Difference between revisions of "Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7/2"
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<point><b>Reasons for bringing the offerings</b> – Only in Parashat Vayikra do the verses explain the sins and circumstances which mandate bringing a <i>Chatat</i> or <i>Asham</i>, as this is only relevant to the person bringing the offering..</point> | <point><b>Reasons for bringing the offerings</b> – Only in Parashat Vayikra do the verses explain the sins and circumstances which mandate bringing a <i>Chatat</i> or <i>Asham</i>, as this is only relevant to the person bringing the offering..</point> | ||
<point><b>Sacrificial procedure</b> – According to this position's understanding that Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the lay Israelite, it is surprising that most of the sacrificial procedures are mentioned specifically there rather than in Parshat Tzav which addresses the priests.  These sources could answer that the procedure is actually crucial for the layman, who should really be the one performing the entire rite; the priest simply acts as his representative, performing it in his stead. [The first two stages of the process, laying of hands and slaughter,<fn>Even though this was practically done by the priest, slaughter by a non-priest is Kosher and in the verses, the subject of the command to slaughter is always the Israelite, not the priest.  [See, for example, Vayikra 1:5, 1:11, 3:2, 3:8, 3:13, 4:24, and 4:29.]</fn> are even actively done by the individual bringing the offering.]  Once the procedure was mentioned in Parashat Vayikra, it was not necessary to mention it again in Parashat Tzav.  This explanation, however fails to address why the Asham is only mentioned in Vayikra 6 and why the Minchah's procedure is mentioned twice.</point> | <point><b>Sacrificial procedure</b> – According to this position's understanding that Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the lay Israelite, it is surprising that most of the sacrificial procedures are mentioned specifically there rather than in Parshat Tzav which addresses the priests.  These sources could answer that the procedure is actually crucial for the layman, who should really be the one performing the entire rite; the priest simply acts as his representative, performing it in his stead. [The first two stages of the process, laying of hands and slaughter,<fn>Even though this was practically done by the priest, slaughter by a non-priest is Kosher and in the verses, the subject of the command to slaughter is always the Israelite, not the priest.  [See, for example, Vayikra 1:5, 1:11, 3:2, 3:8, 3:13, 4:24, and 4:29.]</fn> are even actively done by the individual bringing the offering.]  Once the procedure was mentioned in Parashat Vayikra, it was not necessary to mention it again in Parashat Tzav.  This explanation, however fails to address why the Asham is only mentioned in Vayikra 6 and why the Minchah's procedure is mentioned twice.</point> | ||
− | <point><b><i>Terumat haDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah offering has nothing to do with the lay Israelite's bringing of the sacrifice, but only the preist's cleaning of the altar afterwards, it is not mentioned in Vayikra 1-5</point> | + | <point><b><i>Terumat haDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah offering has nothing to do with the lay Israelite's bringing of the sacrifice, but only the preist's cleaning of the altar afterwards, it is not mentioned in Vayikra 1-5.</point> |
− | <point><b>Allocation of sacrifices</b> – Parashat Tzav, rather than Parashat Vayikra, speaks about the allocation of the sacrifices since, with the exception of the Olah (where this is not mentioned regardless) and the Shelamim, these are divided between the priest and altar, and as such relates to the priest rather than layman. It is still somewhat difficult why the discussion regarding the allocation of the | + | <point><b>Allocation of sacrifices</b> – Parashat Tzav, rather than Parashat Vayikra, speaks about the allocation of the sacrifices since, with the exception of the Olah (where this is not mentioned regardless) and the Shelamim, these are divided between the priest and altar, and as such relates to the priest rather than layman. It is still somewhat difficult why the discussion regarding the allocation of the Shelamim, which is very relevant to the lay Israelite, is not included in Parashat Vayikra.</point> |
