Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 7:32 mean when it says to give the 'right shoulder' to the priest?
A: Leviticus 7:32 instructs that the right hind leg (shoulder) of certain sacrifices (peace offerings) must be given to the kohen (priest) as a 'terumah' (heave offering). This is one of the portions designated for the kohanim as part of their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this was a gift to sustain the priests since they had no land inheritance of their own (Devarim 18:1-2).
Q: Why was the right shoulder specifically chosen for the priest?
A: The right shoulder is considered a choice portion, symbolizing honor and strength. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) teaches that giving this select part to the kohen shows respect for the priestly service. Additionally, the right side often represents greater importance in Jewish tradition (e.g., the right hand for blessings). Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:7) notes that this law applies to all peace offerings brought by individuals.
Q: Do we still give the right shoulder to priests today?
A: No, this mitzvah only applies when the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) is standing and korbanot (sacrifices) are offered. Since the Temple's destruction, we no longer bring sacrifices, and thus this law is not practiced today. However, the Talmud (Chulin 132b) discusses its details extensively, and we study these laws in anticipation of the future rebuilding of the Temple.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about giving to those who serve the community?
A: This verse teaches the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. Just as the kohanim were sustained through portions of sacrifices, today we have obligations to support Torah scholars and community leaders (see Rambam, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:1). The Torah emphasizes giving from the best ('right shoulder'), showing that we should honor such service generously.
Q: What is the difference between 'terumah' (heave offering) and other priestly gifts?
A: The term 'terumah' in this verse refers specifically to the elevated portion given to the kohen from the peace offering. Unlike terumat ma'aser (tithe of tithe given to Levites) or terumat ha'aretz (portion given to kohanim from produce), this is a unique terumah from sacrifices. The Talmud (Zevachim 97a) explains that it is called 'terumah' because it is separated ('raised up') for the kohen's use.
Verse Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 7:32) appears in the section detailing the laws of the zevach shelamim (peace offering), a voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude or fulfillment of a vow. The Torah specifies that the right hind leg (shok hayamin) of the animal is given as a terumah (heave offering) to the kohen (priest).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 7:32) clarifies that the shok refers to the upper part of the hind leg, from the knee to the hip. He notes that this portion is given to the kohen along with the breast (chazeh), as stated in earlier verses. Rashi emphasizes that this is a mitzvah (commandment) incumbent upon the one bringing the offering, reinforcing the role of the kohanim in the sacrificial service.
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
In Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos (10:4), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that the right hind leg is one of the priestly portions (matnos kehunah) given from the shelamim offering. He explains that this portion is sanctified (kodesh) and must be eaten by the kohanim in a state of ritual purity within the designated time.
Symbolic Meaning in Midrash
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 8:3) offers a deeper insight: the right hind leg symbolizes strength, as it is the limb that supports the animal's movement. By giving this portion to the kohen, the donor acknowledges that their physical strength and success come from Hashem, and the kohen, as a spiritual conduit, facilitates this recognition.
Practical Implications in the Talmud
Contemporary Relevance
Although the Temple is not standing today, the mitzvah of matnos kehunah remains a foundational concept in Jewish thought. It teaches the importance of supporting those dedicated to spiritual service, a principle echoed in the obligation to honor Torah scholars and communal leaders (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 246).