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Leviticus 2:3 - Priestly portion: most holy.

Leviticus 2:3 - ויקרא 2:3

Hebrew Text

וְהַנּוֹתֶרֶת מִן־הַמִּנְחָה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים מֵאִשֵּׁי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

and the remnant of the meal offering shall be Aharon’s and his sons’: it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the Lord made by fire.

Transliteration

Vehanoteret min-hamincha le'Aharon ulevanav kodesh kodashim me'ishei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַנּוֹתֶ֙רֶת֙ מִן־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָ֑יו קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים מֵאִשֵּׁ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְהַנּוֹתֶ֙רֶת֙ מִן־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָ֑יו קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים מֵאִשֵּׁ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 2:3) discusses the portion of the mincha (meal offering) that remains after a handful is burned on the altar. This remnant is designated for Aharon and his sons—the Kohanim—and is described as "kodesh kodashim" (most holy) from the fire-offerings of Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term "kodesh kodashim" indicates that this portion is of the highest sanctity, meaning it may only be eaten by male Kohanim within the sacred precincts of the Mishkan (or later, the Beit HaMikdash). He further notes that the phrase "me'ishei Hashem" (from the fire-offerings of Hashem) teaches that the Kohanim's portion is considered as if it were offered entirely on the altar, despite only a handful being burned.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot, the Rambam elaborates on the laws of the mincha, emphasizing that the Kohanim's portion must be eaten in a state of ritual purity and within the designated holy area. He also clarifies that the sanctity of this portion is equal to that of the most sacred offerings, such as the chatat (sin offering).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this verse to the broader theme of sustenance for the Kohanim, who dedicate their lives to divine service. By granting them this holy portion, Hashem ensures that their physical needs are met in a manner that maintains their spiritual elevation.

Key Halachic Principles

  • The leftover mincha is reserved exclusively for Kohanim.
  • It must be eaten in the azara (Temple courtyard) by ritually pure male Kohanim.
  • Its sanctity is equivalent to other kodesh kodashim offerings.
  • Non-Kohanim who eat it intentionally are liable for karet (spiritual excision).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 73b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the meal offering and the portions that are designated for the priests.
📖 Yoma 44a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the holiness of the offerings and the portions allocated to Aaron and his descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 'remnant of the meal offering' refer to in Leviticus 2:3?
A: The 'remnant of the meal offering' refers to the portion of the flour offering (mincha) that was not burned on the altar. According to Rashi, this leftover part was given to the kohanim (priests), specifically to Aaron and his descendants, as it was considered 'most holy' (kodesh kodashim).
Q: Why was the leftover meal offering given to Aaron and his sons?
A: The Torah designates the leftover meal offering for Aaron and his sons (the kohanim) because they were chosen to serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Temple. Rambam explains that this was part of their sustenance since they did not receive a portion of land in Israel like the other tribes.
Q: What does 'most holy' (kodesh kodashim) mean in this verse?
A: 'Most holy' (kodesh kodashim) means that this portion of the meal offering had an extremely high level of sanctity. The Talmud (Menachot 73a) teaches that such offerings could only be eaten by male kohanim in a state of ritual purity within the sacred areas of the Temple.
Q: Can we apply the laws of the meal offering today without the Temple?
A: Since the destruction of the Temple, the meal offering (and all korbanot) cannot be brought. However, the Rambam writes that studying the laws of sacrifices is considered a substitute in some way. Additionally, the concept of giving to those who serve in spiritual roles (like Torah scholars) is still practiced today.
Q: What is the significance of the meal offering being 'from the offerings of the Lord made by fire'?
A: The phrase 'from the offerings of the Lord made by fire' emphasizes that even though part of the offering was burned on the altar (for Hashem) and part was given to the kohanim, both portions were equally sacred. The Midrash teaches that this shows the holiness of supporting those who devote their lives to divine service.