<point><b>Sacrifices mentioned only in Parashat Tzav</b><ul> | <point><b>Sacrifices mentioned only in Parashat Tzav</b><ul> | ||
<li><b>מנחת כהן משיח</b> – As this sacrifice is only brought by a priest, it is omitted from the discussion in Parashat Vayikra and mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.</li> | <li><b>מנחת כהן משיח</b> – As this sacrifice is only brought by a priest, it is omitted from the discussion in Parashat Vayikra and mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.</li> | ||
<li><b>קרבן תודה</b> – It is not clear why this subcategory of Shelamim, which can also be brought by an Israelite,  is singled out in Tzav. </li> | <li><b>קרבן תודה</b> – It is not clear why this subcategory of Shelamim, which can also be brought by an Israelite,  is singled out in Tzav. </li> | ||
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
− | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b> – | + | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b> – Ramban<fn>This is one of three explanations that he brings.  He also notes Chzal's understanding that the verse only mentions Mt. Sinai to teach that all the laws were originally taught to Moshe on the mountain and then repeated again in the Tabernacle.</fn> attempts to explain the apparent contradiction by suggesting that really the two phrases refer to the same place, the Tabernacle.<fn>One could have also suggested the opposite, that both phrases refer to Mt. Sinai, and that when Vayikra 1:1 speaks of the Ohel Moed, it is referring to Moshe's personal tent which was set up at the mountain (see Shemot 33:7-11). The advantage of this reading is that it allows one to suggest that all the laws of the sacrifices might have been commanded before the erection of the Tabernacle.  As these laws were to be utilized as soon as the Tabernacle was erected (sacrifices were brought during the dedication itself), it is logical that they were relayed earlier.</fn>  When the verses speaks of Mt. Sinai, it means in front of the mountain,<fn>Ramban points to Bemidbar 10:33 and Devarim 1:6 which similarly mention the "mountain" but really refer to the area surrounding it.</fn> where the Ohel Moed was stationed.<fn>He further suggests that verse 38 mentions "במדבר סיני" rather than "בהר סיני" for this very reason - to teach that the laws were not said on the mountain itself, but in its vicinity in the Wilderness.</fn></point> |
− | <point><b>The Miluim</b> – The inclusion of the special consecration offering (Miliuim) in the summary sentences of Vayikra 7 is difficult for this position, as there is no mention of the Miluim in either Parashat Vayikra or Parashat Tzav.</point> | + | <point><b>The <i>Miluim</i></b> – The inclusion of the special consecration offering (Miliuim) in the summary sentences of Vayikra 7 is difficult for this position, as there is no mention of the <i>Miluim</i> in either Parashat Vayikra or Parashat Tzav. This position might suggest, as does HaKetav VeHaKaballah, that it refers not to the sacrifice mentioned in Shemot 29, but to the Thanksgiving Offering. He assumes that any sacrifice which is accompanied by bread might be referred to as a Miluim.<fn>See also <multilink><a href="RalbagVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Ralbag</a><a href="RalbagVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:37</a><a href="R. Levi b. Gershom (Ralbag, Gersonides)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Levi b. Gershom</a></multilink> similarly.</fn></point> |
</opinion> | </opinion> | ||
<opinion>Different Stages | <opinion>Different Stages | ||
− | <p>The directives of Vayikra 1-5 focus on the bringing and preparation of the sacrifice, while the laws of Chapters 6-7 focus on the apportioning of the sacrifices.</p> | + | <p>The directives of the two units speak of two different stages in the sacrificial service. Vayikra 1-5 focus on the bringing and preparation of the sacrifice, while the laws of Chapters 6-7 focus on the aftermath, the apportioning and consumption of the sacrifices between Hashem, priest and lay Israelite.</p> |
