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Exodus 29:28 - Priestly portion forever ordained.

Exodus 29:28 - שמות 29:28

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו לְחָק־עוֹלָם מֵאֵת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי תְרוּמָה הוּא וּתְרוּמָה יִהְיֶה מֵאֵת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִזִּבְחֵי שַׁלְמֵיהֶם תְּרוּמָתָם לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

and it shall be Aharon’s and his sons’ by a statute for ever from the children of Yisra᾽el: for it is a heave offering: and it shall be a heave offering from the children of Yisra᾽el of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, their heave offering to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vehaya le'Aharon ulevanav lechok-olam me'et bnei Yisrael ki teruma hu uteruma yihye me'et bnei-Yisrael mizivchei shalmeihem terumatam la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֩ לְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וּלְבָנָ֜יו לְחׇק־עוֹלָ֗ם מֵאֵת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֥י תְרוּמָ֖ה ה֑וּא וּתְרוּמָ֞ה יִהְיֶ֨ה מֵאֵ֤ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מִזִּבְחֵ֣י שַׁלְמֵיהֶ֔ם תְּרוּמָתָ֖ם לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וְהָיָה֩ לְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וּלְבָנָ֜יו לְחׇק־עוֹלָ֗ם מֵאֵת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֥י תְרוּמָ֖ה ה֑וּא וּתְרוּמָ֞ה יִהְיֶ֨ה מֵאֵ֤ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מִזִּבְחֵ֣י שַׁלְמֵיהֶ֔ם תְּרוּמָתָ֖ם לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Eternal Portion for Aharon and His Sons

The verse establishes the perpetual right of the Kohanim (priests) to receive terumah (heave offerings) from the shelamim (peace offerings) brought by Bnei Yisrael. Rashi (Shemot 29:28) explains that this is one of the 24 matnot kehunah (priestly gifts) given to Aharon and his descendants as an eternal covenant. The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 1:1) emphasizes that these gifts are not merely compensation for service but a Divine entitlement, reinforcing the sanctified role of the Kohanim.

The Nature of Terumat HaShem

The phrase "terumatam laHashem" ("their heave offering to the Lord") indicates that the offering retains its sacred status even after being given to the Kohanim. The Talmud (Chulin 132a) derives from here that terumah must be treated with the same reverence as offerings on the Mizbeach (altar). The Sforno notes that this underscores the principle that gifts to the Kohanim are ultimately offerings to Hashem Himself, as they facilitate the continuation of the Temple service.

The Shelamim Connection

  • Shared Sanctity: The Chatam Sofer observes that the shelamim—symbolizing peace and wholeness—are uniquely suited for this terumah, as they represent harmony between the donor, the Kohanim, and Hashem.
  • Communal Aspect: The Kli Yakar highlights that the plural form "mizivchei shalmeihem" ("from the sacrifices of their peace offerings") teaches that this obligation applies collectively to all of Israel, reinforcing national unity in supporting the priesthood.

The Eternal Statute (Chok Olam)

The term "lechukat olam" establishes this law as immutable. The Ramban (Vayikra 7:34) clarifies that even during periods when the Temple is not standing, this statute remains binding in principle, awaiting future fulfillment. The Meshech Chochmah adds that the eternal nature of this law reflects the unbroken covenant between Hashem, the Kohanim, and Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 73b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of terumah (heave offerings) and the portions given to the priests from the sacrifices.
📖 Chullin 132b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the priestly portions from peace offerings and the perpetual statute regarding these offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does this verse mean?
A: This verse (Exodus 29:28) explains that certain portions of the peace offerings (שלמים) brought by the Israelites were designated as a 'heave offering' (תרומה) for Aaron and his descendants, the Kohanim (priests). This was a permanent law, ensuring the Kohanim would receive their portion from the sacrifices as their due for serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Temple.
Q: Why is this important in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the eternal right of the Kohanim to receive portions from certain sacrifices, as explained by Rashi and the Rambam. It highlights the concept of supporting those who serve in holy roles, ensuring the continuity of the Temple service. Even today, while we no longer bring sacrifices, we remember this principle through other mitzvot that honor Kohanim.
Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: From this verse, we learn the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, as the Kohanim did. The Talmud (Chullin 132a) derives from here that we must respect and provide for Torah scholars and community leaders, continuing the tradition of honoring those who serve the Jewish people in sacred roles.
Q: What exactly was given to the Kohanim from the peace offerings?
A: The verse refers to specific portions of the peace offering: the breast (חָזֶה) and thigh (שׁוֹק), as detailed in Leviticus 7:34. Rashi explains that these were waved (תנופה) and heaved (תרומה) as offerings to Hashem before being given to the Kohanim as their permanent portion.
Q: Does this law still apply without the Temple?
A: While we cannot currently bring sacrifices without the Temple, the Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:1) rules that this law will be reinstated when the Temple is rebuilt. Meanwhile, we maintain the honor due to Kohanim through other mitzvot, such as calling them first to the Torah and giving them the priestly blessing.