Sunday, 11 November 2018

Menachot 92: Semicha, Laying of Hands

Turning to semicha, laying of hands on the animal sacrifice, today's daf begins with a Mishna. We learn that the no communal sacrifices include semicha - except for the scapegoat of Yom Kippur and the sacrifice brought when the Sanendrin err in a ruling that leads to sin.  Rabbi Shimon notes that a mistaken ruling leading to idol worship also includes semicha.

A few notes about semicha:

  • brought for a sin offering, a guilt offering, or an offering for failing to do positive commandments
  • animal is in northern part of the Temple courtyard with head facing the west
  • both hands are placed between the horns of the animal
  • the person offering recites viduey, confession 
  • semicha and video represent the connection between the person bringing the offering and the atonement sought
  • communal semicha is brought by the high priest on Yom Kippur or by three members of the Sanhedrin when they had erred leading to sin in the community
The rabbis discuss the scapegoat at some length, examining its connection to the other rules regarding semicha.

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