Numbers 29:16 - Sin offering with continual devotion?

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Hebrew Text

וּשְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד חַטָּאת מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד מִנְחָתָהּ וְנִסְכָּהּ׃

English Translation

and one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offering.

Transliteration

Useir izim echad chatat milevad olat hatamid minchatah veniska.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׂעִיר־עִזִּ֥ים אֶחָ֖ד חַטָּ֑את מִלְּבַד֙ עֹלַ֣ת הַתָּמִ֔יד מִנְחָתָ֖הּ וְנִסְכָּֽהּ׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 28:15) discusses the additional offerings brought on Rosh Chodesh (the New Moon), specifying a goat as a sin offering alongside the daily Tamid offering. This reflects the importance of atonement and divine service even on days that are not full festivals.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the goat offering serves as an atonement for impurity that may have occurred in the Temple or with its sacred objects. He cites the Talmud (Shevuot 9a), which states that this goat is brought even on Shabbat and Yom Tov, emphasizing its essential role in maintaining the sanctity of the Mikdash.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (1:3), the Rambam (Maimonides) categorizes this offering as part of the Musaf (additional) sacrifices of Rosh Chodesh. He emphasizes that it is distinct from the daily Tamid offering, highlighting the unique sanctity of the day.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10) connects this verse to the idea that Rosh Chodesh is a time of renewal. Just as the moon renews itself, so too does the Jewish people seek spiritual renewal through repentance and offerings. The sin offering serves as a means of purification, allowing the nation to realign with Hashem's will.

Key Halachic Points

The goat offering is obligatory on Rosh Chodesh, even if no known sin has occurred (based on the principle of chukat hakorbanot).
It is brought in addition to the daily Tamid offering, underscoring the elevated status of Rosh Chodesh.
The meal and drink offerings mentioned are integral to the Tamid, not the goat offering, as per the Vilna Gaon's clarification.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 45b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the daily offerings and the additional sin offering brought on the new moon.

📖 Shevuot 9a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the types of offerings and their requirements, particularly focusing on the sin offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'sin offering' mentioned in Numbers 29:16?
A: The sin offering (חַטָּאת) mentioned here refers to a goat brought as a sacrifice to atone for unintentional sins. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 5a), this was part of the additional offerings brought on Rosh Chodesh (the new month) alongside the daily Tamid offering.

Q: Why does the verse mention the continual burnt offering (עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד)?
A: The Torah emphasizes that even on special occasions like Rosh Chodesh, the daily Tamid offering (brought morning and evening) must not be neglected. Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 1:1) explains this shows the consistency required in serving Hashem, where we add special mitzvot without abandoning the regular ones.

Q: What is the significance of the meal and drink offerings mentioned in this verse?
A: The meal offering (מִנְחָה) and drink offering (נֶסֶךְ) were accompaniments to animal sacrifices. The Talmud (Menachot 104b) teaches these represent our devotion to Hashem through both physical substances (flour, oil, wine) and spiritual commitment, showing that every aspect of creation can be elevated in divine service.