ויקרא, פרק י״ד, פסוק ט״ו

The purification process of the leper reaches a delicate stage where the focus shifts to the holy oil, a symbol of the vitality of life and health [רש ר הירש]. To prepare for the upcoming acts of atonement and purification, the priest takes the oil with his right hand [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This action must be performed using a completely full measure of oil. If the container is lacking any amount before the pouring begins, it must be refilled, because the physical act of pouring is the exact moment that establishes the legal status of the oil [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו].

Since a human hand cannot hold the entire measure, the priest pours only a small portion. The remaining oil is kept in its vessel to be divided later among the priests and eaten in the Temple courtyard as a most holy offering [ביאור יש״ר, פירושי רד צ הופמן]. The priest pours the portion of oil into his left hand, which must be cupped to hold the liquid securely [פירושי רד צ הופמן, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

When pouring the oil, the instructions specifically emphasize the hand of the priest. The primary approach among commentators is that the purifying priest pours the oil into his own hand. This emphasis serves as a clarification to prevent confusion, ensuring no one mistakenly assumes the oil should be poured into the hand of the leper being purified [אבן עזרא, אבי עזר, ביאור יש״ר, פירושי רד צ הופמן]. Another tradition suggests that, ideally, the priest is commanded to pour the oil into the hand of a second priest. However, if he pours it into his own hand, the action remains fully valid [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם, אילת השחר, אדרת אליהו].

Pouring the oil specifically into the left hand allows the priest to easily dip his right finger into the liquid [ביאור יש״ר]. This process differs significantly from the rules regarding the blood of sacrifices, which becomes completely invalid if received with the left hand. In this unique purification ritual, the priest's left hand simply acts as a temporary vessel, holding the oil in preparation for his right finger to sprinkle it toward the Holy of Holies [רש ר הירש].