מנחות צב 5786

This episode of Daf Yomi: The 35 Minute Daf explores a complex Talmudic discussion in the Mishnah regarding the requirement of smicha (laying hands) on sacrificial animals, particularly focusing on the two exceptions among communal sacrifices (korbanot tzibur) that require smicha. The central debate is between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon over whether the scapegoat (sair hamishtaleach) on Yom Kippur qualifies as one of these two exceptions. Rabbi Yehuda maintains that it does, arguing that since the kohanim are also beneficiaries of atonement (kapara) from the scapegoat, they are considered owners and thus their smicha is valid. Rabbi Shimon counters that the kohanim do not receive kapara from the scapegoat—only the rest of B'nei Yisrael do—so the kohen’s smicha is not real smicha because it is not performed by the owner. Instead, Rabbi Shimon identifies the sin offering of the Nasi (the leader) as the second korban tzibur requiring smicha, based on a logical inference from the pasuk about the Nasi’s offering. The Gemara then examines the reasoning behind this distinction, emphasizing that only offerings for known sins (aveirah yaduah) require smicha, not those for unknowing sins (aveirah lo yaduah). The discussion also touches on the broader principle that smicha must be performed by the owner, and it clarifies why certain sacrifices like Bechor, Maaser, and Pesach are exempt from smicha despite being individual offerings. The episode concludes with a nuanced analysis of textual evidence, logical inference, and the role of tradition in resolving halachic disputes.