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Leviticus 9:14 - Purifying sacrifice's inner sanctity.

Leviticus 9:14 - ויקרא 9:14

Hebrew Text

וַיִּרְחַץ אֶת־הַקֶּרֶב וְאֶת־הַכְּרָעָיִם וַיַּקְטֵר עַל־הָעֹלָה הַמִּזְבֵּחָה׃

English Translation

And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.

Transliteration

Vayirchatz et-hakerev ve'et-hakrayim vayakter al-ha'olah hamizbeicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ אֶת־הַקֶּ֖רֶב וְאֶת־הַכְּרָעָ֑יִם וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר עַל־הָעֹלָ֖ה הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃
וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ אֶת־הַקֶּ֖רֶב וְאֶת־הַכְּרָעָ֑יִם וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר עַל־הָעֹלָ֖ה הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra/Leviticus 9:14) describes part of the sacrificial service performed by Aharon and his sons during their inauguration as Kohanim (priests). This act follows the offering of the olah (burnt offering), which was entirely consumed by fire on the Mizbe'ach (altar). The washing of the innards and legs before burning them was a crucial step in the sacrificial process.

Explanation of the Ritual

Rashi (on Vayikra 1:9) explains that the washing of the kerev (inwards) and kera'ayim (legs) serves to remove any residual filth or impurities. This act symbolizes spiritual purification before offering the sacrifice to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 5:13) emphasizes that this washing was a mandatory part of the sacrificial service, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and respect in the Divine service.

Symbolic Meaning

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:7) teaches that the washing of the innards and legs represents the need for internal and external purity in serving Hashem. The kerev (inwards) alludes to one's hidden thoughts and intentions, while the kera'ayim (legs) represent one's outward actions. Both must be purified in the service of Hashem.

Halachic Significance

  • The Gemara (Zevachim 19b) states that failure to properly wash these parts invalidates the sacrifice.
  • The Mishnah (Tamid 4:1) describes how this washing was performed with water from the Kiyor (laver) in the Beis HaMikdash.
  • Rabbi Ovadia of Bartenura explains that the washing had to be done in a specific manner - with the priest's hand inserted into the cavity to ensure thorough cleansing.

Spiritual Lesson

The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 1:9) derives from this verse that just as the physical sacrifice required purification of both internal and external parts, so too must a person's Divine service involve purification of both inner thoughts (kavanah) and outward actions (ma'asim). This reflects the principle of tohoras halev (purity of heart) in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 20a
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the proper procedures for offering sacrifices, specifically regarding the washing of the inwards and legs before burning them on the altar.
📖 Menachot 49b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the details of the sacrificial service, emphasizing the importance of washing the parts of the sacrifice before offering them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to wash the inwards and legs of the sacrifice in Leviticus 9:14?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, washing the inwards (internal organs) and legs of the sacrifice symbolizes purification and removing any impurities before offering it on the altar. This teaches us the importance of approaching holiness with cleanliness and proper preparation.
Q: Why is the burnt offering mentioned in Leviticus 9:14 important?
A: The burnt offering (Olah) is significant because it was completely consumed by fire on the altar, representing total dedication to Hashem. The Rambam explains that this serves as a means of atonement and draws a person closer to spiritual purity.
Q: What can we learn from the process of preparing sacrifices in Leviticus 9:14?
A: The detailed process teaches us the value of mindfulness and care in serving Hashem. Just as the Kohen (priest) meticulously prepared each part of the sacrifice, we should approach mitzvot (commandments) with attention and reverence, as taught in the Talmud (Menachot 110a).
Q: How does the concept of sacrifices in Leviticus 9:14 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer bring physical sacrifices, our prayers (Tefillah) and Torah study serve as substitutes, as the prophet Hoshea (14:3) states: 'We will offer the words of our lips instead of calves.' The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:1) emphasizes that prayer is the service of the heart, continuing the legacy of devotion.