Numbers 29:6 - Rosh Chodesh's fiery devotion

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Hebrew Text

מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַחֹדֶשׁ וּמִנְחָתָהּ וְעֹלַת הַתָּמִיד וּמִנְחָתָהּ וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם לְרֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

besides the burnt offering of the month, and its meal offering, and the daily burnt offering, and its meal offering, and their drink offerings, according to their ordinance, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire to the Lord.

Transliteration

Milvad olat hachodesh uminchatah ve'olat hatamid uminchatah veniskeihem kemishpatam lereiach nichoach isheh lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִלְּבַד֩ עֹלַ֨ת הַחֹ֜דֶשׁ וּמִנְחָתָ֗הּ וְעֹלַ֤ת הַתָּמִיד֙ וּמִנְחָתָ֔הּ וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֖ם כְּמִשְׁפָּטָ֑ם לְרֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֔חַ אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 28:15) discusses additional offerings brought on Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the month) alongside the daily Korban Tamid (continual burnt offering). It emphasizes that these offerings must be brought "כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם" ("according to their ordinance")—following the precise halachic requirements—and describes them as "רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה" ("a sweet savor, a fire-offering to the Lord").

Commentary from Rashi

Rashi explains that the phrase "מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַחֹדֶשׁ" ("besides the burnt offering of the month") teaches that the Korban Musaf (additional offering) of Rosh Chodesh is separate from the Korban Tamid. He further notes that the repetition of "וּמִנְחָתָהּ" ("and its meal offering") emphasizes that each animal sacrifice (the burnt offering of the month and the daily offering) requires its own accompanying mincha (flour offering).

Halachic Insights from Rambam

Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 1:1-3) elaborates on the structure of these offerings, stating that the Korban Tamid is brought every day without exception, while the Musaf of Rosh Chodesh is an additional obligation. The verse underscores that even when multiple offerings coincide, each must be performed according to its proper mishpat (law).

Symbolism in the Midrash

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10) connects the phrase "רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ" ("a sweet savor") to the idea that these offerings bring spiritual satisfaction to Hashem when performed with proper intent. The nesachim (drink offerings) accompanying the sacrifices symbolize the Jewish people's complete devotion, as wine represents joy and wholehearted service.

Key Teachings from the Talmud

Menachot 45b: The Talmud discusses the precise measurements of the mincha and wine libations, derived from the phrase "כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם" ("according to their ordinance").
Chullin 60a: The juxtaposition of the daily and monthly offerings teaches that neglecting the Tamid invalidates the Musaf, emphasizing the primacy of consistent divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 29:6 mean?
A: Numbers 29:6 lists additional sacrifices offered in the Temple besides the daily offerings (Tamid). These include the monthly Rosh Chodesh offering, its accompanying meal and drink offerings, all following the proper laws (Mishpat). The verse emphasizes that these sacrifices are a 'sweet savor' to Hashem when performed correctly.

Q: Why is the 'sweet savor' mentioned in this verse important?
A: The phrase 'sweet savor' (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) signifies that when sacrifices are brought with proper intent and according to halacha (Jewish law), they are pleasing to Hashem. Rashi explains that this reflects the importance of sincerity in serving G-d, not just the physical act of bringing offerings.

Q: What can we learn from Numbers 29:6 today?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices after the Temple's destruction, the verse teaches us the importance of consistency in serving Hashem (like the daily Tamid offering) and adding special devotion during sacred times (like Rosh Chodesh). Today, prayer and Torah study replace sacrifices (Talmud Berachot 26b).

Q: What were the 'drink offerings' mentioned in this verse?
A: Drink offerings (נִסְכֵּיהֶם) were wine libations poured on the altar alongside certain sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 2:1) details their measurements and procedures, showing how every detail of Temple service had precise laws.

Q: How does this verse connect to Rosh Chodesh?
A: Numbers 29:6 highlights the special Rosh Chodesh offerings (עֹלַת הַחֹדֶשׁ). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:15) notes that Rosh Chodesh was given to Israel as a unique holiday, and its sacrifices—like those listed here—reinforce our monthly renewal of commitment to Hashem.