Rishon

1. The Menorah oil and lighting:

• Moshe is told to command the Jewish people to bring him clear [without sediment[1]] crushed [the first drop of oil from the first crush[2]] olive oil for illuminating the Ner Tamid [i.e. the Menorah]. The Menorah is to be placed in the Ohel Moed, outside the Paroches. Aaron and his sons are to make sure it is lit from evening until morning for all generations.

2. Appointing Kohanim:
   • Moshe is to bring close to you Aaron, and his sons to become priests for Hashem. Aaron, Nadav, Avihu, Elazar and Isamar shall be priests.

3. The Bigdei Kehuna-Preistly garments:

• Make for Aaron your brother holy garments for glory. Speak with the wise, and they shall make the garments.
• The following are the garments:
  • Choshen [breastplate]
  • Eiphod [apron]
  • Meil [robe]
  • Kutones of checkered texture. [shirt]
  • Mitznefes [turban]
  • Avneit [belt]
• The material: The garments are to be made from gold, Ticheiles-Turquoise wool, Argamon-Purple wool, scarlet wool, and twisted linen.

4. The Eiphod:

• The material: The Eifod is to be made from gold, Ticheiles-Turquoise wool, Argamon-Purple wool, scarlet wool, and twisted linen. It is to be the work of an artist.
• The shoulder straps: It is to contain two shoulder straps, one by each end. It is to have a belt which is likewise made of the same materials stated above.
• The Aveni Shoham: You are to take two Shoham stones and engrave on them the name of the tribes, six on each stone, following their order of birth. The stones are to be inserted into gold settings. They are to be placed on the shoulder straps of the Eiphod, one per strap, and Aaron is to wear them on his shoulders as a remembrance.

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 27:20–28:12

27:20 – Pure Olive Oil

Q1. What does “זָךְ” (pure) oil mean according to Rashi?

A: Oil free of sediment — meaning the oil, not the olive, must be pure.

Q2. How is this achieved?

A: By picking the top‑of‑tree olives, fully ripe and easily crushed.

Q3. What does “כָּתִית” (crushed) mean?

A: The olives are pressed in a mortar, not ground in a mill, to avoid sediment.

Q4. What is done after the first drop of oil is taken?

A: The olives may be ground in the mill; this second oil is unfit for lighting but fit for minchah offerings.

Q5. What does “להעלות נר תמיד” teach?

A: The Kohen must light the lamp until the flame rises on its own.

Q6. What does “תמיד” mean here?

A: Nightly, not literally continuous — just as “olah tamid” is daily but not nonstop.

27:21 – From Evening Until Morning

Q7. What does “מֵעֶרֶב עַד־בֹּקֶר” mean?

A: Provide enough oil for the lamp to burn from late afternoon until dawn.

Q8. How much oil is needed per night?

A: Chazal calculated half a log, even for long winter nights.

28:1 – Calling Aaron and His Sons

Q9. What does “וְאַתָּה הַקְרֵב אֵלֶיךָ” mean?

A: After completing the Mishkan’s structure, Moshe must draw Aaron and his sons close for service.

28:2 – Priestly Garments

Q10. What purpose do the special garments serve?

A: Honor and splendor for the priestly role.

28:3 – Consecration Through Garments

Q11. What does “לְקַדְּשׁוֹ לְכַהֲנוֹ לִי” mean?

A: To initiate Aaron into the priesthood by wearing the sacred garments.

Q12. What does “kehuna” mean in this verse?

A: Service (“serjanterie” in Old French), not priestly status.

28:4 – Names and Essence of the Garments

Q13. What is the “Choshen”?

A: A breast adornment worn above the heart.

Q14. What is the form of the “Ephod” according to Rashi?

A: An apron-like garment worn from behind, similar to a porzent (Old French).

Q15. Why can’t the Ephod be just a belt?

A: Because the Torah separately mentions the Ephod, its belt, and its shoulder straps.

Q16. How do we know the Ephod is a full garment?

A: Onkelos translates “linen ephod” as kardut d’vutz, meaning a full robe-like garment.

Q17. What is a “Me’il”?

A: An outer robe.

Q18. What is a “Ketonet”?

A: A tunic worn next to the skin.

Q19. What does “tashbetz” mean?

A: Decorated with recessed designs, like jewelry settings (castons in Old French).

Q20. What is the “Mitznefet”?

A: A dome‑shaped hat (“coyfe” in Old French).

Q21. What is the “Avnet”?

A: A belt worn over the tunic; the Ephod itself had its own belt above it.

Q22. What are “bigdei kodesh”?

A: Garments made from materials donated for Hashem’s sake.

28:5 – Gathering Materials

Q23. Who receives the materials?

A: The wise‑hearted artisans, who collect the gold and colored wool.

