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Preparing the Lechem HaPanim

Menachot (11:2) | Yisrael Bankier | 2 days ago

The Mishnah (11:2) records the debate regarding the preparation of the shtei ha'lechem and the lechem ha'panim. The first opinion is that the kneading and preparation could be performed outside the azarah, whereas the baking was performed inside. R' Yehuda however maintained that the entire preparation was performed inside. Finally, R' Shimon argued that the even the baking could be performed outside the azarah.

The Tosfot Yom Tov explains that the first opinion maintains that the containers used to measure dry goods, in this case the floor, were not sanctified to be considered klei sharet. If that were the case, it would not have been appropriate¹ to take the flour outside the azarah to knead and prepare the dough. By requiring the baking to be performed inside the azarah it implies that the oven is considered one of the klei sharet. The Gemara however asks that if that was the case, the second statement of the first opinion does not make sense. The Tana Kama adds that the baking does not override Shabbat. Rav Sheshet asked that if the oven sanctified the shtei halechem, the loaves baked before Shabbat should become invalid having been left overnight -- pasul be'lina. The Tosfot explain that indeed the two statements are not a consistent position, but rather express two different opinions. The Rambam however includes bother these rulings (Tamidin U'Musafin 4:7,10). How do we resolve this conflict?

The Tosfot Yom Tov understands that while the Gemara presented the question, in the *Rambam'*s reading of the Gemara, the first opinion was not rejected. Indeed, in his commentary in the Mishnah he writes that it is not clear why the kneading could be done outside, but the baking had to be performed inside. The Aruch HaShulchan (HaAtid 110:10) understood that from the question posed, the Gemara concluded that a kadosh oven was not used in the case where the lechem hapanim had to be prepared before Shabbat.

The Chazon Ish (Menochot 24:10) however answers that while the oven does indeed mekadesh the loaves to be considered kodshim, they will not become pasul due to lina.² That would only be the case once they are placed on the Shulchan. In other words there are three stages of kedusha for the lechem ha'panim. When the flour is measured, it can no longer be redeemed, and it is assur to become chametz. Once baked, it would become pasul if a tevul yom touched it (like a korban). Finally, once placed on the Shulchan it could become pasul due to lina.

The Chasdei David (Menachot 11, s.v. Achat) however explains that when Rava responded that the questions was posed by a person as tough as iron, it was not that he accepted the question. Rather that it was only a question for Rav Sheshet because he was being tough to persist with his opinion. What opinion was that? The Chasdei David explains that there is a debate regarding whether the klei sharet sanctifies that which is placed inside it, if it is not its appropriate time -- as in our case a day early. R' Sheshet maintains it does. That is why the two statements contradict one other. Rava however disagrees. Consequently, when the lechem hapanim was baked in the klei sharet prior to Shabbat it did not sanctify it and it will therefore be able to be offered the next day.³

¹ The Tosfot Yom Tov cites that the Tosfot. Rashi explained that once sanctified, the flour would become invalid if removed from the azarah. The Tosfot however argues that that is not the case. The Tifferet Yisrael elaborates that it is only fully burnt mincha offerings that would become invalid if removed from that point. In the case of shtei halachem, it is only after the shtei kevasim are slaughtered, that removing the flour would create a problem.

² He cites Rashi, Meila 9a, who maintains this position

³ The Chasdei David adds that this explains why the kneading is performed outside. This was to make it clear that it was been done in advance, stressing that even when placed in the oven inside (like all other menchot) it would not become pasul be'lina.

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