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Leviticus 9:21 - Priestly dedication through wave offering.

Leviticus 9:21 - ויקרא 9:21

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת הֶחָזוֹת וְאֵת שׁוֹק הַיָּמִין הֵנִיף אַהֲרֹן תְּנוּפָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

and the breasts and the right shoulder Aharon waved for a wave offering before the Lord; as Moshe commanded.

Transliteration

Ve'et hechazot ve'et shok hayamin heinif Aharon tenufa lifnei Adonai ka'asher tzivah Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֣ת הֶחָז֗וֹת וְאֵת֙ שׁ֣וֹק הַיָּמִ֔ין הֵנִ֧יף אַהֲרֹ֛ן תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֥ה מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וְאֵ֣ת הֶחָז֗וֹת וְאֵת֙ שׁ֣וֹק הַיָּמִ֔ין הֵנִ֧יף אַהֲרֹ֛ן תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֥ה מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Tenufah (Wave Offering) of the Breasts and Right Shoulder

The verse describes Aharon performing the tenufah (wave offering) of the chazeh (breast) and shok hayamin (right shoulder) before Hashem, as commanded by Moshe. This act was part of the inauguration ceremony of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Kohanim (Leviticus 8:25-29).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Leviticus 7:30) explains that the tenufah involved moving the offering forward and backward, as well as upward and downward, symbolizing acknowledgment of Hashem's dominion over the four directions and the heavens and earth. The breast and right shoulder were specifically designated as portions for the Kohanim (Exodus 29:27-28).

Symbolism of the Breasts and Shoulder

The chazeh (breast) and shok (shoulder) represent different aspects of divine service:

  • Chazeh (Breast): The breast, located near the heart, symbolizes wisdom and understanding (Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav 14). It was given to the Kohanim as a reminder that their service requires heartfelt devotion.
  • Shok Hayamin (Right Shoulder): The right shoulder represents strength and action (Rambam, Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 9:10). The right side is associated with kindness and service, indicating that the Kohen must serve with both physical and spiritual strength.

The Commandment of Moshe

The verse emphasizes that Aharon acted "ka'asher tzivah Moshe" (as Moshe commanded), highlighting the importance of precise adherence to divine instruction. The Sforno notes that this phrase underscores the Kohen Gadol's obligation to follow every detail of halachah (Jewish law) in the avodah (Temple service).

Halachic Significance

The tenufah was a critical part of the sacrificial process, as it sanctified the portions before they were eaten by the Kohanim (Talmud, Menachot 61b). The waving also served as a public declaration that the offering was dedicated to Hashem (Ramban on Leviticus 7:30).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 61b
The verse is discussed in the context of the wave offering (tenufah) performed by Aaron, as part of the broader discussion on sacrificial procedures.
📖 Zevachim 97a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper handling and waving of sacrificial offerings, particularly the breast and shoulder portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the wave offering (tenufah) in Leviticus 9:21?
A: The wave offering (tenufah) was a ritual where Aharon waved the breast and right shoulder of the sacrifice before Hashem. According to Rashi, this act symbolized acknowledging that everything belongs to Hashem. The movement forward and backward, up and down, represented giving to the One who owns all directions (Sifra, Rashi on Leviticus 9:21).
Q: Why did Aharon wave only the breast and right shoulder in Leviticus 9:21?
A: The breast (chazeh) and right shoulder (shok hayamin) were specifically designated for the kohanim (priests) as their portion of certain offerings (Leviticus 7:34). Rambam explains that these parts were waved to show they were being consecrated for holy use before being given to the kohanim (Mishneh Torah, Maaseh HaKorbanot 9:10).
Q: What can we learn from the wave offering in Leviticus 9:21 today?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices, the concept of tenufah teaches us to dedicate our actions to Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 62a) derives from this that when we eat, we should first lift our food slightly, acknowledging that it comes from Hashem. This trains us to be mindful of gratitude and holiness in everyday life.
Q: Why does Leviticus 9:21 emphasize that Aharon did 'as Moshe commanded'?
A: The Torah stresses this to teach the importance of following halachah (Jewish law) precisely. Rashi notes that Aharon didn't alter anything from Moshe's instructions, showing complete obedience to Divine commandments. This sets a precedent for all generations in meticulously observing mitzvot as transmitted through Torah leadership (Sifra, Tzav 9:21).