28:6 – Making the Ephod

Q24. How many materials made up each thread of the Ephod?

A: Five: gold, techeiles, argaman, scarlet wool, and linen.

Q25. How were the gold threads made?

A: Gold was beaten into sheets, sliced into threads, and spun together with six wool or linen strands.

Q26. How many strands were in each final thread?

A: 28 strands total.

Q27. What does “ma’aseh choshev” mean here?

A: Woven work showing different patterns on each side.

28:6–8 – Structure of the Ephod

Q28. What was the basic shape of the Ephod?

A: An apron reaching down toward the heels, girded behind the High Priest.

Q29. Where was the belt (cheshev) attached?

A: Woven into the upper edge of the apron.

Q30. How were the shoulder straps arranged?

A: Two wide straps attached behind, rising over the shoulders and folding over the chest.

Q31. What was attached to the shoulder straps?

A: Two onyx stones set in gold frames.

28:7 – Shoulder Straps Detailed

Q32. What does “al shtei ketzotav” refer to?

A: The straps attached to the two ends of the Ephod’s width, matching the width of the priest’s back.

Q33. What does “codes” (Old French) refer to?

A: The elbows — the Ephod was worn level with the elbows, not higher or lower.

Q34. What does “vechubar” teach?

A: The straps must be sewn on, not woven as part of the Ephod.

28:8 – The Belt of the Ephod

Q35. What is “cheshev afudo”?

A: The decorative belt by which the Ephod is beautified and prepared for wearing.

Q36. What does “asher alav” mean?

A: The belt lies on the upper edge of the Ephod.

Q37. What does “mimenu yihyeh” teach?

A: The belt must be woven together with the Ephod, not attached separately.

28:9–10 – Engraving Names on the Onyx Stones

Q38. What does “ketoldotam” mean here?

A: According to their birth order.

Q39. Which names were engraved on the first stone?

A: Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehudah, Dan, Naftali.

Q40. Which names were engraved on the second stone?

A: Gad, Asher, Yissachar, Zevulun, Yosef, Binyamin.

Q41. How is “Binyamin” spelled on the stone?

A: With a yud after the mem, as spelled at his birth.

Q42. How many letters were on each stone?

A: 25 letters.

28:11 – The Engraving Method

Q43. What does “ma’aseh charash even” mean?

A: The work of a skilled stone artisan (construct form; vocalized with patach).

Q44. What does “pituché chotam” mean?

A: Signet‑ring engraving — deeply etched, clear lettering.

Q45. What does “al‑shemot” mean?

A: “With the names of.”

Q46. What are “musabos mishbetzot”?

A: Gold settings encasing the stones completely.

28:12 – Stones as Remembrance

Q47. What is the purpose of the stones being “for remembrance”?

A: So Hashem sees the names of the tribes and remembers their righteousness.

Sheiyni

• The gold chain: You shall make gold settings and two gold chains and connect the chains to the settings.

5. The Choshen Mishpat:

• The material: The Choshen is to be made from gold, Ticheile-Turquoise wool, Argamon- Purple wool, scarlet wool, and twisted linen.
• Dimensions: The Choshen is to be square, folded, a Zeres its length and width.
• Its stones: It is to be filled with four rows of stones. The first row is to contain the following stones: Odem, Pitdah, and Barekes. The second row: Nofech, Sapir, and Yahalom. The third row: Leshem, Shevo, and Achlamah. The fourth row: Tarshish, Shoham, and Yashfeh. The stones are to be placed within gold settings. They are to have the names of the tribes inscribed on them, one tribe per stone for a total of 12 tribes and stones.
• The chains and rings that attach the Choshen to the Eiphod: You shall make two gold chains on the Choshen. Make two gold rings, one for each edge of the [upper part of the] Choshen. The gold chains are to be inserted into these rings and are then to be attached to the gold settings of the Eiphod [thus having the Choshen hang on the straps of the Eiphod]. Make another two gold rings for the bottom corners of the Choshen, place them in the interior of the Choshen. Make two rings on the bottom end of the shoulder straps of the Eiphod, symmetric to the bottom rings of the Choshen. Place a Techeiles-Turquoise woolen string through the two sets of rings, hence attaching the Choshen to the Eiphod belt.
• The Choshen is not to be moved from the Eiphod and in the Mishkan Aaron is to carry the names of the tribes over his chest as a remembrance before Hashem
• The Urim Vetumim: The Urim and Tumim [G-d’s Divine name] is to be inserted into the Choshen, and Aaron is to carry the judgment of Bnei Yisrael constantly.

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 28:13–30

28:13 — Gold Settings

Q1. What does “וְעָשִׂיתָ מִשְׁבְּצוֹת” mean?

A: Make gold settings; the plural “מִשְׁבְּצוֹת” implies at least two.

