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Rambam - 1 Chapter a Day

Pesulei Hamukdashim - Chapter 11

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Pesulei Hamukdashim - Chapter 11

1

Whenever any of the persons who are disqualified from performing Temple service take the handful of meal from a meal-offering,1 the offering is disqualified.2 Similarly, if one of these individuals collected the frankincense,3 the offering is unacceptable, even if he did not take the handful of meal.

א

כָּל הַמְּנָחוֹת שֶׁקְּמָצָן אֶחָד מִן הַפְּסוּלִין לַעֲבוֹדָה הֲרֵי הֵם פְּסוּלוֹת. וְכֵן אִם לִקֵּט הַלְּבוֹנָה פָּסַל אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא קָמַץ:

2

[In all the following situations, a meal-offering] is disqualified:4

a) the handful [of meal] was taken by an acceptable [priest] and given to one who is not acceptable;

b) [the priest] took the handful with his right hand and then transferred it to his left hand and then placed it in a utensil;

c) he took the handful [of meal] from a sacred utensil and placed it in an ordinary utensil.

ב

קָמַץ הַכָּשֵׁר וְנָתַן לַפָּסוּל. קָמַץ בִּימִינוֹ וְנָתַן לִשְׂמֹאלוֹ וְאַחַר כָּךְ נְתָנוֹ לִכְלִי. קָמַץ מִכְּלִי קֹדֶשׁ וְנָתַן לִכְלִי חֹל. פָּסַל:

3

If [while] taking a handful of meal, he lifted up a pebble, a grain of salt, or a particle of frankincense, it is disqualified.5

ג

קָמַץ וְעָלָה בְּיָדוֹ צְרוֹר אוֹ גַּרְגִּיר מֶלַח אוֹ קֹרֶט לְבוֹנָה פָּסוּל:

4

If he took the handful when he was outside [the Temple Courtyard] and then entered [the Courtyard], he should take a handful inside the Courtyard6 and it is acceptable.

ד

קָמַץ עַד שֶׁהוּא בַּחוּץ וְנִכְנַס לְפָנִים. יַחְזֹר וְיִקְמֹץ בִּפְנִים וְכָשֵׁר:

5

If the handful became scattered on the floor [of the Temple Courtyard], he should collect it again.7

ה

נִתְפַּזֵּר הַקֹּמֶץ עַל גַּבֵּי הָרִצְפָּה. יַחְזֹר וְיַאַסְפֶנּוּ:

6

[In all the following instances,] a meal-offering [is unacceptable]:

it was not placed in a sacred utensil,

the handful of meal was not placed in a sacred utensil,

it was brought to the altar8 while not in a sacred utensil,9

or it was mixed with oil outside the Temple Courtyard; [it is acceptable] only if it was mixed with oil in the Courtyard.10

ו

הָיְתָה הַמִּנְחָה שֶׁלֹּא בִּכְלִי שָׁרֵת. אוֹ שֶׁהָיְתָה קֻמְצָהּ שֶׁלֹּא בִּכְלִי שָׁרֵת. אוֹ שֶׁהֶעֱלָהוּ לַמִּזְבֵּחַ שֶׁלֹּא בִּכְלִי שָׁרֵת. אוֹ שֶׁבְּלָלָהּ בְּשַׁמְנָהּ חוּץ לָעֲזָרָה. פְּסוּלָה עַד שֶׁתִּהְיֶה בְּלִילָתָהּ בִּפְנִים:

7

All of the meal-offerings are acceptable even if oil was poured over them by someone who was unacceptable for Temple service, e.g., a non-priest or the like, or such a person mixed [the oil with the meal], broke [wafers] into pieces,11 or put salt upon them. If [such a person] approached the altar with them or waved them,12 a priest should approach the altar with them and/or wave them again. If a priest did not approach the altar with them and/or wave them again, they are [nevertheless] acceptable. [This is derived from Leviticus 2:2:] "And he shall bring it to the sons of Aaron and [one] shall take a handful..." From taking the handful and onward, the mitzvah must be performed by a priest.13 Pouring and mixing [the oil] may be performed by a non-priest.

