Not to slaughter it while in possession of leaven
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to slaughter the Korban Pesach while chametz remains in one’s possession.
The Torah forbids slaughtering the Korban Pesach while chametz remains in the house or domain of the owner. This mitzvah emphasizes the incompatibility of chametz — symbol of arrogance and corruption — with the Paschal offering, which recalls humility, redemption, and devotion. Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:5–6) rules that one who slaughters the Pesach with chametz in possession violates this prohibition, even if the chametz is not eaten.
Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 487) explains that chametz represents spiritual puffiness, pride, and distance from Hashem. By forbidding it at the time of the Pesach, the Torah instills humility and purity during the reenactment of redemption. The Talmud (Pesachim 63b–64a) establishes that chametz must be entirely removed before slaughter. Rashi (Ex. 23:18) comments that this mitzvah ensures the Pesach remains untainted by the antithesis of its meaning. Ramban adds that chametz and Pesach are polar symbols — the first of sin, the second of salvation.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:5–6): Forbids slaughtering Pesach while owning chametz.
- Sefer HaChinuch (487): Explains chametz as arrogance and impurity.
- Talmud (Pesachim 63b–64a): Requires removal of chametz before Pesach slaughter.
- Rashi (Ex. 23:18): Stresses incompatibility of chametz and korban.
- Ramban (Ex. 23:18): Contrasts chametz as sin with Pesach as redemption.
Contrast with Not Eating Chametz on Pesach (Mitzvah 110):
- Mitzvah 405 forbids slaughtering Pesach while owning chametz; Mitzvah 110 forbids eating it.
- Rambam notes that the former concerns the offering itself, while the latter governs personal conduct.
- Talmud (Pesachim 28a) treats possession and consumption as separate prohibitions, together ensuring total removal.
Parallel to Burning Chametz (Mitzvah 109):
- The mitzvah to destroy chametz on 14 Nissan parallels this prohibition: the destruction enables Pesach to be offered in purity.
- Sefer HaChinuch explains that both mitzvot create symbolic cleansing, ensuring Israel’s redemption is reenacted without trace of arrogance.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Pesach – פֶּסַח
- Sefer HaChinuch (487) links the Pesach sacrifice to humility and devotion, explaining that chametz represents pride, making it incompatible. Talmud (Pesachim 63b) codifies that the Pesach cannot be slaughtered with chametz present, emphasizing redemption’s purity.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Rambam (Korban Pesach 1:6) rules that this prohibition applies only in the Temple service, showing how sanctity of the Mikdash demands complete removal of impurity. Ramban notes the Temple unites Israel in sanctity through this careful exclusion.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- Talmud (Pesachim 63b–64a) treats chametz during the korban as a disqualifier. Rambam (Issurei Mizbeach 5:3) stresses that korbanot must be pure of any conflicting element. This mitzvah maintains the integrity of sacrificial devotion.
Chametz – חָמֵץ
- Rashi (Ex. 23:18) explains chametz represents arrogance and sin. Midrash Shemot Rabbah (15:6) expands that chametz’s puffiness symbolizes spiritual pride, which Pesach seeks to reject.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Sefer HaChinuch explains that kedushah is separation: forbidding chametz at Pesach slaughter draws Israel away from corruption. Talmud (Pesachim 28a) enforces strict nullification of chametz to preserve holiness.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Neg. 89) codifies that reverence for Hashem demands complete obedience in sacrificial purity. Talmud (Pesachim 64a) teaches awe is shown by ensuring no chametz remains even in hidden places.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Midrash Shemot Rabbah (16:2) explains that removing chametz builds faith, showing reliance on Hashem alone in redemption. Ramban connects faith with action — by ridding chametz, Israel declares loyalty to Hashem’s salvation.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Rambam rules this mitzvah as purely Bein Adam L’Makom: it honors Hashem’s covenant by offering Pesach free of spiritual corruption. Talmud (Pesachim 63b) highlights that the violation is against Heaven, not fellow man.