Q2. Why is this mentioned here?

A: To show that the settings are needed later for fastening the braided chains of the Breastplate.

28:14 — Braided Gold Chains

Q3. What are “שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת זָהָב”?

A: Chains of gold.

Q4. What does “מַעֲשֵׂה עֲבוֹת” mean?

A: Braided work — not chains made of linked holes (like bucket chains) but braided chains (like incense-burner chains).

Q5. What does “מִגְבָּלוֹת” mean?

A: At the edge of the Breastplate.

Q6. Why are “תַּעֲשֶׂה” and “וְנָתַתָּה” not commands here?

A: Because the actual command appears later; here they simply indicate future action.

28:15 — The Breastplate of Judgment

Q7. Why is it called “חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט”?

A:

1. Because it atones for miscarriage of justice.
2. Because the Urim and Tumim cause it to give clear, true answers.

Q8. What does “מִשְׁפָּט” mean in this verse?

A: Clarification or verdict — clear statements produced by the Breastplate.

Q9. What does “כְּמַעֲשֵׂה אֵפוֹד” mean?

A: The Breastplate must be made like the Ephod: same materials, same woven craftsmanship.

28:16 — Size of the Breastplate

Q10. What does “זֶרֶת אָרְכּוֹ וְזֶרֶת רָחְבּוֹ” mean?

A: It measures a span by a span when folded, worn over the High Priest’s heart.

28:17–20 — The Precious Stones

Q11. What does “וּמִלֵּאתָ בוֹ” teach?

A: The stones fill their settings — hence called “מִלּוּאִים.”

Q12. What does “מְשֻׁבָּצִים זָהָב יִהְיוּ” mean?

A: The stones must be surrounded in gold settings, deep enough to hold each stone snugly.

28:21 — Names Engraved on the Stones

Q13. What does “אִישׁ עַל שְׁמוֹ” mean?

A: Each stone bore the name of its tribe in birth order.

Q14. Which stones corresponded to which tribes?

A:

• First row: Reuven, Shimon, Levi
• Followed by the others in order.

28:22 — Gold Braids on the Breastplate

Q15. What does “עַל הַחֹשֶׁן” mean here?

A: “For the Breastplate,” i.e., to attach the chains to it.

Q16. What is the meaning of “שַׁרְשׁוֹת”?

A: Chains; related to “roots” (שָׁרָשַׁיִם), because they hold the Breastplate firmly.

Q17. What does “גַּבְלֻת” mean?

A: The edge, same as “מִגְבָּלוֹת.”

Q18. What is “מַעֲשֵׂה עֲבוֹת”?

A: Braided work.

28:23 — Rings on the Breastplate

Q19. Why does “עַל הַחֹשֶׁן” here not mean “on the Breastplate at the outset”?

A: Because the verse later says “attach them” — proving the rings are added after making the Breastplate.

Q20. Where were the upper rings placed?

A: On the two upper corners, toward the neck.

28:24–25 — Attaching the Braids

Q21. What are the “two gold braids” (שְׁתֵּי עֲבֹתֹת הַזָּהָב)?

A: The same chains mentioned earlier; now Scripture specifies where they attach.

Q22. Where do the ends of the chains go?

A: Into the gold settings on the tops of the Ephod’s shoulder straps.

28:26 — Lower Rings on the Breastplate

Q23. Where are the lower rings placed?

A: On the two lower inside corners of the Breastplate.

Q24. What does “עַל שְׂפָתוֹ אֲשֶׁר אֶל עֵבֶר הָאֵפוֹד בָּיְתָה” mean?

A: The rings are on the inner edge, facing the Ephod, not the outward surface.

28:27 — Rings on the Ephod’s Shoulder Straps

Q25. Where were the rings on the Ephod placed?

A: On the lower ends of the shoulder straps, above the belt, near the point where the straps join the Ephod.

Q26. What does “לְעֻמַּת מַחְבַּרְתּוֹ” mean?

A: Near the place where the shoulder straps connect to the Ephod.

Q27. What does “מִמּוּל פָּנָיו” mean here?

A: On the outer side of the Ephod.

28:28 — Securing the Breastplate

Q28. What does “וְיִרְכְּסוּ” mean?

A: To join firmly (from words meaning tightly joined together).

Q29. What is the purpose of the turquoise cord?

A: To attach the lower rings of the Breastplate to the lower rings of the Ephod so the Breastplate does not swing.

Q30. What does “וְלֹא יִזַּח” mean?

A: It must not detach (Arabic‑derived term, per Dunash).

28:29–30 — Urim and Tumim

Q31. What are the “Urim and Tumim” according to Rashi?

A: The Explicit Name of Hashem, written on parchment and inserted into the Breastplate.

Q32. How did the Breastplate function as an oracle?

