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Leviticus 8:18 - Priestly consecration through sacrifice.

Leviticus 8:18 - ויקרא 8:18

Hebrew Text

וַיַּקְרֵב אֵת אֵיל הָעֹלָה וַיִּסְמְכוּ אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו אֶת־יְדֵיהֶם עַל־רֹאשׁ הָאָיִל׃

English Translation

And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aharon and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Transliteration

Vayakrev et eil ha'olah vayism'chu Aharon uvanav et-yedeihem al-rosh ha'ayil.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּקְרֵ֕ב אֵ֖ת אֵ֣יל הָעֹלָ֑ה וַֽיִּסְמְכ֞וּ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּבָנָ֛יו אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ הָאָֽיִל׃
וַיַּקְרֵ֕ב אֵ֖ת אֵ֣יל הָעֹלָ֑ה וַֽיִּסְמְכ֞וּ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּבָנָ֛יו אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ הָאָֽיִל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 8:18) describes part of the inauguration ceremony for Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This act of semichah (laying hands on the head of the sacrifice) is a key component of the sacrificial process, symbolizing the transfer of ownership and atonement.

Explanation of Semichah (Laying of Hands)

Rashi (Vayikra 1:4) explains that semichah involves pressing one's hands firmly on the animal's head, symbolizing the transfer of the owner's identity onto the sacrifice. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 3:6) adds that this act must be done with full force, demonstrating the owner's complete commitment to the offering.

The Significance of the Ram as an Olah (Burnt Offering)

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) notes that the ram was chosen specifically for this inauguration because:

  • It represents strength and leadership, appropriate for the Kohanim who would lead the nation in Divine service.
  • As an olah, it was completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing the Kohanim's total dedication to Hashem's service.

Aharon and His Sons Performing Semichah Together

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Aharon and his sons performed semichah together to demonstrate:

  • The unity of the priestly family in their sacred duties.
  • The transmission of the priestly role from father to sons, establishing the hereditary nature of the Kehunah.

Spiritual Dimensions

The Sforno explains that this act represented:

  • The Kohanim transferring their personal identities onto the sacrifice.
  • A symbolic atonement process preparing them for their new sacred role.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 93b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laying of hands (semichah) on sacrificial animals, particularly in the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons.
📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the proper procedure for offering sacrifices, emphasizing the role of Aaron and his sons in the sacrificial service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Aharon and his sons laid their hands on the ram's head?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 93a), the act of 'semichah' (laying hands) on the animal's head symbolizes transferring ownership and responsibility for the sacrifice. It shows that the person bringing the offering is dedicating it to Hashem.
Q: Why was a ram specifically used for this burnt offering?
A: The Rambam explains in Moreh Nevuchim (3:46) that the ram was commonly used for important communal offerings. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 8:2) also notes that the ram recalls the merit of the binding of Yitzchak, where Avraham offered a ram instead of his son.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about sacrifices today?
A: Although we don't bring sacrifices today, the Talmud (Berachos 17a) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices. The act of semichah teaches us that when we pray, we should focus intently and 'transfer' our full attention to our connection with Hashem, just as the kohanim focused on their offering.
Q: Why did Aharon and his sons all participate in this offering?
A: The Sifra (on this verse) explains that since this was part of their inauguration as kohanim, all needed to participate to show their collective dedication to serving Hashem. Rashi adds that this established the principle that major communal offerings require participation of the leadership.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 36a) connects the burnt offering to atonement. The act of pressing one's hands on the animal represents acknowledging one's deeds and committing to change. Today, this reminds us that true repentance requires both verbal confession and a heartfelt commitment to improve.