Parashat Shemini
Contents |
Eighth Inauguration Day
The eighth inauguration day took place on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Moshe instructed Aharon in the presents of the Elders to sacrifice the following unblemished animals on that day...
Personal Sacrifices
- Korban Chatas - a bull calf as a sin offering
- Korban Olah - a ram as a burnt offering
National Sacrifices
- Chatas - a he goat as a sin offering
- First Olah - a calf in its first year as a burnt offering
- Second Olah - a lamb in its first year as a burnt offering
- First Shilamim - an ox as a peace offering
- Second Shilamim - a ram as a peace offering
- Mincha - a meal offering mixed with oil
Animals for these sacrifices were brought and placed in front of the Ohel Moed and the entire Nation gathered at that location. Moshe commanded Aharon to offer the sacrifices in order to atone for himself and the Nation.
Aharon's Sacrifices
Chatas - Aharon approached the altar and slaughtered his sin offering calf. His sons collected the blood brought it to him, Aharon dipped his finger into the blood, placing some on the horns of the altar, he then poured the remaining blood at the base of the altar. He then took the fat, kidneys, and the diaphragm with the liver and burnt it on the altar
, throws the blood, sacrifices its parts and then burns its remainders. He then brings a ram for an Olah, which he slaughters, throws its blood and then sacrifices it.
Public Sacrifices
Aharon offers the public sacrifices; the Chatas, Olah, Mincha and Shilamim.
Priestly Blessing
Aharon blesses the Jews with the Birchat Kohanim. Moshe and Aharon then bless the Nation.
Heavenly Fire
A heavenly fire descends onto the Mizbeach and the Jews fall on their faces, giving praise.
Other Sacrifices
Aside from the sacrifices of Aharon and the Nation, the daily Korban Tomid was offered, as well as the Rosh Chodes goat offering. Additionally it was the first day of the Korban Nasim and Nachshon ben Aminadav brought his offering.