שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ל״ו

The seven-day dedication of the Tabernacle involved a complex series of rituals. While much of the focus naturally fell on preparing Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, the inanimate altar also required profound spiritual preparation before it could serve as a focal point for the worship of God. A bull was offered as a sin offering on each of these seven days specifically to purify the altar [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר, שטיינזלץ]. Although the rams and bread were brought to atone for the priests and prepare them for their roles, the daily bull was dedicated entirely to cleansing the altar itself [רש״י, העמק דבר, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים]. This bull was either offered for the express sake of purifying the altar from any trace of defilement [רש״י], or, as the primary approach suggests, it was brought in addition to the two rams that served as the main atonement for the priests [רמב״ן, אבן עזרא, חזקוני, טור הארוך, ביאור יש״ר].

The requirement to provide atonement for a lifeless structure raises a compelling question. The primary approach among commentators suggests this was to cleanse the altar from the taint of stolen goods. During the massive collection of donations for the Tabernacle, some individuals may have contributed out of social pressure or shame rather than with a fully willing heart. A reluctant donation borders on theft, and the altar required atonement to ensure it was not built upon such flawed foundations [רש״י, רמב״ן, הכתב והקבלה, דברי דוד]. From a more philosophical perspective, while the altar represents a supreme moral ideal, it was constructed by fallible human beings who might harbor impure motives. Atonement severed the altar from the past flaws of its builders, ensuring it would stand solely as a reflection of Divine perfection [רש״ר הירש]. Other perspectives link this need to specific historical or geographical concerns, suggesting the earth used for the altar might have previously hosted idolatry [אבן עזרא הקצר], or that this process specifically atoned for the altar Aaron had built during the sin of the Golden Calf [שפתי כהן, משכיל לדוד].

The physical act of purifying the altar was fundamentally a process of actively removing sin and flaw [ביאור יש״ר, אבן עזרא הקצר]. This was achieved by sprinkling the bull's blood or applying it directly to the corners of the altar with a finger [רש״י, רלב״ג, שטיינזלץ]. Once cleansed with blood, the altar underwent a final sanctification through anointing with a special oil [רש״י, רלב״ג, ביאור יש״ר]. This step reflects a broader principle in the Tabernacle service: any vessel requiring sanctification must be anointed with oil [העמק דבר]. This application was highly specific, with the oil being traced across the altar in an intersecting pattern, resembling the Greek letter Chi [רש״י, רלב״ג, שפתי חכמים].