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Exodus 29:36 - Daily altar purification ritual

Exodus 29:36 - שמות 29:36

Hebrew Text

וּפַר חַטָּאת תַּעֲשֶׂה לַיּוֹם עַל־הַכִּפֻּרִים וְחִטֵּאתָ עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ בְּכַפֶּרְךָ עָלָיו וּמָשַׁחְתָּ אֹתוֹ לְקַדְּשׁוֹ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Transliteration

Ufar khatat ta'aseh layom al-hakipurim v'khiteta al-hamizbe'akh b'khaperkha alav umashakhta oto l'kadesho.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּפַ֨ר חַטָּ֜את תַּעֲשֶׂ֤ה לַיּוֹם֙ עַל־הַכִּפֻּרִ֔ים וְחִטֵּאתָ֙ עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ בְּכַפֶּרְךָ֖ עָלָ֑יו וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֹת֖וֹ לְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃
וּפַ֨ר חַטָּ֜את תַּעֲשֶׂ֤ה לַיּוֹם֙ עַל־הַכִּפֻּרִ֔ים וְחִטֵּאתָ֙ עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ בְּכַפֶּרְךָ֖ עָלָ֑יו וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֹת֖וֹ לְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 29:36) appears in the context of the consecration of the Mizbe'ach (altar) during the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It outlines the daily sin offering (par chatat) required for atonement and the purification and sanctification process of the altar.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְחִטֵּאתָ עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ" ("and thou shalt cleanse the altar") refers to the process of purifying the altar from any impurities that may have adhered to it during its construction or handling. The act of atonement (kaparah) is necessary even for inanimate objects like the altar to ensure its complete sanctity for divine service.

Rambam on Atonement for the Altar

Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 1:4) discusses the daily sin offering as part of the regular Temple service. He emphasizes that the altar, though holy, requires ongoing purification to maintain its sanctity. The anointing (u'mashachta oto) signifies its dedication exclusively for sacred use.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 14) teaches that the altar represents the Jewish people, and its purification parallels the need for continual spiritual refinement. Just as the altar requires daily atonement, so too do individuals require regular repentance.
  • The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) notes that the repetition of atonement ("בְּכַפֶּרְךָ עָלָיו") underscores the importance of thorough purification, leaving no room for residual impurity.

Halachic Implications

The verse establishes a permanent obligation for the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) to offer a daily sin offering, as codified in the Mishnah (Yoma 4:6). The Talmud (Zevachim 88a) further elaborates that the anointing oil used in this process symbolizes the divine presence resting upon the altar, elevating its status to the highest level of sanctity (kedushat ha-mizbe'ach).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 42b
The verse is discussed in the context of the daily sin offering and the sanctification of the altar.
📖 Menachot 27b
Referenced in a discussion about the procedures for atonement and the sanctification of the altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the daily sin offering (par chatat) in Exodus 29:36 represent?
A: The daily sin offering (par chatat) mentioned in Exodus 29:36 was a bull sacrificed to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the altar. According to Rashi, this was part of the consecration process for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its altar, ensuring it was ritually pure for service to Hashem.
Q: Why was anointing the altar important in this verse?
A: Anointing the altar (as stated in Exodus 29:36) sanctified it, setting it apart for holy use in the Mishkan. The Rambam explains that anointing with oil symbolizes dedication to divine service, marking the altar as a sacred vessel for korbanot (offerings) to Hashem.
Q: How does the concept of atonement in Exodus 29:36 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) or korbanot (offerings), the Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that prayer, teshuvah (repentance), and acts of kindness serve as substitutes for atonement. The verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual purification in serving Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of cleansing the altar in this verse?
A: Cleansing the altar (as commanded in Exodus 29:36) ensured it remained ritually pure for divine service. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tzav 14) compares this to refining a person’s heart—just as the altar needed purification, we must continually refine our actions and intentions in avodat Hashem (service to G-d).