שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק כ״ז

The ordination of the priests serves as more than a one-time historical event; it establishes a permanent foundation for future generations. The instructions given during this ceremony dictate the status of specific animal parts, granting the priests a lasting right to future offerings. The command to sanctify these portions does not apply to the meat of the original ordination ram, as those parts were already dedicated and used. Instead, it establishes an enduring law [רש״י, רא״ם, שד״ל, שפתי חכמים, שטיינזלץ]. From this moment onward, the command permanently sanctifies the breast and thigh of all future peace offerings [אבן עזרא, הכתב והקבלה]. These peace offerings are designed to express spiritual wholeness and increase peace, standing in contrast to sin offerings, which indicate a spiritual lack [אבן עזרא הקצר]. By separating these specific parts and giving them to the priest, the individuals bringing the offering express their direct connection to God, with the priest acting as His representative [רש״ר הירש].

A clear distinction exists between how these animal parts were handled during the initial ordination ceremony and their purpose for future generations. During the original ceremony, the breast was given to Moses, who was acting as the priest at the time, while the thigh was burned on the altar. However, the permanent law dictates that both of these parts are to be given to the priests to eat, rather than being burned [רשב״ם, רא״ם, חזקוני, רלב״ג]. The physical actions performed with these parts involve both waving and raising. While some commentators view these simply as identical expressions of separating and setting the portions apart [רשב״ם, חזקוני], the primary approach among commentators distinguishes them based on physical movement. Waving refers to a horizontal motion of bringing the offering back and forth, whereas raising describes a vertical motion of lifting it up and down [רש״י, תורה תמימה, ביאור יש״ר].

The intense holiness of these specific portions is absolute. Even in cases where the priests bring their own personal peace offerings, the breast and thigh remain strictly forbidden for non-priests to eat, unlike the rest of the offering's meat, which is permitted [העמק דבר, אור החיים]. The distribution of these parts also establishes an order of priority within the priestly family. As the High Priest, Aaron receives his portion first, before his sons [רלב״ג]. Ultimately, the sons attained this profound honor and their priestly status through the merit and honor of their father [בעל הטורים]. Another perspective suggests a deeper connection to the priestly garments. Just as all the priests were sanctified equally through these sacrifices, they were also sanctified by wearing their official garments, despite the differences in design between the clothing of the High Priest and that of his sons [הכתב והקבלה].