Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 4:20 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 4:20 describes the process of atonement for unintentional sins committed by the community. The verse explains that the priest must offer a bull as a sin offering, following the same procedure as with other sin offerings, to achieve forgiveness for the people. According to Rashi, this highlights the importance of the sacrificial system in achieving atonement for sins before Hashem.
Q: Why is the sin offering important in Judaism?
A: The sin offering (korban chatat) is crucial in Judaism because it provides a way for individuals or the community to atone for unintentional sins. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1-2) explains that while repentance is always necessary, the sin offering helps complete the atonement process when the Temple stands. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for spiritual cleansing.
Q: How does Leviticus 4:20 apply today without the Temple?
A: Since we currently lack the Temple, we cannot bring sin offerings. However, the Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that prayer, repentance, and charity now take the place of sacrifices. The verse reminds us that atonement is still possible through sincere teshuva (repentance) and good deeds, as emphasized by Orthodox Jewish tradition.
Q: What can we learn from the communal sin offering in this verse?
A: The communal sin offering teaches us about collective responsibility in Judaism. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 4:6) explains that when part of the community sins, it affects everyone. This verse shows that atonement must sometimes be sought together, reminding us to care about each other's spiritual wellbeing and correct communal wrongs.
Q: Why does the verse mention the priest's role in atonement?
A: The verse emphasizes the kohen's (priest's) central role because, as Rashi explains, the priest acts as an intermediary between the people and Hashem during the atonement process. The Talmud (Yoma 5a) teaches that the priest's service in the Temple was essential for achieving forgiveness through sacrifices, showing the importance of proper channels for spiritual repair.
Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)
The verse (Vayikra 4:20) discusses the procedure for the par kohen mashiach (the bull offering brought by the anointed High Priest for an unintentional sin). The Torah equates its treatment to that of the par chatat (sin-offering bull) brought for communal sins, emphasizing the atonement process facilitated by the Kohen.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 4:20) clarifies that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לְפַר הַחַטָּאת" ("as he did with the bullock for a sin offering") refers to the identical procedures of:
This uniformity underscores the seriousness of the High Priest's error, requiring the same meticulous atonement as a communal sin.
Rambam on Atonement
In Hilchot Shegagot (Laws of Unintentional Sins 1:1), the Rambam explains that the phrase "וְכִפֶּר עֲלֵהֶם הַכֹּהֵן" ("the priest shall make atonement for them") highlights the Kohen's essential role in achieving kaparah (atonement). The sacrificial rites, performed correctly by the Kohen, activate divine forgiveness ("וְנִסְלַח לָהֶם").
Talmudic Insight (Yoma 36b)
The Talmud derives from this verse that the blood of the High Priest's bull effects atonement even before its sprinkling is completed, teaching that sincere repentance (teshuvah) begins the forgiveness process, while the korban (offering) finalizes it.
Midrashic Perspective (Vayikra Rabbah 4:2)
The Midrash links this atonement to the Kohen Gadol’s dual role: his personal purification impacts the entire nation, reflecting the principle "כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל מְכַפֵּר עַל כֻּלָּם" ("the High Priest atones for all"). The parallel between his bull and the communal bull underscores his responsibility to model spiritual integrity.