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Numbers 15:18 - Land's holiness through mitzvot?

Numbers 15:18 - במדבר 15:18

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם בְּבֹאֲכֶם אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מֵבִיא אֶתְכֶם שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, When you come into the land into which I bring you,

Transliteration

Daber el-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem bevo'akhem el-ha'aretz asher ani mevi etkhem shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם בְּבֹֽאֲכֶם֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֛י מֵבִ֥יא אֶתְכֶ֖ם שָֽׁמָּה׃
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם בְּבֹֽאֲכֶם֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֛י מֵבִ֥יא אֶתְכֶ֖ם שָֽׁמָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Vayikra 23:10) introduces the mitzvah of bringing the Omer offering upon entering Eretz Yisrael. The phrase "בְּבֹאֲכֶם אֶל־הָאָרֶץ" ("When you come into the land") appears multiple times in the Torah, emphasizing the centrality of the Land of Israel in fulfilling mitzvot.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מֵבִיא אֶתְכֶם שָׁמָּה" ("into which I bring you") teaches that the mitzvah of Omer applies only when Bnei Yisrael enter the land with divine assistance, not through their own strength. This underscores that the conquest of Eretz Yisrael was a miraculous event facilitated by Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin (7:2), the Rambam rules that this mitzvah applies specifically in Eretz Yisrael, highlighting the unique sanctity of the land. The mitzvah is contingent on the people's presence in the land, demonstrating that certain commandments are intrinsically linked to the physical space of Eretz Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Sifra Emor 12:1) connects this verse to the broader theme of gratitude, as the Omer offering acknowledges Hashem's providence in granting the land and its produce.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Emor 18) teaches that the phrase "בְּבֹאֲכֶם" implies immediacy—the mitzvah takes effect as soon as they enter, showing the urgency of serving Hashem in the land.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Menachot 83b) derives from this verse that the mitzvah of Omer applies only when the majority of Klal Yisrael dwells in Eretz Yisrael. This principle reflects the collective responsibility of the nation in fulfilling agricultural mitzvot tied to the land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligation to recite certain prayers in Hebrew when entering the Land of Israel.
📖 Ketubot 110b
Cited in a discussion about the mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel and the blessings associated with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:18 mean?
A: Numbers 15:18 is a commandment from Hashem to Moshe to instruct the children of Israel about the mitzvot (commandments) they must observe when they enter the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this verse introduces the laws of challah (separating a portion of dough) and other agricultural mitzvot that apply specifically in the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is Numbers 15:18 important?
A: This verse is important because it marks the transition from the Israelites' journey in the wilderness to their eventual settlement in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that many mitzvot, like terumah (tithes) and challah, only apply when the Jewish people are living in their land, making this verse foundational for understanding the unique obligations of dwelling in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 15:18 today?
A: We learn that the Land of Israel holds special spiritual significance, as many mitzvot are tied to it. The Sforno notes that this verse reminds us that our relationship with Hashem is deeply connected to the land He promised us. Even today, Jews in Israel observe these agricultural laws, maintaining that sacred connection.
Q: How does Numbers 15:18 apply to Jews outside of Israel?
A: While some mitzvot in this verse (like challah) apply only in Israel, the Talmud (Kiddushin 36b) teaches that all Jews have a spiritual bond with the land. Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that remembering these laws inspires Jews in the diaspora to yearn for the redemption and return to Israel, where all commandments can be fully observed.