ז

כָּל הַמְּנָחוֹת שֶׁיָּצַק עֲלֵיהֶן הַשֶּׁמֶן פָּסוּל לַעֲבוֹדָה כְּגוֹן הַזָּר וְכַיּוֹצֵא בּוֹ אוֹ שֶׁבְּלָלָן אוֹ פְּתָתָם אוֹ מְלָחָן כְּשֵׁרוֹת. הִגִּישָׁן אוֹ הֱנִיפָן חוֹזֵר הַכֹּהֵן וּמַגִּישׁ אוֹ מֵנִיף. וְאִם לֹא הִגִּישׁ וְלֹא הֵנִיף הַכֹּהֵן כְּשֵׁרוֹת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא ב ב) "וֶהֱבִיאָהּ אֶל בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן" (ויקרא ב ב) "וְקָמַץ". מִקְּמִיצָה וְאֵילָךְ מִצְוַת כְּהֻנָּה לִמֵּד עַל יְצִיקָה וּבְלִילָה שֶׁכְּשֵׁרָה בְּזָר:

8

When even the slightest amount of oil from another meal-offering or oil that was not consecrated falls into a meal-offering, it is disqualified. If [the full measure14 of] its oil is lacking, it is disqualified. If, [by contrast, the full measure15 of] its frankincense is lacking, it is acceptable provided there are at least two particles of frankincense upon it. If there is only one particle, it is disqualified, as it is written:16 "on all its frankincense."17

ח

מִנְחָה שֶׁנָּפַל לְתוֹכָהּ שֶׁמֶן מִנְחָה אַחֶרֶת אוֹ שֶׁמֶן חֻלִּין כָּל שֶׁהוּא נִפְסְלָה. חִסֵּר שַׁמְנָהּ פְּסוּלָה. חִסֵּר לְבוֹנָתָהּ כְּשֵׁרָה. וְהוּא שֶׁיִּהְיוּ עָלֶיהָ שֵׁנִי קוֹרְטֵי לְבוֹנָה אֲבָל קֹרֶט אֶחָד פְּסוּלָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר אֶת כָּל לְבוֹנָתָהּ:

9

If he added to its [measure of] oil and frankincense, [including] up to two lugim for every isaron and [up to] two handfuls of frankincense for every meal offering,18 it is acceptable. If one uses two lugim or two handfuls or more, it is disqualified.

ט

רִבָּה שַׁמְנָהּ וּלְבוֹנָתָהּ עַד שְׁנֵי לוֹגִין לְכָל עִשָּׂרוֹן וּשְׁנֵי קֻמְצֵי לְבוֹנָה לְכָל מִנְחָה כְּשֵׁרָה. שְׁנֵי לוֹגִין אוֹ שְׁנֵי קְמָצִין אוֹ יֶתֶר עַל זֶה פְּסוּלָה:

10

If one placed oil on the meal offering of a sinner19 or on the handful of meal taken from it, it is disqualified.20 If one placed frankincense on it, it should be gathered up.21 If [the frankincense] is ground, [the offering] is unacceptable because of the doubt, because it is impossible to gather [the frankincense].

י

מִנְחַת חוֹטֵא שֶׁנָּתַן עָלֶיהָ שֶׁמֶן אוֹ עַל הַקֹּמֶץ שֶׁלָּהּ נִפְסְלָה. נָתַן עָלֶיהָ לְבוֹנָה יִלְקְטֶנָּה. הָיְתָה שְׁחוּקָה הֲרֵי זוֹ פְּסוּלָה מִסָּפֵק. שֶׁהֲרֵי אִי אֶפְשָׁר לְלַקֵּט:

11

If one placed oil on the remnants [of such a meal-offering] after the handful was removed, he is not liable for lashes,22 nor does he disqualify the offering,23 for the handful is acceptable.

יא

נָתַן שֶׁמֶן עַל שְׁיָרֶיהָ אַחַר שֶׁקָּמַץ. אֵינוֹ לוֹקֶה וְלֹא פְּסָלָהּ שֶׁהֲרֵי הַקֹּמֶץ כָּשֵׁר:

12

If he placed even the smallest amount of oil24 on an olive-sized portion25 of the meal-offering,26 he disqualifies it because of the doubt involved. If, however, he placed oil on less than an olive-sized portion, he does not disqualify it. One does not disqualify [a meal-offering] with frankincense27 unless he places an olive-sized portion28 [on the offering].

