Misva #299: Offering the Musaf Sacrifice on Pesach

Amidst its discussion of the celebration of Pesach, the Torah commands in Parashat Emor (23:8), “Ve’hikrabtem Isheh L’Hashem Shibat Yamim” – that we must offer a special sacrifice on each of the seven days of this holiday. This refers to what we call the “Musaf” offering, which consisted of two Parim (bulls), one Ayil (ram), seven Kebasim (sheep), and one Sa’ir (goat). The goat was offered as a Hatat (sin-offering), whereas the other animals were offered as an Ola (burnt-sacrifice, entirely consumed on the altar). In explaining the rationale behind this Misva, the Sefer Ha’hinuch reiterates the concept which he mentions numerous times in his work – that people are impacted by the actions which they perform and which they observe. Offering a special sacrifice on a Yom Tob, he writes, will draw the people’s attention and emotions to the importance and significance of the day. This will, in turn, have the effect of causing them to reflect upon the meaning of the Yom Tob and the miracles it commemorates. The Musaf sacrifice is offered in addition to the daily Tamid sacrifice. If, for whatever reason, the Tamid cannot be offered, the Musaf is brought nonetheless. Similarly, if part of the Musaf sacrifice cannot be brought, the other animals are nevertheless offered. Thus, for example, if sheep are unavailable, the goat, bulls and ram are brought for the Musaf offering. In addition to these animals, the Musaf sacrifice must include a flour offering (Minha), and a wine libation (Nesachim). Each bull that is offered is accompanied by three Esronim of fine flour mixed with six Lugim of olive oil, and six Lugim of wine as a libation. The ram is accompanied by two Esronim of fine flour mixed with four Lugim of olive oil, and four Lugim of wine. Every sheep is accompanied by one Isaron of fine flour mixed with three Lugim of olive oil, and three Lugim of wine. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that since the bulls and ram feature the same ratio between flour and liquids (oil and wine), their wine libations may be poured together on the altar. The sheep’s libation, however, must be poured separately, and may not be mixed with the wine brought with the bulls or ram. This Misva applies in the times of the Bet Ha’mikdash, and is binding upon the Kohanim, who bear the responsibility to offer the sacrifices. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that if the Kohanim did not offer the Musaf sacrifice, they are guilty of neglecting this affirmative command, and the rest of the nation bears no liability for this neglect of the Misva. However, the Sefer Ha’hinuch adds, if the people knew that the Kohanim were failing to fulfill their duties, and they had the possibility of forcing or influencing the Kohanim to offer the sacrifices, but failed to do so, then they, too, are held responsible. Since the Musaf sacrifice is, ultimately, an obligation cast collectively upon the entire nation, the people bear responsibility if they were able to ensure that the Kohanim comply, but failed to do so.