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Leviticus 4:29 - Transferring guilt through sacrifice?

Leviticus 4:29 - ויקרא 4:29

Hebrew Text

וְסָמַךְ אֶת־יָדוֹ עַל רֹאשׁ הַחַטָּאת וְשָׁחַט אֶת־הַחַטָּאת בִּמְקוֹם הָעֹלָה׃

English Translation

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

Transliteration

Vesamakh et-yado al rosh hachatat vesha'chat et-hachatat bimkom ha'olah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְסָמַךְ֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ עַ֖ל רֹ֣אשׁ הַֽחַטָּ֑את וְשָׁחַט֙ אֶת־הַ֣חַטָּ֔את בִּמְק֖וֹם הָעֹלָֽה׃
וְסָמַךְ֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ עַ֖ל רֹ֣אשׁ הַֽחַטָּ֑את וְשָׁחַט֙ אֶת־הַ֣חַטָּ֔את בִּמְק֖וֹם הָעֹלָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Act of Semichah (Laying Hands)

The verse describes the mitzvah of semichah (laying hands) on the head of the chatat (sin offering) before its slaughter. According to Rashi (Vayikra 1:4), this act symbolizes the transfer of the owner's sins onto the animal, thereby achieving atonement. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 3:14) explains that semichah must be performed with full force, pressing down with both hands, as an expression of sincere repentance and acceptance of the offering's purpose.

The Location of the Slaughter

The verse specifies that the chatat must be slaughtered "in the place of the burnt offering" (בִּמְקוֹם הָעֹלָה). The Talmud (Zevachim 53b) teaches that this refers to the northern side of the altar, designated specifically for sin offerings. Rashi (Vayikra 6:18) notes that this requirement emphasizes the sanctity and unique status of the chatat, distinguishing it from other sacrifices.

The Significance of the Sin Offering

The chatat serves to atone for unintentional sins, as detailed in Vayikra 4. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 4:1) elaborates that the act of slaughtering the animal after semichah represents the sinner's recognition of their wrongdoing and their commitment to spiritual renewal. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) further explains that the entire process—from laying hands to slaughter—serves as a profound psychological and spiritual exercise, reinforcing the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance.

Halachic Details from the Talmud

  • The semichah must be performed by the owner of the offering, not a proxy (Menachot 93a).
  • If semichah is omitted, the offering is still valid, but it lacks its full atoning power (Zevachim 33a).
  • The slaughter must be performed by a Kohen or a qualified shochet (Yoma 36a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 32b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the slaughter of sin offerings and the proper place for their sacrifice.
📖 Menachot 93b
Referenced in a discussion about the procedures for various types of offerings, including the laying of hands on the sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to lay hands on the head of the sin offering?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 93a), laying hands (semichah) on the animal's head symbolizes transferring one's sins onto the sacrifice. This act represents taking responsibility for wrongdoing and seeking atonement through the korban (offering).
Q: Why was the sin offering slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 5:15) explains that both sin offerings and burnt offerings were slaughtered in the same area of the Temple courtyard (north of the altar) to teach that all sacrifices share the common purpose of drawing closer to Hashem—whether for atonement (sin offering) or voluntary devotion (burnt offering).
Q: Do we still perform semichah (laying hands) today without the Temple?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 128:1) states that while we cannot perform semichah without the Temple, we still confess our sins verbally during Yom Kippur and other prayers (like the Viduy prayer) as a spiritual substitute for this physical act of atonement.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the sin offering procedure today?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:3) teaches that just as the sinner had to actively participate in the atonement process (by bringing and touching the offering), we too must take tangible steps toward repentance—through sincere regret, verbal confession, and correcting our actions—to achieve forgiveness.
Q: Why does the Torah specify details like where to slaughter the offering?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 5:1) emphasizes that every detail of the sacrificial service teaches precision in serving Hashem. The designated location (north of the altar) reflects the importance of following divine commandments exactly as instructed, with no room for personal improvisation in sacred matters.