יב

נָתַן מַשֶּׁהוּ שֶׁמֶן עַל גַּבֵּי כְּזַיִת מִן הַמִּנְחָה פְּסָלָהּ מִסָּפֵק. אֲבָל אִם נָתַן הַשֶּׁמֶן עַל פָּחוֹת מִכְּזַיִת לֹא פְּסָלָהּ. וְאֵינוֹ פּוֹסֵל הַלְּבוֹנָה עַד שֶׁיִּתֵּן כְּזַיִת לְבוֹנָה:

13

Even if he placed frankincense on the smallest portion of the meal-offering, he disqualifies it until he gathers it.

יג

אֲפִלּוּ נָתַן הַלְּבוֹנָה עַל כָּל שֶׁהוּא מִן הַמִּנְחָה פָּסַל עַד שֶׁיְּלַקֵּט:

14

If one mixed water with the meal and then took a handful, it is acceptable. [The Torah's requirement29 that the offering be] "dry" [refers only] to oil.

יד

גִּבְּלָהּ בְּמַיִם וְקָמַץ כְּשֵׁרָה. לֹא נֶאֱמַר (ויקרא ז י) "חֲרֵבָה" אֶלָּא מִשֶּׁמֶן:

15

A meal-offering from which a handful was taken twice - or many times - is acceptable, provided an olive-sized portion is offered on the altar's pyre at once. For no less than an olive-sized portion may be offered on the altar.

טו

מִנְחָה שֶׁקְּמָצָהּ פַּעֲמַיִם כְּשֵׁרָה, אֲפִלּוּ פְּעָמִים רַבּוֹת. וְהוּא שֶׁיַּקְטִיר כְּזַיִת בְּבַת אַחַת. שֶׁאֵין הַקְטָרָה פְּחוּתָה מִכְּזַיִת:

16

If one offered the handful [of meal30 on the altar] without salt, it is unacceptable,31 for the salt is an absolute requirement for a meal-offering, as we explained.32 When a meal-offering was lacking33 before the handful was taken, he should bring [more meal] from home and complete the measure. For taking the handful is what defines [the meal as] an offering,34 not placing it into a sacred vessel.

טז

הִקְרִיב הַקֹּמֶץ בְּלֹא מֶלַח פְּסוּלָה. שֶׁהַמֶּלַח מְעַכֵּב בַּמִּנְחָה כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ. מִנְחָה שֶׁחָסְרָה קֹדֶם קְמִיצָה. יָבִיא מִתּוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ וִימַלְּאֶנָּה. שֶׁהַקְּמִיצָה הִיא הַקּוֹבַעַת לֹא נְתִינָתָהּ בִּכְלִי שָׁרֵת:

17

When a person donates a handful35 of frankincense independently, it is unacceptable if it is lacking at all. Similarly, if the two bowls of frankincense that accompany the [show]bread36 are lacking even the slightest amount, they are unacceptable. They must contain two handfuls from the beginning until the end.

יז

הִתְנַדֵּב קֹמֶץ לְבוֹנָה בִּפְנֵי עַצְמוֹ. אִם חָסַר כָּל שֶׁהוּא פָּסוּל. וְכֵן שְׁנֵי בְּזִיכֵי לְבוֹנָה שֶׁעִם הַלֶּחֶם אִם חָסַר אֶחָד מֵהֶן כָּל שֶׁהוּא פְּסוּלִין. עַד שֶׁיִּהְיוּ שְׁנֵי קְמָצִין מִתְּחִלָּה וְעַד סוֹף:

18

[The following rules apply when a] person set aside two handfuls [of frankincense] for one offering37 and one was lost. If this occurred before the handful [of meal] was taken, [the association between them and this offering] was not [yet] established.38 If it occurred afterwards, [the association] has been established and [the offering] is unacceptable, because he increased its frankincense.

Similar [laws apply if one] sets aside four handfuls for the two bowls of the [show]bread39 and two were lost. If this occurred before the bowls were removed [from the showbread],40 [the association between them] was not established and they are acceptable. If it occurred after the bowls were removed, [the association] was established and they are disqualified, because of the extra amount.

