Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 29:39 mean?
A: Numbers 29:39 lists the various offerings that were brought to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) during the Jewish festivals (מועדים). These include voluntary offerings like vows (נדרים) and freewill offerings (נדבות), as well as mandatory offerings like burnt offerings (עולות), meal offerings (מנחות), drink offerings (נסכים), and peace offerings (שלמים). The verse emphasizes that these are in addition to the regular daily offerings.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it outlines the additional sacrifices brought during the Jewish festivals (מועדים), showing how these special times were marked with extra devotion to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin) explains that these offerings elevated the sanctity of the festivals and provided opportunities for individuals to express gratitude, repentance, or dedication beyond the regular Temple service.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 29:39 today?
A: Even though we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash, we learn from this verse the importance of adding extra spiritual effort during Jewish holidays. Just as our ancestors brought additional offerings, today we enhance our prayers, Torah study, and acts of kindness during festivals. The Midrash (Sifrei) teaches that voluntary offerings (נדבות) represent personal commitment, reminding us to go beyond the minimum in serving Hashem.
Q: How were the offerings in Numbers 29:39 different from daily offerings?
A: Rashi explains that the offerings mentioned here were in addition to the daily Tamid (constant) offerings. The Musaf (additional) offerings were unique to each festival (e.g., Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot), with varying numbers of animals as specified in earlier verses. The voluntary vows (נדרים) and freewill offerings (נדבות) were personal contributions that individuals chose to bring during these special times.
Q: What is the significance of the peace offerings (שלמים) mentioned in this verse?
A: The שלמים (peace offerings) symbolized harmony between Hashem, the kohanim (priests), and the one bringing the offering, as parts were burned on the altar, given to the kohanim, and eaten by the owner. The Talmud (Chulin 12a) teaches that these offerings fostered unity and joy during festivals. Today, we emulate this through festive meals (seudot) on holidays, which serve as spiritual gatherings of peace and gratitude.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Numbers 29:39) appears in the context of the Torah's discussion of the korbanot (sacrifices) brought during the festivals (moadim). It serves as a summary statement after detailing the additional offerings (musafim) for each holiday, emphasizing that these are obligatory and distinct from voluntary offerings.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi clarifies that this verse teaches that the festival offerings (korbanot moed) are mandatory and separate from personal vows (nedarim) and freewill offerings (nedavot). Even if one has already pledged voluntary sacrifices, they must still bring the required festival offerings. This highlights the importance of communal obligations in addition to individual expressions of devotion.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (Laws of Continual and Additional Offerings), Rambam codifies that the festival sacrifices are a fixed requirement for the community, underscoring their role in sanctifying the appointed times. He emphasizes that these offerings cannot be substituted by voluntary ones, as they serve a unique function in maintaining the sacred calendar.
Midrashic Insight
The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash on Numbers) explains that the phrase "אלה תעשו לה'" ("These things you shall do to the Lord") teaches that the festival offerings must be performed with pure intent (lishmah), solely for the sake of fulfilling the divine commandment. This aligns with the broader Torah principle that mitzvot require proper intention (kavanah).
Types of Offerings Mentioned
Halachic Implications
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 404) derives from this verse that the festival offerings are a perpetual obligation, binding even in future generations. This reinforces the idea that the moadim are not merely historical commemorations but ongoing opportunities for divine service and connection.