Mitzvah —
379
The High Priest must bring a meal offering every day
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זֶ֡ה קׇרְבַּן֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן וּבָנָ֜יו אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֣יבוּ לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה בְּיוֹם֙ הִמָּשַׁ֣ח אֹת֔וֹ עֲשִׂירִ֨ת הָאֵפָ֥ה סֹ֛לֶת מִנְחָ֖ה תָּמִ֑יד מַחֲצִיתָ֣הּ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וּמַחֲצִיתָ֖הּ בָּעָֽרֶב׃ - פָּרָשַׁת צַו
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Leviticus 6:13 - "This is the offering of Aaron and his sons, which they shall offer to the Lord, on the day when [one of them] is anointed: One tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a perpetual meal offering, half of it in the morning and half of it in the evening."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
The Kohen Gadol must bring a daily grain offering, half in the morning and half in the evening.
This mitzvah requires the High Priest to offer a daily minchat chavitin — a griddle-cooked meal offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil. Half was brought in the morning, and half in the evening, accompanying the rhythm of the daily avodah.
Rambam codifies this as a unique duty of the Kohen Gadol, emphasizing his continual representation of Israel before Hashem. Sefer HaChinuch explains that the offering reflects humility, as the Kohen Gadol — the highest spiritual leader — must bring a simple grain offering rather than a prestigious animal sacrifice. Talmud (Menachot 50b) records the details of its preparation and baking, while Rashi comments that its division into morning and evening halves parallels the tamid sacrifices, binding the Kohen Gadol’s service to the daily order of the Mikdash.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 3:20): Codifies the Kohen Gadol’s daily minchat chavitin as perpetual.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 138): Explains this offering symbolizes humility and the leader’s constant devotion.
- Talmud (Menachot 50b): Details its preparation, emphasizing exactness in halves and griddle-baking.
- Rashi (Lev. 6:13): Notes that it parallels the tamid offerings in its morning/evening rhythm.
- Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 7:3): Teaches that even the Kohen Gadol must bring offerings of flour, showing that greatness is measured by devotion, not prestige.
Parallel to Yom Kippur Service:
- The Kohen Gadol’s daily minchat chavitin paralleled his unique service on Yom Kippur. Just as he alone brought this offering each day, he alone entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16). Talmud (Yoma 35b) highlights that the Kohen Gadol’s constant devotion prepared him for the awe-filled service of that day. Ramban (Lev. 16:6) explains that his personal offering for atonement mirrored the humility of his daily mincha, teaching that the High Priest’s role was always one of accountability before Hashem, on ordinary days and on the holiest of days alike.
- Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Aseh 35) views the daily offering as symbolic of the Kohen Gadol’s role: continual leadership rooted in service. Talmud (Horayot 10a) reminds us that leaders, too, must bring offerings for atonement, proving their accountability to the people and to Hashem.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Temidin 3:20) explains that the Kohen Gadol’s daily meal offering sanctifies the day, binding it in holiness through a leader’s personal avodah. Ramban (Lev. 6:13) adds that holiness is magnified when leaders humble themselves in service.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Sefer HaChinuch (138) notes that the Kohen Gadol’s offering highlights the Temple’s centrality, as even the leader ties his service to the altar daily. Talmud (Menachot 50b) affirms that this was inseparable from the Temple’s morning and evening rhythm.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- Talmud (Menachot 51a) emphasizes the uniqueness of this korban, as no other offering was divided morning and evening. Rambam (Korbanot 2:14) explains that this distinct rhythm signified the Kohen Gadol’s continual responsibility for Israel’s spiritual welfare.
Humility – עֲנָוָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (138) teaches that the Kohen Gadol’s offering of flour — not animals — symbolizes humility. Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 7:3) explains that Hashem prefers the humble service of leaders, proving their greatness lies not in grandeur but in devotion.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Ramban (Lev. 6:13) writes that this mitzvah instilled faith that Israel’s leaders remained accountable before Hashem. Just as the daily tamid expressed collective trust, the Kohen Gadol’s mincha expressed personal emunah in Hashem’s providence.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Rashi (Lev. 6:13) explains that the Kohen Gadol prepared this offering with the same awe as major sacrifices, teaching that no avodah is minor when directed to Hashem. Rambam (Temidin 3:21) codifies that improper handling invalidates the service, emphasizing precision and reverence.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Sefer HaChinuch (138) stresses that this mitzvah is purely between man and G-d — no one else benefits from the flour offering. It symbolizes direct devotion and accountability to Hashem, reminding leaders of their role as servants first.
