What Sacrifices Are Given On Rosh Hashanah According To Torah Law?
The Torah provides specific instructions regarding the sacrifices to be offered on Rosh Hashanah, which is referred to as Yom Teruah (Day of Trumpet Sounding) in the Torah. These sacrifices are detailed primarily in the Book of Numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the required sacrifices for Rosh Hashanah, along with the relevant Bible verses:
1. Burnt Offering (Olah)
The primary offering on Rosh Hashanah is a burnt offering (olah), which is a completely consumed offering meant to express dedication to God.
- One young bull
- One ram
- Seven male lambs (each one-year-old, without blemish)
This is a pleasing aroma offering to the LORD, signifying full devotion.
- Numbers 29:2:
"And you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the LORD: one bull from the herd, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old without blemish."
2. Grain Offering (Minchah)
Along with the burnt offerings, the Torah commands a grain offering, which is mixed with oil. These offerings accompany the animal sacrifices.
- Grain offering for the bull: Three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil
- Grain offering for the ram: Two-tenths of an ephah
- Grain offering for each lamb:** One-tenth of an ephah
- Numbers 29:3-4:
"Also their grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah for the bull, two-tenths for the ram, and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs."
3. Sin Offering (Chatat)
In addition to the burnt and grain offerings, there is a sin offering (chatat). The purpose of this offering is for atonement.
- One male goat for a sin offering
- Numbers 29:5:
"With one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you."
4. Daily Offerings (Tamid)
It is important to note that the regular daily offerings (Tamid) were still brought on Rosh Hashanah, in addition to the special holiday offerings.
- Numbers 29:6:
"Besides the burnt offering of the new moon, and its grain offering, and the regular burnt offering and its grain offering, and their drink offerings, according to the rule for them, for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD."
This means the regular sacrifices that were brought every day in the Temple were supplemented by these special Rosh Hashanah offerings.
Summary of Rosh Hashanah Sacrifices:
- Burnt offering: 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs (without blemish)
- Grain offering: Fine flour mixed with oil (amounts depend on the animal sacrificed)
- Sin offering: 1 male goat for atonement
- Daily offerings: These are also offered in addition to the special Rosh Hashanah sacrifices.
These sacrifices, as outlined in Numbers 29:1-6, reflect the sanctity of Rosh Hashanah as a day dedicated to spiritual renewal, atonement, and recommitment to God through the offering of both animal and grain sacrifices. The sin offering, in particular, emphasizes the need for atonement, while the burnt offering expresses complete dedication to the LORD.