יח

הִפְרִישׁ שְׁנֵי קְמָצִין לְמִנְחָה אַחַת וְאָבַד אֶחָד מֵהֶן קֹדֶם קְמִיצָה לֹא הֻקְבַּע. לְאַחַר קְמִיצָה הֻקְבַּע וּפְסוּלָה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁרִבָּה לְבוֹנָתָהּ. וְכֵן אִם הִפְרִישׁ אַרְבָּעָה קְמָצִים לִשְׁנֵי בְּזִיכֵי לֶחֶם וְאָבְדוּ שְׁנַיִם מֵהֶם קֹדֶם סִלּוּק הַבְּזִיכִים לֹא הֻקְבְּעוּ וּכְשֵׁרִים. לְאַחַר סִלּוּק הַבְּזִיכִין הֻקְבְּעוּ וּפְסוּלִין מִפְּנֵי הָרִבּוּי:

19

When the handful taken from a meal offering became impure and then it was offered on the altar's pyre,41 the High Priest's forehead plate causes it to be considered acceptable, as [Exodus 28:38] states: "And Aaron shall bear [the iniquity....]"42

If the handful was taken outside the Temple Courtyard and then brought in and offered on the altar's pyre, the forehead plate does not cause it to be considered acceptable. For the forehead plate causes [sacrifices tainted by] impurity to be considered acceptable, but not those which are taken outside the Temple Courtyard.

יט

קֹמֶץ מִנְחָה שֶׁנִּטְמָא וְהִקְטִירוֹ. הַצִּיץ מְרַצֶּה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כח לח) "וְנָשָׂא אַהֲרֹן". יָצָא הַקֹּמֶץ חוּץ לָעֲזָרָה וְהִכְנִיסוֹ וְהִקְטִירוֹ אֵין הַצִּיץ מְרַצֶּה. שֶׁהַצִּיץ מְרַצֶּה עַל הַטָּמֵא וְאֵינוֹ מְרַצֶּה עַל הַיּוֹצֵא:

20

If one took the handful from a meal-offering and then the entire remainder [of the offering] became impure,43 was burnt, was taken out of the Temple Courtyard,44 or was lost, the handful should not be offered on the altar's pyre. [After the fact,] if it was offered, it is accepted [Above].45 If a small amount of the remnants [of the offering] remained acceptable, the handful should be offered. [Nevertheless,] the remnant that remains is forbidden to be eaten.46

כ

קָמַץ אֶת הַמִּנְחָה וְאַחַר כָּךְ נִטְמְאוּ שְׁיָרֶיהָ כֻּלָּן אוֹ נִשְׂרְפוּ אוֹ יָצְאוּ חוּץ לָעֲזָרָה אוֹ אָבְדוּ. לֹא יַקְטִיר הַקֹּמֶץ וְאִם הִקְטִיר הֻרְצָה. נִשְׁאַר מְעַט מִן הַשְּׁיָרִים בְּכַשְׁרוּתָן. יַקְטִיר הַקֹּמֶץ וְאוֹתָן הַשְּׁיָרִים שֶׁנִּשְׁאֲרוּ אֲסוּרִין בַּאֲכִילָה:

21

If there was a divider in the lower portion of a vessel containing an isaron [of flour] for a meal-offering, even though [the flour] is mixed together above, one should not take a handful.47 If one did, it is unacceptable.

כא

הָיְתָה מְחִצָּה מִלְּמַטָּה בִּכְלִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ עִשָּׂרוֹן שֶׁל מִנְחָה. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוּא מְעֹרָב מִלְמַעְלָה לֹא יִקְמֹץ. וְאִם קָמַץ פְּסוּלָה:

22

If, [by contrast,] the container was separated by a divider above, but [the contents] were mixed together below, one may take a handful from it.48

כב

הָיָה הַכְּלִי חָלוּק בִּמְחִצָּה מִלְמַעְלָה וּמְעֹרָב מִלְּמַטָּה. קוֹמֵץ מִמֶּנּוּ:

23

If one divided the isaron in a single container and thus the portions were not touching each other, but there was no divider between them, there is an unresolved doubt whether the container causes [the two portions to be considered as] combined or not. Therefore, [at the outset,] one should not take the handful [in such an instance].49 If one did take the handful, it should not be offered on the altar's pyre. If it was offered, it is accepted [Above], but the remainder [of the offering] should not be eaten.50

כג

חָלַק הָעִשָּׂרוֹן בִּכְלִי אֶחָד וְאֵין חֲלָקָיו נוֹגְעִין זֶה בָּזֶה וְאֵין בֵּינֵיהֶן מְחִצָּה. הֲרֵי זֶה סָפֵק אִם מְצָרֵף הַכְּלִי לַקְּמִיצָה אוֹ אֵינוֹ מְצָרֵף. לְפִיכָךְ לֹא יִקְמֹץ. וְאִם קָמַץ לֹא יַקְטִיר. וְאִם הִקְטִיר הֻרְצָה. וְלֹא יֵאָכְלוּ הַשְּׁיָרִים:

