Today's daf continues the Gemara's conversation regarding what receives the punishment of karet. Ha'mefatem et ha'shemen, one who prepares the anointing oil for their personal use. First, we look at the composition of this anointing oil.
Anointing oil was used to prepare and sanctify the mishkan, Tabernacle, and the vessels used therein (Shemot 30:22-23), Aharon Ha'Kohen, the High Priest and his children. The Gemara teaches us that kings of Israel were anointed as well, although one who replaced his father without conflict did not require anointing.
A baraita is quoted: Rabbi Yehuda taught that the oil was made of roots boiled with spices. Rabbi Yosei disagrees; there would not be enough oil to apply to the roots for they would absorb the oil, so they could not have boiled in it. Instead, he argues that the roots were boiled in water. The more fragrant substance would rise to the top and the anointing oil would be poured too the water where it would absorb the fragrance. Later the oil would be removed from the top and placed in a flask.
In Rabbi Yehuda's opinion, the production of anointing oil involved many miracles. For example, 12 login of oil were produced but this was enough to anoint all of the vessels in the mishkan, Aharon and his sons for the entire week of dedication of the Tabernacle. Shemot (30:31) teaches that enough oil would be left for use at the end of days, too.
Tzori is one of the plant ingredients said to be used in the making of anointing oil. The highest quality of oil - in this case, balsam oil as well, was taken as drips from the plant. However, most perfume was taken by boiling the branches of a fragrant plant. Incense and fragrant oil were also made from these plants to use medicinally, and they were extremely valuable. Steinsaltz notes that this oil was found recently in a cave near the Dead Sea.
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