To eat the second Paschal Lamb on the night of the 15th of Iyar

Pesach – פֶּסַח

• Talmud (Pesachim 95a) stresses that Pesach Sheni preserves the eating mitzvah of Pesach Rishon, ensuring continuity of covenant. Sefer HaChinuch (382) calls it a gift of mercy that redemption remains accessible to all, even those who missed the first.

Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ

• Rambam (Korban Pesach 5:7) rules that Pesach Sheni must be eaten in the Mikdash framework, affirming the Temple’s central role in covenant renewal. Ramban highlights that this showed Israel that holiness was never barred by circumstance.

Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת

• Sefer HaChinuch describes Pesach Sheni as a corrective korban, unique in its role of restoring obligation. Talmud (Pesachim 95a) confirms it retains full sacrificial status, even though it lacks accompanying festival restrictions.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 69) recounts how individuals excluded from the first Pesach cried, “Why should we be diminished?” Hashem answered by granting Pesach Sheni, making it a communal inclusion. Their protest ensured all Israel could stand as one in covenant.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rashi (Num. 9:11) explains that matzah and maror tie Pesach Sheni to faith in redemption. Rambam (Guide III:43) adds that repeating the Pesach meal strengthens faith that Hashem’s redemption is timeless, not bound to a single date.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Talmud (Pesachim 93b–95a) emphasizes Hashem’s compassion in creating Pesach Sheni. Midrash Tanchuma compares it to a king reopening his banquet hall for late arrivals, underscoring Divine patience and kindness.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Rambam explains that although Pesach Sheni lacks Yom Tov status, its kedushah is fully intact in the eating mitzvah. Ramban writes that holiness here lies not in communal festival, but in restoring individual standing in the covenant.

Gratitude – הוֹדָיָה

• Talmud (Pesachim 116b) teaches that eating Pesach Sheni with matzah and maror also recalls thanksgiving for Hashem’s compassion. Sefer HaChinuch stresses gratitude is doubled — for redemption itself, and for being granted a second chance.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam notes that Pesach Sheni is purely between the person and Hashem, correcting an obligation to Him directly. Talmud (Pesachim 95a) highlights that this mitzvah reaffirms loyalty to Hashem even after failure or exclusion.