Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 29:15 mean?
A: Numbers 29:15 discusses the grain offerings (flour mixed with oil) brought during the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles). Specifically, it states that for each of the 14 lambs offered on the first day of Sukkot, a tenth of an ephah (a unit of measure) of fine flour was required as part of the meal offering (Mincha). This teaches the importance of detailed mitzvah observance in the Temple service.
Q: Why is the number 14 significant in Numbers 29:15?
A: The 14 lambs mentioned in Numbers 29:15 correspond to the additional sacrifices (Musaf) brought on the first day of Sukkot. According to Rashi, this number is part of a larger sequence of sacrifices that decrease each day of Sukkot (13 lambs on the second day, 12 on the third, etc.), symbolizing humility and the temporary nature of worldly matters—key themes of Sukkot.
Q: What can we learn from the grain offering in Numbers 29:15?
A: The grain offering (Mincha) accompanying each lamb teaches that even when performing major mitzvot like sacrifices, we must not neglect the 'smaller' details (like the precise measurement of flour). The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos) emphasizes that every aspect of Divine service requires intention and care, reflecting our complete devotion to Hashem.
Q: How does Numbers 29:15 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the verse reminds us to approach mitzvot with precision and generosity. The Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that studying the laws of sacrifices is considered as if we offered them. Additionally, during Sukkot, we increase our Torah study and acts of kindness—spiritual 'offerings' that parallel the Temple service.
Q: Why does the Torah specify a 'tenth measure' in this verse?
A: The tenth (עִשָּׂרוֹן) alludes to the concept of giving our best to Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:11) notes that tithes (also tenths) represent dedicating a portion of our material wealth to holiness. Here, it signifies that even in ritual offerings, we must give with generosity and mindfulness of Hashem's blessings.
Explanation of the Verse
The verse "וְעִשָּׂרוֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן לַכֶּבֶשׂ הָאֶחָד לְאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר כְּבָשִׂים" (and a tenth measure to each lamb of the fourteen lambs) appears in the context of the Musaf offerings brought on the festival of Sukkot (Numbers 29:13-34). This verse specifies the grain offering (mincha) accompanying the animal sacrifices.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that this verse refers to the flour offering (עִשָּׂרוֹן – issaron) brought with each of the fourteen lambs sacrificed on the first day of Sukkot. He notes that each lamb required one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil (based on Leviticus 14:10). This measurement was standard for most mincha offerings accompanying animal sacrifices.
Rambam's Explanation
Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (Laws of Daily and Additional Offerings 10:14) elaborates that the fourteen lambs mentioned here were part of the additional festival offerings (korbanot musaf) of Sukkot. The grain offerings were an integral part of these sacrifices, demonstrating the principle that animal offerings were typically accompanied by flour and wine libations (Numbers 15:1-10).
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash Tanchuma (Emor 19) connects the fourteen lambs to the fourteen descendants of Yaakov (his twelve sons plus Yosef’s two sons, Ephraim and Menashe), symbolizing unity among the tribes during the festival. The equal measure of flour for each lamb (issaron la’keves ha’echad) teaches that all of Israel shares equally in Divine service, regardless of individual status.
Halachic Significance