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Leviticus 16:6 - Kohen's personal atonement ritual

Leviticus 16:6 - ויקרא 16:6

Hebrew Text

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

English Translation

And Aharon shall offer the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself, and for his house.

Transliteration

Vehikriv Aharon et-par hachatat asher-lo vechiper ba'ado uve'ad beito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרִ֧יב אַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־פַּ֥ר הַחַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֥ד בֵּיתֽוֹ׃
וְהִקְרִ֧יב אַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־פַּ֥ר הַחַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֥ד בֵּיתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 16:6) describes the procedure for Yom Kippur, where Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) is commanded to bring a bull as a sin offering to atone for himself and his household. This is part of the avodah (service) performed in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 16:6) explains that the phrase "which is for himself" emphasizes that this bull is specifically designated for the Kohen Gadol's personal atonement, not for communal sins. The term "and for his house" refers to his immediate family—his wife and children—as well as the broader priestly family (Kohanim).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Avodas Yom HaKippurim (1:7), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that the Kohen Gadol must first atone for himself before he can seek atonement for others. This principle, derived from our verse, teaches that spiritual leaders must ensure their own purity before guiding the community.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Toras Kohanim (Sifra, Acharei Mos 3:1) notes that the bull's atonement covers unintentional sins, particularly those related to the Kohen Gadol's service in the Mishkan.
  • The Yalkut Shimoni (Vayikra 524) connects this verse to the idea that leadership carries greater responsibility—hence, the Kohen Gadol must seek atonement first.

Symbolism of the Bull

The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 16:6) suggests that the bull (פַּר) represents strength and pride, hinting that even the Kohen Gadol must humble himself before Hashem. The offering serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from the need for repentance.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Mishnah in Yoma (3:8) details how the Kohen Gadol would confess his sins over the bull, emphasizing verbal admission as a critical component of atonement. This aligns with the broader Torah principle of viduy (confession) as a step in teshuvah (repentance).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 36b
The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's atonement ritual on Yom Kippur, particularly regarding the sequence and significance of his personal atonement before that of the community.
📖 Horayot 11b
Referenced in a discussion about the atonement process for the High Priest and the community, emphasizing the precedence of the High Priest's own atonement.

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. This teaches humility - no one is perfect, and even spiritual leaders must seek forgiveness for their mistakes.
Q: What does 'for himself and for his house' mean in Leviticus 16:6?
A: The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim 1:7) that 'his house' refers both to Aharon's immediate family and to all the Kohanim (priests). The Kohen Gadol atoned first for himself, then for his fellow priests 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 great leaders like Aharon can err and need atonement. This connects to his role in that earlier incident (Exodus 32).
Q: How does this verse relate to Yom Kippur today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 18a) teaches that the concepts of personal atonement remain. Just as Aharon prepared spiritually before Yom Kippur, we too must examine our deeds and seek forgiveness during the Ten Days of Repentance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Aharon making atonement for himself first?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 107b) derives from this that one must first correct their own faults before helping others. As Rashi notes, this shows the importance of personal accountability in spiritual growth.