share torah logo

Leviticus 6:11 - Priestly portion brings holiness.

Leviticus 6:11 - ויקרא 6:11

Hebrew Text

כָּל־זָכָר בִּבְנֵי אַהֲרֹן יֹאכֲלֶנָּה חָק־עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם מֵאִשֵּׁי יְהוָה כֹּל אֲשֶׁר־יִגַּע בָּהֶם יִקְדָּשׁ׃

English Translation

All the males among the children of Aharon shall eat of it. It shall be a fixed portion throughout your generations of the offerings of the Lord made by fire: everyone that touches them shall be holy.

Transliteration

Kol-zakhar bivnei Aharon yokhalena khok-olam ledoroteikhem me'ishei Adonai kol asher-yiga bahem yikdash.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־זָכָ֞ר בִּבְנֵ֤י אַהֲרֹן֙ יֹֽאכְלֶ֔נָּה חׇק־עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם מֵאִשֵּׁ֖י יְהֹוָ֑ה כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־יִגַּ֥ע בָּהֶ֖ם יִקְדָּֽשׁ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
כׇּל־זָכָ֞ר בִּבְנֵ֤י אַהֲרֹן֙ יֹֽאכְלֶ֔נָּה חׇק־עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם מֵאִשֵּׁ֖י יְהֹוָ֑ה כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־יִגַּ֥ע בָּהֶ֖ם יִקְדָּֽשׁ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and General Meaning

The verse (Vayikra 6:11) discusses the consumption of the mincha (meal offering) by the male descendants of Aharon, the kohanim. This is designated as an eternal statute (chok olam), emphasizing its unchanging nature. The latter part of the verse states that "everyone that touches them shall be holy," which raises questions about the sanctity transferred through contact with the offerings.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "kol asher yiga bahem yikdash" ("everyone that touches them shall be holy") refers to the vessels used in the Temple service. When a non-priest touches the sacrificial portions designated for the kohanim, the food does not become invalid, but the vessels used must be sanctified. This teaches that the holiness of the offerings extends to the utensils handling them, requiring proper sanctification.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Klei HaMikdash (Laws of Temple Vessels 1:5), the Rambam elaborates that any vessel used for sacrificial portions must be treated with sanctity. Even if a non-kohen touches the offering, the food remains permissible for consumption by the kohanim, but the vessel must undergo purification or sanctification before further use in the Temple service.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifra (a halachic midrash on Vayikra) emphasizes that the phrase "chok olam" (eternal statute) underscores the unbreakable nature of this law. Even in times when the Temple is not standing, the principle remains binding, reinforcing the eternal covenant between Hashem and the descendants of Aharon.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The kohanim alone are permitted to eat the mincha offering, as derived from "kol zachar bivnei Aharon".
  • The sanctity of the offerings extends to the vessels used in their preparation, requiring proper handling and purification.
  • Non-kohanim who come into contact with the offerings do not invalidate them but must ensure that the vessels used are treated with the appropriate level of holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 39a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the consumption of sacrificial offerings by the priests, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this commandment.
📖 Menachot 73b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of the offerings and the requirement that only male descendants of Aharon may partake of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is allowed to eat the offerings mentioned in Leviticus 6:11?
A: According to the verse, only the male descendants of Aharon (the Kohanim, or priests) are permitted to eat these offerings. This is a permanent law for all generations, as stated in the Torah.
Q: What does it mean that 'everyone that touches them shall be holy' in Leviticus 6:11?
A: Rashi explains that this means anyone who comes into contact with these sacred offerings must treat them with holiness. This includes handling them properly and ensuring they are eaten in a state of ritual purity, as they are considered holy items dedicated to Hashem.
Q: Why is this law about the Kohanim eating offerings important?
A: This law emphasizes the special role of the Kohanim in serving Hashem in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). By eating these offerings, they partake in the sacred service and maintain their connection to the divine commandments. The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses this in Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot.
Q: How does Leviticus 6:11 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash, this verse teaches us about the sanctity of holy objects and the importance of treating them with respect. Today, we apply this principle to other mitzvot and sacred items, such as Torah scrolls, tefillin, and tzedakah (charity).
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'a fixed portion throughout your generations' in this verse?
A: This teaches that certain mitzvot, like the Kohanim's portion of the offerings, are eternal and unchanging. The Talmud (Menachot 45a) discusses how this principle applies to many Torah commandments, showing that Hashem's laws are everlasting and not subject to alteration.