A: The Name illuminated (אוּרִים) and completed (תֻּמִּים) the messages.

Q33. Why did the Breastplate in the Second Temple not function as an oracle?

A: Because the Urim and Tumim parchment was missing.

Q34. What does “אֶת מִשְׁפַּט בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל” mean?

A: The Breastplate clarifies judgment — whether a matter should be acted upon.

Q35. According to the aggadah, why is it called “mishpat”?

A: Because it atones for miscarried justice.

Shelishi

6. The Meil:
   • The material: The Meil is to be made entirely from Ticheiles-Turquoise wool.
   • Its collar: The Meil is to contain a folded collar and may not be torn.

• Its bells: Its hem is to be surrounded with pomegranates made of Ticheiles-Turquoise wool, Argamon-Purple wool, and scarlet wool. It is also to contain gold bells all around it. When Aaron walks with it, the bells will make noise, announcing when he enters and exits the Kodesh so that he not die.

7. The Tzitz:

• The Tzitz is to be made of pure gold and have engraved on it the words “Kodesh LaHashem.” It shall be placed on a Ticheiles-Turquoise wool string, and on the Mitznefes turban, by its front side. It shall be on Aaron’s forehead and he shall bring appeasement for all the sins involving Karbanos of the Jewish people.

8. The Kutoness, Avneit, turban, and pants:

• The material: The Kutones, Avneit and turbans are to be made of checkered linen for both Aaron and his sons.
• The inauguration of the Kohanim: Aaron and his sons are to be inaugurated for the priesthood through dressing them in the above clothing and pouring on them the anointing oil.
• The pants: You shall make linen pants for the Kohanim to cover their private area, from the hips to the thighs.
• The Kohanim are to wear the priestly clothing when they serve in the Mikdash lest they die.

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 28:31–43

28:31 — The Robe (Me’il)

Q1. Why is it called “Me’il Ha’Ephod”?

A: Because the Ephod is worn over it.

Q2. What does “כְּלִיל תְּכֵלֶת” mean?

A: The robe is entirely turquoise wool, with no other material mixed in.

28:32 — The Head Opening

Q3. What does “פִי רֹאשׁוֹ” refer to?

A: The neck opening at the top of the robe.

Q4. What does “בתוכו” mean?

A: Folded inward (as Onkelos: “כפיל לגוויה”).

Q5. How was the hem formed?

A: Woven, not later sewn by needle.

Q6. What is “כְּפִי תַּחְרָא”?

A: Like the hem of a coat of mail, which is folded inward.

Q7. What does “לא יקרע” teach?

A: One who tears the robe transgresses a negative commandment, just as with the Breastplate loosening and the Ark’s poles.

28:33–34 — Pomegranates and Bells

Q8. What were the “rimonim”?

A: Hollow, spherical shapes, like a closed pomegranate or egg.

Q9. What were the “pa’amonei zahav”?

A: Gold bells with clappers inside.

Q10. What does “בתוכם סביב” mean?

A: Bells were attached between every two pomegranates, all around.

Q11. How were they arranged?

A: A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, alternating.

28:35 — Purpose of the Bells

Q12. What does “ולא ימות” teach?

A: If the Kohen Gadol enters missing this garment (or any required garment), he is liable to death by Heaven, even without performing service.

28:36–38 — The Tzitz (Forehead Plate)

Q13. What was the Tzitz?

A: A gold plate two fingerbreadths wide, spanning ear to ear.

Q14. What phrase was embossed on it?

A: “קֹדֶשׁ לַה’” — “Holy unto Hashem.”

Q15. Why do verses seem contradictory about where the Tzitz sits (on the turban / on the forehead / cords upon it)?

A: Because the cords passed through holes and tied behind the head, with one cord over the turban, so the plate hung properly on the forehead.

Q16. How many cords were used?

A: Six cords — two at each end (inside and outside) and two at the center.

Q17. What does “ונשא אהרן” mean?

A: It implies forgiveness, yet literally means Aaron “bears” the sin until it is removed.

Q18. What sin does the Tzitz atone for?

A: That sacrificial blood or fats were offered in impurity.

Q19. Does the Tzitz atone when not worn?

A:

• One opinion: Yes, it always assures favor.
• Another: Only when worn; “תמיד” teaches he must not let his mind wander from it, touching it to maintain awareness.

28:39 — Tunic, Turban, Sash

Q20. What does “ושִׁבַּצְתָּ” mean?

A: The tunic was made with many recessed patterns.

Q21. What does this tunic consist of?

A: Entirely linen.

28:40 — Garments for Aaron’s Sons

Q22. What garments were made for Aaron’s sons?

A: Four garments only: tunic, sash, hat, and trousers.

Q23. What are “migba’ot”?

