikra 23). The Talmud (Moed Katan 8b) discusses how this day, like other Yamim Tovim (festivals), has both a prohibition of work and a mitzvah to rejoice.
Q: How do we observe this verse today?
A: Today, Jews observe this by refraining from work (similar to Shabbat restrictions) on the first day of Sukkot, attending synagogue services, dwelling in the sukkah, and celebrating with festive meals. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 495) details the specific halachot (laws) for this holiday.
Q: What is the difference between 'servile work' and other types of work?
A: 'Servile work' generally refers to labor that is physically demanding or related to one's livelihood (like farming or business). The Talmud (Chagigah 18a) distinguishes it from 'melacha' (creative work prohibited on Shabbat), though many of the same activities are forbidden on holidays as well, with some exceptions like cooking for the holiday.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Vayikra 23:7) discusses the commandment regarding the first day of Pesach (Passover), which is designated as a mikra kodesh (holy gathering). This establishes it as a Yom Tov (festival day) with specific halachic requirements, including the prohibition of melachah (servile work).
Explanation of "Mikra Kodesh"
Rashi explains that mikra kodesh means a day designated for sanctity, where the Jewish people are called to gather for prayer, Torah study, and festive meals. The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:1) elaborates that this sanctity parallels that of Shabbat in terms of abstaining from labor, though with key differences in permitted activities for food preparation (Ochel Nefesh).
Prohibition of Melachah (Servile Work)
The phrase kol melachet avodah lo ta'asu ("you shall do no servile work") is interpreted in the Talmud (Chagigah 18a) to mean that all labor prohibited on Shabbat is also prohibited on Yom Tov, with exceptions for food preparation (e.g., cooking, baking). The Mishnah (Beitzah 5:2) clarifies that while certain labors are permitted for food-related needs, other forms of work unrelated to the festival are strictly forbidden.
Spiritual Significance
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:1) connects the sanctity of the first day of Pesach to the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing that physical rest mirrors spiritual freedom. The Sefat Emet teaches that abstaining from labor on this day allows one to focus on internalizing the experience of redemption and gratitude to Hashem.
Practical Halachic Implications