Difference between revisions of "Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7/2"
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<p>The laws of Vayikra 6-7 complement 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. In contrast, 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.</p> | <p>The laws of Vayikra 6-7 complement 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. In contrast, 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.</p> | ||
<mekorot>R. D"Z Hoffmann<fn>See also R"E Samet, "" who discusses and analyzes R. D"Z Hoffmann's approach at length.</fn></mekorot> | <mekorot>R. D"Z Hoffmann<fn>See also R"E Samet, "" who discusses and analyzes R. D"Z Hoffmann's approach at length.</fn></mekorot> | ||
− | <point><b>Distinct sets of laws</b> – According to R. D"Z Hoffmann, Shemot 29 and Vayikra 6-7 together form one set of laws, aimed at the priests ("צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו"), which were all commanded on Mount Sinai. Vayikra 1-5, in contrast, form a distinct set of laws aimed at the lay Israelite ("דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל") which were commanded in the Ohel Moed.<fn>As above, this would account for the different ordering of the various sacrifices, and why it is only in Parashat Vayikra that we are told the reason why various sacrifices are offered and from which animals they can be brought.</fn> While the laws of Shemot 29 are specific to the Days of the Consecration, the laws in both Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7 are relevant for all future generations.</point> | + | <point><b>Distinct sets of laws</b> – According to R. D"Z Hoffmann, Shemot 29 and Vayikra 6-7 together form one set of laws, aimed at the priests ("צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו"), which were all commanded on Mount Sinai. Vayikra 1-5, in contrast, form a distinct set of laws aimed at the lay Israelite ("דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל") which were commanded only later, in the Ohel Moed.<fn>As above, this would account for the different ordering of the various sacrifices, and why it is only in Parashat Vayikra that we are told the reason why various sacrifices are offered and from which animals they can be brought.</fn> While the laws of Shemot 29 are specific to the Days of the Consecration, the laws in both Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7 are relevant for all future generations.</point> |
<point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b> – R. Hoffmann's theory relies on this distinction in location.  He assumes that the summary statement at the end of Vayikra 7 closes only the second unit<fn>This is supported by the fact that its listing of the sacrifices matches the order given in Parashat Tzav.</fn> and as such does not contradict Vayikra 1:2, but rather teaches that the two units were mandated at different places and times. The laws of Vayikra 6-7 were given on Mt. Sinai, before, and not together with, the laws of Vayikra 1-5.<fn>The language of "בְּיוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַקְרִיב אֶת קׇרְבְּנֵיהֶם לַי״י בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי" is nonetheless difficult as this appears to refer to a later time period, when the nation itself received the laws of sacrifices in Midbar Sinai, i.e. in the Ohel Moed.  R. Hoffmann explains that the verse means that the laws of the sacrifices which were commanded on the mountain were first practiced after the Tabernacle was built, when the nation received their laws. The words "בְּיוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ" should be read as if written "<b>מ</b>יוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ" (<i>from</i> the day He commanded). This is parallel to the phrase "בְּיוֹם הִקְרִיב אֹתָם לְכַהֵן לַי״י" in verse 35, which is similarly understood to mean "<b>מ</b>יוֹם הִקְרִיב אֹתָם".  [It would be difficult to say that this latter verse is saying that the portions of the sacrifices discussed in the chapter will be allotted to Aharon only on the day that he was consecrated into priesthood, so the phrase is understood to mean <i>from</i> that day on.]<br/>For an alternative explanation of our phrase, see R"A Shama, "שתי מגמות בחנוכת המשכן והשתקפותן בתורת הקרבנות" Megadim 2 (1986):32-44. He suggests that when the verse states "בְּיוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַקְרִיב אֶת קׇרְבְּנֵיהֶם לַי״י בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי", the words "בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי" do not refer to the location where the command was given, but where the sacrifices were to be offered.  As such, he suggests that the verse is referring not to the commands given in Vayikra 1-5, but to the first time commands were given regarding the sacrifices which were to be offered in the Wilderness, the commands regarding the <i>Tamid</i> offering discussed at the end of Shemot 29. As such, the entire verse is referring to the commands of Shemot 29.