1)

What are the implications of the word "Verachatzu Mimenu ... "?

1.

Zevachim, 21a: It implies "Mimenu", 've'Lo mi'Tocho' - The Kohanim must sancify themselves by drawing water from it (via the taps) and not by dipping their hands into it.

2.

Zevachim, 22a: It is to preclude a K'li Chol - To teach the Kohanim that they are obligated to wash from a K'li Shareis that has been sanctified.

2)

What is the definition of "Yedehihem" and "Ragleihem"?

1.

Yerushalmi Yevamos, 12:1: "Yedeihem" - up to the wrist; "Ragleihem" - up to the ankles.

3)

How did the Kohanim wash their hands and feet?

1.

Rashi citing Zevachim, 19b): They placed their right hand on their right foot and their left hand on their left foot and washed them all simultaneously.

4)

Why is washing the hands and feet prior to performing the Avodah necessary?

1.

Ramban #1: It is out of Kavod for Hashem, in the same manner as anybody who has contact with the king's food and wine washes his hands (since hands are constantly moving, and one sometimes touches places that are not clean) and feet (because the Kohanim served in the Beis-ha'Mikdash bare-footed, and many people's feet perspire excessively and become easily dirty). 1

2.

Ramban #2 (based on Seifer Yetzirah): The ten fingers of the hands (when stretched upwards) and the ten toes of the feet symbolize the ten Sefiros. At the base of the former lies the mouth, representing B'ris Peh, and at the top of the latter lies the Milah, representing the B'ris Milah. 2 The Kohen therefore washes his hands and feet in order to sanctify them. 3


1

Washing the hands before Davening stems from this Mitzvah (Teshuvas ha'Rashba). See also Ramban.

2

Note that the Gematriyah of both 'Peh' and 'Milah' is eighty-five - which is equivalent to that of 'Elokim'.

3

As Targum Onkelos indicates (Ramban).

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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