24

If one took a handful [of flour from a meal-offering] and placed the handful on the top of the [Golden] Table [elevated to] the height of the arrangement of the showbread,51 the Table causes it to be sanctified in that it can be disqualified,52 but it does not sanctify it so that it can be offered. For [the handful of flour] should not be sacrificed until it was sanctified in a sacred vessel fit for the handful [of flour].

כד

קָמַץ וְנָתַן הַקֹּמֶץ לְמַעְלָה עַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן כְּנֶגֶד גֹּבַהּ מַעֲרֶכֶת לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים קִדְּשׁוֹ הַשֻּׁלְחָן לְהִפָּסֵל. אֲבָל אֵינוֹ מְקַדְּשׁוֹ לִקָּרֵב. וְאֵינוֹ קָרֵב עַד שֶׁיִּתְקַדֵּשׁ בִּכְלִי שָׁרֵת הָרָאוּי לְקֹמֶץ:

25

If he attached the handful to the wall of the vessel and took it or overturned the vessel above his hand and took the handful while the opening of the vessel was turned downward, it should not be offered on the altar's pyre.53 If it was offered, it is accepted [Above].

כה

הִדְבִּיק הַקֹּמֶץ לְדֹפֶן הַכְּלִי וְקָמַץ. אוֹ שֶׁהָפַךְ הַכְּלִי עַל יָדוֹ וְקָמַץ מִתּוֹכוֹ וּפִיו לְמַטָּה. לֹא יַקְטִיר וְאִם הִקְטִיר הֻרְצָה:

26

[The following rules apply when] an isaron was divided and one of its portions were lost, another portion was set aside in its stead, the lost portion was found and the three are all placed in one container, but are not touching each other. If the portion that was lost becomes impure, it is combined with the first portion and they are disqualified.54 The portion that was set aside [as a replacement] is not combined with them55 and it should be supplemented [to produce a full isaron].

If the portion set aside [as a replacement] becomes impure, it and the first portion are combined and disqualified.56 The portion that was [lost and] discovered is not combined with them.57 If the initial portion becomes impure, both the portion that was lost and the portion set aside because of it are combined with it.58

כו

עִשָּׂרוֹן שֶׁחִלְּקוֹ וְאָבַד אֶחָד מֵחֲלָקָיו וְהִפְרִישׁ חֵלֶק אַחֵר תַּחְתָּיו וְנִמְצָא הָאָבוּד וַהֲרֵי שְׁלָשְׁתָּן מֻנָּחִין בִּכְלִי אֶחָד וְאֵין נוֹגְעִין זֶה בָּזֶה. נִטְמָא זֶה שֶׁאָבַד הֲרֵי הוּא מִצְטָרֵף עִם חֵלֶק רִאשׁוֹן וְנִפְסְלוּ. וְזֶה שֶׁהִפְרִישׁ אֵינוֹ מִצְטָרֵף אֶלָּא יַשְׁלִים עָלָיו. נִטְמָא הַמֻּפְרָשׁ. מֻפְרָשׁ וְרִאשׁוֹן מִצְטָרְפִין וְנִפְסְלוּ. וְזֶה שֶׁנִּמְצָא אֵינוֹ מִצְטָרֵף עִמָּהֶן. נִטְמָא הַחֵלֶק הָרִאשׁוֹן הֲרֵי הָאָבוּד וְהַמֻּפְרָשׁ תַּחְתָּיו מִצְטָרְפִין:

27

Similar concepts apply with regard to taking the handful. If one took the handful from the portion that was [lost and then] discovered, the remainder of it and the first portion59 may be eaten and the portion that was set aside [afterwards] may not be eaten.60 If one took the handful from the portion that was set aside [afterwards] the remainder of it and the first portion may be eaten and the portion that was [lost and then] discovered may not be eaten. If one took the handful from the first portion, neither [of the other] two may be eaten.61 [The rationale is that] they are both extra portions.62 For together they are an entire isaron and thus resemble an entire isaron from which a handful was not taken and which is hence, forbidden.