<mekorot>perhaps <multilink><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Vayikra Peirush 6</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink>,<fn>Akeidat Yitzchak speaks at length about how Vayikra 6-7 revolves around the allocation of the sacrifices to the priest. However, he does not say explicitly that this is why this unit is separated from Vayikra 1-5.</fn> <multilink><a href="HaKetavVeHaKabbalahVayikra6-2" data-aht="source">HaKetav VeHaKabbalah</a><a href="HaKetavVeHaKabbalahVayikra6-2" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6:2</a><a href="HaKetavVeHaKabbalahVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:37</a><a href="R. Yaakov Mecklenburg (HaKetav VeHaKabbalah)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yaakov Mecklenburg</a></multilink>, <fn>See also R"Y Grossman,<a href="https://www.etzion.org.il/he/3-%D7%A9%D7%AA%D7%99-%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%AA-%D7%95%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%90-%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%AA-%D7%A6%D7%95"> "שתי רשימות הקורבנות"</a>.</fn></mekorot> | <mekorot>perhaps <multilink><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Vayikra Peirush 6</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink>,<fn>Akeidat Yitzchak speaks at length about how Vayikra 6-7 revolves around the allocation of the sacrifices to the priest. However, he does not say explicitly that this is why this unit is separated from Vayikra 1-5.</fn> <multilink><a href="HaKetavVeHaKabbalahVayikra6-2" data-aht="source">HaKetav VeHaKabbalah</a><a href="HaKetavVeHaKabbalahVayikra6-2" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6:2</a><a href="HaKetavVeHaKabbalahVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:37</a><a href="R. Yaakov Mecklenburg (HaKetav VeHaKabbalah)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yaakov Mecklenburg</a></multilink>, <fn>See also R"Y Grossman,<a href="https://www.etzion.org.il/he/3-%D7%A9%D7%AA%D7%99-%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%AA-%D7%95%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%90-%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%AA-%D7%A6%D7%95"> "שתי רשימות הקורבנות"</a>.</fn></mekorot> | ||
− | <point><b>Target of the command</b> – The laws of Vayikra 1-5 are directed at lay Israelites ("דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל") who bring the sacrifices, while the commands of Vayikra 6-7 are aimed at the priests ("צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו") who apportion them. | + | <point><b>Target of the command</b> – The laws of Vayikra 1-5 are directed at lay Israelites ("דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל") who bring the sacrifices, while the commands of Vayikra 6-7 are aimed at the priests ("צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו") who apportion them,<fn>They are the ones to sprinkle the blood or burn the fat on the altar and take their remaining portions. The one exception relates to the Shelmim offering, where it is the Israelite himself who allocates a portion to the priest.  As such, this section of laws is addressed once again to him and not the priest. </fn> in accord with the focus of each unit.</point> |
<point><b>Order of the sacrifices</b> – The sacrifices in Parashat Vayikra are listed according to the level of obligation mandating their offering, while those of Parashat Tzav are ordered according to whom each is apportioned. Again, this is in line with the theme of each unit. <br/> | <point><b>Order of the sacrifices</b> – The sacrifices in Parashat Vayikra are listed according to the level of obligation mandating their offering, while those of Parashat Tzav are ordered according to whom each is apportioned. Again, this is in line with the theme of each unit. <br/> | ||
<ul> | <ul> | ||
<li>Thus, Vayikra 1-5 moves from voluntary offerings (<i>Olah</i>, <i>Minchah</i> and <i>Shelamim</i>) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (<i>Chatat</i> and <i>Asham</i>).</li> | <li>Thus, Vayikra 1-5 moves from voluntary offerings (<i>Olah</i>, <i>Minchah</i> and <i>Shelamim</i>) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (<i>Chatat</i> and <i>Asham</i>).</li> | ||
− | <li>In contrast, Parashat Tzav | + | <li>In contrast, in Parashat Tzav the <i>Olah</i> is listed first as it is offered totally to Hashem.<fn>Only the skin is given to the priest.</fn>  The <i>Minchah and Chatat</i> follow as there are examples of each which are for God exclusively<fn>The <i>Minchah</i> of the <i>Kohen Mashiach</i> (<a href="Vayikra6-12-16" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6:12-16</a>) and the internal <i>Chataot</i> [see <a href="Vayikra6-23" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6:23</a> and <multilink><a href="RashbamVayikra6-23" data-aht="source">Rashbam</a><a href="RashbamVayikra6-23" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6:23</a><a href="R. Shemuel b. Meir (Rashbam)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Shemuel b. Meir</a></multilink> there] are given totally to Hashem.