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Leviticus 9:20 - Priests elevate fat offerings

Leviticus 9:20 - ויקרא 9:20

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשִׂימוּ אֶת־הַחֲלָבִים עַל־הֶחָזוֹת וַיַּקְטֵר הַחֲלָבִים הַמִּזְבֵּחָה׃

English Translation

and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

Transliteration

Vayasimu et-hakhalavim al-hekhazot vayakter hakhalavim hamizbeikha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ אֶת־הַחֲלָבִ֖ים עַל־הֶחָז֑וֹת וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר הַחֲלָבִ֖ים הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ אֶת־הַחֲלָבִ֖ים עַל־הֶחָז֑וֹת וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר הַחֲלָבִ֖ים הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the placement and burning of the chalavim (fats) upon the altar during a sacrificial offering. According to Orthodox Jewish tradition, this act is part of the detailed procedures for korbanot (sacrifices) outlined in the Torah.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 7:30) explains that the fats mentioned here refer specifically to the chelev, the forbidden fats that are designated for burning on the altar. He notes that the verse emphasizes the proper placement of the fats upon the chazeh (breast) before their burning, as this was a required step in the sacrificial process.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot (Laws of Sacrificial Procedure), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates on the significance of burning the fats. He explains that the fats were among the parts of the sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing the complete dedication of the offering to Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:5) connects the burning of the fats to spiritual refinement. Just as the fats are consumed by fire, a person's material desires (chomer) should be refined and elevated in service of Hashem.

Halachic Considerations

  • The fats had to be removed from the animal in a specific manner as detailed in the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter).
  • Only certain fats were permitted to be burned on the altar, while others were forbidden for any consumption (Vayikra 7:23-25).
  • The burning had to be performed by the kohanim (priests) in the proper state of ritual purity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 9:20 mean when it talks about placing fat on the breasts and burning it?
A: In Leviticus 9:20, the verse describes part of the sacrificial service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, the 'fat' refers to the choicest parts of the animal (the fats surrounding the organs), and the 'breasts' refer to the chest portion of the sacrifice. The Kohen (priest) would place these fats on the chest of the animal and then burn them on the altar as an offering to Hashem. This was part of the detailed process of animal sacrifices meant to atone and draw closer to Hashem.
Q: Why was the fat specifically chosen to be burned on the altar in Leviticus 9:20?
A: The fat (chelev) was considered the richest and most desirable part of the animal, as explained in the Talmud (Chullin 49a). By offering the fat on the altar, the Israelites demonstrated that they were giving the best of what they had to Hashem. The Torah (Leviticus 3:16-17) also prohibits eating certain fats (chelev), reserving them exclusively for the altar, emphasizing their sanctity in the sacrificial service.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 9:20 about serving Hashem today?
A: Although we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the principle of giving our best to Hashem remains relevant. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 7:11) explains that sacrifices symbolize devotion. Today, we can apply this by dedicating our finest efforts in prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness—just as the fats represented the choicest parts offered to Hashem.
Q: How does the order of placing fats on the breasts and then burning them teach about proper service?
A: The sequence in Leviticus 9:20 teaches precision in divine service. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) notes that every step in the sacrificial process had to be performed exactly as commanded. Placing the fats on the breasts before burning them shows that even preparatory acts are significant in serving Hashem. This teaches us that every detail in mitzvah observance matters.