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Leviticus 22:18 - Strangers' sacrifices accepted too?

Leviticus 22:18 - ויקרא 22:18

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל־בָּנָיו וְאֶל כָּל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם אִישׁ אִישׁ מִבֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וּמִן־הַגֵּר בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר יַקְרִיב קָרְבָּנוֹ לְכָל־נִדְרֵיהֶם וּלְכָל־נִדְבוֹתָם אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִיבוּ לַיהוָה לְעֹלָה׃

English Translation

Speak to Aharon, and to his sons, and to all the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, Whatever he be of the house of Yisra᾽el, or of the strangers in Yisra᾽el, that will offer their sacrifice for all their vows, and for all their freewill offerings, which they will offer to the Lord for a burnt offering;

Transliteration

Daber el-Aharon ve'el-banav ve'el kol-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem ish ish mibeit Yisrael umin-hager beYisrael asher yakriv korbano lechol-nidreihem ulechol-nidvotam asher-yakrivu laHashem le'olah.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּ֨ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְאֶל־בָּנָ֗יו וְאֶל֙ כׇּל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אִ֣ישׁ אִישׁ֩ מִבֵּ֨ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל וּמִן־הַגֵּ֣ר בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַקְרִ֤יב קׇרְבָּנוֹ֙ לְכׇל־נִדְרֵיהֶם֙ וּלְכׇל־נִדְבוֹתָ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֥יבוּ לַיהֹוָ֖ה לְעֹלָֽה׃
דַּבֵּ֨ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְאֶל־בָּנָ֗יו וְאֶל֙ כׇּל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אִ֣ישׁ אִישׁ֩ מִבֵּ֨ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל וּמִן־הַגֵּ֣ר בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַקְרִ֤יב קׇרְבָּנוֹ֙ לְכׇל־נִדְרֵיהֶם֙ וּלְכׇל־נִדְבוֹתָ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֥יבוּ לַיהֹוָ֖ה לְעֹלָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 22:18) instructs Moshe to convey laws regarding sacrifices to Aharon, his sons (the Kohanim), and all of Bnei Yisrael. It emphasizes that both native Israelites and gerim (righteous converts) may bring voluntary offerings—either nedarim (vows) or nedavot (freewill offerings)—as olah (burnt offerings) to Hashem.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Inclusivity of Gerim: The inclusion of gerim highlights the Torah's principle that converts are equal in mitzvah observance (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 7:11). The Sifra notes that this teaches gerim are bound by the same sacrificial laws as native-born Jews.
  • Role of Kohanim: Aharon and his sons are addressed first because they oversee the sacrificial process (Rashi). The Kohanim must ensure offerings meet halachic standards, as elaborated in later verses.
  • Voluntary Offerings: The verse specifies nedarim and nedavot, which reflect different levels of commitment. A neder is obligatory once pledged, while a nedavah remains optional (Talmud, Nedarim 2a).

Halachic Insights

The Ramban explains that the phrase "אִישׁ אִישׁ" ("whatever he be") underscores individual responsibility in sacrificial worship. Even a ger, though not descended from Avraham, may draw close to Hashem through korbanot (Ramban on Vayikra 22:18). The Talmud (Menachot 73b) further clarifies that the same laws of unblemished animals apply to both Israelites and gerim.

Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) links this verse to the universal potential for divine service: just as the olah is entirely consumed on the altar, a ger who fully embraces Judaism is wholly accepted by Hashem. This aligns with the Torah’s recurring theme that sincere devotion transcends lineage.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:18 teach us about sacrifices?
A: Leviticus 22:18 teaches that both native Israelites and converts ('strangers in Israel') could bring voluntary offerings (vows and freewill offerings) to Hashem as burnt offerings. This emphasizes inclusivity in serving G-d, as Rashi explains that the term 'stranger' refers to righteous converts who are equal in their ability to bring sacrifices.
Q: Why does the verse mention both Aharon's family and all of Israel?
A: The verse addresses Aharon (the Kohen Gadol), his sons (the Kohanim), and all of Israel to clarify the roles in the sacrificial process. The Kohanim facilitate the offerings, while all Jews—including converts—may bring them. Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot) explains that this structure ensures proper service in the Mishkan (and later the Temple).
Q: What is the difference between a 'vow' and a 'freewill offering' mentioned in this verse?
A: A 'vow' (neder) is a pledge to bring a sacrifice upon fulfilling a condition (e.g., 'If I recover, I will bring an offering'), while a 'freewill offering' (nedavah) is given voluntarily without any prior obligation. The Talmud (Chullin 2a) discusses the distinctions, noting both are expressions of devotion to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring physical sacrifices today, the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices in exile. The verse reminds us that sincere devotion—whether through prayer, charity, or Torah study—is accessible to all Jews, including converts, as a form of spiritual 'offering' to Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'burnt offering' (olah) here?
A: The olah (burnt offering) is unique because it is entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to Hashem. Rashi notes that this verse highlights voluntary offerings (un like mandatory sacrifices), teaching that even acts beyond strict requirements—done with pure intent—are cherished by G-d.