[One might ask:] How can the handful [that was taken] be offered, since there is an isaron and a half [in the vessel]? Because taking the handful is dependent on the intent of the priest and when he takes the handful, he has his mind on an isaron alone and the portions [of the isaron] are not touching each other.63

כז

וְכֵן לְעִנְיַן קְמִיצָה. קָמַץ מִן הַנִּמְצָא. שְׁיָרָיו עִם הַחֵלֶק הָרִאשׁוֹן נֶאֱכָלִין. וְהַמֻּפְרָשׁ אֵינוֹ נֶאֱכָל. קָמַץ מִן הַמֻּפְרָשׁ. שְׁיָרָיו נֶאֱכָלִין וְהַנִּמְצָא אֵינוֹ נֶאֱכָל. קָמַץ מִן הָרִאשׁוֹן. שְׁנֵיהֶן אֵין נֶאֱכָלִין. לְפִי שֶׁשְּׁנֵיהֶן שְׁיָרִים יְתֵרִים שֶׁהֲרֵי הֵן עִשָּׂרוֹן שָׁלֵם וְדוֹמִין לְמִנְחָה שֶׁלֹּא נִקְמְצָה שֶׁהִיא אֲסוּרָה. וְהֵיאַךְ קָרֵב הַקֹּמֶץ הַזֶּה וַהֲרֵי לְפָנָיו עִשָּׂרוֹן וּמֶחֱצָה. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהַקְּמִיצָה תְּלוּיָה בְּדַעַת הַכֹּהֵן וּבְעֵת שֶׁקּוֹמֵץ אֵין דַּעְתּוֹ אֶלָּא עַל הָעִשָּׂרוֹן בִּלְבַד. וַהֲרֵי הַחֲלָקִים אֵינָן נוֹגְעִין זֶה בָּזֶה:

28

When a handful [taken from] a meal-offering became mixed with a handful [taken from] another meal-offering, they should both be offered on the altar's pyre together and they are acceptable. Similarly, it is acceptable if a handful [taken from a meal-offering] became mixed with a meal-offering of a priest,64 the meal-offering from an accompanying offering,65 or the chavitin offering of the High Priest.66 They should be offered on the altar's pyre together. [The rationale is that all of these substances] are offered on [the altar's] fire in their entirety.

כח

קֹמֶץ מִנְחָה שֶׁנִּתְעָרֵב בְּקֹמֶץ מִנְחָה אַחֶרֶת. מַקְטִיר שְׁנֵיהֶן כְּאַחַת וְהֵן כְּשֵׁרוֹת. וְכֵן אִם נִתְעָרֵב הַקֹּמֶץ בְּמִנְחַת כֹּהֲנִים אוֹ בְּמִנְחַת הַנְּסָכִים אוֹ בַּחֲבִיתֵי כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל. הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ כְּשֵׁרוֹת וְיַקְטִיר הַכּל כְּאֶחָד שֶׁהַכּל לָאִשִּׁים:

29

[The following rules apply when] two meal-offerings from which a handful had not been separated become mixed together. If [the priest] can remove a handful from each one separately, they are acceptable. If not, they are disqualified.

כט

שְׁתֵּי מְנָחוֹת שֶׁלֹּא נִקְמְצוּ שֶׁנִּתְעָרְבוּ זוֹ בָּזוֹ אִם יָכוֹל לִקְמֹץ מִזּוֹ בִּפְנֵי עַצְמוֹ וּמִזּוֹ בִּפְנֵי עַצְמוֹ כְּשֵׁרוֹת וְאִם לָאו פְּסוּלוֹת:

30

When a handful [taken from a meal-offering] becomes mixed together with a meal-offering from which a handful had not been taken, it should not be offered on the altar's pyre.67 If one did offer the entire mixture, the owner of [the offering] from which the handful was taken is considered to have fulfilled his obligation and the owner of the one from which the handful was not taken is not considered to have fulfilled his obligation.

ל

קֹמֶץ שֶׁנִּתְעָרֵב בְּמִנְחָה שֶׁלֹּא נִקְמְצָה לֹא יַקְטִיר. וְאִם הִקְטִיר הַכּל. זוֹ שֶׁנִּקְמְצָה עָלְתָה לַבְּעָלִים. וְזוֹ שֶׁלֹּא נִקְמְצָה לֹא עָלְתָה לַבְּעָלִים:

31

If the handful [taken from a meal-offering] becomes mixed together with the remaining portions of the offering or the remaining portions become mixed together with the remaining portions of another meal-offering,68 it69 should not be offered.70 If it was offered, the owner is considered to have fulfilled his obligation.

