The Eddie B Sit edition, an audio series of the Talmud Bavli, specifically the Masechet Tamid, has once again been dedicated by our good friend Haim Dana, Rabbi Chaim, in honor of the webmaster Moshe Morris Dweck HaKohen. Over the past seven plus years, he has diligently downloaded every Daf up to this point, and indeed, he has done an admirable job. This dedication serves as a token of appreciation, a way to express Hakarat HaTov for all his efforts. The term Tamid signifies something constant, and Morris embodies this consistency, making this dedication a fitting tribute. We study today’s Daf Lamed Gimmel for the elevation of the souls of Shmuel Avraham ben Ester and Yosef ben Sabu, may their souls find peace in the Garden of Eden, amen. Today’s Daf is also dedicated for the success of Shahin Rahmanian, by Yitzchak and Chaya Binyamin.
We begin today’s study on Lamed Bet Amud Bet, starting from the new Perek, which is the fifth Perek of Masechet Tamid. We continue with the Mishnayot, learning about the Seder Ha'avoda, the daily order of service in the Beit HaMikdash. We have reached the point where the meat has been brought up to the ramp and salted, after which the priests returned to their office to recite Kriyat Shema. Meanwhile, the meat remains on the ramp, awaiting placement on the Mizbe'ach.
The one in charge of the day’s service, the memuneh, instructs the Kohanim to make one Beracha before reciting Kriyat Shema. They recite the Yotzer blessing, as is customary. After this, they read the Aseret HaDibrot, which was a daily practice in the Beit HaMikdash. The reading of the Aseret HaDibrot is significant, as it encapsulates the core principles of the faith. Rabbi Rav Sa'adiah Gaon notes that all the Taryag Mitzvot are alluded to in the Aseret HaDibrot, solidifying its central role in the religion.
Following this, they read the three Parshiyot of Kriyat Shema: Shema, VeHaya Im Shamoa, and Vayomer. They bless three Berachot before and after the recitation. The Mishnah describes these three blessings: Emet VeYatziv, which refers to the Ge'ulat Yisrael blessing recited after Kriyat Shema; Ve'Avoda, which is a special blessing for their prayers to be accepted; and U'Birkat Kohanim, where the Kohanim pray that their blessings should be accepted by Hashem.
On Shabbat, in addition to the regular blessings, they add a special blessing for the outgoing Mishmar. After the Amida prayer, they recite the regular Amida but include three additional blessings related to the service of the day. The Mishnah notes that the Avoda during the Amida is distinct, with a unique Chatima that differs from the regular Amida structure.
As we move forward, the memuneh addresses the Ketoret service. The Kohanim involved in the Ketoret service would not recite the full Amida due to their responsibilities. Instead, they would recite a shortened version, as they were engaged in a mitzvah and had limited time. The Rosh explains that the Kohanim performing the daily service did not have the opportunity to complete the entire prayer, hence the abbreviated recitation.
The Mishnah continues with the Ketoret process, emphasizing that only new Kohanim who had not yet participated in the Ketoret would be called to take part in the lottery for this service. The memuneh would announce, “Chadashim laketoret,” inviting those who had not yet participated to come and take part in the lottery. The Mishnah also explains that the Kohanim who were not selected would be sent to the Chazzanim and would need to remove their priestly garments, keeping only their pants on.
As the service progresses, the Mishnah describes the procedures for handling the Ketoret and the accompanying vessels. The Kohen who was chosen to bring the Ketoret would take the Kaf, a golden spoon, and fill it with the Ketoret. This spoon was designed to hold a specific amount, ensuring that the Ketoret was heaped to signify abundance and blessing. The Mishnah outlines the intricate details of how the Ketoret was prepared and presented, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the service.
In the subsequent Mishnah, we learn about the handling of the coals necessary for the Ketoret. The Kohen designated for this task would carefully gather the coals from the outer Mizbeach and bring them to the inner Mizbeach. The Mishnah explains that the coals must be handled in a manner that reflects their sacred status, ensuring that the service is performed with the utmost respect and care.
As we delve deeper into the Mishnah, we encounter various discussions regarding the roles of the Kohanim and the specific procedures they must follow during the service. The text emphasizes the importance of timing and precision in the rituals, as any deviation could impact the sanctity of the offerings and the overall service in the Beit HaMikdash.
Finally, the Mishnah concludes with a reflection on the significance of the daily service, the Korban Tamid, and the Nisuch Hayayin. The rituals performed in the Beit HaMikdash serve as a profound reminder of the dedication and devotion required in serving Hashem. With this understanding, we express our hope for the eventual rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash in our times, as we conclude with the heartfelt aspiration that it may soon be realized.