1)

What is this Pasuk coming to teach us?

1.

Rashi: It teaches us that it is a Mitzvah to arrange the Yamim-Tovim 1 in such a way that all of Yisrael are able to celebrate Yom-Tov - in fulfillment of the Mitzvah of Aliyas Regel - by announcing a leap-year 2 in the event that the Galuyos have left Bavel and will arrive late in Yerushalayim. 3


1

Bearing in mind that "asher Tikr'u osam" refers to Beis-Din fixing the Yamim-Tovim (Refer also to 23:2:4:1).

2

See Torah Temimah, note 2.

3

See Sifsei Chachamim.

2)

Why does the Torah insert the Parshah of Yamim-Tovim, which applies to all of Yisrael, in Toras Kohanim (Vayikra)?

1.

Ramban: Because, although Yamim Tovim per se apply to all of Yisrael, they are days of Korbanos (Musafim), which apply to the Kohanim exclusively. 1


1

Ramban: See for example, Pesukim 8 & 37.

3)

Why are the Musafim not mentioned in this Parshah?

1.

Ramban and Moshav Zekenim: Because Hashem did not intend Yisrael to bring them in the desert. 1


1

Ramban, Moshav Zekenim: And it is only after discussing the division of Eretz Yisrael (in Bamidbar 26:53) that the Torah discusses them.

4)

What are the connotations of "Asher Tikr'u Osam Mikra'ei Kodesh"?

1.

Rashi: Refer to 32:35:1:1.

2.

Ramban #1 and Seforno: The Yamim-Tovim are called "Mikra'ei Kodesh" because it is a Mitzvah to gather in the Beis ha'Keneses to publicly sanctify the day with Tefilah and Hallel, and dressed in one's finery, and to make it a day of festivity. 1

3.

Ramban #2 (citing Targum Onkelos) and Targum Yonasan: 'An occurrence of holiness' - On whichever day they occur, sanctify them.

4.

Ramban #3 (citing the Sifra and Targum Onkelos #2): Make them special with regard to food and drink and fine clothes. 2

5.

Rashbam: Whenever the term 'Keri'ah' appears in connection with 'Mo'adim', it refers to the fixing of times. 3

6.

Mechilta: "Mikra'ei Kodesh" teaches us that it is a Mitzvah to bring in Yom-Tov by reciting Kidush. 4


1

Ramban: As the Pasuk indicates in Nechemyah (8:10). And "Mikra'ei Kodesh" means 'called to sanctify' - as in Yeshayah, 4:5.

2

Ramban: Do not treat them like an ordinary day. See also Ba'al ha'Turim on Pasuk 3.

3

Rashbam: See for example, Eichah, 1:15. Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan also learn like this.See also 'Yayin ha'Tov', note 64.

4

Mechilta (Ibid.) Just as we learnt from "Zachor Es Yom ha'Shabbos Le'kadsho" that it is a Mitzvah to bring in Shabbos by reciting Kidush. Refer to Sh'mos, 20:8:6:4. See also Torah Temimah, note 6.

5)

What is the connection between this Parshah and the previous ones?

1.

Seforno: After discussing the Korbanos and those who bring them, the purpose of which was to rest the Shechinah in Yisrael, 1 the Torah presents the laws of the Mo'ados. The purpose is to desist from mundane activities, on some (Shabbos and Yom Kipur) completely,, and on some (the other Yamim-Tovim) partially, 2 to enable us to study Torah and to indulge in holy pursuits. By doing so, one causes the Shechinah to rest in Yisrael.

2.

Oznayim la'Torah: After discussing issues concerning Makom (location) the Torah now deals with issues concerning Z'man time).


1

Seforno: See Sh'mos 29:42.

2

Seforno: As the Gemara says in Beitzah, 29b 'Half for Hashem and half for you', so that one spends Yom-Tov rejoicing with Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu. Refer also to 23:2:6:1.

6)

What are the connotations of "Eileh heim Mo'adai"?

1.

Seforno 1 : These are My festivals - if you declare them Mikra'ei Kodesh (Refer to 23:2:5:1); but if your celebrations are confined to eating, drinking and merrymaking, then they are your festivals, and I detest them. 2

2.

Oznayim la'Torah: After mentioning the Mo'adim that are fixed by Beis-Din (the Yamim-Tvim), the Torah mentions the Mo'adim that He fixed at the creation (the Shabbasos). 3

3.

Yerushalmi Shevi'is, 10:2: It implies 'If you adhere to the allotted times ? the thirtieth or the thirty-first of the month ? then they are My Mo'adim; otherwise they are not My Mo'adim.


1

Refer to 23:2:5:1.

2

Seforno: As the Pasuk states in Yeshayah, 1:14.

3

See Torah Temimah, note 7.

7)

Why is Mo'adai written Malei - with a 'Vav'?

1.

Moshav Zekenim #1: It alludes to the six months 1 for which Sheluchim go out 2 (to inform people which day was fixed to be Rosh Chodesh. 3

2.

Moshav Zekenim #2: Because there are six Mo'adim - Pesach, Shavu'os, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kipur, Sukos and Shemini Atzeres. 4


1

Surely this is an Asmachta, since three are due to enactments mi'de'Rabanan - Chanukah, Purim and Tish'ah be'Av! The question itself is not clear, since Mo'ed is usually written full. In this Parshah, it is Chaser only ? in Pasuk 44 (PF).

2

See also Ba'al ha'Turim on "Mo'adei Hashem".

3

See Rosh Hashanah 18a

4

Shemini Atzeres is considered a separate Yom-Tov in six ways (See Sukah. 48a) and the last day of Pesach is not a new Yom-Tov (PF).

8)

Why is Mo'adai written Malei - with a 'Vav'?

9)

Why is "Osam" written Chaser - minus a 'Vav'?

1.

Moshav Zekenim: In order to read it 'Atem' ? that fixing Rosh Chodesh is determined by 'You' (the Beis-Din shel Matah). 1

2.

Rosh Hashanah, 24a: By the same token ? refer to answer # - "asher Tikr'u Atem" teaches us that Beis-Din sanctify the new month by announcing 2 'Mekudash!' ? and we learn from "Eileh heim Mo'adai" that the people respond with "Mo'adai" ? twice, since the Torah writes "Mikra'ei Kodesh"(plural).


1

Rosh Hashanah, 25b: "Atam", 'Afilu Muta'in' (if you re tricked)? 'Afilu Anusim ? Afilu Shog'gim'. Moshav Zekenim: And when the angels of the Beis-Din shel Ma'alah ask Hashem when is Rosh Hashanah, he tells them to ask the Beis Din shel Matah.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 3

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