</fn> and others that are shared also by the priest.<fn>One might have thought that within the discussion of <i>Menachot</i> and <i>Chataot</i>, the first sacrifices mentioned would have been those which are given to Hashem exclusively, yet the opposite is true.  This is likely because the majority of these sacrifices are partaken of also by the priest, while those which are given totally to Hashem are the exception, not the norm.  It is even possible that they are only mentioned here to serve as a contrast to those sacrifices from which the priest eats.</fn> The <i>Asham</i>, which is always divided between Hashem and the priest, comes next, and the unit closes with the <i>Shelamim</i> which is shared also by the lay Israelite.<fn>The Shelamim's unique status as קדשים קלים would explain why there are several concluding verses (<a href="Vayikra7-8-10" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:8-10</a>) which separate it from the previous discussion.  In addition, as it is this only offering of which an Israelite might partake, there are two sections within the larger discussion, each with a new opening, (Vayikra 7:22-27 and 7:28-34) aimed at them specifically, warning that they may nonetheless not eat the portions meant for Hashem or the priest.</fn></li> |
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
− | <point><b>Sacrificial procedure</b> – On the whole, Vayikra 1-5 details the sacrificial procedure for each offering, while Vayikra 6-7 does not. This is logical if we assume that Vayikra 6-7 revolves mainly around the allocating of the portions and not the dynamics of the offering itself. This position, though, must explain | + | <point><b>Reasons for bringing the offerings and object to be sacrificed</b> – Since Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the bringing of the sacrifice, as expected, it is this unit which details both the circumstances which mandate bringing the offering and the various animals which can be brought..</point> |
+ | <point><b>Prohibition of fat and blood</b> – It is logical that the prohibition against eating fat and blood are elaborated upon in Parashat Tzav specifically, since this is basically the flip-side of the sacrifice's consumption.  The verse share not only who eats what, but also warns against what one may not eat.</point> | ||
+ | <point><b>Sacrificial procedure</b> – On the whole, Vayikra 1-5 details the sacrificial procedure for each offering, while Vayikra 6-7 does not. This is logical if we assume that Vayikra 6-7 revolves mainly around the allocating of the portions and not the dynamics of the offering itself. This position, though, must explain the few exceptions to the rule: the <i>Minchah</i> whose procedure is mentioned in both units, the <i>Asham</i>, whose protocol is mentioned only in Vayikra 6-7:<br/> | ||
<ul> | <ul> | ||
<li><b>The Minchah</b> – As the <i>Minchah</i> is a meal offering which does not require slaughter, sprinkling of blood, or the like, its preparation is basically equivalent to its allotment between the altar and the priest, and so it is mentioned in both units.<fn>This position might also suggest that since the <i>Minchah</i> of the <i>Kohen Mashiach</i> is distinct in being given exclusively to Hashem, it was important to elaborate by the discussion of the regular <i>Menachot</i> so it would be clear that these are divided between the altar and priest. As such, more details than usual are provided regarding the procedure itself, as this clarifies what is given to whom.</fn>  This explains why the parts of the procedure which are related to the offering's preparation rather than its allocation, such as the placing of oil and frankincense on the offering, are omitted in Parashat Tzav. </li> | <li><b>The Minchah</b> – As the <i>Minchah</i> is a meal offering which does not require slaughter, sprinkling of blood, or the like, its preparation is basically equivalent to its allotment between the altar and the priest, and so it is mentioned in both units.<fn>This position might also suggest that since the <i>Minchah</i> of the <i>Kohen Mashiach</i> is distinct in being given exclusively to Hashem, it was important to elaborate by the discussion of the regular <i>Menachot</i> so it would be clear that these are divided between the altar and priest. As such, more details than usual are provided regarding the procedure itself, as this clarifies what is given to whom.</fn>  This explains why the parts of the procedure which are related to the offering's preparation rather than its allocation, such as the placing of oil and frankincense on the offering, are omitted in Parashat Tzav. </li> | ||
