Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the 15th day of the seventh month mentioned in Numbers 29:12?
A: The 15th day of the seventh month (Tishrei) marks the beginning of the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles), as commanded in the Torah. This is a seven-day holiday where we dwell in temporary huts (sukkot) to remember how the Israelites lived in similar structures during their 40 years in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this date is significant because it follows Yom Kippur, symbolizing our renewed closeness to Hashem after atonement.
Q: Why is work forbidden on the first day of Sukkot according to this verse?
A: The Torah prohibits 'melachah' (servile work) on the first day of Sukkot (and also on Shemini Atzeret, the eighth day) because these days are considered 'mikra kodesh' (holy gatherings). The Talmud (Chagigah 18a) explains that just like Shabbat and other festivals, these days are set aside for spiritual reflection, prayer, and joy in serving Hashem, not for mundane labor.
Q: How do we observe the seven-day festival mentioned in Numbers 29:12 today?
A: Today, we observe Sukkot by building and dwelling in a sukkah (as commanded in Vayikra 23:42), taking the Four Species (lulav, etrog, hadassim, and aravot), and rejoicing before Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Sukkah 6:7) emphasizes that this joy includes festive meals, singing praises, and sharing with others. In Israel, it's seven days (with the first day as Yom Tov), while outside Israel, an eighth day (Shemini Atzeret) is added.
Q: What is the spiritual meaning behind the seven days of Sukkot?
A: The seven days represent completeness and divine protection. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:2) teaches that the sukkah symbolizes the 'clouds of glory' that surrounded the Israelites in the desert, showing Hashem's constant care. Additionally, the Zohar connects the seven days to the seven 'ushpizin' (heavenly guests - Avraham, Yitzchak, etc.) who visit each night, and the seven divine attributes we strive to perfect.
Q: Why does the verse specify the 'seventh month' for this holiday?
A: Tishrei, the seventh month, is agriculturally the time of harvest in Israel (hence Sukkot is also called 'Chag HaAsif' - the Harvest Festival). On a deeper level, the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) explains that the number seven represents completion (like the seven days of creation), and this month follows the spiritual 'completion' of the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), making it ideal for joyous celebration.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 23:39) discusses the festival of Sukkot, which begins on the 15th day of the seventh month (Tishrei). This follows immediately after Yom Kippur, marking a transition from the solemnity of repentance to the joy of dwelling in Sukkot. The Torah emphasizes that this is a mikra kodesh (holy gathering) with a prohibition of melachah (servile work) and a seven-day celebration.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 23:39) notes that the phrase "וְחַגֹּתֶם חַג לַיהוָה שִׁבְעַת יָמִים" ("you shall keep a feast to the Lord seven days") refers specifically to the mitzvah of rejoicing during Sukkot. He cites the Talmud (Sukkah 48a) to explain that this joy is expressed through offerings, feasting, and the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah. Rashi also highlights that the first day of Sukkot is a Yom Tov (festival day) with a work prohibition, while the remaining days are Chol HaMoed (intermediate days with fewer restrictions).
Rambam on the Nature of the Festival
In Hilchot Shofar, Sukkah, v’Lulav (8:12), the Rambam (Maimonides) explains that Sukkot is a time of universal joy, commemorating both the Exodus (as we recall the temporary dwellings in the wilderness) and the agricultural harvest (as it coincides with the gathering of crops). The seven-day duration symbolizes completeness, reflecting the divine protection and providence experienced in the desert.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:2) connects Sukkot to divine judgment, noting that after the introspection of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot represents Hashem’s merciful acceptance of our repentance. The seven days parallel the seven "clouds of glory" that enveloped Bnei Yisrael in the desert, emphasizing divine shelter and closeness.
Halachic Implications