לא

נִתְעָרֵב קֻמְצָהּ בִּשְׁיָרֶיהָ. אוֹ שֶׁנִּתְעָרְבוּ שְׁיָרֶיהָ בִּשְׁיָרֵי חֲבֶרְתָּהּ. לֹא יַקְטִיר. וְאִם הִקְטִיר עָלְתָה לַבְּעָלִים:

Quiz Yourself on Pesulei Hamukdashim Chapter 11

Footnotes
1.

See the description of the taking of the handful of meal in Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 13:13.

2.

In his Commentary to the Mishnah (Menachot 1:1), the Rambam explains that taking a handful of meal is equivalent to slaughtering an animal sacrifice. Hence if the act is performed by a person who is unacceptable, it is disqualified. Rav Yosef Corcus states more precisely that it is equivalent to receiving the blood of a sacrifice, thus also disqualifying a non-priest.

3.

See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 13:12 which mentions the separation of the frankincense.

4.

The Kessef Mishneh understands the Rambam as ruling that these acts disqualify the offering permanently, even if the priest corrects the act afterwards. From the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.), it appears that the deed may be corrected.

5.

The frankincense should be shifted to the side before the handful is taken. If afterwards any of these substances is found in the handful, it is unacceptable, because the handful is lacking [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Menachot 1:1)].

6.

Any place within the Temple Courtyard is acceptable (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:12).

7.

And the meal-offering is acceptable. The Kessef Mishneh states that this is referring to an instance where he placed the handful of meal into a utensil and from the utensil it spilled to the floor. If, however, it falls to the floor from his hand, it is disqualified. As support, he cites a similar ruling with regard to the blood of a sacrifice (Chapter 1, Halachah 26).

8.

See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:12 with regard to bringing the meal-offering to the altar.

9.

Menachot 26a elaborates on the necessity of using a sacred utensil for each of these stages of service.

10.

Although it need not be mixed with oil by a priest, it must be mixed in the Temple Courtyard (Menachot 9b).

11.

As required for certain meal-offerings; see Leviticus 2:6.

12.

See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 7:12 which describes the waving process which is necessary for certain meal-offerings.

13.

See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:23.

14.

One log for every isaron (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:7).

15.

A handful per offering (ibid.).

16.

There is no Biblical phrase using the exact wording employed by the Rambam. Menachot 11b derives the concept stated by the Rambam from Leviticus 6:8. Leviticus 2:2 uses a phrase very close to that cited by the Rambam.

17.

The use of a plural term indicates that one particle is not sufficient.

18.

Double the usual measure.

19.

Concerning which Leviticus 5:11 states: "You shall not place upon it oil, nor shall you place upon it frankincense." See also Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:7.

20.

Because of the transgression involved.

21.

Since the frankincense can be removed, the offering is not disqualified.

22.

For the violation of the above prohibition.

23.

The Rambam's wording appears to imply that as an initial preference, one should not place oil on these remnants. Nevertheless, from other sources, it would seem that there is no difficulty in doing so.

24.

Either ordinary oil or oil from another meal-offering.

25.

For anything less than an olive-sized portion is not halachically significant.

26.

Before the handful of meal is removed.

27.

I.e., when ground, as stated in Halachah 10. Our translation is based on authentic manuscripts and early printings of the Mishneh Torah. The standard printed text has a slight error.

28.

For here also anything less is not considered significant.

29.

Leviticus 7:10 speaks of a meal-offering "mixed with oil or that is dry."

30.

The remainder of the offering, however, need not be salted.

31.

Although Menachot 18a states: "If salt was not placed on it, it is acceptable," it is explained (ibid. 20a): "If a priest did not salt it, but a non-priest did."

32.

Hilchot Issurei Mizbeiach 5:12. As stated there, this is a severity that applies to the meal-offerings and not to other sacrifices.

33.

I.e., it must contain at least an isaron, as stated in Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:5.

34.

Hence it must be complete at that time.

35.

This is the minimum size of the offering, as stated in ibid. 16:13.

36.

See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 5:2.

37.

Doubling the minimum requirement.

38.

And thus the offering is acceptable.

