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Leviticus 6:3 - Priestly purity in service.

Leviticus 6:3 - ויקרא 6:3

Hebrew Text

וְלָבַשׁ הַכֹּהֵן מִדּוֹ בַד וּמִכְנְסֵי־בַד יִלְבַּשׁ עַל־בְּשָׂרוֹ וְהֵרִים אֶת־הַדֶּשֶׁן אֲשֶׁר תֹּאכַל הָאֵשׁ אֶת־הָעֹלָה עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וְשָׂמוֹ אֵצֶל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put on his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire has consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

Transliteration

Velavash hakohen mido vad umichnesei-vad yilbash al-besaro veherim et-hadeshen asher tochal ha'esh et-ha'olah al-hamizbe'ach vesamo etzel hamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָבַ֨שׁ הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדּ֣וֹ בַ֗ד וּמִֽכְנְסֵי־בַד֮ יִלְבַּ֣שׁ עַל־בְּשָׂרוֹ֒ וְהֵרִ֣ים אֶת־הַדֶּ֗שֶׁן אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאכַ֥ל הָאֵ֛שׁ אֶת־הָעֹלָ֖ה עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְשָׂמ֕וֹ אֵ֖צֶל הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וְלָבַ֨שׁ הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדּ֣וֹ בַ֗ד וּמִֽכְנְסֵי־בַד֮ יִלְבַּ֣שׁ עַל־בְּשָׂרוֹ֒ וְהֵרִ֣ים אֶת־הַדֶּ֗שֶׁן אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאכַ֥ל הָאֵ֛שׁ אֶת־הָעֹלָ֖ה עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְשָׂמ֕וֹ אֵ֖צֶל הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Priestly Garments for Removing Ashes

The verse (Vayikra 6:3) describes the procedure for the Kohen when removing ashes (terumat hadeshen) from the altar. Rashi explains that this refers to the daily removal of ashes, which was performed in the morning by a Kohen wearing special linen garments. The Torah emphasizes that these garments must be made of bad (linen), as opposed to the more elaborate bigdei kehunah worn for other services.

Significance of Linen Garments

Rambam (Hilchot Klei Hamikdash 8:2) notes that these linen garments were simpler than the regular priestly vestments, as this was a menial task. The Talmud (Yoma 23b) teaches that humility is required when performing this service, as it involves handling the remnants of the offerings. The linen (bad) garments symbolize purity and simplicity, appropriate for this act of service.

The Procedure of Removing Ashes

  • Terumat Hadeshen: The Kohen would scoop a portion of ashes from the altar (Rashi to Vayikra 6:3).
  • Placement Beside the Altar: The ashes were placed on the east side of the altar (Mishnah Tamid 2:2), where they would later be removed entirely from the Temple courtyard.
  • Daily Routine: This was the first service performed each morning, symbolizing renewal and dedication (Rambam, Hilchot Temidin Umusafin 1:4).

Spiritual Lessons

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) connects this mitzvah to humility—even the most elevated individuals (the Kohanim) must perform seemingly lowly tasks in service of Hashem. Additionally, the removal of ashes teaches that one must "clear away" the old to make room for new spiritual growth, just as the altar was prepared each day for new offerings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 23b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the priestly garments and the service of removing the ashes from the altar.
📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is cited in the context of laws pertaining to the priestly garments and the proper conduct of sacrificial services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the priest wear linen garments when removing the ashes from the altar?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 23b), the priest wears special linen garments for this service because they are simple and dignified, appropriate for the sacred task of handling the altar's ashes. Linen is also less likely to catch fire from any remaining embers.
Q: What is the significance of removing the ashes from the altar?
A: The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 2:10) that clearing the ashes was a daily maintenance task showing respect for the altar and preparing it for new offerings. It teaches us the importance of tending to holy spaces with care.
Q: Why does the verse specify putting the ashes 'beside the altar' rather than discarding them?
A: The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) teaches that the ashes were placed beside the altar because they retained holiness from the sacrifices. They weren't treated as ordinary waste, teaching us to respect even the remnants of sacred things.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse about daily life?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 4a) derives from this that just as the priests attended to the altar each morning, we should begin our days with spiritual preparation. The orderly removal of ashes symbolizes clearing away yesterday's concerns to make space for new growth.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both the linen tunic and linen pants for this service?
A: Rashi notes that the double mention emphasizes complete modest attire, as the pants prevented exposure during physical labor (based on Shemos 28:42). This teaches that even during mundane tasks like ash removal, we must maintain dignity in divine service.