Leviticus 3:13 - Hand on offering, blood sanctifies altar

The Act of Semichah (Laying Hands)

The verse describes the mitzvah of semichah (laying hands) on the head of a sacrificial animal before slaughter. According to Rashi (Vayikra 1:4), this act symbolizes the transfer of the owner's identity onto the animal, as if to say, "This animal is taking my place in atonement." The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 3:14) explains that semichah is accompanied by a verbal confession (viduy) of sins, reinforcing the idea that the korban serves as a means of atonement.

The Location of the Slaughter

The phrase "before the Tent of Meeting" teaches that the slaughter must take place in the northern part of the courtyard of the Mishkan (or later, the Beis HaMikdash), as derived from Vayikra Rabbah 3:5. The Talmud (Zevachim 5:3) emphasizes that proper intention (kavanah) is required during slaughter, as the korban must be offered specifically for its designated purpose.

The Role of Bnei Aharon

The sprinkling of the blood by the sons of Aharon highlights the exclusive role of kohanim in certain parts of the sacrificial service. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 1:5) notes that the blood represents the life force (nefesh), and its sprinkling on the altar symbolizes the dedication of one's life to Hashem. The circular sprinkling (saviv) teaches that atonement must encompass all aspects of a person's being.

Symbolism of the Korban

• The entire process represents submission to Hashem's will, as the owner acknowledges his shortcomings and seeks atonement.
• The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 14) compares the korban to a prince who must bring a gift to appease his father, the king.
• The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 95) explains that the physical actions of the korban service help awaken proper thoughts of repentance in the person bringing the offering.