The audio series dedicated to the study of the Talmud Bavli, specifically the Gemara of Masechet Tamid, has once again been graciously sponsored by our good friend Chaim Dana, Rabbi Chaim, in honor of the webmaster Moshe Morris Dwek HaKohen. Over the past seven years, Morris has diligently downloaded every daf up to this point, showcasing his unwavering commitment. This dedication serves as a token of our appreciation, a small gesture of hakarat hatov for all his efforts. We begin today's study, Daf Lamed, with a focus on the Mishna and dedicate it to the elevation of the souls of Avraham ben Esther and Yosef ben Sabot, may their souls find rest in the Garden of Eden. Additionally, today's learning is dedicated by Yosef Havert in gratitude for a personal salvation from HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and may he continue to witness divine providence in his life and family.
As we start from the new perek, we are reminded of the ongoing service of the Beit HaMikdash. The administrator in charge, referred to as hamemuneh or sometimes as the segan, instructs the Kohanim to come forth and participate in the lottery for the various services associated with the korban Tamid. The lottery determines who will perform the essential tasks, including who will slaughter the animal, who will sprinkle the blood, and who will clean the ashes from the previous day's offerings.
Despite the fact that the shechita can technically be performed by a non-priest, it is customary for it to be done by a Kohen. The same applies to the zerika of the blood, which encompasses receiving it from the neck, transporting it to the mizbe'ach, and sprinkling it. The duties extend to cleaning the mizbe'ach hapnimi and maintaining the menorah from the previous day's oil and wicks. Additionally, there is the task of bringing the various parts of the Tamid up the ramp to the mizbe'ach, which includes the head, legs, and other specified parts of the animal.
The Kohen Gadol also has a special offering known as the minchat chavitin, which involves taking a specific measurement of flour to prepare loaves that accompany the morning and evening offerings. The hakrava, or the actual offering, can be performed by any Kohen, provided it is funded by him. The lottery system ensures that those chosen for the various roles in the service are selected fairly.
As the administrator calls out, they check the time for the shechita of the korban Tamid, which must take place during the day. The Kohanim are instructed to observe the sky for signs of dawn, as the korbanot must be offered in daylight. The chachamim established a practice to delay the shechita until a certain time to avoid mistakes. However, the Tamid is slaughtered at dawn, as mandated by the Torah, emphasizing the importance of performing this service promptly at the start of the day.
Once the time is confirmed, the Kohen on duty announces the arrival of daylight. He must verify that the eastern sky is illuminated, reaching as far as Hevron. This confirmation is crucial, as it ensures that the korban Tamid is offered at the appropriate time. The Kohanim then proceed to the lishkat hatlaim to select a sheep for the offering, which is located in the northernwestern corner of the Beit Hamoked.
The Beit Hamoked contains various chambers, including the lishkat hatlaim, where the sheep are kept, and the lishkat hachotamot, where receipts are issued for those bringing offerings. The lishkat beit hamoked serves as a warming area for the Kohanim, while the lishka for the lechem hapanim is managed by the family Beis Garmo, who were responsible for the preparation of the showbread.
As the Kohanim gather the necessary utensils for the service, they take out a total of ninety-three vessels required for the korban Tamid. A discussion arises regarding whether the sheep is given water to drink from a golden vessel or another type, as this aids in the skinning process. Although the sheep has been checked four days prior, it undergoes a final inspection in the morning using torches to ensure its suitability for the offering.
Those chosen for cleaning the inner mizbe'ach and the menorah are given their tasks, with some interpretations suggesting they perform their duties before the korban Tamid is offered. The Kohanim utilize specific vessels for cleaning, including a basket and a small jug, along with keys necessary for accessing the heichal where the offerings are prepared.
The Kohen must navigate a series of locks to enter the heichal, and the opening of the large gate is a critical moment, as the shechita cannot commence until the doors are opened. This reflects the order and sanctity associated with the service in the Beit HaMikdash.
As the day progresses, the tasks are efficiently carried out, with the sound of the large gate being heard even from as far as Yericho, indicating the significance of the rituals being performed. The Kohanim engage in various activities, from the shechita of the korban Tamid to the preparation of the menorah, all while adhering to the established order of service.
The Kohen who is selected for the shechita leads the way to the slaughterhouse, where the korbanot are sacrificed. Those who are tasked with carrying the evarim to the mizbe'ach follow closely behind. The slaughterhouse is located to the north of the mizbe'ach, aligning with the halachic requirements for the offering of kodshei kodashim.
As the Kohanim perform their duties, they utilize various tools and vessels to ensure the proper execution of each task. The mizbe'ach is cleaned, and the menorah is prepared, reflecting the meticulous nature of the service. The use of specific measurements and types of wood for the tables and hooks in the slaughterhouse further illustrates the attention to detail required in these sacred rituals.
In summary, the day unfolds with the Kohanim engaged in their respective roles, each contributing to the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash and the performance of the korban Tamid. The structured approach to the service, the importance of the lottery system, and the requirement for proper timing all emphasize the profound significance of each element in the daily offerings.