YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Tzav
Throughout the generations, only a kohen gadol, kohen mashuach milchama, and a king were anointed with shemen hamischa (Rambam, Klei Hamikdash 1:7). However, at the time of Moshe and Aharon, even Aharon’s sons were anointed as regular kohanim (Vayikra 8:30). If sanctifying a kohen is a proper use of the oil, why should it not be used throughout the generations? The simple answer is that once the sons of Aharon received the status of kedusha with the help of the oil, that status was then automatically transferred from fathers to sons, just as kedushat Yisrael, which required a special process (at Sinai) to begin, is transferred through mothers. Pinchas, who was too young to be anointed and was born before his father’s anointing, indeed needed special help to become a kohen (see Zevachim 101a).
The kohen gadol needed special sanctification in later generations despite the fact that he was born a descendant of Aharon (Rambam ibid. 4:12). If shemen hamishcha existed at the time, it was used; if not, wearing the special bigdei kohen gadol sufficed (ibid.). Again, the explanation is simple. Every kohen is slated at birth to be a kohen, but not every kohen, even if he is the son of the previous kohen gadol, is slated to be the kohen gadol. To turn this possibility into a reality, a special sanctification process is needed.
What about a king? The Rambam (Melachim 1:7) says that the first in a dynasty is anointed with shemen hamischa, as David was by Shmuel, but this sanctification is transferable to all his offspring. Thus, as a rule, kings of the House of David were not anointed with shemen hamishcha. However, the Rambam says there were exceptions, in which subsequent kings from among David’s descendants were anointed. The Rambam cites three kings who were anointed because their ascension to the kingdom was questioned. Shlomo was challenged by Adoniyahu. Yehoash had to replace the bloody rule of Atalya, and Yehoyakim had to be elevated before his brother Yehoyakim. The Rambam says the shemen hamishcha was used in those cases "in order to remove machloket (conflict)." This implies that even though the king did not halachically require the anointing, it was justified to bring peace.
We already saw in Parashat Ki Tisa that the use of shemen hamishcha for a non-kohen is a tremendous chiddush. What we learn here is that not only is it justified when needed to appoint a king, which is after all a very special mitzva that affects the nation, but also to ensure a conflict-free reign. Indeed, peace is not only a crucial blessing in everyone’s home but a crucial element, on a national level, of the proper functioning of the Kingdom of Israel.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
