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Numbers 29:7 - Teshuvah's sacred day

Numbers 29:7 - במדבר 29:7

Hebrew Text

וּבֶעָשׂוֹר לַחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי הַזֶּה מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם וְעִנִּיתֶם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם כָּל־מְלָאכָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ׃

English Translation

And you shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month a holy gathering; and you shall afflict your souls: you shall not do any work:

Transliteration

Uva'asor lachodesh hashvi'i haze mikra kodesh yihye lachem ve'initem et nafshoteichem kol melacha lo ta'asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבֶעָשׂוֹר֩ לַחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י הַזֶּ֗ה מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑ם כׇּל־מְלָאכָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃
וּבֶעָשׂוֹר֩ לַחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י הַזֶּ֗ה מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑ם כׇּל־מְלָאכָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Tenth of Tishrei: Yom Kippur

The verse (Vayikra 23:27) establishes the sanctity of the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishrei) as Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Rashi explains that this is the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, providing the final opportunity for teshuvah (repentance) and kaparah (atonement) before the heavenly decree is sealed.

The Command to Afflict One's Soul

The phrase "וְעִנִּיתֶם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם" (and you shall afflict your souls) is understood by the Talmud (Yoma 74b) to refer to five specific afflictions:

  • Abstaining from food and drink (fasting)
  • Abstaining from washing or anointing the body
  • Abstaining from wearing leather shoes
  • Abstaining from marital relations
  • Abstaining from work (as stated in the verse)

Prohibition of Melacha (Work)

The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:1-2) explains that the prohibition against work on Yom Kippur is equivalent to that of Shabbat, with the same 39 categories of prohibited labor applying. However, while Shabbat is a day of physical pleasure, Yom Kippur is a day of affliction - both sharing the common theme of dedicating the day entirely to spiritual matters.

The Purpose of the Afflictions

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 313) explains that the afflictions serve to:

  • Humble the soul before Hashem
  • Create a physical sensation that mirrors the spiritual work of repentance
  • Allow one to focus entirely on spiritual matters without physical distractions

The Holiness of the Day

The Sforno notes that the term "מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ" (holy gathering) indicates that the day's sanctity is achieved through gathering in prayer and repentance. The Vilna Gaon adds that the numerical value of "הַשְּׁבִיעִי" (the seventh) corresponds to concepts of completion and spiritual perfection, reflecting Yom Kippur's role in perfecting one's relationship with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 74b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of Yom Kippur, particularly regarding the prohibition of work and the commandment to afflict one's soul.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 32a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the sanctity of the day and the special prayers recited on Yom Kippur.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is cited in the context of the Torah readings for Yom Kippur, emphasizing the importance of the day's observance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'afflict your souls' mean in Numbers 29:7?
A: In Numbers 29:7, 'afflict your souls' refers to the mitzvah of fasting and repentance on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 73b), this includes abstaining from food, drink, washing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations—five afflictions meant to humble ourselves before Hashem.
Q: Why is the 10th day of the 7th month significant?
A: The 10th day of the 7th month (Tishrei) is Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The Torah designates it as a day for atonement and spiritual purification (Vayikra 16:30). Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:7) teaches that this is the day when sincere repentance can achieve complete forgiveness from Hashem.
Q: Why is work forbidden on Yom Kippur?
A: The Torah prohibits work on Yom Kippur (like Shabbat and other holidays) to allow full focus on repentance and prayer. The Mishnah (Yoma 8:9) explains that physical rest helps direct the soul toward spiritual reflection. Melachah (creative labor) is forbidden to emphasize the day's sanctity.
Q: How do we observe this verse today?
A: Today, Jews observe this verse by keeping Yom Kippur as a 25-hour fast with intensive prayer (five services, including Neilah). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 611) details the laws, such as wearing white (symbolizing purity) and reciting Vidui (confession) to fulfill the commandment of 'afflicting the soul.'
Q: What is the connection between Yom Kippur and the 'holy gathering' mentioned here?
A: The 'holy gathering' (mikra kodesh) refers to the communal prayer services on Yom Kippur. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar) emphasizes that collective repentance has special power. The Talmud (Yoma 85b) teaches that the entire Jewish people must gather to seek atonement together, as unity amplifies our spiritual merit.