Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'to make atonement for you' mean in Leviticus 8:34?
A: In Leviticus 8:34, 'to make atonement for you' refers to the process of the kohanim (priests) performing the sacrificial service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to achieve kaparah (atonement) for the Jewish people. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that the rituals performed by Aharon and his sons during their consecration as kohanim were to be repeated whenever atonement was needed, as commanded by Hashem.
Q: Why is Leviticus 8:34 important in Judaism?
A: Leviticus 8:34 is important because it establishes the eternal commandment for the kohanim to perform the avodah (service) in the Mishkan (and later the Beit HaMikdash) to bring atonement for the Jewish people. The Rambam explains in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash that these procedures were foundational for all future priestly service, showing the importance of following divine commandments precisely for spiritual purification.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 8:34 today?
A: From Leviticus 8:34, we learn the importance of fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) exactly as instructed by Hashem, even when we don't fully understand their reasons. The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us that atonement comes through divine service performed with obedience and sincerity. Today, when we lack the Beit HaMikdash, we apply this lesson through prayer, repentance, and performing mitzvot with proper intention.
Q: How does Leviticus 8:34 relate to Yom Kippur?
A: Leviticus 8:34 relates to Yom Kippur because it introduces the concept of atonement through priestly service, which is central to Yom Kippur's avodah in the Beit HaMikdash. The Talmud in Yoma explains that just as the kohanim followed specific procedures for atonement during their consecration, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) followed precise rituals on Yom Kippur to achieve kaparah for the entire nation.
Q: What does 'as he has done this day' refer to in Leviticus 8:34?
A: The phrase 'as he has done this day' in Leviticus 8:34 refers to the seven-day inauguration process of Aharon and his sons as kohanim, as described in the preceding verses. Rashi explains that this teaches that the same procedures used during their consecration would be required whenever atonement needed to be made in the future, showing the consistency and permanence of Hashem's commandments.
Context and Source
The verse "כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה צִוָּה יְהוָה לַעֲשֹׂת לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם" (As he has done this day, so the Lord has commanded to do, to make atonement for you) appears in Leviticus 8:34, during the consecration of Aaron and his sons as Kohanim (priests). This passage describes the seven-day inauguration process of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Kohanim, emphasizing the divine command for ritual atonement.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (As he has done this day) refers to the specific rituals performed on that day, including the sacrifices and anointing of Aaron and his sons. He notes that these actions were not arbitrary but were carried out "צִוָּה יְהוָה" (as the Lord commanded), underscoring their divine origin and necessity for achieving כַּפָּרָה (atonement).
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of the Temple Vessels), discusses the broader principle of כַּפָּרָה (atonement) through sacrificial service. He emphasizes that the rituals performed during the consecration were not merely symbolic but served as a means to purify the Kohanim and prepare them for their sacred duties. The repetition of these actions over seven days reinforced their importance and the need for meticulous adherence to divine command.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 14) elaborates on the concept of atonement, linking it to the broader theme of divine mercy. It teaches that the rituals performed during the consecration were a תִּקּוּן (rectification) for the spiritual state of the people, demonstrating that atonement is achievable through sincere service and obedience to Hashem's commandments.
Key Themes