Mount Sinai and Joseph of Atzereth

Sifrei Devarim turns to Mount Sinai and Joseph of Atzereth.

Why mention each of these individually? Well, Sifrei Devarim suggests it’s because they aren’t mutually derivable. Each has its own distinct quality and isn't simply a variation of another.

The verse from Deuteronomy (16:12) says: "And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and you shall take heed and observe these statutes." This line connects the rejoicing obligations of Atzereth (Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks) to Pesach (Passover) and Succoth (the Festival of Tabernacles). The text suggests that all the obligations of rejoicing that apply on Atzereth also apply on Pesach and Succoth, as all commemorate the exodus from Egypt.

Hold on a second! Does that mean everything we do on Pesach and Succoth, like eating matzoth (unleavened bread) or dwelling in a succah (a temporary dwelling), also applies to Atzereth? That’s where the phrase "these statutes" comes in. The text clarifies that these specific statutes apply to Atzereth, but not the other rituals like matzoh, succah, lulav (palm branch), or the seven-day duration of the festivals.

So, what does all this mean?

It's a reminder that while our holidays share common threads – like remembering our history and expressing gratitude – they also have their own distinct character. Atzereth, or Shavuot, has its own unique way of expressing joy, different from the ways we express joy on Pesach or Succoth.

The passage emphasizes that we shouldn't assume that all observances are interchangeable. The Torah is precise in its language, and each holiday carries its own specific message and set of practices. We have to pay attention to the nuances and appreciate the individual flavor of each festival. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about understanding the specific form of joy and remembrance that each holiday invites us to experience.

re'iah (a burnt-offering) is entirely (consumed) for the Most High;

chagigah obtains both before the Word (the giving of the Torah) and afterwards;

simchah obtains with both men and women (as opposed to the others, which obtain only with men.)

This (i.e., their uniqueness) being so, Scripture had to mention all of them (individually, their not being mutually derivable.)

(Devarim 16:12) "And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and you shall take heed and observe these statutes": This teaches us that all (the obligations of rejoicing) which obtain on Atzereth (Shavuoth) obtain on Pesach and Succoth, (these, too, commemorating the exodus from Egypt.) — But perhaps all that obtains on Pesach and Succoth (e.g., matzoth, lulav, etc.) also obtain on Atzereth! It is, therefore, written "these statutes." These obtain on Atzereth, but not matzoh, succah, lulav, and seven (days).