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Numbers 29:1 - Rosh Hashanah's sacred shofar call

Numbers 29:1 - במדבר 29:1

Hebrew Text

וּבַחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ יוֹם תְּרוּעָה יִהְיֶה לָכֶם׃

English Translation

And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy gathering; you shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the horn to you.

Transliteration

Uvachodesh hashvi'i be'echad lachodesh mikra-kodesh yihyeh lachem kol-melechet avoda lo ta'asu yom teru'a yihyeh lachem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ י֥וֹם תְּרוּעָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶֽם׃
וּבַחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ י֥וֹם תְּרוּעָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Seventh Month and Rosh Hashanah

The verse refers to the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei), which is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Although it is called the "seventh month" in the Torah, it is considered the beginning of the year in terms of the counting of years and the judgment of mankind (Rosh Hashanah 1:1). This duality reflects its dual nature as both a continuation of the calendar and a new beginning.

The Prohibition of Melachah (Servile Work)

The Torah prohibits melachah (servile work) on this day, similar to Shabbat (Rashi, Bamidbar 29:1). However, unlike Shabbat, certain food preparations (ochel nefesh) are permitted when necessary (Rambam, Hilchot Yom Tov 1:5). This distinction highlights that while Rosh Hashanah is a day of rest, it also allows for basic needs to sustain the joy of the holiday.

Yom Teruah: The Day of Blowing the Shofar

The verse calls this day Yom Teruah (a day of blowing the horn), emphasizing the mitzvah of sounding the shofar. The shofar serves multiple purposes:

  • Awakening to Repentance: The sound is meant to stir the soul to teshuvah (repentance), as Rambam explains in Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4.
  • Coronation of Hashem: The blasts symbolize the coronation of G-d as King on this day of judgment (Rosh Hashanah 16a).
  • Remembrance of the Akeidah: The ram’s horn recalls the binding of Yitzchak (Avraham’s test), demonstrating Jewish devotion to Hashem (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer 31).

The Hidden Nature of Rosh Hashanah

Interestingly, the verse does not explicitly call this day "Rosh Hashanah" or mention its themes of judgment and kingship. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) explains that these concepts are deliberately concealed in the written Torah but revealed in the oral tradition. This teaches that some aspects of divine service require deeper study and transmission through mesorah (tradition).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 29b
The verse is discussed in the context of the mitzvah of blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, which is the first day of the seventh month.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Torah readings for the festivals, including Rosh Hashanah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 'seventh month' mentioned in Numbers 29:1?
A: The 'seventh month' refers to the month of Tishrei, which is considered especially holy in the Jewish calendar. According to Rashi, this month contains several major holidays, including Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Festival of Booths). The first day of Tishrei is Rosh Hashanah, a day of judgment and renewal.
Q: Why is blowing the shofar (horn) important on this day?
A: The shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah as a call to repentance and spiritual awakening. The Rambam explains that the sound of the shofar serves as a reminder to examine our deeds and return to Hashem. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) also teaches that the shofar confuses the Satan (the prosecuting angel), allowing our prayers to be heard favorably.
Q: What does it mean that no 'servile work' should be done on this day?
A: The Torah prohibits 'melachah' (creative labor) on Rosh Hashanah, similar to Shabbat, as it is a holy day dedicated to prayer and reflection. Rashi explains that 'servile work' refers to weekday activities that distract from the spiritual focus of the day. Only essential tasks related to food preparation (under certain conditions) are permitted.
Q: How is this verse relevant to Jews today?
A: This verse establishes the observance of Rosh Hashanah as a biblical commandment. Today, Jews worldwide gather in synagogues for prayer, hear the shofar, and refrain from work, just as commanded in the Torah. The Midrash teaches that Rosh Hashanah is when Hashem judges all creatures, making it a time for sincere repentance and improvement.
Q: Why is this day called a 'holy gathering' (mikra kodesh)?
A: A 'mikra kodesh' (holy gathering) means the Jewish people are commanded to assemble for prayer and Torah study. The Sforno explains that this gathering elevates the day above ordinary days, creating a communal spiritual experience. The Talmud emphasizes that public prayer on Rosh Hashanah has special merit in arousing divine mercy.