Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 22:15 mean when it says 'they shall not profane the holy things'?
A: Leviticus 22:15 teaches that the sacred offerings (terumah and other gifts) brought by the Jewish people to Hashem must be treated with respect and not misused or treated in a way that diminishes their holiness. Rashi explains that this verse warns against allowing non-priests (who are not authorized) to eat from these holy offerings, as that would be a form of desecration.
Q: Why is it important not to profane the holy things of Israel?
A: The holiness of offerings to Hashem reflects the sanctity of the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos) emphasizes that treating holy items improperly shows disrespect to Hashem’s commandments. Maintaining their sanctity ensures that mitzvos are performed with proper reverence.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 22:15 today?
A: Even though we no longer bring sacrifices, the principle applies to how we treat mitzvah objects (like a sefer Torah, tefillin, or tzedakah funds). The Talmud (Megillah 26b) teaches that items designated for holy purposes must be used respectfully and not for personal benefit, reflecting the same care for kedushah (holiness).
Q: Who is commanded in this verse not to profane the holy things?
A: The verse addresses the kohanim (priests), who are responsible for handling the sacred offerings properly. The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Leviticus) states that this includes ensuring that only those permitted (like ritually pure priests) consume or use the offerings, preventing any misuse.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader theme of kedushah (holiness) in Judaism?
A: Leviticus repeatedly emphasizes kedushah—separating the sacred from the ordinary. This verse reinforces that idea by requiring safeguards for holy items. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) links this to the idea that the Jewish people are a 'kingdom of priests' (Exodus 19:6), entrusted with preserving holiness in all aspects of life.
Context and Source
The verse (Vayikra 22:15) appears in the context of laws pertaining to the sanctity of terumah (heave offerings) and other sacred donations brought by Bnei Yisrael to the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash. The Torah warns the Kohanim not to profane these holy items through improper handling or misuse.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 22:15) clarifies that the phrase "וְלֹא יְחַלְּלוּ" ("they shall not profane") refers to the Kohanim, who are entrusted with safeguarding the sanctity of the offerings. He emphasizes that improper use—such as consuming terumah in a state of impurity or allowing non-Kohanim to eat it—constitutes a desecration of its holiness.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Terumot (6:1), the Rambam elaborates that this prohibition extends to any misuse of sanctified items, including:
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
The Talmud (Yevamot 90a) derives from this verse that even unintentional misuse of sanctified items is prohibited. The Sages teach that the Kohanim must act as guardians of holiness, ensuring that all offerings are treated with reverence.
Midrash Torat Kohanim (Sifra) adds that this commandment reinforces the broader principle that kedushah (holiness) requires active protection. The phrase "אֲשֶׁר־יָרִימוּ לַיהוָה" ("which they offer to the Lord") underscores that these items are designated for divine service and must remain untainted.
Practical Implications
From an Orthodox Jewish perspective, this verse teaches: