שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק י׳

The initiation into the priesthood requires deep physical and spiritual involvement. At the heart of this process is the sin offering and the shared responsibility it represents. The instruction to bring the bull before the Tabernacle might seem repetitive, as the animal was already gathered earlier. However, this marks a clear progression in the ritual. Initially, the animals were simply brought to the general courtyard to be ready. Now, the directive is to bring the bull directly to the entrance of the Tabernacle, the precise location where it will be dedicated and slaughtered [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך, ביאור יש״ר]. Another perspective views this instruction as a marker of time, indicating that the moment the bull is brought forward is exactly when Aaron and his sons must begin their physical participation [אבן עזרא].

The central action requires Aaron and his sons to lay their hands on the head of the bull. This is not a gentle touch, but a forceful action requiring them to lean with the entire weight of their bodies, placing both hands firmly between the animal's horns [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רש״ר הירש]. There are different views on exactly how the group carried this out. They may have all pressed their hands onto the animal at the exact same time [אבן עזרא]. Alternatively, they may have approached one by one, with Aaron going first and his sons following. This step-by-step approach emphasizes that each person had to perform the action personally. It also suggests that Aaron needed to act first to address his own part in the sin of the Golden Calf [אור החיים, רלב״ג]. By explicitly naming Aaron and his sons in this directive, a fundamental rule is established: the owners of an offering must perform this physical dedication themselves and cannot delegate it to a messenger [רלב״ג].

Beyond the physical procedure, this act carries profound meaning for their dedication to the priesthood [מזרחי]. Pressing their weight onto the animal symbolizes the transfer of their sins and a deliberate detachment from past wrongs. This physical leaning is meant to inspire genuine inner repentance [רלב״ג]. It also creates a deep sense of identification with the offering. Standing before the sanctuary, Aaron and his sons learn that they must be like the bull: loyal workers fully dedicated to serving God and His divine mission. By placing their hands together on a single animal, they show that they are no longer just a collection of individuals. Instead, they form a unified group, working together to achieve one shared spiritual goal [רש״ר הירש].