To slaughter the second Paschal Lamb
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This Mitzvah's Summary
Those unable to bring the Korban Pesach on 14 Nissan must bring it one month later, on 14 Iyar, at twilight.
This mitzvah establishes Pesach Sheni — the “Second Passover.” It allows those who were impure or distant during the first Pesach to offer the sacrifice one month later. Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:1–3) codifies that the offering is slaughtered on 14 Iyar at twilight, following the same rules as the first Pesach.
Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 381) explains that Hashem, in His compassion, provided this mitzvah so that no one would be excluded from the redemption. The Talmud (Pesachim 93a–95a) details the laws of Pesach Sheni, emphasizing both its similarity to and distinctions from the first Pesach. Rashi (Num. 9:11) notes that it is eaten with matzah and maror, showing continuity of ritual. Ramban emphasizes the mitzvah’s lesson of Divine mercy and second chances — that even those left out may still join the covenantal celebration.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:1–3): Laws of Pesach Sheni slaughter.
- Sefer HaChinuch (381): Frames it as Divine compassion ensuring inclusion.
- Talmud (Pesachim 93a–95a): Clarifies similarities and differences with the first Pesach.
- Rashi (Num. 9:11): Highlights eating with matzah and maror.
- Ramban (Num. 9:11): Stresses lesson of mercy and second chances.
Contrast with First Pesach (Mitzvah 404):
- The first Pesach is obligatory for all; the second applies only to those who missed the first.
- Rambam distinguishes: missing the first brings liability of karet unless one brings the second.
- Talmud (Pesachim 95a) teaches that the second Pesach has no festival status of its own, but exists to repair the missed obligation.
Parallel to Yom Kippur (Mitzvah 400):
- Just as Yom Kippur provides a second chance for sins through atonement, Pesach Sheni provides a second chance for mitzvah fulfillment.
- Sefer HaChinuch notes both teach Divine mercy.
- Ramban draws the parallel that Israel’s covenant always allows return — whether through korbanot or repentance.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Pesach – פֶּסַח
- Talmud (Pesachim 95a) teaches that Pesach Sheni is identical in offering but differs in timing, ensuring continuity of redemption. Sefer HaChinuch (381) calls it a mercy that redemption remains open to all.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Rambam (Korban Pesach 5:1) codifies that Pesach Sheni, like the first, must be brought in the Mikdash. Ramban adds that the Temple service symbolizes restoration — no covenantal door is permanently closed.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- Talmud (Pesachim 93a–94a) explains that Pesach Sheni follows all sacrificial laws of Pesach Rishon, showing its status as a true korban. Rambam stresses that sacrifices function as covenantal connectors across time.
Mizbeach – מִזְבֵּחַ
- Rashi (Num. 9:11) notes the fats and blood are offered on the altar as in the first Pesach. Talmud (Pesachim 95a) teaches that this ensures equal sanctity at the Mizbeach, affirming the offering’s legitimacy.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 69) explains Pesach Sheni was given after individuals cried “Why should we be diminished?” (Num. 9:7). Their inclusion became a communal victory, ensuring no Jew is left outside the covenant.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that faith is strengthened when second chances exist, showing Hashem’s ongoing presence. Ramban calls this mitzvah a declaration that Hashem desires every Jew’s participation in redemption.
Compassion – רַחֲמִים
- Talmud (Pesachim 93b) highlights Divine compassion: Pesach Sheni was granted so no Jew would feel excluded. Midrash Tanchuma compares it to a king reopening palace gates for latecomers.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Korban Pesach 5:3) notes Pesach Sheni retains full holiness, despite being a secondary chance. Sefer HaChinuch adds that kedushah remains unaltered because the covenant is timeless.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Rambam explains that Pesach Sheni is purely Bein Adam L’Makom: the obligation is between Israel and Hashem, without social dimensions. Talmud (Pesachim 95a) highlights that the mitzvah renews loyalty directly to Hashem.
