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Leviticus 9:11 - Purifying sacrifice beyond boundaries.

Leviticus 9:11 - ויקרא 9:11

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַבָּשָׂר וְאֶת־הָעוֹר שָׂרַף בָּאֵשׁ מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה׃

English Translation

And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire outside the camp.

Transliteration

Ve'et-habasar ve'et-ha'or saraf ba'esh michutz lamachane.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַבָּשָׂ֖ר וְאֶת־הָע֑וֹר שָׂרַ֣ף בָּאֵ֔שׁ מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
וְאֶת־הַבָּשָׂ֖ר וְאֶת־הָע֑וֹר שָׂרַ֣ף בָּאֵ֔שׁ מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Exodus 29:14) appears in the context of the consecration of the kohanim (priests) and the offerings brought as part of their inauguration service. The verse describes the burning of the flesh and hide of the sin offering (chatat) outside the Israelite camp.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 29:14) explains that this burning outside the camp applies specifically to the sin offering of the kohen gadol (high priest) on Yom Kippur and the communal sin offerings (such as the goat offered for idolatry). He cites the Talmud (Zevachim 103a), which derives this law from the verse. The burning outside the camp symbolizes the complete removal of sin from the community.

Symbolism of Burning Outside the Camp

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tzav 11) teaches that burning the sin offering outside the camp represents the idea that sin must be utterly rejected and distanced from the community. Just as the impure parts of the sacrifice are removed, so too must we distance ourselves from sinful behavior.

Halachic Implications

  • The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh Hakorbanos 7:1-2) rules that certain sin offerings must be burned outside the camp (or later, outside Jerusalem) in a designated place called the Beis Hadashin.
  • The Talmud (Yoma 68a) notes that this burning is done in a place where the ashes from the altar are deposited, connecting the removal of sin with the disposal of altar ashes.

Spiritual Lesson

The Kli Yakar (Exodus 29:14) explains that burning the flesh and hide teaches that both internal sins (represented by the flesh) and external manifestations of sin (represented by the hide) must be completely eradicated. True repentance requires addressing both our inner thoughts and outward actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 67b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the burning of the sin-offering outside the camp, illustrating the procedures for handling sacrifices.
📖 Zevachim 105a
The verse is cited in the context of laws pertaining to the burning of sacrificial remains outside the camp, emphasizing the purity and sanctity of the camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the flesh and hide were burned outside the camp in Leviticus 9:11?
A: This verse describes part of the sacrificial process performed by Aaron the High Priest during the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, burning the remains outside the camp symbolizes removing impurity and holiness that cannot remain within the Israelite camp, as these parts were not used in the actual sacrificial service.
Q: Why was the burning done outside the camp in Leviticus 9:11?
A: The Torah teaches that certain parts of sacrifices (like those not offered on the altar) had to be burned outside the camp to maintain the sanctity of the Mishkan and the Israelite camp. The Rambam explains in Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot that this practice emphasizes the distinction between holy and mundane spaces.
Q: What lesson can we learn from burning the sacrifice's remains outside the camp?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 67b) derives from this that we must remove spiritually harmful influences from our midst. Just as physical impurities were taken outside the camp, we must distance ourselves from negative behaviors and influences in our personal and communal lives.
Q: Does the concept of 'outside the camp' apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer bring sacrifices, the principle remains relevant. The Midrash (Sifra) teaches that this mitzvah reminds us to properly dispose of items connected to holiness (like worn-out Torah texts) with respect, and to remove inappropriate influences from our homes and communities.
Q: What parts of the sacrifice were burned outside the camp versus on the altar?
A: Rashi on Leviticus 9:11 explains that only certain fats and organs were burned on the altar as 'a pleasing aroma to Hashem.' The remaining flesh and hide (parts not designated for altar or priestly consumption) were completely burned outside the camp, showing that even secondary parts require proper treatment due to their sacred connection.