</fn>  As such, they serve to supplement not these chapters, but rather Shemot 29 which was similarly relayed on the mountain. Vayikra 1-5, in contrast, was commanded only after the Tabernacle was built and the people could begin to offer sacrifices.</point> | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b> – R. Hoffmann's theory relies on this distinction in location.  He assumes that the summary statement at the end of Vayikra 7 closes only the second unit<fn>This is supported by the fact that its listing of the sacrifices matches the order given in Parashat Tzav.</fn> and as such does not contradict Vayikra 1:2, but rather teaches that the two units were mandated at different places and times. The laws of Vayikra 6-7 were given on Mt. Sinai, before, and not together with, the laws of Vayikra 1-5.<fn>The language of "בְּיוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַקְרִיב אֶת קׇרְבְּנֵיהֶם לַי״י בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי" is nonetheless difficult as this appears to refer to a later time period, when the nation itself received the laws of sacrifices in Midbar Sinai, i.e. in the Ohel Moed.  R. Hoffmann explains that the verse means that the laws of the sacrifices which were commanded on the mountain were first practiced after the Tabernacle was built, when the nation received their laws. The words "בְּיוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ" should be read as if written "<b>מ</b>יוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ" (<i>from</i> the day He commanded). This is parallel to the phrase "בְּיוֹם הִקְרִיב אֹתָם לְכַהֵן לַי״י" in verse 35, which is similarly understood to mean "<b>מ</b>יוֹם הִקְרִיב אֹתָם".  [It would be difficult to say that this latter verse is saying that the portions of the sacrifices discussed in the chapter will be allotted to Aharon only on the day that he was consecrated into priesthood, so the phrase is understood to mean <i>from</i> that day on.]<br/>For an alternative explanation of our phrase, see R"A Shama, "שתי מגמות בחנוכת המשכן והשתקפותן בתורת הקרבנות" Megadim 2 (1986):32-44. He suggests that when the verse states "בְּיוֹם צַוֺּתוֹ אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַקְרִיב אֶת קׇרְבְּנֵיהֶם לַי״י בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי", the words "בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי" do not refer to the location where the command was given, but where the sacrifices were to be offered.  As such, he suggests that the verse is referring not to the commands given in Vayikra 1-5, but to the first time commands were given regarding the sacrifices which were to be offered in the Wilderness, the commands regarding the <i>Tamid</i> offering discussed at the end of Shemot 29. As such, the entire verse is referring to the commands of Shemot 29.</fn>  As such, they serve to supplement not these chapters, but rather Shemot 29 which was similarly relayed on the mountain. Vayikra 1-5, in contrast, was commanded only after the Tabernacle was built and the people could begin to offer sacrifices.</point> | ||
<point><b>Why is Vayikra 6-7 separated from Shemot 29?</b> This position must explain why Vayikra 6-7 is separated from Shemot 29, if the laws were given together.  R. Hoffmann answers that Shemot 29 includes only those laws which were needed for the Days of Consecration themselves, while Vayikra 6-7 adds those laws which are relevant for all time.<fn>One might question why the daily<i> Olah</i> offering (עולת תמיד), which is for all generations, is mentioned in Shemot 29.  However, considering the fundamental role played by the<i>Tamid</i> in inviting Hashem's presence to dwell in the Mishkan, it is logical why it would close the unit on the Tabernacle in Shemot.</fn>  As such, they are placed in Vayikra together with the other laws which are relevant to all generations.</point> | <point><b>Why is Vayikra 6-7 separated from Shemot 29?</b> This position must explain why Vayikra 6-7 is separated from Shemot 29, if the laws were given together.  R. Hoffmann answers that Shemot 29 includes only those laws which were needed for the Days of Consecration themselves, while Vayikra 6-7 adds those laws which are relevant for all time.<fn>One might question why the daily<i> Olah</i> offering (עולת תמיד), which is for all generations, is mentioned in Shemot 29.  However, considering the fundamental role played by the<i>Tamid</i> in inviting Hashem's presence to dwell in the Mishkan, it is logical why it would close the unit on the Tabernacle in Shemot.</fn>  As such, they are placed in Vayikra together with the other laws which are relevant to all generations.</point> |
Version as of 14:30, 20 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 emphasizes the nation's role in the sacrificial process, Parashat Tzav focuses on the priest and his responsibilities.