<li><b>The Asham</b> – It is not clear, according to this position, why the <i>Asham</i>'s sacrificial procedure is mentioned in Vayikra 6 and not in Vayikra 5, where expected.</li> | <li><b>The Asham</b> – It is not clear, according to this position, why the <i>Asham</i>'s sacrificial procedure is mentioned in Vayikra 6 and not in Vayikra 5, where expected.</li> | ||
+ | <li>Details – several other small details are mentioned in both units, such as the fact and placement of the slaughter of the Chatat.  This though might be mentioned just to introduce the fact that it is specifically the priest who does the work who receives a portion of the sacrifice.</li> | ||
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
− | + | <point><b>Sacrifices mentioned only in Parashat Tzav</b> – Both the <i>Minchah</i> of the <i>Kohen Mashiach</i> and the Thanksgiving Offering, a type of <i>Shelamim</i>, are mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.  This position would explain that since each of these has certain laws regarding the allocation of the sacrifice that distinguish it from other offerings in its category,<fn>As opposed to most <i>Menachot</i> which are divided between the altar and the priest, this <i>Minchah</i> is given totally to Hashem.  The Thanksgiving Offering is unique in that it is accompanied by loaves of bread, unlike other <i>Shelamim</i> offerings.  These loaves are also given to the priest, and thus the offering is discussed here.</fn> they needed to be mentioned individually as a contrast to the other similar offerings.<fn>See <multilink><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Vayikra Peirush 6</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink>.</fn>  They are omitted from Parashat Vayikra because this distinction is irrelevant there, as the unit does not focus on the apportioning of the sacrifice.<fn>We would not have expected the sacrifices of the newly anointed priest to be found in Parashat Vayikra regardless, as those chapters revolve around the lay Israelite and his bringing of sacrifices, while this offering is unique to the priest. [According to Chazal, the verses refer not only to the inaugural offering of every priest but to the daily <i>minchat chavitin</i>, which was brought by the High Priest.  Regardless, the sacrifice is never brought by a layman.]</fn> </point> | |
− | + | <point><b><i>Terumat HaDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah is related to the second stage of the sacrificial service, after the sacrifice has already been offered and burnt, its logical place is in Parashat Tzav..  Moreover, as the ashes highlight how the entire offering had been given to Hashem,<fn>Note the language, "וְהֵרִים אֶת הַדֶּשֶׁן אֲשֶׁר <b>תֹּאכַל הָאֵשׁ אֶת הָעֹלָה</b> עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ", which highlights thatt he fire had consumed the offering.</fn> it is appropriate to the discussion regarding the allocation of offerings highlighted in Parashat Tzav.</point> | |
− | <point><b>Sacrifices mentioned only in Parashat Tzav | + | <point><b>Interim Summary – Vayikra 7:8-10</b> – These summary verse speaks solely about the portions which are allocated tot he priest and not about any other aspect of the sacrificial service, highlighting how this is the main theme of this unit.</point> |
− | + | <point><b>Omission of allocation of the Olah</b> – If Vayikra 6-7 speaks of the allocation of the various sacrifices, one would have expected that it explicitly state by the Olah that it is given totally to Hashem.</point> | |
− | + | <point><b>Guiding word – "זֹאת תּוֹרַת"</b> – This phrase repeats throughout the unit of Vayikra 6-7,<fn>See Vayikra 6:2, 6:7, 6:18, 7:1,7:11,and 7:37.</fn> yet never appears in Vayikra 1-5.  As the phase is often understood to mean "procedure",<fn>See its usage in Vayikra 12:7, 13:59, 15:32, Bemidbar 5:29 and Bemidbar 6:13.  In each o fthese cases the verse either introduces or concludes the description of a purification process or other cultic procedure.</fn> this is somewhat surprising considering that it is specifically in Parashat Vayikra that most of the sacrificial procedures are enumerated. However, translated literally, the words "זֹאת תּוֹרַת" simply mean "this is the teaching" or "laws of..." and, as such, in context, might refer to the laws of allocating each sacrifice.