The Eddie D. Sitt Edition of the audio series on the Talmud Bavli, specifically Masechet Zevachim, is dedicated by our esteemed friend and student of the Shiur Daf Yomi, Binyamin HaCohen, affectionately known as Benny C. This dedication is made with the hope that, with divine assistance, he will experience success and prosperity. As a kohen, it is hoped that when the Mashiach arrives, he will serve in the Beit HaMikdash alongside the other kohanim, in merit of his dedication to this Masechet, which specifically discusses the avodah of the kohanim in the Beit HaMikdash regarding the korbanot (sacrifices).
Today, we begin the sixth perek of Masechet Zevachim with the Mishnah. This chapter will discuss, particularly at the outset, the locations where various korbanot can be slaughtered, similar to the previous chapter, which addressed their designated places, Eizehu Mekoman. The Mishnah opens with the concept of Kodshei Kodashim, which refers to a korban chatat that is slaughtered at the top of the mizbeach. This indicates a new location, as the animal is walked up the ramp and slaughtered on the top of the mizbeach, a departure from the prior practice of slaughtering in the azarah.
What is the halachic ruling regarding this? Rabbi Yossi states that it is as if the animal was slaughtered in the tzafon (north), since Kodshei Kodashim is associated with the northern section. Thus, slaughtering on the mizbeach is treated as having the status of tzafon. However, if the slaughter occurs anywhere on the mizbeach, Rabbi Yossi bar Rabbi Yehuda asserts that from the midpoint of the mizbeach towards the south is treated as south, and from the midpoint towards the north is treated as north. This introduces a significant halachic debate.
Initially, Rav held that the entire mizbeach is considered north, while Rabbi Yossi bar Rabbi Yehuda maintained that the determination depends on the specific half of the mizbeach where the slaughter occurs. The Mishnah indicates that Kodshei Kodashim is as if it was slaughtered in the tzafon. The Gemara continues to explore this discussion, questioning the implications of these rulings.
In the Gemara, it is noted that if the animal was indeed slaughtered on the mizbeach, Rabbi Yossi argues that it is still valid bedi'avad (after the fact), but lechatchila (initially), it should be slaughtered in the azarah in the tzafon. This establishes a clear distinction in the halachic status based on the location of the slaughter.
Further, the Gemara discusses the implications of slaughtering in different areas of the mizbeach. It is emphasized that the ruling of Rabbi Yossi indicates that the entire mizbeach is regarded as tzafon, prompting a deeper investigation into the placement and significance of the mizbeach within the azarah.
As the discussion unfolds, Rabbi Zeira raises a point regarding the location of the mizbeach. He posits that if the entire mizbeach were in the south, one would have to measure a distance of twenty-seven amot to determine the correct placement relative to the Heichal. However, if the mizbeach is positioned in the north, the measurement would differ significantly.
The Gemara presents various perspectives on the placement of the mizbeach, including the possibility that it could be located partially in the north and partially in the south. This leads to a complex analysis of how the mizbeach interacts with the Heichal and the Ulam, further complicating the halachic determination of its exact location.
Ultimately, the Gemara concludes that there is no definitive proof regarding the location of the mizbeach based solely on the Mishnah, as it could be interpreted in various ways. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the halachic implications of each position, as well as the significance of the mizbeach in relation to the overall structure of the Beit HaMikdash.