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Leviticus 21:24 - Priestly laws for holiness.

Leviticus 21:24 - ויקרא 21:24

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל־בָּנָיו וְאֶל־כָּל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to Aharon, and to his sons, and to all the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Vaydaber Moshe el-Aharon ve'el-banav ve'el kol-bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן וְאֶל־בָּנָ֑יו וְאֶֽל־כׇּל־בְּנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן וְאֶל־בָּנָ֑יו וְאֶֽל־כׇּל־בְּנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Context of Moshe's Address

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 9:1, marking the culmination of the seven-day inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that Moshe was instructing Aharon and his sons regarding the korbanot (sacrifices) they would offer on the eighth day, as well as conveying laws to all of Bnei Yisrael related to the Mishkan's service. The Ramban adds that this moment was pivotal—transitioning from the preparatory days to the actual divine service.

Why Three Distinct Groups?

The verse specifies three audiences:

  • Aharon: As Kohen Gadol, he received unique instructions for his role in the avodah (service).
  • His sons: They were taught their duties as kohanim, ensuring continuity of the priesthood (based on Torat Kohanim).
  • All Bnei Yisrael: The entire nation needed to understand their collective responsibility in supporting the Mishkan, as the Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes that the Mishkan belonged to all of Israel.

Moshe's Role as Teacher

The Sforno highlights that Moshe’s address demonstrates his role as the transmitter of Torah—first to the leaders (Aharon and his sons) and then to the people. The Kli Yakar notes that this mirrors the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, where Moshe relayed Hashem’s word in stages, ensuring clarity and authority.

Unity in Divine Service

The Or HaChaim teaches that this verse underscores the unity required in avodat Hashem: while the kohanim had specific duties, every Jew had a share in the Mishkan’s sanctity. The Meshech Chochmah adds that Moshe’s inclusive address reinforced that the Mishkan’s kedushah (holiness) depended on the combined efforts of leadership and the nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe speak to Aharon, his sons, and all of Israel in this verse?
A: According to Rashi, this verse comes after discussing laws of the kohanim (priests). Moshe was ensuring that all of Israel - not just the kohanim - understood these laws, since the entire nation must respect the sanctity of the priesthood.
Q: What is the significance of listing Aharon, his sons, and then all of Israel separately?
A: The Midrash explains the order teaches that Torah laws must first be taught to the leaders (Aharon), then to their students (his sons), and finally to the entire community. This shows the proper way Torah knowledge should be transmitted.
Q: How does this verse relate to leadership in Judaism today?
A: The Rambam learns from here that Jewish leaders must communicate clearly with both their immediate circle and the broader community. Just as Moshe taught Aharon, his sons, and all Israel, today's rabbis teach their students and the wider Jewish public.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'all the children of Israel' at the end?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 114a) explains this emphasizes that even though certain laws apply specifically to kohanim, all Jews must be aware of them to properly respect the Temple service and the priestly role.