TalmuDigest

For the week ending 19 May 2012 / 26 Iyyar 5772

Kinim 23 - Tamid 29

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
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  • The sacrificial bird that flew the coop
  • The determination of which bird for which sacrifice
  • The bird sacrifices which got mixed up
  • Where the kohanim and Levites guarded in the Beis Hamikdash
  • Limits on use of priestly garments
  • Bathroom behavior and some health hazards
  • Awaking the guards who fell asleep
  • How kohanim began the day of service
  • Arranging the ashes on the altar
  • The golden charity vine
  • The wood used for burning the sacrifices

For Whom the Bells Ring

"When it is alive it (the ram) makes one sound and when it is dead it makes seven."

This observation of Rabbi Yehoshua calls attention to the use made in the Beit Hamikdash of the various parts of a slaughtered ram. While the seven he mentions refers to the musical instruments fashioned from body parts, another opinion mentions an eighth - the wool of this animal which was dyed turquoise (techelet) and formed into pomegranate-shaped tassels. These were placed on the hem of the me'il (robe) worn by the kohen gadol interspersed with bells made of gold.

But what sort of sound do woolen pomegranates make?

Tosefot explains that these woolen pomegranates were sufficiently hard so that when the kohen gadol walked they would cause the bells to ring. The reason for this was that it is undignified to enter the Sanctuary without first announcing the kohen's arrival.

Ramban cites a midrash that the need for the sound of the bells was on Yom Kippur when the kohen gadol entered the Holy of Holies.

  • Kinim 25a

What the Sages Say

"The reason why wood from trees producing grapes and olives was not used for fire on the altar was to safeguard living in Eretz Yisrael."

  • Rabbi Acha bar Yaakov - Tamid 29b

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