שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק כ׳

The consecration of the priests reaches a powerful climax through a symbolic act of forging a covenant. Sacrificial blood is used to create a direct physical and spiritual connection between the bodies of the priests and the altar. Applying this blood to specific parts of the body serves to awaken the priests to a profound awareness of their new role, expressing the total dedication of their entire being to holy service [רלב״ג, רש ר הירש].

The choice of these specific body parts is highly intentional, representing the full scope of human existence devoted to God. The ear symbolizes listening and spiritual understanding, the hand represents action and productivity, and the foot stands for walking and constantly striving forward [רלב״ג, רש ר הירש]. There is a natural progression in this sequence. Elevating one's ability to hear and understand naturally leads to physical action with the hands. Over time, taking consistent action transforms holy service into a deeply ingrained habit and second nature, which is represented by the feet [העמק דבר]. Furthermore, the blood is applied specifically to the right side of the body to show that the priests must listen and act in the most excellent and optimal manner possible [רלב״ג].

While the written account groups the anointing of all the priests' ears together before moving on to their hands and feet, the actual ceremony unfolded differently. Moses anointed all the designated parts of Aaron's body first, and only afterward did he do the same for Aaron's sons. This reveals that the written sequence is not a strict requirement. Moses deliberately chose to honor Aaron by completing his consecration first. This special respect was awarded to Aaron because of his tremendous love for the Israelites, which he showed through his personal sacrifice to save the nation during the sin of the Golden Calf [העמק דבר].

The exact placement of the blood involves specific areas of the ear, hand, and foot. The precise location on the ear is a matter of discussion. One perspective identifies it as the middle, slightly firm cartilage inside the ear [רש״י, ביאור יש״ר], while another suggests it is the upper part of the ear [נתינה לגר]. Alternatively, it is understood to be the soft lobe at the bottom edge of the ear [אבן עזרא, נתינה לגר]. On the hand and foot, the blood is applied to the thumb and the big toe. Specifically, the blood is placed on the middle joint of the thumb, mirroring its placement on the middle cartilage of the ear [רש״י, שפתי חכמים, ביאור יש״ר]. Because the visible portion of the thumb only has two joints, this refers to the second joint, distinguishing it from the third joint that remains hidden within the palm [ברכת אשר על התורה].

Finally, after the blood is applied to the priests, the remaining blood is sprinkled all around the altar, bringing the dedication ceremony to its complete and final close [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].