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Numbers 9:11 - Second chance for Passover offering?

Numbers 9:11 - במדבר 9:11

Hebrew Text

בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִי בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר יוֹם בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם יַעֲשׂוּ אֹתוֹ עַל־מַצּוֹת וּמְרֹרִים יֹאכְלֻהוּ׃

English Translation

On the fourteenth day of the second month at evening they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Transliteration

Bachodesh hasheni be'arba'ah asar yom bein ha'arbayim ya'asu oto al-matztot umrorim yokhluhu.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִ֜י בְּאַרְבָּעָ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר י֛וֹם בֵּ֥ין הָעַרְבַּ֖יִם יַעֲשׂ֣וּ אֹת֑וֹ עַל־מַצּ֥וֹת וּמְרֹרִ֖ים יֹאכְלֻֽהוּ׃
בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִ֜י בְּאַרְבָּעָ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר י֛וֹם בֵּ֥ין הָעַרְבַּ֖יִם יַעֲשׂ֣וּ אֹת֑וֹ עַל־מַצּ֥וֹת וּמְרֹרִ֖ים יֹאכְלֻֽהוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 9:11) discusses the observance of Pesach Sheni (the "Second Passover"), which was instituted for those who were unable to bring the Korban Pesach (Passover offering) at its proper time in Nisan due to ritual impurity or being on a distant journey. The Torah grants them a second opportunity to observe the mitzvah one month later, on the 14th of Iyar.

Key Elements of the Verse

  • בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִי (The Second Month): Refers to Iyar, as explained by Rashi, since Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar (Shemot 12:2).
  • בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם (At Evening): Rashi clarifies that this refers to the afternoon hours, from approximately midday until nightfall, when the Korban Pesach was to be slaughtered (Pesachim 58a).
  • עַל־מַצּוֹת וּמְרֹרִים (With Unleavened Bread and Bitter Herbs): The mitzvah parallels the original Pesach, requiring matzah and maror, as derived from the original commandment in Shemot 12:8 (Rambam, Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:1).

Halachic Implications

According to the Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:7-8), Pesach Sheni is observed in the same manner as the first Pesach, with the following distinctions:

  • Chametz is permitted in the home during Pesach Sheni (unlike the strict prohibition during Nisan).
  • The obligation to eat matzah and maror applies only to those partaking of the Korban Pesach, not as a universal requirement.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 9:7) highlights the exceptional nature of Pesach Sheni as an act of divine compassion. When those who were impure approached Moshe with their dilemma, Hashem responded with this additional opportunity, teaching that sincere desire to fulfill mitzvot is met with divine accommodation.

Spiritual Lesson

The Sefat Emet (on Pesach Sheni) teaches that this mitzvah symbolizes the concept of teshuvah (repentance)—even if one misses an initial opportunity, sincere effort can lead to a "second chance" in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 9:11 mean?
A: Numbers 9:11 discusses the Pesach Sheni (Second Passover), an opportunity for those who were ritually impure or unable to bring the Passover offering in Nissan (the first month) to observe it a month later, on the 14th of Iyar. They must eat it with matzah (unleavened bread) and maror (bitter herbs), just like the regular Passover.
Q: Why is Pesach Sheni important?
A: Pesach Sheni teaches us about second chances in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Pesachim 93a) explains that when people who were impure asked Moshe for an opportunity to bring the Passover offering, Hashem granted their request. This shows that sincere desire to fulfill mitzvot is precious to Hashem, even if one couldn't do it at the proper time.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 9:11 today?
A: We learn that Torah makes accommodations for those who genuinely want to serve Hashem but face obstacles. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:1-2) explains the laws of Pesach Sheni, showing that the Torah values sincere effort. Today, though we don't have the Temple, this teaches us to always seek ways to grow in mitzvah observance.
Q: Why do they eat matzah and maror on Pesach Sheni?
A: Rashi explains that Pesach Sheni must mirror the original Passover in Nissan (Exodus 12:8), which requires eating the sacrifice with matzah and maror. Matzah represents redemption and humility, while maror reminds us of the bitterness of slavery. These elements remain essential to properly observe this mitzvah, even in the second month.
Q: Does Pesach Sheni apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring the Passover offering without the Temple, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15) emphasizes the spiritual message of Pesach Sheni: it's never too late to correct missed opportunities in serving Hashem. Many have the custom to eat matzah on Pesach Sheni (14 Iyar) to commemorate this idea, as mentioned in Mishnah Berurah (489:10).