Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to sprinkle oil on the altar seven times?
A: According to Rashi, the act of sprinkling the anointing oil seven times on the altar symbolizes completeness and sanctification, as the number seven often represents wholeness in Jewish tradition (like the seven days of creation). This was part of the process to dedicate the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels for holy service.
Q: Why did Moshe anoint the altar and its vessels?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash that anointing with the special shemen hamishcha (anointing oil) was necessary to sanctify the altar and its utensils, setting them apart exclusively for divine service. This was a one-time initiation ritual performed during the consecration of the Mishkan.
Q: What is the significance of anointing the kiyor (laver) and its pedestal?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that every vessel used in the Mishkan required sanctification, including the kiyor where the Kohanim washed their hands and feet before service. Anointing them emphasized that even preparatory acts (like washing) must be done with holiness when serving Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to us today without a Temple?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 99) derives from this that we must treat objects used for mitzvot with respect. Just as the vessels were sanctified for Temple service, we should designate and honor items used for mitzvot today - like a tallit, tefillin, or Shabbat candlesticks - treating them as holy objects.
Q: What was the special oil used for anointing made of?
A: As described in Exodus 30:22-25 and explained by Rashi there, the shemen hamishcha contained four precious spices (myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane, and cassia) mixed with olive oil. It was forbidden to replicate this exact formula for any other purpose (Keritot 5a).
Context in the Torah
This verse (Exodus 29:36) describes part of the consecration process of the Mizbe'ach (altar) and its vessels during the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The act of sprinkling oil seven times and anointing the altar and its utensils was a critical step in sanctifying them for divine service, as commanded earlier in the parsha.
Symbolism of Seven Sprinklings
Rashi (Exodus 29:36) explains that the seven sprinklings correspond to the seven heavens, symbolizing that the altar's sanctity extends upward to the highest spiritual realms. The number seven is recurrent in Jewish tradition, representing completeness (as in the seven days of creation). The Ramban adds that this act mirrors the divine order, connecting the physical service below with the heavenly spheres above.
The Anointing Process
The anointing (mishcha) of the altar and its vessels is discussed in Menachot 88a, which states that only the altar, the Kiyor (laver), and their bases required anointing—other vessels were sanctified through use. The oil used was the specially prepared Shemen HaMishcha (anointing oil), as described in Exodus 30:22-33. The Talmud (Keritot 5b) teaches that this anointing imbued the objects with enduring holiness, making them fit for divine service.
Purpose of Sanctification
The phrase "לְקַדְּשָׁם" ("to sanctify them") emphasizes that the physical objects were elevated for sacred use. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 29:36) explains that the sprinkling and anointing removed any residual impurity and transformed the altar into a vessel for atonement. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this process mirrored the purification of the soul, where external actions (like sprinkling) reflect internal dedication to holiness.
Practical Halachic Implications
Maimonides (Rambam) in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:5-6 rules that the anointing oil was only used for the original consecration of the Mishkan and its vessels, as well as for kings and High Priests. Later altars (such as those in the First and Second Temples) were sanctified through use rather than anointing. This distinction highlights the unique status of the Mishkan's inauguration.