The Mishnah (Arachin 13) states that a minimum of six examined sheep (free from disqualifications) are kept in the Lishkas haTelaim at all times, ready to be used for Korbanos. This was the minimum to supply the Tamid offering in the event of a Shabbos followed by two days of Rosh HaShana. Rashi cites an explanation for why six sheep must always be available. A minimum of six are necessary because it takes four days to inspect an animal properly for blemishes (including the day on which it is slaughtered). Since two sheep are used every day for the two daily Tamid offerings, the supply of six examined sheep is used up every three days. The next day (the fourth day), the two sheep that were added three days earlier are now ready to be offered as Korbanos (since four days of examination have passed for them).
Sources for having a supply of examined sheep:
- “My offering you should guard to bring it in its appointed time” (Bemidbar 28,2); therefore, the Tamid needs watching sufficient for the maximum of Shabbos and two days of Rosh Hashana.
- Korban Pesach in Egypt; the Jews took the sheep on the 10th and sacrificed on the 14th of Nisan.
Minimum number of sheep in the pen for the four-day examination:
- Six in the pen. Upon taking our two out for the daily Tamid, they would add two more. Thus, the four days of examination include the first day and the day they were taken out as a Korban.
- Eight in the pen. Upon taking our two out for the daily Tamid, they would add two more. Thus, the four days of examination did not include the day they were taken out as a Korban.
- Twelve in the pen. Upon taking our two out for the daily Tamid, they would add two more. According to this opinion the pen must contain three sets of sheep already examined for four days and three more sets in the process of the four-day examination.
Does the Korban Pesach after Matan Torah require a four-day examination?
The Korban Pesach for the generations is not derived from what occurred prior to Matan Torah (Rambam and Rashba). Others maintain that a special limmud connects all the services of the month of Nisan, thus they do derive from the Korban Pesach of Egypt.
Does the sheep in the pen need to be examined each day?
Rashi appears to hold that each sheep is examined each morning of the four days. Commentators explain that Rashi maintains that the sheep is being examined daily for a Mum (blemish).
Rambam apparently maintains that a sheep only needs to be examined once during the four days prior to selection as the Tamid. Commentators explain that Rambam holds that the concept is that a sheep needs to be ready as Tamid four days in advance and thus that one-time inspection is sufficient.
If the Korban Tamid is offered without examination, does an examined Tamid need to be offered? (Bedieved is it okay?)
Tosfos maintains that if offered without examination, then the Korban is not valid.
Rambam seems to maintain that if offered without examination, then the Tamid is valid, since all other Korbanos are valid without prior examination. Further, we see from the story of the two brothers (Hyrkanus and Aristobulus) that the Tamid was brought from the outside without proof of prior examination (during the siege of Yerushalayim).
A Closer Look:
Chassidus explains that just as an animal needs to be complete without blemish to be a Korban, so in spiritual matters, a person needs to inspect one’s intellect and emotions to find what requires fixing. This method of engaging with the physical to accomplish spiritual goals is fulfilling the Divine purpose of making a home for G-d in this world. The concept is displayed in the custom to always have a minimum period of four days of Selichos prior to Rosh HaShana.
Why is the Korban Tamid specified for this additional examination? The phrase “in its appointed times” implies even after the time passed for an offering, a part of this obligation continues into the next day’s daily offerings. This is not a concept of a standardized ritual, but of a constant meeting with G-d. Daily offerings (and our daily service) are a totally unlimited form of spiritual revelation.