<fn>See <multilink><a href="ChizkuniVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Chizkuni</a><a href="ChizkuniVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:37</a><a href="R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach (Chizkuni)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Vayikra Peirush 6</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink> and <multilink><a href="SefornoVayikra6" data-aht="source">Seforno</a><a href="SefornoVayikra6" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6</a><a href="SefornoVayikra7" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7</a><a href="R. Ovadyah Seforno" data-aht="parshan">About R. Ovadyah Seforno</a></multilink> who appear to understand the phrase in this manner. For example, Akeidat Yitzchak writes, "זאת תורת וחוק הראוי לינתן למקריב העולה".</fn></point> | |
− | |||
− | <point><b><i>Terumat HaDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah is related to the second stage of the sacrificial service, after the sacrifice has already been offered and burnt, its logical place is in | ||
− | <point><b>Guiding word | ||
<point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b></point> | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b></point> | ||
− | <point><b>The conclusion: "זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה... וְלַמִּלּוּאִים"</b> – | + | <point><b>The conclusion: "זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה... וְלַמִּלּוּאִים"</b> – HaKetav VeHaKaballah suggests that the mention of the Miluim in the concluding verses of chpater 7 refers not to the sacrifice mentioned in Shemot 29, but to the Thanksgiving Offering. He assumes that any sacrifice which is accompanied by bread might be referred to as a <i>Miluim.</i></point> |
<point><b>Biblical Parallels</b></point> | <point><b>Biblical Parallels</b></point> | ||
</opinion> | </opinion> |
Version as of 14:40, 16 March 2019
Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7
Exegetical Approaches
Complement Vayikra 1-5
The laws of Vayikra 6-7 complement those in Vayikra 1-5. This position divides regarding the unique focus of each unit that differentiates it from the other:
Different Audiences
While Parashat Vayikra focuses on the nation's role in the sacrificial process, Vayikra 6-7 focuses on the priest and his responsibilities.
- מנחת כהן משיח – As this sacrifice is only brought by a priest, it is omitted from the discussion in Parashat Vayikra and mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.
- קרבן תודה – It is not clear why this subcategory of Shelamim, which can also be brought by an Israelite, is singled out in Tzav.
Different Stages
The directives of the two units speak of two different stages in the sacrificial service. Vayikra 1-5 focus on the bringing and preparation of the sacrifice, while the laws of Chapters 6-7 focus on the aftermath, the apportioning and consumption of the sacrifices between Hashem, priest and lay Israelite.
- Thus, Vayikra 1-5 moves from voluntary offerings (Olah, Minchah and Shelamim) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (Chatat and Asham).
- In contrast, in Parashat Tzav the Olah is listed first as it is offered totally to Hashem.14 The Minchah and Chatat follow as there are examples of each which are for God exclusively15 and others that are shared also by the priest.16 The Asham, which is always divided between Hashem and the priest, comes next, and the unit closes with the Shelamim which is shared also by the lay Israelite.17
- The Minchah – As the Minchah is a meal offering which does not require slaughter, sprinkling of blood, or the like, its preparation is basically equivalent to its allotment between the altar and the priest, and so it is mentioned in both units.18 This explains why the parts of the procedure which are related to the offering's preparation rather than its allocation, such as the placing of oil and frankincense on the offering, are omitted in Parashat Tzav.
- The Asham – It is not clear, according to this position, why the Asham's sacrificial procedure is mentioned in Vayikra 6 and not in Vayikra 5, where expected.
- Details – several other small details are mentioned in both units, such as the fact and placement of the slaughter of the Chatat. This though might be mentioned just to introduce the fact that it is specifically the priest who does the work who receives a portion of the sacrifice.