A: Hats — the same as the Kohen Gadol’s mitznefet.

28:41 — Dressing, Anointing, Inaugurating

Q24. Which garments were for Aaron himself?

A: Breastplate, Ephod, Robe, Checkered Tunic, Turban, Sash, Tzitz, and trousers.

Q25. Which garments were for his sons?

A: Those explicitly listed for them.

Q26. What does “ומשחת אותם” mean?

A: To anoint them with the anointing oil.

Q27. What does “ומילאת ידם” mean?

A: Inaugurate them — “filling the hands” means installation into office.

Q28. What example does Rashi give from Old French?

A: A gant (glove) given to confer an appointment — “revestir.”

28:42 — Linen Trousers

Q29. Who were the trousers for?

A: Aaron and his sons.

Q30. How many garments does this make?

A: Eight for the Kohen Gadol; four for a regular Kohen.

28:43 — Requirement to Wear the Garments

Q31. When must the garments be worn?

A: Whenever entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the Outer Altar.

Q32. What is the penalty for serving without the proper garments?

A: Death by Heaven.

Q33. What does “חֻקַּת עוֹלָם” teach?

A: This law applies immediately, eternally, and is essential, not optional.

Revi’i

9. The inauguration procedure:

• The following is to be done in order to sanctify the Kohanim to become priests for Hashem:
• The sacrifices and Menachos: Take one bull, and two rams that are unblemished. Take Matzah bread and loaves that are smeared with oil and Matzah wafers smeared with oil. They are to be made of fine flour. They are all to be placed in one basket and brought together with the bull and two rams.
• Bathing, dressing and anointing the Kohanim: You shall take Aaron and his sons to the opening of the Ohel Moed, bathe them with water, and dress them. Aaron is to wear the Kutoness, Meil, Eiphod, Choshen, Mitznefes, and Tzitz. You are to pour the anointing oil over them. The sons are to be dressed in the Kutoness, the Avneit and turbans.
• Sacrificing the Chatas bull offering: You shall bring the bull in front of the Ohel Moed, and have Aaron and his sons lean on its head. It is to be slaughtered there. Take from its blood and place it on the corners of the altar using your fingers, and then pour the remaining blood on the base of the altar. You shall take all the fat that covers the intestine, and the diaphragm which is on the liver, and the two kidneys and their fat, and offer it onto the altar. The meat of the bull and its waste is to be burnt in a fire outside of the camp. This offering is a Chatas
• Sacrificing and offering the first ram Olah offering: You shall bring one ram and have Aaron and his sons lean on its head. It is then to be slaughtered. Take from its blood throw it around the altar. The ram is to be dismembered, and have its innards and feet washed, and then have it joined with its head. The entire ram is to be offered on the altar, as it is an Olah offering to Hashem.

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 29:1–18

29:1 — The Inauguration Offerings

Q1. What does “לְקַח” mean according to Rashi?

A: It has the same meaning as קַח (“take”); both roots mean the same.

Q2. Why is one bull required?

A: To atone for the Golden Calf, which was a young bull.

29:2 — The Unleavened Breads

Q3. How many types of unleavened bread were brought?

A: Three: scalded bread, loaves, and flat cakes.

Q4. What is “לֶחֶם מַצּוֹת” according to Rashi?

A: Scalded bread, later called “חַלַּת לֶחֶם שֶׁמֶן.”

Q5. How many loaves were made of each type?

A: Ten of each type.

Q6. What does “בְּלוּלֹת בַּשֶּׁמֶן” mean?

A: Oil was mixed into the flour before baking.

Q7. What does “מְשֻׁחִים בַּשֶּׁמֶן” mean?

A: Oil was smeared after baking, in the shape of a Greek כ (Λ).

29:3 — Bringing the Offerings

Q8. What does “וְהִקְרַבְתָּ אֹתָם” mean?

A: Bring them into the Courtyard on the day the Mishkan is erected.

29:4 — Immersion

Q9. What does “וְרָחַצְתָּ” mean here?

A: Full-body immersion in a mikveh.

29:5 — Dressing Aaron

Q10. What does “וְאָפַדְתָּ” mean?

A: To adorn him by arranging the apron and belt properly.

29:6 — The Holy Diadem

Q11. What is “נֵזֶר הַקֹּדֶשׁ”?

A: The Forehead-plate (Tzitz).

Q12. How is the Forehead-plate placed “over the Turban”?

A: By means of the three cords tied behind the head, as explained earlier by Rashi.

29:7 — Anointing Aaron

Q13. How was Aaron anointed with oil?

A: In the shape of a Greek כ, placed on his head and between his eyelashes and joined with a finger.

29:8–9 — Aaron’s Sons

Q14. What garments were placed on Aaron’s sons?

A: Tunics, sashes, and hats.

