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Numbers 9:14 - Strangers join Passover equally?

Numbers 9:14 - במדבר 9:14

Hebrew Text

וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּכֶם גֵּר וְעָשָׂה פֶסַח לַיהוָה כְּחֻקַּת הַפֶּסַח וּכְמִשְׁפָּטוֹ כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה חֻקָּה אַחַת יִהְיֶה לָכֶם וְלַגֵּר וּלְאֶזְרַח הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover to the Lord; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to its prescribed manner, so shall he do: you shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Transliteration

Vechi-yagur itchem ger ve'asa pesach la'Adonai kechukat hapesach uchemishpato ken ya'aseh chukah achat yihyeh lachem velager ule'ezrach ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּכֶ֜ם גֵּ֗ר וְעָ֤שָֽׂה פֶ֙סַח֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה כְּחֻקַּ֥ת הַפֶּ֛סַח וּכְמִשְׁפָּט֖וֹ כֵּ֣ן יַעֲשֶׂ֑ה חֻקָּ֤ה אַחַת֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְלַגֵּ֖ר וּלְאֶזְרַ֥ח הָאָֽרֶץ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְכִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּכֶ֜ם גֵּ֗ר וְעָ֤שָֽׂה פֶ֙סַח֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה כְּחֻקַּ֥ת הַפֶּ֛סַח וּכְמִשְׁפָּט֖וֹ כֵּ֣ן יַעֲשֶׂ֑ה חֻקָּ֤ה אַחַת֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְלַגֵּ֖ר וּלְאֶזְרַ֥ח הָאָֽרֶץ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Inclusion of the Ger in Pesach Observance

The verse (Bamidbar 9:14) establishes a fundamental principle regarding the participation of a ger (stranger/convert) in the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice). The Torah emphasizes equality in mitzvah observance between native-born Israelites and converts, stating "חֻקָּה אַחַת יִהְיֶה לָכֶם וְלַגֵּר" ("one law shall be for you and for the stranger").

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that this refers specifically to a ger tzedek (righteous convert) who has undergone full conversion, including circumcision. He notes that the phrase "וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּכֶם גֵּר" ("if a stranger shall sojourn among you") implies the convert has joined the Jewish people completely, not merely residing among them.

Halachic Requirements for Gerim

The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:1) derives from this verse several key halachot:

  • A convert must observe Pesach in the same manner as a native-born Jew
  • They must participate in the Korban Pesach if they converted before the 14th of Nissan
  • All Pesach regulations (e.g., prohibition of chametz) apply equally

Spiritual Significance

The Sforno explains that this equality reflects the essence of Pesach as commemorating our national birth as a people. Just as the Exodus created the Jewish nation, a convert's acceptance represents a spiritual rebirth into that same nation. The Mechilta notes this parallels the original Pesach in Egypt, where righteous converts from other nations joined Israel in the Exodus.

Practical Implications

Tosafot (Pesachim 96a) discusses how this principle extends beyond Pesach to other mitzvot, establishing the convert's equal status in Jewish law. The Talmud (Keritot 9a) derives from here that a convert brings a korban like other Jews when the Temple stands.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws pertaining to the Passover sacrifice, particularly regarding the inclusion of strangers (gerim) in the observance of Passover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about a stranger keeping Passover mean?
A: This verse teaches that a non-Jew who chooses to live among the Jewish people and observe Passover must follow the same laws as a native-born Jew. The Torah emphasizes equality in mitzvah observance, showing that sincere converts or righteous Gentiles who join the Jewish community are treated the same way when it comes to Passover.
Q: Why is it important that the stranger and native-born have the same Passover laws?
A: The Torah stresses unity in observance to teach that spiritual commitment, not ancestry alone, defines one's relationship with Hashem. Rashi explains that this teaches equality—once someone accepts Torah law, they are fully included in its commandments. This principle applies to converts (gerim) who become part of the Jewish nation.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about welcoming newcomers?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's value of inclusion. The Talmud (Pesachim 92b) discusses how converts are embraced in Jewish practice. By giving the 'stranger' the same Passover obligations, the Torah teaches that sincere individuals who join the Jewish people must be treated with respect and given equal responsibility in mitzvot.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish communities today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to welcome converts and those exploring Judaism with openness, ensuring they follow Passover laws just like any other Jew. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:7) rules that a convert brings the Passover offering like all Jews, reinforcing that Jewish practice is based on commitment to Torah, not lineage alone.
Q: Does this verse mean non-Jews can celebrate Passover?
A: No, this verse refers specifically to a 'ger'—either a convert to Judaism or a 'ger toshav' (a resident alien accepting Torah laws in ancient times). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 3a) states that non-Jews may not independently observe Passover rituals. However, a sincere convert who joins the Jewish people fully takes on these mitzvot.