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Numbers 15:26 - Communal atonement for unintentional sins

Numbers 15:26 - במדבר 15:26

Hebrew Text

וְנִסְלַח לְכָל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכָם כִּי לְכָל־הָעָם בִּשְׁגָגָה׃

English Translation

And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el, and the stranger that sojourns among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

Transliteration

Venislach lechol-adat bnei yisrael velager hagar betocham ki lechol-ha'am bishgaga.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנִסְלַ֗ח לְכׇל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְלַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֣ר בְּתוֹכָ֑ם כִּ֥י לְכׇל־הָעָ֖ם בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְנִסְלַ֗ח לְכׇל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְלַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֣ר בְּתוֹכָ֑ם כִּ֥י לְכׇל־הָעָ֖ם בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Numbers 15:26) appears in the context of the laws concerning unintentional sins (shogeg) committed by the community. The Torah outlines the atonement process through a communal offering when the majority of Israel errs in halachic practice due to a mistaken ruling by the Sanhedrin (Rambam, Hilchot Shegagot 12:1).

Forgiveness for All Israel and the Ger

The verse emphasizes that atonement extends to kol adat Bnei Yisrael (the entire congregation of Israel) as well as ha'ger hagar betocham (the stranger dwelling among them). Rashi explains that this teaches the ger toshav (resident alien) who accepts the Seven Noahide Laws is included in the kaparah (atonement) when they err alongside the Jewish people in a matter applicable to them (Rashi on Numbers 15:26).

The Nature of Communal Sin

The phrase ki l'kol ha'am bishgagah ("for all the people were in ignorance") highlights that the sin was committed unintentionally due to a collective error. The Talmud (Horayot 3a) derives from here that this atonement only applies when the Sanhedrin issues an incorrect ruling that leads the people to transgress, not for individual errors in judgment.

Halachic Implications

  • The Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot 1:1) rules this offering is brought specifically when the Sanhedrin errs in a halachic ruling and the majority of Israel acts upon that error.
  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 112) explains this mitzvah demonstrates Hashem's mercy, providing a path to atonement even for communal sins committed without malicious intent.
  • The inclusion of the ger toshav shows the Torah's concern for all who live according to its moral framework (Sforno on Numbers 15:26).

Philosophical Dimensions

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) connects this to the idea that when the community repents collectively, their atonement is more readily accepted. The verse's inclusive language ("all the congregation") teaches that Jewish spiritual life is inherently communal - we share both responsibility and atonement as one people (Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch on Numbers 15:26).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shevuot 13a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing atonement for unintentional sins committed by the community, emphasizing the inclusion of both Israelites and strangers in the forgiveness process.
📖 Horayot 6b
Referenced in a discussion about communal sacrifices and the conditions under which the community receives atonement for inadvertent transgressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:26 mean?
A: Numbers 15:26 teaches that when the entire community of Israel unintentionally sins due to ignorance, forgiveness is possible through the atonement process. This includes both native Israelites and converts ('the stranger'). Rashi explains that this refers specifically to cases where the Sanhedrin (Jewish court) mistakenly rules incorrectly, leading the people to sin unintentionally.
Q: Why is the 'stranger' (convert) mentioned separately in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes that converts are included in this communal atonement to show their equal status in Jewish law. Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot 12:1) explains that converts who follow Torah law are treated exactly like native-born Jews regarding atonement for unintentional sins. The separate mention reinforces their full inclusion in the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple sacrifices described here, the Talmud (Shevuot 39a) teaches that sincere repentance, prayer, and charity can bring forgiveness for unintentional sins. The principle remains that when Jews err collectively due to lack of proper Torah knowledge, communal repentance is necessary. This is especially relevant today regarding matters where widespread misunderstanding exists.