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Exodus 29:20 - Blood sanctifies priestly senses?

Exodus 29:20 - שמות 29:20

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁחַטְתָּ אֶת־הָאַיִל וְלָקַחְתָּ מִדָּמוֹ וְנָתַתָּה עַל־תְּנוּךְ אֹזֶן אַהֲרֹן וְעַל־תְּנוּךְ אֹזֶן בָּנָיו הַיְמָנִית וְעַל־בֹּהֶן יָדָם הַיְמָנִית וְעַל־בֹּהֶן רַגְלָם הַיְמָנִית וְזָרַקְתָּ אֶת־הַדָּם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ סָבִיב׃

English Translation

Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of its blood, and put it upon the tip of Aharon’s right ear, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Transliteration

Veshachata et-ha'ayil velakachta midamo venatata al-tenuch ozen Aharon ve'al-tenuch ozen banav hayemanit ve'al-bohen yadam hayemanit ve'al-bohen raglam hayemanit vezarakta et-hadam al-hamizbe'ach saviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁחַטְתָּ֣ אֶת־הָאַ֗יִל וְלָקַחְתָּ֤ מִדָּמוֹ֙ וְנָֽתַתָּ֡ה עַל־תְּנוּךְ֩ אֹ֨זֶן אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְעַל־תְּנ֨וּךְ אֹ֤זֶן בָּנָיו֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדָם֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְלָ֖ם הַיְמָנִ֑ית וְזָרַקְתָּ֧ אֶת־הַדָּ֛ם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב׃
וְשָׁחַטְתָּ֣ אֶת־הָאַ֗יִל וְלָקַחְתָּ֤ מִדָּמוֹ֙ וְנָֽתַתָּ֡ה עַל־תְּנוּךְ֩ אֹ֨זֶן אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְעַל־תְּנ֨וּךְ אֹ֤זֶן בָּנָיו֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדָם֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְלָ֖ם הַיְמָנִ֑ית וְזָרַקְתָּ֧ אֶת־הַדָּ֛ם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Consecration of Aharon and His Sons

The verse (Shemot 29:20) describes part of the consecration ceremony for Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests). This ritual involved applying the blood of a ram to specific parts of their bodies—the right ear, right thumb, and right big toe—followed by sprinkling blood on the altar. This act symbolizes their complete dedication to divine service.

Symbolism of the Blood Application

Rashi explains that the application of blood to these extremities represents the Kohen's obligation to sanctify all his faculties in service to Hashem:

  • Right Ear: To listen carefully to divine commandments and avoid hearing improper speech (based on Chullin 24b).
  • Right Thumb: To sanctify one's actions and deeds (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:3).
  • Right Big Toe: To direct one's steps toward mitzvot and avoid paths of sin (Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav 14).

The Role of the Altar

The sprinkling of blood on the altar (מִזְבֵּחַ) signifies that the Kohanim’s service is intrinsically connected to the Beit HaMikdash. The Ramban notes that the altar represents atonement and divine connection, emphasizing that the Kohanim must serve with purity and devotion.

Right Side Significance

The Torah specifies the right side for each application. The Talmud (Zevachim 19b) teaches that the right side symbolizes strength and favor, indicating that the Kohanim must serve with their utmost capability. The Kli Yakar adds that the right side represents חסד (kindness), teaching that their service should be infused with compassion.

Connection to Milu'im (Inauguration)

This ritual was part of the seven-day Milu'im ceremony (Vayikra 8:33). The Sforno explains that the blood application was a physical act representing spiritual readiness—just as blood gives life to the body, the Kohanim must enliven their service with sincerity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is discussed in the context of the sacrificial service, particularly the application of blood to the priests during their consecration.
📖 Keritot 5b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the rituals of consecration and the significance of the blood application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of putting blood on Aaron and his sons' right ear, thumb, and toe?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 19b), the blood on the right ear, thumb, and toe symbolizes complete dedication to serving Hashem. The ear represents listening to His commandments, the thumb represents performing sacred actions (like sacrifices), and the toe represents walking in His ways. This ritual was part of their consecration as Kohanim (priests).
Q: Why was the blood applied specifically to the right side?
A: In Jewish tradition, the right side symbolizes strength and favor (as seen in many Torah passages). The Rambam explains that using the right side emphasizes the importance and sanctity of the Kohen's service, as the right hand is typically dominant and associated with greater capability in sacred duties.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today, even though we don’t have the Temple?
A: The Midrash teaches that this ritual reminds us to sanctify our entire being in serving Hashem—our ears to hear Torah, our hands to do mitzvot, and our feet to walk in righteous paths. Even without the Temple, we apply this idea by dedicating all aspects of our lives to holiness, as the verse says (Devarim 10:12), 'And now, Israel, what does Hashem ask of you? Only to fear Him... and to serve Him with all your heart and soul.'
Q: Why was the blood also sprinkled on the altar?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 37a) explains that sprinkling the blood on the altar represents atonement and connection between the Kohanim, the Jewish people, and Hashem. The altar is the place of divine service, and the blood symbolizes life (as in Vayikra 17:11), showing that their service must be done with full vitality and commitment.
Q: What does the ram represent in this ceremony?
A: Rashi (citing Shemot 29:1) notes that the ram was part of the 'milu'im' (inauguration) offerings, symbolizing the Kohanim’s elevation to their sacred role. The ram’s strength and stature reflect the seriousness of their responsibility. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that its blood and parts being used teach that every detail of the Kohen’s life must be sanctified for holy service.