Q15. What does “וְהָיְתָה לָהֶם” mean?

A: This inauguration grants them an eternal right to the priesthood.

Q16. What does “וּמִלֵּאתָ” mean?

A: You must install them into their office.

29:10 — Laying Hands

Q17. What does leaning hands on the bull signify?

A: Identification and transfer prior to slaughter, as part of the sin-offering rite.

29:11 — Slaughtering the Bull

Q18. What does “פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד” mean?

A: In the Courtyard, in front of the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

29:12 — Applying the Blood

Q19. Where was some of the blood placed?

A: On the horns of the Altar, above.

Q20. What does “וְאֶת כָּל הַדָּם” mean?

A: All the remaining blood.

Q21. What is the “יְסוֹד הַמִּזְבֵּחַ”?

A: A one-cubit-high base projection around the Altar.

29:13 — Burning the Fat

Q22. What is “הַחֵלֶב הַמְכַסֶּה אֶת הַקֶּרֶב”?

A: The membrane covering the stomach (“tyle” in Old French).

Q23. What is “הַיֹּתֶרֶת”?

A: The diaphragm (“ebres” in Old French).

Q24. What does “עַל הַכָּבֵד” mean?

A: Take part of the liver together with the diaphragm.

29:14 — Burning the Bull Outside

Q25. Why is this bull burned outside the camp?

A: Because it is a sin-offering, and no other such offering with blood on the Outer Altar is burned.

29:15–16 — The First Ram

Q26. What was done before slaughtering the first ram?

A: Aaron and his sons leaned their hands on its head.

Q27. What does “וְזָרַקְתָּ” mean?

A: Dash the blood with a vessel, not with the finger.

Q28. Why is the blood dashed and not applied with the finger?

A: Only sin-offerings require finger application on the horns.

Q29. What does “סָבִיב” mean regarding the blood?

A: Two applications that become four, covering all sides of the Altar.

29:17 — Cutting the Ram

Q30. What does “עַל נְתָחָיו” mean?

A: Place the washed innards and legs together with the other pieces.

29:18 — Burning the Ram

Q31. What does “רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ” mean?

A: It gives Hashem pleasure that His will was fulfilled.

Q32. What does “אִשֶּׁה” mean?

A: A fire-offering, referring to burning the limbs on the fire.

Chamishi

• Sacrificing the second ram Shlamim offering: You shall bring the second ram and have Aaron and his sons lean on its head. It is then to be slaughtered. Take from its blood and place it on the edges of the right ear and right thumb of the hand and toe of Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the blood is to be poured around the altar.
• Anointing the Kohanim with the oil and blood: You are to take the blood that was on the altar and the anointing oil [Shemen Hamishcha] and sprinkle it on Aaron and his sons and their clothing, and they are to be sanctified.
• Offering the parts of the second ram: You are to take the fat, and the tail and all the fat that covers the intestines and the diaphragm of the liver and the two kidneys, and the right thigh. Also, take one of each of the breads from the basket. Place it all together on the palm of Aaron and his sons and wave them before Hashem. Then take the foods off the palm of their hands and offer them before G-d. Moshe is to take the breast of the ram and wave it before Hashem and it will remain a present to Moshe from Hashem.
• The portion of the Kohanim in the Karbanos: The breast and right thigh of the ram as well as of all Karbanos, are to be given to the Kohanim for all generations.
• Wearing the priestly garments for inauguration: The Kohen is to wear the priestly garments for seven days as part of his inauguration [as the high priest].
• Cooking and eating the meat of the 2^nd ram: The meat of the ram is to be cooked in a holy place. The meat as well as the bread in the basket is to be eaten by Aaron and his sons and through doing so they will become inaugurated. A non-Kohen may not eat from it. Any meat and bread that is leftover past the morning, is to be burnt in a fire.
• The number of times to perform the above procedure: The above procedure is to be done daily for seven days.
• Cleansing the altar: The altar is to be cleansed and atoned by having the Chatas bull offering [described earlier] sacrificed on it for seven days. Doing so will make the altar holy, and anything that touches it will contract holiness.

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 29:19–37

29:19–20 — The Second Ram

Q1. What was done to the second ram before slaughtering it?

A: Aaron and his sons leaned their hands on its head.

Q2. What is “תְּנוּךְ אֹזֶן”?

A: The antihelix, the cartilage in the middle of the ear (“tandrum” in Old French).

Q3. On which parts was the blood placed?

A:

• Middle of the antihelix of the right ear,
• Right thumb (middle joint),
• Right big toe.

Q4. What was done with the remaining blood?

A: It was dashed on the Altar, encircling it.

29:21 — Sprinkling Blood and Oil

Q5. What mixture was sprinkled on Aaron and his sons?

A: Blood from the Altar mixed with anointing oil.

