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Leviticus 23:41 - Eternal Sukkot joy commanded

Leviticus 23:41 - ויקרא 23:41

Hebrew Text

וְחַגֹּתֶם אֹתוֹ חַג לַיהוָה שִׁבְעַת יָמִים בַּשָּׁנָה חֻקַּת עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי תָּחֹגּוּ אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And you shall keep it a feast to the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: you shall celebrate it in the seventh month.

Transliteration

Vechaggotem oto chag la'Adonai shiv'at yamim bashanah chukat olam ledoroteichem bachodesh hashvi'i tachoggu oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְחַגֹּתֶ֤ם אֹתוֹ֙ חַ֣ג לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים בַּשָּׁנָ֑ה חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י תָּחֹ֥גּוּ אֹתֽוֹ׃
וְחַגֹּתֶ֤ם אֹתוֹ֙ חַ֣ג לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים בַּשָּׁנָ֑ה חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י תָּחֹ֥גּוּ אֹתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 23:41) is part of the Torah's discussion of the festival of Sukkot, which is observed for seven days in the seventh month (Tishrei). This commandment is given alongside other details about the observance of Sukkot, including dwelling in the sukkah and taking the four species (lulav, etrog, hadassim, and aravot). The phrase "חֻקַּת עוֹלָם" ("a statute forever") emphasizes the eternal nature of this mitzvah, binding for all generations.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 23:41) explains that the phrase "וְחַגֹּתֶם אֹתוֹ" ("And you shall keep it a feast") refers specifically to the mitzvah of rejoicing during Sukkot. He notes that the term "חַג" (festival) is associated with simcha (joy), as derived from the root ח-ג-ג, which connotes celebration. Rashi further clarifies that the seven-day duration is fixed and immutable, as indicated by "חֻקַּת עוֹלָם" (a statute forever).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shofar, Sukkah, v'Lulav (8:12), the Rambam elaborates on the obligation to rejoice during Sukkot, emphasizing that this joy includes offerings in the Beit HaMikdash and communal feasting. He connects this mitzvah to the broader theme of gratitude for Hashem's providence, as Sukkot commemorates the protection Bnei Yisrael experienced in the wilderness.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Sukkah 11b) discusses the significance of the seventh month (Tishrei), noting that it is a time of divine judgment and renewal, as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur precede Sukkot. The festival thus represents a transition from repentance to joyous service of Hashem.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Emor 22) highlights that the seven days of Sukkot parallel the seven clouds of glory that surrounded Bnei Yisrael in the desert, symbolizing divine protection. The sukkah itself serves as a reminder of this miracle.

Symbolism of the Seventh Month

The choice of the seventh month (Tishrei) for Sukkot carries deep symbolism. The number seven in Torah represents completion and sanctity (e.g., Shabbat, Shemittah). The Sforno (Vayikra 23:41) explains that observing Sukkot in Tishrei—after the harvest—reinforces the idea that our material success is ultimately dependent on Hashem's blessing, not human effort alone.

Practical Halachic Implications

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 625:1) rules that the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah applies for all seven days, with the first day (and second day in the diaspora) carrying a biblical obligation. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 324) adds that the mitzvah instills emunah (faith) by having us leave our permanent homes for temporary dwellings, trusting in Hashem's protection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sukkah 27a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the duration and observance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
📖 Rosh Hashanah 4b
The verse is cited in the context of determining the proper time for observing the festivals in the seventh month.
📖 Menachot 65a
The verse is mentioned in relation to the laws of the festivals and their perpetual observance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What holiday is Leviticus 23:41 referring to?
A: Leviticus 23:41 refers to the festival of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), which is celebrated for seven days in the seventh month of Tishrei. This is one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Shalosh Regalim) when the Jewish people would travel to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Q: Why is Sukkot celebrated in the seventh month?
A: Sukkot is celebrated in the seventh month (Tishrei) because the Torah designates this time for the festival. According to Rashi, the 'seventh month' emphasizes that it follows the month of Tishrei's other holy days—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—creating a sequence of spiritual elevation and joy after repentance.
Q: What does 'a statute forever' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'a statute forever' (חֻקַּת עוֹלָם) means that the observance of Sukkot is an eternal commandment for the Jewish people in every generation. The Rambam explains that this includes building a sukkah (temporary booth) and taking the Four Species (lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow) as mitzvot that apply at all times.
Q: How is Sukkot relevant to us today?
A: Sukkot remains a central holiday in Jewish life today. We build sukkot (booths) to remember the protection Hashem provided during the Exodus and to teach humility by dwelling in temporary structures. The Talmud (Sukkah 2a) discusses the laws of sukkah construction, showing its ongoing importance in Jewish practice.
Q: Why is Sukkot called 'the Feast of the Lord' in this verse?
A: Sukkot is called 'a feast to the Lord' because it is dedicated to divine service, joy, and gratitude. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:2) teaches that Sukkot is a time of universal happiness, where we celebrate Hashem's kindness and the harvest, reinforcing our dependence on Him.