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Numbers 28:26 - Shavuot's sacred harvest offering

Numbers 28:26 - במדבר 28:26

Hebrew Text

וּבְיוֹם הַבִּכּוּרִים בְּהַקְרִיבְכֶם מִנְחָה חֲדָשָׁה לַיהוָה בְּשָׁבֻעֹתֵיכֶם מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ׃

English Translation

Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new meal offering to the Lord, in your feast of weeks, you shall have a holy gathering; you shall do no servile work.

Transliteration

Uv'yom habikurim behakrivchem mincha chadasha la'Adonai b'shavu'oteichem mikra kodesh yihyeh lachem kol melachat avoda lo ta'asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְי֣וֹם הַבִּכּוּרִ֗ים בְּהַקְרִ֨יבְכֶ֜ם מִנְחָ֤ה חֲדָשָׁה֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה בְּשָׁבֻעֹ֖תֵיכֶ֑ם מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃
וּבְי֣וֹם הַבִּכּוּרִ֗ים בְּהַקְרִ֨יבְכֶ֜ם מִנְחָ֤ה חֲדָשָׁה֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה בְּשָׁבֻעֹ֖תֵיכֶ֑ם מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 28:26) discusses the observance of Shavuot, referred to here as "Yom HaBikkurim" (the Day of Firstfruits) and "Chag HaShavuot" (the Feast of Weeks). This day marks the culmination of the seven-week Omer counting period and is one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Shalosh Regalim). The verse emphasizes the sanctity of the day, the offering of the new meal offering (Mincha Chadasha), and the prohibition of melacha (servile work).

Yom HaBikkurim and Shavuot

Rashi explains that "Yom HaBikkurim" refers to the day when the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (the "Shtei HaLechem" offering) were brought in the Beit HaMikdash. The term "Shavuot" (Weeks) highlights the completion of the seven-week Omer count from Pesach. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:1) elaborates that this was a time of rejoicing and gratitude to Hashem for the harvest.

The New Meal Offering (Mincha Chadasha)

The "Mincha Chadasha" mentioned is the Shtei HaLechem (Two Loaves) offering, made from the new wheat harvest (Vayikra 23:16-17). The Talmud (Menachot 84b) discusses the requirement for this offering to come from freshly ripened wheat. The Mincha Chadasha symbolizes renewal and dedication of the first produce to Hashem, as taught by the Sforno.

Mikra Kodesh and Prohibition of Melacha

The verse declares Shavuot a "Mikra Kodesh" (holy gathering), akin to Shabbat and other festivals, requiring cessation from melacha (work). The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:1) classifies this prohibition similarly to other Yom Tov restrictions, permitting only food preparation (Ochel Nefesh). The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 143) links this sanctity to the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, which tradition associates with Shavuot.

Key Teachings from Orthodox Commentators

  • Rashi: Emphasizes that "Yom HaBikkurim" is the day of bringing the Shtei HaLechem, marking the wheat harvest's beginning.
  • Rambam: Highlights the dual nature of Shavuot as both an agricultural celebration and a commemoration of Matan Torah.
  • Sforno: Stresses that the "Mincha Chadasha" represents gratitude for sustenance and dedication to divine service.
  • Talmud (Chagigah 18a): Explains the prohibition of melacha as a means to focus on spiritual elevation and Torah study.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 65a
The verse is discussed in the context of the offerings brought on Shavuot, particularly the new meal offering mentioned in the verse.
📖 Chagigah 17b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of doing servile work on the festival of Shavuot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'day of the firstfruits' refer to in Numbers 28:26?
A: The 'day of the firstfruits' refers to the festival of Shavuot, when the Jewish people brought the first fruits (bikkurim) of the wheat harvest as an offering in the Temple. This is explained in Rashi (Numbers 28:26) and the Talmud (Menachot 84b).
Q: Why is Shavuot called a 'holy gathering' in this verse?
A: Shavuot is called a 'holy gathering' (mikra kodesh) because it is one of the pilgrimage festivals (shalosh regalim) when the Jewish people would gather in Jerusalem. Like Shabbat and other holidays, it is a time to refrain from work and focus on spiritual matters, as taught in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:1).
Q: What kind of work is prohibited on Shavuot according to this verse?
A: The verse prohibits 'servile work' (melachat avodah), which refers to weekday labor or business activities, similar to the restrictions on Shabbat and other holidays. The Talmud (Beitzah 36b) discusses the specific types of work permitted and forbidden on Yom Tov.
Q: What is the 'new meal offering' mentioned in Numbers 28:26?
A: The 'new meal offering' (mincha chadasha) refers to the special grain offering brought from the new wheat harvest on Shavuot, known as the 'Two Loaves' (shtei halechem). This is described in detail in the Talmud (Menachot 45a) and symbolizes gratitude for the harvest.
Q: How is the commandment in Numbers 28:26 observed today without the Temple?
A: Today, without the Temple, we observe Shavuot by studying Torah (especially staying up all night learning), reciting special prayers, and eating dairy foods (a custom mentioned in the Rema, Orach Chaim 494:3). The essence of the holiday remains a time of spiritual renewal and connection to Torah.