Q6. What effect did this sprinkling have?

A: It sanctified Aaron, his sons, and their garments.

29:22 — Parts of the Installation Ram

Q7. What is “הַחֵלֶב” according to Rashi?

A: The fat on the small intestine, and according to another view, also the abomasum.

Q8. What is “הָאַלְיָה” (the tail)?

A: The rear section from the kidneys downward.

Q9. Why is the tail not mentioned regarding the bull?

A: Only rams and lambs require offering the tail, not bulls or goats.

Q10. What is unique about the right hind midleg here?

A: This is the only case where a right hind leg is burned on the Altar.

Q11. Why is this called an “אֵיל מִלֻּאִים”?

A: Because it is a peace‑offering (שְׁלָמִים) that brings completeness and harmony.

29:23 — Bread Portions

Q12. What does “כִּכַּר לֶחֶם” refer to?

A: One loaf from the oil‑mixed loaves.

Q13. What is “חַלַּת לֶחֶם שֶׁמֶן”?

A: One loaf from the scalded bread.

Q14. What is “רָקִיק”?

A: One flat cake.

Q15. How many loaves were taken from each type?

A: One out of ten from each type.

Q16. What is unique about these bread portions?

A: This is the only case where bread portions are burned on the Altar.

29:24 — The Wave Offering

Q17. How was the wave‑offering performed?

A: The priest placed his hands under the owner’s hands and waved the items.

Q18. Who were the owners and who was the priest here?

A:

• Owners: Aaron and his sons
• Priest: Moses

Q19. What does “תְּנוּפָה” mean?

A: Moving back and forth toward the four directions.

Q20. What spiritual effect does the wave‑offering have?

A: It withholds harmful winds and punishments.

29:25 — Burning the Portions

Q21. What does “עַל הָעֹלָה” mean?

A: In addition to the first ram, already offered as an ascent‑offering.

Q22. What does “לְרֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ” mean?

A: Hashem takes pleasure that His command was fulfilled.

Q23. What does “אִשֶּׁה” mean?

A: A fire‑offering, placed on the fire.

29:26 — Moses’ Portion

Q24. What was Moses’ portion from the installation ram?

A: The breast.

Q25. What does “תְּנוּפָה” mean here?

A: Horizontal waving (“ventiller” in Old French).

29:27–28 — Breast and Thigh for All Generations

Q26. What does “וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ” teach?

A: That waving and raising apply to peace‑offerings in all generations.

Q27. Were later peace‑offering thighs burned on the Altar?

A: No — they were eaten by the priests.

Q28. What does “חָק עוֹלָם” mean here?

A: An eternal entitlement for the priests.

29:29–30 — Priestly Garments for Successors

Q29. To whom do Aaron’s garments belong after him?

A: To his son who succeeds him as High Priest.

Q30. What does “לְמָשְׁחָה” mean here?

A: Nobility and dignity, not literal anointing.

Q31. What does “לְמַלֵּא בָם אֶת יָדָם” mean?

A: Installation into the High Priesthood by wearing the garments.

Q32. How long must the new High Priest wear them?

A: Seven consecutive days.

Q33. What does “הַכֹּהֵן תַּחְתָּיו” teach?

A: The son serving in his father’s place should be appointed.

29:31–33 — Eating the Installation Offering

Q34. Where was the ram of installation cooked?

A: In the Courtyard, a holy place.

Q35. Who ate the meat and bread?

A: Aaron and his sons.

Q36. Why may a layman not eat them?

A: Because they are holy of superior holiness.

29:34–35 — Completion of Inauguration

Q37. What is done with leftovers until morning?

A: They must be burned in fire.

Q38. Why is the command repeated in verse 35?

A: To teach that every detail is essential; omission invalidates the inauguration.

29:36–37 — Sanctifying the Altar

Q39. Why is a bull brought each day for seven days?

A: To atone for the Altar itself.

Q40. What does “וְחִטֵּאתָ” mean?

A: To purify by applying blood with the finger.

Q41. How was the Altar anointed?

A: With oil, in the shape of a Greek כ.

Q42. What does “קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים” mean for the Altar?

A: It becomes so holy that whatever touches it is sanctified.

Q43. Does this apply to all disqualified offerings?

A: No — only to offerings that were initially fit and became disqualified later.

Shishi

10. The Tamid offering:

• The following offerings are to be brought daily onto the altar: Everyday two sheep within their first year are to be offered, one in the morning and the second in the evening. It is to be accompanied with a Mincha offering consisting of 1/10^th of fine flour, mixed with a ¼ of a Hin of crushed oil. Its libation is to be a ¼ of a Hin, per sheep. This is to be done for all generations.