39.

Doubling the minimum requirement.

40.

On the afternoon of the Sabbath, before the showbreads are replaced by new breads, the bowls of frankincense are removed and the frankincense offered on the altar.

41.

The Rambam is speaking after the fact. As an initial preference, once the handful of meal becomes impure, it should not be offered.

42.

See Chapter 1, Halachot 34-35; Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash 4:7; Hilchot Me'ilah 3:9, et al.

43.

Menachot 26a derives this from a comparison to the laws regarding offering the blood on the altar when the meat of a sacrifice became impure or otherwise disqualified.

44.

Which causes the meal-offering to be disqualified.

45.

And the person who brought it is considered to have fulfilled his obligation.

46.

Menachot 9b derives this concept from Leviticus 2:3: "The remainder of the meal-offering shall be for Aaron and his sons." Implied is that the priests should receive the remainder of the offering and not the remainder of the remnants.

47.

For the handful must be taken from an isaron of flour and since there is a division in the container, it is considered as if the isaron was brought in two containers which is unacceptable (Menachot 24a).

48.

Since the flour is mixed together below, it is considered to be a single entity.

49.

Since the question was not resolved, one should not attempt to bring the sacrifice in this manner.

50.

The commentaries have not found an explicit source for this ruling. The Kessef Mishneh states that it is derived from the Halachah 20 above.

51.

15 handbreadths, for there are six showbreads in each arrangement and each one is two and one half handbreadths high.

52.

I.e., if it remains overnight, is taken out of the Temple Courtyard, or the like. Beforehand, it could not be disqualified for those reasons. From the Rambam's wording, one can infer that placing the handful of meal on the table does not disqualify the handful entirely and if it is gathered and placed in a sacred vessel, it may be placed on the altar's pyre (Kessef Mishneh).

53.

Menachot 11a questions whether these situations are acceptable and leaves the matter unresolved.

54.

The rationale for the ruling is that their presence in a common container causes the different elements of an offering to be considered as one, even if they are not touching (Chagigah 20b; Hilchot Sha'ar Avot HaTuma'ah 12:7). Hence, since these two portions were originally part of the same offering and they are now in the same container, the first part is also disqualified.

55.

Since these two portions were never planned to be offered together, they do not share a halachic connection.

56.

For the portion set aside as a replacement and the original portion were intended to serve as a single offering.

57.

For as mentioned, it and the replacement have no intrinsic connection.

58.

For they both share a connection with it.

59.

In its entirety.

60.

Instead, another portion should be combined with it and a second meal-offering brought (Zevach Todah).

61.

The remainder of the first portion may, however, be eaten, because the handful is acceptable.

62.

As the Rambam continues to explain, taking the handful from a meal-offering enables the remainder of the isaron from which it is taken to be eaten. It, however, only allows an isaron to be eaten, not more. Thus the two portions could not be eaten because when brought together, the three would comprise more than an isaron.

63.

Since each portion is distinct from the other, it is possible for the priest to be focused on two, but not three.

64.

See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:9.

65.

See ibid. 2:1.

66.

See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:9.

67.

I.e., one might desire to offer the entire mixture so that he will have fulfilled his obligation to offer the handful. This, however, is undesirable for one will have offered a meal-offering without separating the handful from it.

68.

Our translation reflects the version in the standard published texts of the Mishneh Torah even though many commentaries have questioned it and have suggested that the text should read: "or [the handful] became mixed with the remaining portion of another meal-offering." This version appears preferable, for seemingly, even if two offerings become mixed together, if their handfuls have already been separated, why shouldn't the handfuls be offered? Halachah 29 apparently leads to such a conclusion. Nevertheless, we did not correct the text in this fashion, for the authoritative manuscripts and early printings employ the same version as the standard printed text. Moreover, the Rambam's text of the Mishnah (Menachot 3:3) also contains such statements.

69.

In the first instance, this refers to the mixture of the handful and the remainder. In the second instance, according to the standard version of the Mishneh Torah, it refers to the handful for the remainder that became intermingled with another remainder.

70.

Generally, when a forbidden substance becomes mixed together with a permitted substance of the same type, the forbidden entity becomes betal - it is considered nullified because it is a tiny proportion of the mixture. Nevertheless, in this instance, Menachot 23b quotes a textual association to prove that the handful does not become betal to the remainder of the offering.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.
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