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Numbers 19:1 - Divine purification commandment revealed.

Numbers 19:1 - במדבר 19:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וְאֶל־אַהֲרֹן לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe ve'el-Aharon lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Dual Address to Moshe and Aharon

The verse states, "And the Lord spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying" (Shemot 12:1). Rashi comments that this phrasing indicates that both Moshe and Aharon were addressed equally in this communication, despite Moshe's primary role as the leader. The Ramban elaborates that this teaches us the importance of Aharon's participation in the mitzvah of sanctifying the new moon (Rosh Chodesh), which is introduced in the subsequent verses.

Aharon's Elevated Role

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 15:3) notes that Aharon was often included in divine communications to emphasize his stature as Moshe's partner in leadership. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) explains that Aharon's presence here underscores the principle that collaboration in Torah leadership is essential, even when one figure (Moshe) is clearly primary.

The Significance of "Saying" (לֵאמֹר)

The term "saying" (לֵאמֹר) is interpreted by the Sforno as an instruction for Moshe and Aharon to transmit these words to Bnei Yisrael. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this dual transmission ensured clarity and unity in teaching the laws of Rosh Chodesh, which would later form the basis of the Jewish calendar.

Key Lessons from This Verse

  • Leadership Partnership: Even when one leader is primary, collaboration is valued (Rashi, Ramban).
  • Aharon's Honor: His inclusion highlights the respect due to Torah scholars and leaders (Midrash Shemot Rabbah).
  • Transmission of Torah: The term "saying" emphasizes the responsibility to teach and clarify mitzvot (Sforno, Ohr HaChaim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the verse mention both Moshe and Aharon when Hashem speaks?
A: According to Rashi, when a command involves both Moshe and Aharon together, it shows the importance of unity in leadership. The Midrash explains that Aharon was included here specifically because the laws of purity (discussed in this chapter) relate to the Kohanim (priests), and Aharon was the first Kohen Gadol (High Priest).
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה' (And Hashem spoke)?
A: The Rambam teaches that when the Torah says 'Hashem spoke,' it emphasizes that these are divine commandments, not human ideas. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) explains that every word from Hashem carries eternal significance for the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the verse end with 'לֵאמֹר' (saying)?
A: Rashi explains that 'לֵאמֹר' means Moshe and Aharon were commanded to relay these words to the Jewish people. The Sifrei adds that this teaches us leaders must clearly communicate Torah teachings to others.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon?
A: The Midrash teaches that this shows the importance of respectful communication - even Hashem 'speaks' rather than commands. The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) derives from here that we should always speak gently, especially when teaching Torah.
Q: Why is this verse at the beginning of the laws of the red heifer (Parah Adumah)?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that mentioning both Moshe and Aharon introduces these complex laws of purity to show that even our greatest leaders must humbly accept mitzvot we don't fully understand. The red heifer represents the idea that some divine commandments transcend human logic.