This mitzvah commands the performance of Terumat HaDeshen, the daily lifting of ashes from the Mizbeach, as it states: “And the Kohen shall lift up the ashes…” (Vayikra 6:3).

Each morning, a Kohen would don special linen garments and remove a portion of the ashes that had accumulated from the previous day’s korbanot, placing them beside the Mizbeach. This act was not merely maintenance, but the first avodah of the day, preparing the altar for renewed service.

Rambam codifies that Terumat HaDeshen precedes all other עבודות (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 2:12), establishing that renewal begins with clearing the past. The remaining ashes were later removed entirely (Hotza’at HaDeshen), but this initial lifting itself constitutes a distinct mitzvah of honor and preparation.

Chazal (Yoma 20a–22a) describe how Kohanim would compete for the privilege of performing this service, demonstrating that even what appears to be a “simple” task is in truth foundational to avodas Hashem.

Sefer HaChinuch explains that this mitzvah instills humility and reverence: even the remnants of korbanot retain sanctity and must be treated with dignity. Rashi emphasizes the requirement of proper garments, teaching that even preparatory acts in the Mikdash demand kavod and precision.

Terumat HaDeshen thus embodies a profound principle: before new avodah can begin, the previous avodah must be honored, elevated, and properly concluded.

Rambam

• Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 2:12–13
• Terumat HaDeshen is the first avodah of the day.
• Requires designated garments and precise performance.

Sefer HaChinuch

• Mitzvah 132
• Teaches humility and reverence by honoring even the remnants of korbanot.
• Instills discipline and respect in avodah.

Talmud

• Yoma 20a–22a
• Kohanim competed for this avodah, showing its importance.
• Even seemingly simple service is highly valued.

Rashi

• On Vayikra 6:3
• Emphasizes the use of proper garments.
• Teaches that dignity applies even to preparatory acts.

Midrash & Chazal

• Vayikra Rabbah 7:4
• Even the ashes retain sanctity and must be treated with honor.
• Holiness extends beyond the primary act into its remnants.

Chassidic & Mussar Reflection — Clearing the Residue (דֶּשֶׁן)

• Chassidus sees the deshen not merely as physical ash, but as the residue of prior avodah—the remains of what once burned with intensity. The fire of yesterday may have been real, but what remains can no longer serve today’s avodah. The mitzvah of Terumat HaDeshen teaches that a person must know how to honor the past without becoming defined by it. Mussar emphasizes that spiritual growth requires clearing inner accumulation: habits, ego, distractions, and even past successes that no longer allow for fresh עבודה. Just as the Mizbeach must be cleared each morning to make space for new korbanot, so too the heart must be cleared to allow new clarity, new humility, and new connection to emerge. Avodas Hashem is not only about igniting fire—it is about removing what remains after the fire, so that the next day’s flame can burn with purity.

Acharonim & Modern Torah Giants

Maharal of Prague

• The Maharal explains that true growth requires both בנין and סילוק—building and removal. Just as existence is formed not only through creation but through the clearing of what obstructs form, so too avodah requires the removal of excess. Terumat HaDeshen reflects this principle: before new elevation can occur, what remains from the previous state must be properly set aside.

Sfas Emes

• The Sfas Emes teaches that the deshen represents the external residue of inner fire. While the fire itself reflects the living connection to Hashem, the ash represents what is left behind once that moment has passed. The mitzvah reveals that a person must continually return to his פנימיות, not relying on yesterday’s inspiration, but renewing the connection from within each day.

Mesillat Yesharim (Ramchal)

• The Ramchal emphasizes that spiritual refinement requires constant examination and removal of what dulls the soul. Just as physical accumulation clouds clarity, so too inner residue—habit, distraction, and complacency—must be cleared. Terumat HaDeshen models this process: before advancing, one must refine.

Chafetz Chaim

• The Chafetz Chaim teaches that avodas Hashem is built through attentiveness even in small and unnoticed actions. The removal of ashes, though seemingly minor, is essential to the entire סדר העבודה. This demonstrates that growth depends on consistent care in the details, not only in visible acts of greatness.

Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch

• Rav Hirsch explains that the removal of ashes reflects the Torah’s sensitivity to dignity and order. Nothing in avodah is discarded carelessly; even what has completed its role is treated with respect. This teaches that every stage of service has value, and that closure is itself part of sacred structure.

Rav Avigdor Miller

• Rav Avigdor Miller emphasizes that a person must not live off yesterday’s accomplishments. Spiritual life requires daily renewal and awareness. The deshen represents what once burned but can no longer sustain the present; avodah requires fresh effort each day, not reliance on past inspiration.

Rav Kook

• Rav Kook teaches that spiritual ascent requires cycles of expression and withdrawal. Just as fire produces ash, every moment of elevation leaves behind a trace that must be transcended. Terumat HaDeshen reflects the צורך בהִתְחַדְּשׁוּת—a continual movement beyond previous states toward deeper connection.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

• Rabbi Sacks explains that covenantal life is sustained not only through continuity, but through renewal. The ability to begin again, to clear space for new meaning, is essential to spiritual vitality. The daily removal of ashes teaches that faith is not static—it is renewed through intentional beginnings.

Contrast with Mitzvah 374 — To Maintain a Perpetual Fire

• Mitzvah 374 emphasizes sustaining the ongoing flame of avodah.
• Mitzvah 376 emphasizes clearing and preparing the Mizbeach for renewed service.
• Together they teach that avodas Hashem requires both continuity (fire) and renewal (clearing).

Parallel to Mitzvah 373 — The Daily Tamid Offering

• The Tamid establishes the daily rhythm of korbanot.
• Terumat HaDeshen prepares the Mizbeach for that rhythm.
• One structures time; the other ensures readiness for each new cycle.