Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the peace offering (zevach shelamim) in Leviticus 9:18?
A: The peace offering (zevach shelamim) was a voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude, fulfillment of a vow, or general thanksgiving to Hashem. Unlike other offerings, parts of it were eaten by the kohanim (priests) and the person bringing it, symbolizing peace and closeness between Hashem, the kohanim, and the people. Rashi explains that it was called 'shelamim' (from 'shalom,' meaning peace) because it brings peace to the world.
Q: Why did Aharon's sons bring the blood to him in this verse?
A: Aharon's sons, as kohanim (priests), assisted in the sacrificial service. Though Aharon, as Kohen Gadol (High Priest), performed the sprinkling of the blood on the altar, his sons brought it to him as part of their duties. The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot) explains that this division of labor teaches the importance of teamwork and respect for hierarchy in serving Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of sprinkling the blood on the altar?
A: Sprinkling the blood on the altar was a crucial part of the sacrificial process, symbolizing atonement and the dedication of life to Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 6a) teaches that the blood represents the life force (as stated in Leviticus 17:11), and sprinkling it on the altar signifies returning it to Hashem in service. The act also purified the altar and connected the people to the Divine.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish practice today?
A: While we no longer bring sacrifices after the destruction of the Temple, our prayers (tefillah) and acts of kindness (gemilut chasadim) serve as substitutes, as taught by the sages (Berachot 32b). Additionally, the peace offering reminds us to express gratitude to Hashem, share meals with others (like the seudat mitzvah), and maintain harmony in our relationships—principles that remain central to Jewish life.
Q: Why were both a bullock and a ram offered in this verse?
A: The bullock and ram were offered as part of the inauguration ceremony (miluim) for the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as described earlier in Leviticus 9. The bullock was a sin offering (chatat) to atone for any errors in the service, while the ram was a burnt offering (olah) representing complete devotion to Hashem. The peace offering (shelamim) mentioned here was an additional expression of joy and gratitude for the sanctity of the moment, as explained by the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 11:5).
Overview of the Verse
The verse describes the sacrificial service performed by Aharon and his sons, focusing on the slaughtering of the bullock and ram as zevach shelamim (peace offerings) and the subsequent sprinkling of the blood on the altar. This act is part of the broader inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) service, as detailed in Vayikra (Leviticus) Chapter 9.
Explanation of the Peace Offering (Shelamim)
Rashi (on Vayikra 3:1) explains that the shelamim offering is so named because it brings peace (shalom) to the world, as it is shared among the altar (parts burned for Hashem), the kohanim (priests), and the owners (who eat from it). The Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim (3:46) adds that these offerings foster unity and gratitude, as they are often brought in times of joy and communal celebration.
The Role of Aharon and His Sons
The verse emphasizes the collaborative effort between Aharon and his sons. The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) notes that this division of labor—where the sons present the blood to Aharon, who then sprinkles it—teaches the importance of mentorship and continuity in the priestly service. Aharon, as the Kohen Gadol, oversees the critical act of sprinkling the blood, while his sons assist in preparing it.
The Sprinkling of the Blood
The Mizrachi (commentary on Rashi) highlights that the phrase "ויזרקהו על המזבח סביב" ("he sprinkled it on the altar round about") refers to the zerikah (casting) of the blood in a specific manner—once upward and then downward, as derived from the Talmud (Zevachim 37a). This act symbolizes the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, as blood represents life (see Vayikra 17:11).
Symbolism of the Altar