- מנחת כהן משיח – As this sacrifice is brought only 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 details the bringing and preparation of the sacrifice, while Vayikra 6-7 turn to the aftermath of this process, the apportioning and consumption of the sacrifices by 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 (Chattat and Asham).
- In contrast, in Parashat Tzav the Olah is listed first as it is offered totally to Hashem.19 The Minchah, Chattat and Asham follow, as they are shared between Hashem and the priest. [The Minchah heads this group as there is one exceptional type, מנחת כהן משיח, which is for God exclusively, and the Chattat follows as there are some types of Chattat which are burnt totally20 and not eaten.21] The unit closes with the Shelamim which is shared also by the lay Israelite.22
- 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.
- 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.23 This also 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.
- Chattat and Shelamim – Several other small details are also mentioned in both units, such as the fact and placement of the slaughter of the Chattat. It is possible that this is repeated in Vayikra 6 only to introduce who merits to eat of the sacrifice. Since it is specifically the priest who does the slaughtering who receives a portion of the sacrifice, the unit opens with mention of the slaughter. Similarly, the repeated mention of the burning of the fat of the Shelamim might serve the same purpose, introducing the later command, " הַמַּקְרִיב אֶת דַּם הַשְּׁלָמִים וְאֶת הַחֵלֶב מִבְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן לוֹ תִהְיֶה שׁוֹק הַיָּמִין לְמָנָה".
Complement to Shemot 29
The laws of Vayikra 6-7 complement 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. In contrast, 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 Milluim in the closing verses of Vayikra 6-739 proves that the verses form a conclusion not just to these chapters but also to Shemot 29 which discusses the Milluim in detail.40 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,41 it is mentioned only in Vayikra 6 together with the other laws relevant for all generations.42
- קרבן תודה – The discussion of the קרבן תודה focuses on the loaves of bread brought. As such, it, too, might be mentioned in Vayikra 6 specifically since they are very similar to the loaves of bread which accompanied the Milluim offering.43
- Vayikra 6-7 – Vayikra 6-7 omits the procedures for most of the sacrifices not because they are mentioned in 1-5 (which was given only later) but because they were relayed already in Shemot 29.46 The Minchah and Asham are exceptional because they were not offered during the Consecration ceremony.47 As such, their procedures are not discussed in Shemot 29, but are instead relayed in Vayikra 6,48 together with the other laws aimed at the priests which were relevant for all generations.49
- 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,50 it was necessary to distinguish between the various processes for each. It is possible that the protocol regarding the Asham is omitted51 because it might be considered a sub-type of Chattat,52 whose sacrificial process was already discussed in the previous chapter.53
- חטאת – During the days of Consecration, the meat and skin of the Chattat offering were burnt outside the camp. Vayikra 6 comes to teach that normally, in contrast, the priest is to eat of this meat.55
- קרבן שלמים – During the Milluim 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 7.56
- לחמי תודה – During the Milluim ceremony, some of the accompanying loaves of bread were sacrificed on the altar. As such, Vayikra 7 emphasizes that the loaves that accompany Thanksgiving Offerings, in contrast, are divided between the priest and the individual bringing the sacrifice (and are not sacrificed).57
- "בִּמְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר תִּשָּׁחֵט הָעֹלָה תִּשָּׁחֵט הַחַטָּאת" – This verse,59 at first glance, is somewhat difficult for this position as Shemot 29 does not delineate the place of the slaughter. As such, the verse seems to be relying on information gleaned from Vayikra 1-5. R. Hoffmann responds that Shemot 29:43's statement: "עֹלַת תָּמִיד לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" suggests that the location was relayed orally and known to the priests.60
- List of Menachot in Vayikra 7:9-10– This list of the various individual Menachot also appears to assume knowledge of Vayikra 2 as these Menachot are not mentioned anywhere in Shemot 29. R. Hoffmann posits that it is possible that these categories of Menachot were well known from ancient times.