ויקרא, פרק ט׳, פסוק י׳

The dedication of the Tabernacle involved a highly specific and unique order of service. A central part of this day required offering the inner portions of the sin offering on the altar, specifically all the fat covering the innards and the kidneys [אבן עזרא, רד צ הופמן]. Although the context clearly indicates which sacrifice is being processed, the explicit reminder that these parts belong to the sin offering serves a distinct purpose. It teaches that these pieces must be handled exactly as they are in all standard sin offerings [רד צ הופמן].

The act of burning these portions presents different views regarding the source of the fire. One approach suggests that a fire was already burning on the altar, having remained there from the previous seven days of preparation [רד צ הופמן]. Conversely, another perspective explains that Aaron simply placed the pieces on the altar, and they were actually consumed later when a heavenly fire descended from before God [שד ל בשם רשב״ם]. Furthermore, the events of this day followed a special command from God that changed the standard rules. As a permanent law for future generations, the parts of a sin offering are burned only after the burnt offering. On this unique occasion, however, the entire sin offering and the burning of its fats were completely finished before the burnt offering was even brought [העמק דבר].

Beyond the physical actions, the selection of these specific organs carries deep symbolic meaning. They represent a process of atoning for negative human traits. The fat symbolizes pride and arrogance, while the kidneys represent the source of human thought and decision making. Additionally, the lobe of the liver symbolizes the force of spiritual accusation. By focusing on these inner parts, the sacrifice is designed to completely erase the spiritual accusation born from the sin of the Golden Calf, ultimately atoning for the negative intentions that originally led to the event [שפתי כהן].