11. Dwelling the Shechina on the Mishkan:

• I will meet with the Jewish people by the Ohel Moed and be sanctified there through my honor. I will dwell amongst the Jewish people and be for them a G-d, and they will know that I am the G-d who took them out of Egypt in order to dwell with them.

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 29:38–46

29:38 — The Daily Offering

Q1. What does “שְׁנֵי כְבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה” mean?

A: Two one‑year‑old lambs.

Q2. What does “תָּמִיד” mean here?

A: Every day without interruption, from day to day.

29:39 — Morning and Afternoon

Q3. When were the two lambs offered?

A: One in the morning, and one in the afternoon.

29:40 — The Grain‑Offering and Libation

Q4. What does “וְעִשָּׂרוֹן סֹלֶת” mean?

A: A tenth of an ephah of fine flour.

Q5. How much is a tenth of an ephah according to Rashi?

A: The volume of 43⅕ eggs.

Q6. What does “בְּשֶׁמֶן כָּתִית” mean here?

A: Oil that may be crushed, but it is not required to be crushed.

Q7. Why does the Torah permit crushed oil here?

A: To show that crushed oil is valid for grain‑offerings, even though it is required for the Menorah.

Q8. What does “רֶבַע הַהִין” mean?

A: A quarter of a hin, equal to three log.

Q9. What is a “נֶסֶךְ” according to Rashi?

A: A wine libation poured into the bowls on the Altar.

Q10. How did the wine libation flow on the Altar?

A: It flowed through holes in silver bowls and ran down—

• into underground channels in the permanent Temple,
• directly onto the ground in the Tabernacle.

29:41 — The Afternoon Offering

Q11. What offerings accompanied the afternoon lamb?

A: The same grain‑offering and libation as the morning lamb.

Q12. What does “לְרֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ” refer to here?

A: Also to the grain‑offering, which was completely burned.

Q13. In what order were the offerings placed on the Altar?

A: First the limbs, then the grain‑offering.

29:42 — The Place of Divine Meeting

Q14. What does “תָּמִיד” mean in this verse?

A: Consistently, with no day skipped.

Q15. What does “אֲשֶׁר אִוָּעֵד לָכֶם” mean?

A: God fixes that place as the meeting point to speak.

Q16. From where did God speak to Moses according to one opinion?

A: From above the copper Altar.

Q17. What is the other opinion regarding where God spoke from?

A: From above the Cover of the Ark; the verse refers to the Tent of Meeting, not the Altar.

29:43 — Sanctification Through Glory

Q18. What does “וְנֹעַדְתִּי שָׁמָּה” mean?

A: God would meet with Israel there through communication.

Q19. What does “וְנִקְדַּשׁ” refer to?

A: The Tabernacle will be sanctified.

Q20. What does “בִּכְבֹדִי” mean according to the simple meaning?

A: Through God’s Divine Presence resting there.

Q21. What is the aggadic explanation of “בִּכְבֹדִי”?

A: Read it as “בִּכְבוּדַי” — “through My honored ones.”

Q22. Who are “My honored ones” according to this explanation?

A: Aaron’s sons, who would die on the day of the Mishkan’s inauguration.

Q23. Where did Moses later refer back to this statement?

A: When he said: “I will be sanctified through those nearest to Me.”

29:44 — Sanctification of the Sanctuary and Priests

Q24. What does God sanctify in this verse?

A:

• The Tent of Meeting,
• The Altar,
• Aaron and his sons.

29:45 — God’s Indwelling

Q25. What does “וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל” mean?

A: God will dwell among the Israelites.

29:46 — Purpose of the Exodus

Q26. Why did God bring Israel out of Egypt according to this verse?

A: So that He may dwell among them.

Q27. What does “לְשָׁכְנִי בְתוֹכָם” mean?

A: In order that God’s Presence reside among them.

Shevi’i

12. The gold altar for incense:

• You shall make an altar for the incense offering.
• The material: It is to be made of acacia-shittim wood.
• Dimensions: It is to be made into a square, its length being one Amah, and its width also one Amah. It is to be two Amos high.
• Its particulars: It is to contain horns on each of its four corners, and the horns, as well as the entire altar, is to be covered in gold. It is to have a gold crown surrounding it. Make for it two gold rings beneath its crown, one on each corner. These rings will serve to hold the poles with which the altar will be carried.
• Its poles: You shall make poles of acacia-shittim wood which are covered with gold.
• Location: The altar is to be placed in front of the Paroches that is by the Aron.
• Its use: Aaron is to offer incense on it daily each morning when the lamps are cleaned, and every afternoon when the lamps are kindled. One may not offer on it a foreign incense or an Olah or Mincha or wine libation. Aaron will atone on it once a year from the blood of the Chatas offering. The altar is a holy of holies to Hashem.

[1] Rashi 27:20

[2] Rashi 27:20; Menachos 86