To bring additional offerings on Rosh Hashanah
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This Mitzvah's Summary
On Rosh Hashanah, Israel must bring musaf offerings — a bull, a ram, seven lambs, and a goat — in addition to the daily tamid and the Rosh Chodesh offerings.
The mitzvah of the Rosh Hashanah musaf is unique among festival offerings. Alongside the tamid and new moon korbanot, Israel was commanded to bring a bull, ram, lambs, and a goat for atonement. Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:9) codifies the order and details.
Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 309) teaches that these offerings were tied to the day’s themes of judgment and renewal, with the sin offering of the goat symbolizing atonement at the year’s beginning. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) explains that sacrifices, together with the shofar blasts, aroused Divine mercy. Rashi (Num. 29:1) highlights that “Yom Teruah” connects the musaf to the blasts, showing how korban and sound together defined the day. Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 29:1) interprets the offerings as establishing Israel’s covenant anew each year.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:9): Details the structure and sequence of the Rosh Hashanah musaf.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 309): Explains the musaf reflects judgment and atonement at the year’s head.
- Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a): Teaches that shofar and korbanot together secure Divine mercy.
- Rashi (Num. 29:1): Connects musaf offerings directly to the “day of blowing.”
- Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 29:1): Sees the musaf as covenant renewal for Israel.
Contrast with Rosh Chodesh Musaf (Mitzvah 382):
- Rosh Chodesh emphasized cosmic cycles and renewal of months; Rosh Hashanah emphasized renewal of years and judgment.
- Rosh Chodesh musaf was linked to the moon; Rosh Hashanah musaf was linked to the shofar and kingship.
- Ramban explains that while Rosh Chodesh sanctified time, Rosh Hashanah sanctified destiny itself.
Parallel to Yom Kippur Musaf (Mitzvah 389):
- Both contained musafim of atonement, but Rosh Hashanah was atonement to enter judgment, Yom Kippur was atonement to seal judgment.
- Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) frames the musaf of Rosh Hashanah as a prelude to the ten days of repentance, leading to Yom Kippur.
- Midrash Rabbah parallels the bull of Rosh Hashanah to the bull of Yom Kippur, linking them as stages of judgment and forgiveness.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Festivals – מוֹעֲדִים
- Rambam codifies Rosh Hashanah musaf within the cycle of moadim, emphasizing its role as the year’s gateway. Sefer HaChinuch (309) calls it a unique moed of judgment and renewal.
Rosh Hashanah – רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה
- Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) links musaf offerings with shofar blasts, both awakening mercy. Rashi notes that the offerings were inseparable from the day of teruah.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Rambam (Temidin 8:9) details how the offerings anchored the day’s sanctity in the Mikdash. Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 29:1) explains they renewed covenantal connection yearly in the Temple.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- The bull, ram, lambs, and goat created a layered atonement structure. Sefer HaChinuch (309) teaches that the offerings embodied Israel’s desire to begin the year purified.
Mizbeach – מִזְבֵּחַ
- Ramban explains the Mizbeach of Rosh Hashanah sanctified destiny itself, elevating judgment into holiness. Talmud parallels the altar service with shofar blasts.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 4:1) stresses the communal obligation in musaf prayer and offerings. Midrash highlights that all Israel stood together before Hashem on this day.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam stresses that musaf reflected Israel’s faith that Hashem alone rules judgment. Rashi interprets “day of blowing” as declaring trust in Divine sovereignty.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Sefer HaChinuch says awe is deepened when the year begins with korbanot and shofar. Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) describes the musaf as stirring fear and reverence.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Ramban writes that the musaf sanctified the new year, infusing holiness into time. Midrash links this sanctity to Israel’s renewal at creation’s anniversary.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Rambam codifies that the musafim of Rosh Hashanah were entirely between Israel and Hashem. Midrash emphasizes this day as the renewal of the direct covenant.
