Not to take the Paschal meat from the confines of its group

This mitzvah prohibits taking any part of the Korban Pesach outside of the designated house or group assigned to it. Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:1) rules that each registered group (chaburah) must eat the korban together in one place, without division or dispersion.

Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 8) explains this law reinforces unity and communal identity, as the Paschal meal was meant to strengthen Israel’s covenant as one nation. Talmud (Pesachim 86a) derives that once a group was designated, no member could eat from another group’s korban, emphasizing loyalty to one’s covenantal unit. Rashi (Ex. 12:46) comments that the korban had to be eaten in one house, teaching that covenantal memory is preserved through togetherness. Ramban stresses that this mitzvah highlights the communal nature of redemption — no Israelite could be isolated in celebrating the Exodus.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:1): Prohibits moving meat between houses or groups.
• Sefer HaChinuch (8): Explains this fosters unity and covenantal loyalty.
• Talmud (Pesachim 86a): Forbids eating across groups.
• Rashi (Ex. 12:46): Stresses the importance of one house, one korban.
• Ramban (Ex. 12:46): Links this mitzvah to national unity in redemption.

Contrast with Eating Pesach in Groups (Mitzvah 408):

• Mitzvah 408 commands eating Pesach with matzah and maror; this mitzvah restricts the act to one group and location.
• Talmud (Pesachim 86a) distinguishes between positive unity (eating together) and prohibitive division (not leaving one’s group).
• Rambam notes both mitzvot converge on covenantal solidarity: Pesach is the meal of a nation bound as one.

Parallel to the Gathering of Israel (Mitzvah 425 – Hakhel):

• Just as Hakhel unites all Israel in hearing Torah, Pesach unites households in covenantal eating.
• Sefer HaChinuch (608) draws a parallel: both mitzvot are structured around shared memory and communal faith in Hashem.