share torah logo

Exodus 40:12 - Purifying priests for service

Exodus 40:12 - שמות 40:12

Hebrew Text

וְהִקְרַבְתָּ אֶת־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת־בָּנָיו אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְרָחַצְתָּ אֹתָם בַּמָּיִם׃

English Translation

And thou shalt bring Aharon and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and wash them with water.

Transliteration

V'hikravta et-Aharon v'et-banav el-petach ohel mo'ed v'rachatzta otam ba-mayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤ אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְרָחַצְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּמָּֽיִם׃
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤ אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְרָחַצְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּמָּֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 29:4) is part of the detailed instructions for the consecration of Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests) to serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This washing was a crucial step in their inauguration, symbolizing purification before assuming their sacred duties.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that this washing was done from a kior (laver), a special basin used for ritual purification. He emphasizes that the washing was not merely for physical cleanliness but a kedushah (sanctification) process, as the verse states they were brought to the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting)—a place of holiness.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (5:4), the Rambam (Maimonides) rules that washing hands and feet was a perpetual requirement for Kohanim before service, derived from this inaugural washing. He notes that this mitzvah applies even in the absence of the Temple, as it establishes the principle of ritual purity for divine service.

Symbolism in Midrash

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) compares this washing to the purification of vessels before use, teaching that just as vessels are sanctified for holy purposes, so too must the Kohanim prepare themselves spiritually.
  • Zohar (Shemot 206a) interprets the water as representing Torah, suggesting that the Kohanim needed spiritual "washing" through immersion in wisdom before serving.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 104) explains that this act instilled reverence in the Kohanim, reminding them that their service required both external and internal purity. The washing also symbolized a transition from their previous status to a life of heightened holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 3b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the preparations and rituals for the High Priest on Yom Kippur, emphasizing the importance of washing before service.
📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the sanctification process of priests and the requirement for washing before performing sacrificial services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Aharon and his sons need to be washed with water before serving in the Mishkan?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 28b), the washing purified Aharon and his sons spiritually and physically before they could perform the sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This teaches us the importance of preparing oneself properly before engaging in holy matters.
Q: What is the significance of washing at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 37:2) explains that washing at the entrance symbolizes transition - they were leaving their ordinary status and entering into holy service. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 5:6) also notes this marked their formal induction as kohanim (priests).
Q: Does this washing have any connection to modern Jewish practices?
A: Yes. The washing of hands (netilat yadayim) that kohanim perform before the priestly blessing today originates from this verse. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 128:6) rules that kohanim must wash their hands before duchaning, continuing this ancient tradition.
Q: Why was water specifically used for this purification?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 19b) teaches that water represents humility and simplicity - essential qualities for spiritual service. The Kli Yakar adds that just as water flows downward, the kohanim needed to approach their service with humility before Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this washing ceremony today?
A: The Sforno explains this teaches that before any important spiritual undertaking, we must prepare ourselves properly - both physically and mentally. Just as the kohanim needed purification before service, we too should approach mitzvot with proper preparation and reverence.