Mitzvah —
274
To give the shoulder, two cheeks, and stomach of slaughtered animals to a Kohen
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וְזֶ֡ה יִהְיֶה֩ מִשְׁפַּ֨ט הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים מֵאֵ֣ת הָעָ֗ם מֵאֵ֛ת זֹבְחֵ֥י הַזֶּ֖בַח אִם־שׁ֣וֹר אִם־שֶׂ֑ה וְנָתַן֙ לַכֹּהֵ֔ן הַזְּרֹ֥עַ וְהַלְּחָיַ֖יִם וְהַקֵּבָֽה׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
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Deuteronomy 18:3 - "And this shall be the kohanim's due from the people, from those who perform a slaughter, be it an ox or a sheep, he shall give the kohen the foreleg, the jaws, and the maw."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
We are commanded to give the shoulder, two cheeks, and stomach of every kosher animal slaughtered to the Kohanim.
This mitzvah, known as Matanot Kehunah (priestly gifts), obligates that whenever an ox, sheep, or goat is slaughtered for consumption, specific parts — the foreleg, cheeks, and maw — must be given to the Kohen.
The mitzvah provides for the Kohanim, who serve the people in the Temple and do not receive a portion of land. It also creates a constant reminder that even in ordinary meals, Hashem’s servants are to be remembered and supported.
The gifts are not sacrificial but apply to all animals slaughtered, whether for private or public use, both in Israel and in the Diaspora (rabbinically outside Israel).
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:1): Codifies the obligation to give these three parts of all slaughtered cattle and sheep to the Kohanim.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 506): Explains the root of the mitzvah is to provide for the Kohanim, reinforcing communal dependence on them for spiritual service.
- Talmud (Chullin 132a): States that this mitzvah applies to all valid slaughter, not only Temple sacrifices.
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 18:3): Notes that these specific parts were chosen to honor the Kohanim with symbolic portions of strength and speech (arm and cheeks).
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 506) teaches that this mitzvah strengthens faith by reminding Israel that their sustenance and produce are blessings from Hashem, to be shared according to His command.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:1) codifies that Kohanim are entitled to these three portions, symbolizing their role as Hashem’s servants supported by the people.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Talmud (Chullin 132a) establishes that these gifts apply in all settings, not just in Temple sacrifices. This made Matanot Kehunah part of everyday Jewish communal life, binding people and priests together.
Charity – צְדָקָה
- By ensuring Kohanim are provided for, this mitzvah reflects the Torah’s ethic of supporting those without land or income. Ramban (Deut. 18:3) notes that the Kohanim rely on these gifts as their livelihood.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- The Torah prescribes exact portions — the foreleg, cheeks, and maw — so that all Kohanim receive equal justice, not left to personal generosity or favoritism.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 18:3) notes that giving from one’s food sanctifies it. Ordinary meals become an act of holiness when part is consecrated for Hashem’s servants.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- By separating these gifts, the people demonstrate reverence for Hashem’s command, ensuring the Kohanim — who represent Divine service — are honored through their portion.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- This mitzvah acknowledges Hashem directly: it shows obedience by consecrating part of our food in recognition of His Torah.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- At the same time, it is interpersonal, as it provides material support for Kohanim. It teaches generosity and responsibility within the community.
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