שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק כ״ד

Offering a sacrifice takes on a profound physical and spiritual dimension the moment the dedicated items are lifted into the air. This motion symbolizes a transfer of ownership from human hands to a higher authority, forging a direct connection with the Creator. As part of this process, the various pieces of the sacrifice and the unleavened breads are placed directly into the open palms of Aaron and each of his sons [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אבן עזרא, נתינה לגר].

A practical question arises regarding how Moses can perform the waving motion if the items are already resting in the hands of others. The primary approach among commentators is that this waving is a shared action between the owner of the offering and the officiating priest. The priest places his hands beneath the hands of the owner, and together they lift and wave the items. During the dedication of the Tabernacle, Aaron and his sons serve as the owners of the sacrifice, while Moses acts as the officiating priest [רש״י, שפתי חכמים, ביאור יש״ר, ברכת אשר]. By supporting their hands from below, Moses emphasizes his role as a mediator, drawing them closer to God and initiating them into the priestly covenant [רלב״ג]. Taking a different perspective, some suggest that Moses does not physically perform the motion himself, but simply commands Aaron and his sons to wave the offerings they are holding [אבן עזרא].

The physical act of waving involves two distinct motions: moving the offering side to side, and raising it up and down. Each movement carries deep symbolic weight. Moving the offering toward the four directions of the compass serves as a testament that the act is dedicated to the One who owns the entire world, an action meant to stop disasters and ward off harmful winds. Similarly, lifting and lowering the offering is directed toward Him who rules heaven and earth, serving to prevent harmful dews from descending upon the world [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה].

At its core, the waving motion represents separating an item and giving it to God. Typically, this action is performed only on the portions of a sacrifice that will be eaten by the priests, demonstrating that they receive their food directly from God's table. However, during the unique event of initiating the priests, even the portions destined to be entirely burned on the altar, such as the right thigh, are waved. This demonstrates that these parts belong first and foremost to God. Meanwhile, Moses, acting as the father of the priesthood during this ceremony, receives the breast of the waved offering as his own exclusive portion [ספורנו, שד״ל, רלב״ג].