The Sin Offerings

There are two categories of Korbanot in the Temple. Those that fall under the name, קדשים קלים, may be eaten in Jerusalem by the one offering it.

These are the lighter sacrifices where only a portion is offered on the altar. These include peace-offerings, thanksgiving offerings, and the Pesach offering.

The other type of sacrifice is known as קדשי קדשים, Holy of Holies. One type is the Olah sacrifice that is burned completely on the altar. The other sacrifices in this category are the three types of sin offerings.

These sin offerings are offered partially on the altar, and part are eaten by male Kohanim on Temple grounds. The names of these sacrifices are the חטאת, Chatat, and two kinds of guilt offerings known as the Asham and Asham Taluy.

The Chatat is offered for all sins that were done inadvertently, בשוגג, but carry with them a serious penalty of Karet or death by the court, if done intentionally. Accidentally, transgressing Shabbat, would fall under this category.

The guilt offerings apply to very specific sins. The definite Asham, the אשם ודאי, is offered for trespassing sanctified objects, מעילה, certain types of theft in money matters, and taking a maidservant already designated for someone else (שפחה חרופה).

The Asham Taluy involves a case where a person may or may not have even sinned at all. There was a forbidden piece of fat mixed with other permissible pieces of meat. He is not sure if he ate the forbidden piece. In order to have peace of mind that he did not transgress any of Hashem’s commandments, he offers this sacrifice, the אשם תלוי.

The rules regarding the sacrifices are fairly complex. I did want to clarify the different types of sin offerings specifically, as many are not aware of these differences. May we soon merit the opportunity of again offering sacrifices in the Temple.