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Leviticus 16:11 - Kohen's personal atonement ritual

Leviticus 16:11 - ויקרא 16:11

Hebrew Text

וְהִקְרִיב אַהֲרֹן אֶת־פַּר הַחַטָּאת אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ וְכִפֶּר בַּעֲדוֹ וּבְעַד בֵּיתוֹ וְשָׁחַט אֶת־פַּר הַחַטָּאת אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ׃

English Translation

And Aharon shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

Transliteration

Vehikriv aharon et-par hachet asher-lo vechiper ba'ado uve'ad beito vesha'chat et-par hachet asher-lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרִ֨יב אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־פַּ֤ר הַֽחַטָּאת֙ אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּֽעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֣ד בֵּית֑וֹ וְשָׁחַ֛ט אֶת־פַּ֥ר הַֽחַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר־לֽוֹ׃
וְהִקְרִ֨יב אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־פַּ֤ר הַֽחַטָּאת֙ אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּֽעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֣ד בֵּית֑וֹ וְשָׁחַ֛ט אֶת־פַּ֥ר הַֽחַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר־לֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 16:6) describes the procedure of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur, specifically detailing Aharon's obligation to bring a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household. This act of atonement is central to the Yom Kippur service in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 16:6) emphasizes that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ" ("which is for himself") teaches that the bull must be purchased from Aharon's own funds, not from communal offerings. This underscores the personal responsibility of the Kohen Gadol to atone for himself before seeking atonement for others.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim (1:7), the Rambam explains that the Kohen Gadol's personal sin offering precedes all other Yom Kippur sacrifices, symbolizing that spiritual leaders must first rectify their own shortcomings before guiding the community in repentance.

Talmudic Insights

The Talmud (Yoma 2b) discusses why Aharon's bull is called a "חַטָּאת" (sin offering), even though the Kohen Gadol was not known to have sinned. It explains that this offering atones for potential unintentional sins related to the sanctity of the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash.

  • The bull atones for tum'at Mikdash v'kodashav (defilement of the Temple and its sanctified objects).
  • It also serves as a safeguard against hirhur aveirah (sinful thoughts) that may have occurred during the year.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 16:6) connects this verse to the episode of the Golden Calf, suggesting that the bull offering serves as a continual atonement for Aharon's role in that incident. This teaches that even great leaders must constantly seek forgiveness for past mistakes.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet (Vayikra 16:6) explains that the personal sacrifice of the Kohen Gadol represents the need for hitkashrut (connection) between the leader and the people. By first atoning for himself and his household, the Kohen Gadol demonstrates that true leadership begins with self-improvement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 36a
The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's atonement rituals on Yom Kippur, particularly regarding the bullock he offers for himself and his household.
📖 Horayot 11b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the atonement process and the responsibilities of the High Priest in offering sacrifices for himself and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Aharon (Aaron) need to bring a sin offering for himself?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 2b), even the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) was human and needed atonement. Aharon brought this offering to atone for any potential sins before performing the sacred Yom Kippur service in the Holy Temple.
Q: What does 'make atonement for himself and his house' mean?
A: The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Avodas Yom HaKippurim 1:7) that 'his house' refers to his fellow Kohanim (priests). The High Priest atoned first for himself, then for all the priests who served in the Temple, before atoning for the entire nation.
Q: Why was a bull specifically chosen for this sin offering?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21:9) teaches that the bull represents the sin of the golden calf, reminding us that even leaders must constantly repent. The bull's size also symbolizes the weighty responsibility of the Kohen Gadol's role.
Q: How does this verse relate to Yom Kippur today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the Talmud (Rosh Hashana 18a) teaches that sincere repentance, prayer, and charity replace the sacrifices. The verse reminds us that spiritual leaders and all Jews must regularly examine their actions and seek atonement.
Q: Why did Aharon have to slaughter the bull himself?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 32a) explains this teaches the importance of personal involvement in repentance. Even as High Priest, Aharon couldn't delegate this act - showing that atonement requires one's own effort and sincere participation in the process.