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Leviticus 15:29 - Purification's final avian offering?

Leviticus 15:29 - ויקרא 15:29

Hebrew Text

וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי תִּקַּח־לָהּ שְׁתֵּי תֹרִים אוֹ שְׁנֵי בְּנֵי יוֹנָה וְהֵבִיאָה אוֹתָם אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And on the eighth day she shall take for herself two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Uvayom hashmini tikach-lah shtei torim o shnei bnei yonah vehevi'a otam el-hakohen el-petach ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י תִּֽקַּֽח־לָהּ֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה וְהֵבִיאָ֤ה אוֹתָם֙ אֶל־הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י תִּֽקַּֽח־לָהּ֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה וְהֵבִיאָ֤ה אוֹתָם֙ אֶל־הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 15:29) is part of the Torah's discussion concerning the purification process for a woman after childbirth (טומאת יולדת). The eighth day refers to the completion of her period of impurity (for a female child, this follows an initial 14-day period of impurity). The offering of two birds—either turtledoves or young pigeons—serves as her purification sacrifice (קרבן טהרה).

Choice of Birds

Rashi (Vayikra 15:29) explains that the Torah specifies turtledoves (תֹרִים) or young pigeons (בְּנֵי יוֹנָה) because these birds are easily accessible and affordable, ensuring that even those of limited means can fulfill this mitzvah. The Talmud (Keritot 27b) further notes that these birds are commonly found and do not require extensive effort to obtain, emphasizing Hashem's compassion in making mitzvot achievable for all.

Symbolism of the Offering

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:6) suggests that the birds symbolize the cries of a woman during childbirth, as birds are known for their constant chirping. By bringing these birds, the woman acknowledges the pain and challenges of childbirth and expresses gratitude for surviving the ordeal. Additionally, the Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) teaches that sacrifices serve as a psychological and spiritual means of drawing closer to Hashem, allowing the individual to reflect on their experiences and recommit to divine service.

The Role of the Kohen

The verse emphasizes bringing the offering to the Kohen at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 15:29) explains that the Kohen serves as an intermediary to facilitate the woman's return to spiritual purity and communal life. The location—the entrance of the Mishkan—symbolizes transition, marking her passage from a state of impurity back to full participation in the sanctity of the community.

Halachic Implications

  • The Mishnah (Kritut 1:7) clarifies that the birds must be without blemish, as with all korbanot.
  • The Tur (Yoreh De'ah 201) notes that if a woman cannot afford two birds, she may bring one (based on Vayikra 12:8), demonstrating the Torah's sensitivity to financial hardship.
  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 201:1) codifies the requirement for the woman to personally bring the offering, underscoring her active role in achieving טהרה.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 9a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the offerings brought by a woman after childbirth, specifically the requirement for two turtledoves or two young pigeons.
📖 Niddah 31b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws pertaining to a woman after childbirth and the sacrifices she is required to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:29 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:29 discusses the purification process for a woman after certain conditions (discussed earlier in the chapter). On the eighth day, she brings two turtledoves or young pigeons to the kohen (priest) at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting as part of her purification offering. This follows the Torah's laws of taharah (ritual purity) as explained in the Talmud and commentaries like Rashi.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'two turtledoves or young pigeons'?
A: The Torah offers a choice between two types of birds to make the mitzvah more accessible. Turtledoves and pigeons were common and affordable offerings, as Rambam explains (Hilchot Mechusrei Kaparah 1:1). This shows HaShem's compassion—He allows those who cannot afford larger sacrifices to fulfill their obligation with simpler offerings.
Q: Why is the eighth day significant in this verse?
A: The eighth day represents completion and a new beginning, as seen in other Torah contexts (like circumcision on the eighth day). Here, it marks the end of the purification process and the woman's return to full ritual purity, as the Sforno explains. The number seven represents nature, while eight symbolizes rising above it—hence spiritual renewal.
Q: Does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices without the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the concepts of taharah (purity) and tumah (impurity) still teach us important spiritual lessons today. The Talmud (Berachot 57b) explains that Torah study now serves in place of sacrifices. The underlying values—repentance, renewal, and drawing closer to HaShem—remain eternally relevant.
Q: Why bring the offering to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: Rashi explains that bringing it to the entrance (not inside) teaches humility—we shouldn't enter HaShem's sanctuary casually. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 19:4) also notes that the entrance represents transition—just as the woman transitions back to purity, we too must approach spiritual growth step by step.