Karetot 28: Yisachar ish Kfar Barkai and the Seriousness of Sacrifices

Today's daf is the last of Massechet Karetot tells us stories about Kings and High Priests of the Hasmonean dynasty.  Unlike other times in the Torah when we learn about the Hasmonean 'triumph' over the Greeks, today's daf tells of the lack of respect for both Jewish traditions and for the Temple service.  

A barite tells us about four cries heard in the Temple courtyard.  Yissachar ish Kfar Barkai wrapped his hands in silk while performing the Temple service, meaning that he did not think that the avoda, work, of the Temple service was worth making his hands dirty.*  The Gemara then explained that Yissachar is Kfar Barkai went to the king and queen who were arguing about whether sheep or goat meat was better to eat.  They called in an expert - the Kohen Gadol, who dealt with sacrifices every day.  Yissachar ish Kfar Barkai responded lightly, saying that the korban tamid, the daily sheep sacrifice, was better because of its frequent use.  The king disagreed and ordered that the Kfar Barkai's right arm be cut off as punishment for his lack of respect for the king.  

The amora'im answer: although Kfar Barkai was not politically astute, he was also incorrect regarding the quality of meats.  Rav Ashi notes that that a Mishna teaches that they are of equal importance.  Ravina infers the same conclusion from Biblical passages. 

Rabbi Yehudah Bacharach finds a teaching through this story.  One who brings a sin offering may bring a sheep or a goat.  A sheep could be a sin offering or a voluntary sacrifice.  A goat lets people know that the sacrifice is a sin offering.  He suggests that Yissachar ish Kfar Barkai did not note whether the repentance process should include a public admission of guilt, or whether repentance can be done while hiding one's sin. 

In this last daf, we are reminded of the importance of interpreting Torah with the utmost seriousness.  That is particularly interesting at the end of a Massechet that was focused on very small variances in offerings.  We learn that we should always be taking Torah seriously, regardless of how easy it might be to find reason to poke fun at some interpretations or discussions.

*In a different context, this might be interpreted as one who does not wish to touch the holy Torah with his imperfect or dirty hands