Supplement Shemot 29
The laws of Vayikra 6-7 supplement the laws regarding the Days of Consecration in Shemot 29, adding laws specific to the priest which were relevant not only for this ceremony but for future generations as well. The laws of Vayikra 1-5 are detached from the ceremony and focus instead on laws governing the individual's bringing of sacrifices throughout the generations
- "זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה... וְלַמִּלּוּאִים" – R. Hoffmann suggests that the inclusion of the Miluim in the closing verses of Vayikra 6-729 proves that the verses form a conclusion not just to these chapters but also to Shemot 29 which discusses the Miluim in detail.30 As such, all three chapters form one unit and were commanded together.
- "זֹאת מִשְׁחַת אַהֲרֹן וּמִשְׁחַת בָּנָיו... בְּיוֹם מׇשְׁחוֹ" – This summary verse, too, connects Chapters 6-7 to the events of the Days of Consecration mandated in Shemot 29.
- מנחת כהן משיח – This Minchah is clearly connected to the days of Consecration, when Aharon was anointed, explaining its location in Vayikra 6 rather than Vayikra 2. One might question, however, why the offering is not mentioned in Shemot 29. According to R. Hoffmann, since the sacrifice is relevant not only to Aharon, but to his descendants as well,31 it is mentioned only in Vayikra 6 together with the other laws relevant for all generations.32
- Lachmei Todah– These loaves, too, might be mentioned in Vayikra 6 specifically since they are very similar to the loaves of bread which accompanied the Miluim offering.33 [Alternatively, their mention is related to this chapter's specific emphasis on the portions allocated to the priests, discussed below.]
- The Tamid – Vayikra 6 does not focus on the voluntary Olah offerings (like Vayikra 1) but on the daily Tamid offering, or perhaps more specifically, on the constant fire which was to burn on the altar. This, too, connects the chapter to Shemot 29 which discusses the Tamid at length,34 probably because it was this offering and continuous fire which both invited Hashem's presence to descend and symbolized how it continuously dwells in the Mishkan.35
- Vayikra 6-7 – Vayikra 6-7 omits the procedures for most of the sacrifices not because they are mentioned in 1-5 (which was only given later) but because they were relayed already in Shemot 29.36 The Minchah and Asham are exceptional because they were not offered during the Consecration ceremony.37 As such, their procedures are not discussed in Shemot 29, but are instead relayed in Vayikra 6,38 together with the other laws aimed at the priests which were relevant for all generations.39 It is only between the two sets of chapters, then, that the priests gets a complete list of procedures.
- Vayikra 1-5 – Though the laws of Vayikra 1-5 are given after the laws of Shemot 29 and Parashat Tzav, they also mention the protocol for each sacrifice, since here these laws are aimed at the lay Israelite rather than the priest. Since only in these chapters is there a distinction between the types of animals that might be brought for each sacrifice,40 it was necessary to distinguish between the various processes for each. It is possible that the protocol regarding the Asham is omitted because it might be considered a sub-type of Chatat,41 whose sacrificial process was already discussed.42 R. Hoffmann alternatively suggests that since only one type of animal could be brought for the Asham, there was no need to distinguish between different procedures and so the verses omit the discussion entirely, relying instead on what is known from Vayikra 6-7.
- חטאת – During the days of Consecration, the meat and skin of the Chatat offering were burnt outside the camp. Vayikra 6 comes to teach that normally, in contrast, the priest is to eat of this meat.44
- קרבן שלמים – During the Miluim ceremony the ram's right thigh was offered to Hashem together with the fat, and the breast was given to Moshe (who was the acting priest). Normally, though, both this thigh and breast are given to the priest, as emphasized in Vayikra 7.45
- לחמי תודה – During the Miluim ceremony, the accompanying loaves of bread were all sacrificed on the altar. As such, Vayikra 7 emphasizes that the loaves that accompany Thanksgiving Offerings, in contrast, were eaten by the priest.46