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Leviticus 19:21 - Repentance through ram offering

Leviticus 19:21 - ויקרא 19:21

Hebrew Text

וְהֵבִיא אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ לַיהוָה אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד אֵיל אָשָׁם׃

English Translation

And he shall bring his guilt offering to the Lord, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, a ram for a guilt offering.

Transliteration

Vehevi et-ashamo lahashem el-petach ohel moed eil asham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֵבִ֤יא אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד אֵ֖יל אָשָֽׁם׃
וְהֵבִ֤יא אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד אֵ֖יל אָשָֽׁם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context

The verse (Vayikra 5:15) discusses the requirement to bring a guilt offering (asham) for certain transgressions, particularly those involving misuse of sanctified property (me'ilah). The offering must be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed), emphasizing the need for atonement in the presence of Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 5:15) clarifies that the guilt offering must be a ram (eil asham), distinguishing it from other types of sacrifices. He notes that the phrase "to the Lord" underscores that the offering must be brought with proper intent (lishmah) for atonement, not merely as a ritual act.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Me'ilah (8:8), Rambam explains that the guilt offering serves as both atonement and restitution for misusing sanctified items. The requirement to bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting symbolizes the sinner's return to closeness with Hashem after repentance.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) teaches that the ram (eil) alludes to the binding of Yitzchak (Akeidah), where a ram was sacrificed in his stead, symbolizing substitutionary atonement.
  • The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) emphasizes that the offering must be brought specifically to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, highlighting that repentance must be public and sincere, not hidden.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Zevachim 5a) discusses the precise location where the offering must be slaughtered—near the entrance—to ensure proper handling by the Kohanim. This reflects the importance of adhering to halachic details in the sacrificial process.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 5b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper place for bringing guilt offerings and other sacrifices, emphasizing the requirement to bring them to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.
📖 Menachot 92a
Referenced in the context of discussing the various types of offerings and their specific requirements, including the location where they must be brought.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a guilt offering (asham) in Leviticus 19:21?
A: A guilt offering (asham) is a type of sacrifice brought to atone for specific sins, such as unintentional misuse of sacred property or failing to fulfill an oath. The Torah requires bringing a ram as the offering, as stated in Leviticus 19:21. Rashi explains that this offering helps repair the spiritual damage caused by the sin.
Q: Why does the guilt offering have to be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The door of the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed) was the designated place for bringing sacrifices because it was the sacred space where the Divine Presence dwelled. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) teaches that bringing the offering to this location emphasizes repentance and reconnection with Hashem after wrongdoing.
Q: What can we learn from the requirement to bring a ram as a guilt offering?
A: The requirement of a ram (a valuable animal) teaches that repentance requires effort and sincerity. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) explains that sacrifices were meant to inspire introspection—just as the animal is brought to the altar, a person must 'bring themselves' closer to Hashem through sincere remorse and commitment to improvement.
Q: Does the concept of a guilt offering apply today without the Temple?
A: While physical sacrifices are not brought without the Temple, the principles of repentance (teshuvah) still apply. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that sincere repentance, prayer, and charity take the place of sacrifices today. The message of Leviticus 19:21 reminds us to actively correct our mistakes and restore our relationship with Hashem.